Page 43 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“What’s the plan?”
“I don’t suppose there’s much need for an elaborate cover story. You’re my beautiful date, and we’re here to have a good time. Once we get in, we’ll wander a bit, see what—and who—we see. When I have a feel for the room, we’ll probably split up. Make conversation and get names.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“And remember, Julian Myers is a possibility, and I certainly want to get a look at him if he’s there. But anyone could be involved.”
“In other words, be on the lookout for anything suspicious.”
“Absolutely anything. You never know where the smallest hint will lead.”
He backed out of the parking spot and drove around to the front of the hotel. He got out and held up a hand so the attendant wouldn’t open my door for me. As he came around the front, I shrugged my coat off, deciding it would be easier to leave it in the car.
Opening the door, he offered his hand. I took it and noticed it wasn’t smooth like his tux. Even with his gentle touch, I could feel his strength, and his skin was calloused.
Full of surprises.
The intensity of his gaze as I stood sent a pleasant shiver down my spine, and I hoped he couldn’t hear my heart racing in his earpiece.
He offered me his arm, and I slipped my hand in the crook of his elbow as we walked inside.
The lobby was decked out in a beautiful array of lights and decorations. A huge tree stood in the center, covered in redand green ornaments and white lights. A sign pointed to the Snowflake Ball in the ballroom.
“We’re going to cause a stir when we walk in,” Jensen said, pitching his voice low so I could hear him through the earpiece.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to attract their attention on purpose. I want every person in that room to want to talk to me or be seen with me.”
“How are you going to do that?”
“You’ll see. It’s all part of the game. Just play along.”
I took a deep breath as we entered.
The entire room seemed to sparkle with twinkling lights. At least a dozen Christmas trees decorated the perimeter, and lit snowflakes dangled from the ceiling. Icy-blue linens and silver centerpieces adorned the tables. And a pianist in a white suit played Christmas music on a shiny grand piano.
Heads turned the moment we walked in. The man beside me seemed to morph into someone else. I couldn’t explain how he did it—how the subtle shift in the way he moved had such a dramatic effect. But suddenly, nearly everyone was looking at him.
Some eyed him with interest or curiosity. Others gaped openly, their eyes wide and mouths hanging open. Women licked their lips, men furrowed their brows, and whispers swept through the room.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding,” I said.
He flexed his bicep, subtly squeezing my hand, and kept strolling into the ballroom. A server brought a tray of champagne. Jensen handed a glass to me before taking one for himself.
Watching the crowd, I sipped my drink. Most men wore dark tuxes, and several had opted for white or silver bow ties. The women, however, seemed to have all known something I didn’t—the dress code.
Every woman—at least that I could see—wore pale blue, silver, or white. Apparently, it was expected to dress to the snowflake theme.
“I’m wearing the wrong color,” I whispered.
“No, you’re not.” Jensen sipped his champagne.
“Yes, I am. They’re all wearing winter colors.”
He turned and met my eyes. “You look amazing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
His gaze flicked to my mouth, and for a second, I thought he might lean in and kiss me. My lips parted, and my heart raced. What would I do if he did?
