“That’s exaggerating.”
I reach for her hand, and she stares at our fingers as they entwine. Her eyelashes slowly rise to look at me.
“Haven, you coming to my defense like that meant so much to me. I was beaten down. I even felt like throwing in the towel.”
“You wouldn’t have!”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I lost the spirit for it, that’s for sure. When you work so hard to entertain people and then you’re attacked that viciously, it’s hard to try and throw another party for them.”
“The people who come to your parties now will be the people you want to be around. Good riddance to the rest.”
I let go of her hand, gently take her chin and lift it. “Can I kiss you?”
“You didn’t ask last time.”
“Was that a mistake?”
A mischievous twinkle lights her green eyes. “What do you think?”
“This is what I think.” Bringing her to me, I kiss her for the second time. Only this one feels different. She’s not a stranger to me. She had my back in a big way, and publicly said so when others didn’t. This is a woman I can trust and when you kiss someone like that, it’s truly intoxicating.
Our tongues touch and she leans into me, her arms sliding around my neck. The kiss deepens until applause erupts, and we break apart, laughing as the whole place cheers us on.
“Alright, alright!” I call out with my grin felt in every part of my body.
They settle down, all two hundred of them.
Glancing to the DJ I nod and she turns the volume down for my announcement.
I’d intended to give this later, but now feels like the time.
“This holiday has evolved over the centuries. Let’s not focus on the controversial past, because now it’s about something we can all get behind. It’s about family, being grateful for the ones who love us even when they know us.” Laughter ripples through the guests. “Friends are family, too. Our chosen family. And you’re all mine. I couldn’t be more thankful to have you in my life. That you’re still with me, means more than you know. I wake up every day grateful to be able to do what I love for a living. That I can think up ways to entertain you, take you out of your normal lives for even a little bit of time, and make you smile like you’re smiling now—that’s a gift I strive to deserve. Thank you for being here with me, for me, for you. We’re in this together.” I squeeze Haven’s hand to send that especially to her. “Thank you for being my friends.”
They applaud again, some with liquid eyes, like Zoe, who arrived in time to see us kissing. She’s such a sweet person, and I wave hello to her. She returns it enthusiastically, pointing to Haven and clapping.
Wyatt flips me off, and I laugh and motion for Saber to pump up the volume once more.
CHAPTER 16
HAVEN
I t’s a really lovely party, much more subdued than the last, but it feels right to be that way. The place is loud with easy-going conversations, silverware clinking against real plates, laughter thrown on top of music that fits the warm and friendly tone. It almost feels more wedding reception than party, but then again the holiday season has that kind of loving, gentle, celebratory feel to it when it’s done the way I like it.
The dance floor is full as Billy leads me there. He nods to Saber and she responds by ebbing the volume down and switching songs to a slower one.
Charmed, I smile as he pulls me close with a look of ownership in his eyes. I’m not sure if it’s of the party or me, but it looks good on him.
I’d look good on him.
I might have to nix my rule of waiting to sleep with someone. It feels like I’ve known him longer than I have, because of the emotional investment I put into my article about him. And coming to someone’s defense has a bonding effect, too.
Had this been a normal situation where we’d spontaneously kissed one night and then ran into each other again with no depth in between, I’d wait. Spend time finding out who he is.
Although I did think about sex within minutes of meeting him, didn’t I? Would I have slept with him on Halloween had I not thought he might be interested in his assistant?
I guess I can’t deny that chemistry is an unpredictable but very real thing. When we were eating dinner and he leaned in to ask if I liked his meatballs, he was joking, but it didn’t matter. I felt it everywhere, the way his eyes hinted at the sexual innuendo made my stomach clench with need to see him naked and give him the real answer, as crude as that sounds.
My desire for him is primal, and yet somehow softens me. I want him to lead. I’ve been watching him run the show tonight and it feels good to be his witness. I’m a little quieter than normal because I’m surprised by how much I like him. It’s overwhelming.
He’s a total extrovert I’ve noticed. The more people talking to him, the more at home he looks. His smile is constant, and infectious. My cheeks hurt I’ve been smiling so much just watching him banter with the Cockers, who all sat with us for the meal.
Bryn and Harlow sat with Nate and Wyatt, and they’re in their arms on the dance floor right now. Samantha and Zoe are laughing with a couple girls they know from church.
I spent a little while with them while Billy got called away to handle a problem, and found out that Zoe’s never had a boyfriend. Samantha just broke up with someone recently, and when I asked if there was anyone on the horizon, she stared off for a moment, looking sad, then recovered with a quick smile
