I head back to the brownstone two hours before guests are due to arrive for a quick shower and brief gussying-up stint. I’ve worn only the barest of makeup for much of the last few months, but for tonight, I go for a subtle golden smoky eye, dark lashes, and bright pink lips. My dress for the evening is tight and black, and when I walk down the stairs, Jack literally stops in his tracks.

My heart flutters in my chest as he watches me descend, and I feel like a fucking queen. A boss-ass queen.

He kisses my cheek when I reach him at the bottom of the stairs. “You look fucking fantastic.”

“Thanks, Jackpot.” I tug on the lapel of his blazer, worn over dark jeans and a white button-down shirt. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He runs a hand through his hair, smoothing back curls that have grown a little long. “I can’t remember the last time I wore an actual collared shirt/jacket combo.”

“Well, it looks good on you.” I plant a kiss on his cheek, wiping away the faint smudge of pink I leave behind.

He helps me into my coat, and I wrap a scarf around my neck, thankful the walk to the store is short.

It’s a quick and quiet stroll through the bitter January cold, and I start to run through all the last-minute tasks I’ll need to finish before people start arriving for the party.

Jack squeezes my hand before reaching out to open the door for me. “You’re going to do great, sweet pea.”

Determined to stay busy so my internal freak-out doesn’t take over my brain and shut me down completely, I toss all my outerwear in my office, put Jack in charge of my phone, and then get to work, placing arrangements, checking in with the staff, and helping Gemma set up the food.

Inhaling a deep whiff of bacon, I can’t help but snatch a wrapped scallop from one of the platters. “Good lord, Gem. These are amazing.”

She smacks my hand away as I reach for a second. “Save them for the paying customers, lady.”

Standing back, I take in the spread. Not only does the food smell amazing, but her presentation is stunning. “I hope you’re ready to be inundated with catering requests after tonight.”

She shrugs off the compliment, but there’s an unmistakable gleam of pride in her eyes. “Thank you for this, Sade. Truly. It means everything to me that you trusted me to do this for you.”

I pull her into a quick side hug. “Mostly I just wanted top-notch food at a killer price.”

She loops her arm around my waist. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Write off your generosity like you have ulterior motives.”

Rolling my eyes, I gently push her away. “Come on, Gem, we all know my motives are self-motivated.”