Melting the Ice

FIFTEEN

IT WAS A GOOD THING THAT TODAY WAS CHRISTMAS Eve, and Carolina was too busy wrapping and baking and doing a million other things, so she didn’t have time to think about last night with Drew.

So much for maintaining their distance and keeping things impersonal between them.

She ached from last night. Parts of her were tender. And she wanted more.

How was she going to survive the next two days with him in the house? How was she going to keep her family—mainly Gray—from finding out about the two of them?

She wasn’t certain how Gray would react if he knew there was something going on between her and Drew. Gray and Drew went way back, all the way to their wild partying days at college. Gray knew Drew as well as anyone, knew how Drew was with women. There was something about guys not wanting their best friends to date their little sisters, some unwritten code or honor or some ridiculous man-code bullshit like that.

“Is it safe for me to enter?”

She looked up from her spot in the family room, where she had a wide swath of wrapping paper and shopping bags. She smiled at Evelyn. “I wrapped your presents an hour ago. Come on in.”

“Great. I’ve been wrapping for two hours straight and I needed a break.”

“Ditto.” Carolina stood and stretched. “Have you seen my mom?”

“Yes. She hightailed it out of here about an hour ago with your dad. They were going to a neighboring ranch—something about seeing some old friends?”

“Oh, right. The Nelsons. How about we hit the kitchen for some tea?”

“That sounds like a great idea. I don’t know about you, but my back is killing me.”

Carolina laughed as they crossed the foyer and went down the hall toward the kitchen. “Mine, too. And did you notice when the word ‘wrapping’ is mentioned, all the men are suddenly scarce?”

“Yes. Gray said something about them going to the lodge to play golf since the weather is so nice today. I think they were just trying to escape having to wrap presents.”

“Or maybe they’re doing last-minute shopping.”

They entered the kitchen and Carolina poured two glasses of iced tea.

“God, I hope not. I’d like to think Gray had the presence of mind to have done his shopping weeks ago.”

They took a seat at the table. “Seriously, Evelyn? He’s a man. They never think ahead.”

Evelyn sighed. “You’re right. They’re probably at the mall now, along with every other guy in town, with that deer in the headlights look they all get because they’ve waited until the last minute to do their shopping.”

“Which means you’ll get a toaster for Christmas. Or gloves.”

“Or kitchen towels or something equally hideous. Ugh.”

Carolina laughed. “Which makes me glad I don’t have a man in my life. See? This way I’m not disappointed in gifts.”

“What about Drew? Surely he’ll give you something.”

“Why would Drew get me anything?”

“Because the two of you are in a relationship?”

Uh-oh. “No we’re not. He’s only here because I found out his family wasn’t going to be around for the holidays. And of course, because he’s Gray’s friend.”

Evelyn gave her a look. “Honey, this is me you’re talking to, not your brother. I see the way he looks at you, and the return looks you give him. You might be able to fool your mother and your brother, but I’ve had the hots for a guy before—your brother, as it was. I know when a woman is lusting after a man, and you are definitely in full-on lust mode.”

Defeated, she leaned back in the chair. “And I was hoping not to be so blatantly obvious about it.”

“Oh, it’s not obvious. At least not to everyone. You and Drew did a fine job last night of appearing like you weren’t even breathing the same air. But you smiled at him, and then he smiled at you, and I just so happened to be looking at both of you when that happened. Oh, the chemistry between the two of you is explosive.”

She sighed. “It is, isn’t it?”

“And you two share a history, if I recall. From back in college?”

“Yes. And not a good history, either.”

“I remember that somewhat contentious reunion last year here at the ranch. So you’ve forgiven him for how he treated you back then?”

Carolina shared Drew’s apology, and what had transpired between them since then.

“It sounds to me like he’s been trying to make amends.”

“It seems that way, but my career right now is vitally important to me. I don’t really want to get involved with anyone, least of all Drew.”

Evelyn nodded. “I understand. The timing of Gray and I getting involved couldn’t have been worse. But love happens when you least expect it to.”

“Love? We’re not anywhere close to being in love. This is just lust and an incredibly hot sexual attraction. It’ll burn itself out in due course.”

Evelyn gave her a lopsided smile. “Sure it will, honey.”

“Seriously, Evelyn. That’s all it is. I wanted him for so long back in college. And now that he’s reentered my stratosphere and seems genuinely interested in me, it just seems natural for me to want to take advantage, you know? There’s nothing else to it. We’re so cosmically different in every respect. He’s a hotshot athlete, and my future is in fashion. We have nothing in common other than the sex.”

