Beefcake for Charity Ch 9- Excitement and Mayhem-The Bidding Continues
A/N: First thank you for all the kind reviews, comments, story follows and favorites -it is all much appreciated! This has been a crazy story.
Thank you to the artists for the songs listed that helped inspire a fun bachelor auction.
Also an epic sized THANK YOU to Jazmitch for her support and help making sense of the pile of chaos that the auction turned into before her expert touch and flair smoothed the edges and knocked down the cobwebs. Thank you Jaz for all the support! Love you!
When I glanced back behind the curtain I saw Cal was waiting to take his place on stage.
He looked ready to go. The tune Les had chosen was familiar but I couldn't place it and it didn't start at the beginning. What on earth was Lester up to now? It took me a few moments as I searched through the musical file banks of my adolescent brain until I finally placed the tune; It was George Michael's 'Freedom'...
I think there's something you should know
I think it's time I told you so
There's something deep inside of me
There's someone else I've got to be
Take back your picture in a frame
Take back your singing in the rain
I just hope you understand
Sometimes the clothes do not make the man
Cal stepped out and casually walked up the runway and stopped at the end and looked out at the crowd. He glanced back at me with a fleeting look of uncertainty. I smiled back encouragingly at him, my heart softening at his moment of vulnerability.
"Okay ladies, they don't make this blend of sweet and sexy very often so let your bids reflect this rare find," I said. "Let's show Cal the appreciation he deserves!"
A very professional looking blonde woman with her hair pinned up and in a fancy business suit walked straight up to him, took his hand and led him to her table. He didn't look overly uncomfortable yet, so I stifled my protective streak and observed as he looked a little taken aback but followed.
Freedom, freedom, freedom
You've gotta give for what you take
Freedom, freedom, freedom
You've gotta give for what you take
She raised her paddle and gave the crowd a determined look in challenge. The auctioneer quickly announced the sale without a hassle especially when her bid was so high to start off with that no one dared to challenge it. I grinned broadly at the look of surprise on Cal's face. The woman surprised me even more when she smiled and nodded and then she grabbed her napkin, dipped it in her water glass and rubbed the makeup off Cal's forehead. I couldn't help but feel pleased that Flaming Fred was making an appearance and I approved of the fact that she knew enough about Cal to know Fred was there. She obviously knew him or at least met Cal and had her eye on him coming in.
He stood stone still as she wiped away his disguise. "That's better," she said dropping the napkin on the table. He started to say something but she placed her fingers to his lips to stop him. "Dance with me," she said and took off her jacket revealing intricate artwork down both of her arms. Cal's eyes got big and his grin followed. "Yes Ma'am," he said and took her into his arms. I barely contained myself as the look in my friend's eyes warmed my heart.
The crowd got restless watching them dance; eager to get their own date and began to chant for the next bachelor to go up for bid. I shook myself out of my reverie and returned my attention to the song starting up.
When the first few notes of the Bee Gees 'Stayin' Alive' wafted through the speakers I couldn't imagine who was next. My list said it was to be announced. I knew the next bachelor wasn't a Rangeman because all my guys were listed. Then I saw him. He was dressed in tight faded jeans, a blue button down shirt tucked in, hair curling over his collar in need of a trim and smirking at me. I shook my head in disbelief, allowing a small smile to creep on to my face.
"Well ladies you have the right to remain silent, but why would you when one of Trenton's finest is up next. Ladies start the bidding on Detective Joesph Morelli!"
Morelli strutted his stuff up the catwalk.
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk
I'm a woman's man, no time to talk
Music loud and women warm
I've been kicked around since I was born
And now it's all right, I'm OK
And you may look the other way
Joe and I didn't work together as couple but I had hope one day we could settle into a comfortable relationship as friends. I had to admit that Lester chose a song that certainly suited the man. I watched in amusement as, before the song finished Terri Gilman had purchased Morelli for charity; not that she needed to pay for him, I am quite certain they have been an item on and off for years. She wore a smug smile as he left the stage. He gave me a nod and that was the end of our contact. I wish him well and am glad he left me alone so I can enjoy my new life and my relationship with Ranger.
My "hubby" Manny was next. I choked down the rebuke that formed in my throat at the rowdy crowd's cat calls. I was starting to think we were going to have to hose these women down, it was getting all out crazy in the house. He looked really good and had a twinkle in his eye as he blew me a kiss. I couldn't help but grin at the sweet gesture; couldn't help but love my Rangemen. The moment he stepped out on the stage the first notes of Enrique Inglesias's 'Bailimos' filtered through the air.
