Beefcake for Charity Ch 7- Bring on the Beefcake
A/N: You ladies are awesome! LOL! Thank you for all the selfless offers and bids on handsome, muscular Merry Men- all in the name of helping kids of course! ;) Humanitarians all of you! :) Special thanks to WizardsWoman for inspiring a particular bidding war coming up in the next chapter or so (it depends on how my muse is feeling). You made me laugh so hard at the idea I had to run with it! And to LMH33 for stirring my muse and always being supportive! Lets take a look behind the scenes of this auction. ;)
STEPHANIE POV
As soon as Bobby and I arrived at the venue we parted ways. He had to get ready and meet the guys. We were still pretty early but I wanted to get a good seat for the action. It's not everyday your best friends and brothers go up for auction. I smiled thinking how much good this one little event could do for the community, particularly the kids. My thoughts were interrupted when I was quickly ushered into an area backstage. Mrs. Stevens the event coordinator looked frantic. She clutched my arm and when she went to speak only a squeak came out. Her assistant pulled me aside. "We need you to take over as emcee," she said glancing over at her boss who was doctoring a hot cup of tea.. "Me?! I don't know anything about announcing or hosting, especially not an auction!"
The young woman dismissed my objections with a sweep of her hand, "We've seen you sell Rangeman services. Think of this as an extension of that. Besides many of the men are from your company and they will likely feel more comfortable with you nearby."
I looked out the doorway into the curtained off backstage area catching a glimpse of the guys as they put on the finishing touches on their costumes. I say costumes because they all went for a theme, looking very little like the men I knew. It seemed so weird to see them in anything besides black cargoes and t-shirts.
Cal caught my eye and motioned for me to come to him. I agreed to participate in any way I could help and pushed my anxiety about emceeing down as I went out to see what my blonde Merry Man wanted.
Cal seemed nervous. He bent down for me to kiss his flaming skull tattoo; a ritual we often did for luck. He seemed to calm a bit after I did, but grabbed my wrist before I could leave. "Do you have something to cover Flaming Fred?" he asked his eyes pleading for help. It struck me at that moment that these bad-ass men trust me enough to show vulnerabilities. I couldn't help but feel honored. I hoped they all knew that I had their backs. I think they did or they wouldn't come to me, right?
"Cal, you don't need to cover Fred up, " I said lightly touching his forehead.
"I want to get a good price for the charity," he said shifting his weight from foot to foot.
"If they don't see what I do then they aren't..." he stopped my words with a finger to my lips.
"I'm not here for a love connection Steph, just a wealthy woman to spend a chunk of change for charity,"he grinned.
"Right."
A smile grew on my face as I patted the last dab of cover up over Flaming Fred and realized what amazing friends I have.
"How do I look?" he asked smoothing out the jacket he just put on.
"Like a million bucks," I smiled.
"Thanks," he smiled and pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head.
"Hey!" Lester called, "Don't be hogging Beautiful." he said making his way over in a long terry cloth robe.
"Lester, what are you up to?" I asked eying him suspiciously.
"Relax," he said with a grin, "Everything is under control."
"That's what I was afraid of," I muttered under my breath making Lester bust out laughing as he walked away.
RANGER POV
It took a little longer to wrap up the stack of paperwork on my desk than I had originally anticipated so Babe rode over with Brown to the ballroom the charity auction was to take place. Once I had every last report read and signed I ran upstairs and took a quick shower. I couldn't help the grin I saw in the mirror when I thought about the surprise I had in store for Babe. I grabbed the bag I asked Ella to pack for us and tossed it in the back of the turbo. This was going to be a good night.
MANNY POV
"Steph never said anything about a mixer before the auction," Hal gasped just short of hyperventilating. I grabbed a paper bag off a side table and emptied the contents before handing it to him.
"Here, breathe into this kid," I instructed and slapped him on the back as I eyed the bottle of Jack Daniels that had previously occupied the bag.
I rubbed the whiskers on my chin as I contemplated the wisdom of a pre-party shot for Hal.
"What's wrong man?" Binkie asked with a slap to Hal's massive back.
"I...meet & greet..." Hal managed to say before cramming the bag over his nose and mouth again breathing heavily in and out.
"What?" Binkie asked looking from the kid to me.
"Steph forgot to mention there is a meet and greet mixer before the auction and we'll have to talk to women and stir up some interest in the merchandise so to speak," I explained with a shrug. I had never had any problem talking to women but hadn't found one I wanted to have around that long or that could handle my lifestyle.
"Ah," Binkie nodded. "Got another one of them bags?" he asked suddenly looking pale and eying the one Hal was using.
I grabbed the bottle of Jack and when I turned around to suggest we all take a pull from it Santos appeared with the rest of the guys and a handful of small plastic cups. I opened the bottle and poured a shot's worth into each cup. We all put our cups into the circle between us and Santos offered a toast. "To Rangeman raising a ton of money for the kids tonight and to us helping get Hal laid."
