Simon & Rose (3 page)

The woman one row ahead raised her hand and scowled when Mark frowned at her.

Sharon’s heart leapt with joy when Mark looked at her as if hoping she would bid again.

“Forty thousand,” she said while grinning at the scowling woman in front of her.

She turned her attention back to the stage and watched Mark release a breath.

Then she heard him say in her mind,
Thank you, lord.

“Forty one,” the woman in the front row called out.

Mark’s eyes shot to hers as if begging her to save him.

“Forty two!” the woman in front of Sharon yelled.

Mark wiped the sweat from his brow. This was getting ugly.

“I have forty two, the bid’s to you, Miss Sharon,” Isaac said smiling brightly at his friend and pack member.

Sharon nodded and calmly said, “Fifty thousand.”

Mark mouthed, “Thank you” to her and grinned.

The woman in front of Sharon crossed her arms and snarled in frustration. It was obvious the bidding had gotten too rich for her blood.

Isaac chuckled. “I have fifty thousand from Miss Sharon Lejeune, do I hear fifty one?”

The woman in the front row pouted and shook her head when Isaac looked her direction and raised an eyebrow.

“Fifty thousand once…Fifty thousand twice…Fifty thousand to Miss Sharon Lejeune.”

The crowd clapped loudly, but Mark didn’t hear them. He was too entranced by his date for the night. His prayer was answered. He had been won by the beautiful fifty-something woman and couldn’t be more pleased with his date. He may only be thirty-eight and she looked closer to fifty, but that meant little to him. He’d dated women older than him before, as a matter of fact, he preferred it.

Simon returned to the stage to lead Mark toward a back stage area.

“Wait. When do I get to meet her?” he whispered as they crossed the stage.

“In just a moment. Cade is getting her now. As soon as she pays Rose, she’ll join us.”

Mark breathed into his cupped hand and sniffed. He couldn’t tell so he huffed a breath in Simon’s face. “How’s my breath?”

“Jeez, Mark!” Simon leaned away. “What the hell, man?”

“Dammit, Simon. I can’t meet her if my breath smells. Do you have a mint or gum?” 

“No. And calm down, your breath is fine. Your body odor, now that’s another matter.”

“What!”

“Oh, settle down. I’m teasing you. You’re fine. You smell like a delicate flower.”

Mark scowled at Simon. “I won’t forget this and pay back’s a bitch.”

“Yeah, yeah. If I remember correctly the last time you said that, you put a scorpion in my boot. I’ll be sure to check my shoes before I put them on.”

“Big baby. It was dead. It wasn’t like it could sting you.”

Simon cut a hand across his throat to silence Mark. “Here they come.”

Mark stood straighter the instant she rounded the corner and held his breath.

Her wolf rumbled in pleasure when their date came into view. The man was even more devastatingly handsome up close. For now, she just wanted to spend time with him and get to know her mate. Explaining shifters could wait until later. Much later.

She wanted to run to Mark, but she forced herself to walk. Her wolf cocked its head as Rizzo came to her feet, alert and curious. Both she and her wolf were pleased to see him smiling at them. That was a good start. She’d been pretty sure he wanted her to win the auction. His smiling face verified she was right. Not that she wouldn’t have done it anyway. There was no way another female would lay her hands on Mark. Not tonight or any other night.

Simon stepped forward and hugged Sharon. “Congratulations, cher. You won a date with a very good man.” Simon released her and turned to face Mark. “Sharon, this is Mr. Mark Anderson. Mark, this is Miss Sharon Lejeune, a very good friend of the family, and a wonderful woman.”

Mark took a step in her direction. He stood close enough to Sharon to feel the heat from her body. His throat worked to swallow his nervousness as he extended his hand to her. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Miss Sharon.”

She took his outstretched hand and his heart did cartwheels.

“Hello, Mark. I’m very pleased to meet you, as well.” Her soft sexy voice wrapped around him, and like a siren lured him closer.

He didn’t notice that Simon and Cade had walked away, or that they stood alone with hundreds of people just feet away on the other side of the heavy curtain. He was too entranced by the woman whose hand he still held, and who smelled like his grandmother’s banana nut bread, to care. He took a deep breath enjoying the scent of his favorite baked good in the world.

