“Basta, Jaime.” Enrique shook his brother off, and Jaime walked toward the edge of the porch. Enrique would leave, too—he wouldn’t stay where he wasn’t wanted. But he needed Carolina to know this about him.
Enrique tried again. “He’s right. Sustainable farming is so important to me—it’s why I came here. And even if you don’t partner with me, I want to learn how to improve the lives of the farmers on the farms we contract with.”
“You can do that without me. It’s not my responsibility to educate you about basic human rights.”
He took a step closer to her. “You’re right; it’s not. But you’re the best at what you do, and I want to learn from the best.”
She tilted her head. “True. I am the best.”
He grinned, enjoying her confidence. “And I can help you, too. The kind of money and resources we have will benefit so many people.” Her face softened. “Are Las Posadas important to you?”
She nodded. “Yeah, they’re my favorite part of the holiday.”
“If you really do need someone to be your Joseph, I’m your man.”
Carolina bit her lower lip. “Are you serious? You would play Joseph? I’ve been looking for someone for weeks. Everyone has refused or is busy.”
“I’d love to. I’ve never celebrated Las Posadas. I never really knew anything about the holiday until yesterday, actually. Julieta, Ramón’s fiancée, told me about it. She’s in town also. I’m sure she’d love to attend.”
Carolina stepped closer to him. There was something wildly erotic about this woman who was fresh off a hard day of work and not dressed to impress him.
“Hmm. Well, I’m glad someone in your family is familiar with the event. You have to dress like Joseph and walk with me. But it’s really easy besides that.”
“I can walk, run even.” Enrique could think of so many more physical activities he’d like to do with this woman but kept those thoughts to himself. “That’s all we have to do?”
“Pretty much. It celebrates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay on the night of Jesus’s birth.”
His face crinkled. “Why couldn’t they find a place to stay? Didn’t they have a house?”
Carolina gave a warm smile. “Are you sure you were confirmed?”
“Yes, but I wasn’t paying any attention in CCD.” Those catechism classes were never-ending.
“They were traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Traditionally, it’s for nine days—which represents the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy or the nine-day journey they traveled. In Mexico and some other places, it’s celebrated over nine days, but here we celebrate it in one night. It’s simple. We just walk together and knock on the doors of houses in the neighborhood and ask for shelter. The residents deny us and then the last house lets us in. Then there’s a huge party, we dance to great music, and the kids strike a piñata. It’s delightful.”
He wasn’t religious, but he was down for anything. Regardless, spending more time with her was priceless. Even if he had to ride an ass.
“I’m in, no strings attached.” He considered making her promise that in exchange for playing Joseph, she would take him on a personal tour around the farm, but he decided against it. If he couldn’t get her to trust him after spending time together and offer to take him herself, then he didn’t deserve a tour or a collaboration. She didn’t owe him anything.
Her eyes lit up and she clasped her hands together.
Enrique grinned. Finally, a smile on her face. A tingle radiated through his chest.
“Well, thank you. You are really helping me out. I’m sorry for my rudeness, earlier. But it will be a fun time. I promise. Ballet Folklórico performs as well. I used to dance with them... but not this year.” Her voice lowered and she cast a downward glance. Her smile had now vanished as quickly as it had come. “They are having a huge performance this week and I am working with local restaurants to get the food donated.” She cast an inviting look at his brothers and Tiburón. “You’re all welcome to attend.”
Tiburón gazed at Blanca. “If you’re there, I’m there.”
Blanca laughed and tossed her hair. Man, Tiburón’s effect on women was mesmerizing to watch. Bad boy for the win.
Ramón spoke up. “We can help with the food if you like. My fiancée is the best chef.”
Carolina shook her head no. “I appreciate the offer, but we should be hearing back from the restaurants soon.”
Enrique brushed her hand. “No, really, it’s okay. I’m sure you don’t want our Taco King food, but Julieta is amazing and can take over the local kitchen and we can cater this for you.”
Blanca grinned, then batted her eyes toward Tiburón, then turned her attention back to her sister. “Wow, Cari. You really lucked out.”
Carolina pointed at her. “Wow, what?Youare the one who is lucky, hermanita. I was about to march inside and tell Papá about the stunt you pulled, but since Señor Montez here has agreed to help us celebrate my favorite holiday, you are forgiven. But don’t ever put me in a situation like this again.”
