The Billionaire's Christmas Story

CHAPTER TWO

Malia

I took the paperwork for the auction back with me when I resumed the meeting with Gary. That was a mistake. As soon as he saw that I was up for bid, he was all over it.

"This is going to be the best auction ever!" he said, enthusiastically. "Last year I bid on and won Aurora from accounting. She and I had the best day. We went to the movies and had dinner... I'm sure I'll have plenty of competition bidding on you," he said. "But for you I'm willing to break the bank."

As much as I was looking forward to doing a good deed for charity, and I thought Gary was harmless, I was afraid that spending the day with him would only perpetuate this fantasy he has of us being together someday.

"Oh, don't waste your money on me."

"Waste? Are you kidding? I'd pay just to be seen with you, Malia." He was so sweet and he had innocence about him as well. But, he did nothing for me. I honestly thought something like this would only encourage him, and that wouldn't be right.

I agonized for almost two weeks over what to do about it when I got an idea and went to see my friend John in production.

"Hey Malia! Long time no see!"

"Hey John," I said, accepting his kiss on the cheek. "How are Phyllis and the kids?" John and I had known each other since college. His wife and I had become friends over the years and they had the most adorable pair of twins I'd ever seen. John was the one who had referred me for the job I have now.

"They are great. The twins are finally sleeping through the night so Phyllis and I are getting used to seeing the world with clear eyes again."

I smiled and said, "I might have an idea that could help us both out."

"I'm game. What's up?"

I told him about the auction and about Gary. He laughed.

"Gary's crushing on you hard, huh? He's kind of relentless that way. The last girl he attached himself to around here got another job out of state. There was speculation she only took it to get away from him."

I laughed too. I knew that John was only half kidding. Gary was the kind of guy who never gave up until he wasn't given any other choice. I really didn't want to crush the poor guy. But, I didn't want to be saddled with him either.

"So if I give you the cash, will you bid on me?" I asked him.

"Sure, then I can order you to watch the twins while Phyllis and I have a real date?"

"Absolutely," I said. "I'll let you know that night how much I'll be able to afford," I told him.

"What if there are multiple guys bidding? Should I bid against them all?"

"I doubt that'll happen," I said.

"Oh please, I know you've seen you. You own a mirror, right? Besides, I was witness to the droves of men who lined up to date you in college."

"Shut up," I said. Yes, I knew that men found me attractive. I didn't ever hurt for a date if I wanted one. But, I was also mature enough these days to know that there was so much more to me than that, and I wanted a man who would appreciate all of me. The thing about being twenty-six was that as much as I loved to have fun, I was beginning to think about settling down. I wasn't sure who I was looking for, but I'm sure when I do meet him, I'll know. Until then, I wasn't willing to get myself in a position where I'd miss "Him" when he showed up. I'd rather spend my Friday babysitting the twins than giving some poor guy false hope.

The time flew by and on the morning of the auction I stopped by and gave John the money I could afford for him to bid on me.

"Wow, this is a good deal of money," he said.