A Christmas Song by Imari Jade Read Free Book Online Page A

Angeles.
     
    “A penny for your thoughts,” Trent told her.
     
    “I was just thinking about those two. How can they be together if M.J. lives in Los Angeles?”
     
    “Things will work out if they’re meant to be together.”
     
    She wondered if he were talking more about him and her than M.J. and Bernard. “You really think so?”
     
    Trent nodded. “I guess I better let you pencil me in on your dance card tonight too. If I can get Jose off you.”
     
    “Yeah, he’s quite the little demon. But I think I can fit you in.”
     
    “Can you fit me in after the benefit too?”
     
    Denise smirked at him. “Maybe, but won’t you be tired from performing?”
     
    “Darling, I’ll never get too tired for romance. We’ll meet in your suite and I’ll bring the champagne.”
     
    “Okay and I’ll bring the condoms.”
     
    Trent smiled at her. “Oh, one other thing. Are you in a relationship with Martin? I couldn’t help but notice the way he looks at you.”
     
    Denise shook her head. “No. We’ve dated a couple of times but we’re not a couple.”
     
    “Good. I don’t like competition.”
     
    Unsure how to respond, Denise walked away from him and went back inside the hotel to see how lunch was coming along. Then she was off to her room for a nap.
     
    § § §
     
    The kids were excited as they entered the hall. Christmas music filtered out through the speakers and everyone walked around wishing each other Merry Christmas. The children were served a delicious meal of turkey, whipped potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Dessert was cake decorated in white icing with red and green sprinkles. Denise sighed contently. Everything was perfect.
     
    Santa arrived around seven and began distributing the toys donated to the Doll and Toy fund. Each child also received new clothes and shoes donated by local clothing stores.
     
    After all the children had been served and sent back to the orphanage, the catering service began rearranging the tables to serve the adults. Bernard, Keisha, and Jerome sat at the reserved table with her and Martin. Four other seats were marked for the members of Three-Ringed Circus who would be joining them shortly. There were also seats at their table for Enrique and his band members. The other group, Popsation would sit at the table next to them.
     
    The three bands came out a few minutes later. Three-Ringed Circus and Popsation sat down while Enrique and the Latin Rhythmics took the stage. Everyone rose.
     
    Denise was barely on her feet when Jose appeared and pulled her to the dance floor. He looked cute in his black tux and he had no problem wiggling his slim hips to the sultry Latin song. The moves proved a little harder for her because she wore a long gown and had to balance in high heels.
     
    Bernard also didn’t have trouble shaking his little narrow rump on the dance floor with M. J.
     
    Keisha danced near her once she coaxed Jerome to dance with her.
     
    Popsation took the bandstand two hours later. They had a younger, hipper beat, and just as she told them, both Jose and Juan were very popular dance partners.
     
    This time she and Dante busted a move on the floor, laughing like a couple of kids as they broke into some dances from the ‘90s. She was thoroughly sweaty and tired when they made it back to the table. The band took an intermission and canned music filtered out of the speakers. Martin claimed her for Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song.’ She’d never danced with him before, but found him to be light on his feet.
     
    Trent gave her a murderous look, which she ignored. The two of them never got a chance to dance since he and his band members had to leave the table so they could perform.
     
    “I can’t believe you used to date Trent Lansing,” Martin said to her.
     
    He still appeared a bit star-struck to her. Denise sighed. She couldn’t believe the condom broke.
     
    § § §
     
    “Green is a good color for you,” Dante said to Trent