Enrique shook his head. He would not just go. He had driven more than five hours to see her. Not to mention, now his entire family was up here, too, thanks to Julieta’s desire to have one big happy family Christmas. What a complete nightmare.
But Enrique wasn’t the type of man to quit. Not when he wanted something. And he wanted to learn everything about the Flores Family Farm. What new hydroponic techniques they were using, how they crossbred and pollinated their plants, and how they became financially viable without taking advantage of their workers.
And most importantly, he wanted to get to know this woman who wouldn’t even give him the time of day. How could she hate him so much when she didn’t even know him? Was the Montez name so tarnished that he wouldn’t even get the opportunity to prove himself?
Not to mention that he was wildly attracted to her. The sweat glistened off her forehead, and wisps of her hair blew in the wind. He imagined her body slick and wild as he kissed her everywhere.
Dammit—instead of warning Jaime off lusting after Carolina, he should’ve heeded his own advice.
But he couldn’t help it—Carolina, or Ms. Flores, was gorgeous.
“I’m happy to leave and come back another day later this week if that’s better for you. But we drove up from San Diego and are spending the holidays in Santa Barbara, well, Montecito, actually, so I could make this meeting upon receipt of Blanca’s email. I promise I just want to learn about your farm, tell you more about our company, and discuss how we could possibly be mutually beneficial to eachother’s missions. Please, find some time for us.” He stared into her kind eyes. “For me?” He threw in a wink for good measure.
Carolina’s head tilted, and for a second, Enrique thought he might have made headway. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience. I hope you have a wonderful time in Santa Barbara.”
Enrique shook his head, his patience turning to anger. “Are you serious right now? I came here for a confirmed meeting with you. I’m not some tourist.”
“Not sure what to tell you. But sometimes it’s fun to play tourist. You could pay a visit to the Queen of the Missions or feed an African spurred tortoise at the zoo.”
“The zoo? We have the best zoo in San Diego. No. I want to spend time in Santa Maria.”
Blanca interjected, a sly look on her face. “Well, if you want to hang out here, tomorrow we’re celebrating Las Posadas in town. Carolina is playing Mary.” She paused and lowered her voice. “Well, maybe. She doesn’t have a Joseph yet.”
“¡Ay! Blanca!” Carolina threw up her hands and glowered at her sister, who smiled like a cat who just caught a mouse.
Las Posadas? There they were again. This was the second time in two days that Enrique had heard about the holiday that he’d never celebrated and knew nothing about. First from Julieta, and now from Blanca.
It had to be a sign.
Enrique always believed in signs and deeper meanings; in fact, he started reading people through their astrological signs. He had never been into it until an ex-girlfriend did his chart. First, he thought it was bullshit, but the more he studied the planets and their interpretations, the deeper into it he got. He read that some CEOs even made business decisions with the guidance of an astrologer. Enrique hadn’tcrossed that line yet, but he was still fascinated by the topic. He was a Pisces, and according to his research, Carolina was an Aries. She was headstrong and feisty; he was fair and calm. And he would win her over.
He smirked. “I’ll be your Joseph.”
Tiburón burst out laughing, and Jaime joined him, cackling. Ramón just shook his head and let out a mirthless laugh.
Jerks.
Carolina grimaced. “Las Posadas are important to this community. I don’t appreciate you mocking me, my religion, or my customs. Please go.”
Enrique stepped forward. “I’m not mocking you, Ms. Flores. I mean it. I’ll do it.”
“Does he get a donkey?” Tiburón roared, and Jaime high-fived him.
Enrique gave them a death glare.
“Yes, actually. He would.” Carolina’s eyes widened, and her tone was cautiously hopeful. She uncrossed her arms.
Enrique smiled. Progress.
Carolina narrowed her gaze at Enrique. “Really? You don’t even know me, and you aren’t from here. You’re willing to play Joseph in Las Posadas? Are you even Catholic?”
He smiled cockily. “Technically, yes. I’m confirmed, but I don’t go to church regularly. I’m not into organized religion, actually. I’m more of a spiritual man. I prefer to meditate and practice yoga.”
Tiburón put his head in his hands, and Carolina’s face wrinkled.
Okay, maybe Enrique shouldn’t have mentioned his love of Downward Dog, but he was always open and honest about who he was.
Jaime grabbed Enrique’s arm. “Okay, José. We need to be going.”He turned to Carolina. “Sorry about him; sustainable farming really gets him going. You should see him at Whole Foods. He freaks out over Romanesco broccoli and microgreens.”
