I set my phone on the dresser and bend down to remove my heels. “We should get out of these clothes.”
“Not yet.” Diego pulls out his phone and holds it with the screen facing us. “Let’s take a selfie.”
“Oh right. We were supposed to take photos after the ceremony. I guess that’s not happening, huh?”
“Not likely. I can’t imagine Matteo is going to want to remember this night.”
I slip my arms around Diego’s waist and smile for the camera. He snaps a few pictures, including one where he’s kissing my temple. My smile is big and genuine, and even though my eyes are half-closed, it’s my favorite one.
“Text me those,” I tell him.
“I will. I didn’t get to tell you earlier, but you look stunning.”
“Thank you. So do you. Handsome, I mean.” I touch his nose ring gently. “I like this.”
“I’m glad.”
I lower my hand and place it over his heart. “I like this too.”
He tosses his phone onto the bed and slides his arms around me. “What’s next for us, Cat?”
I rest my head on his chest, relishing the solid, steady feel of him. I don’t need a crystal ball to know our outlook looks good. “What’s next? I think…”
My stomach rumbles, and I laugh. “I think you need to make me dinner.”
Diego grins. “With pleasure.”
CHAPTER NINE
Since we skipped the reception, Diego asks Nestor if he can use the B&B kitchen to cook for me. Nestor agrees, on the condition that we leave him leftovers.
Diego makes Puerto Rican food with a gastropub twist, using magic to speed some of the steps along. After settling in at the counter, I ask him about the restaurant, and he fills me in on his life since I last saw him.
It’s a joy to watch Diego bustle around the kitchen with efficient and, if I’m being honest, sexy movements. His confidence is on full display here. He is master of his domain.
This is who Diego really is. Dedicated, ambitious, and focused on honing his craft. He works hard, but he’s not competitive like I am. Still, it’s nice to know he doesn’t mind that part of me.
It’s time I let go of my annoyance over the valedictorian thing. Diego himself is a bigger prize than any trophy or certificate.
As I nibble on yuca fries dipped in cilantro aioli, I remember Diego’s comment from earlier in the day, about not letting fear get in the way of what he wants. Is that what I’ve been doing? Before, I wouldn’t have said so. I always went after what I wanted with single minded determination, like the valedictorian spot, or elevating my family through my magical couture business, or even being a world-famous luxury fashion designer.
But were those things really what I wanted? Why had I gone after them? What had I thought they’d bring me?
I think back to that first dress I enchanted for Caro, and it hits me. I am one of five daughters in a narcissistic family. My overachieving started as a way to stand out. To receive praise. But making clothes also brought me love and attention. From my parents. From my sisters. From my peers and the elders in the Isla Bruja community.
Love and attention. That’s what I’ve been after all this time.
And here’s a man who cares about me not because of my accomplishments, but in spite of my drive to attain them.
I set down my fork. “Diego? Do you care if I never enchant another garment?”
He looks over from the stove with a puzzled expression and shakes his head. “I just want you to be happy. If it makes you happy to design clothes, do it. But if it doesn’t, then don’t.”
He makes it sound so simple. And, maybe it is.
“I think I’m going to get a place in Miami,” I announce.
Diego nearly drops the pan he’s holding. “You’re what?”
