She heated from the inside out. “You need to kill the sex talk in this crowded room. And stop standing so close to me.”
She took a step to the side and Drew grinned at her. She shook her head and went off to find Evelyn, who was at the other end of the buffet line.
“I can’t stop eating,” Evelyn said.
Evelyn looked gorgeous in a red dress that flared out at the waist into a wide skirt. She had pulled her hair up into a fashionably messy knot, and had diamond drop earrings on.
“Love this dress,” Carolina said.
“Thanks. I can’t wait to wear the Carolina Preston line. I’m excited to see what you’re going to put out there.”
“I’m equal parts excited and dreading the show.”
“Worried about the critics?”
“Of course.”
Evelyn put her arm around her. “Nothing you can do about them. They’re going to think whatever they think. I already know you have amazing talent. And I have a feeling that the critics are going to love you.”
“I hope so.”
“Gray and I will be up after Christmas so you can test-dummy him for whatever clothes you want him to wear.”
“Great. I’m sure he’s just so thrilled.”
Evelyn giggled. “Beyond belief. But he’s your brother and he loves you and he’s happy to help out. Have you fitted Drew?”
“For some of the clothes, yes. Not for the underwear, which of course won’t go down the runway, but I have an advertising campaign I want to run, and I can already imagine how I want to structure it.”
“You do? Care to share?”
Her mind was whirling, because the idea had just hit her. “Actually, not just yet. I have to finish formulating it in my head.”
“Your eyes are sparkling.” Evelyn inched closer. “Is it dirty?”
Carolina laughed. “Not exactly. But it’s definitely sexy.”
“Will Drew go for it?”
“I have no idea. I certainly hope so.” Now that the idea was in her head, she wanted to do the shoot right away. She wondered how soon after the holidays she could arrange it. She’d have to discuss it with Drew. And with his team. And Madison Square Garden. If it worked out like she was hoping, it could be profoundly sexy. And an incredible draw for her line.
Gray came over and slipped an arm around her shoulder. “You look like you’re lost in thought.”
“Oh, yeah. Thinking about work, actually.”
He gave her a playful squeeze. “It’s Christmas. Stop thinking about work for five freaking minutes, would you?”
“Do you stop thinking about work from February through November?”
He lifted his gaze to the ceiling. “Uh, not really.”
“Then shut up.”
“Shutting up. And filling my plate with more food.”
“Good. And Evelyn says you’re coming up for fittings?”
He grimaced. “Only if I have to.”
“You promised. And you have to.”
“You’re not going to make me wear anything stupid, are you?”