A Season to Celebrate by Fern Michaels, Kate Pearce, Donna Kauffman, Priscilla Oliveras (35)

Chapter Eight

“Are we all ready?”

Ben’s simple question coming from behind her startled Julia, heightening her nervous jitters. She tore her thumb from her gnawing teeth before she ruined another manicure. Her second this week thanks to the terrible nail-biting habit she couldn’t kick in times of high stress.

And tonight was definitely a high stress moment.

Months of committee meetings, phone calls, and networking with local vendors and the event-planning company had coalesced into this moment: bringing her vision for the fund-raiser to life.

“It looks amazing,” Ben said, awe tingeing his deep voice.

Pride swelled in Julia’s chest.

“You’ve done an incredible job,” he added.

“Everyone has. Tonight’s a huge group effort.”

Ben nudged her shoulder with his as he joined her at the gilded balcony railing overlooking the expansive Wintrust Grand Banking Hall. The scent of his earthy aftershave tinted her next breath, an intoxicating aphrodisiac.

Together they took in the view below where workers bustled about, finalizing last minute preparations to the open-aired space.

The well-known building’s neoclassical and Gothic Revival architecture, often photographed and admired in magazines and Web sites, had been transformed into an island holiday celebration. Round tables with seats for eight were elegantly dressed in deep red, green, and gold linens. Several towering Christmas trees flanked the wide columns on either side of the space, each tree decorated with Puerto Rican-themed ornaments. Glittering balls with the country’s red, white, and blue flag, miniature musical instruments commonly played during parrandas , beach-inspired baubles, and little doll-sized pavas , the traditional straw hats worn by many Islanders, hung from the branches. Potted palm trees interspersed among the traditional Christmas firs along the hall floor and across the back of the stage, their fronds glistening with tiny white lights that sparkled.

In a nod to the importance of the Three Kings in Latino cultural celebrations, life-sized carved and masterfully painted wooden statues of the three figures bearing their gifts stood at the entrance of the room, facing the stage erected at the far end. In the back left corner of the stage, on a thin bed of hay, nestled similarly crafted statues of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger.

A set of choral risers had been set up center and stage right, with Ben’s emcee dais, a simple lectern in brushed black metal, placed down center stage. Lightweight, it could easily be lifted and placed out of the way on the floor level once the parranda started with the kids.

Above the stage, an illuminated Star of Bethlehem measuring three feet from tip to tip hung in the air. A guiding light for the Tres Reyes on their journey toward the baby.

In Julia’s mind, and she hoped in the minds of the attendees as well, the children from the youth center signified the future. The money raised tonight, gifts from those more fortunate, would provide much needed funding for resources that would assist with better ensuring these inner city kids and others in similar situations had more opportunities to grow and flourish and achieve their goals.

“Team effort, huh?” Ben asked. “How did I know you’d forgo taking credit for envisioning the wonderland that awaits ticket holders tonight?”

Julia glanced at him on her left, her snappy comeback faltering in the face of his devastating handsomeness.

A dark navy tuxedo clung to his broad shoulders and muscular thighs as if it had been tailor made for him. The color heightened his icy blue eyes, the wool material stretching over his biceps and across the expanse of his wide chest. The silk trim at his lapel and pockets along with the silk stripe trailing down the outside seam of his pants, neatly complementing the navy silk bow tie, had her thinking of him as her very own Christmas present. One that, as time passed, she wanted more and more to unwrap and keep all to herself.

Edging a minuscule step closer, Ben placed a hand on the small of her back.

“I know I already said this, but it certainly needs repeating.. . . You look incredible.” His deep voice caressed her fidgety nerves, calming her.

At the same time, the warmth of his palm on her bare lower back sent waves of desire undulating through her.

She’d wondered what Ben would think of her dress when she’d slipped into it earlier. Seeing the flare of appreciation in his eyes made her happy she’d followed Lilí’s fashion advice.

The wine-colored, slim-fitting, backless dress had been a last minute splurge. Earlier in the week, Lilí had balked at the plain, black, midcalf sheath dress Julia had planned to wear.

“¿Pero, chica, qué es eso? ” Lilí had screeched.

“What do you mean, what’s that? It’s my outfit for the benefit,” Julia answered, scowling at her meddling cousin.

“No way!” Lilí had gaped at her, scandalized. “I’ve been to a few of the Taylors’ fund-raisers before. Listen, you’re the mastermind of this one! You want to shine, but not look like you’re trying too hard. And this”—Lilí pinched one of the long sleeves that flared to a bell shape at the wrists—“this is definitely not shine worthy.”

