The Date Auction by Wren Mingua Read Free Book Online Page A

exaggerating, of course.” She fired a sweet smile in his direction. “But not by much.”
    As soon as they arrived, Alaina knew exactly what to order: the 5 Napkin Cheeseburger and Fries. After browsing the menu for a few minutes, William settled on a Bacon-Cheddar burger.
    Alaina laid her elbow on the table and leaned in his direction. “You really are so, sooo cute.”
    “Thanks. And you're very beautiful, of course.”
    “Aww. You think so?”
    “Absolutely.” William didn't think she would need reassurance. She was the rare sort of woman who was so physically attractive, only a fool would dispute her beauty. “So, Alaina, what is it that you do?”
    “I'm a food producer.” When she saw the confusion on his face, she added. “Or maybe you'd be more familiar with the term table artist .”
    “I have no idea what you're talking about,” William admitted. “What does a table artist do? Paint tables?”
    “No, silly, I'm a waitress. I just thought food producer sounded more important.” She flashed another perfect, pearl white smile. “I'm trying to be an actress.”
    “Like me.”
    “You're trying to be an actress ?” Alaina grinned. “Is there something you're not telling me about yourself, William? Like... that maybe your real name is Wilhemina?”
    “Uhh, no.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “I just mean... we're both actors trying to make it.”
    “I knew what you meant, I was just trying to give you a hard time.” The food arrived, which made Alaina clap her hands. “Oh boy. That looks GOOD.”
    “It does.”
    Alaina seized her sandwich in both hands and gobbled a giant bite of it. As she chewed, she asked, “So, ish there anyshing elsh you want to know about me?”
    At the moment, William was just staring at his burger, wondering how he was supposed to eat something so heaping. “I'm interested in anything you want to tell me.”
    “Well.” Alaina swallowed her bite and continued. “I'm twenty-four. I like hard rock and I hate country music. I have two siblings, a brother and a sister, and my brother's in jail.”
    “Whoa.”
    “My brother's a douchebag, so don't worry about it. He deserves it.” Alaina sounded casual, as if it was perfectly normal to have a brother in jail. “Anyway... I have a tattoo of a snake on my right ankle. It's a cute snake, not a scary snake. I love movies, and my favorite movie of all time is... don't laugh, but it's The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez. I always thought that movie was really cute, but I also really like the movie Battle Royale, which is like Hunger Games before Hunger Games happened. It's about these Japanese kids who have to battle each other to death on an island.”
    “I've never seen either of those movies, but they don't sound like they'd go together.”
    “No. Probably not.” Alaina shrugged. “Anyway, do you like your burger?”
    He had only taken a single bite of it, but it was enough to have an opinion. “I think it's pretty good.”
    “Good.” She leaned across the table and pilfered a few of his fries. “I'm glad you like it.”
    They spent the next several minutes talking about more of Alaina's favorite films, which consisted of everything from American History X to Hope Floats. Even though she did most of the talking, she managed to finish her food before he did.
    All of a sudden, she trilled, “Oh my god, I love this song!”
    “What song?”
    “This song!” She was referring to the catchy pop song playing in the restaurant. “Will you dance with me?”
    “What?! Dance?!”
    “Dance with me!” Alaina popped off her chair and started swaying her hips to the music. “You like dancing, don't you?”
    “Sure, but not here !” He took Alaina's hand and tried to coax her back to her chair. Free spirit didn't even begin to describe his overzealous date.
    “Then you owe me a dance.” Alaina said it like it was a warning.
    When they finished their food, they decided to continue their date in Central Park, where