Their Festive Island Escape

He gave a small shrug. “No need. I have plenty that keeps me occupied during the holidays. The hospitality industry doesn’t exactly slow down at Christmas. If anything, things are even busier. Then there’s all the effort still required to clean up the mess made by Father’s recent business decisions.” He lifted his glass in mock salute before taking a long swig.

The resentment in Reid’s voice was as clear as the starry sky above them.

“So, I guess you and I are a lot alike in many regards,” he added, taking another sip of cabernet.

“How so?”

He turned to her once more. “Isn’t it obvious? It appears neither one of us will be reveling in yuletide cheer anytime soon.”

* * *

This conversation was becoming way too heavy. Reid shook off the melancholy that suddenly threatened the atmosphere between him and Celeste. He took the opportunity of a passing waiter to unburden them of their now empty wineglasses. Enough deep talk for now.

The band had finished setting up and began to play a reggae version of “Holly Jolly Christmas.” The happy tune immediately lured several couples up and onto the dance floor.

“You think your foot might be up to a dance?” he asked Celeste.

At her somewhat hesitant nod, he gently took her by the elbow and they joined the other dancers. The tempo was just bouncy enough that they could sway easily to the beat. “I see you have yet another talent, Mr. Evanson. Consider me impressed with your footwork.”

“Mother insisted on years of dance lessons. Said I needed to be cultured,” he answered over the loud music. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

He couldn’t recall going dancing with a woman and actually enjoying himself this much. Celeste seemed to be able to bring a level of energy and fun to whatever she was doing. It was infectious. The dance floor grew more and more crowded as the band started the next number. Celeste was a natural, her movements fluid and in tune with the music. He noticed several pairs of appreciative male eyes on her and reflexively stepped closer. Their bodies brushed against each other as they both moved. Hot, sharp need seared through him every time they made contact. When the band launched into a much slower song, Reid didn’t give himself a chance to think. Her wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight up against him. She didn’t protest or make any effort to pull away. Thank the gods for he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to let her go.

One of the band members began to speak through the mike over the music. “We’re going to make sure everyone has a good time tonight,” he announced to responding applause and cheers. He went on, “I hear there are a lot of couples here celebrating.”

More cheers sounded. “Raise your hands if you’re here to celebrate an anniversary.”

Several sets of hands went up.

“How many of you are here on your honeymoon?” The bandmate asked.

Another round of hands responded along with raucous cheers, including from the young blonde woman and her companion who were dancing right next to them.

Celeste gave the couple a warm smile. “Congratulations,” she said over all the noise around them.

“Thank you!” The woman responded with a grin. “We got married two days ago.” She wagged a finger between him and Celeste. “How long have you two been together?”

“Oh, we’re not—” Celeste began.

Reid decided to spare her the awkwardness. “We’ve known each other for about three years,” he answered truthfully. The lady didn’t need to know the details.

“That’s lovely!” the other woman declared. “We only met last year. But it was love at first sight, you know? We’ve been inseparable ever since. When it’s the right person, you just know. All the signs are there. I had no doubt he’s the man I’m meant to spend my life with the moment I met him.”

Her spouse nodded enthusiastically in agreement next to her as they continued to dance.

“That’s really wonderful,” Celeste said, her tone wistful enough that Reid instinctively pulled her closer against him.

“Thanks! I hope we’re having as much fun in three years as you two are together.”