“Yes. Yes, the package safely arrived, and Dalton said he put it in Harper’s office.” Nerves begin to flutter in my stomach at the realization that my plan was executed perfectly. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without Dalton’s help…and the help of my best friends.
“Perfect. Thank you Monty.”
“Anything for you. Now, let’s head on downstairs and socialize a bit, eh?” He smacks my back before heading out the door. I reach for my phone and send Harper a text, before putting it back in my pocket and following Monty downstairs.
Chapter Twenty Six
Harper
Xavier:I left you something in the office, go take a look before you head downstairs.
Ireadoverthetexta couple times. That’s the most vague text ever. Part of me wants to tell him to just tell me what it is, because I’m not the biggest fan of surprises.
Curiosity gets the best of me though, and I find myself heading toward the room that has been deemed my office. I’m putting in my gold hoop earrings as I open the door to the office. Next thing I know, a heavy sack of slobber plows into me. It takes me a second to realize that my dog is here.
“Winnie?!” I get down to his level and hug him as he wiggles with joy around me. “Oh my God, baby! You’re here! How are you here?” I pull back to look at his face, his tongue hanging out as he pants, and his back end wags, showing his pure joy of being reunited.
“Uh, what am I chopped liver?” A voice comes from further in the office.
My eyes snap up and connect with my best friend. “Evie? What the hell are you doing here!?”
I jump up and make my way across the room toward Evie. When I get close enough, I throw my arms around her, squeezing her tightly in a hug. I pull back. “I can’t believe you’re here. How are you here?” A wave of relief flows through me.
“I’m your Christmas present!” There is a sly smile on her face. “Thatfakeboyfriend of yours pulled some strings to get me and Winnie here at the last minute to celebrate.”
I stand there in shock, my brain swirling at the fact that Xavier went out of his way to bring me my best friend and my dog for Christmas. I don’t think he understands how much I appreciate this.
“Oh my God,” I whisper.
“What?” Evie asks. “What is it? Are you okay?”
“He did this. for me?” My eyes move between her hazel ones. They shine with understanding.
“Yes babes. He did.” She takes a step back, checking me out before letting out a low whistle. “And can I just say– damn girl. You look smoking!”
Throwing back my head, I laugh. The way she validates me and doesn’t let me spiral is some magical voodoo shit. “You’re looking pretty hot yourself.”
I take my best friend in. Her blonde locks are pulled up in a styled bun, with braids running along the side. She’s in a silver spaghetti strap slip dress that comes down to her knees. The neckline plunges to just below her breast, and when she turns around, the back ends just above her ass. She looks at me over her shoulder and winks.
“You think so?” She spins back around, linking her arm in mine. “Come on, let’s go drop Winnie off into your room and head downstairs, yeah?”
Taking Winnie to the room, he happily runs to the bed, jumping up before circling and laying down. We make our way down to the party. “This place is fucking bonkers. You’ve been staying in this place for almost three weeks?”
“Yup.” with an emphasis on the ‘p’. “It's a crazy, but surprisingly homey, feeling.”
My stomach begins to flutter. I scan the small crowd, taking in everyone who’s here. There’s a little boy who’s running around with some chocolate around his lips. The act itself makes me smile, especially once I see a man with blonde curls and glasses chase after him.
“Hello Daddy.” Evie comments beside me. I slap at her arm.
“Evie, no.” I shake my head, chuckling.
“What? I have eyes! I wonder if he’s a single dad.” She begins to look around like she will somehow be able to establish if he has a wife by staring at everyone at the event.
“Oh, keep it in your panties.” I pull her with me to the drink table. She just replies with a shrug of her shoulders, giving me a mischievous glint. She’s going to be up to no good tonight.
I grab us a couple flutes of champagne, available at the bar. Passing one to her, I bring my glass up to my lips, taking a sip. The crisp taste of the champagne washes over my tongue, the perfect balance of sweet and acidity settling over my taste buds.
I spot Chloe and Dalton across the way. Chloe’s wearing a fitted sweater dress that perfectly highlights the little bump, as she’s over half way through with her pregnancy. She hangs off Dalton, who is trying to have a conversation with Theo and some other man who looks to be the same age as Xavier’s Dad. I don’t linger long on them before I’m scanning the crowd, trying to find the one person I want to see most right now.
