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“Yes. It’s important I impress upon him that he needs to change his ways.”
“Let’s hope he listens this time.” Because if there was a next time, the scenario could be far worse.
“I won’t be leaving his side until I’m positive he’s heard me.”
Given what I suspected Thaddeus had coming … “I almost feel sorry for him.” Almost.
Dax eyed me carefully. “You’re not going to ask me to show him mercy, are you?”
I almost blurted out aha.“No. Do what you feel you need to do. Just be careful. I don’t want you to become a resident of Redwater prison, and orange really isn’t your color. I swear, I’ll be so mad if you get arrested you’ll be lucky if I visit you even once.”
He stared at me a long moment, his gaze intent as that of any jungle cat, emotions working behind his eyes that I couldn’t quite distinguish. He very slowly dipped his head and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead.
I wasn’t sure what it was supposed to communicate. Gratitude? Affection? Both? Nothing?
Taking my hand, he breezed his thumb over my rings.
I licked my lips. “Okay, maybe Iwouldvisit you in prison.”
His mouth winged up. “It won’t come to that. But I do appreciate the sentiment.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Standing near the mirrored wall of the ballroom, I carefully scanned the large space. Where possible, I avoided working Christmas Eve. It wasn’t always easy, since a lot of people liked to throw parties on this particular day. Unfortunately, this was one of those years.
It also happened to be a fancy dress shindig. Women were required to wear bridal gowns, and men were required to slip on groom attire.
That included the people working the event.
As such, there I stood in my wedding dress. And I had to admit, I liked having an excuse to wear it again. Beside me, Sabrina wore an over-the-top, puffy monstrosity that she’d hired for the evening. She looked ridiculous; knew it; embraced it.
I glanced down at my watch. Another few hours to go. I was looking forward to getting home—and not simply because Dax had expressed an intention to replay our wedding night while I wore my gown. I liked to spend Christmas Eve at home, chilling and watching TV and all that holiday jazz.
I was familiar with several of the party guests, including my ex-boyfriend, Beckett. He’d earlier flashed me a friendly smile, introduced me to his girlfriend, asked me to pass on his regards to Dax, and then swanned away. It was a shame things couldn’t be so easy with Grayden, who also happened to be here and was pointedly avoiding making eye-contact with me. We’d only clashed gazes once, and his face had instantly adopted a petulant look.
Sabrina nudged me. “So, what did you get me for Christmas?”
Repositioning my headset, I threw her a quick look. “You’ll find out tomorrow.”
She pouted. “Why not just tell me now?”
“Why not just accept I’m never going to spoil the surprise that way?” I retorted. She pestered me every damn year to spill the beans before C day arrived.
She tossed me ahmph. “What did you get Dax?”
“Stuff he probably won’t be impressed by, but I figure it’s the thought that counts.”
Her mouth curled. “Just think … it’ll not only be your first Christmas together, it’ll probably be the first Christmas you guys spend alone—you’ll likely be up the duff this time next year. Oh, I do love that smile you’re wearing right now.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “What’s not to smile about?”
Her own smile dimmed as something to our left caught her attention. “Maybe that,” she replied.
Tracking her gaze, I felt my lips part at the sight of Mimi striding into the ballroom. “She cannot be serious coming here. She’s not even supposed to be in Redwater.” Going by her unsteady gait, she wasn’t entirely sober.
“Well, she is. And I’m guessing it’s you she’s looking for.” Sabrina spat a low curse. “Let’s get her out of here as fast as possible.”
We both made a fast beeline for the woman, who was already attracting attention for the mere reason that—wearing jeans and a thin sweater—she wasn’t adhering to the dress code.
