Chapter 10

Ten

“ Y ou have fondant on your face.”

Groaning, Daphne ran into the restroom and confirmed said fondant. After washing up, she walked back out to the kitchen. “Thanks, Mom.” Glancing around, she asked, “How are we doing on time?”

“You have an hour to run home to shower and change. Marcus, Jackie, Dot, and Lisa are all going to be here in the next few minutes. We’ll get the van loaded and secure everything before you get back.”

“Sounds good.” She quickly grabbed her purse and keys and looked around for whatever else she needed to take with her.

“I don’t know why you don’t just meet them in Chapel Hill. It would save you some time, plus, they’re all going to come back here tonight to unload.”

“I always feel bad about that—like I should be here with them. We’re a team and I don’t want anyone to think that I don’t do my fair share.”

“Oh, sweetie. No one thinks that. If anything, we all agree that you work too hard.”

“Tristan said the same thing,” she murmured.

“Because it’s true.” Walking over, her mother hugged her tightly. “Go home and do what you need to do, and take a few minutes to relax. Your crew will meet you there. We have everything under control here.”

Sighing, she knew it would be alright, but couldn’t help feeling guilty. “Fine, but…if anything changes…”

“Nothing’s going to change. Just go.” Then she gave her a gentle nudge toward the door. “Go. And make sure you eat something that doesn’t have frosting on it. You don’t want to pass out in the middle of the party.”

“I will. Don’t worry. And…thanks, Mom. I love you.” And with another hug, she allowed herself to leave.

When she got home, the first thing she did was make herself a sandwich. All she had was a couple of slices of turkey breast and a lone slice of Swiss cheese, but it was better than nothing. Tristan had mentioned the two of them grabbing dinner afterwards, but that would still be at least six hours from now.

So she grabbed an apple and ate that too.

The shower felt glorious, and Daphne allowed herself a little extra time to primp and get ready. And because she was hopeful, she packed her weekender bag just in case Tristan invited her home with him.

The Mrs. Claus dress was a favorite of hers during the holidays, and tonight she went all out by adding the wide black leather belt, black heels, and big dangly earrings that looked like Christmas ornaments. She also threw the Santa hat in her giant purse to put on when all the employees arrived.

Checking her reflection, she smiled. Going to a Christmas party was always one of her favorite things to do, but going to one where she handled all the food was even better.

“Because I am the queen of baking all the merry things!” With a laugh, she grabbed her coat, purse, and keys and headed out the door.

It was a forty-minute drive to the Knight Architects' office in Chapel Hill, and when she got there, both Mr. and Mrs. Knight were waiting for her along with Judith. While they were all chatting in the lobby, her crew arrived.

“Perfect timing! Now why don’t the three of you relax while my staff and I get everything unloaded?”

“Are you sure, Daphne?” Mr. Knight asked. “It feels wrong to stand back and watch all of you work.”

“You’re sweet, but really, it’s fine. I’m sure there are things you need to do to get ready for everyone.”

Fortunately, he agreed, and within minutes, everything was swiftly moving from the refrigerated van to the office. Daphne stayed inside and directed everyone on where to place everything. Judith was incredibly helpful and seemed to know when to step in and offer a hand and when to step back and let Daphne and her staff do what they needed to do. It took about thirty minutes for everything to be in its place and picture perfect.

“Oh, Daphne!” Mrs. Knight exclaimed. “It’s wonderful! I know I’m not supposed to be here and that’s why I asked Tristan to step in to help, but…I just couldn’t stay away.”

Smiling, she took in the green velvet dress that looked very similar to the one she was wearing. “You look beautiful, Cynthia! And I’m glad you’re here. You’re a big part of the company, and I’m sure the staff would be disappointed if you didn’t make an appearance.”

“Thank you for saying that.” Reaching for Daphne’s hand, she gave it a squeeze. “And thank you for the suggestion about the cookies for my mother. She was a big hit at the assistant living complex and already has some new friends.” Laughing softly, she added, “And she asked me to put in an order for another three dozen cookies if you have time to fit them in.”

She couldn’t help the smile because she truly appreciated any compliments like this. “If you could send me a text message to remind me, I’ll check my calendar and let you know tomorrow.”

“Will do.” With a happy sigh, she squeezed her hand again. “This dress is everything! When you wore it to Tristan’s first party, I thought it was cute—so cute that I went out and found this one just for tonight. They had it in red too, but I didn’t want you to think I was stealing your thunder. And now that you’ve added the belt and the earrings, it is just the best party dress!”

“There’s a hat too,” she whispered. “I wasn’t sure if I should wear it, but…”

“Are you kidding? You must! We have someone coming dressed up as Santa and we have an entire area set up over there in the far corner, like his workshop. He’s going to give out the gifts to everyone—which are just their bonuses done up in pretty gift boxes. Then we’ll have a raffle too.”

