Page 46 of Just A Bet

Five feet in, and I want to run back out. Six feet in, and I’m pretty sure I just entered another universe. Ten feet in, and I know this night is about to get crazy.

Chapter 18

Lennox

“Huge Ice tree,” Noa says, looking at the monstrosity in front of us. “I have so many questions.”

“Don’t we all,” I say, staring at the seven-foot Christmas tree, carved chunk of ice, looming over the party guests. There are branches and ornaments, even presents at the base. I don’t even want to imagine the amount of money my dad wasted on this. It’s frozen water, for crying out loud!

“Pumpkin.” My dad appears behind the giant tree sculpture and rounds it to give me a hug. “This must be your date.”

“Noa.” My giant of a date sticks out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

My dad gives me a not-so-hidden grin. “I like him.”

What do I say to that? Thanks? I picked him out myself?

“Dad, I have two questions.” I say. “Why the big ice tree? And please tell me my Christmas bonus is not in that thing.”

My dad only laughs. “My daughter is a keeper,” he says to Noa, then runs off to talk to more people. Sometimes, I forget that there are fifteen other employees that work at the shop beside my brothers. I’m rarely around all the guys, so being here with them and their dates is a little nerve-wracking. And where are my brothers? And Grant?

We make our way through the crowd toward the food table, but Juliet catches us.

“Hey! Oh my gosh, you’re here!” She says to Noa.

Noa winks at her in return. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“Oh.” Juliet looks at me with wide eyes. “He’s good. This is going to work.”

“Speaking of the devils, where are they?” I ask, but not ready for the answer. I’m not ready to pretend to be engaged.

“Right this way.” She has an eager gleam in her eye.

I worry it's because she’s keeping secrets from everyone. Big, dark, life-changing secrets.

Or, she’s just super chill and nice.

“You didn’t tell Michael, did you?” I ask her.

“And risk seeing the look on his face? No way.” She practically cackles as she leads us to the kitchen where Grant and my brothers are snacking on hors d’oeuvres.

“Hey guys, look who I found by the door,” Juliet says to the group.

Four heads turn in my direction. Three of them look at me with amusement in their eyes, but the one on the left, with the dark features and a scar through his eyebrow, has never looked at me like that. Like he’s devouring every inch of me. My body heats under his interested gaze.

Is this plan working?

“Hey!” Michael is the first to greet Noa. The rest have already met him and don’t seem as eager. “You brought a date, Lenny. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

My blood boils, but before I can retort, Noa covers my hand with his large one.

“You underestimate your sister.” Noa says, then looks down at me with admiration in his eyes. “You don’t know how amazing she is.”

My cheeks are surely red as tomatoes, but I appreciate it more than he knows.

I feel Grant’s gaze on me, and it pulls my attention to him. His brows are furrowed and his arms folded. He looks angry. I almost pull my hand from Noa’s, but I’m not done with my brothers yet and I need Noa’s support.

“She’s alright.” Sean chuckles.

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