My hands involuntarily smooth over my dress. I couldn't explain why I was nervous, but I was. Tonight was the King Hotels annual New Year Gala, and the first time I'd be seeing Winston since before the break. We texted and talked on the phone of course, but he was busy with work. At least this time he'd communicated that with me.

Usually I did some over the top hairstyle for these types of events, but much like my dress I'd decided to go for simple yet elegant instead. So I left my hair straight and pushed it back with headband, leaving two stands to frame each side of my face.

There's a knock on my door and I turn away from the mirror. "Come on."

My mother steps inside, the perfect picture of beauty. "You look beautiful sweetie. Are you ready to go?"

I glance back at myself one last time, take a deep breath, and nod. "Ready."

Downstairs my father and Austin are waiting for us. My father drapes a coat over my mothers shoulder and whispers something in her ear, causing her to blush and giggle. It's not anything new, my parents have always been affectionate, yet tonight I can't help but scrutinize them in a new light and wonder: would that be Winston and I one day?

God I hoped so.

...

The gala was in full swing when we arrived. We dropped of our coats at the coat check and headed inside.

"Woah," Austin whistled. "Now this is what I call a party."

It looked like something out of a fairytale. People dressed to the nines in fancy dresses and suits, sipping champagne as waiters and waitresses made their rounds. There was a live orchestra playing music, and a glittering gold chandelier hung from the rotunda above, bathing the ballroom in dazzling light.

While my parents and Austin descend down the grand staircase leading to the ballroom, I stand at the top rubbing my arm. Glancing at the huge clock on the wall I see the time. Four hours till midnight. My skin starts to prickle and I sense someone watching me, so I look down.

My breath catches.

Winston stands at the bottom of the staircase in a dark blue suit and black bow tie. Instead of his usual messy locks his hair is slicked back. His eyes twinkle as I descend the staircase, a slow smile spreading across my face. He holds out his hand when I reach the last step and I take it.

"Hi," I grin.

"Hi," he grins back.

Winston draws me closer and presses a kiss against my cheek, his lips lingering over my skin. A shiver passes through me.

"You look breathtaking," he says as he pulls away.

"You don't look too shabby yourself," I tease.

Holding my hand he leads me further into the ballroom and snags two champagne flutes from a passing waiter. I thank him as he hands one to me and take a small sip.

"This place is amazing," I take a better look around. "Is this what the Gala's are like every year?"

"Pretty much," Winston nods. "It gets boring after awhile. But this year is different."

"Why is it different?" I ask curiously.

"Because I have you," his hands snake around my waist and drag me until I'm pressed against him. I giggle as he presses his lips to the top of my head, then lower to my ear. "You have no idea how hard I'm trying to be a perfect gentleman right now when all I want to do is rip that dress off your body and fuck you senseless."

His words send a shock straight between my legs. "I want that too," I whisper. I almost say fuck it and ask if we can find an empty room or something, but then Cecilia comes barreling over, two other girls in tow.

"Kennedy!" She squeals, grabbing me in a hug. I laugh and hug her back.

"You're extra happy tonight," I note with a raised brow. One of the girls behind her starts muttering.

"Yeah because she's getting di-"

The other girl elbows her. Hard.

"Ow!" The first girl exclaims, shooting daggers at the second girl. She smiles innocently. Cecilia rolls her eyes.

"Kennedy you remember my friends Kelsey and Addison?"

"Yeah," I smile and we all exchange hugs. I met them at the fall fundraiser and they were both pretty nice. Kelsey reminded me of Holly, and Addison was like Vienna, except the more girly version.

Speaking of Vienna, Danny approaches our little group, hands shoved in the pockets of his trousers.

"You look uncomfortable," Winston smirks. Danny shoots him a withering look.

"Fuck off. You know I hate this fancy shit. I only came for Vienna," he looks around. "Have you guys seen her?"

"She said she was coming," I check my phone for any missed texts but find none. "Maybe she's just running late."

"Or her parents have her locked in a tower somewhere," Danny mutters, swiping a flute of champagne and downing the whole thing in one go.

"Even if they did you know that wouldn't stop her."

"Look, there she is," Cecilia points toward the staircase. Vienna stands at the top, her parents behind her. She looks around nervously, then spots us and without a word to her parents takes the steps down two at a time.

"Woah," Addison says. "I love her hair."

Vienna reaches us out out of breath. "I thought my parents were going to shackle me to them," she pants. "My dad nearly popped a blood vessel when I came home with my hair dyed."

Cecilia scoffs. "What the hell? You have seriously got to get away from them."

Danny and Vienna share an almost imperceptible look.

"Come on," she grabs Danny's arm and starts dragging him away. "You all look great by the way!" she calls back over her shoulder. Danny gives a thumbs up in agreement.

Cecilia starts chatting about something and I'm nodding along when someone catches my eyes. An audible gasp leaves my lips.

"What?" Cecilia stops. "What is it?"

I can't speak. Instead I lift a shaky finger and point. Everyone turns to where I'm pointing.