A coffee-fueled run to Filene’s Basement on Michigan Avenue Wednesday afternoon had resulted in the bargain-priced, floor-length gown. Sleeveless, it featured a cowl back that draped open nearly to her waistline. The red, stretch crepe material clung to her curves, flaring slightly in a trumpet silhouette that highlighted her slim figure and made her feel sexy, yet stylish.

Julia had swooped her long hair up in a loose, messy bun, then settled on natural makeup with red lips. Simple diamond studs and a cubic zirconia sterling silver tennis bracelet she’d borrowed from Lilí capped off her ensemble.

Ben’s appreciative gaze made the extra expense and the frazzled shopping trip completely worth the effort.

Trailing a finger down his silky lapel, she glanced at him from under her lashes. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Understatement of the year.

The man was drop-dead gorgeous whether in a fancy tux like now or in jeans, boots, and a thick wool jacket with a knit cap tugged over his ears. The cap had helped him remain incognito last Wednesday when they’d spent the evening scavenger hunting for garden gnomes at the Lincoln Park Zoo Festival of Lights.

Under a blanket of clear night sky, surrounded by a winter wonderland, they had sipped mulled wine and admired the lights until the cold soaked into her bones and she’d cried uncle. Her Island blood was still getting used to the frigid Chicago winter.

Ben had dropped her off at Lilí’s place with a gentlemanly kiss on the cheek. The soft brush of his lips on her skin had her toes curling in her boots. Her body had cried out for more, while her head cautioned her to keep things slow.

“How’s your tree?” she asked, referring to the Douglas fir she and Lilí had brought over earlier this week. She and her cousin had descended on Ben’s home with tinsel, ornaments, bows, and a tree fresh off the lot.

“I still can’t believe you tricked me like that. Dropping off a script revision, yeah right.” He tucked a loose curl behind her ear, his tender expression negating the hint of accusation in his voice. “You two were like a whirlwind of holiday hoopla.”

“And you loved it!” Julia gave his chest a teasing push, her hand lingering to give him a gentle caress.

Ben captured her hand under his. “Yes. I did. Thank you.”

She ducked her head, feeling the heat of a blush climbing into her cheeks.

The evening had been wonderful. Ben heating up hot chocolate. Cueing up parranda music on his home sound system. Laughing with Lilí and her as they sang along while decorating the tree together.

It was a night she’d never forget. Capped off by a soul-stirring kiss after Lilí had hurried down the front stairs to her car parked nearby, all in the guise of warming it up while Julia and Ben exchanged good-byes.

The past three weeks had flown by in a mix of rehearsals, last minute planning, and spending time with Ben.

“As much as I don’t mind pulling out this monkey suit for a good cause,” he whispered to her, “I’d much rather the two of us be somewhere a little more private.”

So would she, though she wasn’t quite ready to voice the thought.

Not yet, with so much up in the air in her life.

Laura Taylor had yet to sit down with her to discuss the potential for Julia staying on full-time as her assistant. Although, the owner of the event-planning company they were working with had mentioned to her that there might be a position opening up. If so, Julia hoped her work over the past few months and tonight’s results would serve as a superb testament to her skills and suitability for his company.

If neither option panned out, she might be heading back to Puerto Rico after the New Year. Should that happen, starting a relationship with Ben would be futile.

“I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”

“I know,” he said, gently brushing a knuckle along her jaw. “That’s why I’m not pushing. But the offer stands, when or if you are sure.”

Julia’s heart melted a little more for him.

Ave María purísima , his willingness to give her the space she needed, when he’d made it clear he was more than ready to take their relationship from friends to . . . bueno , to more . . . didn’t make her indecision any easier.

Her cell phone vibrated in the black wristlet wallet hanging from her left arm. Either a reminder alarm she’d set for herself or a call from someone.

Unzipping the pouch, she slid out her phone to see Lilí’s image on the screen. Julia frowned. Her cousin should have been here by now.

“¿Hola, donde estás? ” she asked.

“I’m still at the women’s shelter,” Lilí grumbled.

“Oh no! Are you going to make it here?”

Ben’s brows rose in surprise at her alarmed tone.

“Is there something I can help with?” he whispered, while Lilí continued explaining about the client she’d been assisting since late that afternoon.

Julia shook her head at him.

“I’m so sorry I can’t be there for your big night, prima ,” Lilí apologized. “But I can’t leave until she and her kids are settled and I know they’re okay.”

