by Carla Luna
“Thanks.” She picked up her phone. “No last-minute texts from Missy, thank God.” Setting it down, she gave him a wicked grin and ran her hands along his chest. “Since we’re both up early, we should take advantage, right?”
He pulled her closer, resting his hand along the curve of her ass. He couldn’t think of a better start to the day. “Definitely.”
By eight thirty, Rafael was on the road back to Escondido. He’d only been driving for five minutes when Araceli called, wanting a status report on “Operation Gingerbread.” After filling her in and assuring her that, yes, he’d ask Victoria if she wanted to adopt a kitten, he reached his apartment. He changed quickly, texted Tony to make sure he was awake, then drove to the restaurant to meet up with the crew and load the catering truck.
When he pulled up to Blackwood Manor, he could barely contain his excitement. This was it. The big show. They’d busted their asses getting the food ready. Araceli had rounded up all the craft projects. And now he was here, with Tony, Araceli, Yesenia, and the rest of the staff. Ready to kick ass and put on the best damn wedding Tres Hermanos had ever catered.
Araceli had texted Victoria with their ETA as they entered the grounds. As a result, she was waiting outside the back entrance to the manor, looking classy as hell in a crimson cocktail dress and heels. But instead of wearing her hair up, she’d let it fall loose to her shoulders. Though Rafael had no doubt she was in professional mode, he liked the way she’d loosened up slightly. He was even more pleased when she greeted him with a kiss, in front of the entire crew.
He could get used to this.
She clutched her clipboard tightly against her chest. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a bundle of nerves.”
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “This morning didn’t help?”
To his delight, her cheeks flushed scarlet. Still blushing, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. “This morning was glorious. But I can’t think about that now. I have to be on point, and I need everything to be flawless.”
Above them, the sky was a bright, clear blue, without a cloud to be seen. “Looks good so far. The weather’s perfect.”
“So far. But a freak earthquake could derail everything.”
“Don’t stress about it. We’re going to be an unbeatable team.”
“Thanks. I left the back entrance to the ballroom kitchen open so you can unload. In the meantime, I’ll have Araceli and Yesenia help me set out the craft projects.” She let out her breath. “I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for everything.”
If he hadn’t been in love with her already, her words would have tipped the scale. Though they’d both messed up, they’d been given another chance. Better yet, they’d realized how much they meant to each other. Once the wedding was over, they could finally enjoy their time together like a real couple.
He helped the others bring everything into the kitchen, then asked his brother to get the crew started. Before he got to work, he wanted to check out the ballroom in its final state. Decked out in all their finery, the fir trees provided a breathtaking backdrop. They surrounded the tables, now draped in cream-colored linens and adorned with holiday-themed centerpieces.
The combination of silver, gold, and pine green, with a few pops of crimson and scarlet, gave the ballroom a Christmas ambiance that looked classy rather than tacky. By nightfall, the space would take on a magical glow, lit only by candles, tree lights, and thousands of twinkling white lights, crisscrossing the ceiling.
He wandered over to the head table, where Araceli had set up the biggest gingerbread house, complete with the intricately decorated gingerbread bridal party. On one side of the house, a trio of golden pillar candles stood nestled among an arrangement of evergreen boughs, holly berries, and pinecones. Rafael inhaled the scent of pine and let out a satisfied sigh.
“Ramón.”
Only one person had the gall to screw up his name so consistently. Rafael’s stomach clenched as he turned to face Ben. The guy wasn’t looking his best, all bloodshot eyes and messy stubble. Though he was wearing the traditional dress shirt and tuxedo pants of a groom, his loosened bow tie and missing jacket suggested he wasn’t ready to face the public yet.
Rafael forced himself to speak calmly. “Can I help you with something?”
Ben stepped closer and knocked down the gingerbread groom with this thumb and forefinger. A dismissive move, as though the very sight of his cookie doppelganger annoyed him. “You shouldn’t be here. The only reason I’m letting you anywhere near my wedding is because Missy begged me.”
