Chapter 10
Daria
“Where are you going dressed like that?” Billie asked. She was locking the shop up early for the holiday.
I’d gone to the back room to change into my dress since I wouldn’t have time to go all the way home and make it to the church on time.
I looked down at myself. “You don’t like it?”
“Are you kidding? You look hot!”
“I have to go to my ex’s wedding straight from here.”
Her eyes widened. “Well, that explains the dress.” She shook her head. “But wait…a wedding on Christmas Eve? Who the hell plans a wedding on Christmas Eve?”
“Selfish, self-absorbed people.”
“I was gonna say…” She sighed. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask, what went down at the cabin between you and Cade? You and he were kind of quiet this week. And it’s been so busy, I haven’t had a chance to talk to you.”
Cade and I had exchanged many glances during our shifts together since returning from the retreat. But with the holiday rush, the shop was so busy. He and I had never had much chance to talk. My shifts ended before his, so he was always still working when I went home.
“The cabin was a good experience. We have a new respect for each other. Let’s just say, your plan worked.”
Billie chuckled. “What did you guys do, though? Obviously, we sent you with the wrong box of activities. I felt bad about that—even if it took me a while to stop laughing about it.”
“Believe it or not, we were quite resourceful. We made the best of the truth-or-dare-like game and used it to get to know each other better.” I shrugged. “The alcohol helped.”
“Well, I’m proud of you guys for working things out.” She laughed. “I’m glad I don’t have to fire either one of you, because you’re two of the best talents I’ve ever had.”
“Thanks.” I smiled. “Do you happen to know why Cade called out today? I thought he was on the schedule.”
“I don’t know. He just said something came up. He only had one client booked, and I’m not gonna get pissy at him on Christmas Eve.”
“Okay,” I muttered. I just hoped he wasn’t avoiding me now that we were back to reality.
Was he thinking better of that last amazing kiss we’d shared before we left Vermont?
I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I shook my head, needing to snap out of it and not analyze why he was out today.
It was Christmas Eve, and the shop had closed early anyway.
Cade probably took the day off to see family. Or maybe he had to travel somewhere.
“Anyway, I hope you have an amazing Christmas, Billie,” I said as I approached the door to leave.
“You too! Colby and I are hosting friends tonight. Try to have a good time at the wedding—or at the very least, give your ex hell in that dress.”
As I stepped out into the cold air, I decided to walk a couple of blocks before calling a car. I had a little time to kill and wanted to savor the feel of Christmas in the air as last-minute shoppers whizzed by me on the streets.
But with every step I took, I doubted more and more why I was even bothering with this wedding tonight.
For some reason, I’d felt differently about attending since my time with Cade at the cabin.
His surprise over the fact that I’d planned to go had made me question it myself.
I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone.
It was Christmas Eve, and I’d be better off spending time with my family than with two people who had hurt me.
In that moment, my brain made an executive decision on behalf of my heart.
Instead of calling a car to take me to the church, I hopped on the subway and went to my cousin’s house, where I knew many of my family members would be getting together later.
My family would probably give me shit for the sexy dress I was wearing on Christmas, but at least it was red, right?
***
Two-and-a-half hours later, I was standing by the punch bowl that was sitting on my cousin Maureen’s red-linen-covered table when my phone chimed with a text.
Did you decide not to go to the wedding after all?
It had come from an unknown number. I texted back.
Daria: Who is this?
Cade: It’s Cade. Billie gave me your number.
My heart came alive as I typed.
Daria: Oh! Hey! Yeah, actually, I didn’t go. Listened to your advice. Decided they didn’t deserve my presence. I’m at a family party.
Cade: Ah.
Daria: Wait…how did you know I decided not to go?
Cade: I’m at the reception and couldn’t find you.
Oh my God.
Daria: What?
Cade: I wanted to see you, so I crashed the wedding. You told me where it was, remember? I was hoping to catch you.
Excitement filled me.
Daria: You’re there now?
Cade: You were right about the food—the appetizers were awesome.
Adrenaline pumped through my veins.
Daria: Don’t move. I’m coming.
Cade: You don’t have to, if you have other plans.
