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“Yes.”
“She never….”
“Why doesn’t she come to the parties?” My brows furrow. She mentioned the Christmas event to me.
“Since her parents died in a car accident. They died coming from a party in the city. Completely intoxicated, they drove back because that’s the kind of people they were. They crashed halfway home. She hasn’t been to a party since.” I don’t believe that’s why she hasn’t been to a party, but it could be one of the reasons.
“Well, it’s been a pleasure, but I have to get back before she panics about her truck. See you later.” I take my leave, load the empty rolling cart into the back of the truck, and head back to the bakery. The trip took longer than I expected, and it’s nearly four. I drop off the truck in the back and then walk in. Bethany’s in the process of washing dishes.
“She’s clearing up front. The store’s almost closed. We have pretty much nothing left. I don’t know how she does it, but she manages to bake just the right amount.”
“What do you do here?” I ask.
“A bit of everything: bake, register, paperwork, inventory. Bestie extraordinaire.”
“Beth, has James… you’re back.” Her smile grows wide.
“I just got back. I spoke to the director for a few minutes after unloading.” I raise my brows at her.
“Uh oh, any embarrassing stories?”
“No, just a curious one.”
“Curious? The whole not going to the Christmas party thing?”
“Yes. Any reason in particular?”
“A couple, actually. At first it was my parents’ death, then it was my busy schedule, then it was the perpetual guys asking me out, and now I’m going with someone I want to go with.”
“That’s an answer I can get behind.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her flowery face until I’m groaning and ready to toss her onto the steel tables. Unable to contain myself, I tug my lips away and trail them down her neck. “Let me know if you need anything else from me.” I slowly release her, sliding her down my body so she can feel just what that kiss did to me.
“Just to be ready later. I can’t thank you enough for doing the deliveries.”
“Seeing you smile is enough for me. I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you at six, sugarplum.” I kiss her hard and walk out.
Chapter Eleven
Holiday
It’s six, and the doorbell rings. I open it in my pretty, fluffy, blue-with-glittery-silver-sparkles party dress that Bethany picked up for me today. She’s a godsend and absolutely amazing. “Wow, I can’t wait to show you off.”
“Do I look nice?”
“So enchanting.” The look in his eyes says more than his words. A low rumble comes from his chest. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the party.” We drive there and I try to make conversation, but my nerves are higher than ever.
“It’s a perfect night out, Holiday,” James says. “I can’t wait to twirl you on the dance floor.” I smile, knowing that I only want to be in his arms and it’s the only reason I’m here. We park, and he helps me out of the car. As soon as the doors open, the crowds part like the Red Sea and stare at us like a strange exhibit, but James probably just assumes it’s because he’s new in town and not that I’m some freak that hasn’t been to a party since my parents died.
“I’m so glad you made it,” Bethany says, pulling me into her arms.
“Hey, get your own date,” James snarls, smiling at her while tugging me back into his arms.
We’re quickly met with the director for the center, who thanks me for the treats. “I was so surprised you came tonight. When he said you were coming, I just couldn't believe it.”
“Ta-da. I’m here.”
“Well, it’s good to see you again, but I came to twirl my woman around the dance floor before we go home and celebrate my favorite Holiday.” James winks and leads me over to the middle of the floor where only a handful of couples have started dancing.
He spins me in close and then slides his hand down to the small of my waist just above my ass before firmly pulling me flush against his strong, taut body. “Holiday, shall we dance?”
