Page 55 of Frost and Felines

Her heart stuttered at the intensity in his voice. "I?—"

"Come to the party," he said, gentler now but no less commanding. "Let me show you off one last time, if that's really what your heart wants. Just don't hide away in here thinking you're not wanted."

The warmth of his hand on her face and the earnestness in his eyes made her resolve waver. "Fine," she conceded with a small smile. "Just let me change first."

Mallory slipped into the bathroom, leaving Kieran prowling around her suite's living area. She unzipped the garment bagcontaining Amy's black cocktail dress, her fingers trailing over the silky material. The dress hugged her curves perfectly when she put it on, the sweetheart neckline elegant without being too revealing. Her blonde hair fell in waves, and she touched up her makeup with trembling hands.

"You still alive in there?" Kieran's deep voice filtered through the door.

"Just finishing up," she called back, smoothing down the dress one final time.

When she emerged, Kieran's eyes darkened as they swept over her. He crossed the room in three long strides, reaching for her hand. "You look absolutely stunning."

Her cheeks warmed at the possessive gleam in his blue eyes. "Thank you."

He guided her through the inn's corridors, his large hand pressed against her lower back. The familiar touch sent a shiver through her. As they approached the event room, excited voices and music drifted out. Kieran pushed open the double doors, and Mallory gasped.

The entire ceiling was draped with handmade paper snowflakes and twinkling lights. Origami cranes hung in graceful chains between crystal-looking icicles crafted from clear plastic. Pine boughs wrapped in silver ribbon decorated every table.

"We took a page from your book," Kieran murmured in her ear. "Remember how you saved Christmas with your DIY decorations?"

Before she could reply, Amy bounded over. "Look what I made!" She pointed to an intricate paper lantern.

The rest of the staff soon crowded around, each eager to show off their own creations.

"I never would have thought of using coffee filters for snowflakes," Chase said, grinning up at his handiwork.

Mallory blinked back tears as warmth bloomed in her. These people, who she had grown to care for so much, had taken her ideas and made them their own.

Charlotte appeared at her elbow, wrapping her in a motherly hug. "You saved this place, you know. Not just from the fire, but from becoming just another hotel. You made it special." She pulled back, fixing Mallory with a stern look. "And don't you dare think for one minute that you don't deserve to be loved and surrounded by people who care about you."

"I don't know what to say," Mallory whispered with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed by their acceptance and love.

"Say you'll dance with me," Kieran rumbled, pulling her close against his broad chest.

Kieran swept Mallory onto the dance floor, his strong arms guiding her into a perfect dance frame. The band played an upbeat jazz number, and Mallory soon found herself smiling as Kieran spun her expertly through the other couples.

"I didn't know you could dance like this," she said, admiring how confidently he moved.

"I was trying to keep it a secret." His blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he pulled her closer than strictly necessary. "Though I must admit, having such a beautiful partner makes it hard to hide."

Heat crept into Mallory's face at the compliment. The way he looked at her, like she was the only woman in the room, made her heart flutter traitorously. She tried to focus on the string lights twinkling overhead instead of how perfectly their bodies fit together.

"You're not so bad looking yourself," she quipped. Kieran flashed her that devastating smile of his and dipped her low, making her gasp.

"Show off," she muttered when he pulled her back up, though she couldn't hide her own smile.

They danced through several more songs, falling into an easy rhythm together. Mallory found herself relaxing despite her best intentions, letting herself enjoy these final moments with him. The warmth of his hand on her lower back, the subtle scent of his cologne, the rumble of his laugh when she made a sarcastic comment about the drunk couple stumbling nearby - she tried to memorize it all.

"Thirsty?" Kieran asked after their third dance, though he didn't look the least bit winded.

"A little," she admitted.

"Stay right here." He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple before striding off toward the bar, moving with the fluid grace of his tiger form even in human shape.

Mallory watched him go, absently touching the spot where his lips had brushed her skin. She knew she should maintain more distance, make leaving easier tomorrow. But Kieran had a way of demolishing all her walls without even trying.

The band switchedto a slower song, and Kieran returned with two champagne flutes. "Perfect timing," he said, handing her one before pulling her back into his arms. "One last dance before midnight?"

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