Chapter 32
thirty-two
Seasons Cove is one of the grandest hotels in the area. I’ve never stayed here. I’ve never been here. I’ve never even considered coming here because of the price tag associated with it.
Everything about this place is extravagant.
The tiered fountain in the center of a circular driveway.
The large white columns framing the entrance with matching palm trees on either side.
The bustle of the valet drivers as people arrive for the event.
I know my eyes must be huge when I look over at Chase as he pulls up to the valet, but I don’t care. “ This is where your company is having their Christmas party?”
He grimaces like it’s a bad thing. “I know. It’s ridiculous, but I promise we’ll have fun.”
“Chase,” I say as I look between the stunning entrance with what looks like marble stairs leading to the large doors with brass handles. “This looks like it could be a gala , not a company Christmas party. ”
He shrugs as he puts his car in park. “It’s a company Christmas party held at a place they sometimes have galas.”
“Chase!” My voice bubbles with laughter, and the corner of his mouth lifts when I say his name.
“Stay there,” he says as he gets out of the car, and I can’t take my eyes off him. He hands the keys to the valet, exchanging a quick nod and pleasantries, buttons his jacket as he walks around the front of the car, and by the time he makes it to my side, I’m buzzing with anticipation for him to touch me.
Opening the door, he holds out his hand. “Ready for this?”
Smiling at him, I let him help me out of the car. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Are you?”
Chase grins before immediately tucking me to him and kissing the side of my head. His voice is low in my ear when he says, “You make this part easy.” His words feel molten, running down my spine and spreading warmth to every part of me.
I thought the lobby had a lot to look at with its sculpted architecture and massive chandeliers, but as soon as we enter the room for the party, I’m met with even more elaborate decorations. At the far end of the hall stands a Christmas tree as tall as the ceiling, covered in glittering ornaments and extravagant ribbons. The scattered tables are covered with white linens and dark green runners. Each table has garland draped over the center with soft lights sparkling throughout, giving the entire room an enchanting glow. The six sets of double doors that line the right side of the wall must lead to a full-length balcony, and above each doorway is, of course, mistletoe.
My mind jumps to the annual white elephant party we have in the salon with all the stylists, only solidifying my awareness that Chase and I are not the same. The stark difference is the first time I feel a twinge of relief that this isn’t real.
Because outside of being Chase’s fake girlfriend, I don’t belong here .
People pack the room in every direction, and I lean in closer to Chase while I take in the scene. “You work with everyone here?”
“Not all in the same office,” he clarifies. “We have a few firms in the area, but we all get together a few times a year at events like this.”
“Well, it’s great to see the company is doing well.”
A man approaches us with his stunning and very pregnant wife. “Hey! You made it!”
Chase lets out a laugh as he shakes hands with the man. “I’m more surprised to see you here.” Releasing the man’s hand, he moves to hug his wife. “I figured you’d be having a baby by now.”
“Not yet,” the stunning blonde says with a tired smile as she runs a hand over her swollen belly. “Any day now, though.”
“Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Candace.” He places his hand on the small of my back. “Candace, this is Jeff and Sherry.”
Shaking each of their hands, I give them both a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Sherry says, suddenly looking more awake. “Seeing Chase happy with someone is long overdue.”
“Yeah, I hardly complain about anyone working too hard, but I was starting to think he’d work himself to death in that office,” Jeff adds with a laugh.
I feel like I’m missing something, but Chase just squeezes me tighter and smiles down at me. “See, you practically saved me.”
He’s so convincing in the way he looks at me. I almost get lost in his gaze until I remember to play the part. “Please.” I wave off his comment and wrap my arms around him. “I’m the lucky one. ”
Chase dips his chin. “Well, if you two will excuse us, we still need to find our table.”
“Of course,” Jeff says with a nod. “We’ll see you once you have more awards than you can carry.”
“You’ll help bring them to the car, won’t you?” Chase asks with a playful smirk.
“Only if he’s not carrying me,” Sherry adds with a laugh. “Have fun, you two!”
“It was lovely meeting you,” I say again. “And congratulations.”
The couple beams and continues to work their way through the crowd. “Not your boss, I take it?”
Chase forces a laugh that sounds more like a scoff. “No, but she’s around here somewhere.” He does a quick scan of the room but doesn’t react to anyone.
“Your friends?” I ask as soon as it’s just the two of us in a room of strangers again.
A faint smile pulls at the corner of his lips. “Yeah. They were just colleagues for the longest time, but after so many years, they’ve become good friends.”
“What did they mean by your happiness being long overdue?” It feels like too personal a question, but if him bringing me here is a big deal, I should probably know.
Chase grips the back of his neck before slowly rubbing his palm over the nape. He looks around the room. “Here, let’s sit.”
We find our names on the seating chart and settle into our chairs. Turning to face me, he leans his arm on the back of my seat. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a girlfriend.”
“Oh?” I remember all the women who tagged him in photos on social media, but I guess that doesn’t mean he actually dated any of them. Technically, it’s been a while since I’ve had a boyfriend.
He shakes his head. “Things didn’t end well with my ex, and ever since, I’ve sort of been . . . coasting.” He levels me with a stare to make sure I’m following.
“Coasting,” I say with a slow nod.
“You know, go to work, and go home. Tried going out with people when they asked, but I didn’t want to be there. I’d been in a fog, but after seeing how things went last year without a date, I needed to find someone.”
A placeholder. That’s what I am. I know that’s all I am, but I still have to fight the urge to shrink when I cautiously say, “Well, you found me.” Leaning my elbows on the table, I add, “I’m glad you were looking.”
I said it because it’s true. I’ve had more fun with him during these past few weeks than I have in a while, but the way he looks at me, like I’ve just spilled my biggest secret, has me fighting a smile.
I shake my head. “Don’t gloat.”
He holds a hand to his chest and leans forward. “Me? Gloat about the fact that I’ve somehow snuck through your defenses?”
“You haven’t snuck through anything,” I say with a playful sideways glance. “These defenses were built for you.”
Chase gets to his feet, and when I look up at him, he hooks a finger under my chin. “Now that is something I will gloat about.” He presses a kiss to my lips, and my entire body warms. “Let me buy you a drink.”
“From the open bar?”
Chase grins. “Yes, but buying you a drink sounds better.” He turns to go, and over his shoulder adds, “I’ll tip well to make up for it.”
As he walks away, I can’t shake my smile.
No one else has found their way to our table yet, so I sit alone and take in the scene around me. There are couples kissing under mistletoe, excited greetings with warm hugs, and they have an actual pianist in the corner playing Christmas classics. I never imagined I’d be at a party this fancy with a man like Chase, but I’m glad I’m here. I’m glad I get to step into these shoes, just for tonight.
After a few minutes, Chase slides into the chair next to mine and places a glass of Chardonnay on the table. “Have I told you how incredible you look?” Toying with one of my curls, he leans in closer. “I’m afraid you’re way out of my league, Candace.” I could laugh at how absurd that comment is considering I feel like I’m the one who doesn’t fit in here, but he moves to kiss my neck, and I tilt my head without thinking. It’s like my body already knows how to react in a way that will make it easier for Chase to touch me.
“I hope we’re not interrupting anything,” a voice across the table says, and my eyes fly open.