“Right. And Gray and I were so well matched, what with me being in politics and him being in auto racing.” Evelyn gave her a pointed look.

“That’s totally different.”

Evelyn arched a brow. “Is it? People have fallen in love and have found a forever together with much less than what they do for a living as a foundation, Carolina.”

“I have zero intention of falling in love with Drew. So I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell your brother about this. I wouldn’t want anything to come between Gray and Drew’s friendship.”

“Of course. Anything you tell me stays strictly between the two of us, as long as it doesn’t directly harm Gray. And as far as I’m concerned, your relationship with Drew is none of his business.”

Carolina laid her hand over Evelyn’s. “Thank you.”

“Just be careful of your heart, Carolina. You might be surprised what could happen between you and Drew.”

“Honestly? I’d be very surprised if we’re still seeing each other after Christmas. Other than him being involved in my fashion line, we’re just using each other for sex.”

Evelyn laughed. “Well, at least enjoy that part.”

Carolina smiled. “I intend to.”

DREW AND GRAY RETURNED SEVERAL HOURS LATER, their faces windburned. Obviously, they had been at the lodge playing golf.

“Was it cold?” Carolina asked as they grabbed a beer and took seats with her and Evelyn in the living room.

She’d finished up her wrapping and all the gifts now sat under the tree.

“Nah. Weather was in the sixties today. Just a little windy,” Drew said.

Gray grinned as he pulled Evelyn in closer. “Perfect day for golf. There were surprisingly a lot of people there. You’d think the place would be deserted, since it’s Christmas Eve.”

“No doubt all those men trying to hide out from last-minute shopping or wrapping duties,” Evelyn said with a nudge to Gray’s side.

“Ouch. And hey, I did my shopping weeks ago. If you’d check under the tree, you’ll see there are gifts for you.”

“Hopefully none of those gifts are toasters.”

Gray frowned. “Why the hell would I get you a toaster?”

Evelyn looked at Carolina, who laughed. “Why, indeed.”

Carolina’s mom and dad showed up about four. “Sorry we’re late, but we had such a nice time catching up with the Nelsons. And they’re coming over for the party tonight.”

Carolina stood. “I guess that means we should go get dressed.”

“Yes, we should, since the first guests will start arriving by six,” her mother said.

Christmas Eve had always been a special event at the Preston Ranch. Aunts, uncles, and cousins were going to be in attendance. Neighbors were invited, too, and since this year her father was the vice president, local media and special guests of the state would also be allowed in, though only briefly, to catch up on what Mitchell and Loretta Preston were doing to celebrate the holidays in their home state.

Which meant everyone was required to dress up. The house had been exceptionally decorated, though that was the norm every year, anyway. Carolina went upstairs, took a shower and did her hair and makeup, then selected a dress she’d made herself, a black cap-sleeved cocktail dress with a curved neckline. She wore her grandmother’s pearls and a pair of slinky silver heels. Conservative for a family party and for the daughter of the vice president, yet still fashionable.

The caterers had come in while Carolina had been upstairs getting ready. Hors d’oeuvres were set up, waiters and waitresses were milling about, and champagne was flowing.

She’d spent so much time immersing herself in work, that this was a nice interlude. Relaxing with her family and getting caught up on what everyone had been doing was a nice way to push work out of the way for a while.

And spending time with Drew wasn’t a bad thing, either, though her talk with Evelyn earlier was worrisome.

She wasn’t getting involved with Drew. She knew—and she was certain he felt the same way—that this was just fun and games. Just sex, and nothing more. They shared a mutual attraction that was going to burn itself out in a short period of time. Drew was the kind of guy who had a different woman every month. She’d read about him, had kept tabs on him over the years. He never had a serious relationship, and it seemed as if there were always reports about a new woman in his life, and never anything serious.

He didn’t do relationships, which suited her just fine, because she didn’t either. She focused solely on her career, and so did he. In that respect, they were perfect for each other.

She was already practicing in her head what she’d say to him after Christmas. He’d be on board. In fact, he likely had the same speech. After all, he was probably used to breaking up with women. He’d appreciate her practicality.

She turned and caught sight of a dark shape at the top of the stairs. Her breath caught as she recognized Drew, in a black suit that was most definitely not off-the-rack. It was cut too sharply, fit him too perfectly. His white shirt was crisp and tailored, the red tie a classic accompaniment for the season.

She inhaled and held her breath as he descended, not at all used to seeing him like this.