“How fun! I love how this is more than just standing around eating and drinking!” Looking around, she spotted Santa’s station. “Is there going to be music too?”

Cynthia nodded. “Not like a DJ or anything, but Judith has a playlist all set and ready to go.” Just then, her smile grew. “And there’s my handsome son—and your handsome boyfriend—coming in! Let’s go greet him together!”

She knew the instant he spotted them. His eyes went a little wide and there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he quietly groaned. However, he quickly put a smile on his face as he walked over to greet them. After kissing his mother and telling her how lovely she looked, he turned to Daphne and grinned. “I see Mrs. Claus is making another appearance tonight.”

Just to be cheeky, she curtsied. “Yes, she is! And you better watch yourself because Santa’s going to be here too. I may go over and sit on his lap and tell him how good I’ve been this year.”

Tugging her close, he whispered for her ears only, “You’ve been naughty, and you know it. That whole cupcake thing last week proves it.”

Her face heated even as the sexy images of the two of them and all the frosting flashed through her head.

Turning her head, she whispered in his ear, “And I’m prepared to do it again whenever you think you can handle it.”

His laugh was deep and sensual and made her want to grab some cupcakes right now and drag him to the nearest office and shut the door.

“Oh, I can handle it. In fact, I plan on handling it plenty after the party tonight.” His tongue traced the shell of her ear. “I hope you packed an overnight bag, because I want you to come home with me.”

“It’s safely tucked away in my backseat, so…”

“Daphne! Tristan! Come get your picture with Santa!” his mother called out.

After that, the party officially started. There were almost a hundred people there and it boggled her mind that so many people worked for this branch of Knight Architects. Tristan explained that it was the main office, so this was where accounting was and HR and their engineering department, so she supposed it made sense. Still, it seemed like a lot.

At some point, Tristan’s father, Dan, came over and introduced her to his brother, Aaron. “He has an office up in Virginia, but he’s currently helping me with a project here in Chapel Hill.”

“The food is wonderful,” Aaron said. “You have a genuine gift. Dan’s been gushing about all the desserts you’ve been doing for the company parties, and I missed the one at Tristan’s house, but now I see that he wasn’t exaggerating.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.” She smiled at the two of them. “What’s the project you’re working on? Anything exciting?”

“It’s a new hospital,” Dan explained. “It’s going to be a massive medical complex when it’s done, but we’re starting with the hospital. There’s a lot of logistics to work out and Aaron and I work well together with large-scale projects like this.”

Nodding, she wondered if she should dig a little deeper into the company business.

No. It’s a party. No one wants to talk about work.

Listening to herself would have been the smart thing to do. Unfortunately, she didn’t.

“It seems like you do a lot of big corporate projects,” she began conversationally. “But have you ever considered doing smaller—more personal—projects?”

They both stared at her for a moment as if they did not comprehend what she was saying. That should have been her cue to drop the subject, but she didn’t.

“You know, things like custom family homes or even smaller stuff like tiny homes? North Carolina is such a great place to live and we’re always in the top places to live in the country, so I just wondered if you would ever seriously consider delving into the housing market with some…you know…well-thought-out designs that aren’t the typical cookie-cutter styles we see so much of.”

“It’s an interesting question for sure,” Dan commented, “but Knight Architects was founded by our grandfather, who excelled in commercial design. It’s a tradition and we’re firm believers in following it.”

All she could do was smile.

Or rather, all she should have done was smile.

“It’s just…Tristan has been very passionate about the idea of designing family homes—both large and tiny ones—and I’d imagine it could be something very exciting to add to the company’s…um…portfolio. You know, something like…”

“Tristan!” Aaron called out. “Come join us! Your girlfriend was telling us you want to design tiny homes. Is that true?”

Tristan looked utterly horrified. Clearing his throat and fidgeting with his tie, he glanced briefly at her. “It was just an idea,” he stammered, suddenly not sounding like his usual confident self. Moving close to her side, he wrapped his arm tightly around her. “Obviously it’s not something I’d ever do. It was just a random conversation we had over dinner one night, that’s all. I never expected anyone to take it seriously.”

And yeah, he shot her a warning look after he said it.

She was saved from the awkwardness of it all when Jackie waved her over. “If you’ll all please excuse me, it looks like I’m needed. It was nice meeting you, Aaron.” And without looking at any of them, she quickly walked away, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her right now.

“Hey, Jackie,” she said, forcing herself to relax and smile. “Is everything okay?”

“We are officially out of cupcakes. Lisa is setting up the goody bags now because it seems like things are winding down. Mrs. Knight said they were getting ready to do the raffle, so I thought we might start cleaning up a bit, if you don’t mind.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Where’s Marcus? Is there anything he can start carrying out to the van?”

