“Équitable.” Laurent grins and nods with a flourish of his hand. Behind him, Astor laughs.
I set my aunt on her feet and squeeze her shoulders. “You are a liar.”
“I’m a secret keeper.” She shrugs.
“Arlo,” I growl.
“He is a liar for the greater good,” Astor admits, tugging the hand of her date out from behind Laurent. I don’t know how I missed him; he’s stunning with dark, mischievous eyes. I know right away he’s Astor’s begrudging Crave guide.
While the guys file in, I hug Astor’s neck extra tight. “I cannot wait to hear details.”
“Shut up,” Astor snaps, then pushes back with a smile as innocent as the freshly fallen snow outside. I know differently. I think her date does too. “I’d like you to meet Nash.”
“Nash, it’s so nice to meet you.” I extend my hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Astor kicks me gently.
“Really?” His dark brow goes high. “We might have to do lunch sometime. I can’t get any words out of this one.” He hikes a finger at Astor. “She can’t help but give me sounds, though.”
“I would love to,” I beam.
“She’s awfully busy these days.” Astor looks at me, then slides her gaze to Nat in a silent threat. Like she’ll tell my aunt about my newest sexual escapades.
“What’d I miss?” Nat demands.
“Nothing.” I glare at Astor, and she glares back.
Laurent closes the door and takes Nat’s coat. He heads for the closet as though he’s been here before. Then I remember he has, before the gala when he snuck into town to surprise my aunt. Nash takes Astor’s coat and follows him.
“What about Christmas in France?” I split a look between Laurent and my aunt, purposely avoiding Astor’s gaze.
“Next year, perhaps.” Laurent puts their coats away. “Mon amour needed New York this year.”
“I’m kinda glad.” My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. “Sorry, Laurent.”
“Pas d’excuses.” He pulls Nat into his side and I’m struck by what a beautiful couple they make.
The doorbell chimes again.
“Arlo is finishing up in the kitchen. Dobson and his date, uh…Greta, Gertrude, something, is in there too.” I shoo them all that way.
“Greta Gertrude Something.” Laurent breathes. “These American names.” Nat pokes his ribs as they head for the kitchen. Astor stalks behind them, openly ignoring her date. I shoot him a grin before he chuckles, gives me a wink, and strides away.
I open the door, and my smile somehow multiplies. “You knew about Nat coming in, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Hota’s grin is stunning.
“I thought we were friends.” I cross my arms and give my biggest pout. It can’t compare to the man’s luscious lips.
“We are.” He steps inside, pulling the door behind him. “See.” He presents me with a bottle of wine in one hand and loops the other over my shoulders.
“Thank you.” I hug his middle, and we head for the kitchen too.
“What’s up, bitches!” Karris yells as he traipses through the back door with a man in tow. I’ve never seen him before. He’s tall and dressed in a floral print suit, has perfectly manicured hair, and a beard reminiscent of Dobson’s. In fact, minus the floral print and the narrow frame, he’s reminiscent of Dobson period.
Hota turns us, almost imperceptibly, toward the living room. “Did you decorate?”
I know he’s trying to avert my attention. He’s picked a damn good topic for it.