And she thought he wasn’t right for a suit? Dear God, he looked amazing, especially with the slight scruff across his jaw. A little sexy and daring to go with the classiness of the attire.

One of the waiters came by bearing a tray of champagne. As Drew came up beside her, he scooped up two glasses and handed one to her, then smiled.

“You look stunning,” he said. “One of your designs?”

“Yes.”

“The way it fits you is sinful.”

“Thank you. It’s supposed to be family-appropriate and conservative.”

“Babe, nothing that hugs your body like that could ever be considered conservative.”

She couldn’t help but be pleased that he noticed. “Thank you. Again. And you look amazing.”

“Thanks.”

“Where did you get the suit?”

“I’ve had it for a while. Occasionally I have to play dress up, and the New York media can be tough. Plus, I dated a model once and she told me off-the-rack was shit and I needed to have a suit made for me.”

Carolina laughed. “It’s good that you can be taught about fashion.”

“I pick up things here and there.”

She could tell from the way he dressed. Even in casual clothes, he always looked good. “You’ll make a fine model for my line.”

“Good to know I won’t embarrass you.”

She took a sip of champagne. “Not with that body you won’t.”

“I see how it is. You’re just using me for my model physique. You don’t appreciate my brain or my superior hockey talents.”

“I do appreciate how smart you are.”

He laughed. “Come on, gorgeous. Introduce me to all the bigwigs here.”

She loved that he was comfortable in his own skin, that he wasn’t intimidated by the large crowd that had started to gather, including a doubled Secret Service team.

By nine p.m. the house was packed with people, many of whom Carolina knew, some she didn’t. But her parents, of course, knew everyone in attendance, and Carolina had no problem introducing herself to those she didn’t know. There were television personalities who’d finagled an invitation, as well as throngs of media willing to give up their Christmas Eve to be in attendance at the vice president’s personal residence.

She’d long ago lost sight of Drew as she was called away for family photographs and then an interview about her new fashion line, which she was glad to do. Anything to bring attention to her work was a good thing, even though she was asked the typical questions.

“Miss Preston, with your family money, connections, and of course, now that your father is the vice president, do you think it will be difficult for your fashion line to be taken seriously?”

“Miss Preston, do you believe the fashion world will have a hard time believing someone of your background is all that serious about fashion, given that many will think you’ve bought your way into your own line?”

“Miss Preston, how much influence has the Preston name, money, and the vice president had on launching your line?”

She had to smile and grit her teeth through all the insulting questions, and explain that she went to college and majored in fashion design, that it was her dream to be a fashion designer long before her father ever became the vice president, and that she had worked for several designers as an apprentice, seamstress, and assistant designer before she ever decided to launch her own line, and that she may have the financial resources, but she believed she also had the talent to design. And that come Fashion Week, she hoped she’d be able to prove that.

What she wanted to tell them all was that she’d paid her dues, she’d worked hard, and she’d proven herself a capable designer. She also wanted to tell them all to shove it, but she had to be polite. The media could make or break a fashion designer, and being a rude bitch wouldn’t gain her any favors.

When she finally managed to pull herself away, she found the nearest waiter and grabbed another glass of champagne. She headed down the hall into one of the private rooms off-limits to guests. After two rather large swallows and several deep breaths, she had managed to calm down, though not nearly enough.

“Wow, those were tough questions.”

Drew.

She nodded. “Yes, but not the first time they’ve been asked, and probably not the last time, either.”

“They were insulting.”

“The media always feel they’re entitled.”

Drew nodded. “I get that a lot, especially after a loss. They shove a camera in your face after you’ve played what you think is the lousiest game of your life and then they ask you how you feel? How the hell do they think you’re going to feel? You feel like shit. And then they either want you to talk about why your previously awesome game play has suddenly disappeared, or they want you to throw one of your teammates under the bus. It’s a no-win scenario with the media. Even if you win and are on top of your game, they find something to criticize.”

He led her over to one of the sofas and sat her down. She took another couple sips of champagne. “I have three strikes against me before I ever launch my line. One, I’m the daughter of the currently sitting vice president, which makes me high profile. Two, I’m a Preston, and I come from money, which will lead everyone to believe I staffed out the creation of this line to ghost designers and it will be anything but original. Three, because I worked for David Faber, everyone will be watching what I send down the runway to be sure I haven’t stolen any of his designs. Which means I have to fight twice as hard to be taken half as seriously as other designers.”

He swept his hand down her back. “It’s a lot of pressure on you.”

