Marry Me at Christmas (Fool's Gold #19)(37)

“Hi,” she managed.

“Hi, yourself.”

He walked toward her, then circled around her, before leaning in and kissing her cheek. “Wow. You’re stunning. More beautiful than usual, which isn’t easy.”

Talk about a great compliment, she thought with a smile. “You’re very shiny yourself. Ted and Marigold won’t know what hit them.”

He glanced down at her shoes. “Christian Louboutin?”

She raised one foot. “Should I be scared you know who designed these?”

“The red soles are well-known.”

“Maybe in your circles. If I hadn’t read the name on the box, I wouldn’t have had a clue.”

“Part of your charm,” he told her.

Really? He thought she had charm? Was that the same as being charming?

He took her hand. “Come on. We have people to dazzle.”

She drew in a breath for courage, reminded herself that, unlike Cinderella, she could stay out past midnight and not turn into a pumpkin, then promised herself that she was going to have a good time, no matter what. For one evening she got to pretend she was on a date with famous actor Jonny Blaze. Even better, she really was going out with a guy she liked. He might just be doing her a favor, but a girl could dream.

The drive up to the resort went by more quickly than she’d thought it would. Madeline found herself growing more and more nervous. By the time Jonny parked by the valet and she was stepping out of his SUV, she found it difficult to breathe.

What if this was a mistake? What if Ted and Marigold figured out it was all fake? Because they would. No one could possibly believe Jonny was interested in her. So they were all going to laugh and point and she would be left humiliated.

She glanced around for an escape, but before she could plot a course she could manage in Taryn’s borrowed shoes, Jonny put his hand on the small of her back and guided her into the hotel.

The decorations were festive, the music soft. Madeline felt as if everyone was staring. They weren’t, but she still felt awkward. And with awkward came the babble.

“My parents used to bring me here for special events,” she told him. “It was a big deal to have dinner at Henri’s. Some of the decorations in the main lobby go back generations.”

She pointed to the massive tree stretching up over twenty feet. “The tree skirt is handmade and an heirloom. There’s an actual insurance policy on it, which is crazy, right? Some of the decorations date back to the 1800s.” She swallowed. “Oh, wait. I just said that.”

She was about to launch into a detailed explanation of the original mercury glass when Jonny pulled her into a small alcove. He put one hand on her waist and lightly stroked her cheek with the other.

“Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “You’re the prize that got away. That’s why he wants to have dinner with you. Because every time he’s hoping to find out you’re not all that and it doesn’t happen. You’re beautiful, you’re sweet, you’re smart and he’s an idiot.”

The words were magical. She hoped they were real, but even if he was just acting, she didn’t care. She suddenly felt taller and thinner and a whole lot more capable of handling Ted and Marigold.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “Damn lipstick,” he muttered, then took her hand and drew her back into the hallway.

Wow, she thought happily. Bringing him along had been one of her best ideas. Only she sort of remembered it had been his idea, which made him even better to have around. Smart and pretty.

They reached the entrance to the dining room. Before she could give her name to the hostess, Ted and Marigold walked up.

Ted was tall and good-looking. Madeline had always thought he was swoon-worthy. But somehow his star seemed to burn a little less bright this year. She knew she had Jonny to thank for that. Marigold was also tall and willowy. A beautiful redhead with pale skin and wide, brown eyes.

Next to her, Madeline always felt dowdy. Not tonight, she told herself. In her borrowed finery, she was a princess for sure. Or, at the very least, a successful businesswoman out for an evening.

“Madeline,” Ted said, glancing from her to Jonny. “You brought a date.”

The tone of surprise was a tiny bit insulting, but she overlooked that. Because she didn’t just have a date. She had a killer date.

“I thought a foursome would be more fun,” she said easily. “Hello, Ted.” She leaned in and they hugged. “Marigold.” She turned and smiled at Jonny. “I’d like you to meet friends of mine. Jonny, this is Ted and Marigold.”

Jonny shook hands with both of them. “The old flame. I appreciate the chance to size up what used to be the competition.”

Madeline knew it was probably wrong, but she’d deliberately not used any last names. She wanted Ted and Marigold to stare, to wonder. She wanted to see the exact moment they—

“Jonny Blaze?” Marigold asked, her voice a squeak. “Ohmygod! You’re Jonny Blaze.” Marigold lunged for him, stopping inches before engulfing him. She cleared her throat and stepped back. “I can’t believe it. What are you doing here?”

Jonny reached for Madeline’s hand and brought it to his mouth where he lightly kissed her knuckles. “I’m with the beautiful blonde.”