Chapter 27
Twenty-Seven
For the next few hours, Drew kept Rosie and Charlie company on Christmas Eve. Since his workout attire was a little too informal for helping them at the front desk, he fetched his gym bag and changed. Inspired by the Christmas music playing through the speakers, he busted out his favorite dance moves in the lobby. Both women joined in, making it feel like a party.
By the time he and Rosie left the hotel, the snow had coated everything in a pristine blanket of white. They stood outside the entrance in wonder, watching the flakes come down, illuminated by the streetlights.
“It’s so magical,” Rosie said. “Though I have to admit I’m not wild about driving in the snow. Especially at night.”
“I don’t mind driving. Are you okay leaving your car in the hotel’s parking lot?”
“Yeah, it’ll be fine because it’s underground.” She leaned against him, warming him with the heat of her body. “Let’s go back to my place and get cozy.”
“I can’t wait.” Not just because he was eager to get her alone but also because he had a surprise waiting for her. Which wouldn’t have worked if she’d turned him away tonight. In that respect, he’d been very, very lucky.
Once they got to her apartment, he tensed up as she unlocked her door, hoping his surprise would have the desired effect. Originally, after he’d decided to find her and plead his case, he’d almost headed over to her folks’ house. But when he’d learned she was stuck at work, he’d come up with a new plan. A plan he’d barely had time to put into action before getting to the Duchess just after eight.
She reached to turn on the lights but stopped short, a look of shock washing over her face. In one corner of her living room, he’d set up a six-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments. The soft glow from the lights gave the room a magical feel.
She turned to face him. “Oh my God. Did you do this?”
“Yeah. I was going to say that Santa left it for you, but I don’t want to give him the credit. It’s all me. I hope it’s okay. I never even asked if you wanted something like this.”
Now that he thought about it, maybe he’d been a bit too presumptuous, but at the wedding, Rosie had mentioned being too busy to find a Christmas tree for her place.
She threw her arms around him and crushed him in a hug. “This is one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for me. I love it.”
A wave of relief washed over him. “You don’t mind that I snuck into your house like a burglar to set it up?”
“Of course not. I gave you a key because I knew I could trust you. But I never expected this.” She pulled away and wiped her eyes. “It’s perfect. Where did you get the ornaments?”
He gave her a sheepish grin. “So…Kate told me if you shop at Michaels on Christmas Eve, all their holiday stuff is already half price. This is just a starter collection. Next year, you can add some more.”
She approached the tree and held up a shiny glass ornament that looked like a taco. “This is so cute. It makes me think of Pepe’s. Ooh, and this one’s a little double-decker bus.”
“There’s some champagne in the fridge, too, if you want to celebrate.”
“Yes, please. Can you get it out? I have to take a bunch of photos so I can send them to the Damsels.”
He loved how excited she was. After posing with her for a few selfies by the tree, he retrieved the champagne and poured a glass for each of them.
She sipped hers and let out a satisfied sigh. “Don’t tell my parents, but as much as I adore Nochebuena, this might be one of the best Christmas Eves ever .”
“I’m so glad it worked out, but I’m still up for anything with your family. Dinners, parties, whatever you want. As your real date.”
“Don’t worry, we still have our Three Kings party in January. I promise there will be lots of delicious food and plenty of festive beverages.” She held up her glass. “Here’s to enjoying many more holidays together.”
He clinked his glass against hers. “I’ll drink to that.”
Though he’d taken a lot of risks tonight, he was incredibly grateful they’d paid off. Truly, this was an occasion worth celebrating.
* * *
Drew woke on Christmas morning with Rosie curled up beside him. Last night, after they’d polished off most of the champagne, he’d fully intended to lavish her with affection. To demonstrate his love with a round of delicious, toe-curling sex. But after he’d stripped down to his boxers and joined her in bed, they’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms almost immediately. Just like an old married couple.
But losing out on one night of passion paled in comparison to all the nights that lay ahead of them. Nights in which he fully intended to show her how much he cared. To prove to her, without a shadow of a doubt, that their connection meant more to him than just friendship and great sex.
For the first time in years, he was truly ready for more.
Giving his whole heart wouldn’t be easy. He still had trust issues to overcome. But instead of brushing them aside, he’d talk to Rosie about them. Maybe even check out that therapist Kate had mentioned.
Two months ago, he would have said he was okay with his life. That he didn’t need anything to change. But he’d been wrong. And now, though he’d be facing new challenges—at work and in his relationship with Rosie—he was eager to embrace them.
When she stirred and pressed her rounded ass against his groin, he grew hard in a matter of seconds. Though he didn’t want to wake her, he was aching to do more than just hold her.