Manny made his way to the podium extended his well manicured and tanned hand asking me to join him. I laughed, taking his proffered hand without a second's hesitation. Not unlike the Man In Black himself, Manny has a smoothness to his movements; an inherent grace to his lithe limbs; only Manny has a smaller build than my hot Cuban man. His warm hand on my back lead me back onto the the runway and I giggled as he skillfully twirled me and brought me into his arms. I was thankful I had on a swirly skirted dress with all this dancing. The woman that won a date with Manny would definitely have a good time. When he wasn't working and utilizing his company issue blank face, Manny had a quick, warm smile and was interesting to talk to. He'd be a great date.
Tonight we dance
I lay my life in your hands
We take the floor
Nothing is forbidden anymore
Don't let the world in outside
Don't let a moment go by
Nothing can stop us tonight!
Bailimos! Let the rhythm take you over
Bailimos! Te quiero amor mio
Bailamos! Gonna live this night forever
He returned me to my podium and I breathed heavily into the microphone, "As you can see ladies, Manny here knows how to show a girl a good time." I giggled again breathlessly. "Let's wrap up the bids on this smooth dancer."
Manny chuckled and shook his head as I winked at him.
BCCBCCBCCBCCBCC
Of course hoping the night would go smoothly was a pipe dream. My life does not lend itself to smooth and collected; why should this night be any different?
How Grandma Mazur got away from Ranger I will never know but here she came right up the center of the room her phone in hand like she was recording the auction for future viewing. I groaned inwardly; I was so dead. The guys were going hate me. No scratch that they would kill me. Tank would kill me. I doubted even think Ranger could stop him after this one. I was going to have to leave the country. At this point, I was almost hyperventilating.
I saw Tank step up to the entrance of the stage. Grandma stopped at the front table, center of the stage and beckoned another lady to scoot over so she could sit with an unobstructed view. Surprisingly enough the woman gave up her seat, found another chair and drug it over to the table and sat back down.
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves."Our next bachelor is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome ladies! Start the bidding for Tank!"
Tank started out across the stage. Mercifully, Lester did not have a song for him. Tank straightened his tie, held his head up high and made a concerted effort to act like he wanted to be here. He got almost to the front edge of the stage when he saw Grandma sitting front row with her phone raised clearly recording him. She appeared to be bidding. Crap, where was Ranger, why wasn't he able to stop her? I was so dead. Grandma aimed the phone out in front of her sticking her tongue out in concentration.
Tank was so focused on Grandma Mazur he stumbled. It was as if time suddenly moved in slow motion. His huge frame came crashing down and Tank hit the floor of the runway hard, shaking it's foundation. A collective gasp filled the room.
Suddenly a familiar funk came blasting through the speakers....The Commodores...
"Make a old man wish for younger days
She knows she's built and knows how to please
Sure enough to knock a strong man to his knees
She's a BRICK HOOOOUUSSE"
How Lester had that lyric ready for Tank falling unexpectedly I don't know. Tank clamored to his feet with an agility you don't expect from a man of his size. He clenched a fist which no doubt will be used to pummel Lester later. He smoothed out his suit and continued keeping an eye on Grandma at all times. She raised her scrawny arm to follow his movements carefully; her boney fingers nimbly adjusting the zoom. Her drink arrived and another lady at the table held a straw up so she could take a sip and not miss a moment of the action. What on earth was Grandma up to?
When he made the turn and headed back toward me the song changed to Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger'.
"Rising up straight to the top
just a man and his will to survive..."
Oh Lester, you are just asking for a beat down tonight, I thought, fighting down a giggle that I had no allusions were partly born from hysteria. I hoped Bobby had a full stock of medical supplies in his office!
Tank paused momentarily with his back to the crowd, his expression pleading with me to do something. What could I do? Even with Grandma bidding she couldn't win on her limited social security check. I motioned for him to go back up the catwalk toward the crowd again.
A tiny blonde woman in her mid 40's, wearing a conservative sweater set and skirt stepped toward the stage brandishing a fist full of cash and waving it all around. She approached the edge of the stage and motioned for Tank to turn around for her. He eyed her suspiciously then reluctantly obliged.
"My," she said with a lick of her lips, "You are a mountain of delicious chocolate aren't you?"
