Page 52 of Minted

I step through to the edge of the party, the heat from the braziers placed every 10 feet hitting me like a palpable wall. I close my eyes and sigh as I undo my coat.

“Wowzer,” Bentley says. “That is a dress.”

I want to wrap my coat back around myself and pretend I’m freezing cold.

“What’s wrong?”

There’s no way he’d be that nice if he didn’t think I needed someone to talk me up. He can clearly see the bulge, and he’s trying to compensate for it. “Nothing.” I force a smile and keep my coat on.

“Are you cold?” He looks around. “Who thought an outdoor event was a great plan?”

“That would be me,” Victor Quintano says with a smile.

“Oh,” Bentley says. “Well, it’s a unique idea.”

“I feel like we never get any fresh air in the winter, and the facility here assured me that with the tents and the heaters, we’d be fine.” He gestures. “Maybe once you’re under the tents it’ll be better.”

Now I have to take my coat off. I peel it off slowly, trying not to make it obvious that I’m embarrassed. “I’m actually not cold.”

Neither of them looks like they believe me, and Quintano’s the one who will decide which PR firm they use.

“Really,” I say. “It’s just that this dress was a little extra, and I thought the coat might tone it down a bit.”

Bentley takes the coat with a smile. “I recant my criticism about the venue then, and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“Of course,” Quintano says. “Our firm has dealt with its fair share of misunderstandings lately.”

Bentley has no idea what he’s talking about, but he rallies well. “I’m sure we all have.” He offers me his arm. “And I’ll be sure to convince the lady that her extra-dress brings exactly the right amount of holiday cheer.”

Quintano raises a glass and nods as he walks off.

“You’re pretty good at that,” I say.

“After sticking my foot in my mouth,” Bentley says, “I can sometimes extricate it reasonably well.” His eyes are dancing. “Sorry about that. I’m guessing that guy’s important.”

I drop to a whisper. “He’s the target Jennifer assigned to James for the night.”

“Oh, well, then I really did foul up.”

“It’s fine,” I say. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“And what’s your target for the night?”

“I have to be visible,” I say. “That’s my task.”

“I think we can do visible.” Bentley eyes my dress. “With that dress on, you’re going to be catching everyone’s eye.”

I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks. “And now I want my coat back for sure.”

“Barbara, tell me you’re not still letting that idiot make you feel like you don’t look great.”

“Stop,” I hiss. “Not right now.”

“I like you,” he says.

I freeze.

“I’ve liked you for a while.” His eyes are intent, and his voice is urgent. “You light up every room you’re in. You champion little kids, even when it means your job’s put in jeopardy. You’re always there for your friends. You’re even there for me, and I’m a total nuisance.” Bentley’s staring right at me, with those big, deep, soul-searching eyes of his. “You’re somehow both an anchor and a shooting star, and I have no idea how you manage both, but I’m always in awe of it. I’m not kidding when I say you look amazing. I spend almost all day every day trying to come up with an excuse to touch you.” He bites his lip then, and my entire stomach flip-flops.

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