Hal coughed and sputtered and grabbed the bag and started breathing rapidly into it again; making the group laugh.
"Here, here," a couple of the guys cheered and we all downed the liquid courage. Hal pulled the bag away from his face long enough to down his cupful too. He didn't know I had filled his cup twice as full as the rest of us. Hector caught my eye and smirked. Nothing gets by him.
After the toast the guys dispersed and headed off in various directions.
A tiny man in a bright suit and an impeccably styled helmet of hair clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention. "Gentlemen," he said with a thick, sugar laden-ed southern accent, "The cocktail hour is about to begin. Please finish up with any preparations you have left and move to the main ballroom. It is your mission to mingle and charm this room full of lovely, rich women who are ready and eager to put down substantial amounts of money on this years FINE crop of eligible bachelors." His eyes traveled slowly down Zip's body and back up, a distinct look of desire flashed across his face before he shook his head and urged another bachelor along.
Glancing around the room I noticed most of the men were in suits or looked like they came off the pages of a men's fashion magazine. I wondered if I was under dressed for this occasion. I am not one to usually worry about appearance much but I did want to bring in a good number for the kids.
Tank was in a suit. TANK. I didn't even know they made suits that big! As he pulled on his collar, Tank had a look on his face like he'd pay someone right now to cause an emergency giving him an excuse to get out of here. Steph however would kill him if he bolted.
As I scanned the room I wondered where bossman was. Truth is, he would be the one to fetch the most money. I've seen women trip over tables and walk into walls because they were so distracted looking at him. Although I don't think he'd subject himself to this unless Steph was bidding then he would match her bid to make sure she won. I hope one day to find somebody to look at me like she looks at him. She may be my "wifey" but I wonder how long it will be before I have to give up that nickname for her because she really will be married to Ranger.
Santos strutted through the door in a monkey suit looking like James freakin' Bond! Dammit, he may actually win the bets.
Catching my reflection in the mirror I decided I could probably pass for GQ casual. I'm not enormous like Tank or Hal but I'm cut, and have good hair. The ladies seem to like my minimal facial hair. I pulled my cross necklace out of my Henley and kissed the pendant, throwing up a quick prayer that I don't embarrass myself, before tucking it back inside. It isn't the clothes anyway, right? It is the attitude- the confidence that attracts a woman, I told myself and followed the hallway into the big ballroom.
The room was bigger than I expected, set up with numerous tables and chairs. A stage was set up near the back wall with a catwalk jutting up the center of the room. We are walking a runway? Next time I am getting more details before I volunteer. After scrubbing a hand over my face to refocus, I noticed Hal in a corner by himself and a group of women sneaking glances at him.
"Hey man," I said trying to gauge his state of mind. "Want to be my wing man?" I asked, "or I can be yours."
"Wing man?"
"Yeah, you know, wing man," I said nudging him with my elbow.
"Uh, okay," he said still looking uncomfortable.
"I just thought this would be easier if we had a partner to have our backs."
His expression turned to relief and I could see his shoulders relax.
"Come on," I said, "We've got to stir up some interest so we can catch a good price."
"Catch a price?"
"Maybe I better do all the talking big guy."
Hal smiled and thanked me as his face went flush.
HAL POV
I know the guys have a lot of fun at my expense sometimes and this is one of those moments that I am really at a disadvantage. I have a hard time talking to girls; women, pretty much anyone of the female persuasion outside of my mom, or sisters and Stephanie. It wasn't always the case with Steph but she is like a sister to me now. I think a lot of the guys feel that way.
Even though it was extremely embarrassing to be tricked out of my stun gun and then stunned with it, it was one of the best things to happen to me. Steph came back later and apologized for it and gave me a big hug. At that moment it felt like something that could have happened with my sisters and she became family. She dragged me to her parents house for dinner and protected me from the grabby hands of her grandma. She has been an important part of my life ever since then and I really enjoy hanging out with her.
I am really out of my element here. I am glad Manny has taken to partnering up with me. He seems very at ease talking to women. They laugh and smile. A couple of them touched his arm and he smiles and asks them questions. It is taking all I have not to run from the room. I hope no one can see my knees shake. I've been more comfortable in combat zones than trying to make small talk with a lady.
I nearly jumped when a couple of ladies came up from behind me and each grabbed one of my arms and squeezed my biceps. In my startled state I felt myself clench and heard the ladies ooo and ahhh. I wasn't trying to flex …
Manny must see my discomfort and addressed the ladies as he extricated my arms from their clutches. "We're sorry to leave you ladies but we have to continue mingling,. We'll see you later." he said. I silently hoped not to see them again. As we moved on I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him.
"No problem kid," he said and grabbed a couple of flutes of champagne and handed me one. I saw a group of women approaching us and gulp mine down. "Slow down big guy," Manny said with a laugh. I just nodded and set my glass down.
