I look around our surroundings some more. A giant tree hangs from the ceiling and dangles down in the large lobby, draped in lights in such a way that it looks half like a chandelier and half like a Christmas tree. Lit wreaths line the walls, and the sporadically placed bars along the walls serve guests looking for a beverage.

“Do you want something to drink?” I ask Kenzie, who’s still soaking in the atmosphere.

She drags her gaze away from the ceiling and looks at me. “Sure.”

“Another eggnog monstrosity?”

She chuckles, and the sound reminds me of the wind chimes my gran used to have near her kitchen window. “Wine is fine. White please.” The challenging look on her face is a silent retort for the night we met, when I questioned her choice of wine.

“White it is. I’ll be right back.”

I push through the crowd. After waiting entirely too long to be served, I make my way back to Kenzie, who’s standing near the wall where I left her.

“Here you go.” I pass her the glass and she smiles, thanking me. “What made you decide on the Rockettes as your first attempt to win me over on the holidays?” I bring my wine to my lips and sip.

“It’s a good way to get into the Christmas mood this early in the season, and I go every year. Usually I drag my best friend, Tessa, along with me, so by taking you this year, she thanks you for sparing her.”

I chuckle. “Are you surrounded by people who hate the holidays?”

She gives me a sassy look. “Tessa likes Christmas just fine. She just doesn’t like seeing the same concert year after year.”

“Fair enough. So, what can I expect from tonight’s performance?”

Someone passes by and pushes me, forcing me to step into Kenzie’s space. She has nowhere to go because she’s against the wall, and for a moment, our eyes lock and we just breathe each other in. The air grows heavy in my lungs and my cock stirs in my trousers. Stepping back from her takes effort, but I force myself to.

“Sorry,” I mumble and her gaze darts away from mine.

“It’s crowded in here. Should we go take our seats?” She looks vaguely uncomfortable.

I wonder if my desire for her is that transparent. The last thing I want is to make her feel uneasy in my presence. “Great idea. I’m going to end up with this wine all over me if we don’t.”

I trail behind her, and it takes us a few minutes to reach the doors of the theater. Kenzie shows the attendant the tickets on her phone, and she directs Kenzie toward our seats.