Nobody's Obligation (Swimming Upstream #2) (19 page)

As Ava dropped her dress and folded her hands in front of her, she looked up for the first time. Relief was an understatement. With the way that the spotlight was positioned, she actually couldn’t see anyone’s face. Instead all she could see was light beaming directly into her eyes, and although it was making her eyes water, she had never been so happy to be blind.

Christopher dropped his arm behind her back and nudged her forward so she was standing next to him while he spoke. “What you may or may not be aware of is that this whole event tonight would not have been possible without Ava. I know most of you know how hard Ava works and the miracles she pulls off, but that has never been more evident than tonight. A week ago this thing was nothing more than a few invitations, yet here we are having a great time. And if I’m right, Ava, you weren’t even planning on attending tonight, were you?”

Ava jolted. She wanted to throw up. She’d just started to breathe again. She’d managed not to trip or throw up as she made her way to the stage but no one said anything about speaking. Her mouth was dry and as she tried to swallow, a meek whimper escaped her lips. Quickly Ava gave up, desperate not to embarrass herself further, so she simply nodded her agreement.

“But here you are. And all this is because of you. So thank you, Ava,” Christopher added as he kissed her cheek and the clapping once again drowned out all other noises in the room. Well, all other noises except one.

She knew he was there without seeing him. It was like the air was suddenly warmer. Like she was suddenly warmer. And when a large hand with fingers spread touched her back, goose bumps covered her entire body. “Good work, Shortstack,” he whispered into her ear as he placed a swift kiss on her cheek and dropped the largest bouquet of lilies into her arms that Ava had ever seen. Ava heard the whistles and the catcalls and knew Monday would be torture. But right now, with Tyler standing this close and her blood boiling in her veins, she didn’t care.

Ava looked up and saw Tyler smiling as he towered beside her. In the harsh light he was still perfect.

“Thanks, Ava,” Christopher said, just loud enough for her to hear. Ava recognised his tone of dismissal and as quickly as her cement-laden feet could carry her, she descended the stairs and wobbled her way back to her seat. Once again she felt Tyler’s eyes tracking her every move while the warmth from his lips lingered on her cheek.

Ava slumped into her chair just as Christopher’s voice boomed through the room once more. An exhaustion that she didn’t recognise settled on her and she couldn’t move. She was done. Paralysed in the chair she sat in, all she could do was sit in silence and watch.

“And now for the highlight of tonight, which I must admit I am pretty impressed with. Not only did we manage to orchestrate this, but what was even more impressive is that we managed to keep it a secret.” Christopher chuckled at his own accomplishment while the pride and awe in his eyes was undeniable. “Tyler Andrews, Olympic champion, world record holder, and all around nice guy has kindly donated his time to not only be here tonight to be part of this event to raise much needed funds for such a worthy cause, but he has also offered himself up as a prize.”

Ava’s head shot up so fast her neck snapped loudly. All of a sudden all exhaustion was gone and replaced by intrigue.

“So, tonight we have a one-time offer only. We are going to auction off a night with Tyler Andrews.” The snickering of the crowd caused Christopher to wave his arms as he attempted to regain control. “No, not like that. Calm down. Tyler will pick you up, take you to dinner, and then out before dropping you back home.”

Ava was stunned. Her mouth hung open. Amanda casually reached over, placed her fingers under Ava’s chin, and pushed her mouth closed. “You’ll catch flies.”

“So, who wants to start me off?” Christopher asked as Tyler plastered the fakest smile he could manage. Even though it was a lie, it still made Ava’s heart skip a beat.

Chapter 37

Tyler

Over three hundred pairs of eyes stared directly at him, but the only ones he cared about weren’t looking. Distracted, Tyler’s gaze never left Ava as she wound her way through the tables before vanishing into the darkness. Tyler could still smell her perfume lingering and it was driving him insane. Although Christopher’s voice was echoing through the room, Tyler found himself unable to concentrate.

