Page 34 of Holidate Scramble
Chapter Seven
Piper
I'd worn many dresses in my life, but never one that made me feel like this—like I was finally the person I was meant to be. The sapphire silk caught the light as I turned before my bedroom mirror, falling in elegant folds to the floor. I'd splurged on it last week, reasoning that this gala wasn't just another event I was coordinating but my first real date with Rhett.
Well, first official date.
The thought sent a flutter through my stomach. Somewhere between that first reluctant conversation at The Little Red Hen and last night's passionate encounter at his cottage, my holiday fake relationship had become something startlingly real.
A knock at my apartment door sent me scurrying for my earrings—simple diamond studs, a gift from my parents last Christmas. One last glance in the mirror, one last adjustment of the jewel-encrusted bobby pin in my hair, and I was ready.
I opened the door to find Rhett standing there in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, a small wrapped box in his hand. He stared for a long moment before speaking.
"You're breathtaking," he said, his voice low and intimate.
"You're not so bad yourself, Dr. Thornton." I tried for lighthearted, but my voice caught slightly. He really was gorgeous—the formal wear emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame, his hair styled just right, a hint of stubble adding just the right amount of ruggedness to his refined appearance.
"This is for you." He handed me the box. "An early Christmas gift."
Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with a single charm—a tiny silver star. "Because you shine as brightly as the North Star in the night sky," he explained as he fastened it around my wrist. "Guiding me home when I was lost."
"That's beautiful," I whispered, my heart swelling. "Thank you. I love it."
His fingers lingered on my wrist. "Ready to make our official debut?"
I nodded, trying to ignore the nervous fluttering in my chest.
The hospital gala was being held at the Bayview Hotel, Starlight Bay's grandest venue. As we entered the ballroom, I marveled at the sight. Gold and silver decorations glittered under crystal chandeliers, tables draped in white linen surrounded a polished dance floor, and a string quartet played softly in the corner.
As we moved through the crowd, I found myself introduced as "Piper Summers, the force behind the Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge" rather than just Rhett's date. He seemed determined that everyone know my accomplishments, praising my work to colleagues from the hospital with genuine enthusiasm.
"Twenty thousand dollars raised," he told the chief administrator. "In a community this size. Remarkable achievement."
"It was a team effort," I demurred, though his pride in me was intoxicating.
The evening unfolded like a dream—champagne toasts, elegant hors d'oeuvres, and conversations that flowed easily. When Rhett led me to the dance floor, his hand enveloping mine, I felt a contentment I'd never experienced before.
"Happy, Angel?" he asked, holding me close as we swayed to the music.
"Very." I rested my head against his chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart. "Though your hospital colleagues keep looking at us like we're an exhibit at the zoo."
He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "They're just not used to seeing me smile."
"You weren't exactly known for your sunny disposition?"
"More like my single-minded focus on work. I don't think I've attended a social function in years without spending half the time on my phone consulting on cases."
I leaned back to look at him. "You haven't checked your phone once tonight."
"Haven't wanted to." His expression softened. "Not when reality is far more appealing."
The tenderness of his words carried me through another dance, then another, until I excused myself to visit the ladies' room. As I freshened my lipstick, I couldn't help smiling at my reflection. Four hours ago, I'd been worried about the age gap, about what people with prestigious jobs and political clout might think. Now, those concerns seemed insignificant compared to the joy of being with someone who made me feel so completely seen and valued.
The bathroom door opened, and my smile vanished as Adrienne entered. She wore a sleek black dress that probably cost a small fortune, her dark hair swept into an elegant twist.
