This was so comfy and affectionate, I’d almost think this was another private party. I nestled my nose against his chest and enjoyed the mix of old spice and musk with a hint of whatever fish they’d cooked for the party. My mouth watered as I snuggled in. “Something smells good, and it’s not just you.”
He snorted. “They’ve been cooking for two days.”
“So, is there finally enough food for you?” I smirked.
His eyes darkened with good humor. “I was testing a snowblower all morning, so I needed to feast. But I was nice. I only had three helpings.”
“Only three?” I laughed.
“Wanted to show my respect. Half of these people have hired me for snow removal, maybe some landscaping.”
I smacked his pec. “Congratulations. Business is booming.”
He nodded. “We’ll see what happens in spring. Can I take your coat?”
“Yes, thank you.” I unzipped, then shed my outer layer.
His gaze dropped, as did his jaw, and he fumbled for my jacket. “I thought you were saving the red dress for a special date.”
I shrugged. “This is special.”
I was meeting his whole extended family, his church people, and whoever else was lucky enough to ring in the new year with them.
Zack’s lip twitched. “I meant a Valentine’s date. But you do look amazing.”
“Maybe I’ll wear it again soon. We’ll see.” I kissed his cheek, then rubbed away the red smudge of lipstick. “I’m going to say hi to everybody.”
“Okay. I’ll come find you,” he said.
I smiled obligingly and held my head high as I strutted through the crowd. Whispers worked through the room, though with this group, it was still pretty loud.
“That’s Nicole, Zack’s girlfriend,” one person said.
“The model?”
“So beautiful.”
“I thought she worked at Fancee’s.”
“Maybe she worksforFancee’s, for their catalogs or online pictures.”
“He’s never looked so happy.”
The last part was the only thing related to my reputation that mattered to me. I grinned and slid into the dining room, where various crayons and paints had taken over the table. At the end of the table, Harvey sat with Shelby. He circled a soft brush against her cheek, eliciting her sweet, tinkling laughter.
May gasped and sprinted from her seat to hug me. “You came.”
“Yes, I—oof,” I wheezed. Her tackle-hug winded me for a second. I patted her back. “How are you?”
“I need help deciding what animal to be,” she said very seriously. She took my hand and led me to a children's book by her chair.
Inside, there was a cute breakdown of Chinese zodiac signs by animal and personality. Oxen were hard-working and generous whereas rats were cunning.
“You can be anything you want to be,” I said. “What’s your gut feeling?
She screwed up her mouth. “Maybe a rat because I like cheese.”
I stifled a laugh. “That’s a good enough reason for me.”
