* * *
Dani almost ran back to her car when her friend Janna led her up the walkway to the huge house on the hill. If the valet hadn't taken her keys, she probably would have. "Come on," Janna said with a gentle tug. "Will you just look at this place? It's gorgeous!"
Dani was forced to agree. Not only was the house sprawling and stately, but the grounds were decorated for the season. All around them lights twinkled in the trees and bushes. There were tasteful reindeer and snowmen made of light, and several blinking stars hung from wires that had been strung between the trees.
If only it had snowed, then this place would have been transformed into a perfect winter wonderland. She was glad it hadn't snowed, though, because she never would have made it to the door in her four-inch heels if the walkway were icy.
They entered through the large double doors, and Dani handed her invitation to the doorman. He took their coats from them and motioned toward the party.
Dani could hear festive music playing, as well as the rising and falling tones of conversation. With a deep breath, she grabbed Janna's hand and walked forward. She told herself she was just taking her hand because she was unaccustomed to parading around in high heels, but she knew it was for moral support as well.
The ladies made their way into a stunning great room that was decorated for the occasion. Twin fires burned in huge hearths that stood on either side of the large room. There were several trees, each decorated in tasteful lights and bulbs. Enormous red ribbons were tied around the columns that supported the weight of the cathedral ceiling.
Everywhere people were talking and drinking from champagne flutes, taking small hors d’oeuvres from waiters in red jackets and elf hats who were circulating among the guests. The attendees were all wealthy and well dressed. Dani fidgeted in her own outfit, hoping that she didn't stand out like a sore thumb.
Janna had insisted she buy the dress she was wearing, but she was having second thoughts. It was a flaming red Grecian style dress, with a halter that came up to a reasonable level, but which hugged her cleavage, especially on the sides, where it hinted at her barely hidden assets. Then it fell to her knees, but the waist and under the bust as well as the neckline was wrapped in a thin, dark green ribbon. It was the back; however, that exposed her pale skin almost all the way down to her bottom. Only the ribbon crossed the expanse of her smooth back.
From her ears hung two tiny green ornament balls on inch-long chains. Her dark hair was pulled up in an elegant chignon; her bangs swooped to the side. She had allowed Janna free reign on the makeup as well, and so she was now sporting a smoky eye and ruby-red lips. It was a daring look, and she hoped she was pulling it off.
Her friend had also pulled out all the stops, excited at the prospect of mingling with the Pacific Northwest's elite. But now she looked exceedingly nervous in her white gown with a plunging neckline, a simple silver necklace with matching bracelet, and long drop earrings.
Dani was amused by Janna's opinions on her surroundings. She had expected her to be a bit star struck by the people whose elbows she had insisted upon rubbing, but instead, she seemed annoyed. "Would you just get a load of this place! Who in the world needs all this space? It's just selfish!"
Dani almost spits out the sip of champagne she'd just taken when she realized her host had approached during Janna's diatribe. Her friend didn't seem to notice the millionaire standing politely at her elbow, and she continued her rant undeterred.
"I mean, he's incredibly handsome, but I'm sure he's like any other trust fund kid. Self-absorbed. Entitled. Obsessed with owning things, and people."
Dani coughed, choking on the champagne. Her eyes darted to Brice's face, but she was amazed to see what appeared to be a genuine smile on his face. "Dr. French," he interrupted, "I'm so glad to see you've made it. Please, introduce me to your delightful friend."
The blood drained entirely away from Janna's face when she realized he'd heard every word she'd said. She stood frozen, a pale ghost, as Dani introduced her.
Masterson took her limp hand and bent over it, pressing his lips to the back of her delicate hand and murmuring, "Enchanted."
Dani knew her friend was mortified, and immediately stepped in to rescue her.
"Brice, let's continue this conversation later. Right now I need the ladies’ room, and you know women must go in pairs. It's tradition." She laughed nervously and took Janna's hand from Brice's larger one. With a backward smile, Dani tugged her friend away from the charming millionaire who just shook his head and laughed.
"Oh. My. God." Janna looked like she was hyperventilating. "I can't believe that happened. Why couldn't I have just melted into the floor? Leave it to me to make a total idiot of myself in front of the host. He's so handsome, too. Much better looking in person. Oh shit, did that just happen?"
Dani laughed and attempted to calm her friend down. She found a quiet sitting room down the hall from the great room and settled Janna in a wingbacked chair.
"Just breathe," she said. "I've got to hand it to you, you sure know how to get a guy's attention."
Janna gave her a sick look, her chest heaving so much Dani feared her breasts might fall out of her dress.
"Relax!" she ordered the redhead. "Just sit here. I'm going to get you a drink."
Janna nodded and focused on her breathing. Dani could hear her quietly berating herself as she made her way back to the party. Weaving through the crowd, she headed to the bar. Although there were several glasses of champagne sitting on trays waiting to be served, Dani asked the bartender for a shot of Kentucky bourbon.
"You've sure got a thing for whiskeys," a familiar voice said from behind her.
Dani froze, her hand shaking so hard she was afraid she might spill the drink. She could feel his warm breath on her bare shoulder.
She closed her eyes for a moment, wanting nothing more than to sink backward into his embrace. Instead, she straightened her spine and turned, confronting the man who'd broken her heart.