Page 21 of Festive Faking
She nodded in a daze, her eyes growing glassy. “I can promise you that.”
We exchanged information, and I stashed my and Aspen’s ornaments in the coat I’d borrowed from Tripp before bidding Rose a pleasant evening and a happy holiday.
My next stop was a drink stand offering warm beverages. The brisk evening had seeped through the denim encasing my legs, so I was eager for the warmth a bit of alcohol would provide.
With two drinks clasped in my gloved hands, I went in search of Aspen.
Six hundred souls seemed like such a small number, but crowded together in a tight space, it felt like so much more.You could barely hear the music coming from the band on stage with how voices layered over one another, people shouting out greetings across the street to those they were excited to see.
I weaved through the tight spaces between bodies, keeping an eagle eye out for a flash of red.
There.
Murmuring, “Excuse me,” to those standing between us, I worked my way closer to where Aspen stood conversing with two men.
A hot flash of jealousy burned through me when I saw her head tip back as laughter fell freely from her lips. She was so at ease in their company that I wondered if either one had a history with her. I didn’t like how that made me feel. Like I was on the outside looking in, knowing I might never get more than this week of pretending with her.
So much for shooting your shot. You sound like you’ve already given up at the first sign of potential competition.
Once I reached the group, I offered the steaming mug to Aspen. “Hope mulled wine is okay.”
She ducked her head in gratitude, taking a sip.
One of the men blew out a breath. “Aspen, who is this tall drink of water, and where did you find him?”
The other man smacked his arm. “I’m standing right here, ya know.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t pretend like you weren’t looking too.” He tossed me a wink with heat in his eyes. “Rules are we can look but not touch.”
“Um . . .” I peeked at my redheaded “date,” hoping she would offer an explanation.
The most adorable snort flew from her nose, and her hand rose to cover it. “Sorry. Mac, meet Henry and his husband, Luke.” She gestured to each one as she introduced them.
Definitely misread that situation. They weren’t a threat or competition.
Extending my hand, I shook both of theirs. “Macallan Blaze.”
Recognition lit up in Henry’s blue gaze. “Wait.” He turned to Aspen. “Are youkiddingme?”
She shrugged. “What?”
“Oh no, girl. Don’t play coy with me. I can see right through you.”
“No idea what you’re talking about.” She buried her face in her drink.
“What’s the deal?” Luke asked.
Henry huffed out a disbelieving laugh. “Our sweet Aspen is dating one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. Scratch that, the planet.”
When Aspen’s family hadn’t recognized my surname, I was sure I’d be able to fly under the radar this week. Guess I was wrong. Apparently, it was impossible to outrun my legacy.
Luke eyed me with interest. “Seriously?”
Aspen’s discomfort was palpable, and it twisted my gut that common knowledge of my family’s wealth was the cause. I knew better than most that money didn’t solve all the world’s problems, and it sure as shit couldn’t buy happiness or love. My life would have been a hell of a lot different if it could.
Shrugging, I opted to downplay the notoriety that came with being born a Blaze. “I put my pants on one leg at a time, same as anyone else.”
Henry snickered. “Yeah, but your pants probably cost as much as our rent.”