It was a rush of movement that brought Tyler crashing back down to reality.

“So who will give me an opening bid?” Christopher asked.

“Fifty dollars!” a high-pitched voice squealed, causing Tyler’s eyes to scan the room. She was a fiery redhead, with her boobs almost falling out of the top of her dress.

Tyler held back the sigh of disappointment as bidding continued. He knew this would happen and that it was for a good cause but that knowledge didn’t do anything to make him feel better. He managed to withhold his heavy sigh, but he couldn’t control his eyes. He was searching for Ava. Unashamedly, he kept scanning the room, but he couldn’t find her.

“Five thousand!” a deep voice offered, pulling Tyler back to reality.

Pushing aside his disappointment, Tyler forced himself to embellish his antics as he tried to keep driving the price up. If he was going to participate in this meat market, he might as well go for a good price. Surveying the crowd once again, he was surprised to see a circle of men standing at the side of the stage, each with a drink in one hand and the other buried in their pocket as they watched curiously. This was not Tyler’s first time on this ride, and god knew it wouldn’t be his last. He knew they were probably getting some twisted amusement watching as their wives and girlfriends fought and squabbled over something they probably didn’t even really want. No, they just didn’t want someone else to get it. Tonight he was the prize.

Gulping, Tyler squashed the butterflies in his stomach before leaning over and stealing Christopher’s microphone, earning him a confused look. “Come on. Surely you can do better than five thousand? I thought we were raising money for a good cause.” Tyler shook his head sadly. “Sydney was much better,” he added under his breath as he handed the microphone back.

After a moment’s silence, a strong steady voice called out, “Ten thousand!”

Tyler’s head snapped up as he glanced around the room looking for the owner of the bid. When his eyes fell on an older woman in her mid-fifties, Tyler gulped. She stepped through the men with an authority Tyler had never seen before. She had cougar written all over her and a tremble of fear reverberated through his body.

“Going once. Going twice…” Christopher’s voice reverberated through the room.

At the last moment a chirp broke the quiet. “Twelve thousand.”

Tyler watched as Jennifer stepped out from behind Jake, raising her glass in salute to Tyler, causing him to nod his appreciation. Jennifer may have just saved Tyler from the clutches of a man-eater.

But the cougar wasn’t done yet. It became a battle between the two women as the bid steadily climbed. Jake offered Tyler a wink but remained silent at his wife’s side. Tyler wished he knew what was happening but instead he stood motionless beside Christopher, sweating under the scrutiny.

The bidding paused at twenty thousand dollars before continuing at a much slower pace. Tyler gulped. He’d done this numerous times and the bids had always faded early in the teens, but tonight, thanks to Jennifer’s persistence, they had surpassed his highest price to date. Something he was sadly proud of.

“Twenty-seven thousand eight hundred and fifty.” The cougar smiled as she seductively licked her lips.

Using the pause in the bids, Tyler couldn’t help himself. Although he knew Ava didn’t have that sort of money, he wished he could find her. He just wanted to know that she was at least interested. But there was no sign of her.

“Third and final call. Going once! Going twice—”

“Round it up to thirty and call it,” a male voice sounded through the silent room.

Movement happened from every direction. Women’s heads snapped back, searching for the mysterious bidder. Men shared quizzical looks as they tried to figure out who had made the call. Never one to step away, Jake stepped forward and raised his hand in mock salute. “Thirty thousand dollars,” he repeated firmly.

Tyler stood, mouth agape, as Jennifer stepped to Jake’s side and slipped her hand in his. He was in shock. His friend, undeniably his best friend in town, had just bid thirty thousand dollars for dinner with him.

Tyler didn’t even hear Christopher call it or the banging of the gavel. His stunned eyes never left Jake’s. As the clapping began and the crowd started to dissipate, Christopher turned to him and shook his hand. “Thank you. We had hoped to raise a lot but I had no idea that someone would bid that much.” Christopher guffawed before quickly adding, “No offence.”

