The Holiday Sweet Spot: An opposites attract, gorgeous, feel-good romantic comedy (Falcons in Love Book 2)

by Sophia Knightly

  “But what about my employees?” she fretted. “Do you have a magical solution for them?”

  “I do. When we get to final negotiations on the sale, we will insist that the current employees remain, and we’ll include that provision in the contract,” he said, feeling good about his proposal. “What do you say? Does that suit you better?”

  Her shoulders sank as her eyes dimmed with a faraway look. “No, son, I can’t say that selling my life’s work suits me.” Her small palm touched his cheek as she gazed into his eyes with maternal love. “I always wanted to leave you a legacy. Every day I toiled to make The Sweet Spot a success, I imagined it would stay in our family for generations to come. Perhaps I should have had more children.”

  “What does that have to do with this?”

  “If I’d had more children, maybe one of them would have loved The Sweet Spot as much as I do.”

  His breath released in a frustrated whoosh. “Telling me that doesn’t make this any easier.”

  “It wasn’t meant to,” she said succinctly.

  He wouldn’t let her guilt him into changing his mind. It was for her safety. “Dad would agree that this is the best course of action. I promised him I’d take care of you, and by God, I will.”

  She remained stubbornly silent.

  “January and February bring icy rain, sleet and snow. How are you going to navigate the slippery streets with your recently healed foot? You can’t risk another fall.” He smiled gently. “Come on now, be reasonable.”

  She gave a hapless shrug. “I can’t help the way I feel. I’m being honest with you. I’d rather keep the shop open and find someone to run it while I spend the winter months in Florida. That would be the ideal situation.”

  “We’ve already talked about why that won’t work unless you plan to expand and sink more capital in it. I can’t stay here past January.”

  She shook her head. “That’s too bad.”

  “I have investors waiting for me to finalize the deal. Don’t you remember I told you that?” he said drawing on patience.

  “I remember. I’m not getting senile.” She pointed a finger at him. “Hmph. Maybe if you ate a little chocolate once in a while, you’d lighten up.”

  “What is it with you and chocolate?” His eyes turned heavenward. “It’s not a magical cure for everything.”

  “That’s what you think,” she retorted. “Is that all you have to say to me?”

  “For now,” he conceded. No sense in dragging it out when she was still being resistant to the idea.

  “Good, then I’ll be on my way.” She leaned down and petted Suzette. “Come on, Suzie Q. Let’s get on with our walk.”

  Jake handed her the dog leash. “As soon as I get an equitable offer, I’ll let you know, and we can take it from there.” When she remained silent, he added, “I’ll see you back home.”

  He jogged away, and as he approached the front door, his phone beeped with a text from Zach, his college friend:

  A group of us are meeting up for drinks and dinner at Catch. Wanna join?

  Jake texted back:

  Sure. What time?

  Zach texted:

  8ish.

  Jake texted:

  Sounds good. See you then.

  He slid his phone in his pocket, glad to have a plan tonight with his buds. Hopefully, Pilar would miss him because he already missed her.

  Chapter 12

  The next morning, Pilar started the day with the decision to give Jake a second chance. After he went out last night, Emily had assured her that Jake had gone to see Jessica’s parents earlier that day solely out of courtesy. He’d known them for years, and he got along well with Jessica’s father. When Emily mentioned it was possible that Jake had wanted to visit with him because he was missing his own father, Pilar felt badly about second guessing his motives.

  After reflecting on it, she realized it was possible that Jake was telling her the truth about not having romantic feelings for Jessica. She didn’t want to continue distancing herself from him, especially since they were living under the same roof. It felt awkward, and it would distress Emily. She was grieving for her husband and shouldn’t have to witness drama between Pilar and her son.

  With the employee dinner party looming tonight, Pilar needed to stay focused, and put her personal life on the back burner. Good thing Aletha Kostas, Emily’s housekeeper, was a delight.

  Working with her, Pilar noticed two things. One, she was a one-stop giggle machine with unbounding energy. She’d been slinging one-liners and wisecracking zingers all morning, keeping Pilar in stitches. And two, she’d worked for the Radcliffe family for years and adored them. The diminutive but strong woman had spent the last hour laughing, her round belly jiggling under her apron, as she recounted Jake’s naughty escapades as a kid.

  “That little rascal was always up to something. If it wasn’t starting a new business like selling stray kittens, it was chasing after the pretty girls. Even as a kid, the girls loved him. How could they not? He was a real heart stealer.” She nodded vigorously. “Still is.”

