The Auction: Young Adult Romance, New Adult Romance, Forbidden Love (Magnolia Grove Book 1) Read Free Page B

year. Even though he’s a jerk, I’ve always found it difficult to look away from them, from him. He’s a special kind of beautiful. The way his dark hair falls across his wide, prominent forehead, how his eyebrows are perfectly arched, and that rigid square jaw line makes me curious as to how it’d feel beneath my tongue.
    Seriously?
    But Oliver is always clean-shaven, though, so it’s a legit curiosity.
    He cocks his head, curves those plush lips into a sly smile, and even the way he’s standing with his ankles and arms crossed oozes sex. Every inch of me quivers. Snap the hell out of it, Cammie.
    Oliver’s voice seems like it’s miles away. “I mean, if you wanna tell me, go ahead. But I really need to finish up my conversation with these guys before the auction starts.”
    I shrug my shoulders. He’s right. He should know my package. “Suit yourself.” I give him a quick peck on the cheek before heading to the ladies’ room.
    Although, if I am being perfectly honest, it’s not just to refresh my makeup. Every memory at Magnolia Grove involves Holden or his family in some way, and while I’ve always been attracted to him, I’ve never felt quite so discombobulated by him until tonight. Did he really feel those things he said in the cabana?
    Burn for me?
    Surely it’s nothing more than suggestive words on his behalf. Guys love the chase, the unattainable. I shake my head, needing both mental and physical space from them both, one who seems to be ripping my heart apart, and the other who very well could do the same, but for very different reasons.

The lights of the ballroom flicker as the emcee, Harry, takes the mic. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for dinner. Please take your seats. The women of Magnolia Grove have a fun-filled evening planned for you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.”
    Cammie re-enters the tent, and my eyes follow her as she sits. Within moments, she glances over both shoulders. Sweet Cammie. No one knows except for me . Taking that as my cue, I walk up behind her, pull my chair out, and sit. “Hey, tigress.”
    She inhales sharply. “Why do you always call me that?”
    I grin. “I don’t know. Seems to fit your, er, wild personality.” I’m not ready to tell her the real reasons for the nickname. That’s something I’ve always envisioned being a special moment between us, one in which we’re alone for starters. Ideally, in love. That time is definitely not now.
    Rolling her eyes, she glances at Oliver, who is, as usual, completely ignoring her. She turns back to me. “Ha. Very funny.” She’s not laughing. She’s not even smiling. “Did you pay someone off to be able to sit with us?”
    “You think I need to pay someone off to be assigned to your table?” I place my hand under the long tablecloth and on her thigh. Her legs tighten as her eyes widen. “Well, do you?” My fingers lightly wander up her leg, making their way to her exposed pussy. Damn, her skin feels like satin beneath my fingers.
    Shaking her head, she swallows. Her eyes are hooded, and her lips slightly part. Her hand captures mine, moving it to my leg instead of hers. “Perhaps you should find your original seat, though.”
    I chuckle. “This is my original seat.” I grab the place card in front of me and flip it around so she can see it. “Says so right here.”
    She blows out an unsteady breath and shakes her head before smoothing back her hair.
    “So, let’s cut to the chase. Tell me all about your package.” I know all about her package. “I mean, the one that’s up for auction.”
    Cammie raises her chin, then drags in a gulp of air. “There’s no way in hell I’m telling you about my package.” It’s all I can do to not laugh at how cute she is.
    “You want my jacket?” I smirk, knowing the shiver wasn’t because she was cold. This tent, with the heaters, is quite toasty.
    “Keep your jacket”—her voice softens—“and your hands, to yourself.”
    “I don’t need to know