Page 73 of Beneath the Sapphire Sky

A large sprig of mistletoe hung from one, dead centre in the parquet dance floor.

“Max really went all out this year,” Belle said above the music coming from the band onstage, all dressed as Christmas characters.

Dante laughed and pulled her towards a booth with aReservedsign in the middle.

“It’s barely December. The guy’s nuts.”

Belle shook her head. “Is this where I mention your own, fully decked-out tree at home?”

Dante had to be one of the most Christmas-loving people she’d ever met. He was obsessed over the season. He was even more obsessive over how the tree had to look.

She looked up to see Max heading toward them, menus in hand. Millie Stevens sat at the bar, one shapely leg over the other, her designer outfit in stark contrast to all the costumes in the room. She kept glancing in Max’s direction.

How odd.

“Finally get a night off, Belle?” he asked.

Belle leaned back and smiled up at the eldest Jameson brother.

“Sure did. It’s been ridiculous since that irresponsible brother of mine won that silly award. It’s nice to have a breather.” She nodded in the general direction of the bar.

“I thought there was no entry without a costume? Millie isn’t wearing one.”

Max’s cheeks flushed. “Millie doesn’t do costumes.” He looked away from her questioning gaze and shrugged. “Well, enjoy the music. I’ll have Amy come grab your orders in a few minutes. Would you like any drinks?”

How very odd, indeed.

“Just a cola, with lots of ice,” Belle said. It was hot tonight. Thankfully Max had his air conditioning running along nicely.

“Same,” Dante said.

Belle straightened the skirt of her dress and looked up in time to see Max nod at Dante, who nodded back.

She narrowed her gaze at the two men.What was that all about?

Dante noticed her stare and grinned at her, nodding in her direction. “Nice dress.”

“Thank you.”

Belle sat back and brushed her hands over the lightweight material. A knee-length, red and white Santa dress had been her choice.

A good choice, if the look on Dante’s face was anything to go by. The fitted bodice cupped her breasts. Coupled with the help of a push-up bra, it gave her a healthy cleavage she couldn’t wait to try out on him. The butter-soft material fell from the tight waist to skim her hips.

He leaned back into the leather of the booth seat and tilted his head, letting his gaze drift over her.

Belle shivered, goosebumps spreading. She knew that look.

“It would look even better with all of those tiny buttons undone.”

Belle laughed. The only way in and out of the dress was via those tiny buttons, which ran from the length of the bodice at the front.

“I think Max might object. People are eating dinner, after all.”

Dante glanced up as Amy delivered their drinks. He nodded and smiled at her as she spun to take some to another table.

“Maybe later then.”

Belle smiled against the glass and pretended to be suddenly interested in The O’Brien Brothers Band’s insane Christmas costumes.

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