A Surprised Baby For Doctor Hottie

All I could think about was slipping on a pair of comfy sneakers. I had my white Chuck Taylor low-tops in mind, perfectly broken in after years of use, scuffed just enough to look a little worn-in. But I was more concerned with my comfort.

Because anything had to be better than zipping around in heels at a million miles per hour. But, as an event planner, I had to not only be the best, but also look the best.

"OK," I said as I walked through the hallway of the Manila Hotel's Event Hall, a massive space decked out for the charity event. "Let's get a status update."

"Yes, ma'am," Kendra, my bubbly twenty-something assistant, said, clipboard in hand and a cheeky smile on her face. "The kitchen is set up and ready to go, and they'll be whipping out canapes like a blackjack dealer on a hot streak with a single word from you."

"Perfect," my purposeful, steady strides echoed down the hall, Kendra's quick steps clicking click-click-click as she struggled to keep up. "How about the seating – we've got that covered."

"We have seating for 200 people in there, and plenty more in the cocktail area – more than enough for everyone who has RSVP'd."

I took a breather "Are you sure you're serious? "

Kendra, petite and adorable, with a short, pixie-style haircut framing her elf-like features, gave me that wide-eyed look she always gave me when she knew she was about to get chewed out. "Um, yeah," she said. "Guests always bring plus-ones and twos to charity events, so I wanted to make sure there was enough room for everyone."

Kendra was a fantastic assistant – she'd have to be after working alongside me for the five years I'd been running this business. She could, however, be overly accommodating, and she was always a little naive about how to pull off the season's biggest event.

"You heard what I said: we want this party to be unique, which means no one, and I mean no one, who isn't on the list will be admitted. I don't care if Manila's mayor shows up – she's not on the list, so she won't get a seat."

"But don't you think we'd like to have more people here?" "More people equals more money, after all."

"More people means more chaos, more fighting for seats, more mouths eating and drinking. It's not worth the hassle." "Not only that, but we want people to feel like they really missed out on something by not getting in, and next year when we throw the same event, people will be losing their minds to get in. Trust me, when it comes to these high-society types, FOMO is strong."

"FOMO? "

"Fear of missing out," I slyly explained. I kept moving as I turned toward the doors. "Besides, the auction will be livestreamed." Anyone interested in bidding can do so from the comfort of their colossal mansion. I ran the numbers, and we're not losing a penny by keeping this event exclusive as eff."

Kendra smiled as we walked, recognizing the wisdom in my words. I came to a halt once more, about a dozen feet from the side doors to the main events space.

"Detour," I declared. "Let's take a look at the kitchen."

"Nice call."

I took a slight detour, opening a nondescript door and passing through it. The kitchen, on the other hand, was a massive industrial-sized affair, with stainless-steel surfaces and appliances gleaming under the harsh overhead lights. A few dozen kitchen workers whizzed around, calling out orders as they prepared the food for the evening. It was controlled chaos through and through, exactly the kind of chaos I liked.

The staff cleared out of the way as I moved through, knowing I was the woman in charge. Then I saw the man I'd been looking for.

"Hello, Chef Joseph!"

I yelled above the din of dishes being prepared.

From behind one of the prep stations, a tall man with a fleshy face and a rotund belly that stretched out the front of his chef's outfit listed his head.

"What's the latest on the appetizers?"

"He gave me a happy smile and motioned for me to join him. I took a step around the station and was handed a round white plate with a series of intricately arranged finger foods. "I've heard they're ready for you to give it a shot."

I took one of the appetizers from the plate and shoved it into my mouth, groaning as the flavors exploded in my mouth.

He described it as "phyllo roll pastry with figs and ricotta cheese."

"Good," I mumbled, my mouth full. "It's really, really good. What else is there? "

"This is a classic bruschetta made with local cheese and tomatoes."

I tried it, quickly chewing and swallowing. "Classic and delectable." "Just one more."

"This is my take on a kebab." Pita bread topped with sirloin and black pepper aioli."

One more bite, a series of quick chews, and a hard swallow. "It's also good. "However, I'm noticing a bit of a pattern here."

"And what exactly is it?"

His brow furrowed as he inquired.

"Everything is heavy on bread."

