Page 115 of Hot As Ice

She smiles. “I have some surprises planned.”

“The real Santa will make an appearance?”

Laughing, she takes a sip of champagne. “I’ll try. He might have a pretty busy night though.”

“True. We’ll understand if he can’t make it.”

“Right.” She winks, raising her champagne flute and tapping it against the lemonade in my hand. She’s like the older sister I never had. I turn to Hunter, not wanting him to feel left out. He’s scrolling on his phone, looking even more bored than when we first got to the party.

“You’re hating this, aren’t you?”

He gives me a rueful smile. “Don’t worry about me. Chat with Celeste. I’ll just sit here counting down the minutes until we can leave.”

I frown. “I don’t want you to be miserable.”

“I’m not miserable. I’m used to these things. Trust me.” He grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.

A few minutes later dinner is served, and we all busy ourselves with eating. The food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten: scallop carpaccio, potatoes au gratin, red wine-braised duck legs, seasonal roasted vegetables, and herb-crusted rack of lamb.

After eating my fill, I turn to Hunter and whisper, “I could really get used to rich people food.”

He covers his face with one hand and laughs, then leans in and whispers back, “Stick with me, then.”

About an hour into the party, the violin quartet is replaced by a lively band playing dance hits. People get up to dance and I can’t resist tapping my foot to the beat and swaying in my seat.

Hunter gets up and gives me his hand. “Let’s go, dancing queen.”

I beam as I take his hand and rise, letting him lead me to the dance floor. We dance to disco and pop hits, and even when my feet start hurting, I don’t want to stop. Hunter looks happy as he twirls me around and it hits me how much I love to see him smile, especially since it rarely happens when his dad is around.

I loop my arms around his neck and give him a quick kiss on the lips.

He looks taken aback for a second. “Let’s go back to the library. I want to bend you over a table and fuck you from behind,” he whispers in my ear.

I shake my finger at him. “Do you want Santa to put you on the naughty list?”

He bursts out laughing, then spins me around and pulls me flush against his body. “Fuck Santa.”

We both laugh, and I think laughing with him is maybe my favorite thing in the world.

Back at our table, Celeste is sitting by herself, and though she smiles when she sees us, there is a hint of sadness in her eyes.

Hunter moves toward her and extends his hand. “Will you dance with me?” he asks her.

Celeste’s eyes widen. She gives Hunter a warm smile and takes his hand. Hunter winks at me and whisks Celeste away. Warmth blooms in my chest as I watch them walk toward the dance floor. I want them to have a good relationship. I wonder where Hunter’s dad is, but secretly, I love that he’s not around. He doesn’t have to say anything or even do anything, but dark energy radiates off him in waves. It gives me the creeps.

A server comes and replaces my empty lemonade glass with a full one.

“Would you like some eggnog?” he asks.

I wrinkle my nose. “No, thank you.”

He smiles like he agrees that eggnog isn’t the best. “Let me know if I can get you anything else.”

“I will, thank you.”

Sipping on my lemonade, I’m content observing the other guests. The women look so glamorous with their gowns but also their sparkling jewelry – dangling earrings and statement necklaces that probably cost thousands of dollars. It puts the jewelry I make to shame, but I’m still proud of my designs. It blows my mind that Hunter has been around this kind of extravagance and wealth his entire life. He probably doesn’t even notice any of it…or give a fuck.

Celeste and Hunter return from the dance floor a few minutes later. Celeste has a big smile on her face, but Hunter looks ashen.