Bonus Chapter
“You’ve been staring at yourself in the mirror for the past twenty minutes,” Donovan said. “I’m starting to think that you’re getting a little vain.”
Araceli turned to face him, her hands on her hips. “Why did you let me buy this dress?” she demanded. “It’s clearly hideous.”
“And you’re clearly nervous,” he said, stepping up beside her. “Or blind.” She was wearing a vintage inspired dress in black. It was sleeveless with a lace overlay and she looked so good in it that he had to work to not take her into his arms right then and there.
He’d done her makeup in an old Hollywood style, with red lips and sharply winged coal black eyeliner. He straightened his suit jacket and put on an imperious look, trying to break the ice a little. “We’re going to be the best looking couple there.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t go,” she muttered. “I really, really, think that I shouldn’t go.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s not an option, baby.”
“Of course it is! I mean, I think I’m getting a stomach ache. It’s probably for the best if I call Arturo and let him know. I don’t want to get anyone else sick or anything.” Ara turned away from the mirror and reached for her cell phone quickly.
Donovan caught her hands in his and noticed that they were as cold as ice. He rubbed them briskly, trying to get some warmth back into her slender fingers. Her eyes were wide and slightly panicked and her breathing was rapid.
“Come on,” he said briskly. “It’s time to go. We’re already late.”
“Are you not listening to me?” she demanded, her voice shrill. “I can’t do this! And you can’t make me.”
“Of course you can,” Donovan said, knowing better than to smile. “And of course I can.”
“No, I can’t! And neither can you!” She frowned fiercely. “And don’t you laugh at me, Donovan Sutton!”
He held his hands up. “I’m not laughing at you, baby.”
“You want to though!”
Araceli grabbed her wrap and stomped out of the room. He followed her at a safe distance, grinning only when her back was turned and he knew that it wouldn’t get him a smack to the chest. At least he’d managed to get her moving.
The drive to the office was completely silent. Araceli had chewed all the lipstick off of her lower lip and she kept repeating, “Oh God, oh God, oh God.” under her breath. Donovan would have been lying if he’d said he wasn’t surprised that she was freaking out, but he’d also have been lying if he said it wasn’t a little funny. Ara was usually so confident. And she had every reason to be confident about what they were going to do.
He pulled up to the office and got out, walking around to open her car door for her. She didn’t make a move to get out. She looked frozen to the seat. “Come on. Put on a brave face,” he said. “What happened to not letting them see you sweat?”
“That’s why I wore black,” she informed him, taking a deep breath. “Donovan, do you think I’m doing the right thing?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t even think about it!” she burst out.
He reached into the car and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. “Because I don’t need to. I know that you’re doing the right thing, Araceli. There’s never been a doubt in my mind. Now, touch up the lipstick and let’s get in there.”
Araceli frowned. “My lip...” She glanced in the side mirror. “Oh crap.”
A minute later, with her lipstick fixed and her grip tight on Donovan’s hand, she walked into her office.
“There she is!” Arturo said. “The lady of the hour has arrived!”
Her family cheered and clapped. Araceli buried her face against Donovan’s shoulder.
“Are you sure you think I can do this?” she asked.
He cupped her face in his hands and looked down at her. Her whole body went warm from the affection in his eyes.
“Yes,” Donovan said firmly. “And you think you can too. You’re just scared to make it official. Come on. Your poor uncle just wants to retire. Run this business and give him some peace for God’s sake!”
Araceli squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. Then she turned to face her family. “Let’s sign these papers!” she shouted happily. “You’re looking at the new owner of Vasquez Accounting Services!”