As if aware of his need, she gave a lazy murmur. “Is it morning yet?”
He pushed her hair to the side and kissed the back of her neck. “Merry Christmas, Rosie.”
“Merry Christmas, Drew. It’s so nice having you here with me.”
“Waking up with you is the best Christmas present ever.” He trailed his lips to the sensitive area behind her ear and let his tongue linger there. But when he reached beneath her T-shirt to cup her breasts, she turned to face him, her dark eyes flashing with arousal.
“Not so fast,” she said. “For my Christmas present, I want to call the shots. Are you okay with that?”
“No argument here.” He lay flat on his back, enjoying the view as she stripped off her shirt and straddled him, wearing nothing but her lace panties. With the sight of her gorgeous breasts just within reach, he tried to touch them, but she swatted his hand away.
“Hands over your head. If you’re a good boy, I’ll let you play later. But now, I want to be in charge.”
* * *
Normally, Rosie wasn’t the type to take control in the bedroom, especially since being naked made her self-conscious. But every time she and Drew had made love, he’d told her how much he appreciated her body. Little compliments and gestures that had built up her confidence. Now, she was ready to take the reins.
She tugged the covers to the side, exposing them both to the chilly morning air. Leaning down so that her breasts brushed against his broad chest, she kissed him softly, teasing his lips with the promise of more before kissing his forehead, his eyelids, and the adorable dimple in his cheek. She wanted to memorize every inch of his features. To know him in a way she never had before.
Little by little, she worked her way down, brushing her lips against his Adam’s apple and his collarbone. Burying her face in his soft chest hair, she ran her tongue over each nipple before tweaking them with her teeth.
“Rosie, I want you so badly,” he said.
“I know.” She gave a wicked laugh. “And you’ll get me. I promise. Just let me have my fun. Now, don’t move your hands.”
With quick fingers, she removed his boxers and tossed them to the side. Then she continued mapping his body with her lips. His taut stomach. The curve of his hip bones. His sturdy thighs. Making him groan and writhe beneath her. Still clad in her panties, she straddled him and rubbed herself against his hard length, her core aching and wet with need. Desire shot through her, and it was all she could do not to make herself come, but she wanted them to experience it together.
Easing off him, she removed her panties and grabbed a condom from the nightstand drawer. “May I put this on you?”
“Yes, but are you sure you’re ready? I want you to enjoy this, too.”
She unwrapped it and sheathed him, making sure to draw out the sensation. “Trust me, I’m enjoying every second.” Then she lowered herself onto him, gasping as he filled her to the hilt. She rode him slowly, loving the feel of him buried deep inside her, until he begged again.
“Rosie, I need to touch you. Please .”
She gave her hair a saucy toss. “Fine. Give me everything you’ve got.”
With lightning speed and a touch of finesse, he flipped her over while still inside her. Once she was on her back and he was hovering above her, he gave her a wolfish smile. “Now you’re going to get it, you naughty girl.”
“Ooh, yes, please. Hard and fast. But—”
“Don’t break the bed. I know the drill.” He pumped into her. “Jesus, Rosie, you’re so wet. You feel so fucking good.”
She reached up to draw him nearer, relishing the feel of his muscular body pressed against hers. As he drove in deeper, she let out a throaty moan. “Keep going. I’m so close.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He gripped her ass tighter, squeezing it until she gasped again. “I’m gonna make it last for as long as I can.”
When she looked into his eyes, she saw all of him. The man she loved, holding nothing back. She kissed him passionately, feeling a connection that went deep into her soul. His kisses were hungry and demanding, and she returned them with equal fervor.
As she neared her peak, she dug her nails into his back, bit into his shoulder, and urged him on. The rush of pleasure was sweet and intense. She held on tight, letting the sensations wash over her. “Yes, Drew. Yes.”
And then he was panting, groaning, calling out her name. He gave a few more thrusts before letting his body sag against hers. She held him tight, cocooned in their little bubble, until he got up and disposed of the condom. Once he was done, he lay back down and drew her into his embrace. She rested her head on his shoulder, drawing patterns on his chest with her fingers.
“That was incredible, mi amor,” she murmured.
“Mi amor? Does that mean ‘my love’?”
Had she said too much? She stiffened, suddenly afraid she’d ruined their afterglow, but he ran his hand along her arm. “My Spanish is terrible, but that’s what it meant, right?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I love you, Drew. Maybe it’s too soon, but—”
“It’s not too soon. I love you, too, mon coeur. That means ‘my heart’ in French. I took it all through high school.”
She laughed. “I did, too, but my Spanish is a lot better than my French.” She relaxed against him, sighing as he smoothed his hand over her hair. “This feels so nice. Do you have anywhere you need to be this morning?”
