BRANDED BY A CALLAHAN (13 page)

“The gown is lovely,” Ana agreed. “And how about that wonderful dress with the roses all over it? I bet she sewed those on herself.”

“It’s eye-stopping,” Ash said. “Mine are certainly stopped. I can’t look away.”

Ana couldn’t, either. To her astonishment, Dante neared the steps, about to walk up onto the stage, and stopped when the little rose gown jumped into his arms. Ana recognized her as the tiny brunette who’d kissed Dante in the barn.

“Oh, wow,” Ash said, “scratch her off the finalists list.”

“Exactly,” Ana said.

“Let me have that stupid list,” Ash said, taking it from Ana’s hand. She wrote down two numbers—the blue gown and the Cinderella gown, and then she wrote Ana’s name. “There are your finalists. You can take off your name, but I advise you not to hide your light under a basket. As you can see, the race around here goes to the swiftest.”

“I don’t want to be in a race. Dante either wants to be with me or he doesn’t. And I am counting on you not to say anything to your brother.” She stared Ash down. “I’ll be fine no matter what happens. I’ve been blessed with a baby. That’s such a miracle I just know everything else will work out, too.”

“I’ll go turn your list in, Miss Modest.” Ash went off with the list of female finalists, and Ana watched Dante set the rose gown on her feet gently, avoiding her as she tried to sneak a kiss from him.

Okay, so he was man candy. Ana went to turn in her three names for male costume finalists—choosing Jace, Tighe and Dante, because they were all crazy-handsome. “Mavis, here’s the guys’ list. Where’s the list of female finalists?”

“Right there.” Mavis pointed to a piece of paper lying on the table as she grabbed a few Magic Markers to make signs for the barrels. “I’m just going to check these numbers you gave me against registered names, and then I’ll write them on the signs.”

“Thanks.” Ana grabbed the list, scratched off her name and put Ash’s on it instead, not feeling one bit of guilt about it. Mavis paid no attention to her as she finished the signs. “Can I help you?”

“Yes. Take these over to the large barrels that were placed along the wall where the food tables are, and stick them on with these tacks. Then hope for dimes and dollars from heaven!”

“Hey, beautiful,” she heard as she put the first sign up. She glanced up at Tighe.

“Hi. Why aren’t you off being the prize?”

“There’s three more bachelors to auction. My winner went off with friends, and I needed a chance to breathe. It’s hard being hunk of the night.”

“I’m sure. Help me put all these signs up.” She handed Tighe half the signs and finished what she’d been doing. “Were you surprised by how much you went for?”

“Nah,” Tighe said. “I pretty much had to go for double to make up for what Dante won’t bring in.”

She laughed. “That’s mean.”

“It’s true, though. He won’t give the ladies what they want.” He shook his head. “Dante likes to hide his inner wolf, and I like to set mine free.”

“You certainly gave the ladies a lot to consider.” She smiled at the signs she’d put up. “How’d you see through my disguise?”

“Didn’t. Ash told me to come keep an eye on you.”

Ana looked at him. “Why?”

“Didn’t ask. Just did what I was told, as I always do.” He grinned. “She also told me that my twin gave you some money to bid on him with.”

People milled past, looking at the names on the barrels, tossing in money for their favorite finalist.

“This is a great idea,” a woman said to Ana. “I hope Diablo will put on another masquerade ball for next year! It’s fun to have a Christmas ball. It’s like a Victorian Christmas come to life.”

Ana smiled, and the lady and her gentleman moved on. “That’ll make Fiona happy.”

“Fiona was happy when I went for a princely sum. All she can see is that new roof. Next year it’ll be new computers for the classrooms or something.” He smiled at her, all wolf. “Give me my brother’s money.”

“Why?”

“Because you won’t need it. He’ll probably go for about fifty bucks.”

Ana laughed. “You’re terrible.” She took the money from her gold purse that matched the high heel gold pumps that had appeared in her closet along with the splendid dress, and handed it to Tighe.

“Ah, my twin. Always overestimating himself,” he said, looking sorrowfully at the money. He tossed all of it into the barrel labeled Tighe.

Ana gasped. “Tighe!”

He laughed. “Look at it this way. Maybe I’ll be high score twice tonight.”

“But what will I tell Dante when he asks where his money went?”

Tighe smiled, pure wolf. “That I said, ‘May the best man win.’”

She couldn’t help laughing. “He’s going to be mad at you.”

