Sabrina eyed me with concern, the corner of her mouth lifting up on one side. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Honestly, I’m relieved Roberta didn’t win, but even if she had, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I trust Clay.”
“He doesn’t want to go out with anyone but you,” Hunter said, “but he’ll follow through because he made a commitment.”
“It’s my fault, really. I challenged him to get out of his comfort zone, and he took me up on it.” I smiled, trying to remain positive. “This is a good thing. Four thousand dollars will go towards helping low-income families, and that’s the main point of this event.”
“True,” Sabrina said.
We followed the crowd as everyone began to leave. Suddenly, a man tapped me on the shoulder. “Excuse me, are you Jazmin Campbell?”
I turned around and looked at him, surprised. “Yes, can I help you?”
“You’re wanted backstage.”
My eyebrows flew up. “I am?” My voice sounded way too hopeful and excited to my own ears.
“Yes, follow me.” He left without another word, not glancing back to see if I was behind him.
I glanced at Sabrina and Hunter with a half-smile. “Maybe Clay wants to talk to me before he goes on his date.”
Sabrina gestured for me to follow the gentleman. “Go ahead. We’ll wait in the car.”
I nodded and took off, not wanting to lose the man in the mass of bodies all heading in the opposite direction towards the exit. I had to say, “excuse me” about ten times before I finally made it to the stage, and it reminded me of a cartoon where a fish had to swim upstream. The guy came to a halt near the left side of the stage. He gestured for me to continue following him as he made his way down a corridor and then to a back room where Clay and the woman who outbid me waited.
I smiled at her as I approached and offered a hand. “Hi, I’m Jazmin.”
She took my hand and clasped it between both of hers. “Thea.”
“Nice to meet you, Thea.”
She released my hand and glanced at Clay. “Do you want to tell her or should I?”
I glanced from one to the other, confused as to why they both wanted to speak with me.
“I’ll tell her,” Clay said, stepping closer. He put both of his hands on my shoulders, and the contact made my body hum with approval. A smile broke out over his features, making him appear even more handsome than he already was.
“You look amazing,” I said, caught up in his eyes. “The haircut and shave do wonders for you, and that suit… You’re so GQ.”
He laughed, amusement breaking out over his features. Clearly, he wasn’t used to a clean-cut appearance and found the style entertaining. “We’ll see how long it lasts.”
“I like your other style too, don’t get me wrong. You’re a handsome man all around, no doubt about it.” He beamed at my words of praise, and I had to add one more thing. “When you walked out on stage and all those women were screaming, I kept thinking, he’s mine, ladies. He’s all mine.” I suddenly realized how that must have come across to Thea, and I winced a little. “I mean, except for tonight. Tonight, you belong to Thea.”
Thea laughed outright. “Honey, he’s all yours. It’s evident in his expression, and if I’m being frank, on yours as well.”
Clay’s grin stretched so far over his face that it couldn’t go any further. “That’s right.” He stepped so close I could feel his warm breath, and it almost seemed as if he might kiss me.
I suddenly felt very awkward knowing we weren’t alone. “What did the two of you want to talk to me about?”
Clay glanced at Thea and turned back to me. “So, Thea here informed me a little earlier that she planned on contributing a sizeable donation to the cause regardless of whether she won the bid or not.”
“That’s kind of you,” I said, glancing at Thea. “That money will make a huge difference with needy families.”
She nodded, the apples of her cheeks brightening. “It’s my way of giving back, and I’m happy to do it.” She smiled. “And even though Mr. Drover here is quite the catch, I didn’t do this so I could go on a date. When I found out he had a girlfriend who bid on him, I felt a little guilty for winning.”
“Oh, no, please don’t feel bad,” I said. “It’s all for a good cause.”
“Yes, it is, but regardless, I want you to take my place for the dinner date. I’m visiting my daughter from New York, and my visit will be over soon. I’d like to return to her home so we can make the best of the time we have left.”
“I understand, and that’s very gracious of you.”
Clay nodded. “We’re both very thankful.”
After she left, Clay held my hands and looked at me as if I were his reward for enduring what he’d gone through. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t wait to take you out this evening.”
“I feel like I’m being given a gift. I’m happy to go anywhere as long as it’s with you.”
Clay stared at me for several moments, his eyes warming with affection and anticipation. He cleared his throat. “Melanie gave all the guys
