Bethaney asks for my input a few times, but I manage to defer back to them without her picking up that I really could not care less. All I can think about is how I’ll be working later than normal tonight because of my time spent in this meeting.

“Now, the food. Andrew was kind enough to call around to a list of caterers I’ve used before and can vouch for them being able to do the job and no one has any availability this close to the date, so I’d like to make a proposition.” Kenzie looks at Bethaney with a hopeful expression, but her face falls like a toddler’s whose mum just told her she can’t have any cake.

“That’s the worst.”

“Well, I think I might have a solution. I know you weren’t thrilled with the regular offerings at the event space, but I spoke to the St. Regis and since we’re at a crossroads with Bethaney’s menu to what St. Regis offers, they’re willing to let you have some outside vendors come in and set up to serve during the party. So rather than having a sit-down formal dinner, the theme would be ‘Take a stroll down Main Street.’” Kenzie pulls out some rough sketches she’s done of the event space with her idea integrated in, and I watch as she pitches the idea to Bethaney, who seems to relax the more Kenzie talks.

It’s quite something to watch. Kenzie clearly has a passion for her work. It’s not like I thought she couldn’t put two brain cells together, but seeing her in her element showcases what an intelligent and capable woman she is. Sadly, it’s a fucking turn-on.

As if I needed another reason to want this woman.

“If you’re on board with the idea,” Kenzie continues, “this means we’d have to push the party start time by an hour and a half to make it clear this is a cocktail party and not a formal sit-down dinner, but with the money we’d save, we can get some holiday-themed ice sculptures done as the centerpiece for each table.”

“You’re a genius, Kenzie! I love it!” Bethaney’s outburst takes the two of us by surprise and Kenzie actually startles in her chair. Bethaney claps like that monkey with the cymbals.

The smile her comment puts on Kenzie’s face brings a warm feeling to my chest.

“Do you think everyone will like it, Andrew?” Bethaney looks at me, waiting for a response.

“Absolutely, I think it will be the best holiday party the firm has had.”

Bethaney grins, and I resist the urge to wipe my lips from having them on her ass.