“Of course. I understand.” Julia knew her cousin’s commitment to her clients came a close second to both of their commitments to their familia . When kids were involved in domestic violence cases like the ones Lilí worked with on a regular basis, it made her job as a victim’s advocate even more invaluable.

“I hope to make it out to Oakton for the parranda with Yazmine, Rosa, and everyone else later tonight,” Lilí said. “Maybe Ben can give you a ride if he’s still going, and I’ll meet you there.”

Her cousin had invited Ben to their annual parranda a couple days ago when he’d stopped by the condo to drop off some sponsor information.

After their home-decorating affair at Ben’s place her cousin had moved past the awed-fan phase where he was concerned. Now Lilí treated him like a family friend. Or, her cousin’s dreamy love interest , as the cheeky girl liked to tease when it was just Lilí and Julia lounging on the leather sofa, talking about their day before they turned in for the night.

Julia’s phone buzzed against her cheek. She pulled it away to see a text from David, the assistant manager at the Humboldt Park Youth Center.

Julia quickly tapped out a response: I’ll be waiting by the main doors. Use the valet.

“Ay , I have to go. The kids are about to arrive,” she told Lilí. “Fingers crossed we’ll see you afterward.”

“That’s the plan. Listen, you’ve worked hard for this. I hope you’re happy with . . . well, with everything.”

“Okay.” Julia drew out the word, her cousin’s hesitant tone catching her off guard.

“You better go,” Lilí cautioned. “Cuídate .”

“You take care, too.”

“Hey, wait! Break a leg!” Lilí yelled.

“If you say so,” Julia said around a grin.

Since Lilí’s oldest sister, Yazmine, had been a Broadway dancer and she now worked as a local instructor, none of the three sisters had given her a “good luck” or “buena suerte ” cheer today. Yaz and Rosa had sent “break a leg” text messages earlier. They were home with their little ones, preparing food and drinks for the parranda that would start at Rosa’s house around ten p.m.

The last thing Julia heard as she disconnected the call was Lilí’s throaty laughter.

“Everything all right?” Ben asked.

“Yeah, though Lilí’s caught up at work. I’ll need to find a ride out to Oakton afterward.”

“You know I won’t mind giving you a lift, if you’d like.”

Dropping the phone back into her wristlet, Julia glanced up to find Ben leaning toward her, his head inches from hers. Her breath caught in her throat at the flash of desire darkening his eyes.

“I am really excited to meet everyone tonight,” he said. “Thanks for the invite.”

Technically, the invite had come from Lilí. Her cousin had run the idea by Julia first as they’d poured wine and gathered cheese and crackers in the kitchen the night Ben had come by and wound up staying for a visit.

Ben had said yes immediately.

Now Julia gulped, trying to push down her rising jitters.

This was a big step. Introducing him to not only her family here, but their extended Latino community. People who were familia in every sense of the word except by blood.

“A parranda is always a ton of fun. I think you’re going to love it. But first, time to concentrate on making sure tonight is a success.” She glanced at her watch. “Laura should be arriving shortly. She texted a little while ago to say she had to make a quick stop somewhere first.”

Ben’s lips spread in a broad smile, his face lighting up like her baby cousin’s on the morning the Three Kings left their gifts.

“Yes, she did,” he said. Pulling out his cell from his tuxedo jacket inside pocket, he read something on the screen, before sliding the device back into place. “And it looks like Laura will be arriving around the same time as the kids. I know you’ll need to get them settled in the rehearsal room before the Happy Hour begins, but I think you’ll be thrilled to find out why Laura took that detour.”

Excitement radiated off him as he guided her away from the railing, toward the stairs leading to the hall floor.

Intrigued, if slightly wary, Julia fell into step beside him. Tonight was far too big of a night for her to deal with surprises.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ben led her around a group of volunteers who were putting the finishing touches on a tree. She paused to thank them, but after a few minutes he placed his hand on the small of her back, the gentle pressure urging her to wrap up her conversation.

“What’s going on?” she asked under her breath once they had moved away. Her wariness grew as he hastened his pace.

“You’ll see.”

When they reached the building’s entry, Ben drew to a stop.

“I wanted to make sure you were here for . . . this.” He gestured toward the main doors.

Julia gasped. Her stomach free-falled as she watched the doorman usher two women inside the Wintrust Bank Building, then quickly tug the door closed to keep out the frigid early December weather.

Dios mío , it couldn’t be.

Her heart pounding in her chest, Julia gaped in disbelief. “Mami, what are you doing here?”