Page 13 of Noel
Because as she stands there—hair falling loose from its clip, eyes wide and shining—I know this is already more than a job.
I clear my throat, forcing distance back into my voice.
“Get some rest, Tinsel.I’ll be parked out front.”
She arches a brow.
“You’re really sticking with that nickname?”
“’Fraid so.”
A soft laugh escapes her, the sound light and warm and dangerous as hell.
“Goodnight, Mr.Kane.”
“Noel.”
“Okay then.Goodnight, Noel.”
I nod again, trying not to feel anything about how she said my name.Soft.Breathy.Like it was too sacred to say above a whisper.
I head for the door before I do something stupid—like reach out and touch her just to see if she’s real.
Once outside, I take a steadying breath, the night air cold enough to sting.The engine of the SUV hums quietly as I slide behind the wheel and glance back up at the second-floor window.
Her light’s still on.She moves across the room, draws the curtain, disappears from view.
Yeah.This definitely feels like more than a job.
And that’s a big fucking problem.
Chapter3
Holly
“Good morning, Sunshine!How’s my favorite party planner in the whole tri-state area?”
I balance my phone between my shoulder and ear, tugging one boot up as I dig through my closet for the other.
“Good morning, Clementine,” I say, keeping my voice a little frosty.
It’s too early for her brand of sunshine.
“And I’m assuming I’m your only party planner in the tri-state area?”
She laughs, bright and unbothered.
“Technicalities.Now tell me—how’s everything for the gala?Are my teen volunteers being helpful?No one burned down the ballroom yet or ruined your reputation with any of the vendors?”
“Not yet,” I mutter, pulling out my favorite stretchy knee-high sweater boots and dropping onto the bed to zip them up.
“But ask me again after the caterer tries to swap out theholiday cookies from around the worlddessert table I have planned for a tray of his favorite store-bought kind.”
It’s Friday, and my to-do list looks like Santa’s naughty roster—long, chaotic, and slightly terrifying.
The Drew’s House Holiday Gala is in just a couple of days, and today’s schedule is jam-packed.
Site checks, vendor drop-ins, menu tasting, and the most recent guest list updates.
