Page 444 of His Virgin Romance Series

“Opening to the public,” he said.

“I’m always nervous right before opening day,” I admitted. “But they’re good nerves. It keeps the adrenaline pumping.”

“Good to know.”

“And, you’ve informed all the guests that all the restaurants will be closed for the night?”

“I have.”

“That includes room service.”

“I’ve notified everyone.”

“Good,” I nodded.

I was about to get out when I turned to Ben. “Try and relax tonight,” I told him. “This party is as much for the senior staff as it is for the guests.”

His smirk was dubious. “I don’t know that I relax so well.”

“Try,” I said. “You’ve been working around the clock this past week. I just want you to know that I’ve noticed.”

Ben looked slightly embarrassed as he nodded. “Thank you.”

Smiling, I left my office and headed to my room to change for the party. I walked through the western hall that boasted floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlooked one of the resort’s two outdoor pools. I had spotted Brie swimming there a number of times, but today there was no one around. She was probably getting ready for the party, just like everyone else in the resort.

I had done a good job of avoiding her for the past week. We hadn’t crossed paths at all, and the one time I had glimpsed her had been fleeting, and she hadn’t even noticed me. After our little confrontation in the hallway, I had stopped going to Albero’s for dinner. I just jumped between the other three restaurants, knowing I wasn’t likely to run into Brie there.

I wasn’t exactly sure why I was avoiding her so studiously. Was I embarrassed about my behavior, or did I simply wish to avoid temptation? I had thrown myself into work in the hopes that it would keep my mind off her, but unfortunately, there was nothing pressing enough that distracted me for long. Each night, at dinner, I would sit alone at my table and wonder what Brie was wearing that night and who she was sitting with. I had even stopped inquiring after her from my wait staff because a part of me was scared of hearing who she was with and flying into another rage.

I had a quick shower and then put on my navy-blue tux with the silver cufflinks. I ran my fingers through my hair and stared at my reflection in the mirror for a moment. I looked sharp, and on any other night, I would have felt confident and calm.

But tonight, I was anything but composed. I knew Brie would be at the party, and I knew she would look stunning. I would need to play host, but at the same time, I would need to stay far away from her.

I left my suite and headed into the ballroom where the party was being held. The ballroom was a large circular room with a domed ceiling painted in styles reminiscent of the ancient Italian painters. The roof alone contributed to the hall’s grand and luxurious feel.

When I stepped inside, I felt a surge of approval. The massive natural Christmas tree that I’d had flown in especially for the party was standing in the center of the hall. It was decked out in grand fashion and looked exceptionally beautiful. The decorations were classy and had been artfully placed around the space to create the feel of Christmas, without going overboard. There were Christmas wreaths everywhere, and mistletoe hung from the natural creepers that had been draped over and around pillars, lights, and chandeliers.

The hall was already half full when I entered. I started mingling with the crowd, welcoming guests and stopping to talk to a few of my investors. The buffet had been set up in the back of the hall, and the Christmas feast on display looked positively regal. The choice was elaborate, but if there was one holiday that demanded extravagance, it was this one.

I was walking over to the bar when Gregory blocked my path. “Hey, stranger,” he said. “Haven’t seen you around much.”

I felt more than a little ashamed of my behavior towards Gregory, but it had never been easy for me to say I was sorry. “I’ve been busy,” I said, employing an apologetic tone.

“Planning this shindig couldn’t have been easy,” he said, looking around. “I must say, this is spectacular.”

“Then mission accomplished.”

“I had dinner at Albero a few times over the last week,” he continued. “I noticed you weren’t at your usual table.”

I paused slightly. “Uh… Yeah. Well… I guess I was avoiding the restaurant.”

“I thought you might be…”

“Listen, Gregory,” I said, deciding that I needed to be a man and cop to my mistake. “About what happened last week…”

“It’s okay, Seth,” Gregory said graciously. “I know. You don’t have to apologize. If I were that in love with a woman, I might have done way worse.”

I frowned. “I’m not in love with her, Gregory.”

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