I walked into the ball, and the scene took my breath away. I was used to fancy parties, but Delilah had truly outdone herself. It was classy but festive, with a red and gold theme. I stopped to chat with a few people on my way to the bar, but there was only one person I was there to see. Luckily, she didn’t flake on me.

She appeared at the entranced like an angel. The only things missing were her wings. Her dress was formal and classy. It was deep blue with a sharp v-neck and with a bare back. She looked beautiful.

I remembered that we were supposed to play it cool, so instead of rushing up to her, I let her approach my group. Then, I sidled up next to her and leaned down.

“You look gorgeous,” I whispered.

“Thank you,” she said with a small smile. “You’re hot stuff yourself.”

Since we were in a crowd, I reached down and squeezed her hand.

I went to the bar and got us drinks, but before I could engage her in any more conversation, Delilah took to the stage. She was a character, and I had to admit I admired her. Her business acumen was on point, especially for her age.

She said a few words to welcome us and to wish us happy holidays, and the party got started. The live band was awesome, the drinks were perfect, and I couldn’t have been happier. Well, I could have, if Bella and I could’ve acted like a normal couple instead of stealing glances. Another thing that irked me was that all the single guys who thought she was single tried to chat her up. My blood boiled and I wanted to fucking strangle them or drown them in the chocolate fountain.

We danced a few times, which was innocent enough.

“Bella, I want to hold you closer and bury my face in your neck,” I said to her quietly.

She laughed softly. “I know. Not now, maybe later.” Her eyes shone with promise, and I knew what she was getting at. I’d have to sneak out and get a room for later. The night was getting better by the minute.

When the dance was over, she excused herself for a few minutes, and headed out of the hall, toward the lobby. I decided it was a good chance to get some alone time with her, so after a minute or two I followed her.

I expected to see her coming back, but instead, she stood there with a panic-stricken look on her face facing me, speaking with a man whose face I couldn’t see. What the hell was going on? She looked upset and scared, and my heart began racing.

I strode up behind the man.

“Is everything all right?” I asked, in a tone that showed I meant business.

The man turned. Fuck. It was Mark Casey, her boss. Guess we were busted. Not that I was scared of the guy. I only cared for her sake and because she’d told me she didn’t want him finding out.

“Conrad. This doesn’t really concern you.”

“If it has to do with Isabella, then it does. She doesn’t look too happy right now. Would you know why that is?”

Mark began stammering. “Well, it’s just that…well, I’ve already spoken to her about our fraternizing policy, and it seems she doesn’t—“

I cut the asshole off right there.

“Listen,” I said, leaning in. “She’s an adult and she’ll see whoever the hell she wants to. Do you think you’re the only firm in town? All I have to do is snap my fingers and she’d have ten job offers on the spot. I haven’t done that, because she’s smart and can do it on her own if she wants to, but don’t be under the impression that you could push her around.”

He stared at me with mouth agape. I reached for Bella and pulled her close to me. The smile on her face was priceless. Her eyes were red, though; the asshole had almost made her cry.

“I turned her face up and kissed her square on the lips. My gaze darted back to Mark, who began backing up, and after muttering something to himself under his breath, he turned on his heels and scurried away.

“Oh my god, thank you for that.” Bella’s soft voice stirred my heart.

“It was nothing. Actually, I’m so glad this happened. Everything I said is true. It’s up to you, of course, but I really think you should quit that job. That asshole is toxic.”

She nodded. “I’d probably be fired after this, anyways.”

I knew she was right.

“What am I gonna do without a job? It’s the holidays…not the greatest time to be job hunting.”

“Well, like I said, I’m sure you can do it on your own, but I know a lot of people in good places. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

I brushed her lips with mine again.

“Go back to the ball. I have to take care of something.” I gave her hand a squeeze and watched her walk away. The way her hips moved was just unbelievable.

The front desk wasn’t busy at this time of night. Being so close to the holidays, I didn’t know if there’d be any rooms, but I lucked out because there was a cancellation.

“Great, I’ll take it!” I said with a huge smile.

Sure, we could have gone to my house, but I wanted something special for tonight.

The party was still in full swing, but we disappeared. We could always go back downstairs if we wanted. The night was still young.