Most Eligible Texan

Rachel glanced down to Ellie who was quite content plucking the nose on the stuffed toy monkey. “I just never know how people will respond. Some people don’t like children.”

“I’ve never really seen myself in the role of a father, but I like kids. I mean, I highly doubt she knocked my glass down on purpose.”

Rachel settled her plate into her lap. “You can eat at the table, you know. You don’t have to sit here with me.”

All of this was too familial, and being in a situation like this with Matt only made her fantasize about things she could never have...at least not with this man.

“Tell me more about the auction,” he said, ignoring her previous statement.

“Matt, really—”

“Tell me.”

His gruff command had her pulling in a deep breath. “Alright. The bachelor auction is going to raise funds for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation. Alexis’s grandmother and Gus’s wife passed away from that. When Alexis invited me to come visit, I offered to help with the auction. I’m not quite finished with my marketing degree, but I’m thrilled to be doing something along the lines of where I want to be. Not only am I helping the cause—this will look great on a resume when I finish my degree.”

“They’re lucky to have you working on this,” Matt stated with such conviction she turned to him in surprise .

“You have a lot of confidence for someone who hasn’t seen me in a year.”

Matt finished chewing before he replied. “I know you, Rachel. Maybe better than you know yourself. You’re determined, headstrong and always looking out for everyone but yourself.”

His blue eyes locked with hers, causing a warm melting sensation to spread through her.

“Alexis couldn’t have chosen a better person for the job. You don’t need a degree to have compassion.”

She wasn’t even sure how to respond to such praise. She hadn’t been looking for a compliment. They finished their dinner in silence and Ellie played without interruption.

“Let me take the plates to the kitchen,” Rachel said, reaching for Matt’s empty dish.

“I’ve got it.”

“You’ve done enough. I can take care of this.”

His suite at The Bellamy was absolutely dreamlike. Rachel couldn’t imagine being a guest here. She’d never want to leave.

“I invited you.”

Matt took the dishes and headed toward the open kitchen area. Having a sexy man do domestic chores was something no woman could look away from. Added to that, the thin navy sweater he wore stretched beautifully across his broad shoulders, captivating her attention.

“You’re not doing anything except telling me more about the auction,” he stated. “What do I have to do as Bachelor Fifteen?”

Rachel laughed, more out of shock than humor. “You don’t have to put yourself up for auction. We have guys who will bring in the goal Alexis is hoping to raise.”

To Rachel’s surprise, Matt didn’t sit back on the sofa with her, but on the floor with Ellie. With one hand propped behind him, he rested his other arm on the knee he’d drawn up.

“So when a woman wins her dream guy onstage, or however you’re doing it—”

“In the gazebo at the TCC clubhouse,” she interjected.

He nodded. “Fine. So when a lady’s knight in shining armor steps from the gazebo and they gaze into each other’s eyes, then what?”

Rachel eased down to the floor as well and couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s probably not going to be that dramatic. But, the ladies are bidding on a fantasy date. Whatever that might be. One of our bachelors is a pilot, so the winner could also choose to be flown in his private jet to a nice dinner. All of the guys bring something different to the table, which is exactly what we want so we can appeal to a variety of women.”

“And their checkbooks.”

Rachel smiled and nodded. “Exactly.”

“How many bachelors have an island?”

“None.”

“Then count me in.”

Rachel jerked back. Ellie crawled to her and climbed onto her lap. “Just like that you’re offering yourself up?”

“It’s one date, Rachel. I’m not marrying anyone. If it’s for a good cause, and it is, I’m willing.” He handed Ellie her monkey when she wobbled closer to him. “I’ll match the donation of the bid made on me, as well.”

She couldn’t believe how easy this was. “You could just write a check if you’re only wanting to help financially.”

“Sounds like you don’t want me to be on the auction block,” he threw back with a quirked brow.

That’s precisely what she sounded like because that’s exactly how she felt. But she had no right, and she truly had no motive to keep him all to herself. Matt didn’t belong to anyone, especially not his best friend’s lonely widow.