“He went out to grab one of the bins. It doesn’t look like we’re going to have to take a lot back with us. With so many of the cups and stands being disposable, it’s really just a matter of picking up the trash.” Grinning, she playfully nudged Daphne’s shoulder. “Less dishes to wash! You’re brilliant!”

That was the last thing she was feeling right now, but she’d deal with that later.

“Everyone! Santa’s going to be calling out the raffle winners!” Cynthia called out. “Let’s all gather back by his station and see what goodies he has for you!”

That was their cue to really start cleaning up. Normally Daphne would have stepped away and let her staff handle it—especially when she was here as Tristan’s date—but he walked by her without a word, so she figured it would be best to stay busy.

So that’s what she did for the next hour—choosing to focus on the Christmas music and not on how her date was completely ignoring her. Looking back, she realized that she definitely shouldn’t have said anything to his father and uncle, but…was it really so bad? It wasn’t like she said he was quitting to start his own firm or anything. It was just a random observation! Sheesh.

Still, she had a feeling any sexy plans they had for later were canceled.

Groaning, she mumbled, “I seriously hope I’m wrong.”

But as the party wound down and it was just Dan and Cynthia and her and Tristan, she realized she wasn’t.

“So, do the two of you have any plans for the rest of the weekend?” Cynthia asked. “Would you like to come to brunch tomorrow?”

“Um…”

“We can’t,” Tristan answered quickly. “Daphne has catering orders for a bunch of parties and I’ve got plans with some friends. Maybe another time?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” his mother said before hugging them both and wishing them a goodnight.

They walked out of the building together, hand in hand, but once they were outside, she pulled away and started walking toward her car.

“You’re not even going to apologize?” he snapped.

Hanging her head, she let out a long breath. Turning, she saw him practically bristling with pent-up frustration. “Are we really going to have this discussion here in the middle of the parking lot?” she asked wearily. Then she snorted. “Of course we are. It’s not like you’re going to invite me home with you now.”

“You’re right. I’m not.”

Here we go…

Logically, Tristan knew he was overreacting.

He also knew the parking lot wasn’t the best place for this conversation.

However, it didn’t seem right to invite her to his house so they could argue or to go to hers and do the same. So where did that leave them?

Walking over to her, he tried to calm down. “Look, I told you those things in private. Why would you share that with my father, of all people? You had no right!”

He expected her to argue, but…she didn’t.

“You’re right and I’m sorry. I never should have said anything to anyone. What we talk about in private is just that. Private.” Her voice cracked on the last word and he knew she was sorry, but…

Pacing with indecision, Tristan felt beyond frustrated. “The rest of the night, my father kept asking me why I would say such a thing to you. Like…why would I even be curious about those types of projects? Am I unhappy with my work? Don’t I appreciate everything that my family built in this company? I mean…he just wouldn’t let it go and that’s why I never brought it up before.” He paced some more. “I think I finally convinced him it was essentially a moment of madness that I would even think about anything other than what we do at Knight Architects, but I have a feeling he’s going to harp on this for a while.”

“Tristan, I said I was sorry. I can’t undo any of it. What do you want me to say? Do you want me to go back inside and tell your father that I bullied you or badgered you about designing houses? That it was all my idea and I was just projecting it all onto you? That…that…I was so deranged and distraught over your refusal to build something other than buildings that I decided to sabotage you at the big holiday party? Is that what you want? Because…because…I’ll do it! Okay? That’s what I’ll do if it proves how sorry I am!”

He knew she was just joking and being overly dramatic, but she started walking away. She was seriously walking back toward the lobby and…

“Dammit, Daphne!” he shouted, even as he ran after her. “Stop! That’s not what I want!” Stepping in front of her, he blocked her path. “I’m not asking you to go inside and say anything else to my father! I just…I’m allowed to be upset about this. You crossed a line, and…and I just need some time to cool down, that’s all. I’m sorry. It would just be better if we didn’t go home together tonight.”

With a somber nod, she said, “I agree.” Silently, they walked over to her car. Tristan held the door for her. “Thank you.”

“Drive safe,” he murmured. “Text me when you get home. It’s late and I know you’ve already put in a long day.” Pausing, he realized he was being a total jackass. “Are you okay to drive? Would it be better if I drove you home?”

Her smile was sad. “I’m fine, Tristan, but thank you for offering. Goodnight.”

Stepping back, he waited until she drove away before going over to his own car. The drive home felt like it took forever, and when he walked into the house, a wave of disappointment hit him. He had decorated to prepare for Daphne coming home with him. Right now, his entire living room looked like something out of a holiday decor magazine, and she wasn’t going to see it.