Tank visibly paled. He never wants to be the center of attention so I imagine he was horrified at the attention he was receiving now. The lady took Tank's hand and lead him to the auctioneer and pulled on the man's sleeve. "Can I pay here?" she asked. I bristled at her total lack of decorum, but before I could reprimand her for treating Tank like he was a damned stripper, I was beat to the punch.
"OH HELL NO!" Lula's voice rang out. "Take me to Tank!" she roared. Grandma hopped off her seat and raced up to the stage. She handed Tank her phone.
"Why is that tiny white lady buying you like a piece of meat?" Lula demanded clearly working up a full head of steam. It was a good thing she was only on the phone because bodies would be flying if she were here in full rhino mode.
"The bachelor auction for charity, remember?" Tank said quietly. I winced in sympathy for the big guy.
"I didn't agree to none of this!" she yelled.
Tank cradled the phone in his enormous hand and said "Lulabear, you know I only have eyes for you."
"Eyes better not be the only thing you got just for me!" she snorted.
"All yours," he assured her, "Can I call you back a little later? We are kind of holding up the show here."
"Hunh," Lula grunted "You better!"
"Promise," he said and tapped the end button and handed Grandma back her phone.
"You and me are gonna talk later," he told her and turned her around by the shoulders and nudged her toward her table.
There was a lull in the program. No one was waiting at the stage entrance when a song from an old James Bond movie drifted through the speakers. Sheen Easton began singing 'For Your Eyes Only'. I frowned and wondered what was going on. Lester had a clear plan so far; I couldn't imagine what was up his sleeve now.
For your eyes only, you can see me through the night
For your eyes only, I never need to hide
You can see so much in me
So much in me that's new
I never felt, until I looked at you
For your eyes only, only for you
You see what what no one else can see
No one's breaking free, for your eyes only
Only for you
Ranger stood up kissed my temple and whispered " I think this is my song," and started toward the stage.
"Wait, What?!" I stuttered and grabbed his hand. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Babe."
"Don't Babe me, I can't afford to purchase a date with you and I definitely don't have enough ammo to keep the women away from what's mine! You sit down." I said and pointed to his seat not realizing I just said all that into the microphone.
"You go girl!" A woman yelled from the audience. I could feel my face begin to flush. Ranger smirked at me with a very satisfied look on his face. "Yes, Ma'am," he said with a wink. But before he sat down he handed me a single red rose. His dark eyes captured mine as the song continued.
The love I know you need in me
The fantasy you freed in me
Only for you, only for you
"Damn girl kiss that man or I will!" a woman shouted from the back.
"Back off lady this one is mine!" I said and looked over at Ranger who was giving me his 200 watt smile. He stood up just behind the stage and crooked his finger for me to come to him. I leaned down from the stage; cupped his face in my hands and gave him a passionate kiss. He quickly upped the ante by grabbing me around the waist, pulling me to him into a dip and and kissing me senseless. By the time he released me my lips tingled; my face was flushed and I wasn't sure where I was anymore. The ladies whistled and applauded as I blushed a deep crimson.
Once I gathered my wits again it was time for the last bachelor. I could hardly wait to see what Lester had cooked up for himself. The music began.
"Not exactly the song I arranged," he laughed, "But what the hell?!" He shrugged and danced out to the audience and sidled up to a number of women and pulled them each into short dirty dances grinding his hips into theirs with a mischievous grin. Someone had cleverly replaced Lester's planned song with Otis Redding's
I'm a love man
Call me the love man
Ooh baby, I'm the love man
That's what they call me I'm a love man
Six feet, one weigh, two hundred and ten
A long hair, real fair skin
A long legs and I'm-a out-a sight
There ain't no doubt I'm gonna take you out
'Cause I'm a love man
That's what they call me, I'm the love man
Lester was in his element flirting and teasing and stirring up the hormones of a room full of women. He knew how to play up his strengths.
He held a blushing woman from behind; his hands on her hips as guided them with his own. He sang the lyrics into her ear.
Make love to you in the mornin'
Make love to you at night, now
Make love to when you think about it
I' gonna bet you everything's alright
'Cau-'cau-'cause I'm a love man
Ooh baby I'm a love man
That's what they call me I'm a love man
Say there goes a love man
Which one of you girls want me to hold you?
A which one of you girls want me to kiss you?
Which one of your girls wants me to take you out?
Go on I got you, gonna knock you all night
'Cause baby I'm a love man
All right, ooh, baby I'm a love man
A/N: So ladies, could you see yourself in the crowd bidding? Let me know what you think so far.