“Nope. Not me. No one can ever stay mad at me for long. Hey, I’m going to get some punch—want one?”

“Yes, thanks.”

“With rum, or without?”

She shook her head, not entirely shocked by Tighe’s offer. “You know you’re not allowed to do that. Fiona says this is a no-alcohol night for us.”

“We can’t be role models all the time. Anyway, punch and rum go together like kisses and soft skin,” Tighe said, heading to the punch table.

“Excuse me,” she heard.

Ana turned to face Sawyer Cash, who made no effort to conceal her identity. Her domino hung from her arm.

“Yes?” Ana said.

“Where did Tighe run off to? I’d like to talk to him.”

“He should be back in a moment.”

“Thank you. Are you bidding tonight?”

Ana shook her head. “No.”

“Fortunately, there’s another Callahan up for grabs. I’ve got my heart set on winning another one. A lady’s fantasy to spend an evening with twin hunks, right?”

Dante
. Ana checked over the barrels one last time, satisfied that the signs were properly attached. “I need to head back to help with the committee. Good night.”

Ana hurried off before she said something she’d regret. Sawyer hadn’t known who she was or she probably wouldn’t have spoken so freely. Ana decided not to let it bother her—she had to find Dante and let him know that his money had gone into Tighe’s barrel.

The next auction was starting up, and Fiona was clearly in her element. Ana didn’t recognize the cowboy bachelor on the stage, but he was doing his best to compete with the bar Tighe had set, and the ladies seemed to appreciate his efforts.

“Hello, lady in red,” Galen said. “Having fun?”

“The evening certainly seems to be a success.”

He grinned. “The aunt is raking it in. Ashlyn wants me to stick to you like glue.”

“Why?”

“Jace thought he saw some of Wolf’s minions.” Galen shrugged. “Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t, but Ash is protective.”

“I’m a bodyguard, I can handle myself. Please don’t worry about me.”

He held up a hand. “No one’s worrying. But Callahans take care of their own.” He gave her an easy smile. “I hear there may be a little Callahan on the way. Ash would maim me if I didn’t guard him with my life.”

“You can’t tell Dante!” She was annoyed with Ash for spilling her secret. “I’m going to kill Ashlyn!”

“She wouldn’t have said anything except that Jace got her nervous. Your secret is safe with me.” He smiled at her kindly. “If Fiona had half a clue you’re expecting, Dante wouldn’t be on the block tonight, that’s for sure.”

“I wouldn’t want to change a thing,” Ana said quickly. “I hope he brings in a ton of money.”

“Nah,” Galen said, “Tighe’s the rainmaker. Dante’s more likely to get rained out. He just doesn’t have the wild side in him anymore. He used to. I wondered what had settled him down, thought maybe he’d rattled his brains too much when he was chasing buckles. I never suspected it might have been you who was responsible for taming my brother.”

“I don’t want to tame him,” Ana said with spirit. “Dante is fine just the way he is.”

“I think you should tell him before he makes an ass of himself on the stage,” Galen said. “No new father should be shaking his stuff for other women.”

Ana shook her head, laughing. “I’m really not worried, Galen. Thanks. I’ll tell him after Christmas.”

“Why then?”

“Because we’re both going in separate directions. It will be safe.”

“I don’t like it,” Galen said, and Dante said, “Don’t like what? Is this blockhead bothering you, miss?”

Ana hesitated. Galen slapped Dante on the back and laughed.

“I cede the lady to you, Dante. Try not to make her run for the exit.” Galen went off, still chuckling to himself.

Dante looked at Ana. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Ana said.

“You’re gorgeous.” He gazed at her, taking in every inch of the gown. “Ash told me that you found a dress, and you certainly did. You’re the most beautiful woman here, Ana.”

“Thank you.” She smiled at Dante. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Are you ready to be the grand prize?”

He grimaced. “I’m going to tell Aunt Fiona I have stage fright.”

“You can’t.” Ana couldn’t help laughing.

“Anyway, I’m the winner no matter what,” Dante said. “I had the smarts to make certain the most beautiful woman in the room takes me home tonight.”

“About that—” Ana began, but Jace came by, slapping his brother on the back.

“Don’t chat up gorgeous blondes,” Jace told Dante. “Leave that for me. Hello, beautiful. Don’t waste your time on this guy—”

“Jace,” Dante interrupted, “this is Ana.”

“Oh.” Jace looked startled. “Really?”

She nodded. “Hi, Jace.”

