Weekend With Her Bachelor (Bachelor Auction Returns Book 4) by Jeannie Moon

we’re going to have to bring in the cherry picker for that.”
    “Well,” Ally said with a smile, “It’s a good thing you have one of those lovely contraptions. I’d hate to think you’d have to climb a rope to get up there.”
    The two men looked at each other, then tipped their hats in deference to the gorgeous redhead who had just told them sweetly, but in no uncertain terms, to get the job done.
    That was pretty damn sexy.
    Her authority was unchallenged. She was kind, respectful, but clear in what she wanted. As she walked with two other people to a large table where there were sketches and plans laid out, he couldn’t help but love her confidence. It had become her most attractive feature.
    Ally had always been beautiful; whatever she thought about her looks, she was a pretty teen who had grown into a knockout. But the game changer wasn’t her weight or her clothes—it was how she felt about herself.
    Gavin had nursed his broken heart for a good long time after Ally left him and Marietta behind, but now he could see she needed to leave. The town, as great as it was, would have kept Ally from being all she could be. She’d found her path, and had kicked ass. The woman was a fucking work of art.
    Gavin had no intention of losing her again.
    Pushing past him, a tall blond man strode into the room and straight for the table. “Ally! My God, it’s good to see you! You look fantastic, darling.”
    Darling?
    Ally turned, her face frozen, her smile obviously fake. “Hello, Lars.”
    Lars. The ex.
    That was Gavin’s cue. Pushing off the doorframe, he made his way to Ally, thinking about exactly how far he should take it. Subtle would be better, but kissing her senseless definitely had its appeal.
    “Hey there, beautiful.”
    When Ally looked his way and smiled, for real, it felt like he’d been kicked in the chest. He’d do anything for her.
    “Hi!” Walking away from Lars, Ally met him, stretching up on her tiptoes to kiss him. It was a simple kiss. Warm, familiar. The kiss of a lover. “I missed you.”
    The words could have been for show, but there was something very sincere and true about the look in her eyes.
    “Missed you, too.”
    “Did you have a good drive up?”
    “Uneventful. So, that’s good in my book.”
    “I’m glad you’re here,” she said so quietly only he could hear.
    “Is everything okay?”
    Nodding, she pressed her head against his chest. “It is now.”
    There were words hanging between them. Words that would change everything.
    “Ally, you have a new guy,” Lars said. “Wow. Unexpected.”
    “Uh, yes.” She stepped back, smoothing her shirt. “Lars Sundstrom, this is Gavin Clark.”
    “Gavin, a pleasure.” Lars extended his hand and they shook. “So how did you and Ally meet?”
    Yeah, he didn’t like this asswipe already. “We’ve known each other for years. Grew up together.”
    “Is that so? You’re from that little town, Marichetta?”
    Marichetta ? Was this guy for real? “Marietta. Yes.”
    “Wow.” Lars folded his arms and tucked his hands into his armpits. “Are you a cowboy? I’ve never met one.”
    Ally was about to say something, but this was too good. He squeezed her hand and stopped her. Gavin figured the idiot would hang himself eventually, and Gavin had no problem handing him some rope. “I grew up on a ranch, yes sir.”
    “Amazing. Such a different life. I’ve always lived in cities. Grew up in LA. You know, in California.”
    “I’ve heard of it,” Gavin said flatly. Lars thought he was stupid, which should have pissed Gavin off, but he was mildly amused instead. Ally, on the other hand, was mortified.
    “I’m going to go settle into the room,” he said to Ally, ignoring the asshole. “Why don’t you meet me there when you’re free.”
    “I just have a few more things to finalize, then I’ll be there. We can take a ride later on.”
    Lars clapped his hands together. “That would be great! I’ll get Jasmina and we’ll all