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And succeeding, whispered a voice deep in my thoughts as I gazed at the hungry look on Cam’s face. The song ended, and he guided me to the side, still staring, unable to look away.

“I’ll get you a drink,” he murmured when we reached Ivy and headed toward the bar.

“Thirsty?” Ivy asked with a smirk.

I gave up all pretenses and took a deep, shuddering breath. “He’s insinuated himself right into the middle of my thoughts. I can’t think straight.”

“Poor girl. You got it bad.” She took a sip of her holiday cocktail. “Keep it in your pants a while longer. His mama’s wanting to talk to you.”

My wide eyes shot to her face. “Really?”

She toasted me. “Best wipe that drool off your face, darlin’.”

Cam returned with a candy cane cocktail for me, and I stole a few generous, minty sips. Bennett pulled him away shortly to join the other men for manly things. With a parting kiss on my neck, he earned an eye roll from Ivy and a knowing leer from Ben.

Ivy’s father appeared at her side a while later. He was a cheerful, affable giant of a man with a loud laugh and an easy smile. He clapped me on the shoulder and boomed out how great it was to meet me, and that it was about time someone brought that Shepherd boy up to snuff.

“Oh, Daddy. Hush your mouth.” Ivy swatted him on the shoulder. “You’ll embarrass her.”

He winked merrily.

“Will my baby girl favor an old man with a dance?” He held out his hand. Ivy pretended to be put upon, but let him drag her away, all smiles.

Cool air wafted inside from the open sliders, easing the oppressive crush of bodies inside. It kissed my dewy, over-warm skin as I wandered closer, grateful for the relief.

That was where Nessa found me.

She handed me a second cocktail. “Shay, my dear. What an evening.”

Nessa was clad in a resplendent ice-white gown, bedazzled so it looked like snow. She fairly sparkled as she floated about her soiree, a snow queen with magic to match.

“The party is beautiful.” I air-kissed both her cheeks. “Gosh, but look at you!”

She waved the compliment away. “A little glitter makes an old woman feel young.”

“Didn’t you just have your twenty-ninth birthday?” I asked with a laugh.

“My twenty-first,” she replied, humor gleaming in her blue eyes. She glanced around. “Where has my son gone?”

“Bennett stole him to carouse with the boys.”

She shook her head and sighed. “Men are all the same, aren’t they? His father is similarly occupied.”

My smile dimmed at the reminder of Shep.

She gripped my wrist. “We must do tea again soon.”

“We must,” I agreed.

“The house will be a disaster tomorrow, but how about next Sunday?”

“That’s perfect. I can’t wait.”

A fond smile stretched her ruby-red lips. “I do look forward to our little chats, Shay. You are such a gem.”

A flush of heat swept up my neck, and I took another sip of the cold beverage to stifle it. “You’re too kind.”

“You know, you’ve inspired me these last weeks to tackle a little dream I’ve had for some time.”