“I’m supposed to meet Kate for brunch at noon, if she’s still up for it. Do you want to join us?”
“I’d like that. I’m so glad I don’t have to work today.” She raised her head to look at him as a sudden thought took hold. “But…I just realized I didn’t get you anything for Christmas. And you bought me that wonderful tree.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Are you kidding? You took me back last night, even after I messed up. I can’t think of a better present.”
She still wanted to find the perfect gift for him, but it could wait. Right now, it felt so good to snuggle beside him, content in the knowledge that they were truly together. Now that they’d confessed their feelings for each other, she trusted him to treat her with love and respect, and she’d do the same for him.
Blissfully happy in his arms, she’d almost drifted back to sleep when her phone rang. Though she was tempted to let it go, she sat up and grabbed it, thinking her mom might be checking in on her. She’d have to tell her family that she and Drew were back together. For real, this time. Maybe they could go over to her parents’ house tonight and snack on leftover tamales.
Once again, Preston’s name showed up. She let it ring three times, sorely tempted to send it to voicemail, but her professionalism was too deeply ingrained.
Keeping her voice perky, she answered the call. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Hargreaves. I hope you’re having a lovely morning.”
“I’m doing well, thank you. I saw the text you sent. I’m pleased you were there to accommodate those last-minute guests. Did the Duke send them over?”
“Nope. They sought out the Duchess on their own, thanks to our videos. Then Charlie made them feel right at home. They’d had a miserable travel day, so I’m glad we could help them out. Not to mention, we filled the hotel to capacity.” Maybe if she was lucky, he’d be so impressed he’d tell her that her job was secure. What a nice Christmas bonus that would be.
“That’s excellent,” he said. “The owners will be pleased. But I was actually calling to make sure you’re still going in today. It would be nice if we had a manager on duty, but I can’t do it since I’m spending the day with my grandparents.”
What? “Um…yesterday, when you asked me to come in, you said I could have today off. In return for missing my family’s big night.”
“You also mentioned you didn’t have plans for today. So it shouldn’t be an issue.”
Beside her, Drew was sitting up in bed, his brow pinched. Like he was hesitant to say anything, even though he was clearly irritated that her boss was giving her the shaft.
Drew wasn’t the only one who felt that way. So did her mom, along with the rest of her family. And they were right. Though she didn’t want to lose her job, she needed to stand up for herself.
Be brave. You can do this.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I made plans.” Her stomach lurched, but she forced herself to keep going. “If anything major comes up today, the staff have my number. But unless they can’t handle it, I’m not going in. These past two months, I’ve been well aware my job is on the line, so I’ve given up a lot of evenings and weekends. While the extra hours haven’t been a huge burden, they’re not sustainable in the long term. They also make me feel like you’ve been taking advantage of the situation.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The silence was so agonizing she expected her boss to fire her immediately, but she wasn’t sorry she’d spoken up. The only way she’d get a better work-life balance was if she set a few boundaries.
When he finally spoke, his voice was terse. “Very well. I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow morning for our Boxing Day kickoff.”
Was he angry? Disappointed? At least he hadn’t fired her outright. Nor had he demanded she come in to work today. “Thank you, sir. I’ll be there at six.”
When she hung up, Drew pulled her to his side and gave her a squeeze. “You okay? It didn’t sound like he fired you.”
“He didn’t, but…he wasn’t happy about it, either.” She leaned against Drew, taking solace in his presence. “I’m still glad I stood up for myself. It wasn’t easy.”
He kissed the top of her head. “For what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”
She was proud of herself, too. Even if she didn’t know what the fallout would be, she felt like an enormous weight was off her shoulders. “I couldn’t have done it without your support. Well, yours and my family’s.”
“That’s because we care about you. We don’t want you to lose your job, but we don’t want you to be miserable, either.”
“I’m not. I’m really happy.”
She hadn’t just gotten the day off, but she’d also taken control of her life. Instead of feeling put-upon and pathetic, she felt strangely empowered. Over the past two months, she’d accomplished a lot. She and the Damsels had done an amazing job making the Duchess shine this holiday season. She’d finally decided to set boundaries at work. She’d been honest with her family and learned how much they truly cared for her. And she’d turned a fake relationship into a real one, all because she’d been brave enough to admit her feelings.
“Do you think you’ll get to stay on at the Duchess after New Year’s?” Drew asked.
She couldn’t say for sure yet, but she was feeling optimistic. “I think so. For now, I’m not going to worry about it. Let’s just enjoy our first Christmas together.”
Hopefully, it would be the first of many.