I kept my arm wrapped tightly around her while we drove toward the city. When we arrived, the party hadn’t started yet. Marcy insisted I show up early so I’d be able to greet all the guests as they arrived.
“This place looks amazing,” Julie said when we walked into the grand ballroom. “I can’t believe you did all this just for a company party.”
“The better you treat your employees and clients, the more successful your business will be.”
I grinned as Julie rolled her eyes at my professional rambling. Marcy and I spent over two months planning this party, making sure every detail was perfectly in place. Now that Julie was on my arm, I wanted the night to be even better.
“Let me get you a drink,” I said as we slowly made our way farther into the room.
“Oh, I can get it,” Julie said. “I know you have stuff to do.”
“Not yet,” I said. “Marcy took care of everything. I just have to greet the guests when they start to arrive.”
“When will that be?” Julie asked.
“Twenty minutes or so,” I said.
I led her over to the bar area and got us each a martini. Julie sipped hers slowly while I downed my first one in record time.
Julie chuckled. “It’s that kind of night, huh?”
“To be completely honest, I hate these things.,” I said with a shrug. “Besides, I reserved a hotel room upstairs, so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting home tonight.”
“Oh?” Julie eyebrows shot up so high they disappeared behind her hair.
“Oh!” I said, suddenly understanding the implications of my words. “The limo is paid for through the morning, so you’re free to leave whenever you want to. You don’t have to stay. I mean, you can… I mean, I would love it if you stayed, but…”
I realized I was rambling and quickly trailed off, letting the end of my sentence disappear. Julie just laughed and took a step toward me. She drank the rest of her martini in one gulp and then turned to order another.
When she turned back to face me, she was grinning devilishly. My stomach flipped as she moved closer. Her hand was on my chest before I could blink. Then, her lips were on mine, and the entire world disappeared.
“Having a room upstairs sounds perfect,” she whispered as she pulled away.
I grinned and wrapped my arm around her waist. The party would be starting soon, and I needed to get back to the entrance.
“There you are!” Marcy called out as Julie and I came into view. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”
“We were at the bar,” I said simply. “Marcy, this is Julie. Julie, this is Marcy.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Marcy said with a smile.
“You too,” Julie said.
“Mr. Smart.” Marcy turned her attention back to me. “The guests are beginning to arrive. The valet is directing them this way now. Are you ready to open the doors?”
“Of course,” I said. “Whenever you are.”
Marcy nodded and hurried forward. She threw open the doors to the ballroom and then stood back. I could already hear footsteps approaching.
“Marcy?” I said.
“Yes?” She turned to face me.
“Remember to have fun tonight, okay? You’ve earned it.”
Marcy smiled. Her entire body seemed to relax. Julie squeezed my arm, and when I looked at her, she was smiling appreciatively.
“What’s that smile for?” I asked quietly.