“Wow.” He gave her a long, considering look. “Jeez, Dante, I should have known you’d hog the best woman around.” He sighed dramatically. “Oh, well, easy come, easy go. Off I go.”

Dante shook his head. “Always a drama king.”

“Corinne is waving at me. She must need help.” Ana looked at Dante one last time. “Good luck, Dante.”

“I don’t need luck,” he said. “I need you—”

Ash dragged Ana off. “Whew, my brothers are windy. Come on, Corinne wants us to hand out some grab bags.”

“Grab bags?”

“Goody bags. Advertising, candy, gift cards, a couple bags have some prizes in them. Fiona never misses a chance to advertise the wonder that is Diablo.”

Ana followed. “Ash, I have a bone to pick with you. You told Galen!”

“Yeah, but only so he’d keep an eye on you. Galen won’t say anything. He looks like he’s not very deep but he is.”

“Actually, I think Galen looks very deep, and you still weren’t supposed to tell! Now two people in Dante’s family know before he does, and it isn’t right.”

“That may be. Dante’s sensitive, gets his feelings hurt easily. You probably should tell him as soon as possible.” She handed Ana a tray of goody bags. “Just pass those out, one per person.”

“Ash—”

“Don’t be shy. Every woman will want one, and sometimes the guys do, too. There’s plenty to go around.” Ash gave her a tiny push toward the library. “Off you go. And stay away from Wolf. We hear he might be around somewhere. Don’t worry, Galen’s keeping an eye on things, but just the same, if you see Wolf, tell him to buzz off.”

Ana decided she’d chastise Ash about spilling her secret later, though she doubted it would do much good. “Buzz off,” she murmured, “that’ll be effective.” She went off with her tray of green and red wrapped bags, delighted when they were eagerly snapped up by anyone who saw them.

“Excuse me,” Sawyer said, taking two off her tray. “When does the bidding start for the grand prize?”

“Midnight. Hope you brought a full pocketbook,” Ana said, tempted to tell Sawyer about the fact that Dante was going to be a father, but opting not to wreck Fiona’s secret fundraising weapon.

“I heard he’s going to strip down to his whatevers,” Sawyer said, and Ana laughed.

“I very much doubt it. Good luck with that.” She went on with her tray, feeling slightly guilty that she hadn’t told Dante that his money was gone.

“Hey,” Dante said, stopping her as she went to go get more bags, “stop and talk to me for a second.”

“I can’t talk too long, and besides which, the rumor’s going around that you’re doing a striptease tonight.”

He snorted. “Not hardly.”

She smiled. “The ladies are holding back on their bidding waiting for the grand prize. You’re going to have to do something to earn your coin.”

“Listen.” He glanced around at the eager crowd. “Can we talk?”

“Now?”

“If Fiona can spare you.” He glanced around and then hustled her into a corner past the stage stairs. “Ana, this auction thing doesn’t mean anything to me. I hope you know that.”

She was surprised. “It means a lot to your aunt, Dante.”

“No, I know that.” He looked at her. “Take off your mask so I can see your face.”

She didn’t move, so he did it for her, and he smiled. “Let’s run off together.”

Her heart skipped. “Run off?”

“Dodge this shindig. Fiona’s raking in cash, she doesn’t need me.”

“No way. You stay and be an excellent finale.”

His gaze found her lips, traveled back up to her eyes. “I’m going to pawn it off on Jace. He’ll make a good grand prize. And it will serve him right.”

Ana shook her head. “My advice is that you make the most of it. You’re just trying to talk me into getting you out of it because you’re nervous you won’t fetch as much as Tighe did.”

He looked outraged. “There’s no way my twin has more appeal than me.”

She laughed. “One thing you Callahans do not lack for is ego.”

“So I can’t talk you into running off with me?”

“No, because you’re just trying to get out of your job, which I don’t admire in the least. By the way, about your money—”

“That reminds me. I’m going to give you a couple hundred more bucks, just in case.” Reaching into his wallet, he dragged out eight hundred-dollar bills. “If the bidding goes higher, you’ll have to cover me.”

“What?” Ana laughed out loud. “I’m not about to float you a two-thousand-dollar loan, Callahan.”

“I expect you to be creative.”

He was so handsome she thought there was a lot she could be creative about with him. “Like how?”

“Put out a rumor about me.” He glanced around, made sure no one could hear. “Say something that’ll bring down the bidding.”

She blinked. “I thought you said you’d go for more than Tighe any day of the week.”