Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Owning an exclusive gallery in Silver Spoon Falls was supposed to be the culmination of my dreams and a chance to showcase the art I adore in a place as charming and secluded as this. But sometimes, the silence can be a little too resounding, making me realize just how private I’ve let my life become. It wasn’t so bad when I first moved here, still riding the rush of opening a new chapter.
Shortly after moving to the small Texas town, I got lucky enough to meet Raven Sterling. One day, she came in to buy a painting, and the next thing I knew, she was my new best friend.
In true Raven fashion, she’d invited me to the club her husband owns without really explaining what I was walking into. Intrigued, and admittedly a bit bored, I’d decided why the hell not? I could use some adventure in my solitary life. When I discovered The Sterling Rope is an exclusive BDSM club, I was intrigued. Figuring I’d use a membership as a way to combat my boredom and network with the wealthy residents in town, I jumped at the chance to join.
Since then, I’ve found a nice rhythm to things, even if the right partner hasn’t materialized. The club and its events offer a tantalizing escape whenever I crave it. But I’m still a spectator, a virgin spectator. I’ve been watching and learning, figuring I’d be ready if the Silver Spoon Falls water does its trick and drops my perfect soulmate right into my lap.
The buzz of my phone snaps me out of my reverie. I reach for it, smiling despite myself as I see Raven’s smiling face on the screen.
“Hey, stranger,” I greet, perching on a stool in the corner of the gallery, surrounded by empty frames that always seem to hold potential. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I’m just calling to remind you that the annual bachelor auction is this weekend.” Raven’s voice thrums through my earbuds, light and melodic. I can picture her now, likely managing a hundred things at once with the impeccable grace she wears like a second skin.
“I haven’t forgotten,” I reply, staring out the window. “Are there any good bachelors up for auction?”
“Oh, girl,” Raven teases, laughter shadowing her words. “I’ve heard there might be someone very interesting.”
My networking antenna goes up. “Who?” I quip back, trying to remember if I’ve heard of any new residents.
“You’ll have to show up to see.” She knows my curiosity will get the best of me.
“Alright, alright,” I concede, grinning at her persistence though she can’t see it. “I’ll be there. I could use a distraction this weekend, anyway.”
“Great! Who knows?” Raven’s tone lifts as if she’s already certain of some untold outcome. “This might be the year you finally find someone interesting enough to keep you entertained.”
“You’re relentless, you know that?” I chuckle, though warmth spreads in my chest at the thought. “But I love you anyway.”
“I love you, too. It’s why I want to see you happy.”
“I am happy.” My words aren’t very convincing.
We wrap up the call with promises to catch up at the auction, and I’m left sitting in the whispers of the gallery, pondering the weekend ahead. I can’t ignore the thread of anticipation starting to weave its way through my otherwise pretty boring life.
The Sterling Rope's bachelor auction is renowned for its unpredictability. Maybe this time, I’ll let myself dive deeper, and shed some of the caution that feels both like armor and a cage.
I glance around at the art surrounding me, each piece a reminder of beauty created from chaos, the stories waiting to unfold. Maybe it’s time I embrace a little chaos of my own, step out from behind the curated serenity of my life, and let the unexpected find me.
With that thought in mind, I push myself to my feet and close up a little early. I need to find the perfect dress for this weekend.
A new chapter waits on the horizon, and who knows? Saturday’s bachelor auction may just be the beginning of a very interesting story.
I step into Curvology, the boutique dedicated to curvy, fashionable women. Any time I need something special to wear, I head here first.
“Good afternoon!” Skye beams as I enter, her enthusiasm radiating off her. The shop’s interior is a celebration of curves and confidence, an atmosphere welcoming the unique beauty of every woman. Skye, Letty, and Jazzy are the trio behind the magic here, and I adore their sense of style.
“Hey, girl!” I reply, tossing my hair back with a grin. “Do you have any new fabulous, bordering on scandalous dresses?”
“We do.” She smirks, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “We got some killer new pieces in last week.”
“You’re speaking my language,” I say, glancing toward the racks. “I need something very special for the bachelor auction this weekend.”