Charlene Sands - Exquisite Acquisitions

A book in the Highest Bidder series, 2012

Dear Reader,

What do a hunky Texas-born cowboy and a down-on-her-luck Hollywood starlet have in common? It was a hoot for me to find out as I wrote the second story in The Highest Bidder continuity. Researching auction houses-and no, Ive never been to one personally (reality TV doesnt count)-took me to the famous Sothebys website and internet videos of real auction houses. I watched auctions in action and learned terms like absentee bid, buyers premium, fair warning and hammer price. It was a whole new world

My story is set primarily at Wild River Ranch in Texas, but we first meet Carter McCay and Macy Tarlington in Waverlys New York auction house. Little do the two strangers know that winning a bid would result in exquisite acquisitions that have nothing to do with luxurious sparkling diamonds!

If youve never attended an auction, you might find the proceedings as fascinating as the two main characters. Macy is grieving, Carter is jilted and neither one of them is looking for romance when Carter offers her sanctuary on his ranch. But Wild River and the power of love are two magnetic forces to be reckoned with. So lift your paddle high and make your bid. I hope youll be sold, cowboy-style, on Exquisite Acquisitions!

Happy reading!

Charlene Sands

Special thanks and acknowledgment to Charlene Sands for her contribution to The Highest Bidder miniseries.

Wild River Ranch, Texas

He struck a match on his boot heel and guided the flame toward the cigarette clenched between his lips. With one long pull of breath, the tip blazed to life. Carter McCay closed his eyes as images of the fallen soldiers whod fought alongside him flashed in his mind. He took one dragone honorary inhalation. The ritual was agreed upon by those lucky enough to have come home, all those years ago. On the first day of every month, each one of his comrades did the same. Somewhere out there, twenty-three former marines were lighting up and remembering Afghanistan.

The subtle rush of the river pulled him out of those thoughts. He leaned a shoulder against an ancient oak and nestled into the trees grooved bark, watching the rhythmic, nearly perfect ripples of Wild River. The water wasnt as wild as its namesake today, Carter mused. It was quiet and peaceful here, shaded from the hot Texas sun.

The dog plopped down at his feet and whimpered long and loud as the trail of smoke met his upturned wet nose.

Carter pushed his Stetson higher on his forehead and looked into questioning, soulful eyes. He couldnt blame the dog for being wary of smoke. The dog saw too much, knew too much. You followed me up here, pal.

Carter tossed the cigarette and crushed it into the ground with his boot, then lowered to a crouch beside the golden retriever. He gave him a pat on the head. The dog sandwiched his head between his front paws and gave a big sigh.

Yeah, I know, boy. Youve had it tough. Carter ruffled Rockys furry neck, damn glad hed rescued the hound from his fathers place. The home where Carter had grown up wasnt fit for a dog.

His cell phone pinged. Carter pulled his iPhone from his back pocket and gave a quick look. A text message from Roark Waverly appeared on the front screen. He hadnt heard from his former marine buddy in months. But he wasnt surprised that hed leave a message today of all days. Probably just lit one up, too, he muttered, glad to hear from his friend. But as he read on, Roark had something entirely different to say. Something Carter had to read twice.

C. Ran into some trouble. In hiding. Get word to Ann Richardson at Waverlys. The Gold Heart statue is not stolen. I cant trust Waverlys networks. R.B.

Carter frowned. What the hell what that all about?

After his tour of duty, Roark had gotten heavily involved in running around seven continents procuring valuable artifacts to sell at Waverlys auction house based out of New York. Roark had been in some tough binds through the years, and normally the marine could take care of himself just fine. Carter had been on the receiving end of his friends quick thinking when theyd been on street patrol in a small settlement in Afghanistan. Roark had discovered that the car Carter was about to inspect was booby trapped. Hed shoved Carter out of the way before his hand met with the door handle, and Carter knew then that he owed Roark his life.

Cmon, Rocky, he said, heading toward his Jeep without a glance back. He knew his fathers dog would follow. He was as loyal as they come. Ive got some investigating to do.

Two hours later, his cousin Brady knocked on his front door and Carter led him into the great room. The room meant for entertaining was one of many improvements hed made to the house after hed inherited Wild River Ranch from his uncle Dale. Over the years and after a little luck and a lot of hard work, Carter had turned his uncles small working ranch into a stellar operation that competed equally with elite Texas cattle barons.

He handed Brady a shot glass of whiskey. Here you go, cuz.

Brady grinned. I know its five oclock somewhere, but tell me, why are we drinking this early in the afternoon?

Because thanks to you, Im heading to New York tomorrow.

Me? What do Brady McCay and New York have in common?

Carter couldnt tell him about Roarks cryptic text message. That message wasnt meant to be discussed, not even with someone Carter trusted. But he could tell Brady the other reason for his trip. As hed researched the New York auction house Roark worked for, hed found that Hollywood screen legend Tina Tarlingtons diamond rings were being auctioned off this weekend. The famed Tarlington diamond had been in the press ever since Tina Tarlingtons first marriage, decades ago. Now, there was even more buzz about all three of her diamonds since the Queen of Cinema had passed away a few months ago. Carter planned to get his hands on one of those diamonds and, at the same time, deliver Roarks message to the CEO of Waverlys.

Youre the one who introduced me to Jocelyn, right? Carter asked.

I cant deny that. I sure did.

Shes in New York right now, visiting a friend.

His cousins eyebrows narrowed. Im not following.

I intend to join her there and ask her to marry me.

Brady blinked and jerked back in surprise. You intend to marry Jocelyn Grayson? I didnt realize things were that serious between you two.

Damn straight they are. Ive been hunting for the right engagement ring for weeks now. If all goes as planned, shell be my fiance very soon.

Youre really in love with Jocelyn? There was a note of disbelief in Bradys voice.

Carter had to admit he was moving a little fast. But from the day hed been introduced to the granddaughter of Bradys neighbor, Carter had been smitten. Now, less than a year later, Carter was ready to make a commitment. Putting a Tarlington ring on Jocelyns finger would be impressive, even to an oil heiress who came from old Dallas money. Shed know, without a doubt, how much she meant to him. Shes the one for me, Brady.

Well, then. Congratulations, Brady offered.

Carter lifted his shot glass. Now that hed made up his mind, he couldnt wait to see Jocelyns expression when he proposed to her with a Tarlington diamond. To Jocelyn.

Brady hesitated for a second and stared into Carters eyes before lifting his glass, as well. To Jocelyn.

And after they downed the liquor, the smile Carter expected to see on his cousins face never really emerged.