Stay calm. Rafael gave Ben his falsest, most ass-kissing smile. “I appreciate you giving me a second chance. You won’t be disappointed.”
“I doubt it. But I didn’t have a choice.” He stepped closer, getting up in Rafael’s face. “You know, I don’t think you apologized for the way you acted on Wednesday night. I’d like to hear that apology.”
Rafael shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to contain the rage surging through him. Ben was just trying to bait him.
“Well?” Ben said. “I’m waiting.”
“Ben.” Victoria’s strained voice broke the tension between them. “Is there something you need? Or are you here to harass the caterer?”
Ben’s gaze raked over her body, lingering on her breasts. He turned to Rafael with a sneer. “You enjoying my sloppy seconds? She’s nothing but a cold—”
Victoria jabbed Ben’s chest with her finger. “So help me, if you call me a cold fish again, I will take one of those candles and shove it up your ass.”
Ben shrank back. “Don’t be so sensitive.”
She grabbed a candle and brandished it like a sword. “You want to know why I was so cold around you? Because your tiny prick and your pathetic skills in bed never did it for me. Not once, you fucker.”
Damn. Rafael tried to repress the smile crossing his face, but it was impossible.
Araceli approached them, carrying a wicker basket filled with white glass ornaments. “We okay over here?”
Ben stepped back and rubbed his hands over his face. “Fuck you, Victoria. I can’t wait for this shit show to be over.”
With that, he left, cursing under his breath as he stumbled out of the room.
Araceli turned to Victoria. “Did I hear that right? Did you just tell Ben Macalister he has a tiny prick?”
Victoria grinned. “The tiniest.” She met Araceli’s hand for a high five.
Rafael could not have been prouder.
Chapter 33
Victoria took refuge behind one of the glittering Christmas trees and discreetly wiped the sweat from her forehead. What she wouldn’t have given for a tissue or a lace handkerchief. As flattering as her cocktail dress was, it needed pockets.
She was so ready to be done with this wedding. By now, her feet were killing her. Her head was pounding. And she’d been wearing a fake smile for so long her cheeks ached. But the physical discomfort was worth it. Because, despite all the stress leading to the big day, the Cavendish-Macalister extravaganza was a rousing success.
Too bad she couldn’t enjoy it properly.
Though she’d had a cranberry mojito earlier, the alcohol hadn’t taken the edge off. Nor had she been able to savor the delicious food, because her appetite had vanished out of sheer anxiety. But she could still take pride in the way the wedding had come together.
The ballroom could have been the set piece for a Christmas-themed movie. The appetizers and entrees had received rave reviews from the guests. And the hot chocolate bar had proved so popular that she’d asked a few of the servers to help manage the flow of people. The only unpleasant moment had come during the garter toss, when Ben was so drunk he’d fallen over himself while pawing at Missy’s thigh.
Victoria emerged from her hiding place and circled the room slowly, making sure nothing was amiss. As she was finishing up her inspection, she stopped to talk to her mother, who was seated by herself, nursing a glass of wine. Victoria slipped i
nto the seat next to her. “Hi, Mom. Are you doing all right?”
“I’m fine. Brian’s out there, sharing a cigar with Mac or one of his cronies.” She waved her hand toward the outdoor terrace of the ballroom—the only place smoking was permitted. “He can be so crass.”
“He hasn’t spoken to me all night. Are you sure he’s okay with me moving back home next week?” Victoria had been surprised when her mother called earlier that morning and extended the offer. “Otherwise, I can keep staying with Connor.”
“I want you home for Christmas. Please. And you don’t have to move out anytime soon, no matter what Brian says.”
Though she was grateful for the support, Victoria was done living under the same roof as her father. “Thanks, but it’s time for me to get my own place. I’m kind of excited because I found a few apartments I really like. But I’ll stay until I sign a lease.”
