Everly chews her lip, a fine distraction since my emotions waffle between playing it cool and wallowing in insult. When did I turn into a baby?
You’re screwing up, Knox.
Sighing, I drag my hand across my cheek and mouth. “Tired is tired. Comparison is pointless. People have different strengths, and different things make different people happy. Everybody carries their own load, no matter how it’s structured.”
Not exactly bringing the holiday cheer, am I?
It isn’t Everly’s fault that exactly one year ago tonight, my world imploded.
The maps app leads us astray, and by the time we pull up to the hotel, the valet line is long and we’re twenty minutes behind schedule.
Everly checks her bracelet watch. “I hope they haven’t started serving dinner.”
I frown, remembering the spiky silvery heels on her self-confessed tired feet, I unbuckle my seatbelt. “Tell you what. You get out here, and I’ll park the car.”
She protests as I knew she would but then allows me to play gentleman. We meet on the driver’s side, and I ease the berry red wrap onto her shoulders. Her hair smells like sweet apple as I free it from the faux-fur collar, touching my nose to the tresses.Party without us, guys. We’re good on our own.
“Feels like that arctic front they’ve been warning about is moving in.”
“Fantastic.” I slide my hands along her waist, separating with a pat. “Now, get out of this wind. I’ll catch up in a minute.”
Thanks to the ominous, biting gusts, my hair requires a swing by the restroom once the car is parked and I’m inside the hotel lobby. When all hairs are where they should be, I tuck my handy dandy comb into the inside pocket of my suitcoat and take a once-over gander in the mirror. Eh. Maybe I do clean up alright.
I locate Everly with her fingers coiled in a death hold on her beaded clutch. A fichus tree near the elevator bank provides cover as if she’s playing spy. I stop in front of her, fighting a smile.
“Why did my boss have to invite me to this shindig? I’m perfectly fine getting to know my coworkers in the office. In January.”
I give her the side eye. “Excuse me, but are you the same lady who went scorched earth on some poor customer for supposedly not paying?”
Tucking her thumbnail between her teeth, she peers past my shoulder. “I hate meeting new people. And crowds.” Her gaze sweeps the entrance to the ballroom. “Definitely crowds.”
“That surprises me.”
“Seriously? I chose a career where my job is to lock myself in a quiet office and pore over paperwork and law books all day long. Pay attention, Herd.”
Ah, there’s the spunk. I laugh, slipping my arm around her waist. “Come on, girl. You’ve got this.”
Her ruby lips glide into a smile that waters my mouth. Everly nestled in the bend of my arm is its own kind of magic. A kiss by midnight? Yep, that’s the plan.
Chapter 19
Knox
As we make the rounds, Everly leans into me, and I feel like I’ve won the lottery. Died and gone to heaven. Something along those lines.
At first, she clutches my hand as if she’s afraid I’ll run—or maybe, as if my presence gives her strength. She is smart, capable, and exudes strength in every other setting, but I’m happy to be here for her if my presence lends courage or shores her up.
Little by little, her grip eases as we’re greeted by her boss and she’s introduced to new face after new face. For the most part, her new coworkers are friendly and welcoming. More than once, I catch some of the men checking her out, which makes me pull her closer. Hopefully I’m not overstepping.
Eventually, we’re seated at a round table set for eight on the edge of a parquet dance floor. Christmas tunes make merry through the speakers, but no one is using the wooden square for its intended purpose. Will they after dinner? I’m not known for being light on my feet.
The ballroom is brought to life with the sparkle of crystal chandeliers. Along the perimeter of the room, red uplighting has been added, presumably for the Christmassy occasion.
The table we’re led to fills with faces we’ve already met. Everly visibly relaxes as the meal rolls on.
After dessert, the instrumental Christmas music changes to dancier tunes, and the floor begins to fill. I lay my hand on Everly’s. “Would you like to dance?” For her, I’ll rise to the occasion.
She glances from me to the increasingly crowded dance floor, teeth working her bright lip. I’ve seen more display of uncertainty tonight than in all the time I’ve known her. She’s an introvert operating incognito, something I hadn’t realized until now. Out of her element, a new side of her shows.
