Page 4 of Rancher’s Healing (Flying Diamond 5)

CHAPTER FOUR

TAYLA

T he barn had been transformed into something from a magazine. Fairy lights were hung in the rafters, the posts holding up the structure were draped in black tulle and the tables that covered the floor were so elegant I wondered who Nora thought was showing up tonight.

People milled about and catering staff wandered around with trays of appetizers and drinks. “You look like you could use this.” A drink appeared in front of me, and I turned to see Jake smiling.

“Thank you.” I said, reaching for the glass of champagne. “How’s your evening been?” I asked, before taking a sip.

“A nightmare, to be honest. Starcie Stinener has been on my ass all night.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“I’ve noticed.” My words came out flat.

“You have?” The look on his face was mild surprise.

“Of course, I’ve hated her since kindergarten, and I feel bad for anyone who ends up getting her claws buried in their backs.” Taking another drink, I wondered if I had the courage to say what I really wanted to. Oh, what the hell, I was going to. “Plus, I’m jealous.” I shrugged.

My words seemed to launch him into action.

Jake grabbed my hand and pulled me off to the side of the room. It was darker over in the corner, and unless someone was looking for us or saw us come over here, they wouldn’t even realize where we were. “What do you mean, you’re jealous?” His words were almost a growl.

“I want to be the one that’s taking all your attention.” Letting my gaze fall to the floor, I couldn’t stop the burning of my cheeks and the fluttering in my stomach at the revelation.

“God, Tayla, you are the one that’s taking all my attention tonight. I don’t even know what Starcie’s been saying to me, because I can’t keep my eyes or mind off you in that dress.” His words sent shockwaves to my core. “I wish we could leave and go to my house right now.”

I wanted that too, but it was a bachelor auction. As one of the town’s bachelors, he had to stay. “What if I win you?” I asked, straightening his tie.

“Then I will take you home as soon as this thing is over.” He whispered in my ear.

I couldn’t help but smile. He moved his hand from my waist to my cheek and around to the back of my neck.

Pulling me to him, he lowered his head and pressed his lips to mine.

This wasn’t the accidental, chaste kiss that we shared the other day.

This was passionate, needy, and I remembered why I’d liked kissing him so much.

“The time has come to round up all our bachelors.” Kipp called into the microphone.

“I hope you brought your wallet with you tonight. Starcie said she’s going to run up anyone that bids on me.” Jake’s smirk made my heart stop.

“Good thing I saved all my winnings from last season.” I arched my brow, and he leaned down for another quick kiss.

“See you in a bit.” His whispered words fluttered over my ear, and all I could do was nod as I watched him walk away.

Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the shadows and immediately caught Starcie’s eye. The anger on her face should have killed me on the spot. “There you are,” Nora said as she walked up to my side. “Who the hell have you been kissing?” She frowned and crossed her arms.

“Nobody.” I scoffed.

“Your lipstick is a mess, your lips are puffy, and you’re wispy.” She fluttered her arms like she was floating.

“Wispy? Nora, you’re crazy.” I brushed her off and walked to the table that had been reserved for the ranch.

“Who was it?” She whispered as we waited for the auction to start.

“Jake.” I whisper yelled back to her.

“Pay up girls.” She held her hand out. Fallon, Elle, and Kristin each put a hundred dollars in her hand.

“All right everyone, let’s get this evening started.

I’d like to bring up the most beautiful auctioneer we’ve ever had for this event.

Nora, sweetheart, please come up to the stage.

” My brother’s chest puffed out with pride as he watched his wife make her way to the microphone.

“Not only is she our auctioneer, she organized this event and the proceeds will go to the health clinic in the hopes of being able to offer more services to our remote little corner of the world.” The audience clapped and quieted when Nora took the microphone.

“Thank you for that introduction, Kipp.” She stood behind the podium and looked out over the crowd.

“Wow, it’s packed in here tonight. I won’t keep you waiting.

Let’s get started. We have seven bachelors tonight, two from the ranch, four from town, and, of course, our own doctor, Jake Gordon.

” A whistle came from behind me, and I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

Only one person would act that tacky at a black-tie event.

Looking over at my Fallon, Elle and Kristin, we all mouthed, “Starcie.” Rolling our eyes, we look back at Nora.

My stomach fluttered as I waited for Jake to come on stage.

“Now ladies and gentlemen, Doctor Jake Gordon.” He walked out, smiling nervously as he scanned the audience.

Was he looking for me? “Jake grew up here and only left to go to medical school. His dedication to our community is commendable. I know he’s getting calls to join large hospitals, but he stays here.

So let’s make sure he can keep practicing medicine in our county for years to come.

” Nora clapped for Jake, as did the rest of the room.

“Two thousand.” One of the older women said from a few tables over. The women with her giggled, and they all waved at Jake. He grinned and waved back.

The back and forth went on for a while until a voice shouted from behind me, “Six thousand!” I watched Jake’s smile falter slightly, but unless you knew his tell, nobody would have seen it.

“Seven.” I said as I held up my number.

“Seven-fifty.”

“Eight.” I called, trying not to let her bother me.

“Eight-fifty,” Starcie said, her voice squeaking. I waited for a second.

“Going once, going twice.”

Standing, I locked eyes with Jake. “Twelve thousand dollars.” Arching my brow, I didn’t even try to hide the smirk. The room was so quiet you could hear a piece of straw fall to the floor.

“Going once, going twice, sold to Tayla Miller.” Nora beamed, and I made my way through the chairs to the stage. Holding my arm out for Jake, he laced his through mine, and we walked to where my mom sat at the table waiting for payment.

“Isn’t this cozy?” Mom grinned as she wrote up the receipt for me.

“Have a lovely date, you two.” Mom winked and Phil put his arm around her, smiling at me.

Writing out the check was easy, and I was suddenly very happy I had put away a percentage of my winnings.

Handing the paper to my mom, she took it and tucked it into the cash box.

“What, no lecture about being safe?” I asked, looking at my mom’s boyfriend.

“Nah, Jake’s good.” He held out his hand and Jake shook it.

Moving away from the table, Jake put his hand on the small of my back and led me right out of the barn. Starcie stood over by the cars, her arms crossed and glaring at me. “Don’t stop, just keep walking. I see her.” Jake said quietly as he led me to his truck.