Kelsey furrow her brows. "Who's that?"

My heart is thudding in my chest. "The President of Yale."

No one understands why I'm freaking out, but Winston gets it. He squeezes my hand. "I had no idea he'd be here, but if he is that means my father knows him. I bet he could introduce you."

I nearly weep. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah just give me a sec," Winston takes off and I stand there in shock. This is really happening. I'm about to meet Peter Salovey, the president of Yale. Suddenly I'm crippled by fear. What if I make a fool of myself and completely blow my chances of getting accepted?

"Breathe Kennedy," Cecilia moves behind me and starts massaging my shoulders. "You got this."

"Yeah!" Kelsey adds. "I mean I don't really understand what's going on or why this is so important, but you can do this."

Addison rolls her eyes but smiles. "What she said."

Winston comes back over, this time with Norman. Before either of then can speak I'm rambling.

"Mr. King thank you so so much for doing this I mean thank you so much and I'm sorry for even asking this of you because I know this is your party and you're obviously busy and I don't mean to waste your time and have you do this-"

Norman places a hand on my shoulder, chuckling. "Breathe Kennedy. It's no problem at all, I'm happy to help."

Winston gives me a good luck kiss and I have to remind myself to breathe as Norman leads us over to Peter just as he's finishing up a conversation.

"Ahhh Norman!" Peter greets him jovially. They clap hands. "Good to see you."

"Good to see you too. Enjoying the party?"

"Of course. You really outdid yourself this year," he raises his champagne glass and winks before his eyes slide over to me. "And who is this?"

For a moment I stand there, my body frozen in terror. Then my brothers voice rings in my ear.

You're one of the smartest and most dedicated girls I know. If anyone deserves admission into that hoity toity school, it's you.

I smile and step forward, holding my hand out. "I'm Kennedy Davis."

Peter shakes my hands and grins. "Firm handshake. I like that."

"I said the same thing when I first met her," Norman laughs. "Kennedy here actually applied to Yale."

"Is that so?" Peter raises a brow. "Let me ask you something Miss Davis. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?"

What...? I'm completely thrown off and stare at him in shock. Is this a trick question?

"The craziest thing I've done?" I repeat.

Peter nods. "I used get into quite a bit of trouble myself during my younger years," he chuckles as if remembering. "I imagine the youth these days are just as wild, if not more."

I'm sure I'm looking at him as if he just sprouted wings and a tail, but I can't help it. I expected him to ask me about my accomplishments or my thoughts on some profound political issue, not the craziest thing I've ever done, which was wildly inappropriate and not at all okay to share with the president of Yale.

"Well um," I glance at Norman. "One time my friend and I got really drunk and broke into Central Park Zoo after hours. Then we um, we stole a baby penguin," I cover my face with my hands. Why the hell did I just admit that? It's official. Yale is not happening.

I don't know what I was expecting, but Peter bursting into boisterous laughter wasn't it. I peek out from between my fingers.

"That's outrageous!" He wipes a tear from beneath his eye. "Then what happened?"

"Uh, we got caught and in a lot of trouble." I remember sitting in the jail cell next to Vienna. She thought the whole thing was hilarious. Meanwhile I was regretting every moment. Her parents were royally pissed and my father was livid. In fact if it wasn't for him, I'd probably have a criminal record. Thankfully being one of the top prosecutors, he had a lot of connections, so he was able to pull some strings and we got let off with a warning and slap on the wrist.

Norman laughs and nudges me, sensing my discomfort. "Don't worry Kennedy, that's pretty mild compared to some of the trouble Winston got into as a teenager."

"What a delightful story," Peter smiles. "Kennedy Davis, penguin thief."

I force a smile.

"Well it was nice meeting you. I'll make sure to personally review your application myself," he winks, shakes Norman and I's hand, then wanders off to chat with other guests.

Did that really just happen?"

Norman chuckles to himself and shakes his head. "See? That's wasn't so bad was it?"

Finally all the tension leaves my body and I smile for real this time. "No actually, it wasn't."

After all, crazier shit has happened.

The night passes by in a blur of laughter and drinks. Everyone is having a good time, and the closer the clock counts down to midnight, the more antsy everyone gets. Norman takes the stage and gives a speech about all the work they've done this year and how he's thankful for each and everyone who has contributed or helped in some way.

"This year has been rather...difficult," he speaks. "Most of the details I'm not at liberty to discuss. We've lost a lot. But we've also gained so much, and that is what I believe we should focus on going into the New Year. Not what we can't change, but what we can strive toward and accomplish. Together," he raises his glass in a toast. "Cheers."

"Cheers!" Everyone roars.

"I think I'm past tipsy now," Vienna sets her flute down. "Huh. This is a new one for me. Champagne drunk."

"Then no more for you," I give her a disapproving look.

She salutes me, clinging to Danny's arm for support. "Aye aye captain."

"How much more time until midnight?" Cecilia checks the time.

