But what difference did that make? He’d paid a ton of money for an evening with Raven. And so what if she was the brunt of some joke? She’d shoulder it for the sake of helping a lot of people get back on theirfeet.
With a relaxed smile, the winner extended his hand. “JaggerLoving.”
When she slipped hers into his large one, sparks zipped through her. As they stared into each other’s eyes, she felt like she’d found the missing puzzlepiece.
“Hellooooo, people,” said the friend. “I’m here, too, youknow.”
“My friend, Maverick Hott,” Jagger said as his phone rang. “Excuse me.” He answered. “What’s the word?” He listened. “Be there infive.”
She stiffened.Of course he’s gotta bolt. He has no interest in me.“I don’t want to keep you. Did you make arrangements to complete yourdonation?”
“Already paid it,” he replied. “I donate annually toWalk a Mile, so Melissa found me in thedatabase.”
“That’s great. Well, thank youagain.”
Jagger reached across the table and wrapped a strong hand around her arm. His possessive hold sent a rush of heat over her face. She wished she didn’t blush soeasily.
“I’m hosting a business event in my suite. I’m running late, but wanted to introduce myself. Join us. You’re welcome to bring Melissa. I need a way to contact you, but if I don’t leave now, my guests are going to walk and take their business withthem.”
Taylor hesitated. She wasn’t comfortable heading upstairs, no matter how handsome he was, or how much money he’ddonated.
Melissa hurried over. “Thank you again, Jagger,” she said, batting her eyelashes. Melissa, who never looked twice at another man, grinned. “And thank you for the invitation. As soon as I’m finished here, my husband, Don, and I will join you in your suite. That was so nice of you to includeus.”
“Glad you can make it.” Jagger smiled at Taylor and a zing of attraction skittered through her. “Bring Raven withyou.”
“Have you two exchanged contact info?” Melissaasked.
“No, which is why you need to promise me that she’ll be there. Presidential suite, topfloor.”
Nodding like a love-struck fool, Melissa said, “You have myword.”
As soon as the men left, Melissa placed her hand over her heart. “Gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe thosetwo.”
Taylor glared at her. “You did not just swoon. What is wrong withyou?”
She grinned at Taylor. “Nothing,now.”
“I’ve never seen you act likethis.”
“That man paid twenty thousand dollars for a date with you. What’s wrong withyou?”
“He could be a serial killer for all weknow.”
Melissa waved her off. “Google him. Meet him for dinner. Bring a friend. Tell your mother. You live with twenty people in a damned commune. Tellthem.”
Laughing, Taylor said, “I don’t live in acommune.”
“Let’s finish up here, grab Don, and get upstairs. I’m starving. My money says Mr. Loving has some scrumptious treats awaiting us. And I’m not even talking about thefood!”
Twenty minutes later, Taylor rode the elevator with Melissa and her husband. “So, the man who won you thinks your name is Raven,” said Don. “And since you’re not telling him the truth, I can’t call youTaylor.”
“Right,” she replied. “And if he or his friend asks about me, don’t tell them anything. Deflect all questions.Promise?”
With a sheepish grin, Don adjusted his bifocals. “He paid twentythousanddollars. Trust me, he’s interested inyou.”
“It’s a joke or a dare.” Taylor glared at them. “I’m counting on youtwo.”
“No worries,” Melissasaid.