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“Thank you,” she says. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to run. Let’s do coffee next week when you’re back in Pasadena.”
“Sounds great,” I say. “Let’s do it.”
We all live in the same house, but we’re like passing ships in the night, especially since I’m only there to sleep and go to school these days. Our schedules are so varied, we hardly see each other. Lexi and I are long overdue for a catching-up sesh.
Lexi says hello and goodbye to everyone, then with an air-kiss and a wave, she heads out.
After an amazing four-course dinner, we all sit around the Christmas tree, drinking, telling war stories about Caltech. Just as Keith is illustrating his story about a particularly nasty encounter with one of the aerospace professors, there’s a knock at the door.
Evan, ever the impeccable host, gets up to answer the door. A handsome, six-foot-something guy is standing in the doorway. A strand of wavy dark hair falls across his forehead, and he combs it back into place with his fingers.
Evan invites the newcomer in, and they move to the living room, where we’re all sitting. He looks very familiar to me, and when he’s introduced, I realize why.
“Everyone,” Evan says. “This is Mr. Ashford Grayson. He’s a fellow Exeter House member. He lives just down the hall.”
I remember him now…the guy who came out of the mysterious locked black door in the lower levels of Exeter House and helpfully showed me to the elevator when I was lost.
We all murmur our greetings as Evan and Mr. Grayson talk briefly, just out of earshot. I watch the two men, amazed at how similar they are. Both handsome, youngish, and confident. Both rich. Shit. Is Exeter House just a watering hole for hot, insanely successful men?
Sam leans in and whispers to me, “Holy shit, Maddy. You’ve been holding out. Who the hell is this tall drink of water?”
“No idea,” I whisper back. “I only met him once, and it was really brief.”
Cassie sidles up next to Sam and me. “Oh, my fucking GAWD, Maddy! Hook me up with that one. He looks like he’d be really fun in the bedroom.”
“Shhhhhh.” I wave at Cassie discreetly. “He’ll hear you.”
Cassie laughs. “I hope he does.”
Sam rolls her eyes. “Who are you kidding, Cassie? You’re as straight-laced as they come. A man would have to provide his entire stock portfolio before you’d even consider opening those thighs.”
Sam is so frank but it’s all in good fun, and thankfully, Cassie knows that.
“Oh, my God, Sam! How dare you,” Cassie laughs. “I resemble that remark.”
“Yeah, you do,” Sam responds.
Evan and Mr. Grayson finish up their conversation, and both men turn toward all of us, sitting in the living room.
“Please excuse the intrusion,” Mr. Grayson says, scanning the room. He holds up a bottle of scotch he brought in with him. “I just wanted to stop by and offer my wishes for a Happy New Year.”
“Thanks for stopping by, man,” Evan says, accepting the bottle.
“Good night, everyone,” Mr. Grayson says, before leaving.
“Wow, Evan, you need to invite your sexy neighbors over more often,” Sam says. “Is he single?”
Evan laughs. “Ash is single, but he’s always got a woman, if you know what I mean.”
Sam and Cassie laugh, then say in unison, “Oh, yeah!”
After dinner, the caterers pass around flutes of champagne, and once we all have one in hand, Evan taps on his glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention.
“Friends, I would like to thank you for joining Madeline and me tonight. It means a lot to have you all here.” He reaches over and pulls me close against his body, one arm hooked around my waist. “Christmas is a time of warmth and gratitude, and I can speak for Madeline when I say we are thankful for each and every one of you. And as we look ahead to the future, I’ve realized”—he turns slightly to look down at me—“who I want to share that future with.”
And then he does the most shocking thing—he releases me, and one of the waitstaff hands him a small box, then Evan gets down on one knee in front of me. In front of everyone. A collective gasp fills the room.
What…the…?