"Believe me, Joseph, these upper-crust types have more allergies and food preferences than stocks in their portfolios," he said, looking down at the tray, then at me. And half of them are on some kind of diet. What's the name of the show you're watching, Kendra? "

"Caveman," she said, her face bright with a smile. "You don't get it if it can't be eaten by a caveman."

I motioned to her with a "see what I mean?" with my gaze fixed on Joseph.

" I have a puzzled look on my face.

"I could do some meatballs...no bread, of course," he said thoughtfully.

"Put something with kimchi on there as well."

"I've got just the thing in mind," he said with a smile and a nod.

Before he could take a step back, I had a thought: "Oh, and can you do a re-up on this app plate?" I've got a VIP out there who's probably starving by now."

"It's yours."

He gestured to the plate after snapping his fingers at one of the sous-chefs. The food was replaced a few moments later. I thanked Joseph as I took the plate from the counter with ease.

"I have to admit," Kendra said as we approached the front door. "This auction thing appears to be a little strange."

"Are you serious?

" I asked, pretending to be taken aback.

"They're a lot of fun – you march out a parade of studs and people go crazy." Nothing beats seeing seventy-something society ladies drooling over beefcakes in tuxes. And they make so much money it's insane."

We walked up to the kitchen doors, and I marched through, the events hall in front of me. And what a space it turned out to be. I'd worked dozens of events there over the years, but the sight never failed to bowl me over. It was huge, done up in Art Deco style, with tall, vaulted ceilings that stretched up into forever, a gorgeous mural of the founding of Manila Hotel in the center, crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. The floor was stunning, glossy parquet, and the grand stage up front elevated and adorned with columns fit for royalty. The tall, arched windows looked out onto the mountains in the distance, the peaks jutting up into the star-strewn sky

A navy-blue banner hung above the stage, reading "Bermas Medical Autism Research Foundation" – the name of the charity organizing the event. I loved being able to organize charity events, and the fact that this one was the brainchild of my best friend and her wonderful husband was the icing on the cake.

"This place is really cool," Kendra said. "I'd like to actually attend a party here rather than just plan them."

"Then begin saving," I joked. "You're aware of the cost per plate for tonight's gala."

With my appetizers in hand, I found the woman I was looking for.

"OK," I said with a small smile on my face. "I need to speak with the lady in charge quickly." Make a quick sweep of the serving staff to ensure they are presentable. And if anyone is staring at their phone instead of getting ready, feel free to chew them out."

She gave another amusing salute. "You got it, boss," Kendra said as she walked away, and I turned to face the lady in charge.

Alma Guevarra sat at one of the white linen-covered tables, her sneakers propped up on the surface, the linen pushed up a bit so her feet weren't on it, looking so pregnant that a sudden surprise might make her pop. When she saw me, specifically the plate of food in my hand, a look of relief washed over her pretty face.

"Oh hell yes," she exclaimed as she extended her hands. "Gimme, gimme, gimme."

I chuckled as I handed over the plate of appetizers. She placed it on her round belly and quickly popped a triplet of them into her mouth.

"Chef Joseph would be furious that you're not savoring those," I remarked as I sat down next to her.

"Well, Chef Joseph isn't eight months pregnant and constantly in a state of freakishly ravenous hunger."

I laughed at the thought of the head chef having a large pregnancy belly. "Nice shoes," I said as I nodded at her sneakers.

"What are these old things?"

" she inquired, lifting her hands slightly off the table. "Don't worry, they're not what I'm going to wear tonight."

"I won't judge if you want to wear 'em." "Comfortable shoes are all I've been thinking about since I put these on." I reached down and tapped my ink-black, glossy heels. "They may look nice, but my feet feel like they're going to burst out of them."

Alma laughed as she ate a piece of bruschetta. "Wait until you're pregnant like me," she advised. "You know how they say your feet will swell? It's not a joke – every pair of shoes feels like the ones you had to have even if they're not your size. I'm half-considering hiring Joven to carry me around for the night."

"Me next," I declared. "My legs are destroying me."

Then, as if on cue, the man himself entered through the outside door. Dr. Joven Bermas looked as dashing as ever, dressed in a fitted tux with a coal-black overcoat on top. He slid the coat off with ease, draping it over his big arm as he locked those striking blue eyes on his wife.

"Hey there, gorgeous," he said, leaning in and kissing her on the lips. Then he formed a thoughtful expression on his face. "Hmm...you've never tasted anything so good. It's almost like kebab."

