Chapter 6 The Billionaire's Virgin Bride VI

Lauren

I literally can't believe that I got lucky. I had no intention of actually following through with the auction, but now I'm extremely happy that I did. I invested a significant amount of time in doing nothing but watching and deliberating.

I seriously doubted that I would have the guts to actually go up there and take part in the activity. However, when I found out how much money the other girls around me were making... I couldn't let the chance to salvage the shop go through my fingers.

When the hostess eventually took me up on stage, though, my anxiety level skyrocketed even further. Even though I kept telling myself that all I was trying to sell was a date, the fact that I was going to have to put myself on display in front of a room full of men made me anxious.

When I finally got a good look at this individual, however? To tell you the truth, for a brief second, I nearly regretted that the only thing I was selling was a date. He had the kind of immaculate beautiful looks that make it appear like it would be impossible for him to exist outside of a movie screen. He was incredibly handsome.

And the amount that he bid only to go on a date with me is beyond my comprehension. It goes without saying that I'm ecstatic, but I can't believe it. Not to mention that I am incredibly thrilled that someone of this attractiveness believes that a single evening with me is worth thousands of dollars.

The hostess takes me away to brief me on the evening's protocol before we continue. It is very challenging for me to focus because I am so eager to learn more about the dashing stranger who has been keeping a secret from me and to finally meet him. I look up in astonishment as he walks over. As I remind myself to take some deep breaths and remain calm, I focus on listening to him have a conversation with the hostess.

Oh my goodness, even his voice has a sizzling quality.

Following the exchange of money, she excuses herself and leaves the three of us to converse in private. I can feel the tension in my nerves starting to build up again, so I make an effort to avoid looking at him.

After staring at me for quite some time, he finally breaks his silence with a "Hello."

I'm taken aback by the fact that that's all he has to say. I guess I just imagined that he already had some clever pickup line or such icebreaker planned out. I grit my teeth and respond with a shaky "Hi," trying not to let out a frightened giggle.

There is an uncomfortable pause during which he simply smiles at me. I can feel my face heating up, and I'm aware that my complexion is probably similar to that of a tomato. Because of my anxiety, I feel like I might throw up at any moment.

After a little pause, he makes a throat clearing motion and then extends his hand. "I'm Tyler."

I take a tentative step forward to offer to shake his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lauren."

Both of us carefully remove our hands away from one another, and I make a conscious effort not to think about the sparks that are still tingling under my skin as a result of just that little contact with him.

"Have you eaten yet?" When he blurts out something unexpected, it jolts me.

For a fleeting and bewildering moment, I am at a loss for what to say in response; however, he adds, "I was wondering if you would want to grab a bite with me?"

"Uh, sure."

I recoil in horror at the response I gave. I really wish I had something wittier and more insightful to say. He flashes a grin and extends his arm to me. I'm stunned, but despite my surprise, I cautiously put my palm on it. He pulls me out of the crowded building and onto the empty pavement outside the front door. As we make our way outside, he helps me by holding the door open for me. I have to confess that he has both astonished and intrigued me. I had the impression that chivalry was no longer practiced.

We come to a halt in front of a town car that appears to be of extremely high quality. He releases his grip on my arm and then helps me by holding the door open for me. I make an effort not to gaze, but I can't help but drool a little. It's been a while since I've been in an environment with so much money. I whisper my thanks to him and then get into the car. After he and I have both inside, he gently closes the door behind us.

We traverse the city in a car. Because I have no idea where we are headed, I find myself uncomfortably staring out the window. I am making a concerted effort to suppress my admiration for the luxurious appearance of his automobile.

Tyler asks in a startling manner, "So, tell me about yourself."

I give him the briefest of glances. "I guess you could say that I'm a professional in the business world. I run a bridal boutique in this town, "I stutter.

While we are waiting for the light to change, he turns his head to look at me.

"That's an intriguing fact. If I may inquire, what drew you to the auction in the first place? Pardon my assumption, but it doesn't seem like the kind of people a sweet girl like you would hang out with, and I hope you won't take offense to that."

We resume our drive as soon as the light turns green.

To be honest, a friend invited me to this event tonight. Your presumption is accurate. I confess timidly, "I don't generally attend parties like this.

That makes me feel a little embarrassed to say. It's like wearing a sign around my neck that reads, "Yes, I'm a prude," kind of.

He's kind of imposing, but for some reason-I'm not sure why-I really want to win his favor. He gives me a quick glance.

"I realize that. Personally, I don't attend these events all that frequently. If I'm being very honest with you, the sole reason I go to them is to meet guys. Even then, I'm generally so busy working that it only happens seldom.

His frankness silences me with its shock. I certainly didn't anticipate that. I mean, I understand that's what people often do at these events since I witnessed some of it. I suppose that because of his gentlemanly demeanor, I had anticipated that he would act differently from the other males.

I finally work up the courage to look at him. So why did you make a bid on me? I softly enquire.

I swiftly glance away after realizing I'm terrified of the response. He continues to drive while being quiet for some time.

Finally, he says, "I'm not sure.

I don't know what to make of him. I'm not sure what to make of him or this evening at this point, and I'm beginning to question whether doing this was a mistake. I'm at a loss for words to say to him. Thankfully, however, our presence at the restaurant prevents me from having to do that, at least briefly.

The fact that it's the most costly one in town is no longer shocking to me. Additionally, it is among the most romantic places in the area. Though I've often daydreamed of coming here to eat, I never truly anticipated it to actually happen.

I take an opportunistic glance at him as he parks the car.

How come I'm here? Will tonight really be a waste of time? Right now, I'm not sure what to think. I'm so perplexed, but I'm trying not to be anxious and reminding myself that I'm doing this for the shop no matter what happens tonight.