He wasn’t sure if she baked like his grandmother or if she had recently been in a bakery, it didn’t really matter. The scent and the woman holding his hand had his body revved into overdrive. He hadn’t been this aroused in... Well, ever.

The throbbing in his slacks made him want to shout his elation to the heavens. It had been months since he’d been with a woman. Even then he’d never dated a lady anywhere near as sexy as the exotic dark-eyed beauty before him. Why would a woman so beautiful bid on a man at an auction? More than that, why was she single at all?

“Would you like to get a drink at the bar in the ballroom and take a stroll in the garden?”

Sharon’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts and brought him back to the present.

“I would love to. Please, lead the way.” He and Rizzo followed her to the ballroom, never taking his hand from the small of her back. He couldn’t help it. He had to touch her.

The bartender greeted them with a smile, seemingly relieved to have something to do. “What can I get for you?”

Mark gazed at Sharon. “What would you like?”

“I’ve already had champagne, so I think I’ll avoid mixed drinks.” She turned to the bartender and asked, “Do you have white wine?”

“I do. I have Chardonnay, Pinot grigio, Sauvignon blanc, and my personal favorite, Riesling.”

Mark watched as Sharon gave the bartender one of her heart-stopping smiles. “Riesling, it is.”

His inner macho man bristled, which shocked him.
Don’t be a jackass. She smiled at him. So what. Don’t be one of those controlling idiots who act stupid every time his lady smiles at another man.
Uncertainty pushed its way into his mind, and he pushed back. His therapist would be proud.

His lady, he liked the sound of that.

“And you, sir? What can I get for you?”

“I will take a Riesling, as well.”

Mark’s heart stuttered when Sharon took his hand and smiled up at him as the bartender busied himself pouring wine.
See, her smile meant nothing. She wasn’t flirting with the bartender.
His reaction was completely out of character for him. Maybe it was the insecurities he’d developed since losing his leg? Whatever it was he was nipping that behavior in the bud.

Mark looped Rizzo’s leash over his arm to free up his hands. He handed one glass to Sharon and took the other. He couldn’t wait to get her alone in the garden. As he opened the patio door for her, he saw arousal flare in her eyes. It was apparent, she not only found him attractive, but also appreciated his gentlemanly manners. Opening a door for a woman, or pulling out her chair at the table, could be like walking through a field of landmines. Many modern women were offended by his southern, old school manners. He was pleased Sharon wasn’t one of those women.

The sweet, yet, citrusy perfume of blooming magnolia trees floated toward them on a warm balmy breeze. Mark, with Rizzo as his shadow, followed Sharon into the night and smiled to himself. This incredible woman was as interested in him as he was in her. That was definitely a good start. Thank god, Rizzo was trained to stay by his side leash or no, because he wasn’t paying one iota of attention to maintaining his dog.

She looked at him seductively over her shoulder and extended her hand. It was in that moment he realized he was experiencing the cliché of love at first sight. Was that even possible? Obviously, it was. He was head over heels for Sharon and they had only spent mere minutes together. He took her hand and prayed she didn’t break his already fragile heart.

Sharon was thrilled. Not only was Mark handsome, he was a true gentleman. She was so pleased her fated mate was everything she’d ever wanted in an ideal man.

“Come on, let me show you the wonderful gardens they have hidden back here,” she said as he took her hand. “There is a magnificent fountain further on, and the flowers are beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you.” The tone of his voice made her look at him. His eyes were focused on her, not on the gardens.

Sharon blushed for the first time in years, decades even. “Thank you.”

He winked and gave her hand a squeeze as they continued to walk.

She had wondered something since he walked on stage to be auctioned off. She had to ask. “Did Simon have to twist your arm to get you to agree to be auctioned off?”

“Actually, it was my idea. He had to calm my nerves a time or two, but the initial suggestion was mine. Maybe it was a moment of insanity.” He chuckled. “I’m glad you had the high bid though.” Then he paused and horror filled his eyes. “He didn’t bribe you to bid on me, did he?”