"You can thank Chef Joseph for that," I pointed out. "He's keeping Alma well fed."

"And that's exactly how I like her," he added with a charming smirk. "Trust me when I say you don't want to see her when she's hungry."

She laughed and swatted Joven on the leg. "Hey, you tell me how you like it when you've got a tiny human inside you screaming for food all day."

Joven laughed, and I couldn't help but stare at the two of them, who were clearly in love and the epitome of perfect coupledom. Even though I was content with my life, a part of me wondered if I'd ever have anything like what they had. My dating life was in such disarray that if it were a person, even a doctor as skilled as Joven would have difficulty resurrecting it.

"The place looks amazing," Joven said as he stood up and looked around the event hall. "I believe we're in for a wild night."

"To be fair, working with a venue as beautiful as this does a lot of the heavy lifting."

"There's no selling yourself short in my company," he warned. "You got the job because you're the best in town."

I smiled. "Thank you for the compliment."

I looked at Alma, noting the strange expression on her face, as if she had something she wanted to say but wasn't sure how it would go over.

"Babe," she said as she placed her plate on the table. "Regarding tonight..."

Joven's eyes widened as he recalled something. "Gia, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"

"Is it too late to add someone to the lineup for the auction?"

I grimaced, a little jokingly, a little honestly. "Well, you know how I feel about last-minute changes..."

"And I appreciate it," he added. "I'd only recommend it if I thought he'd be a good fit."

"Hmm," I pondered, "more bachelors to auction off means more money for charity, and if he gets the Joven Bermas stamp of approval, I'm willing to at least give him a shot."

"Perfect," Joven said, clasping his large hands together. "He's backstage right now; mind accompanying me to meet him?"

"Not at all," I said.

Joven quickly offered his arm to help Alma up after she plopped her feet on the ground and heaved herself out of her seat. "You guys do that, and I'm going to see if Chef Joseph can top it off." Alma waddled toward the kitchen, plate in hand.

"By the way, you look lovely," Joven said as we walked backstage.

"Thank you, Dr. Bermas," I said with a smile. "But I hope this isn't your way of flattering me, so I let your friend participate." "I like to think I'm immune to compliments."

He laughed. "No, not at all – I only said it because you do." And believe me, once you see him, you'll realize he doesn't need to be'sold.' He's a good-looking guy with a lot of personality. And, like me, he's a doctor."

"It almost sounds like you're getting ready to bid on him."

He burst out laughing. "Perhaps I will. Just don't tell Alma about it."

We made our way through the backstage area together. Kendra was whipping the serving staff into shape as they prepared for the evening.

"Over there," he said. "He's the one."

A tall man in a perfectly tailored tuxedo stood ahead of me. Even though he was facing the opposite direction, I could tell he had a fantastic body. His shoulders were broad, his arms were massive, and his dark hair was slicked back. He had a phone to his ear, and his voice was so loud it almost rumbled the floor beneath my feet. On top of that, something about him felt...familiar.

"Hello, Joey!" " Joven called out, attracting the attention of his friend.

My heart leapt into my throat just hearing the name. No way, no how. Joey, that is not the case.

Then he turned, and there he was.

When he saw me, he got that cocky-as-fuck smile I'd seen so many times, as if it was all a big game to him – a big game he knew how to win. He hung up the phone, slipping it into his jacket pocket, and walked over to me.

He spoke when he was close, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Hello there, lovely."

It didn't help that Gia looked so damn sexy when she was enraged. Something about the way her eyes narrowed into hot little slits, her full, ripe lips pursed as if she were holding back every curse word in the book.

It was fantastic.

"Gia," Joven said, completely oblivious to the mounting tension. "I'd like to introduce you to my good friend Joey Garcia."

Gia looked stunning, to say the least. She'd always been stunning, with her electric blue eyes and killer body, but something about her that night, the way she looked in that emerald-green gown and high-heeled pumps, made me feel like I needed to use every ounce of willpower I had to keep from thinking about how much I wanted her.

And oh, how I desired her. As she stepped over to me, an image of her underneath me in bed, her legs wrapped around my waist, and her stunning face in pure pleasure as I made her come over and over again flashed through my mind.

It didn't take much imagination to conjure up the image. I'd seen it before, after all.