Dismissing the shock, Tyler grinned at Christopher. “None taken. I’m honestly as surprised as you are.”

“But seriously. Thank you. I know this probably isn’t your favourite thing to do,” Christopher acknowledged. “But here’s the man of the moment. Jake.” Christopher smiled as Jake stepped up onto the stage and joined them.

“A cheque on Monday?” Jake asked quickly.

“Perfect,” Christopher agreed. “I better go find Beth before I get in trouble for ignoring her.”

“Yeah. I’m surprised she didn’t bid,” Jake enquired.

“She was under strict instructions not to!” Christopher chuckled. “Which surprises me why she didn’t. If I know my wife like I do, usually if I say no she does the opposite just to get a rise out of me.”

“You wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jake taunted with a grin.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t,” Christopher admitted before stepping from the stage and vanishing into the crowd, leaving Jake and Tyler alone.

Neither knew what to say. Tyler felt odd and completely out of his depth. As much as he was glad his mate had made the winning bid, he couldn’t help but wonder if having a stranger own him wouldn’t have been easier. Or less awkward.

“So…” Tyler offered.

“Yeah,” Jake replied just as off balance.

After a moment Jennifer appeared at Jake’s side, leaning over and kissing Tyler innocently on the cheek. Jake didn’t even raise an eyebrow. “So, I knew you liked my company, Jake, but thirty grand is a bit excessive, even for you. You could have just said I’ve got beer and steak, you in?” Tyler grinned smugly.

“Yeah, but now I’m broke, so you’re buying.” Jake chuckled as he wound his arm about his wife’s slim waist.

Jennifer was a stunning woman in every sense of the word. Although Jake had money, Jennifer carried more than her own share. She was an amazing mother, a smart and savvy business woman, and even Tyler could see from the outside that she was a remarkable friend. She was the complete opposite of Jake. She was cautious where Jake was frivolous but somehow that just worked for them. And standing there, seeing the love surrounding them, Tyler couldn’t help but wonder if maybe someday that would be possible for him too.

Still not one hundred percent sure what had just happened, Tyler shook off the romanticised thoughts bubbling in his head and asked, “I don’t get it. Why’d you spend so much?”

“Good cause?” Jake replied, raising his eyebrows.

“Nah, don’t buy it,” Tyler called his bluff.

Jake scanned the room, his eyes methodically moving until they came to a screeching halt. With his gaze locked on Ava, she was firmly stuck in place.

Without breaking Ava’s gaze, Jake spoke directly to Tyler. “You hurt her and I will kill you.” It wasn’t an idle threat. Tyler knew without a doubt that Jake meant every word.

Tyler followed Jake’s gaze, smiling when he spotted Ava caught in Jake’s trap. “Got it,” he agreed quickly.

“I’m serious,” Jake warned, clamping his hand on Tyler’s shoulder.

“I know. Me too.” Tyler agreed quickly, downing the glass of sparkling water someone had handed him before thrusting the empty glass back in Jake’s hand and stepping off the stage towards Ava without a word or backward glance.

Chapter 38

Ava

She wanted to sprint for the doors and get as far away as possible, but Jake held her captive. Despite the fact he was standing on the other side of the room, he still managed to freeze her where she stood. Watching the auction had been one of the most nerve-racking experiences she’d ever endured and come Monday, Christopher was going to know exactly how unimpressed she was. Although it barely lasted ten minutes, to Ava it felt like a lifetime. She’d picked off her hastily applied nail polish before devouring her fingernails like a starved woman. She hadn’t been able to sit still. Even with Amanda’s warnings and threats ringing in her ears, Ava just couldn’t do it. She’d never been more thankful for the back table hidden in the dark. Ava knew Tyler couldn’t see her but she’d seen everything, including Sienna’s vulgar display as she tried to sink her clutches into him. Ava couldn’t stifle the giggle as she imagined how Tyler’s date with her would have gone if Jake hadn’t stepped in and saved the day.

