He did as she said, hoping she’d get so engrossed in decorating that she’d drop the subject of his hookup. He set another bin at her feet. “Here. This one’s labeled, ‘extra ornaments.’”
“That should work.” She picked out five shiny pinecones and set them on the ground, but she was still hell-bent on interrogating him. “What were you doing, fooling around with some rando? What if Victoria found out? I saw the way she looked at you when we were at my apartment. The girl has it bad.”
“Enough. If I tell you who I was with, will you keep it in the vault?”
“Depends.” As if a light went on, she beamed. “Wait. Were you withVictoria?”
He tensed up, worried someone might overhear them. But the upbeat music fromA Charlie Brown Christmaswas now playing through the ballroom’s speakers, making it difficult to hear other conversations. “Yes. But don’t tell anyone.”
She clapped her hands together. “I knew something was up. That’s why you waited for her after my party ended. Was it that night?”
“The next morning, if you want to be specific. But can wepleasenot talk about this anymore?”
“You guys are so cute together. Please tell me you’re taking this public after the wedding.”
He couldn’t help but grin. “That’s the plan. I hope.” The last time they talked, Victoria had mentioned lining up appointments to visit a few apartments in the Temecula area.
The thought of being with her—not in secret but as anactualcouple—filled him with excitement. Even though they’d never actually dated before, he was willing to commit to a serious relationship and see where it went. He now knew what he wanted—to keep this woman in his life by any means possible.
“I hope so, too,” Araceli said. “And…while we’re on the subject of Victoria, do you think there’s any chance she’d like a kitten? Those kittens I’m fostering will need good homes. When she was at my apartment, she totally bonded with Mimi. She even liked Gordo.”
Then she was off, filling him in on every detail of her life as a foster-kitten mom. But he endured it with good humor.
Right now, while he was still keeping things with Victoria under wraps, he’d rather talk aboutanythingexcept his love life.
Chapter 25
They were done. Ten people. Four hours. Twenty Christmas trees.
Though it was after ten, Victoria didn’t feel tired. If anything, the sight of the trees invigorated her.
The effect was far more dazzling than she could have imagined, transforming the grand ballroom into a winter wonderland. On Saturday, they would set up the tables and the linens, along with the gingerbread houses, the candles, the hand-lettered signs, the seating chart and placeholders, and all the favors they’d created. The florist would drop off the arrangements, including the custom-designed holiday centerpieces. Truly, this wedding was going to be the most Instagram-worthy event of the holiday season.
As Rafael’s family members said their goodbyes, Victoria bestowed each of them with a bottle of Blackwood Cellars Premium Cabernet, courtesy of her father’s wine cellar. She hugged Connor and Jess and gave them another bottle of Valois Brandy.
Connor grinned at Victoria. “Dad’s going to think Dickhead Darren threw one hell of a party.”
“That’s the plan,” she said.
“I can’t believe you pulled this off,” Jess said. “The trees look unbelievable. And Rafael told me about the food he’s serving. Any chance you could sneak us an invite?”
Victoria laughed. “I wish. I’d love to have you here on Saturday night to serve as allies, but I can’t risk it.”
Connor slung his arm around Jess’s shoulder. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go make our own Christmas magic.”
Victoria watched them go, still finding it slightly hard to believe her brother had turned into such a lovestruck sap. But who was she to question the power of romance?
After everyone else had left the ballroom, Rafael put his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck. “They look perfect. You can relax now.”
She leaned into him, inhaling his citrusy aftershave. “I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
He placed a soft kiss on the sensitive skin under her ear, making her shiver. “You can thank me properly later.”
Her body flooded with heat. The last two nights, they’d had to settle for phone sex, which was no substitute for the real thing. She almost suggested Rafael come home with her, since her father would be at his Wednesday night cigar club. But she couldn’t remember if the club had taken a break for the holidays. “I wish we could go back to your place.”
“We can’t chance it. Ernesto and Dario might still be up.” He tightened his grip around her waist. “Isn’t there somewhere in Blackwood Manor with a bed? Like, an old-timey room, still preserved from when this place was built?”
“Even if there were, every room in the manor has security cameras. But…” She pulled out her phone and checked the weather app. The last few days had been unseasonably warm for December. “It’s still pretty nice out. I could grab one of the extra table linens and a blanket from my car, and we could find somewhere on the grounds. I know a few discreet places.”