There was something else about her appearance as well. She'd always been more of a tomboy, with her hair short and choppy and her style jeans and T-shirts. But she was dressed to the nines in a stunning gown that hugged her curves and made it clear she was all woman. My cock shifted in my trousers, as if my body wanted me to know how it felt about her.

A conflicted expression flashed across her face, as if she was debating whether or not to tell Joven that there was no need for introductions – we already knew each other pretty well.

"Nice to meet you, Joey," she said, but she didn't extend her hand for me to shake.

"Joven says you want me to participate in the auction," I teased, smiling at her.

"Actually," she replied quickly, "we're pretty full." I'm not sure there's room for another. And, besides..."Her gaze moved up and down my attire. "You're not dressed quite right for the part."

"Huh? " Joven inquired, perplexed. "What exactly do you mean?" "

She shifted her gaze to him. "It's a theme auction – for example, the sexiest bachelors doing the sexiest jobs." We have a fireman, a cop, a musician, and so on."

"Well, I could just march out there in my underwear." It's not doctor's scrubs, but it'll get some attention."

Gia's short, annoyed expression told me she didn't find my little joke amusing.

"You know," Joven added. "Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I have some extra scrubs in my car." And you're roughly my size, so..."

"That could work," I suggested. "Assuming I meet Ms. Perez's standards for the auction," I said, turning to face her. "What do you think?" Is it true that I'm attractive enough to sit with Metro Manila's most eligible bachelors? "

I knew I wasn't doing myself any favors in terms of Gia's regard for me, but I couldn't pass up the chance to rile her up.

"I'm not sure," she admitted, folding her arms beneath her breasts. "Perhaps I should take some time to think about it," she said before reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone. She hissed under her breath, "Shit." "It's time to begin letting people in." Can you assist your friend in preparing for the auction, Joven? We've arranged for all of the bachelors to be seated at the long table near the stage so that everyone can get a good look at them."

"Will do," Joven replied. "Joey, hurry up."

Gia gave me one last hard look before turning around and hurrying away. And, of course, my gaze remained fixed on her flawless a$$ as she walked away.

"Do you remember the old adage, 'take a picture, I'll last longer'?" Joven inquired, a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, yeah," he says.

Joven put his hand on my shoulder and led me through the backstage area, taking it off as we approached the exit doors.

"I wonder what was up with her," he remarked as he opened and held open the exit door for me, "she seemed really...I don't know, annoyed when we were talking to her."

This would have been a good time to tell him about my history with Gia, but I didn't want to do so right now.

"She's the event planner," I explained as I took a step outside. "She's probably thinking about a million things."

"That's a good point."

The sky was a dark, solid gray in the early evening, with the Rockies looming and dark in the distance. As we walked, we were drawn to the view.

"It feels like a thunderstorm," Joven remarked. "With weather like this, I'm glad I have a family to stay inside with."

"Is that correct? I'm glad I'll have time to focus on work with this weather."

"You say that now," he smirked as we approached the parking lot. "However, just wait until you meet someone special."

"Are you serious? Love isn't for doctors who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

We got close to Joven's car, a sleek black Monterosport. He activated the fob, opened the back doors, and began rummaging through the contents.

"See, that's what I thought," he said as he took a small plastic bag from his pocket. "Then you meet that special someone, and everything changes." You discover what is truly important."

It was a topic I'd discussed with Joven a few times before. I had no desire to have it again. Being a husband and father may have worked for him, but I simply didn't have the time. Besides, I enjoyed my solitude.

"Here you go," he said, handing me a small bag containing some clothes. "There are even some sneakers in there for you to use." It's never a bad idea to have backup scrubs, you know? "

I took the bag and opened it to find a neatly folded outfit and what had to be the ugliest sneakers I'd ever seen. "Are you kidding me with these? " I inquired, pulling out one of my sneakers and holding it up.

"What" he inquired, shrugging one shoulder. "They're as cozy as hell."

"Perhaps, but I doubt they'll arouse much lust in the ladies bidding on me."

"You never know." Maybe you'll meet that special someone tonight, a woman who appreciates sensible footwear."

As we turned to return to the event hall, I laughed. The muffled strains of a live jazz band setting up could be heard as we approached.

"Music means it's about to begin," Joven explained. "Better get in there so we can see how much worse you look than I do in those."

