Chapter 40
As You Wish
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 I will 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.”
We pull up to an absolutely gaudy mansion. There’s classy rich and then there’s just “I’m going to flaunt my money in ridiculous ways” rich. I’m pretty sure Rodney falls into the ridiculous ways category.
My dislike for this man is growing by the minute.
I drive us up the mile-long driveway, past hedges and trees trimmed into different shapes.
Peacocks strut across the front lawn, and there is not just one fountain, but there are three with knock-off Italian statues.
It’s like the man chose his favorite aspects of English and Italian landscaping and added them to his property.
The whitewashed mansion, with arches and surprisingly a few turrets, has large windows. It’s a Spanish-colonial mix, and it’s making me cringe.
There’s a red carpet rolled out from the front door to the driveway, and I wait our turn before we stop at the end of the carpet. A valet takes my keys and I escort Holly, my hand on her lower back, although I already feel like wrapping her in a potato sack and taking her back home.
Men need to keep their eyes to themselves.
Holly stops in the entryway and I seize the moment to wrap her arm in mine, pulling her closer to me. Holly’s eyes scan the room before they catch on Rodney. We maneuver through the crowd toward him.
As we approach, the sour smell of alcohol grows stronger and Holly’s shoulders stiffen.
Alex and Holly have both told me their parents were alcoholics and neither of them drink because of it. I’ve seen the effects of alcohol firsthand, and I swore off drinking when I was in my fraternity. I don’t need the messes alcohol can make in my life.
“Holly,” Rodney mutters, voice slurred, as his eyes dart between the two of us. He squints at me, and I almost laugh at his failed attempt to glare.
“I thought I told you to leave the dumb farm boy home." His words are quiet, but filled with venom. "You don’t need to be selling this princess and the pauper story anymore.”
Oh, so he’s starting in on the insults from the beginning. At least I know what to expect from him this evening. Good thing I don’t hold this man in any esteem, nor do I find his insults insulting.
I pull Holly closer to me and kiss her temple. “I’m happy to be the pauper to my princess whenever she needs, Rodney.”
He rolls his eyes and steps closer, bringing his stench with him. “Of course you are. You’re too dumb to see she’s out of your league and that you’re pulling her down in society.”
I take a step back and pull Holly away from the man. “I think I’m actually bringing the fun to these types of high society activities.”
Rodney snarls. “Go back to your farm.”
I straighten my shoulders. “I won’t. I will quit working at my farm forever if that means I get to stay with Holly and keep her away from men who don’t know how to treat women properly.”
Holly yanks my arm and I’m dragged away from the verbal sparring match I was actually starting to enjoy. Rodney laughs behind us as Holly guides us down a hallway and around the corner, out of sight of the main ballroom and anyone else.
Holly stops when we round a corner. She pauses, making sure we're alone, and then whirls around, confusion contorting her face. “What are you doing, Mateo?
I shrug. “Telling that idiot that he’s an idiot and that I’m your husband and I care about you.”
Her eyes are stormy. “You said you’ll quit working at the farm.”
I nod because she heard me right. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while and it slipped out, but it was true. “Yes. Because I will.”
Her eyes narrow and she stomps her foot as she folds her arms. “No, you won’t.”
I gently grab her arms and pull her toward me. “Holly—”
Heels click behind us and I’m interrupted by a dramatic gasp from behind me. I turn my head only to see a man and woman I easily identify from my google searches. They're people I’ve never wanted to meet.