“I understand. No matter what happens, you’re always welcome at home. Connor, too.” Her mother gave a sad smile. “That enormous house will feel much quieter without you.”
“Sorry.” Victoria fiddled with one of the pine boughs on the table. “And I’m sorry if I made things uncomfortable for you and Dad.”
To her surprise, her mother threw back her head and laughed. A real laugh, not a fake society one. “Oh, honey. Things have been uncomfortable for years. And actually…” She drained the rest of her wine. “I was talking to your Aunt Becca when I was out in New York. Now that her daughter’s at Cornell, she has an extra room available. I’m going back in April to stay for a few months. Spring in New York is delightful.”
Victoria’s breath caught. “Are you and Dad—”
“Getting divorced? No. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. But a little separation might be nice. He has his women if he needs company.”
That sucked. And it could have been Victoria’s life had she been foolish enough to marry a rich asshole like Ben.
Her mother looked around the ballroom. “I’m sorry the wedding was so hard on you. I wish I could have been there for you a lot sooner. But you outdid yourself. Everything has been splendid.”
“Thanks, Mom.” The words of praise warmed Victoria’s heart, especially since her father had ignored her all evening. Not that she’d let him dampen her spirits. If he wanted to act like a resentful child, that was on him.
“Even if you don’t want to work for your father, you’re very good at this. Although…” Her mother picked up one of the jingle bell favors and shook it at Victoria. “These are beyond tacky. And people have been ringing them all night.”
Victoria laughed. “I agree. Missy came up with them during her deep dive into Pinterest.”
“I suspected as much.” Her mother stood up. “If I’m going to get through the evening, I need more wine. Do you want anything?”
“I’m fine. Thanks.” Victoria leaned in and gave her mother a hug, inhaling her familiar lily-of-the-valley perfume. “I’m going to check on things in the kitchen.”
As she made her way back around the perimeter of the ballroom, the doors to the outer terrace opened. Her father and Senator Macalister came through it, giving off the powerful aroma of cigar smoke. Bracing herself for a possible confrontation, she forced a bright smile on her face. “Good evening, gentlemen. I hope you’re enjoying yourselves.”
The senator nodded. “You’ve done a hell of a job, Victoria. Just marvelous. People will be talking about this wedding for months.”
“Glad to hear it.” Even if her father never deigned to write her a letter of recommendation, the wedding would stand as evidence of her abilities as an event planner.
“It’s a damn shame you’re not going to be a part of our family, but Missy…” He trailed off.
“She’ll make Ben very happy. I’m sure he’s thrilled about the baby.”
That might have been a lie, since Ben had seemed more stressed than thrilled when he’d confronted her on Wednesday night. But his father didn’t to know that.
“Yes, indeed. I’m proud as hell to be a grandpa.” The senator glanced across the room. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go do a little more glad-handing.”
As he walked away, Victoria found herself face-to-face with her father. Though the ballroom was filled with people, they could have been alone for all the wariness she felt. The same feeling she always got when he called her into his office to reprimand her. Vulnerable. Immature. Ready to be humbled. She straightened up and reminded herself she had nothing to be ashamed of.
“Mac’s right,” her father said. “Despite everything, you’ve outdone yourself.”
Even if she didn’t need his approval, old habits died hard. “Thanks, Dad. Sorry you’re not getting Ben as your son-in-law.”
Not that she was remotely sorry. But she could be gracious.
“I’m not so sure about Ben. He’s been playing the drunken fool tonight. If he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps, he’ll need to keep an eye on that drinking.” He let out a long breath. “Look, if you want your job back, we can put all this behind us. And if you insist on dating that caterer fellow, I won’t object, even though I think you could do a lot better. I’ll grant you his food’s been excellent.”
You think I could do a lot better? Was this her father’s idea of a concession? If so, it was half-assed at best. Still, she was pleased he’d conceded to anything. Though she had no intention of ever working for him again, she didn’t want to antagonize him either.
“I’ll let Rafael know you liked the food. But as for my job, I think it’s best if I look elsewhere, just to spread my wings a little. The challenge might be good for me.”