As we stepped inside, I responded with a laugh and a smile, "Prick." We said our goodbyes and agreed to meet up later.

It was great to see Joven again. After one marriage and two children, the man was not easy to make plans with. But whenever we did, I couldn't help but notice how happy he seemed, as if there was a new light inside him that he couldn't stop letting shine. The family-man life appeared to be working well for him.

I entered the restroom, and as soon as I was alone in the stall, my thoughts returned to Gia. It was impossible for me to believe it was her. I wasn't particularly surprised to see her. After all, when Joven mentioned Alma's friend Gia was in charge of the evening's event planning, it wasn't a surprise to learn it was the same Gia.

But I wasn't expecting to be so blown away by her. Part of me wanted to take care of business in the stall, wearing nothing but skin-tight boxer-briefs, just so I wasn't distracted by her. My cock was already half-hard, so I'd be able to finish it.

I needed to get my mind in the game. I put on the shirt, stepped into the pants, and put on the godawful running shoes Joven had given me. I understood the concept of comfort, but damn.

I gathered my tux and left once I was dressed. After a quick dash outside to drop off my tux at my car, I dashed backstage just in time to hear Joven take the stage. He gave a heartfelt speech about his autism charity, and how, despite the fun, it was really about helping children that the night was all about. The man was a nice guy, and I was proud to call him a friend.

As I approached the exit back to the main event hall, he went into the auction topic, handing the mic to Alma.

"...and don't forget about the evening's main event," she added. "It's the charity auction!" "

Applause and cheers rang out.

"Tonight, for your bidding pleasure, we have a hand-picked selection of Metro Manila's most handsome and charming bachelors." We've got the Philippines' hottest band, Ben&Ben, and a great lineup from our local fire department. We've got a few Metro Manila PD officers here, and-"

Hell on earth. There's no point in waiting. I emerged from the backstage area. It was a crowded place. Almost all of the guests had arrived in the last hour, with every table seated with men and women dressed in fancy tuxes and glamorous gowns. And every pair of eyes belonged to me.

"And one very handsome and sexy doctor!"

As I strode toward the table, I pulled the stethoscope from my front pocket, wrapping it around my neck and waggling my brows. I was aware that I looked good.

And as I made my way to the table with the other guys, I caught sight of her. Gia stood at the back of the room, her arms crossed beneath her full breasts. She looked at me with skepticism, as if I was going to ruin the night.

I noticed a table full of dudes dressed in sexier versions of their work attire. The rockers were shirtless and wore ripped jeans, with one holding a guitar and the other twirling a pair of drumsticks. The firemen wore their big yellow pants but no tops, while the cops wore their shirts unbuttoned all the way to the waist. And they were all attractive, right down to the last one.

In fact, I appeared downright modest in front of them. I slid into a seat and waved to Alma, who returned my wave with a smile.

"What are the auction's stakes? Aside from ensuring yourself an evening out on the town courtesy of Bermas Medical, the top bidder of the evening will be taking an all-expenses-paid trip to fabulous Boracay with the lucky bachelor! "

I looked around for Joven, stunned. I hadn't heard anything about it. I was expecting a dinner or something, but a trip to Bora? There were worse places to go, to be sure, but I was a busy man. Taking a few days off to play the tables was not on my agenda.

"Appetizers are being passed around," Alma announced. "Give yourself some time to settle in. When the main course is served, the auction will begin. Thank you so much for coming and having a good time! "

Applause erupted as Alma waved goodbye from the stage. As the music resumed and the guests rose to mingle, I took a look around at the rest of the table.

"I'm telling you," one of the band members said. "Perhaps this is the break we've been looking for."

"What do you mean?"

" asked the drummer, another handsome guy with wild hair.

"Think about it," the guitar-wielding stud continued. "Do you know how many wealthy women are here?" All we have to do is ensure that one of us receives the highest bid. Then we whisk her away for a weekend in Bora, sweep her off her feet, and presto! We have a sugar mama! "

"Ohhh," said the drummer as he realized what was going on.

One of the cops and I exchanged glances, both of us saying, "Can you believe this shit?" expression When one of the waitresses passed by, I turned to grab a meatball from her tray. And it was then that I noticed the last woman I wanted to see.

