Sweet Christmas Kisses (122 page)

“What did your brothers say?” He didn’t trust the Dutton brothers. Too protective of their little sister to be objective.

A mischievous smile played on her lips. “We dissected your character.”

“Shit.”

She burst out laughing and then sobered. “Relax. My brothers approve of you. It’s Dad who hasn’t digested the shock caused by the newspaper’s pictures. He’s given me a lecture about ruining my reputation and sabotaging his campaign with my carelessness.”

“Didn’t you explain to him we did our best to be low-key?”

“I tried.” She winced. “But I was upset too at everyone’s continuous interference in my life. I ended up saying, ‘I love you, Daddy, but my actions are my concern.’ Now he’s not talking to me.”

“Ouch, that’s not good, Julia. You’re his precious daughter. He must be suffering.”

“I was frustrated too, with everything that happened.”

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

She shrugged. “Well, I’m sure you can help me patch things up when you come on Christmas Day, you being a psychiatrist.”

“What? Not fair.” How could he meet Senator Howard for the first time while the man was probably furious at him? “How are you going to introduce me: ‘Dad, here’s the guy who shares the blame for causing this scandal?’”

Laughter bubbled. “I’ll tell him you’re my...” She bit her lip and arched her eyebrows. “My boyfriend?”

“I was hoping for something better.”

“Huh... we haven’t discussed the specifics yet.” She smiled and narrowed her eyes. “Any suggestions?”

He tilted her chin and captured her gaze. “How about a serious lover?”

“Much better.” Her smile took his breath away. “But of course we can’t say this to my father. Anything else?”

He took her hands in his and held her gaze. “Julia, I believe in commitment and I want to have a future with you.”

“I want that too. But I’d prefer a future that starts soon.” She laced her fingers behind his neck.

“Very soon.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. “Very, very soon.” He molded his mouth to hers and gave her a tender kiss. “Do you still want to go out or would you like to share a pizza here?” he nuzzled the corner of her mouth.

“Pizza sounds great,” she muttered between kisses.

“Darling, if I’m going to stay in my towel, I should get you one too.” He played with the zipper of her dress and swiftly lowered it.

She chuckled. “How about sharing your towel?”

“Perfect. I love you, Julia. From now on, I’ll share everything with you.”

“Coming, Maria,” Julia answered the impatient call of the housekeeper. “I’ll be downstairs in a minute.”

A quick mirror inspection reassured her that her red knitted dress with gold thread and the matching stilettos decorated with a few rhinestones were perfect for the family Christmas party. She fluffed her hair on her back, clasped her
Murano
necklace at her throat, and descended the main staircase.

One couldn’t miss the festive atmosphere and Christmas spirit in the Dutton residence. The old mansion glittered with decorations and bright lights. Mom had three floor-to-ceiling natural pine trees installed in the foyer, family room and kitchen, all adorned with shimmery balls, family heirlooms. Julia herself had strung holly branches around the wooden rails of the antique staircase, and Brian had hung mistletoe on each chandelier.

Cheerful voices and raucous laughter echoed from the cathedral-ceiling family room filled with a happy crowd. Julia paused in the hallway, debating whether to mingle or wait for Tony. A barman in black-tie was serving drinks to her brothers. Next to the bar separating the family room from the breakfast area, Ethan, his partner and their gorgeous female assistants, gathered in a corner. Not too far from them, David and his wife, Jenny, chatted with Josh and his longtime girlfriend, Casey.

Blonde and elegant in a long, green, velvet dress, her mother offered a perfunctory smile and distributed Christmas greetings around. She caught Julia at the door and came straight to her.

“Merry Christmas, Mom.”

Mom kissed her but frowned. “Julia, it’s Christmas. You’ve got to make peace with your father. I can’t enjoy the day with you two at odds.”

“I will, Mom. Soon.” As soon as Tony arrives. He’d promised they would take care of her father together and she trusted his psychological talents.

His glass of Scotch in hand, Dad toasted and talked to three of their neighbors, good supporters of his campaign. Julia turned to walk toward him and stopped short when the doorbell rang. Brian opened it and shook hands with Tony.

Oh boy, he was stunning in his navy suit. And he’d had a haircut. She’d sure miss the curls at his neck but had to admit she loved everything she saw now. He handed a bag to Brian, but kept a box in his hand. “Can you put this under the Christmas tree, please?”

“Merry Christmas, Julia.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and whispered, “Later, I’ll say Merry Christmas again. Your brothers are rounding on us and your father is glowering at me.”

In fact David, Josh, and Ethan came toward them and Julia held her breath, praying for her brothers to keep a civil tongue.

David shook Tony’s hand. “Lorenzo, so good to see you here. Merry Christmas and welcome to my parents’ house.” What a different reception than the one David had given Tony at the airport.

Josh clapped him on the back as if Tony were his best friend. “You’ll have to tell us about your fantastic vacation. Julia said you had a ball.” Julia gasped, unable to believe her ears.

Ethan extended his hand for a warm greeting. “So glad to finally meet you the proper way, Dr. Lorenzo.”

Julia released her breath. She shouldn't have worried. Her brothers usually came through for her when she needed them. “I told you they approved of you. Now we have to tackle Dad.”

