Page 56 of More Than A Boss

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Allie stood facing the bathroom mirror, struggling to get a pair of dangly diamond earrings into her ears. Zane had surprised her with them and the diamond necklace she was already wearing. Coming up behind her, Zane said, “Here, let me.” Taking the earrings, she moved so he could reach more easily, and he slipped the wires in. She turned back and met Zane’s eyes in the mirror. He slipped his arms around her from behind and pulled her against his torso. She could feel he was becoming aroused, and it satisfied her at a deep level that she had such an effect on him.

She wore a silky black backless jumpsuit with wide pant legs and a low V neckline in the front. The jumpsuit had a silver chain belt that rested around her waist. The long necklace chain of white gold encrusted with diamonds rested below her breast-line. Her thick blonde hair shimmered and fell loosely around her shoulders and down her back. She had applied a smoky brown eyeshadow, which accented her large brown irises. She had decided to wear a dramatic rich red lipstick, which was stunning on her.

Zane wore an expensive, hand-tailored black suit with an Italian white point collared dress shirt with a French-placket button front. His tie for the evening was red-and-black striped, his nod to the Christmas festivities. His normally unruly black hair had been tamed down with a gel product, causing Allie to want to run her fingers through it and ruffle it up.

The Christmas party was being held at the country club. Since this would be their first official appearance as a couple, Allie was beyond nervous. Zane tried to reassure her that people would not be that surprised, and everyone would be happy for them. “They might feel sorry for you, Allie, and they will certainly be whispering about my dumb luck,” he said, kissing her and nibbling on her ear before they made their entrance.

“I just hate being the center of gossip. You know we will be picked apart by some,” she said.

“So what? It only comes from their insecurities. The people who matter, those who really know us, will be supportive and they are the ones that count.”

“I know you’re right,” Allie said.

“Ready?”

“Ready as I will ever be,” she responded.

Zane opened the doors and they stepped into the ballroom. Heads turned as the stunning couple entered. They could have been walking the red carpet in Hollywood. Spying Allie, Annika came running up to her, throwing her arms around her friend and giving her a big hug. A server appeared with a drink tray, and Allie declined but Zane selected a glass of white wine.

“I have missed you so much!” Glancing at Zane, Annika said, “This one,” nodding her head toward Zane, “was almost impossible to work with while you were gone.” Since her friend Allie was there to have her back, she said bravely, “Thank God you’re back!”

Zane had the decency to look sheepish as he quickly apologized. “I can’t say it’s a lie. I’m working on my impatience and short-temperedness, but I have a long way to go. I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult lately.”

“No problem, Zane,” Annika said. “I’ve been with the firm a long time, and I know you are a good man. Otherwise I wouldn’t let my friend here date you.” She smiled, her beautiful white teeth sparkling against her rich chocolate skin. She wore a long, off-white sleeveless dress that flattered her flawless complexion. Her hair was done in dozens of small braids that must have taken hours to accomplish. The end result was extremely impressive.

“Who did your hair?” Allie asked.

“My sister Alma. She’s a cosmetologist.”

“It is gorgeous! How long did you have to sit in the chair for those results?”

“About five hours,” she laughed. “That’s why you may never see me wearing this style again!”

Stella walked up, linking her arm through Annika’s. “Hi, Mr. Dunn. Allie, you are breathtakingly beautiful. You are as well, Annika. You are both much more suited to Hollywood than a law office in Michigan,” she said effusively.

“Hello, Stella. You look lovely yourself,” Zane said, causing Stella to blush.

“Merry Christmas, Stella!” Allie chimed in, giving her a quick hug.

“Is your son and his family coming home for the holidays?” Allie asked.

“Yes! They arrive the day before Christmas and will stay for a whole week. I’m so excited,” Stella said.

Just then, one of the partners raised a glass and tapped it loudly with a spoon to gain everyone’s attention. “Can I have your attention for a moment? I just want to welcome everyone and thank you all for making our firm one of the most successful and respected law firms out there. We couldn’t do it without you all. Zane, do you have anything you would like to add?”

“I am very grateful for each and every one of you. We are so much more than an office. We are family. I know the sacrifices you make when needed, the overtime and long hours you put in. I just want you to know, it does not go unnoticed. I’d like to make a toast to all of you. Here is to a prosperous coming year and health to you and all your loved ones. Merry Christmas everyone!” He raised his glass, and the entire group cheered as they raised theirs together.

“Now, let’s eat! We have a live band arriving that will play until eleven tonight, so get your dancing shoes ready!” Zane said cheerfully.

Arriving home around midnight, Allie and Zane undressed and crawled straight into bed. Allie snuggled her back against Zane’s torso. “That went pretty well, I’d say.”

“Yes, I agree, it was quite a success,” Zane said sleepily, already drifting off with his hands cradling Allie’s belly. “Night, Babe. Night, baby,” he said.

“Night, Zane,” Allie said, drifting off herself.

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