A loud discussion had broken out at the back of the kitchen, between the sous chef and a waiter who was giving it as good as he got. “I think that’s our cue to leave,” Caitie said, herding Lucas and the others out into the hallway. “I’ll give you a quick tour, then point you in the direction of the atrium.”
“Aren’t you joining us?” Breck asked. The look he shot her was warm. Enough to make her want to throw herself into his arms.
Only a couple more days and they could be together without having to hide their emotions. That was if the secret didn’t kill her first.
* * *
Breck only had eyes for Caitie as she led them through the hotel, taking them into the rooms reserved for the wedding the following day. Her face was flushed, and her eyes flashed with happiness as she talked Lucas through the plans. When he congratulated her on the beautiful decorations, thanking her for her efforts, she positively glowed.
Caitie Russell was a beautiful woman. But when she was absorbed in her work, she took on an almost ethereal glow. Such a contrast to the ache in the pit of Breck’s stomach as he looked around the rooms. Seeing the reception room in its full glory was like walking into the lion’s den for him. A reminder of all he’d lost, of all he’d avoided. Even empty of people, his every nerve was on edge. God only knew how he’d feel tomorrow when the celebrations were in full swing.
This was exactly why he left for Hawaii every December, preferring to spend his time surfing, holed up in a cabin where nobody could disturb him. There was nothing lonelier than being the only unhappy guy surrounded by a joyful crowd.
“So, I’ve asked the band to play Christmas tunes after dinner,” Caitie said, grabbing a list from her pocket. “It’s not too cheesy, is it? I can change it if you hate the idea.”
Lucas grinned. “Nah, Ember will love it. She wants to go all out. She thinks if people have been willing to give up their Christmas to spend it with us, we should at least bring them a little festive cheer.”
Caitie looked relieved. “Okay. I’ve told them to keep it low and slow, but they’ll probably throw in a few modern classics, too. Just kick me or something if it becomes too much.”
Breck’s chest tightened at the thought of the music. He really needed a drink. Just one. Enough to get a handle on the way he wanted to turn around and get the hell out of there.
“You okay, man?” Jack asked. “You look pale.”
Breck’s laugh was thin. “I’m good. Just wondering when we’re going to get that first beer.”
“Amen to that.”
Caitie looked at him, concern on her face. He tried to catch her eye, but Griff walked between them, blocking his view.
God, he wanted to touch her. He knew that would make him feel better.
Caitie took a deep breath and turned to Lucas. “The atrium is over there.” She pointed to the glass covered room. “And the bar is on the other side of the lobby. I’ve reserved both areas. And the tab is all set up, you just need to order.”
Finally their gazes met. Breck felt the corner of his mouth lift into a half smile. Her eyes were soft as she looked at him, telling him all the things her words couldn’t.
He needed to get a grip on himself. It was only a couple of days. He could get through this. Yeah, it was a reminder of everything he’d lost, but Caitie had worked so damn hard to make everything perfect. He wasn’t going to let his dislike of Christmas get in the way of that.
She was his girl. The one he’d been waiting most of his life for, even if he hadn’t realized it. And her job – her passion – was Christmas. There was no way he was going to take any of her accomplishments away from her. She deserved it all. To be loved, to be admired, to have a guy who was proud of her.
“Come on, man,” Griff said, grabbing Lucas by the arm. “Time to start celebrating.”
“You’ve got two hours until dinner,” Caitie told them. “And when it’s over, the bar is all yours. You can do whatever the groom does the night before his wedding.”
Griff laughed. “Not when the bride’s staying in the same hotel.”
Caitie shook her head. “The bride and bridesmaids have the atrium. The two of you shouldn’t have to cross paths unless you want to.” She leaned forward. “But if I hear of any problems, you’ll have me to get past. I want tomorrow to be perfect.”
Lucas gave her a warm smile. “So do I. We’ll only have a few drinks and head to bed. I don’t want to miss a thing about tomorrow.”
Breck could see how much Lucas meant it. His eyes were soft as he talked about his wedding day, and his bride-to-be. They’d done the right thing not burdening him with their relationship until afterward. Tonight and tomorrow were all about Lucas and Ember.
Lucas made to leave, Griff and Jack close behind. Breck lingered there, still looking at Caitie. The way she was staring at him made his mouth turn dry. What wouldn’t he give to pick her up right now and drag her to his room?
“Breck, you coming?” Griff asked, turning toward him.
Ah, damn it. One moment wouldn’t hurt. He lifted his hand at Griff. “Go on ahead, I’ll be right behind you. I have something quick I need to do.”
As soon as the door closed behind them, he grabbed Caitie and pulled her into the first room he could find, a closet stocked with mops and brooms. Flicking the light on, he saw her staring up at him, tenderness shining from her eyes.