Since I was the unofficial moderator tonight, I set my cup down and headed to him with large, determined strides. Winston trained that molten gaze of his on me, looking me up slowly. So damn slowly. It set me ablaze. The man had been in the same room with me for all of two minutes and I was already on edge.
How was I going to get through the evening?
“You’re wearing the hairpin,” he murmured when I reached him.
“Of course. I love wearing my gifts.”
“Noted.” His solemn expression gave way to a smile.
“So the party has started, obviously. Everyone’s been waiting for you to get to the gift-exchanging part. Afterward, the catering company will serve more substantial snacks.”
“And then there will be dancing?”
“Yes,” I confirmed.
“Ready to keep your promise? I want to dance with you tonight, Sienna.”
“Oh...” I didn’t know what else to say. I hadn’t expected this. I hadn’t even thought Winston would want to dance (or that he knew how). “I need to get the gift exchange started.”
“Go ahead.”
I turned on my heels and headed to the Christmas tree. I’d volunteered to do the intro, explain how Secret Santa worked, and generally just lift everyone’s spirits. Winston watched me the entire time.
The gift exchange was a cute, slightly awkward affair, mostly because of Winston’s presence. No one knew how to act around him. Jane was all stressed out when he opened his gift. Winston looked perplexed, holding the socks, but he saved it with a curt thank-you and a real interest in the book I’d bought.
I’d gotten a vial of perfume and a pair of gloves from the operations manager, Eleanor. I immediately sprayed the delicious floral scent on myself and tried on the gloves. They fit me perfectly. I loved them.
After all presents were exchanged, the caterers brought in food and more drinks.
I made the rounds, happy that this party seemed to have exactly the effect I’d hoped for. Everyone was relaxing, enjoying themselves. I’d almost forgotten about my promise to Winston... until the DJ changed the music from slow Christmas songs to rhythmic pop interpretations that were perfect to dance to.
I was at the buffet, refilling my cup with punch. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Winston approach me with quick strides. My entire body strummed to life, pulsing with anticipation. When I felt him right behind me, I gripped my cup tighter.
“Sienna.”
“Winston.”
“I want my dance.”
I hadn’t realized how close he was until I felt his breath on the shell of my ear with every word.
“Just one, yes?”
When he didn’t answer, I cocked my head in his direction. He was flashing one of his devious smiles.
“We didn’t agree on a specific number.”
I laughed, pressing my palm against my stomach, hoping to appease those pesky butterflies roaming around. I should have seen this coming.
“Fi
ne, but I have one rule.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Suddenly allowing me to set rules?”
“Didn’t say I’ll agree.”