She shoots me an incredulous look before confronti

ust

happened. I don’t keep anything from Kristoff,

. “Ignoring her right now isn’t such a good idea. S

she’ll keep treatin

tonight. Not when everybody is trying to control me. Let’s avo

it us at brunch. It’s embarrassing

pening? I don’t t

it with whoever I want to. You are free to leave th

she calms down. “I

turning to face me. “I’m sorry about

touch the red st

s. “Damn Adam and his

an because of that stupid kissing game. What sh

in a tangerine beaded dress joins us. “Ah, you are Am

fake smile she always displays to her fans. “Yes, we’re

eet her at the spa before the New Year. My friends an

rs. Jameson. I

you, and Merry Christmas to you too.”

want to be with you either. But I’ve got something better. You st

I’m not going since I’m turning them down. You see that, America? I tell my girlfriend

hat?” That’s the fir

ust wait until you’re force

you don’t get bored like th

ouples dancing to a Michael Buble Christmas song. He ta

Lora?”

for a kiss

inkled toget

. I’d been lo

delight. “Did you

l him. That is how transparent our rela

sorry. America’

lights went out. I thought you

S

omeone close by, I

dancing, and his demeanor tur

. You were almost there.” I stare at hi

air. “This is why I don’t play Ad

ot his

t’s dark, they don’t know whether it’s

son further. “There’s no need to get

breath. “Fine.

is face. Everyone

ning everyone’s faces. “Well, no

her. I grabbed him becau

s his head. “Becaus

“What do

it all t

falls open, and my face t

henever you feel

oint in arguing. “Fine. But I

he cracks

ist

your apology. But

ur

ate with m

im, bury my face in his chest, and inhale his soothing

u’re a g

and came over to our cocktail table

is isn’t Halloween,” Lora

nto my shirt upst

after we meet Julian anyway.

d some ugly psycho who thought I was hitting on him, an

o her face. “You should’ve kisse

ff says. Thankfully, he

arm of ladies surrounding a towering figure of a man, but I ca

s and bring my mouth to his ear.

ks, frowning. “H

ubt he remembe

My boyfr

s away from the crowd

intimidating. With his black suit, white shirt, and navy silk cashmere scarf but no ties, h

at me, but I’m not sure why. His

l. I suddenly feel my basal temperatur

eautiful that it should be illegal. Even Lora’s e

e deems him more of a family than his own. I’ve nev

t’s good t

ff with an ardent welcome. “Good

f exclaims, pulling away. “I’ve something to

” Julian says nonchalantly

nya Scott and Lora McQueen. T

th a ghost smile on his lips. “Welcome to Sebastian Hous

ving us.” Lora beams at him as though she won the lotte

ing conductor, and Anya is a promising compos

econd. No, it’s already been over five seconds and counting. They’r

parade all

that voice! I’m good

tates, now unsmiling. “Because I ran into Ms. Scott earlier on t

ga

off f

pupils

from Professor J

e golde

! I catch

just get