Keeley was on cloud nine even though she wasn't able to see Aaron again until New Years' Eve because finals and other holiday festivities got in the way.

　　She was so excited when the beautiful ice blue c.o.c.ktail dress with the sweetheart neckline arrived on her doorstep with the pair of silver heels that she actually went to a discount salon to get her hair, makeup, and nails done, using up most of the money she got for Christmas in one go.

　　His driver picked her up and drove her to the Rainbow Room where the party was being held. Aaron met her downstairs, looking very das.h.i.+ng in a black tuxedo with a pocket square that matched her dress.

　　He held out his arm and escorted her into the lavishly decorated banquet hall filled with important businessmen and socialites. Honestly, it was overwhelming, but Keeley focused on the fact that she was holding onto the man she liked to keep from drowning.

　　"Look who decided to grace us with his presence," a young man Keeley didn't recognize jeered. "Who's your date?"

　　"None of your business," Aaron replied frostily. "I see you don't even have one."

　　The young man was momentarily taken aback before cracking a smile. "Alright, I suppose I deserved that. Zachary Bolton, nice to meet you." He held out a hand for Keeley to shake.

　　She nervously glanced at Aaron before accepting it. "Keeley Hall."

　　"Hall? As in the oil magnate Halls?"

　　"No," she said awkwardly, looking to her date for support that didn't come.

　　"We have other people to greet. See you," Aaron said decisively before steering them in another direction.

　　"Keeley, try not to talk to other people as much as possible. Keep an air of mystery about you."

　　"O…kay?"

　　She wasn't sure why he didn't want her talking to his friends but in unfamiliar territory it was better to follow the lead of someone who knew what they were doing.

　　The rest of the night pa.s.sed much the same. People wanted to ask her questions but she smiled and nodded and let Aaron do all of the talking.