Page 18 of Auctioned To Be Mine

“Take it up with Adrian,” I said. “He and his brothers had a vision. I’m just here to execute it.”

“Maybe I’ll call him,” Dad muttered.

“Max, leave them alone,” Mom said. She was running her hand along one of the walls, admiring the craftsmanship. “This is beautiful work. Really beautiful.”

“It’s getting there,” I said. “We’re on schedule, which is a miracle considering how many moving pieces there are.”

“That’s because you’re running it,” Mom said with absolute confidence. “You’re good at this, baby. Always have been. The Blackwells have a lot of creative types in the family, but you’ve also got a knack for keeping things in order. Just like your father, even though neither of you want to admit it.”

I appreciated her faith in me, even if Dad’s was more conditional. That was just how he was. He believed in results, not potential. You proved yourself or you didn’t. There was no in-between.

Dad cleared his throat and I just knew what he said next was not going to be good. “We’re not just here for a social visit.”

“Of course not,” I said. “What’s up?”

“I need you to do something for me.”

I waited, already bracing myself.

“There’s a charity auction coming up. The foundation raises money for children’s hospitals. They need a couple of high-profile names to auction off for dinner dates.” He looked at me expectantly. “I volunteered you and Drew.”

“Hell no.”

“Callum—”

“Absolutely not. Do you have any idea what those things are like?” I shook my head. “I went to one of those auctions a few years ago with some friends. Those women were like piranhas. It was a feeding frenzy.”

“It’s for sick kids,” Dad said flatly.

“Then write them a check. A big one. I’ll match it.”

“I already did write them a check.” He crossed his arms. “But they need the star power. The publicity. And before you argue, I already told them yes on your behalf.”

I frowned. “You can’t just agree to something without asking me.”

“I can, and I did.” His expression hardened. “I heard about your little stunt at the restaurant. Hollis mentioned what happened.”

Of course he did. I made a mental note to have words with Hollis later.

“Really, Callum.” Mom tsked. “Someone could have been hurt.”

I didn’t feel it would make a difference if I pointed out I hadn’t actually been the one to pull the alarm.

“You’re an adult, Callum,” Dad said sternly. “Act like it.”

Mom stepped between us, placing a hand on Dad’s chest. “Max, that’s enough.” She turned to me with gentler eyes. “Sweetheart, it’s a good cause. And it’s just one dinner. Maybe you’ll meet someone nice.”

“I’m not looking to meet someone.”

“Well, you should be,” she said softly. “You can’t hide from relationships forever.”

I wasn’t hiding. I was being selective. There was a difference.

“Besides, it’ll be good press right before the store opening,” Dad said. “Show the Blackwells support the community. That we’re not just about business.”

Mom made a disapproving sound and shook her head. “It’s for a good cause, nothing more. Don’t you dare get up on that stage and treat it like an advertisement opportunity.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” I said, shaking my head.