Daria: No. I want to! Where will you be?
Cade: At the top of the staircase outside the ballroom.
I called out to my cousin, who I knew was a fast driver. “Bruno, I need a ride!”
***
The grand white staircase was adorned with gold accents, tinsel, and large red Christmas bulbs woven through the banister.
I rushed up the stairs, and then I saw him.
Holy shit. Cade wore a black suit and red satin tie.
He was holding his jacket, and his sleeves were rolled up, showcasing his colorful ink.
He looked beyond hot—holding a bouquet of roses.
He shook his head slowly when he spotted me. “Wow,” he said, almost breathlessly. “You were right. That dress is killer.” He handed me the flowers.
As we stood facing each other, there was so much I wanted to say.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, Cade,” I blurted, barely aware of the wedding reception in the ballroom—I couldn’t have cared less.
“I was afraid the reason you called out today was because you’d thought better of everything that went down with us and were avoiding me. ”
“Are you kidding? The only regret I have is what didn’t go down, if you know what I mean.
I can’t stop thinking about you, either.
I just want to be back at that cabin. I know it’s Christmas, and I’m supposed to be with my family—assembling my nephew’s presents tonight or whatever—but I only want to be with you.
” He looked into my eyes. “I called out of work today because I had to wedding prep—grooming myself, picking up a suit that fit, and getting you flowers—hoping to crash this thing and find you.”
My eyes began to water. “I’ll never forget this.” Then, I couldn’t help myself. I leapt into his arms, and to my surprise, he lifted me. Wrapping my legs around his tall frame, I kissed him with everything I had, this time not caring at all whether I came across as too forward.
“Daria?”
Cade and I broke our kiss as we turned in unison. Derek stood there, dressed in his white wedding tux, looking shocked at the spectacle I’d just made.
As Cade put me down slowly, I wiped my lips. “Oh…hey, Derek. Didn’t notice you there.”
“I can see that.” He looked up at Cade. “I didn’t know you were bringing someone.”
“I didn’t bring him. He met me here…although, I just got here myself. In fact, we were just leaving.” I took Cade’s hand and stood proudly. “This is Cade.”
“Ah.” Derek nodded. “Mr. Big Dick himself. I wasn’t sure if you were real, considering how drunk she was when she texted me the other day.”
“That was actually me texting you about my dick. But yeah… I’m very real.”
Derek squinted in confusion. The look on his face was priceless.
“He’s real, Derek.” I smiled up at Cade.
“He’s my man. Thank you so much for breaking up with me so I could find the real deal.
” I squeezed Cade’s hand as I told Derek one last thing.
“It all worked out the way it was supposed to. I do wish you and Sharon the best of luck. You’re perfect for each other. ”
Cade lifted me again, carrying me away like a caveman as we made our theatrical exit down the grand staircase. I never looked back, though catching one more glimpse of Derek’s flabbergasted expression might’ve been nice.
“I don’t like the way he was staring at your tits just now,” Cade growled in my ear.
“I didn’t notice, but mighty possessive, aren’t we?”
“Well, you called me your man. I don’t want anyone staring at my woman’s tits, except me.”
I ran my fingers through his hair. “I think you have some anger issues. You might need to take some of that aggression out on me.” I kissed his cheek. “Take it out on my totally clear-minded, sober ass, by the way.”
He wriggled his brows. “Now you’ve got me thinking about that ass.”
As we made it to the lobby, I asked, “Do you think they have rooms available?”
“Only one way to find out.” He put me down.
Cade went to the front desk, spoke to the attendant, and flashed me two big thumbs up.
When I tried to give him my wallet, he shooed me away.
So I waited in the wings, taking deep inhales of the roses he’d bought me, wondering how what was slated to be one of the worst nights of my life had turned out to be the best.
A few minutes later, Cade returned, waving the keycard as he flashed me a devilish smile.
“Thanks, Santa.” I winked.
We hopped into the elevator, and he backed me up against the wall and showered my neck with kisses. “This might be my favorite Christmas ever, beautiful. And it’s just getting started.”
I bent my neck back in ecstasy and exhaled. “Safe to say, Santa Claus is definitely coming to town tonight.”