Mateo
Iknot the purple tie Holly picked out for tonight’s party. It’ll be the first time we spend time together since we got home on Monday. I’m excited to take her out of the house.
When we got back to California, she threw herself into work, putting out fires and traveling to meet clients. But we still were able to sneak in a lunch date or two.
But I miss my wife.
Holly’s been happier, brighter, and more cuddly since church last Sunday. There were tears in her eyes as we said goodbye to my family, and I’m holding onto the hope that we can have a serious conversation about where our marriage is headed in the near future.
If only she wasn’t so busy. By the time the day is over, the dark circles under her eyes are pleading for rest, not for serious-emotions talk.
I finish knotting my tie and shrug on my suit jacket. I’ve started to look forward to these events, if only for the fact that Holly looks positively stunning in whatever formal wear she’s in. I’m hoping tonight she’s in a purple dress, her favorite color, and the one that brings out the blue in her eyes and pinks in her cheeks.
My lungs stop working when I walk out of my room.
Holly stands at the kitchen counter wearing a knee-length wrap dress. Instead of loosely flowing, it hugs every one of her curves. It shimmers as she moves, and I’m entranced. The high neckline of her dress and her fancy hair up-do show off the curve of her neck, and my eyes catch on the long silver earrings that draw my eyes with every shimmer of the light.
Holly would be very upset if I ruined her hard work right before we leave, but I can’t help daydreaming about taking out every pin of her up-do, and kissing away the shiny pink lip gloss on her lips.
Tonight we both need to fit in, and I’m determined to show Holly that I can be a part of high society just as much as she can be a part of Bolt’s farming community. I’m not going anywhere as long as she’s here.
My steps have her looking up from her glass of water, and our eyes meet. She smiles as her eyes rove over me, her grin growing wider as she notices my matching tie, pocket linen, dark gray suit, and shiny black shoes that complete my outfit.
I’ve never had shoes this shiny in my life and let me tell you, they’re not that comfortable—but the smile on Holly’s face is worth the pinching pain my pinky toes are suffering.
I walk forward and grab her hand, twirling her around under my arm. “You’re stunning, Holly.”
She ducks her head, but not even her foundation can hide the blush on her cheeks.
Her smile is soft as she looks up at me. “You look handsome.”
“Thank you, amor.” I tug her into my chest and wrap my arms around her back. Holding her in my arms feels like when you find the last piece of the puzzle, when it all clicks together and is perfect. “I’ve missed this,” I mutter before placing a kiss on her forehead.
“I’ve missed you, too. It’s been a busy week, but I think I’ve caught up on things now. Thanks for being understanding.”
I shrug. “You’re welcome, I know work is important. Just know that Iwill be undoing your hair by the end of the night, and we will be getting Frostys after this event tonight.”
Her eyes close and she hums a happy noise. “Sounds perfect. Let’s go so we can get tonight over with.”
I kiss her forehead again. “As you wish, princesa.”
Holly pulls out of my arms and grabs her wristlet from off the counter. “Rodney has been texting me all day about clients he wants me to meet at his party. He’s already mad I’m bringing you tonight, so we better not be late.”
My eyebrows draw together. “I don’t like him. Do you really need him as a mentor anymore? You’re successful in your own right Holly.”
Holly stops and lets out a deep breath and I take advantage of the moment to slip around her and open the garage door for us.
She frowns. “I’m not happy with him either. Maybe it is time to cut ties. I just feel bad because he’s helped me get a lot of good clients.”
“Remember that you’re the boss, boss lady.” I wink and she smiles, the frown lines gone.
“You’re right.”
I nod and gesture to her Lexus, which I cleaned by hand yesterday when she was in a meeting. I’m quite proud of its spotless shine.
“You washed my car?”
I nod, and put my hand on the small of her back as we walk to the passenger side door. “Anything for you, mi amor.”
