Page 76 of Bid For Me
Candy reaches for my hand again, her grip firm. “You deserve that, Elle. And you deserve to explore it with someone you trust completely. Whether it’s Seb or someone at the club, you don’t have to rush. You can take your time figuring it out.”
I nod, my chest feeling a little lighter. “Thanks, Candy. I didn’t think it would be this hard to talk about.”
She smiles, a teasing glint returning to her eyes. “That’s because you’ve been too busy overthinking everything. Trust me, once you start exploring, it’ll feel a lot more natural. And a lot more fun.”
“Speaking of fun,” I say, eager to shift the focus. “How’s everything with your men?”
Candy’s expression lights up, her smile turning radiant. “It’s amazing. They’re amazing. Honestly, I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Her happiness is infectious, and I can’t help but smile back. “Tell me everything.”
For the next half hour, Candy regales me with stories about her unconventional relationship. She talks about North’s quiet strength, Dash’s wicked sense of humor, and Frost’s unexpected sweetness. The love she has for them shines in every word, and I feel a pang of envy – not for what she has, but for how secure she is in it.
“You’re glowing,” I tease when she finally stops to take a sip of her drink.
Candy grins. “That’s what happens when you’re adored by five incredible men. You should try it sometime.”
“Five might be a bit much for me,” I say with a laugh. “I think I’ll start with one and see how that goes.”
Candy leans back with a sly smile. “I can’t believe you’re the first one of us in a wedding dress. You, Elle. I thought for sure it would be me!”
I groan, setting my glass down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to steal the limelight, Candy. If it helps, it’s not like this is my dream scenario either.”
She waves me off, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. You didn’t steal anything. It’s just...surprising, you know? Given that you’ve pretty much been single for as long as I’ve known you. That little blip last Christmas with what’s his name aside I mean.”
The thought makes me laugh, the tension in my chest easing just a little. “You know when it’s your turn to shop for a wedding dress, I’ll be right there, doing whatever you need. Swearing atconsultants, vetoing ugly gowns, holding your hand through all of it. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I think you should set a date sooner rather than later.”
Candy’s smile softens, and she lifts her glass. “To engagements. To friendship. And to having you by my side.”
“To you, Candy,” I reply, raising my glass.
We toast, the clink of our glasses ringing out like a promise, and drink deeply. One cocktail turns into two, and before I know it, we’re ordering a third round and giggling over old stories.
As the evening wears on, Candy leans in with a conspiratorial smile. “Alright, Elle. Be honest. What’s really going on with you and Seb? Because I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and honey, it’s not just for the cameras.”
I hesitate, the warmth of the alcohol loosening my tongue. “It’s...complicated,” I admit. “There’s a lot of pressure. From his family, from mine. And it’s hard to figure out what’s real and what’s just part of the act.”
Candy nods thoughtfully, swirling her martini. “But what about you? What do you feel?”
I glance down at my glass, the confession slipping out before I can stop it. “I think I’m falling for him. And it scares the hell out of me.”
Candy reaches across the table, her hand finding mine. “That’s not a bad thing, Elle. You’re allowed to feel. Just...don’t let the fear stop you from figuring out what you want.”
I nod, her words sinking in as the door to the bar opens and the cool night air sweeps in. I glance over and do a double take. Standing in the entrance, their imposing presence impossible to miss, are Candy’s men – North, Dash, and Frost, with Wint and Don just behind them.
“Looks like your rescue squad is here,” I tease, nudging her.
She laughs, waving them over. “I told them to let me have a girls’ night, but you know how they are. Always protective.”
The men approach, their easy smiles and affectionate greetings making it clear just how much they adore her. But as they gather around the table, my breath catches.
Because right behind them, leaning casually against the doorframe, is Seb.
His gaze locks on mine, and for a moment, the room fades away. He doesn’t say a word, but the look in his eyes sends a shiver down my spine.
“Well, well,” Candy says with a grin, nudging me. “Looks like your knight in shining armor couldn’t resist showing up either.”
Seb steps forward, his expression softening as he reaches me. “You’ve had a long day,” he says quietly. “I thought I’d make sure you got home safe.”