Page 9 of Something’s Brewing

I’m just saying, you could bid on him. He’s a catch. Kind of. If you like your men emotionally unavailable and allergic to change.

Wow. What a glowing review. I’ll rush right over to place a bid.

DO IT. Think of it as a business investment.

Madison texted back:

Oh, so I bid on him, win, and then use my “date” to pitch cider? Bold strategy.

I fully support it. Besides, if he gets mad, what’s he going to do? Fire you? You don’t even work for him.

Eve had a point. Technically Madison volunteered her time, helping her brother out when needed since stepping away from all things military last year.

Wait. How did you know Garrett was roped into the bachelor auction?

Three dots appeared, then disappeared.

Are you kidding? Mason heard all about it, and in turn, so did I. We’ve been laughing non-stop!

Madison chuckled and shook her head as she turned toward the lake and made her way back to the condo. She couldn’t wait to dig into her barbecue.

Bid on Garrett at the auction? Yeah, right. That would be a disaster waiting to happen.

But the more she thought about it, the more mischief ignited in her chest. Maybe she’d just attend the auction. Purely for the entertainment value.

And if Garrett ended up being completely mortified?

Well. That would be a bonus.

CHAPTER FIVE

Madison stood in front of the full-length mirror in Mason and Eve’s bedroom, hands on her hips, eyeing her reflection like she was assessing a mission objective.

Okay, so this is a choice.

She had curled gentle waves into her hair, swiped on some mascara and a sheer gloss, and slid into a summer dress that cinched at the waist and flowed just enough to feel effortless. The soft blue fabric made her eyes pop, and the strappy wedge sandals—the ones with the delicate ties wrapping up her calves—made her legs look about a mile long.

She wasn’t one for getting dressed up without a purpose, and yet . . . here she was.

Her phone dinged.

I expect photographic proof that you are at the auction and not sitting at home people-watching from the patio.

Eve had texted from Minneapolis, where she and Mason lived close to the original Northern Lights Brewery.

Madison smirked and typed back:

What, no faith in me?

None.

With a sigh, Madison took a picture of herself in the mirror, sent it to Eve, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door, her mind still trying to justify why she was doing this.

The truth? She wasn’t just going to watch the auction.

She was going to bid on Garrett.

And if she was going to publicly throw money at him, she figured she should at least look good while doing it.