“Something amusing you, Ms. Jacobs?” Tyler asked as he stepped up beside her and causally dropped his hand onto the small of her back.

“Absolutely, Mr. Andrews.” Ava replied sweetly.

“Care to share?”

“Nope,” Ava replied boldly. Obviously the two glasses of champagne she’d finished had given her some much needed liquid courage. “So, when’s the hot date with Jake? You know you two make a pretty eye-catching couple.”

Tyler chuckled, a deep belly laugh. “You’re funny,” he admitted as he slowly directed her back towards the dance floor without asking.

“I try,” Ava flirted as she spun and wrapped her arms around Tyler’s neck, shocking him silent.

They moved to their own beat as Tyler led them round the dance floor in a dance that only they knew. Ava noticed people watching them but she didn’t care. She was warm. She was happy. And she was safe. Who gave a flying fuck what anyone else thought really?

“What’s that smile all about?” Tyler asked, lifting her chin with his long fingers so she was looking into his eyes.

“Just thinking,” she offered quietly.

“About?”

“That this is weird.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…you. Here. Dancing with me. Being auctioned off. Jake buying you. All of it,” Ava dribbled as she sank her head back onto his shoulder and held him tighter.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” he admitted, causing Ava to gasp and lift her wide eyes to meet his.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Seriously,” a third voice added, bursting the bubble, resulting in Tyler spinning Ava too quickly and causing her to stumble about. Tyler was rendered speechless as she tucked herself even closer to him as she righted herself. “Seriously, get a room,” the voice interrupted again.

Ava’s eyes bounced until they landed on Jake’s mischievous face. He was up to no good and it was written all over his face. “Oh look, Tyler. Your boyfriend’s here,” Ava quipped.

“Really mature, Ava.” Jake laughed.

“Ava, you look stunning,” Jennifer said as she rolled her eyes in her husband’s direction.

“Um…thanks?” Ava mumbled, the effects of the champagne evaporating from her body instantly. “You too,” she added almost as an afterthought.

“So, Jake, what can we do for you?” Tyler asked, his face expressionless.

“Well, since I own you…”

“For one night only. For dinner,” Ava reminded him coolly.

“Yes, for one night only. For dinner,” Jake repeated, smirking at Ava. “I was wondering when you were available.”

“How about tomorrow? Get this thing over and done with.” Tyler grimaced.

“Don’t sound so miserable about it,” Jake teased. “I mean surely you can’t plan the perfect date by tomorrow?”

“For you I can,” Tyler replied tightly. With Ava’s hand still firmly encased in his, Tyler squeezed it softly.

“Oh, you wanted to go to dinner with me? Oh, that’s so cute. But seriously man, you’re not my type.” Jake smirked.

Ava had no idea what Jake was up to but she knew him well enough to know it was probably no good. He was a prankster at heart and more than once over the years she’d been on the receiving end of his jokes.

“Huh?” Tyler grunted.

“Well, since I am a happily married man,” Jake began, pausing briefly to place a kiss behind Jennifer’s ear, causing a giggle to erupt from her perfectly glossy lips. “I thought that maybe Ava could take my place. Unless you have plans?” Jake suggested, focusing his attention on Ava.

She couldn’t help it. Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened with disbelief. “Wh-What?” Ava spluttered.

“Ava, I think what Jake is trying, very badly I might add, to ask you is to please take his place,” Jennifer explained softly.

“Jake!” Ava blurted out as the realisation sunk in.

Jake didn’t reply. He nodded quickly and then wrapped his arms around his wife, leading her to the other side of the dance floor and away from a bewildered Ava.

Ava didn’t dare speak. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t look at Tyler. She didn’t want to know what he was thinking. Instead, Ava burrowed her face into his shoulder and held him as close as possible. In Ava’s twisted mind, if she pretended that it wasn’t happening, then it wasn’t. Simple. But gnawing in the back of her mind was the truth. She knew life was never simple. Especially not hers.