Crystal Montecillo herself was sashaying toward me, her hips swaying back and forth so violently that she threatened to check whatever poor schlub happened to be nearby. Crystal Montecillo, my ex-wife. She was dressed to impress, wearing a sparkling, champagne-colored gown that revealed her surprisingly large boobs. Her blonde hair was voluminous and curly, and she had so much makeup on her face that it appeared she'd raided the nearest Sephora before arriving.

Her large, green eyes were fixed on me.

Hell on earth. Crystal was without a doubt one of the most heartless, downright evil women I'd ever met – a fact I didn't discover until after she'd blackmailed me into marrying her for what would turn out to be six of the worst weeks of my life.

"Hello there, handsome," she said as she slid into the open seat next to mine.

The other guys at the table were staring at Crystal like a bunch of horny high schoolers. She was a lovely lady, but I was well aware that her beauty was only skin deep. She was as hideous on the inside as she was on the outside.

"Seat is taken," I announced. "The bare-chested, uh, zoologist went to the restroom."

Her big lips spread across her face as she smiled. "As always, funny," she said. "Nice to see you, Joey," she said, lifting her hand to the thick curl that hung in front of her face, gently sweeping it back and tucking it behind her ear. In the process, she flaunted her massive – and I mean massive – diamond ring.

"Very subtle," I smirked, my gaze drawn to her ring as she lowered her hand and rested it on her leg. "Are we on marriage number eight now?" Is it nine or ten? It's difficult to keep track, you know. But, hey, I heard if you get to ten rings, you can enter a drawing for a prize."

A few of the guys at the table chuckled, which made Crystal very unhappy. She preferred one reaction from attractive men: fawning over her to the point of embarrassing themselves.

"Four, jackass," she retorted. "Did you happen to notice these? A little wedding present," she jutted her chest out toward me.

"How could I have missed those?" I inquired. "Did the plastic surgery clinic run a 'buy two cups, get one free' promotion?"

More laughter from the guys, a hard glare from Crystal. She could be vicious when she felt like it, but that didn't mean I couldn't run circles around her when I felt like it.

"Well, you can laugh all you want, but my husband Gerald is very happy with them." Believe me when I say that his enthusiasm knows no bounds."

She turned and gave Joey a finger-wagging wave over her shoulder at a man across the room who could only be described as elderly. He had a baby-smooth head and a flared-out moustache, and he appeared to be in his eighties. He carried himself with the dignity of a man from old-as-hell money.

"Anyway," she said, returning her gaze to mine, "when I saw you at the auction table, I had to come over and say hello. After all..." She took a deep breath and reached into her purse, pulling out an auction paddle. "I'm planning on taking one of these handsome boys to Bora with me."

"Won't Captain Krunch object to that?"

"We have an...arrangement in place for such matters." I can do whatever I want as long as I save my best for him. And Joey, I intend to do as I please." She rose from her seat, turned dramatically, and sashayed back to her seat.

Fucking hell. Who knew presenting myself as a piece of man-meat would be so difficult?

I was furious.

It was supposed to be the ideal evening. Running these types of charity events was my dream, far more than the bar mitzvahs and sweet sixteens that paid the bills. And the best part was that I had planned it specifically for my best friend and her wonderful husband.

But then he had to appear.

"What in the world is he doing here?"

" I asked, storming through the event space's back hallways, Kendra keeping up with her usual step-step-step. "I had no idea he lived in Metro Manila!" I heard he was volunteering for Doctors Without Borders or something."

Kendra took out her clipboard and scribbled something on it without saying anything.

"Wait, what did you just write?" I inquired.

"Nothing," she replied.

I gave her my usual exasperated expression that I reserved for people who tried to dupe me.

"Um," she said, her voice a little sheepish. "I'm just trying to figure out which one I want to bid on."

I crinkled my brow in bewilderment before turning my head around to the auction table and whirling back toward Kendra. "Wait, aren't you talking about which of those guys you want to bid on?"

"Well, sort of. Would that be such a bad thing? Take a look at them."

I turned around one more time, taking in the men's presence. Of course, they were all studs, almost comically handsome in their unforms. And, of course, Joey was the most attractive of the bunch. He was dressed in a pair of midnight blue doctor's scrubs that appeared to be a size too small. The fabric clung to his muscles, and his pants were so tight that I could almost see his you-know-what outline.

"Which one do you prefer?" " she inquired, a devilish grin on her face.

