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My words trail off as Aidan opens the bathroom door, his encouraging smile lighting up the room. In his dark tuxedo, his dark hair nearly matching, he's the epitome of the dashing event host, with a softness in his eyes reserved just for me.
"I promise, we'll consider a 'Seniority-Based Christmas Ranking System' for next year," I say into the phone. "And Mami, we won't forget the extra arepas for any unsuspecting carolers. Love you both, gotta go!"
Hanging up, I shake my head. I pivot towards Aidan, curiosity tickling my thoughts like the edge of a Christmas ribbon. "So, how did it go with your dad? Any grand plans to turn us into human popsicles this winter?" I whisper-ask.
Aidan, barely suppressing a smile, holds up his phone — and suddenly, it's not just him and me in the room, but his father's deep, jovial voice fills the space, a voice that feels like it could command the tides themselves.
"Lacey, Aidan, you gotta make it to the shorefront house this year. Bellevue's winter is magic, and I've got the best reason of all — your favorite, a fully stocked Christmas cookie bar and the promise of not one, but two new kayaks waiting. What do you say, huh?"
"Dad, you can't bribe us," Aidan claims, though I'm already sold.
I look at him, my eyebrows raised. "Um, yes he can."
"He's not bribing us," Aidan insists.
"Just call it…motivation then," I smile.
"We'll think about it," Aidan says, caving. "We have to balance time with Lacey's parents too."
"I've been threatened with not getting a bowl of my mom’s hot sancocho if we don't," I add. "But we'll definitely try to squeeze in a trip to Bellevue."
His father's laughter booms through the phone. "That's all I ask for. I'll see you both soon. And Aidan? Don't forget to call Jeremy for options."
Tucking away the phone, Aidan meets my gaze. Between us, the promise of the holiday season—and a few adventures—sparkles brighter than any charity event.
Aidan clears his throat. "Sure thing. Thanks, Dad."
"Love you both."
He hangs up, turning his full attention back to me. His gaze, appreciative in a way that sends warmth spreading across my cheeks — and it's not the heating. I'm in a silky blue dress for tonight's Raincoats for Raccoons charity gala, and it fits me just right.
"You know," Aidan starts, a playful spark in his eyes, "you look stunning in that dress."
I lean in, smiling. "Oh, do I?"
"Absolutely," he confirms, voice a notch lower, "And, dare I say, even more incredible out of it."
I swat his arm, rolling my eyes. "You're terrible, you know?"
"I know, but you love it," he shoots back, pulling me closer with that too-charming grin.
Our laughter gives way to a tender kiss, one of those that seem to stop time — leaving nothing but our warmth.
Breaking the kiss, something earlier bugs me.
I place my hands on Aidan's chest, feeling his heartbeat as he gently moves the strap of my dress aside for soft kisses on my shoulder.
Distracting, yet my curiosity wins.
"Hey," I start, trying for casual, "what was that comment from your dad about Jeremy?"
Aidan pauses, lips still on my skin. "It's nothing, really," he murmurs, hoping to dismiss the subject as easily as my dress strap under his fingers.
But I'm not let go easily, especially with Jeremy mentioned—the jeweler who made that exquisite necklace for my birthday.
"Isn't Jeremy the jeweler?" I push, curiosity spiked. "The one from my birthday?"
Aidan sighs, conceding with a smile. "Yes, that's him. But really, Lacey, no worries now."