"Hello ladies, how are you tonight?" Manny smiled.
STEPHANIE POV
When I walked into the ballroom I saw a bunch of the guys talking with a variety of ladies but it was Hal and Manny that caught my eye. Hal looked supremely uncomfortable and in need of rescuing as Manny schmoozed the group. One short and petite woman with silky looking long straight black hair was hanging on his every word. I bet he goes home with her. Manny is not as big of a player as Lester but I've heard rumors he holds his own- he is just more discreet about it.
I made a be-line for Hal to check on him. His shoulders relaxed when he saw me. He excused himself and raced toward me. I leaped into his waiting powerful arms, surrounded instantly in a big hug. He clearly needed one. I kissed his cheek. "You doing ok?" I whispered against his ear.
"Much better now sis," he said squeezing me.
"Not so tight sweetie," I grunted trying to get enough room to breathe as he clung to me for dear life. "OH, sorry Steph," he said releasing me back onto my feet and blushing profusely. I took his gigantic hand in mine and lead him to some folding chairs off to the side of the room so we could talk.
"Listen, " I said as I perched on his knee so I could look him in the eyes. "It is okay if you want to back out," I said slowly and very deliberately while cupping his cheek with my hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about how uncomfortable this would make you when I suggested it."
Hal looked at me thoughtfully for a moment then hugged me tight against him. His deep voice was soft when he finally spoke barely above a whisper. "Thanks, but I can do this. I've been a combat soldier and I've backed you up on the streets," he said.
"Hey!" I exclaimed throwing as quick elbow to his ribs hurting my elbow more than him. He just laughed.
"So after combat and spending time with me, these ladies are child's play?" I asked pulling back to look at him,
"Well, I wouldn't say that, but I can handle it. Thanks for having my back."
"My pleasure," I said leaning in and kissing his cheek, "anytime." Hal responded the way he always does and blushed bright red.
RANGER POV
When I stepped into the ballroom I noticed several things immediately as I took everything in. Babe looked beautiful in her ice-blue dress that sparkled when the light hit it. She was sitting in Hal's lap talking quietly to him and he was blushing profusely.
Manny had an attractive, petite woman following him around. Tank pulled at his tie and grabbed two glasses of champagne of a tray as a waiter passed by him and downed them both. Hector was in the corner furiously tapping away at his laptop and looked up to meet my gaze. He gave a small nod to tell me everything was secure and he had the cameras in place.
Santos was clad in a tuxedo, his hair recently cut , lightened and professionally styled. He kissed the hand of a middle aged woman with enough jewels hanging off her to warrant an armed guard as she joined the large group of women surrounding him. Santos was in his element grinning broadly as his silver tongue charmed the females around him.
Bobby was dressed in a suit with a stethoscope around his neck schmoozing a group of professional looking women. It looks like he had work done on his hair having removed the corn rows he sported last night.
Bones was flirting with some ladies, puffing out his chest in the skin tight olive drab t-shirt he was wearing with camo pants and boots looking every bit the soldier part in a movie. He saw me and saluted giving the ladies a show.
Woody looked like he stepped off a pickup truck from Texas complete with Stetson hat, Wrangler jeans, plaid shirt and boots... I had to chuckle when he tipped his hat at a young woman passing by and gave her one of his lady killer grins and the girl nearly passed out. Woody raced to her aide and caught her before she hit the ground. "You okay darlin'?" he asked guiding her to a seat and sitting with her.
Zip appeared to be surrounded by a group of older women, looking to be grandma types probably looking to set him up with their granddaughters. Better him than me I thought with as small grin.
Before I could make my way to Babe a young woman approached her and handed her a folder and guided her toward the back of the room. I followed to find out what was going on. Babe picked up a microphone and spoke into it. "Is this thing on?" she asked and a half the room erupted into laughter.
"Sure is Beautiful," Santos hollered
Babe blushed and grinned, "Thanks Lester," she called. "Can we have all our eligible bachelors back in the dressing room so we can get this charity auction underway?"
She must have seen my confusion and gave me a smile and a wink. I love when she is confident and playful. I made my way to the back of the stage where she was setting up at the podium and found a seat with my back against the wall and a full view of the room.
"OK, ladies, you had some time to meet the guys;ALL of them hotties, am I right?"
She grinned when my eyebrow shot up. "Please find your seats and we'll get started in a few minutes."
The lights dimmed and the spotlights moved along the stage.
Stephanie turned on a small lamp at the podium and took a big swig of water.
"Ladies, please bear with me as I have never hosted an auction before but anything for the kids, right? I'd like to introduce our auctioneer John Evans, John please come take a bow."
An older gentleman in a tuxedo stepped forward and the ladies applauded.
"Okay, ladies the time has come, get your checkbooks and paddles ready!"
A/N: You guys ready? Please leave some love and let me know what you think. Which bachelor is your favorite?