“Yes.” She finished off the glass of champagne and laid it on the table in front of her.

“But you’re smart, and I’ve seen your work. You’re very talented. And because you’ve lived in the public eye so long, I think you handle the media very well.”

She shifted her gaze to his. “Thank you for that. I appreciate your confidence in me.”

Drew leaned back against the sofa. “When I was in college, I struggled. School was tough, the whole studying while playing a sport kicked my ass, and I wasn’t the best player out there. I wanted to party with my friends who didn’t have to work as hard as I did. For a while there, I wasn’t sure that I could cut it. It was just too tough on me and I wanted to take the easy way out. But I got some really great advice from a mentor who reminded me that I’d been playing hockey since I was a little kid, and it’s what I’d always loved. And that if I wanted to give up and quit, that was my choice to make. I was smart enough that I could become a teacher or an accountant or I could do any damn thing I wanted. But he told me he knew I’d never be happy unless I was playing hockey. And if I wanted to play, I’d have to suck it up and work hard at it.

“He was right. So I sucked it up and studied hard and played hard and got better at both. And I proved to my coach and to my teachers that I could focus. Not that I was a scholar or anything, but I got the grades I needed to get, and my hockey play improved enough that I got drafted right out of college by the Travelers.”

“That’s amazing.”

His lips curved. “Not really. I still wasn’t all that great. I was a passable player, but not as good as a lot of guys my age. The Travelers sent me down to minor league hockey for a while, where I kept trying to prove myself. And the media rode my ass. The press kept saying I’d never be good enough to get called up.”

“That must have been difficult for you.”

He shrugged. “All it did was piss me off and make me work harder so I could prove them wrong.”

Carolina touched his arm. “Which you did.”

“Yeah, I did. I hated all those assholes that didn’t believe in me. I was determined to show them just how good I could be. It took me two damn years, but the Travelers called me up, and I’ve been there ever since. And I’m good, Lina. I’m very good at my job.”

She loved seeing the fire in his eyes, the confident way he spoke about playing hockey. “You know, in college, I always thought of you as the hot jock all the girls chased. I never thought of you as having any substance. I never thought of you as someone who struggled.”

He shrugged. “We didn’t really know all that much about each other back then. I thought of you as the rich girl who had it easy.”

She laughed. “I struggled so much in college. I was chubby the first year, then after I slimmed down, I was socially awkward. I didn’t know how to deal with all the attention I was getting. And I was trying to focus on my studies, which were so important to me. That drove me. And then, of course, I had that monster-size crush on you. You were such a distraction.”

“Uh . . . sorry?”

“It’s not your fault. Totally mine. But typical for the age. And that’s in the past, anyway. The thing is, I understand what you’re saying. About then, and about now. There are some things I can control, and other things I can’t. I can’t control what the media says and thinks. I can only control what I do. How I create my line. That’s my performance. And I’m working my ass off to design it the best way I know how.”

He rubbed her back. “That’s all you can do, Lina. You can’t be anything other than what and who you are. You can’t apologize for being a Preston, for having money, or for your dad being the VP. All you can do is say, ‘Hey, I’m Carolina Preston, I’m a fucking brilliant designer, and here’s my stuff. Like it or kiss my ass.’”

She burst out laughing. “Well, I don’t know that I want to go that far in my advertising, but I like the sound of it.”

“Okay, so you can modify it some, but babe, there’s a lot of shit you can’t control. The media is one of them. Just do what you do best, which is make clothes. And try to tune out the rest of it.”

She looked at him, struck by how gorgeous he was. Beyond that, she was amazed at how perceptive and deep he was. And she’d always relegated him to the dumb jock category.

How very wrong she’d been. “You’re very smart. And you possess a lot of common sense.”

He leveled a wry smile at her. “I like to think of it as self-preservation.”

She laughed, then stood. “I guess we should stop hiding out in here before someone comes looking for us.”

“Too bad. I was just thinking we could make out on the sofa.”

“Terrible idea, especially if the person who comes looking for us is my mother.”

“Or your brother.”

“Yes.”

They made their way back to the party, where, thankfully, the media had gotten their photos and sound bites and had taken their leave. Which meant everyone was free to enjoy the rest of the evening. Drew led Carolina over to the buffet, where they enjoyed crab- and lobster-stuffed pastries, along with so many other delicacies that Carolina was so full she could barely suck in her stomach by the time Drew had filled two plates for her.

“This dress is going to burst,” she said.

“Bull. You’ve hardly nibbled.”

“You’re comparing me to yourself, and you burn off a lot more calories than I do.”