“No! He sent me an invitation to attend, of course, but I was never asked to bid on you or anyone else. I wanted to. I couldn’t help myself.”

Mark let out the breath he had been holding and smiled. Interest and heat returned to his gaze and the tight lines around his mouth relaxed.

Sharon considered his answer. “Why did you want to be part of the auction as a bachelor? Was it to help the charity?”

“Well, the charity was first and foremost. But I also decided I had been alone long enough, and I needed to get back out there. It seemed like a good idea all the way around.”

Sharon nodded as he spoke. “Personally, I’m glad you did. Otherwise I wouldn’t have had the chance to snag you for a date.”

He stopped walking and looked her in the eye. “From the moment I saw you in the audience, I began to plan how I would get you alone so I could ask you out. Auction or not, I wanted to spend time with you.”

Sharon smiled brightly and blushed. “Thank you for saying that.”

They walked further into the garden. The deeper they went, the louder falling water became.

Mark gave her a questioning look, but didn’t say a word. And she just smiled and hurried him along.

Rounding a tall-sculpted hedge, they entered a circular space with an elaborate three-tier fountain. The basin was massive, deep and wide. So large, a person could swim in it. Curved garden benches lined the outer edge of the intimate space. And a variety of stunning plants floated gently on the water’s surface, drawing him near.

Mark leaned closer and his eyebrows rose. “Wow. I wasn’t expecting this. They even have koi in there.”

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Sharon said, pleased with his reaction.

She watched as Mark slowly walked in a circle to take it all in. When he walked toward her again, she stepped up to him. She couldn’t stand it one more minute. She ached to feel his arms around her and was dying to kiss him.

Mark didn’t disappoint. He placed one hand at her waist and then cupped her face with the other.

“Sharon, may I kiss you?”

She answered by rising up on her tiptoes and kissing him. His fingers massaging the nape of her neck sent tingles racing down her spine. Tentatively, he sipped at her lips, but she wanted more. She sighed and deepened the kiss. Then pressed closer, loving the feel of his muscular chest against her softer curves, and stroked his tongue with her own.

Her wolf rumbled quietly when he moaned. She wanted nothing more than to strip him bare. Since that wasn’t an option, she caressed his body through his clothing.

Too soon, voices were heard coming their way. Others had the same idea and were enjoying the outdoor space.

Mark ended the kiss with a shy smile. “Thank you.”

She smiled up at him, knowing from the warmth of her face she was flushed from his kiss. “My pleasure. I hope there will be more before the night is over.”

He chuckled and took her hand. “You can count on it.”

They continued their tour of the garden. By the time they returned to the ballroom, more couples from the auction were seated, sipping cocktails.

Mark found an open table and pulled a chair for her and signaled Rizzo to lie underneath and stay there. Rizzo sighed and closed her eyes. Apparently he’d worn her out today. “Would you like another glass of wine?”

“Yes, please. That would be delightful.”

As he walked across the ballroom, she admired the view of his backside. That man had one luscious derriere. Her wolf wanted to nibble it like a chew toy. The line at the bar gave her ample time to openly admire her mate without him catching her in full ogle mode.

Imagining him naked, a thought occurred to her. If he agreed to be her mate, how would the claiming affect him? Would his amputated leg cause issues? She needed to have a private talk with Emma Le Beau. She would know what to expect and how to handle Mark’s condition.

First things first, she needed him to fall in love with her before she could chance telling him about shifters. If she pushed too fast, he might run for the hills. He would be much more willing to listen to her and give her the opportunity to explain if he loved her. She prayed when the time came, he would be open-minded.

Mark’s neck tingled. He suspected Sharon was watching him, but didn’t dare look. If he turned and placed his foot wrong, things would become embarrassing in a hurry. The last thing he wanted was to ass plant himself in front of the woman of his dreams. He always worked hard to mask the slight limp he hated, but dealt with. Tonight, he worked doubly hard. Even though she knew about his prosthesis, he didn’t want to remind her of it.

