I thought I’d be the grump on stage no one wanted. Arms crossed. Scowl in place. A charity auction disaster waiting to happen. Then she raised her paddle. The girl from my past with a big smile and bigger heart. She left town to chase dreams in a city that chewed her up and spit her out. Now she’s back here. And thanks to an accidental disaster of a bid, we’re stuck playing nice. She wants a second chance at her life. I just want to keep my reckless brother out of handcuffs and this town out of my way. But Portia doesn’t play by my rules. She talks back. She pushes in. And when she smiles? The storm inside me quiets. This was supposed to be nothing. But the more she’s in my space, the more I remember what it’s like to feel. She thinks she’s just bidding on a grumpy billionaire. She doesn’t know I’m about to give her everything— Except my heart. Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~ Weston