"Um..." The question had me in a bind. After all, the hottest guy in the room was the one I'd never want to see again in my life.

"I'd go with the fireman," she said, her eagerness to speak saving me from embarrassment. "Is there anything sexier than a firefighter?" Take a look at those arms. Imagine him carrying you out of a burning building with those bad boys, his chest all sweaty and..." She fannied herself by waving the clipboard in front of her face.

"OK, take it easy over there."

I cast a glance over her shoulder, pausing to watch some of the guests arrive. The nice thing about charity events, aside from the fact that I felt good about my work, was that the people who attended them were a lot more manageable than teenagers.

"Are you serious about spending money on the auction?"

" I asked, turning back to her. She shrugged and smiled. "I'm not sure. I mean, I doubt I can afford the big trip to Bora or whatever, but I can think of worse things to spend a few hundred dollars on than dinner and, um,dessert." She winked at me, aware of the auction's limitations but joking anyway." Besides, it's for a good cause."

I burst out laughing. "In the kitchen, there's an industrial-strength hose attachment." If you don't tone it down a notch, I'll have Chef Joseph come out here and spray you off."

"All right, all right. But, hey, a girl has to have fun, right? "Hell, you could use a date every now and then."

"Please," I said as I shook my head. "Dating is the last thing on my mind.And work is more than enough for me." I knew the words weren't entirely true as soon as I said them, but discussing my dating life was the last thing I wanted to do on the most important night of my career thus far.

"Anyway," Kendra said, jokingly shoving me. "It's just for kicks. Even so, I wouldn't blame you if you put in a bid."

"This isn't going to happen," I said. "Never in a million years-"Right in the middle of my sentence, I looked over at the table and noticed Joey wasn't there. "Are you serious?" I hissed under my breath as I shook my head.

"What?"

"We've got ten minutes before dinner starts, and Dr. McDreamy is nowhere to be found."

Kendra cast a glance over at the table. "You're right – he's dreamy."

"He's a jerk, that's all he is."

Kendra shifted her gaze to me, a puzzled expression on her face. "Is he a jerk?" How did you find out? "

I didn't want to go into detail about my relationship with Joey at the time. But I didn't want to lie at the same time. "He was a classmate of mine. He was a cocky jerk who believed he was better than everyone else."

"I can't blame him for being cocky when you look like he does."

I needed to find him and make sure he was seated before the auction started. The last few guests were arriving, and the serving staff was preparing to plate and serve the first course. It wasn't the time for one of our auction items to run away like a child in a toy store.

Before I could start looking for Joey, I came face to face with the man himself. He was standing at the bar, and I caught a good look at him from behind. His scrubs were so tight that the fabric clung to his round ass that I couldn't help but feel a rush of blood to my head...and other places.

Then he turned around, holding a glass of what appeared to be whiskey in one hand and a pair of champagne flutes in the other. He locked his gaze on mine, a devious grin on his face indicating that he was up to something. It took all of my willpower not to let my gaze fall down to see how well the fabric fit the front of him.

"Wow," Kendra exclaimed. "Those scrubs don't leave a lot to the imagination." I mean, I'm not complaining."

As relieved as I was that he hadn't gone too far, I wasn't in the mood for chit-chat. But he seemed to be thinking about something, and he was walking right toward me.

"I hope you're pacing yourself," I said, my gaze falling to his whiskey. "The last thing we need is for you to get hammered and start dancing around shirtless on a table."

"Are you certain about that?"

he inquired, unaffected by my remark. "I believe that may help, ah, move the merchandise."

"Don't get any crazy ideas," I cautioned. "I'm running this thing like a machine."

"Right," Kendra said. "Gia doesn't appreciate improv." She was trying to remain calm and professional, but I could tell Joey's presence, tall and towering and handsome, was causing her to become agitated.

"I brought you ladies some refreshments," he explained, passing one glass to Kendra and the other to me. "I figured you could use them."

"Oh my God," Kendra exclaimed as she eagerly took the glass. "You have no idea how badly I've wanted this. Thank you very much, Doctor..."

"Joey," he said, flashing her his signature winning smile, the kind that caused little dimples to form in his perfectly formed cheeks. "A doctor isn't required."

"But it has such a nice ring to it," Kendra pointed out. "Doctor Joey," he says. Not to mention you know exactly what prescription this patient requires." She laughed musically before snorting.

