Chapter 20 #2
Maddox shook his head. "I've been single for a while. The guys like to set me up on blind dates."
Eve rolled her eyes. "I'm being fixed up with firefighters now."
I could imagine how men would react to a beautiful woman showing up at the firehouse in a slinky red dress. I'm sure she was popular.
"But we have firetrucks in the parade," Eve said as if it was worth it.
"Do you have a Santa for the firetruck?" Natasha asked Maddox.
Eve gave him a look. "We're still working on that. I think that because I brought him as my date, he should be Santa."
"I'm supposed to be the next fire chief. I'll look ridiculous in a Santa suit."
"It will endear you to the community and the children," Eve said sweetly.
"I get along just fine," Maddox grumbled.
Eve placed her hands on her hips. "Your boss didn't seem to think so. He said you needed to revamp your image with the public."
Maddox waved a hand. "I'm nice."
Eve gave him a look.
I didn't know what was going on between these two, but I was positive Eve wasn't focused on Natasha and our relationship. She had her hands full with whatever deal she'd negotiated with the fire department.
"I think I need another drink," Natasha finally said during their standoff.
Eve turned to face Natasha. "I want to know what's going on with you two. But I'm hosting this shindig."
Maddox offered Eve his hand. "I think we're supposed to be dancing and looking happy."
"I can't be expected to work miracles," Eve grumbled but placed her hand in his.
Maddox led her onto the dance floor where they seamlessly blended with the other dancers.
"I've never seen Eve so off balance from someone before. She's usually so put together.”
"Maybe she’s off balance because she’s hosting this party and taking Maddox as her date."
"She doesn't look happy. Should I be concerned?" Natasha asked.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Absolutely not. She got herself into this situation."
Natasha curled her hand through my elbow. "If she's focused on Maddox and the rest of the fire department, she can't ask questions about us."
"That too."
Then she looked up at me. "Let's dance. I want to give you the full holiday-ball experience."
I allowed Natasha to pull me onto the dance floor. "I'm impressed that you do this every week. It seems like an undertaking."
"We encourage the guests to come, and we get quite a few locals too. It's a fun date for newer couples and those who've been dating for a long time. Everyone likes to get dressed up every once in a while. It's a nice way to show the woman in your life that you care about her."
"Now you sound like a businesswoman again."
Her nose wrinkled. "Sorry. It's hard to turn off."
We danced passed Eve and Maddox, who'd stopped to talk to a little girl who was decked out in a dress with a tiara on her head.
"Kids love the ball too. They get their hair styled and their own ball gown."
"You've thought of everything."
Natasha chewed her lip. "You think that's Maddox's daughter?"
The little girl was holding Maddox's hand. "Maybe. Is that a problem?"
Natasha sighed. "I guess not. I just worry about my sister."
"She's an adult. She can handle herself." I spun her away from her sister. I wanted her to relax and enjoy the night.
"I've always looked out for her, but ever since our parents died, I feel like I have to stand in their role too."
"I don't think that's how it works when your sister is an adult."
She blew out a breath
"If you want your sister to stay out of your life, you have to stay out of hers. She's a big girl and can make her own decisions." I was drawing on my experience with Aspen.
"I suppose you're right." Then she looked up at me. "This is supposed to be your night at the ball."
"Am I Cinderella in this situation? Will I turn into a pumpkin at the end of the night?" I asked cheekily.
She giggled, and when she recovered, she said, "I don't know. But we're going to find out."
I loved that I made her laugh. I didn't want her worrying about her sister. This was our night.
We danced for a few songs, then stepped away from the dance floor to get a drink and rest our feet. Even though we weren't part of the firefighter family, we fit in just fine.
Eve held up her end of the bargain, spending the evening with Maddox and his daughter. They left early, probably because the girl had to get to bed.
Natasha squeezed my hand, pointing with her free one at the clock that read eleven p.m. "You want to go up to my room before you turn into a pumpkin?"
"That sounds perfect." I couldn't wait to be alone with her. As nice as it was to dress up for one night, I preferred Natasha in nothing at all.
Upstairs, I took my time undressing her, laying her ballgown carefully on a chair before stripping her bare. Then we kissed as I lowered her onto the bed. I came over her, enjoying every inch of her body pressed against mine.
When I entered her, there was no rush. I had all night to savor her. When we crested the wave, we did it together. The moment was sweet, a memory I'd carry with me forever, no matter what happened.