I reached into my clutch and pulled out a red tie with a felt reindeer and a puffy nose. “That has me remembering our wager from last night.”
He took it from my hands, his expression shifting from amused to stunned. “You’re kidding.”
“I told you I’d pick my own prize,” I said, lifting a brow. “And I pickthis.”
He laughed, a real one that crinkled the corners of his eyes. “You brought a Rudolph tie to a black-tie event?”
“You called me Rudolph. Fair’s fair.”
He shook his head in disbelief, grinning as he untied the sleek black bow at his collar. “You’re trouble, you know that?”
“So I’ve heard,” I said sweetly, watching as he replaced it with the goofy tie.
“You’re lucky I like you.”
I gave him a pointed but teasing look. “You’re lucky I didn’t bring the matching antlers.”
He laughed again, and I couldn’t help smiling, warmth blooming in my chest.
Once he had the tie on, I placed my hand into the crook of his elbow as we walked toward the ballroom.
I was genuinely excited to watch the dance competitionsome of the athletes had signed up for to help raise money for the Mynt to Make a Difference charity. I’d always enjoyed watchingDancing with the Stars, and according to the charity ball flyer, this was supposed to be a lot like that, but with athletes.
As we walked, he lowered his voice, leaning in just enough that I could feel his breath against my cheek. “Just so you know…if I’d signed up for this dance competition, I would’ve crushed it.”
“Uh-huh,” I said with a grin. “Sure you would’ve.”
“Hey, don’t let the skates fool you. I’ve got moves.”
I arched a brow. “Prove it later.”
He looked over at me, eyes gleaming. “Deal.”
The ballroom doors were open, welcoming guests into a winter wonderland that looked like something straight out of a fairytale. Twinkling lights were strung across the high ceilings like a net of stars. Evergreen garlands laced with silver ribbon and red berries across the balconies and wrapped around the marble columns. Dozens of round tables were scattered throughout the space, their silver and gold tablecloths shimmering under the soft golden light, each centerpiece a snow globe surrounded by flickering candles.
At the far end of the room, a large dance floor gleamed beneath a grand chandelier made to look like cascading icicles. A stage stood nearby, trimmed with holly and gold velvet curtains, where a band was playing festive jazz covers.
Holden whistled low under his breath. “They really went all out.”
“I feel like I just walked into the Christmas edition of a royal ball,” I said, my eyes wide with wonder.
We headed toward a nearby table, where Holden pulled out my chair and helped me sit before taking the seat beside me. And even with all the glitter and glamour around me, nothing sparkled quite as brightly as the way Holden was looking at me.
A moment later, a voice rang out through the speakers, full of excitement and cheer. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Barry Mynt, and I want to welcome you to the first-everPeppermynt Twist Showdown!”
The room burst into applause, and we joined in, clapping along with the energy buzzing through the ballroom.
Mr. Mynt stood center stage, lookingextremelyfestive in a red velvet tuxedo trimmed with white satin lapels and a matching pocket square shaped like a peppermint. It definitely made him stand out, but something told me that was exactly the point.
“We are absolutelythrilledto have you all here tonight in support of the Mynt to Make a Difference Foundation!” he continued, grinning so wide it looked like his cheeks might cramp. “And let’s take a moment to appreciate this breathtaking ballroom. My incredible wife, Mary, is the mastermind behind every garland, bow, and bedazzled centerpiece you see tonight. She poured her heart—and an impressive amount of glitter—into making theMerry Mynt Balltruly magical.”
Another round of applause erupted, and Barry gave an exaggerated bow in Mary’s direction, where shestood near the front, beaming proudly in a floor-length gown covered in snowflake sequins.
“Tonight’s performers are trading uniforms for sequins as they team up with professional dancers to compete in the ultimate holiday dance-off,” Barry said, straightening his jacket with flair. “You’ll be dazzled by footwork, festive flair, and if we’re lucky, a few unexpected surprises.”
Holden leaned in, murmuring, “I don’t know what’s shinier—his jacket or his teeth.”
I bit back a laugh. “He looks like a candy cane got invited to the Oscars.”
