Page 31 of Mistletoe Masquerade
Two people unexpectedly crossing paths at a party.
Instead of the Waldorf, we’re at Le Jardinier—a lovely event space decked out for a formal dinner. The charity event has been in the works for months and felt like the perfect opportunity. The event may not have been arranged for her, but tonight will be all about her in every other way possible.
I’m in my tux—the same one I wore a week ago to the masquerade. Sachi is wearing the simple all-black uniform of the catering staff as she sets up her intricatecarving display. The other guests have yet to arrive. So far, everything is going to plan, but what happens next is unscripted because Sachi has no idea that I’m here.
She’s about to find out.
She’ll learn my plans for the evening and so much more because I’m not the ordinary detective she thought I was. I’ve decided to make a play for her, and that means telling her everything. I’m going to lay all my cards on the table.
Using the party as a means for my unveiling made sense in my head, but I have no idea how I’ll be received. This could be the best decision I’ve ever made or an absolute disaster. Only time will tell which it will be, and that time is now.
CHAPTER 17
SACHI
“They changedthe seating chart at the last minute.” The head caterer holds up a map of the place settings with a scowl.
“You need help sorting it out?” I do a visual sweep of the seven dining tables decked out with gorgeous live floral arrangements—all festive in an elegant, sophisticated fashion. Sprigs of pine fill the room with their evergreen scent alongside holly and eucalyptus leaves, providing an artful background for spectacular crimson peonies and bright red berries. Each set of fine China is adorned with aplacard bearing a guest’s name, beautifully inscribed in calligraphy.
“Hey, this is funny.” The older woman holds up one of the tented placards. “I’ve never met another Sachi.”
“Me either,” I muse. “Of course, I’ve never lived in Japan. I have no idea how popular the name is over there.”
“True.” She swaps out the old card for the new one, then moves to another table. “You know what it means?”
“My name? It means happiness or good fortune.” I smile softly, thinking of my parents and how they swore my name would guide me to a fulfilling life. I don’t always understand their way of thinking, but they’re still great parents. They love me with their whole hearts.
“I like that. More interesting than mine,” she grumbles, making another card swap. “Okay, I think that does it.” She lifts her gaze and smiles at me. “You heading out?”
“Yeah, unless you need me?”
Please, say no.
“Nah, we should be fine.”
“Kay, I’ll see you after Christmas, then!”
“Have a good one!”
“You, too.” I give her a wave with a smile, then turn for the exit and discover we’re not alone. And it’s not just anyone watching us; it’s Dean. He’s dressed in that impeccable black velvet tux he wore to the masquerade. “What are you doing here?” I ask in a hushed tone, peering around to see if the head caterer has noticed him. Bringing drama to my friend group is enough. I don’t want mypersonal life bleeding into work as well, and I can’t fathom why else he’d be here except to talk about things better discussed in private. Why he came in a tux to talk, I have no idea. And how did he find me?
My whole body tenses from the uncertainty of the situation.
“Preparing for dinner, same as you,” he offers in that honeyed voice of his.
I peer back at the tables, as if they’ll provide clarity. “Dinner?” I’m so freaking confused.
“Yeah, I’m on the board of trustees for the charity, so technically, I’m one of the hosts.”
I take him in again, this time in a new light. “You’re here for the event, not me.” I hate how pathetic the words sound as they tumble past my lips, and I wish I could gobble them back inside.
“There is only one reason I’m here.” Dean ambles forward, slowly closing the distance between us. “And that has everything to do with you.” He cups my face with his large hands and leans in to whisper close to my ear. “I’m sorry, Sachi, for how I responded, and I’m really hoping you’ll give me another chance.”
I lift my wide eyes to his imploring gaze and lose myself for a second in their sapphire depths.
“You knew I’d be here? You’re the one who requested me?” I say my thoughts aloud as understanding dawns. How else would he have known I’d be here at an event he happened to be hosting? An event where I was specificallyrequested. Days ago. He’d been planning this for days.
He bites his bottom lip in a sheepishly boyish way that has my heart melting into a puddle at my feet.