Waiting in line, he had more time to think than was wise for a man prone to panic attacks. He imagined her reaction to his mangled leg the first time he got naked in front of her. There would be no hiding or pretending when she came face to face with the reality of his condition. His breathing became shallow and his skin grew clammy. His dog must have felt his distress. As the arousal he’d been sporting since he laid eyes on Sharon faded, Rizzo nudged his palm. Hands deep in her pelt with his head spinning, he struggled to suck in a breath. With the help of Rizzo, he got himself under control. “Thanks, girl,” he whispered.

Moments later, Cade gripped his shoulder. “Are you okay, man?”

“Yeah, I’m just having a moment.” Simon told him all of his family knew about his issues and since he’d arrived they had all been incredibly supportive.

He glanced at Cade as the man gave him a supportive pat on the back.

“If you need anything, give me a sign. We dealt with just about everything a serviceman goes through when Simon came home. I’ve got your six.”

“Thanks, Cade. I think I have it under control now.”

Cade gave him an understanding nod and returned to the other room where the last few singles were taking their turns on the auction block.

Mark made his way back to the table with Rizzo obediently at heel, two glasses of wine in hand. Sharon smiled brightly at him the entire way, which thrilled him, but made concentrating on walking a challenge. He breathed a sigh of relief when he handed her a glass without having spilled a drop.

“Thank you, Mark.”

“You’re welcome.” He grinned so wide his cheeks ached. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this happy. And the fact that his arousal was back was the icing on the cake. Rizzo settled under the table, snoring softly, leaving him to romance his lady.

They were sipping the last of their wine when Sharon looked toward the entrance from the auction space. “I think the bidding has ended.”

Mark followed her gazed. “I think you’re right.”

As if on cue, a flurry of wait staff entered from a service door. The exquisite aroma of the dinner they were about to be served wafted around Sharon and Mark.

Mark’s stomach rumbled. He blushed as he caught Sharon’s eye. “I didn’t realize I was so hungry.”

“You’re not alone. I was going to skip the dinner, but now that I smell it, I’m famished.”

“Which meal did you order?” he asked as he took his last sip of wine.

“I chose the braised chicken breast. What are you having?”

His grin widened. “I chose the same thing.”

Several couples joined their table. They introduced themselves and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. Forty-five minutes later, dinner was cleared and the band was taking stage.

Sharon pushed her chair back and smiled down at him. “If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I’m going to powder my nose.”

“Take your time. I’ll be here when you get back.”

While he waited, he fed Rizzo treats from his pocket and took a few minutes to appreciate the decor of the room. Rose knocked it out of the park. Fresh floral centerpieces in cut crystal vases graced every table, adding a lovely perfume to the ballroom. Mark brushed his hand over the white Egyptian linen tablecloth. All the tables were dressed in the rich Egyptian linen that matched the napkin he’d used during dinner.

Every chair was meticulously covered in matching Egyptian chair slips and finished with fancy black satin bows. He glanced at the ceiling. Rose had enhanced the elaborate chandeliers with gauzy, transparent fabric that draped in waves across the ceiling and ended in cascades, like waterfalls, down the walls. He smiled when he noticed the soft white lights twinkling at him from the topiary edging the space. Finally, throughout the room, black marble pedestals held glistening ice sculptures. The total effect was stunning, and very romantic.

Bringing his focus back to the people circulating, Mark watched Simon as he crossed the room, greeting guests as he drew near.

With a look of relief, he made it to Mark’s table and took the open chair next to him.

“Hey, buddy. How’s your date going?”

The rest of his dinner companions had gone to walk the garden or mingle. That left him alone to speak openly with his friend without extra ears.

He smiled at Simon. “Sharon is one amazing woman.” Then he leaned closer and whispered. “The most incredible thing happened the instant I laid eyes on her at the auction. She worked some kind of magic on me and my sex drive is back.” He shook his head. “I’d given up hope.”

“You were the only one who did. I always had faith.” Simon winked, as he dug in his pocket. He glanced around and slipped a strip of foil packets into Mark’s hand under the table. “I had a feeling, you would find a use for these tonight. I purchased an economy box for you if that isn’t enough.”