Destiny's Last Bachelor? by Christyne Butler Page B

they walked away while Dean told the crowd the night’s events would be starting in just a few minutes. The noise level rose even higher after that and Priscilla wasn’t sure where she should go now that her work here was done. Then she saw Leeann waving at her from a table a few rows back.
    “You’re sticking around, right?”
    She turned and found Dean standing behind her. “So it seems. I haven’t played in years, but I’m guessing it’ll come back to me.”
    “It’s bingo. It’s not that hard. Bobby said you’ve been at the camp every afternoon helping out.” His gaze drifted for a moment to her feet. The corner of his mouth rose into a smile. “Hope you’ve found other shoes to wear.”
    “As a matter of fact, Leeann took me to a few shops here in town on Monday. I’ve been properly outfitted.”
    “I’ll bet.”
    Priscilla had no idea what he meant by that, but before she could ask, they were joined by three men all dressed in the same blue shirt sporting an embroidered emblem for the Destiny Fire Department over their hearts.
    “Hey, is this where we sign up for the auction?” the first man asked. Well over six feet tall with dark square-framed glasses, a full mustache and the most mischievous grin Priscilla had ever seen, he wrapped one arm around Dean’s shoulders. “Lord knows we can’t have Zip here be the sole representative of the department.”
    Dean sighed. “Like any lady would be crazy enough to bid on you, Hall?”
    “Hey, we’re all fine examples of the lesser sex. Why not us?”
    Dean waved a hand between the men and Priscilla. “Chris Hall, Steve McIntyre, Scott Wallace...this is Priscilla Lennox. Priscilla, these guys are a few of my crew from the firehouse.”
    Priscilla smiled as she shook hands with each of them, mentally adding their names to the auction list. “It’s so nice to meet you all. And thank you for volunteering to be part of the auction. The more the merrier.”
    “It sounds like this fund-raising stuff is right up your alley,” Steve said, “but please don’t tell us you’re all work and no play.”
    Confusion filled her. “I’m sorry?”
    Dean shrugged off his friend’s arm, his smile gone. “Knock it off, Mac.”
    “Hey, she can bid on a bachelor just like any of the other ladies in the audience, right?”
    “Yes, I suppose I could.” Now she understood what he meant and the gleam in his eyes told her just who he’d like her to bid on. “But I’ll most likely be too busy running things backstage to have the opportunity to participate.”
    “You sure?” Scott added. “I’ve got a cabin on a lake outside of town and a sweet eighteen-foot speedboat. We could make it a day on the water.”
    “Don’t listen to him.” Chris nudged his friend in the side with his elbow. “I can whip up a gourmet meal that would put a five-star restaurant to shame. Beef bourguignonne with a fine Burgundy wine. After that I’ll give you a sunset tour of the countryside on the back of my Harley. How does that sound?”
    It sounded wonderful, but not for the reason either of the men suspected. “I think both of those dates sound terrific!”
    “You do?” All four male voices spoke in unison.
    “What exactly does that mean?” Dean pushed. “You’re planning to bid on them?”
    “I think any of the ladies would be excited to bid if the bachelors come up with unique date packages.” The idea swirled inside her head, quickly taking shape as she spoke. “We could work with some of the local businesses to either donate items or offer services at a discount. This way the lucky lady will know right from the start what kind of date her bachelor will be providing. Doesn’t that sound great?”
    “What if the guy’s plans are for just a simple dinner at one of the local restaurants?” Dean asked.
    Priscilla wondered if that was all Dean would plan for his date. “There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but this is a special event and the dates should