“I’ll take care of him,” Tony said with a mischievous smile. What was he up to?

Her brothers dragged them to the bar. “A vermouth, Julia?” She nodded.

“And a Scotch on the rocks, please,” Tony said to the barman.

Julia pulled at his sleeve. “Here’s Mom.”

Mom approached slowly, her gaze riveted on Tony. Julia was sure she’d taken a moment to study him, as was Dad. While Dad scowled from his corner, Mom broke into a big smile.

“Mom, meet Dr. Tony Lorenzo.”

“Thank you for having me here, Mrs. Dutton. Merry Christmas.” He gave her the box in his hand. Delighted, Mom hugged him, but Dad continued to examine Julia’s special guest as if ready to tear him apart.

“Dad is not mellowing.”

“Go talk to him, before more guests arrive,” Mom suggested.

“We’ll go together.” Tony clasped her hand in his and approached her unyielding father.

“Tony Lorenzo, sir,” he said, introducing himself without holding out a hand, obviously knowing her father would have refused to shake. “I’m the one responsible for this mess. I can assure you we did everything possible to avoid these gossipmongers.”

Her brothers burst out laughing. “Dad, you wouldn’t believe what Lorenzo did to avoid a scandal,” Josh said with a wink that made Tony frown. “We’ll tell you later. You’ll get a kick out of it.”

“Anyway, I want to assure you, sir, I’m not just
a new lover
in Julia’s life as the newspaper captions mentioned. I love her too much for that.” Oh God, he wasn’t shy about confessing his feelings in public. Her pulse raced with joy.

Collective gasps echoed in the suddenly silent room. Mom beamed, and her brothers tightened the circle around them in order not to miss a word.

Senator Howard leveled a cold stare on Tony. “Then what are you to my daughter, exactly?”

“With your permission, I will ask her.”

“Ask her what?” her father barked.

Tony took her hand and smiled, such a tender smile her heart melted. “Would you marry me, darling?” He shoved his other hand in his pocket and brought out a small velvet box. He clicked it open to reveal a gorgeous sparkling diamond.

A stunned silence filled the room.

“Oh Tony,” she whispered.

“I know you don’t like long engagements, but I’d rather be your future husband than just a boyfriend.”

“Yes, Tony, yes. I love you too.” She threw her arms around his neck and didn’t give a damn if her father decided to glare at Tony’s searing kiss.

But Dad grinned to his ears and pulled her into a hug. “Congratulations, Julia. You did well.”

Mom wiped a tear and kissed her. “I’m so happy for you, Julia. We’ll have a wedding after all this mess.”

One by one her brothers and their guests expressed their congratulations with kisses and hugs or handshakes and claps on the back.

Dad shook Tony’s hand. “Welcome to the family, young man. I’ll run a few lines in the papers tomorrow announcing—”

“No, sir. With all due respect,
I
will put the announcement about our engagement, with a picture from the cruise,” Tony interrupted firmly.

Good, he wouldn’t let Dad step on his toes.

“Hmm... a picture from the cruise to compensate...hmm. Excellent idea, Tony. That will stop any gossip.” Dad turned to her with a bright smile. “I’m so happy for you, baby girl. You got yourself a smart man. If you don’t like long engagements, we can take advantage of the fact the ballroom can still be used for—”

 “No, Dad.” She was the one protesting this time. “I don’t want anything from...from the past. And, Mom, we are not inviting
the most important supporters of Senator Howard
. Just the family, my friends and yours, and Tony’s guests. You’re not going to mix my wedding with Dad’s fundraising. Right, Dad?”

Her father grumbled and nodded. His lips curled to one side. “I heard you’re a good psychiatrist, young man. We can use your help around here.” Julia wasn’t sure if her father meant Tony’s help for the campaign or his medical talent to treat the many crises associated with politics.

“I’ll do my best to lend a hand to your campaign and I’ll be available to treat any stress problem,” Tony answered both possibilities.

“Wonderful. Now we need a toast,” Dad called. Drinks were passed around. Her father raised his glass. “Merry Christmas to all of you. Tony and Julia, congratulations. To your happiness.” They clanked their glasses and sipped.

A moment later, she took Tony for a tour of the house. As they stood under a chandelier he pointed to the mistletoe and enfolded her in his arms. “Darling, when can we cruise again for our honeymoon?” His whisper fanned her ear with warmth.

“I guess we need to get married first.”

“Exactly. Is Valentine’s Day a good choice for the date?”

“The best one.” She pulled him into her room and shut the door.

“We’re away from the mistletoe, but I’d rather have privacy to wish you a very Merry Christmas.” She chuckled and hooked her fingers around his neck.

“My best Christmas ever, my love.”

THE END

Mona Risk recently received an OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER Award at Affaire de Coeur Magazine. She’s a two time winner of Best Contemporary Romance of the Year at Readers Favorite, a winner of Best Romance Novel of the Year at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll, and an EPIC’S award finalist. She has published several boxed sets: Holiday Babies Series, Doctor’s Orders Boxed Set, and Foreign Lovers. Mona Risk can be found at:
http://www.monarisk.com
Nothing pleases her more than to hear from her readers. You can write to her at [email protected]   She ALWAYS answers.

Roxanne Rustand

Copyright © 2014 by:

Roxanne Rustand

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