Reckless Kiss

“Well, he’s a very lucky man.”

She blinks up at me. “You’re wron

g. I’m the lucky one.”

Leaning closer, I study her full lips. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

“Maybe we can step out on the balcony where no one will see.”

“I suppose we ought to make an appearance before I smear your lipstick.” Pulling her hand into the crook of my arm, we enter the main casino.

For the fundraiser, the roulette wheels and blackjack tables have been moved to the perimeter, leaving a large, open dance floor. A gold-embroidered banner encouraging us to “Feed Texas” spans the top of a stage where a brass band plays standards.

Walking to the floor, I pull her into my arms and slow dance to “Irreplaceable You.” She feels so good. She’s the only thing that matters to me. I kiss her lightly on the forehead. Her eyes close, and the pull between us is so intense. I close my eyes, and it’s just us…

Until the song ends.

The band cranks up a fast-paced ska-type song I don’t recognize, and my hand slides down to Angel’s. Our fingers thread, and I lead her off the floor—straight to Winnie. She’s holding a white mask on a stick in front of her eyes. It has yellow feathers to match her yellow silk evening gown. Cecilia Westbrook is in a cornflower blue dress with an elaborate feathered mask attached to her face.

They’re cats ready to pounce.

“Deacon, my dear.” She smiles, holding out a hand to Angel. “And who might this be.”

My hand is on Angel’s waist, and I feel her body stiffen. I slide my arm around her, pulling her closer. “Winnie, let me present Angelica Maria del Carmen Treviño. Angel, this is my aunt Winona Clarke.”

The mask moves from in front of my aunt’s face midway through my introduction, and I watch her gleeful smile morph into something between shock and horror.

“Did you say…” Her voice is drowned out by Cecilia’s loud voice.

“Why, he’s dating a little brown girl!” My aunt’s bestie gives me a smug look. “How open-minded of you, dear.”

My reply is sharp. “She’s not a girl, she’s a woman, and—”

“Deacon.” Winnie grasps my arm. “May I see you outside for a second?”

She gestures with her mask in the direction of the French doors spaced along the outer walls. They lead to a large patio area overlooking a man-made lake.

“Of course. Angel and I would love to speak to you outside.”

“No…” She shakes her head. “I meant alone.”

“You can say whatever you need to say to the both of us.” My tone is final.

“Yes, Winnie.” Cecilia is enjoying this in a way that’s pissing me off. “What do you need to say?”

“If you don’t mind, this is a family matter.” My aunt clutches my arm, attempting to pull me away from the group.

My grip tightens on Angel’s hand. “Angel will be family soon. I asked her to marry me.”

Winnie’s face pales, and she blinks from Angel to me. “She’s a Treviño.”

It’s not what I expected her to say. I thought she recognized Angel from painting her portrait day after day, but clearly spending two weeks with her didn’t warrant a memory.

Angel hasn’t spoken since this entire confrontation began, and I check her expression. It’s hard to read behind the mask.

“Yes. Angelica Treviño. You know her as Angela Carmen.” Angel’s hand tightens in mine, but I know she finished the portrait today. I know my aunt paid her, and if she hadn’t, I was fully prepared to ensure she honored her commitment.

I’m so proud of my girl.