The song ended and she felt Tyler stiffen under her fingers but she didn’t pull away. Instead she held on tighter and kept moving. Without a word, Tyler relaxed and went along for the ride. Ava opened her eyes and saw people staring at her and she knew what they were thinking. The exact same thought that had been screaming in her head since Jake had dropped her in Tyler’s hands earlier. It was an uneasy feeling that made her question everything, but in Ava’s befuddled mind, the longer she ignored it she just could imagine that it would go away. But it didn’t. The thoughts just kept getting louder. And with dozens of pairs of wide eyes staring at her, she couldn’t silence them anymore.

“Tyler?” she asked, barely louder than a whisper.

“Yeah,” he replied softly, shifting her in his arms so he could look down into her face.

Ava couldn’t breathe. As she looked up into his calm face, she realised that he didn’t even realise what was going on around him. His entire being was focussed on her. And suddenly that knowledge overwhelmed her.

“Breathe,” Tyler encouraged as he pushed an errant curl from her forehead, sending a fresh case of goose bumps across her body.

Taking a moment to compose herself, Ava did exactly what he suggested. She focussed on her breathing. One deep breath after another. And with every breath she inhaled, Tyler’s fingers ran up her spine, only to descend as she exhaled. It had a strange, calming effect on her, and after a few moments Ava had regained her composure. “Don’t you get weirded out by people watching you all the time?” she asked, her words all coming out in a gush.

“Weirded out?”

“Yeah, weirded out.”

“Not really. I mean, not anymore. I used to but now I kinda figure what’s the point on wasting energy worrying about them when I could be concentrating on more important things,” Tyler explained.

“Oh, yeah that makes sense I guess,” Ava agreed.

“But I get it,” Tyler continued. “You aren’t used to it, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But don’t let it get to you, okay? You’re doing fine.”

Ava scoffed but didn’t reply. She didn’t have anything else to say. What could she say? Tyler didn’t want to hear the truth. He didn’t need to know that Ava had an overwhelming fear of people looking at her. Even the thought of people talking about her or thinking about her made her queasy.

“So,” Tyler broke the silence as he twirled her under his arm before sweeping her back into his chest, “when are we having dinner?”

Caught completely off guard, Ava couldn’t contain her coughing fit. “You can’t be serious?” she managed to splutter between gasps.

“Of course I am,” Tyler pronounced confidently.

“But…but…”

“Listen, Ava. Jake did this. It’s a done deal. Now the choice is yours. Either I take you to dinner or I take Jake. And if the choice is mine, Jake can starve!” Tyler laughed deeply and Ava felt his stomach quiver against her.

Ava giggled softly and buried her head against Tyler’s chest. She felt his heart racing but said nothing. When she pulled back and looked up into his eyes she realised that something was different. His normally deep, mesmerising chocolate eyes, which she’d fantasized about getting lost in so many times, were now dark, hooded, and laced with desire. It sent fear ricocheting to Ava’s very core, leaving a terrifying thought in its wake.

It took Ava a few moments to gather her wits and pull her thoughts together but Ava knew what was right. “Tyler,” she moaned no louder than a whisper, “I know you think you have to do this but it’s okay. I know you hate this sort of thing and I don’t know what the hell Jake was thinking, but you don’t have to go through with it,” Ava conceded, giving him the perfect out.

“No!” Tyler retorted defiantly.

“No?” Ava asked softly, looking up into his face. His jaw was set hard and his lips, his very kissable lips pulled tight in a straight line. Pure masculinity was rolling off him in waves, and although Ava knew she should be intimidated caught in his steely glare, she wasn’t. Not at all.

“You don’t know me very well if you think I wouldn’t fulfil my obligations, Ava. I agreed to do this and I always follow through.” Tyler’s usually smooth and calming voice was strained and rasping.

Straightening herself, Ava forced some distance between them. “I am nobody’s obligation, Tyler,” Ava spat before spinning on her heel and stalking across the room.