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CHAPTER 8
Was he allowed to banish all men from the convention?
It seemed a lofty goal, even for someone with his star power, but it may be worth a go. Or he could employ his prior strategy and carry Cheyenne out, caveman style. He could doboth.
As soon as she returned, Cheyenne followed her usual routine, as if acting the same script in an endless loop. Wearing a jacket that did little to hide the skintight costume, she infiltrated a group of actors. She acted the kid in a candyland, delving closer and closer to men who were more than willing to reciprocate.
That man needed to stop twirling her hair.Julian stepped forward to demand it, but an excited fan asked for an autograph, then another and another and suddenly, half an hour had passed. He caught up to Destiny just in time to hear her address an entire gaggle of men, “This is the hardest decision I’ve had to make since choosing my mascara color this morning. Can’t I just buy all of you?” She batted her eyelashes.
She had to be kidding. “So now you’re buying men? Isn’t that a little illegal?”
“Not tonight,” she simpered. “The charity bachelor auction is going to feature all these handsome guys, and I broke into my piggy bank just for the occasion.” She giggled. “It’s like choosing from an entire box of chocolate. I can’t pick just one.”
Can’t pick just one?How could this be his smart, sassy and independent woman? And when had he started thinking of her ashiswoman? Was she on some sort of mood-altering drug? Did she possess multiple personalities? No, by her shrewd gaze, she knew exactly what she was doing. Something was driving this strange behavior, and he would uncover every last detail.
“Too bad you have another engagement during the bachelor auction, Julian.” She fluttered charcoal lashes, curved a smile that belied the sweet words. “I’m sure you’re disappointed you can’t attend.”
Actually, that was just an excuse. Last year, the woman who won delved dangerously close to stalker territory. When she called his mother, he pledged to never repeat the experience. He’d donated an entire wing to the children’s hospital to make up for it, far more money than they would have gotten at the auction, even for him. He planned to do the same every year he missed it.
“I’ll be there,” one of the men broke in.
“So will I.”
“And I,” chimed the others.
They may be there, but they would not take advantage of Destiny. He would ensure it.
“Well, I will definitely get one–” She winked. “Or all of you. I can’t wait. I’d better get ready or I won’t look presentable.” And with that, she gave a cute little wave and bounced down the hall.
“That is one fine woman.” One of the extras whistled low. “I can’t wait for tonight.”
Neither could he.“Gentlemen, how would you like the opportunity of a lifetime?”
Tonight, Destiny was going to win more than she bargained for.
“This is so exciting!”Cheyenne squealed, waving to the men prowling the stage like a group of caged lions. Dozens of thin bracelets clunked together, matched by clicking stilettos and a slinky dress that attracted endless attention. Yet she was not the only standout in the exclusive crowd. Beautiful women and dapper men roamed the spacious ballroom, which was scented by flowery perfume and spicy cologne. In the corner, a crisp orchestra played a lilting tune.
The event was a far cry from the earlier fare, where raucous panels, fan meetups and cosplay singalongs invited spirited excess. Revelers discarded funky costumes for fancy tuxedoes and glittering dresses, and Cheyenne had donned a long sequined sky-blue gown brought as a backup dress by Jess. Slinky and fitted, with a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps and a long slit up one leg, it sparkled under the lights like diamond dust.
“I don’t know which man to choose.” Jess rubbed her hands together. “It’s like an all-you-can-eat buffet.”
“Except there are no calories here, ladies.” Cheyenne giggled, playing her part. Yet even she had to admit the so-called buffet was pretty scrumptious. Its offerings: Men, men and more men.
And not just any men. No, they were the most handsome, muscular and striking stars from the television and screen. From A-list actors to extras, they offered themselves to the highest bidder for the benefit of the children’s hospital. Winners scored the star’s company for the duration of the dinner/dance, including four plus hours of personalized attention and fun. The yearly event drew a hefty amount of media coverage, oodles of money for a worthy charity and some very delighted women.
Cheyenne intended to be one of those women.
Bidding on one (or more) of the men on her short list would give her some insight into possible culprits, and hopefully allow her to cross several suspects off her list. She had a limited budget from the police department, but hopefully it would be enough to buy someone, especially since the extras would go for far less than the actual stars. Last year, Julian Starcroft had elicited a winning bid of over $50,000. Not that she would ever bid on the impossible man, even if he were in the auction and she was a millionaire.
“Who are you bidding on?” Jess clasped her hands. “I bet you wish Julian was for sale.”
“Doesn’t everyone?” Cheyenne gushed the expected response. “That would be a dream come true. There’s nothing in the entire world I want more.”
“That’s nice to hear.”
Not again…
“Are you happy to see me?”