“Freaking twinkly lights.” Tossing his coat down on the sofa, he immediately walked over to his liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of scotch. He didn’t drink very often, but tonight he felt like he needed it.

Glass in hand, he walked over to the Christmas tree and stared at all the ornaments. They were all very tasteful and he had a gold and white theme, but it was lifeless. He thought of Daphne’s tree and the bright and colorful ornaments. Some of them were definitely homemade and most of them didn’t match, but it was a tree of someone who lived.

“And what the hell am I doing?” he wondered aloud. He worked a job that wasn’t fulfilling. He lived in a house that lacked character. And he was a grown man who was so desperate for his father’s approval that he may have just ruined his chance at a meaningful relationship with a really great woman.

“I’m an idiot.”

Obviously there wasn’t anyone there to tell him he wasn’t, but he also knew everyone would agree with that assessment. He was rigid and uptight, and now he could add gutless to the list.

Turning away from the tree, he sat down on the sofa and tossed back the scotch, letting it burn his throat. It was no more than he deserved. He should be calling Daphne and apologizing. Hell, he should be driving over to her place and begging her to forgive him.

As if on cue, his phone dinged with an incoming text. Even as he pulled it from his pocket, he knew it was going to be her.

Daphne: Just got home. Hope you made it home safely.

Daphne: And again, I’m sorry.

Collapsing back against the cushions, he sighed. His emotions were too volatile tonight for him to call. So he took the coward’s way out—which would be a surprise to no one—and texted her back.

Tristan: Just got home too. Glad you made it home safely.

“God,” he groaned. “Why am I so damn lame?”

Tristan: Can we talk tomorrow?

Part of him figured she’d either respond with a yes or no rather quickly.

But she didn’t.

Hell, there was no sign that she’d even read his message.

So instead of sitting there waiting, he got up—leaving his phone on the sofa—and went and changed into a pair of flannel pajama pants and a t-shirt.

That killed four minutes.

Walking back out to the living room, he picked up the phone and saw there still wasn’t a response.

Now he went and put his glass in the dishwasher, properly hung up his coat, and turned off all the holiday lights.

Still nothing.

“Seriously? I know I was a jerk, but she could at least acknowledge my damn question!” And he was about to tell her just that in a text message when she finally responded.

Daphne: I think it would be best if we both took the rest of the weekend to calm down. I understand your reaction and I’m not blaming you for being upset, but…I’m upset too.

“O-kay…” Unfortunately, he couldn’t tell if they were going to be okay after this. Had he ruined everything?

Daphne: I’ll be back at work on Tuesday so we can talk when I’m done for the day.

That was almost three days away. Honestly, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to wait that long.

Tristan: Can I take you to lunch on Monday? I know it’s your prep day, but I can bring something to you. Please.

And that’s when he knew this woman meant something to him. It was a hell of a time to figure it out after he had started a fight with her.

Daphne: I honestly can’t, Tristan. I have so many orders coming up and I’m a little overwhelmed with everything right now. It will have to be Tuesday. I’m sorry.

Dammit, he hated that she was the one apologizing again, so he did what he knew he had to.

Tristan: No, I’m sorry. I overreacted tonight, and I never should have freaked out on you like that. I’m a damn adult and I should have been able to come home and talk to you like one.

Tristan: Now I’m here alone regretting everything I said. I’m really sorry, Daphne. Sorry for my behavior and sorry I ruined our night. The party and all the food were amazing, and you should have been basking in that and instead, I acted like a complete ass.

Daphne: Yeah, well…I’m kind of used to that.

Luckily, she followed that with a winking emoji, so at least she was making light of the whole thing.

But even with the emoji, he was still going to have to wait until Tuesday to talk to her. He at least owed her the courtesy of respecting her boundaries.

Tristan: As long as we’re in agreement. Lol

Tristan: Then I’m going to wish you a goodnight and I’ll see you Tuesday.

Daphne: Thank you. I’ll see you Tuesday.

Daphne: Goodnight.

It was a shitty way to end the night, but it was better than sitting here stewing about how she must hate him. Maybe he hadn’t ruined everything.

And now he had a few days to come up with a way to apologize to her in a way that would prove how much she meant to him.

Flowers?

Christmas decorations?

Bringing in a snow machine to make her gingerbread house look even more magical?

That last one had him groaning because it still was a bit of an eyesore to him, but she loved it so…maybe he could do something to make it even better for her.

He could also be sure to pick up that tiger beef dish that she loved so much.

“I should just do it all and make it known to everyone in the building that I screwed up and I’m apologizing.”

The idea had merit; now he just had to figure out the best way to pull it all together by late Tuesday afternoon.

Smiling, he got up and walked to his bedroom. It would have been better if Daphne were joining him in there, but he was feeling pretty confident that he was going to win her over. And with everything he was planning, how could he lose?