Contents
Chapter 25
Overview
Skylar confronts unexpected jealousy over West’s bachelor auction and, after encouragement and warnings from Rosie, attends the food bank fundraiser. When Bree bids on West, Skylar publicly stakes her claim with a $10,000 donation, winning the date and signaling her true feelings, escalating their relationship’s stakes.
Summary
Skylar reels from jealousy after learning West will be auctioned, recognizes how uncharacteristic the feeling is, and channels it into writing by the lake. She dresses for the town fair, then Rosie warns her that West is cautious and easily hurt, urging Skylar not to wound him. Skylar acknowledges Ollie’s growing trust and her own conflicted feelings.
At the fundraiser, Skylar and Rosie meet Tabitha, who deflects questions about her absent roommate, Rhys. Doris opens the bachelor auction with a blunt, heartfelt speech about supporting the food bank, easing Skylar’s fears about the event’s objectification.
As the auction proceeds playfully, West hits the stage to loud enthusiasm. When Bree bids aggressively up to a thousand dollars, Skylar’s insecurity spikes. West’s tense gaze meets Skylar’s, underscoring their unresolved pull.
Refusing to lose him to Bree, Skylar blurts out a $10,000 bid, shocking the crowd and setting a record. West’s intense reaction is unreadable but charged. Skylar retreats to the bar to pay, framing it as a donation, even as the gesture publicly reveals her feelings.
Who Appears
- Skylar StoneNarrator; battles jealousy, writes, attends the auction, and bids $10,000 to win West.
- Weston (West) BelmontBachelor at the fundraiser; locks eyes with Skylar as she outbids Bree, reacting intensely.
- Rosie BelmontSupports Skylar; warns her West is guarded and easily hurt; attends the fair with her.
- Tabitha (Tabby)Joins Skylar and Rosie; deflects questions about Rhys, revealing tension and secrecy.
- BreeEx-fling of West; bids aggressively up to $1,000 before being outbid by Skylar.
- DorisOrganizer; delivers a blunt, heartfelt speech to support the food bank and starts the auction.
- Auction HostEmcees the bachelor auction, announces Skylar’s record-setting $10,000 bid.