Page 97 of Decidedly Off Limits

“Yes. We’re always on the lookout for photographers and good stock photos. I’d love to meet you for lunch sometime to talk more about the opportunities available, if you’re interested.”

“I’d love that, but I also work full-time as a physical therapist at the children’s hospital.”

That seemed to impress her as much as my photo. “I’m sure we can figure something out.”

I thanked her, but didn’t get to say much more. An older woman in a burgundy gown walked over and practically kidnapped her from the group.

“I already know which bachelor I’m bidding on,” a dark-haired woman not much older than me said as she walked past with her friend, reminding me there was a lot more to this event than the calendar and dinner.

The bachelor auction was still to come.

Which meant having to watch another woman win a date with Trent. I wouldn’t be the one spending time with him, something I painfully missed.

The dark-haired woman and her friend stopped close enough to us that I could still hear them.

“Which one?” her friend asked.

“Trent Salway. And I’m prepared to outbid everyone.”

Her friend laughed. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Because you know I always get what I want.” A greedy smile spread across the dark-haired woman’s face. With her long silky hair, light olive skin, and bright green eyes, she was both breathtaking and exotic. “And I definitely want him.”Permanentlywas what her expression implied.

“I don’t blame you. I’d bid for him too if I knew I had a chance to win against you.”

“Kelsey,” Owen said, dragging my attention away from the two women. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Sure.”

Owen excused us and we left to find a quiet spot down an empty hallway.

“I guess I’ve got some explaining to do,” I said, no longer holding onto his arm. Now that we were away from everyone, we could temporarily drop the act.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Wow, now I’m engaged to a porn star.” His eyes sparkled with amusement, something I hadn’t seen in years.

“Ha, ha! I wouldn’t go that far. But I am sorry I didn’t warn you ahead of time. I didn’t know the picture had made it into the calendar until I saw it back there.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’m proud of you for what you’ve accomplished.” He pulled me in for a friendly, heartfelt hug. “Granted, I wish it were me in the photo, but that was my fault for not realizing what I had until it was too late. I just hope the next guy in your life realizes that before it’s too late for him.”

I wished that too.

But wishing was best saved for birthday cakes, water fountains, and shooting stars.

I opened my purse and fished around for a quarter.

“What are you doing?” Owen asked as I pulled one out.

“I’ll meet you back in the ballroom,” I said, already walking away toward the front entrance—and the water fountain.

39

Kelsey

The majestic fountainsat in the courtyard in front of the hotel. At this time of night it was lit up, the coins in the water glinting like lost treasure. In the center, on top of the massive stone base, stood a statue of a young woman dressed in a bed sheet.

Legend claimed that if you threw two coins into the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you would find romance with a Roman. Three coins ensured marriage to him. But since this was San Francisco and not Rome, and I was in love with Trent (who definitely wasn’t Roman), I tossed my single coin in and hoped for the best.

Truthfully I knew nothing would happen—but it was the thought that counted, right?