I'd known Kendra long enough to know that a snort was the sound of her becoming agitated in the presence of a guy she thought was completely hot. I'd also known Joey long enough to know that charm and smiles were just the starting point for a broken heart. And he'd left a trail of devastation in his wake.

This includes my own.

"Glad to hear it," he said, his smile still on his face. "And, I apologize for being impolite, but would you mind if I spoke with your boss for a moment?"

"Actually, I've got a million things on my plate right now, and talking to a man in a shrink-wrapped set of scrubs isn't one of them," I stated emphatically.

Joey looked down at his chest, still holding my drink and his. "I suppose they're a little snug around the pecs." I was under the impression that Joven and I were the same size."

"Well, I'll let you guys talk," Kendra said. "If you need me, I'll be assisting stragglers in finding their seats."

"No," I said, raising my hand as she walked away. "No, you don't-"

She, on the other hand, winked over her shoulder as she twirled and made her way to the front doors. I sighed, realizing I couldn't get out of this conversation.

"She's nice," Joey remarked.

"Don't get any ideas in your head," I cautioned, pointing to his chest. "She is sweet – sweet enough that I don't want her to be sucked into Planet Joey's orbit."

"Planet Joey," he grinned, his eyes flashing. "That sounds interesting."

"It fits – your ego is planet-sized, in my opinion."

He made an exaggerated expression, as if he was in pain. "Come on, now," he pleaded. "This is the first time we've seen each other in years, and this is how you act?" "I've got to say – I'm wounded."

I exhaled a sigh. I was probably being overly harsh. "I'm just a little riled up right now," I said, motioning around us to indicate the event.

"I understand," he said, nodding. "That's why I wanted to speak with you about something without taking up too much of your time."

He handed me the drink, which I accepted. Even though I still wanted to dump the champagne over his head, I was curious what had brought him over to me.

"What is it?"

His usual unflappable confidence faded for a moment, and he appeared genuinely concerned. But it was only for a split second. Whatever he desired was serious. "It's...kind of a sticky situation," he cleared his throat.

"Fortunately for you, I excel in sticky situations." It comes with the territory."

"Then you're exactly the person I need to get me out of this jam."

"Are you in a pickle?" This is something I have to hear." I was trying hard not to enjoy his discomfort too much.

"My...ex-wife has arrived."

My pupils dilated before narrowing. "Crystal? " I scanned the room, spotting her massive, blonde curls from afar. She wasn't on the guest list, so she had to be someone's plus-one, which irritated me.

"You're right, Crystal. And, despite the fact that she has remarried-"

"Remarried?" I enquired, snorting. "What is it, number seven?"

He smiled. "In fact, she told me it's only number four. In any case, they appear to be in the early stages of a divorce. And she's trying to re-hook her hooks into me."

"I'm sorry, what happened?" " I noticed Joven and Alma approaching the side stage, preparing to perform. Looking at Joey again, I made the talk faster gesture by spinning my hand in a circle.

"To cut a long story short, she wants to make a bid on me."

"It appears to be a problem with you."

"Oh, it's definitely a me issue. But I need your assistance."

"How can I help?"

"Place a bid on me."

"What? " I squealed, my eyes rolling.

"Place a bid on me." I don't care how much money you need to spend – I'll cover every penny."

"You're joking, aren't you?" I can't simply...bid on you."

"What's the harm?"

"Because I'm in charge of the event. I'm supposed to be working behind the scenes and not participating in the festivities. Do you have any idea how bad it would look if I got into a bidding war with a guest? "

"It would appear as if you're invested in the charity, as if this isn't just some event to you." And even if you did end up in a bidding war, so what? That means more money for Joven and Alma's charity. Plus, you don't have to do anything other than raise your paddle and hope Crystal doesn't outbid you. Simple."

I wasn't comfortable with this for a variety of reasons, the most important of which was that I didn't want to win a date with this man. "Joey, I'm not sure..."

"It's ideal. And I'll owe you a lot." Taking my response as agreement, he leaned in and kissed my cheek. "Thank you in advance, G," he said, using the nickname he'd given me when we were on better terms. Then he turned and walked away, smiling as he did so.

As angry as I was, as frustrated as I was that he'd put me in such a bind, there was something I couldn't ignore.

His kiss had me hooked like a fucking maniac.