Page 72 of When the Fake Snow Falls

When I come back a moment later, his head is leaning back against the wall. “Do you know what you look like from behind?”

Lifting an amused brow, I say, “I know what the back of the dress looks like.”

“And you thought I was strong enough to resist such a thing?”

Walking up against him, I put a hand on his chest, the warmth of him radiating through my fingertips. “You don’t have to resist anything tonight.” I kiss him, and another faint groan drags out of him. “Tonight, all our practice pays off.”

I go to pull him with me, but he snatches me back, holding me flush against him. “Thank you for doing this.”

“Of course,” I breathe. “What are friends for?”

thirty-two

Seasons Cove isone of the grandest hotels in the area. I’ve never stayed here. I’ve never been here. I’ve never evenconsideredcoming 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. “Thisis 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 agala, 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.”

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