I glanced around, searching for Kane, hoping he’d arrived before me and hadn’t been made to shift into his reindeer form for entertaining the humans in attendance. I spotted him in the back corner as he raised his hand, a soft grin across his lips. I hoped that meant he was happy I came.
As I made my way to him, I recognized some of the people in the room. Aside from Kane’s co-workers, I’d met some of the donors at various work functions. Not the galas but various vendor meetings and promotional events. They owned and managed the businesses that worked alongside Adan Records. Which meant they likely knew my dad.
Ignoring the stares and whispering behind hands, I focused on my date. Wearing a green sweater and white pants, he seemed the opposite of me in terms of fashion. At least we didn’t clash.
I hung my coat over the back of the chair across from him. It was a two-person table against a bench seat that spanned the entire wall. With the unwanted attention of some people in the room, I was glad it would be just the two of us sitting together rather than being stuck trying to make small talk with anothercouple or two. Hopefully, it would give me a chance to get to know him better. The wolf in me didn’t like me having my back to everyone, but I supposed it was better than being aware of the conversations of others.
Kane stood before I had a chance to sit. “Hi.” He took hold of my hands and leaned forward, giving me a flutter soft kiss on my cheek. “I’m glad you made it.”
My brain and heart tripped over each other as guests in the room made their opinions known about the interaction. The voices of Kane’s co-workers were the loudest, familiar cheers of encouragement, yet not enough to cover the unapproving guffaws.
I gently squeezed his hands and focused on him, the only reason I was there. “Of course. I would never turn down an invitation from you.”
As his cheeks turned pink, I let go and followed his lead to sit.
“No, seriously.” He reached out across the table. “At first, I didn’t think I wanted a date to this thing, but once I got here, I was glad I’d invited you.”
“I understand.” Probably more than he realized. “It’s different dealing with these people one on one than being in a room with a bunch of them at once. I know some of them from my work dealings, and I would never want to be here on my own.” When I grazed my fingers over his, his wary smile turned brighter.
“I ordered you the meat dinner. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course.” I took his hand and kissed the top of it, making him blush even more. “How are the donations coming along?” As much as I wanted to explore more of the cute omega, I didn’t want to embarrass him and make him regret inviting me, especially with this crowd.
He leaned back with a sigh, even as his smile remained. “They’re finally coming in, thanks to the spot you did on the news, but demand is so high this year, making the finish line seem so far away still.”
Unfolding my napkin, I set it to the right side of the table. “I’m hoping to do one more call for donations at Adan before the holidays. What are you in the greatest need of?”
Kane’s bottom lip trembled as he played with his hands in his lap. “You’ve already done so much. We appreciate it all and won’t have a problem fulfilling toy requests this year.”
“Ah, but that didn’t answer my question.” I found his shoe under the table and moved mine against the side of his.
With a slow blink, he took a deep breath. “I guess we need money the most. For fresh food. We try to give our recipients things like potatoes and fresh vegetables. Even some turkey for the meat eaters. That way, they can have a nice dinner, too.”
“Let me see how much more I can get from those at work before they all go on holidays. I’m sure they’ll feel more generous as the holidays get closer.” I knew most of the artists could afford it since they were planning on going on cruises and tropical vacations for Christmas.
“Well, we’re all grateful for any donation, big and small.” He rubbed his shoe along mine.
I had the urge to take his hand and lead him to a private area where we could do more than touch our hands and feet together. If only the servers hadn’t come in with our food right then.
It was a delicious meal with generous portions. The first Christmas party I’d been to without any alcohol or dancing. Two hours after I’d arrived, many guests had already left.
“Would you like a ride home?” I didn’t know if he’d driven himself, but in no way did I want Kane to have to walk or take public transportation when it was so dark out.
“Only with the understanding that you drive me directly home and I am not inviting you into my place.” His playful grin made my wolf want to challenge his words.
“What about a goodbye kiss? Can I, at least, have that?”
“Depends on how good of a kisser you are.” He winked at me before grabbing his coat and heading for the exit. “Don’t forget to grab a gift bag.”
“Gift bags?” I asked after catching up with him in the main foyer of the restaurant. “Why would a charity give out gift bags to their donors instead of those in need?”
Kane shrugged as he slipped on his jacket. “They’re filled with donated items from local businesses. Those places want the donors to shop at their stores, and many of the big donors like when their donation comes with something in return, like the dinner and gift bags.”
I was confused. “Isn’t seeing the good they’re doing in the community enough?”
With a chuckle, Kane shook his head. “For a rich person, you certainly are naïve.”
“I’m comfortable but not rich.” I held the door open for him as we stepped out into the cold evening air. “And I wasn’t always that way. My mom struggled to raise me on her own for most of my childhood. I’ve been in the position of those who use your services.”