“Just do some of that yoga stuff that you women like to do and have another plate.”

She laughed. “Yoga stuff? Maybe I should go ice skating. Then I’ll end up with a sculpted body like yours.”

He leaned in closer. “If your body looked like my body, I wouldn’t want to have sex with you.”

She heated from the inside out. “You need to kill the sex talk in this crowded room. And stop standing so close to me.”

She took a step to the side and Drew grinned at her. She shook her head and went off to find Evelyn, who was at the other end of the buffet line.

“I can’t stop eating,” Evelyn said.

Evelyn looked gorgeous in a red dress that flared out at the waist into a wide skirt. She had pulled her hair up into a fashionably messy knot, and had diamond drop earrings on.

“Love this dress,” Carolina said.

“Thanks. I can’t wait to wear the Carolina Preston line. I’m excited to see what you’re going to put out there.”

“I’m equal parts excited and dreading the show.”

“Worried about the critics?”

“Of course.”

Evelyn put her arm around her. “Nothing you can do about them. They’re going to think whatever they think. I already know you have amazing talent. And I have a feeling that the critics are going to love you.”

“I hope so.”

“Gray and I will be up after Christmas so you can test-dummy him for whatever clothes you want him to wear.”

“Great. I’m sure he’s just so thrilled.”

Evelyn giggled. “Beyond belief. But he’s your brother and he loves you and he’s happy to help out. Have you fitted Drew?”

“For some of the clothes, yes. Not for the underwear, which of course won’t go down the runway, but I have an advertising campaign I want to run, and I can already imagine how I want to structure it.”

“You do? Care to share?”

Her mind was whirling, because the idea had just hit her. “Actually, not just yet. I have to finish formulating it in my head.”

“Your eyes are sparkling.” Evelyn inched closer. “Is it dirty?”

Carolina laughed. “Not exactly. But it’s definitely sexy.”

“Will Drew go for it?”

“I have no idea. I certainly hope so.” Now that the idea was in her head, she wanted to do the shoot right away. She wondered how soon after the holidays she could arrange it. She’d have to discuss it with Drew. And with his team. And Madison Square Garden. If it worked out like she was hoping, it could be profoundly sexy. And an incredible draw for her line.

Gray came over and slipped an arm around her shoulder. “You look like you’re lost in thought.”

“Oh, yeah. Thinking about work, actually.”

He gave her a playful squeeze. “It’s Christmas. Stop thinking about work for five freaking minutes, would you?”

“Do you stop thinking about work from February through November?”

He lifted his gaze to the ceiling. “Uh, not really.”

“Then shut up.”

“Shutting up. And filling my plate with more food.”

“Good. And Evelyn says you’re coming up for fittings?”

He grimaced. “Only if I have to.”

“You promised. And you have to.”

“You’re not going to make me wear anything stupid, are you?”

“You mean like a clown suit? No. Nothing stupid like that.”

He gave her a dubious look. “Carolina. What exactly are you putting me in?”

She squeezed his arm. “Clothes that will make you look fabulous, obviously.”

Evelyn slid her arm around Gray’s side. “What? You don’t trust your sister?”

“Not a bit.”

Carolina laughed and moved off, finding her father and mother talking to an Oklahoma senator she knew well. She stopped and chatted with them for a few minutes, then excused herself, wandering around to make sure the guests were all taken care of. If there was one thing her mother had taught her, it was how to be a good hostess. And since her mother was occupied, it was up to her to see to the guests.

She mingled for about an hour, chatting up the guests and making sure to thank them for coming tonight. She crossed paths with Gray and Evelyn a few times, who were doing the same thing—playing good hosts.

But she hadn’t seen Drew. She wondered if he was hiding out. Not that she’d blame him. Sometimes these parties could be excruciating, especially if you didn’t know everyone.

She finally spotted him in a corner with their neighbor, Gil Nelson, and Senator Ed Langton, the three of them engrossed in some deep conversation. She had no idea what they could possibly be discussing, so she surreptitiously made her way in that direction, hoping to eavesdrop.

“You’re out of your mind, Drew. St. Louis has the edge in the playoffs this year. Grant Cassidy, their quarterback, has the best stats in the NFL this year. He’s taking them all the way.”

Drew shook his head. “I think you’re full of it, Senator. It’s New York all the way this year.”

Senator Langton let out a loud snort. “I don’t know what’s in that drink, son, but you’re delusional.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to agree with the senator, Drew. Cassidy has the talent at quarterback, and with Cole Riley at wide receiver, the two of them are unbeatable.”

