Page 9 of Tempted By December

"I…I can't go." She shakes her head. "I have things. Stuff. Lots of stuff. My ste…my dad!"

"Fuck your father, December. He isn't invited."

Her eyes shoot to mine. It might be my imagination, but she seems relieved. "He isn't going to be here?"

"No. The party is for employees and their families. Unless you invite him, he isn't invited."

"Oh." She relaxes slightly, leaning into me.

"Come with me," I murmur, nuzzling her neck. Christ, she's irresistible. "Just one date."

"I have conditions."

"Name them." I'll give her whatever she wants if it gets her to agree.

"I don't want to be photographed, and I don't want to talk to anyone important," she says quickly. "And I'mnotgoing home with you."

"Deal," I agree before she can change her mind.

She eyes me suspiciously, but the elevator slides to a stop before she can argue.

"Come on." I reluctantly peel myself off her delectable body. "Let's go sample the hors d'oeuvres."

Chapter Five

December

"Whyfashion?"

"Curvy girls deserve nice clothes that make them feel confident too," I say. "Most designer brands ignore the fact that the average woman isn't a size two. My sister and I are both curvy, but finding our sizes in stores is impossible. So I started designing most of our clothes myself."

"You made this?" His gaze rakes down my body, taking in my outfit.

"I did."

"Damn, angel," he murmurs, clearly impressed. "You're good."

"I want to be better."

"And you think we can help you get there?"

"It's kind of what you're known for." I smile. "Designers come here to work with and learn from the best."

Alaric grins wistfully. "Ma was the best. Blaze and I are just the stewards overseeing her dream."

"She'd be proud of you," I whisper, drifting along the row of desserts the caterer set out for us to sample. There are so many different kinds of chocolate and fudge. Just looking at all of them makes my teeth ache. "You and your brother should be proud too. You've done an amazing job."

"Thank you," he says, clearing his throat roughly. "I hope you're right."

I never met his mom, but I'm sure I am. Her company has flourished under their care, and everyone here loves them. Even though Blaze is a little bit grumpy, everyone speaks highly of him. They're happy here.

"Where do you want to start?"

"Start?" My lips pull down into a frown.

He nods at the table, making me groan. We've been sampling hors d'oeuvres for an hour already!

"No way. I've already eaten way too much."

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