"We have an hour," Danny replies. "And I don't know about you guys, but this is not where I want to be when the clock strikes twelve. I say we blow this joint and head over to Times Square."

"Are you kidding? Times Square is already a nightmare during normal business hours. Imagine what it's like tonight," Cecilia wrinkles her nose. "It'll be crowded. And sweaty and gross and loud."

"But fun," I grin. "I agree with Danny."

"Me too!" Kelsey claps in excitement.

"I'll go wherever as long as it's away from my parents," Vienna says.

Winston shrugs. "It's whatever at this point."

The only two who haven't agreed are Cecilia and Addison. Addison shrugs.

"Sure why not."

Cecilia huffs. "Okay fine you guys win. I don't even know why I said anything, it's not like I'm going with you guys."

"You're not?" Vienna voices.

"No, I'm meeting someone."

"Who?" Winston demands, stepping into over protective big brother role.

"None of your business!" Cecilia shoots back. "A friend. That's all you need to know." With that she spins on her heel and takes off. Winston stares down both Addison and Kelsey, who look away and whistle.

"Okay, this is getting awkward," Vienna breaks the silence that settled over us after Cecilia's abrupt exit. "Cecilia is a big girl, she can take care of herself. Let's go party!"

...

"Holy shit! I can't even hear myself think!" Addison yells to be heard over the enormous crowd gathered in Times Square. In order to stick together as a group we link arms and weave our way through the massive throng of New Yorkers and tourists. Somehow, and I can't tell you how really, we manage reach Broadway street, giving us a good view of the Times Square Ball. It's nearly midnight and the air crackles with the energy of millions of people, all squished together for this one moment.

"I think I'm going to pass out!" Kelsey shouts. "This is so exciting!"

"Please refrain from doing so," Addison responds. "You'll get trampled to death."

Winston wraps his arms around me from behind and I lean back into him. "Have you ever been here for New Years before?"

"Nope," he shakes his head. "This is my first time."

"Me too. We can cross it off our becoming a true New Yorker list."

"Let me guess, it's right below visiting the Statue of Liberty."

"But above eating pizza folded."

We both laugh and I snuggle closer to him. "Any resolutions for the New Year?" I ask.

Winston smirks. "I stopped making resolutions when I was twelve. No one actually sticks to their list anyway."

"True, but this year can be an exception. Humor me," I urge. "What's one thing you want to change or accomplish?"

Winston thinks for a moment before speaking. "I want to get back the Hudson deal," he says seriously. My mouth falls open.

"But I thought that was off the table. I thought they pulled out."

"They did and it was," Winston releases a breath. "But the truth is I've been working Hudson since the case, and I think I can get it back."

I grin. "That's amazing! What does your dad think?"

Winston's jaw clenches. "He doesn't know. One of Foster's stipulations was that my father be written out of the deal completely."

Oh.

Oh shit.

I choose my next words carefully. "Have you decided what you're going to do?"

"I don't know," he sighs. "But if there's one thing my father has taught me, it's that the business comes first. I can't let inconsequential feelings get in way. And I know the board will feel the same."

I don't say anything, because it's not exactly something that I can just dole out advice for. This is serious, and it's between Winston and his father. Norman may be the CEO now, but ultimately the company will soon be left in Winston's hands. I'm not going to butt my nose in where it doesn't belong anymore. I've done that enough already.

Instead I place a soft kiss to his lips. "Well whatever you decide, just know I support you one hundred percent."

Winston is about to answer when suddenly the noise level shoots to deafening volumes. "The countdown is starting!" Vienna shrieks. It's hard not to get swept up in the frenzy and soon we're all counting down.

"Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!"

The ball drops and explodes in a flurry of fireworks to the sound of screaming and cheering. I face Winston and he pulls me in for a soul searing, heart exploding, passionate kiss. When we finally break away I'm breathless and laughing, until he says something that wipes the smile off my face.

"I love you."

Time slows to a halt. I'm almost sure I misheard him.

"What?" My voice comes out hoarse.

Winston brushes my hair away from my face, cradling my face in his hands. This is the most serious I've ever seen him, his gaze never breaking away from mine. "I love you."

There's a rushing noise in my ears. My heart beats an unsteady stattaco rhythm. Unexpected tears spring to my eyes and I furiously wipe them away.

"If this is a dream," my voice cracks. "Then you better wake me up now."

Winston smiles, and it's the smile that made me fall for him in the first place. "Nope. Not a dream."

I laugh and wipe at my eyes again. "Good," I take a deep breath. "I love you too. I love you so much that it scares me more than anything ever has," I try unsuccessfully to rein in my emotions but end up crying despite myself. Great. I wonder if he still loves me now.

Winston wipes my tears away. "Shhhh. Don't cry."

This time I let out an embarrassed laugh. "I'm sorry, I'm completely ruining the moment aren't I?"

"Nothing could ever ruin this," Winston murmurs, against my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck and stare up into his eyes.

"Please don't break my heart," I whisper.

Winston takes my hand and places it against his chest, right above his own. "Never."

...