Carolina’s mom and dad showed up about four. “Sorry we’re late, but we had such a nice time catching up with the Nelsons. And they’re coming over for the party tonight.”
Carolina stood. “I guess that means we should go get dressed.”
“Yes, we should, since the first guests will start arriving by six,” her mother said.
Christmas Eve had always been a special event at the Preston Ranch. Aunts, uncles, and cousins were going to be in attendance. Neighbors were invited, too, and since this year her father was the vice president, local media and special guests of the state would also be allowed in, though only briefly, to catch up on what Mitchell and Loretta Preston were doing to celebrate the holidays in their home state.
Which meant everyone was required to dress up. The house had been exceptionally decorated, though that was the norm every year, anyway. Carolina went upstairs, took a shower and did her hair and makeup, then selected a dress she’d made herself, a black cap-sleeved cocktail dress with a curved neckline. She wore her grandmother’s pearls and a pair of slinky silver heels. Conservative for a family party and for the daughter of the vice president, yet still fashionable.
The caterers had come in while Carolina had been upstairs getting ready. Hors d’oeuvres were set up, waiters and waitresses were milling about, and champagne was flowing.
She’d spent so much time immersing herself in work, that this was a nice interlude. Relaxing with her family and getting caught up on what everyone had been doing was a nice way to push work out of the way for a while.
And spending time with Drew wasn’t a bad thing, either, though her talk with Evelyn earlier was worrisome.
She wasn’t getting involved with Drew. She knew—and she was certain he felt the same way—that this was just fun and games. Just sex, and nothing more. They shared a mutual attraction that was going to burn itself out in a short period of time. Drew was the kind of guy who had a different woman every month. She’d read about him, had kept tabs on him over the years. He never had a serious relationship, and it seemed as if there were always reports about a new woman in his life, and never anything serious.
He didn’t do relationships, which suited her just fine, because she didn’t either. She focused solely on her career, and so did he. In that respect, they were perfect for each other.
She was already practicing in her head what she’d say to him after Christmas. He’d be on board. In fact, he likely had the same speech. After all, he was probably used to breaking up with women. He’d appreciate her practicality.
She turned and caught sight of a dark shape at the top of the stairs. Her breath caught as she recognized Drew, in a black suit that was most definitely not off-the-rack. It was cut too sharply, fit him too perfectly. His white shirt was crisp and tailored, the red tie a classic accompaniment for the season.
She inhaled and held her breath as he descended, not at all used to seeing him like this.
And she thought he wasn’t right for a suit? Dear God, he looked amazing, especially with the slight scruff across his jaw. A little sexy and daring to go with the classiness of the attire.
One of the waiters came by bearing a tray of champagne. As Drew came up beside her, he scooped up two glasses and handed one to her, then smiled.
“You look stunning,” he said. “One of your designs?”
“Yes.”
“The way it fits you is sinful.”
“Thank you. It’s supposed to be family-appropriate and conservative.”
“Babe, nothing that hugs your body like that could ever be considered conservative.”