“I think you’re both going to be disappointed when your team crashes and burns.”

Sports. Of course. Carolina shook her head and started to wander off, but a few minutes later, a hand wrapped around her upper arm.

“Thought you’d escape, huh?”

She smiled at Drew. “Well, you were all tied up arguing about football.”

“We’re done. They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

“And I suppose you do.”

“You bet I do. New York will take it all this year.”

Since she had zero investment in football, she nodded. “Okay. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Not a fan?”

“I don’t watch a lot of football.”

“But you know the teams. I mean, come on. You’re a New Yorker. You have to be a die-hard fan.”

She laughed. “No, I don’t.”

“I’m not sure I can continue to talk to you if you’re not going to take a stand here.”

“What are your thoughts about cashmere versus silk?”

He frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Exactly.”

“Oh. I get it. You have about as much interest in football as I do in fabric.”

“See? I knew you were smart.”

“But you like hockey.”

“I do like hockey. I also like baseball.”

“But not football.”

She shrugged. “Never got into the sport much.”

He followed her as she wound her way through the rooms.

“And obviously, you like auto racing.”

“Obviously.”

“Do you ever go and watch Gray race?”

“Yes, when I can get away from work. I also go to watch baseball games. And of course, hockey games.”

“But again, not football?”

“No.”

“I’m taking you to a game.”

She paused to look up at him. “Totally not necessary.”

“I feel it’s my duty to educate you. You don’t know what you’re missing. I’ll get us play-off tickets. You can spare a few hours to go to the game. You can’t work twenty-four hours a day.”

“Can’t I?” He was right, of course, but she was enjoying bantering with him.

“You probably would. But you shouldn’t.”

“What shouldn’t my daughter be doing?”

Carolina cringed when her mother came up beside her.

“I’m trying to educate your daughter about the wonders of football, Mrs. Preston. It turns out she’s not a fan.”

Her mother looked at her. “You’re not? How did I not know this?”

“I don’t know, Mom. Surely this doesn’t surprise you.”

“I thought you liked all sports.”

“Correction. I like a lot of sports. I’ve just never gotten into football.”

“And I told her I could take her to see a New York play-off game. She’s trying to tell me she has to work.”

Mrs. Preston shook her head. “She’s always working. Too hard, unfortunately. Drag her away from work for a few hours and make her go breathe in some fresh air, Drew.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Oh, there’s Felicia. I haven’t had a minute to talk to her yet tonight. Please excuse me.”

After Carolina’s mother walked away, she turned to Drew. “You planned that.”

Drew gave her a look. “You think I secretly met with your mother and concocted a plan with her to take you to a football game?”

“Okay, maybe not. But it sure was convenient.”

“It was, wasn’t it?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to a football game. I don’t like football.”

“Because you’ve never been to a game. Trust me, once you’re there, you’ll love it.”

“I don’t like being told what to do.”

“Then I’ll call you up and ask you out. You’ll say yes, and we’ll go to a football game.”

“You’re infuriating.”

He grinned. “I know.”

He was also gorgeous, and she wanted to slide her hand along the very crisp lapels of his suit. Keeping her hands to herself tonight was proving to be difficult.

“Have I mentioned how very gorgeous you are tonight?”

She snapped her gaze to his. “Yes. And I appreciate it very much. And you should stop looking at me like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re hungry and I’m a midnight snack.”

He leveled a predatory smile at her. “Is it midnight yet?”

She looked at her watch. “After midnight.”

He leaned in closer. “I want to swipe my tongue across your neck, then take a bite.”

Fighting the shudder, she stayed put and whispered, “Stop that.”

“Stop what? Am I turning you on?”

“No.”

“You’re lying. You have goose bumps.”

She ran her hands over her arms. “It’s . . . cold in here.”

He laughed. “No, it’s not. In fact, I’d guess you were hot.”

Why was she even having this conversation with him? “I’m going to see to the guests.”

“Okay.”

She walked away, but he was right. It wasn’t cold in here. The staff made sure the temperature was comfortable. Not too hot, and definitely not too cool. It was Drew that gave her goose bumps, ones that still stood out on her skin because his words still lingered like a slow-moving picture playing in her head.

Her, reclining on the chaise in her room. Drew, coming up behind her to slide his tongue across her neck.

She rubbed her arms again as her nipples tingled.

Damn him. She was going to immerse herself in this party and forget all about him for the rest of the night.

No matter how difficult that was going to be.