He gave a grunt. “Fair enough. But Blackwood Cellars is always open to you. I’d better go check on your mother and see if I need to cut her off. Can’t have her making a scene.”
Victoria winced. Her poor mom. At least she had her plans for New York in place. She watched as her father walked off. No matter how tough things got, she was never going back to work for him again.
As the DJ cranked up the tunes, urging everyone onto the floor with a little “Uptown Funk,” she slipped into the kitchen, grateful for some respite from the noise and the heat.
Rafael leaned against the kitchen island. The sleeves of his white chef’s coat were rolled up, and a sheen of sweat coated his forehead. But he’d never looked sexier. She glanced around at the empty kitchen, wondering where the catering staff had gone. They still had hours of cleanup ahead of them.
“Rafael?” she asked. “Where did everyone go?”
“Since we’re done with the dinner service and the cake, I gave them a break. They wanted to check out the gardens.”
She came closer and slipped an arm around his waist. “Good idea. You’ve all done an amazing job. I’ve gotten loads of compliments on the food. Even my father liked it.”
“Really? It must have killed him to admit it. Martin will be thrilled.” He laughed. “Get this—he’s been busting his ass all night, catering that private dinner in San Diego, but he’s been texting me every hour to check in.”
“And he’s impressed, right?” She didn’t think she could bear it if Rafael hadn’t redeemed himself.
He grinned. “Yeah. But he’s jealous that he’s missing out. Poor bastard.”
Victoria leaned her head against his shoulder as a tsunami of exhaustion crashed over her. She wished she could hide out in the kitchen with him until the wedding ended, but they both had work to do.
“Do you want to get together tomorrow?” he asked. “Martin gave me the day off.”
She smiled, excited at what she was about to reveal. “I’d love to. I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow, because my mom gave me an early Christmas present. She booked two nights for me at the Rancho Bernardo Spa and Resort, for tonight and Sunday. The resort is ten minutes from your place.”
Rafael turned so he was facing her. He pressed his forehead against hers and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Sounds like heaven. But with all t
he cleanup, we won’t be done until one. And we’ll both be wiped.”
“Even if we’re too tired tonight, we can have fun tomorrow. Sleep in. Order room service. Visit the spa.” She lowered her voice. “Have noisy, passionate sex in a private suite. It’ll be like Baja.”
Except better, because this time their relationship didn’t have an end date. And they weren’t keeping any secrets from each other.
He smoothed his hand across her cheek. “With an offer like that, how can I refuse?”
She hooked her arms around his neck and brought him closer, brushing her lips against his. Professional behavior be damned—she needed a few of his delicious kisses if she was going to survive the rest of the night. He clasped his hands around her waist, pulling her flush against him. But at the sound of someone clearing their throat, she broke away.
Missy stood at the entrance to the kitchen, a vision of white in her elaborate wedding dress. But the expression on her face hardly screamed “radiant bride.”
“Missy?” Victoria said. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s wonderful. Really. This is my dream come true.” Missy dabbed at her eyes with a small, silken handkerchief.
Was she crying? Victoria felt a jolt of pity, followed by gut-wrenching fear. Had something gone wrong? “Is there a problem? Whatever it is, I’ll do my best to fix it.”
Unless Missy was crying because she was marrying a dick like Ben. If that was the case, Victoria couldn’t help.
Missy patted the handkerchief against her brow. “Everything’s perfect. Like I dreamed it would be. It’s the pregnancy hormones getting to me…” She stopped and appraised them. “You two are officially together now?”
When Victoria nodded, Missy seemed to deflate even more. “Well…congratulations. I guess you got what you wanted.”
“I did,” Victoria said. “I consider myself lucky Rafael took me back.” An awkward pause followed, making her wonder what Missy really wanted. “You sure you don’t need anything else? I hope you’ve been able to enjoy yourself. People will be talking about this wedding for months.”
