Andrew notices. Of course he does. He leans forward and takes one in his mouth.
From there, we spend the rest of the night in bed and I make it very clear to him just how sexy I think he is.
ChapterThirty-One
Andrew
The night of the party is here. I wish I could say I’m looking forward to it after all the work Kenzie has put into the party, but I can’t seem to shake the nerves that have been plaguing me all day.
I’ve never been nervous for one of the firm’s Christmas parties before—more like annoyed that I must attend—so I assume I’m nervous on Kenzie’s behalf. I want this to be a huge success for her after all the work she’s put into it. Not to mention if it’s not, I’ll feel responsible since I dragged her into this. I knew how flighty and impulsive Bethaney could be when I twisted Kenzie’s arm into taking the job. I just hope Bethaney doesn’t make any impossible last-minute demands of Kenzie.
I check myself in the mirror one last time. I’m wearing my navy three-piece suit because Kenzie insisted the blue would draw the same blue from my eyes. Since she liked that idea, I didn’t hesitate to agree. After one last adjustment to my tie, I pocket my phone and my wallet and leave my condo.
The Uber ride over to the venue feels as though it takes forever due to Manhattan traffic, so I text Kenzie.
Me:On my way now. How’s everything going?
It takes a couple of minutes, but she does respond.
Kenzie:Bethaney arrived here an hour ago and wanted to make a few last-minute adjustments but nothing I can’t handle.
I chuckle, thinking back to a conversation the two of us had on Wednesday after playing Santa. We both agreed that Bethaney would spring something on Kenzie last minute.
Thinking back to Wednesday has me shifting in my seat to adjust myself.
Neither Kenzie nor I have discussed it, but it’s obvious that what we shared that night was special and went beyond two people dating and having sex with each other. It meant something more profound than a physical release.
I arrive at the St. Regis hotel and thank my driver, stepping out into the cold night air. My breath is visible before I walk through the doors the doorman holds open for me.
I’m jittery as I head up the elevator to the ballroom. I don’t know whether it’s because I really want this to go well for my girlfriend’s sake, or whether it’s because I have to pretend she isn’t my girlfriend all night. I wish I had her at my side tonight.
The elevator reaches its destination and dings before the doors open. I step out and make my way to the entry to the ballroom, then I stand in the doorway for a moment to assess the situation.
The room looks exactly how Kenzie described it to me. Tables are set at one end of the room for guests to rest or eat after grabbing items from the different vendors, then along the other half of the room are the vendors set up like little storefronts of a small town, the dance floor filling the “road” between them.
Everything is decked out in holiday colors and decor, from the makeshift storefronts to the table linens and centerpieces. The room looks exceptional.
Then Kenzie comes into view and takes my breath away.
She looks absolutely gorgeous. Her blonde hair is down and in curls, and she’s wearing a deep-red dress with spaghetti straps that dips in the front enough to give a hint of her cleavage. The dress tucks in at her waist and cascades out. Attached to the fabric of her dress every so often are these feather-like things that make it look as if she’s almost floating as she moves around the room.
Keeping my hands off her tonight is absolutely going to be a test of restraint.
“Phenomenal, right?”
The voice draws me from gawking at my girlfriend. I turn to my right to see Bethaney standing there with a wide smile.
“Sorry?” Did she catch me looking at Kenzie?
“Didn’t everything turn out phenomenal?”
“Oh yeah, it looks fantastic.” I nod.
“Thanks again for hooking me up with Kenzie. She’s a lifesaver.”
I glance in Kenzie’s direction again. She’s talking to the DJ who’s set up in the corner. “She sure is.”
She leans in and whispers, “I know, you know.”