St. Helena Vineyard Series: St.Helena Santa (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Family Ties Book 2) by Kate Kisset

Author:Kate Kisset [Kisset, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kindle Worlds
Published: 2017-11-13T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Brett

Seven o’clock took too long to arrive. Brett pushed through the revolving door and stopped in the chandelier-lit lobby. The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the room, and an enormous Christmas tree fought for attention under the sparkling lights.

Marco DeLuca did a fantastic job remodeling what was once the bane of St. Helena, a ten-story firetrap, into an exclusive, members-only hotel.

Adjusting the cuffs under his jacket, Brett tried to remember the last time he visited the hotel during the holidays. Although he had carte blanche, thanks to Marc and his respect for firefighters, Brett couldn’t remember when. His relatives usually stayed at his parents’ guest house on the ranch, but why hadn’t he stopped by for a drink, a bite? He loved this time of year.

A tinkling piano and the muffled sound of small band led him through a hall, past a bar, and into a small, dimly lit ballroom. Feeling a surge of jealousy, Brett stayed at the back of the room, grasping the situation. He rubbed his throat, and scanned the couples swaying, cuddling and kissing on the dance floor to “Our Love is Here to Stay.” Tell me she’s not out there dancing…

“You’re here.” ChiChi came up beside him, smelling like flowers instead of fruitcake, stealing his attention away from the dancers. When she presented her cheek, he dutifully kissed both.

“You look beautiful tonight, Ms. Ryo.” Over her fur-collared dress, her brown eyes sparkled when she smiled.

“Thank you, Mr. Benning,” she said softly, while looping her arm through his, leading him away from the band and back to the cocktail lounge.

“It’s an open bar tonight, dear.” She patted his hand, and glanced at the bartender, dressed formally in a white shirt and black vest. “I find it so important to mix a little pleasure with business, don't you?” Before he could respond, she dramatically extended a diamond-covered finger and shushed him. “I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you stepping in to help this year. St. Paws Rescue is one of our pet causes, pardon the pun.” ChiChi giggled, reminding him of his grandmother. “And I know my grandniece enjoys working with you.”

At the mention of Lilly, he perked up. “Really?” he asked keeping his voice down, glancing around the room. Where was she?

“Oh, yes.” ChiChi fiddled with her sparkling necklace. “After seeing you, she comes home with such a smile, and she raves on and on about you.”

“She does?”

“Of course. I thought for sure you would’ve expressed your feelings for each other by now.” She patted her chest several times. “I sure hope I’m not giving away any secrets.” ChiChi gave him a sweet smile.

How was he supposed to respond to her? Luckily, ChiChi didn’t give him a chance.

“Now we’ve had our little tête-à-tête, please excuse me while I attend to my other guests.” She winked. “I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Marco’s bartender.” She reached up on tiptoe and whispered. “Please order something special. And if you’re looking for Lilly, she’s in there.

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