Page 79 of She's a Big Deal

“Will you please kiss me like you mean it?”

Now Grace flashed a roguish grin, swung the pomp-pom tothe back of the ski cap, and proceeded as requested to lay a deep, slow, hot kiss over her mouth. Olivia was pretty sure her cheeks must be blazing red when they walked into the lounge, though Charlie focused on her niece.

“Oh, look!” she exclaimed in delight. “How sweet, my little Christmas elf!”

Grace grunted. Reece, back from walking the dog, laughed. And Charlie pulled them all into a group hug.

“I am so happy,” she declared. “So happy!”

“Good,” Grace approved. “Now let’s go slay that Christmas lunch.I’m starving.”

chapter 26

Olivia quickly got the measure of everyone. Mark was a friendly guy, a smart lawyer type, head over heels in love with his wife. Chloe looked like a dimmer, toned-down version of her sister. She may rely a bit too much on bling to shine, though Olivia was sure the diamonds on her ears, gold rings, and bangles that she wore were all real. With her sharp suit and immaculate make-up, Chloe struck her as a wannabe glitzy CEO, perhaps the type who had to work at it to compensate for a weaker personality. Not like Grace, whose air of command shimmered around her like power flowed in her veins instead of the regular red stuff. Still, Chloe seemed like she would be okay if one bothered to scratch under the surface a little. She greeted Olivia with a smile.

“Ms. Bianchi. Nice to meet you. I hear you’re teaching our Charlie to cook more plant-based recipes?”

“That’s right.”

Oliva was both pleased and relieved when the woman did not immediately start to scream that plants feel pain too, or ask why she wasn’t dead yet from lack of adequate protein.

“I’ve been thinking of going vegan for a little while now,” she offered instead. “It just feels so complicated! Perhaps you wouldn’t mindgiving me a few tips as well.”

“I would love to. I know it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re starting out, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ll be happy to help you.”

Chloe blinked as if she’d not expected such an instant offer of help; and perhaps even friendship.

“Great. Thanks!” She smiled again as tension visibly left her shoulders.

Chloe threw a quick glance at her sister, who was talking to Mark and Charlie in front of the Christmas tree, then back at her with a telling look in her eyes that made Olivia think she must be imagining them together. She did not comment. All in all, it was pretty funny. Jeremy arrived as they were all sharing drinks and lively conversation. Dressed in a tux, with another elegant woman on his arm, though not the same as on the night of the awards, he eyed the room with practiced, ruthless efficiency. Olivia noticed a hush as he walked up to Grace, and everyone discreetly turned to see what would happen. She stood close, eager to remind her lover that she was not alone. Grace clasped her hand with a gentle squeeze of acknowledgment.

“Merry Christmas, Jeremy.”

“Yeah, bah humbug,” he replied and slid his eyes toward her. “You’re the artist.”

Olivia was surprised he’d heard of her, though he slathered the word with enough disdain to let her know he must not be a fan. Or care. She smiled in return, remembering Grace’s advice not to take anything personally.

“I am indeed. How do you do, Mr. Michaels.” She’d draw the line at telling him it was a pleasure to see him again.

When it became obvious he would not introduce her, Grace extended a hand to the dark-haired woman with him.

“Hi.” She offered a smile. “I’m Grace.”

“Kylee.” The woman smiled briefly and shyly, then looked to Jeremy clearly for direction.

So, he must be the controlling type with his partners, Olivia figured. Not that much of a surprise from the things Grace had told her. She was not sorry when he simply left his date there and went to speak to his brother. Charlie, Olivia noticed, was not shy about grabbing him for a bear hug.

“Okay?” she murmured when Chloe stepped in to engage Kylee in conversation.

“Yes.” Grace kept her eyes fixed on the twins. “I don’t want to leave Reece on his own with Jeremy for too long if I can help it.”

“Charlie is with him now, look.”

Her friend had one arm laced around his waist while Reece rested his comfortably around her shoulders. Charlie was giving no sign of wanting to budge.

“That’s good,” Grace nodded. She turned to her, blue eyes warming as they settled onto hers. “I’m really glad you’re here. Thank you for coming.”

“I’m glad to be here. I want to kiss you, Grace.”

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