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CHAPTER ONE
. . .
Emma took a deep breath before approaching the large double glass doors leading into the posh hotel and restaurant. Tonight, she was attending her company’s annual holiday party, and inside were all her coworkers…and her boss, who just happened to be her best friend. And the man she loved.
She’d promised herself at the beginning of the year that she would do something to move out of the dreaded friend zone she’d found herself in since college. She’d spent the last five years giving her heart and soul to her best friend and his start-up company—The Ace of Spades, an online commerce site that sold anything a man could want. From clothing consisting of casual, sports, and evening wear to boats, motorcycles, and everything in between.
The mega-successful site was the brainchild of Maddox Walker, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who, through dogged determination and an in-your-face attitude, could now sit anywhere he wanted on the other side of the tracks. Heck, invitations from bluebloods flooded his inbox every day. But, to his credit, he turned down most of them, only accepting the ones that could be used to further his business. Max was a lot of things, but driven was the word that described him best.
Other than sexy, drop-dead gorgeous, and way out of her league.
The doorman nodded slightly as he opened the door for her. She smoothed her hand down her side, feeling the smooth velvet of the dress beneath her palm. It was the sexiest dress she had ever owned or dared to wear. The dress hugged her abundant curves, covering her entirely while leaving very little to the imagination. She felt sensual and self-conscious at the same time. “I can’t do this,” she muttered, her steps faltering.
“Stop it, Emma,” a voice half-hissed, half-shouted in her ear. “You look great.”
Emma grimaced at the woman in front of her, Stacy Anderson, also her best friend, but not for as long as Maddox had been. Emma and Maddox had met when Emma was a freshman in college, and Maddox was finishing up his MBA. There was a seven-year age difference, which was one of the factors that contributed to the fact that they had never hooked up.
Well, that and her very curvy body.
And the fact that he was drop-dead gorgeous.
Had she mentioned that already?
She and Stacy had been friends since the other woman had come to work at The Ace of Spades two years ago. It was nice to have a female friend. Emma had spent most of college and the years that followed simply living in Maddox’s shadow. She hadn’t minded…then.
“You have to say that since you’re the one that convinced me to spend a month’s salary on this dress.”
“I don’thaveto say anything. I say it because it’s true. But thank goodness you took my advice and bought some clothes that actually flatter your amazing figure.”
Emma knew Stacy spoke the truth—well, told the truth about her clothing. Emma always wore things that were usually two sizes too big and mostly bought from thrift shops. Her wardrobe consisted mostly of jeans, sweats, and oversize tees. She and Stacy had spent the last two weeks shopping in exclusive stores that made Emma feel like a fraud. She liked her jeans and t-shirts but had gone along with her friend’s efforts to update Emma’s wardrobe and, in Stacey’s words, ‘find clothing that actually made the most of her voluptuous curves.’ Although Stacy had allowed her to keep some of her vintage clothing during the whirlwind decluttering of her closet, the space in her bedroom was now filled with clothing more similar to the dress she wore. Now, she wondered if she’d made a mistake.
She felt…exposed.
Would Maddox know she’d done this for him?
Emma had long ago accepted the fact that she was a big girl. She’d tried diets, both fad and doctor-recommended. Nothing had worked long-term, so she’d given up on those, and now, she simply tried to eat healthy and walk at least four times a week. Her efforts seemed to be working. She’d slimmed down a little, making the hills and valleys of her body a little more feminine and less…well, jiggly. But there had been no significant weight loss.
Emma knew nothing would give her the willowy, stick-like figure that Maddox seemed to prefer in his women. She gave a huge sigh, wondering how she was going to make it through tonight. He would undoubtedly be here with the usual Barbie-doll blonde on his arm. Maybe two. Sometimes he dated them in groups, it seemed.
“What if this is a big mistake?” She voiced her earlier thought aloud.
“Stop that,” Stacy chided again. “Tonight, you will show that man exactly what you are made of.” She stepped back, giving Emma a satisfied nod. “Sweet, delicious curves.” With a grin, she twinned her arm through Emma’s and marched them forward.
Emma would have just as soon as stayed in the small entryway for the rest of the night. Actually, she would have preferred it.
Since it was close to Christmas, the hotel was truly decked out in holiday splendor. Noticing the giant evergreens with their large red and green ornaments, snowflakes, and many other iconic Christmas symbols, Emma felt a slight stirring of happiness that she had come to the party after all. She loved Christmas. Everything about it. From the carols, corny romantic movies, and festivals with handmade crafts to hot chocolate, comfy pj’s, and snowy winter nights in front of a roaring fireplace.
Of course, each of those things would be all the sweeter if there was someone to share them with—someone she loved and who loved her back.
And that thought brought on a deluge of images of Maddox—doing each activity with her and more. Stealing kisses in the snow and making love under the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree were just two of the many fantasies she’d envisioned. She had quite the romance with him—in her mind.
Even though it had just started a half hour ago, the party was in full swing. The room was crowded with her coworkers and their spouses and significant others. Holiday cheer flowed freely, as did the expensive champagne Maddox preferred. Emma’s plan was to arrive late, which she’d accomplished, and leave after she’d poured her heart out to Maddox.
She knew Maddox usually only put in an appearance toward the end of any office event and didn’t stay long after his perfunctory speech. He was, to put it bluntly, somewhat of a scrooge. And a Grinch. Early in their relationship, she found out that Christmas and Maddox didn’t mix very well. She couldn’t blame him. He’d lost his parents at a young age and been raised by a very strict grandmother. From what he’d shared—which was just the bare minimum of his life, there had been very little time or money for fun and frivolity growing up.
Emma’s life had been the exact opposite. Her mother had always ensured Christmas was the most special time of year. Her father had supported her mother’s almost obsession with the holiday with indulgence, support, and love.
“Come on, let’s find Scott.”
