From there, we make our way to the ice rink that’s been set up in the middle of the park. A giant Christmas tree is at the end closest to the main branch of the library, and an après ski lounge is on one side.

Though Kenzie got us tickets, we still end up having to wait in line.

“How’s your week been? Before Thanksgiving, I mean,” I ask her after we’ve been standing there for a while.

“Busy. Your firm’s party is top of my mind, but I’m working on a smaller event for some clients I’ve worked with in the past. It’s just a private Santa meet-and-greet for their kids and friends, but I want everything to be perfect. One of the wives was the first person to give me my break into high society party planning, and I don’t want to disappoint her.”

I knock her with my shoulder. “You won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?” She looks up at me as though she really needs to hear the answer, as though what I say matters.

I wonder if she’s still rattled from what her mother said a couple of days ago.

So in an effort to get across how much I mean it, and not because my fingers are itching to touch her, I take her shoulders in my hands. “You forget that I’ve seen you in action. I know how focused, and capable, and committed you are to your clients. Whatever you put together will be perfect.”

I’m not sure if it’s the cold or my words, but her cheeks turn pink. “Thanks, Andrew. That means a lot… really it does.”

I give her an awkward kind of smile and let my hands drop to my sides.

One of the attendants who has been working her way up the line holding a metal bucket in front of her reaches us. I lean forward to see what’s inside.

“Candy cane?” She smiles at us.

I raise my hands. “None for me, thanks.”

“Ooh, I’d love one.” Kenzie grabs one and gives the woman her thanks, then unwraps the candy and sticks it between her lips.

If my body’s reaction to seeing her red lips wrapped around a piece of candy is any indication, I’m in deep trouble. I shift my weight to hopefully hide that I’m trying to adjust my shaft that is now a half-chub in my jeans.

“You’re missing out.” She smiles around the mint stick.

All I can do is grunt before I turn around and face the direction the line is moving so that I don’t have to watch her suck on that thing anymore.

“Don’t be a grump. You promised.”

I don’t turn around when I answer her. “I know. I assure you, I’m not.”

Truth is, I’m enjoying myself too much.

Chapter Nineteen

Kenzie