“I hope so.” Rafael bit into a glazed donut and wiped the sugar off his lip. “We set up the prep schedule and finalized the shopping list yesterday. I’ve secured extra help for Saturday night. All the craft projects are done, and Missy picked a signature cocktail.”
She’d decided on the cranberry mojito, which suited Rafael fine. Anything was better than the candy cane martini.
“What about the Christmas trees?” Martin asked. “Luz said something about a decorating party?”
“The Fraser firs are arriving at Blackwood Manor on Wednesday morning, so we’re decorating them that night. Araceli recruited a bunch of family to help out since we’re dealing with twenty trees.”
“I’m impressed,” Martin said. “You’re handling this event like a pro.”
Normally, Rafael would have relished the praise. This was what he wanted. For his brothers to see he’d changed and respect him for it. To realize he could be trusted with a job of this magnitude without messing up. But guilt settled in the pit of his stomach. Martin wouldn’t have been as generous with his compliments if he knew his little brother was sleeping with the event coordinator.
It’s only for six more days. Why throw a wrench into things?
He and Victoria hadn’t talked about their future as a couple. But if she’d asked him what he wanted, he would have told her the truth. He wanted a real relationship, without the lies and sneaking around. But he couldn’t imagine her taking that step—not as long as she answered to her father.
For now, it was best to avoid the subject.
* * *
The day passed quickly.After assisting with brunch prep, Rafael joined Tony and some of the crew at an event they were catering in Fallbrook. Compared to Ben and Missy’s wedding, this job was a no-brainer—a forty-person luncheon with a full buffet and an open bar. Rafael ended up behind the bar, mixing an endless stream of holiday-themed cocktails.
Whenever he had a break, he checked his phone for updates from Victoria. She’d been texting him while on duty at Blackwood Cellars during their Holiday Open House. When she slipped in the occasional innuendo, he had to keep his lust in check. If he thought too much about her, he’d never be able to focus.
After he and Tony got back to the restaurant, they had to help out, since the place was packed. At eight, Ernesto sent him a message.Going to the new Bond flick @ 9:30. You in? Can get tix ahead & you can meet us there.
Rafael loved James Bond movies, and he’d been so busy he hadn’t seen the new one yet. But if his cousins were going to be out of the apartment until midnight, he’d have a window of opportunity.
He texted back.Not tonight. Gonna crash after work.
Before he lost his nerve, he sent a text to Victoria.Want to come over at 9:30? Cousins will be out.
As soon as he sent it, he wondered if he’d been too presumptuous. She might not want to drive all the way to Escondido on a Sunday night, especially since she’d worked her ass off all weekend. But her response was immediate. A heart and a winky face, followed by a thumbs-up.
Perfect.When they closed the restaurant at nine, he was the first one out, claiming exhaustion. Rather than chastise him for leaving early, Martin let him go. The wedding had given him a ton of leeway.
When he got to the apartment, he jumped in the shower, so he wouldn’t greet Victoria smelling of garlic and cilantro. He was toweling off when the doorbell rang. Instead of getting dressed, he threw on a robe and answered the door that way.
Victoria was a holiday vision in red, clad in a figure-hugging ruby-red dress, black ankle boots, and a Santa hat. On her shoulder was a black leather weekend bag. She kicked off her boots and gave him a once-over, her mouth curving up in a coy smile. “I like your outfit.”
“I like yours better. You look like a sexy elf.”
“You think? I was hoping you’d give me a reason to put you on Santa’s nice list.”
“Wouldn’t you rather have me on the naughty list?”
“I’ll take both.” She glanced around the apartment. “Your cousins are out for the night?”
“Until midnight. Which means we get a couple of hours to ourselves. And—if you promise to keep quiet—you can even spend the night.” He felt like he’d reverted to his teenage self, sneaking in girls after hours while trying to avoid the watchful eyes of his family.
“I brought my things, just in case. And I left a note for my father saying I was staying at my friend Emmy’s place. Doing a girls’ night in.”
“You don’t think he’ll be suspicious?”
“If anything, he’ll be relieved I’m getting out and socializing.” She handed him her weekend bag. “Do you want to put this in your room?”
He took it from her and went into his bedroom, where he set it by the closet. She followed him, shutting the door behind them.
A very good sign.
