The dark cloud hanging over her head vanished. “Have either of you bid on anything?”
“I put my number down on a couple items,” David said. “But it’s early. It’s hard to know if I’ll be the highest bidder or not.”
“I was going to bid on a ski package—” Rachel paused. “Can you excuse me for a moment? I better do it now before I forget.”
David started to follow but she waved him back. “Stay and talk to July. I won’t be long.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I guess you’re stuck with me.”
“I guess I am.” July ducked her head and gazed down at her peep-toed shoes.
“How’ve you been?”
“Since this morning? Good.” She lifted her gaze. “How about you?”
The silence lengthened and July cursed the awkwardness between them.
“This isn’t a date,” David said, his eyes intense and very, very blue. “We came as colleagues, nothing more.”
The electricity was back, snapping and lighting up the air between them. Was he aware how absolutely sensational he looked and smelled tonight? How could he not with all the women in the room casting admiring glances his way?
“It doesn’t matter to me,” July said. “You’re free to date who you want.”
“It’d matter to me if you were here with a date,” David said. “I’d hope if you were interested in dating, I’d be the one you’d think of first.”
Was this the opening she’d been waiting for? Had her invitation this afternoon opened a door she thought had been slammed shut?
“It might be nice to go out now and then.” July kept her tone offhand, determined to let David make the next move. “It probably would be easiest if it was with you. Since we already know each other and all.”
“I’ll call you.” His eyes never left her face. “Set something up.”
“If you want to,” she said. “If you don’t—”
“I want to take you out on a real date.” He reached out for her arm. “I have since—”
“I got the bid in,” Rachel called out happily and slipped past July to stand beside David.
His hand dropped to his side.
“I thought bidding stayed open until ten.” July took a step back.
“It does,” Rachel confirmed. “But I didn’t want to space it off.”
“I can understand that.” July kept her gaze focused on the nurse and avoided looking at David. “I’d better find Mary Karen. It looks like we’re going to be sitting down for dinner soon.”
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Even as she spoke the crowd began moving into a great hall filled with large round linen-clad tables.
“You could sit with us,” Rachel offered. “That way David won’t have to sit alone when I’m on the stage.”
“The stage?” July cocked her head. “Are you the emcee?”
“Don’t laugh.” A hint of pink colored Rachel’s cheeks. “I’m one of the models.”
July’s blank look must have alerted Rachel that more explanation was needed.
“There’s a fashion show during dinner. The models are all hospital staff.” Rachel slanted a sideways glance at David. “They tried to get everyone to participate but David’s ‘no’ must have been a lot more convincing than mine.”
“You should have done it.” July punched David playfully in the shoulder. “Support the hospital and all that.”
“You’re absolutely right.” The dimple in David’s left cheek flashed. “What was I thinking?”
“I’ll be expecting you up on that runway next year, mister,” July shot back then realized she wouldn’t be here for next year’s show. Heck, she wouldn’t even be here next month. Her smile faded.
“There you are.” Mary Karen’s heels clacked across the hardwood. “Hello, David. Rachel.”
“Why, little sister, I almost didn’t recognize you.” David took a step back and studied Mary Karen. “You look…lovely.”
“Yes, she does.” Travis’s voice sounded from behind July.
July stepped aside and he took a step forward.
A smile of welcome lit David’s face. “I’d given up hope of seeing you tonight, Trav.”
“Unexpected C-section.” Travis shrugged. “What else is new?”
David glanced around. “Where’s your date?”
“Let’s just say she didn’t appreciate being put on hold for another woman…even if that woman was big as a house and ready to deliver.”