  Pilar gave her a breezy smile, not wanting Aletha to know she agreed with her. Too bad Jake had stolen her heart—and others—including Jessica’s.

  “Isn’t it time for you to get ready for the party, honey?” Aletha said. “What are you going to wear?”

  “A long-sleeved floral dress. Since we’re having a Mexican feast, I figured I’d dress the part,” Pilar said. “And you’re right. I need to wrap things up, so I have enough time to shower and get ready for tonight’s dinner.”

  “I’ll set the table while you’re—” Aletha stopped and let out a guttural squeal of delight. “Jake Radcliffe, come and give your old nanny a hug. My Lord, you get handsomer each year! Just look at that scruff on your jaw. Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm,” she chanted between peals of laughter. “I remember when you didn’t have a hair on your skinny little face.”

  “Nice to see you too, Allie.” The corners of Jake’s mouth kicked up in a fond smile as he came forward and lifted Aletha clear off the ground in a bear hug.

  “I was just telling Pilar how naughty you were as a kid. Turned my black hair to gray prematurely,” Aletha said, when he put her down. Her chubby hand covered her mirth when Jake shook his finger at her.

  He leveled a mock stern look at her. “You’re the naughty one, Allie.”

  Aletha cackled in delight. “I never said I wasn’t.”

  Lips twitching, Jake shook his head at Aletha, and then turned his attention to Pilar. “What are you two up to?”

  “Aletha was cutting up fruit for the Ponche Navideño,” Pilar said, trying to ignore her fluttering heart. She hadn’t seen Jake since she’d sent him away yesterday afternoon and when her gaze connected with his striking blue eyes, her tummy did a somersault. Why did she have to enjoy his company so much?

  “No wonder the house smells so good.” Jake regarded Aletha warmly. “How are your grandkids doing?”

  “They’re growing too fast. I had a wonderful time visiting with them in Jersey last week.”

  “No wonder I haven’t seen you.”

  “I hope this won’t be the only time I see you, young man. How long will you be here?”

  “I’m here for another three weeks or so, and then back to Shanghai.”

  “Do you have a cute girl waiting for you there?” Aletha’s eyes glimmered with mischief.

  “Nope, just a lot of work,” Jake said

  “Oh, Jakey, you work too hard. And as I recall, you play hard too.” She leaned back with her fists on her ample hips and studied him. “Am I right?”

  Jake’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Guilty.”

  Aletha nodded approvingly. “Good for you. As I always say, you’re only young once.”

  Pilar shrugged out of her white tunic and folded it neatly on top of a barstool. She quietly slipped away as Jake conversed with Aletha, his eyes glowing with affection for his former nanny.

  Hours later, Jake watc
hed Pilar chat with his mother at the other end of the dining table as they finished the employee holiday meal. He marveled at how deeply she and Mom had connected in such a short time. They shared many interests along with their passion for chocolate and all things sweet.

  Granted, Mom got along with most everyone, but it was obvious she had a special spot in her heart for Pilar. He couldn’t blame her. He did too, and he was relieved to see that Pilar had warmed up a bit after giving him the cold shoulder yesterday. When her whole manner had changed toward him after Jessica’s visit, he wanted the old Pilar back. The one whose enchanting smile melted his heart and whose dazzling exotic eyes made his pulse hammer like a thunderous drumbeat.

  All of The Sweet Spot backroom employees were gathered around Emily’s table relaxing after feasting on the magnificent spread that Pilar had prepared for them. They were dressed in holiday finery, but Pilar especially stood out in her beautiful, flowy dress. The rounded tops of her creamy breasts rose above the scoop neckline and the nipped-in waistline showed off her slender waist.

  What a dazzler. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She’d worn her shining ebony hair up, but soft tendrils had escaped and now framed her radiant, pink-cheeked face. He caught her attention with a subtle wink and was rewarded with a soft smile.

  Choco Bear lightly tapped his spoon on his water glass until the tinkling sound drew everyone’s attention. “Listen up, folks. Our Queen Bee wants to speak,” he said, turning his warm gaze on Emily.

  Emily rose from the table and smiled at him. “Thank you, Choco Bear, and many thanks to everyone gathered here. I care about every one of you and appreciate your loyal support immensely.” She glanced around the table, making eye contact with each of her employees as she spoke. Her eyes watered, and she blinked back tears with a self-deprecating shake of her head. “Don’t mind me. I’m feeling extra blessed right now. Let’s give ourselves a round of applause, shall we? We’ve had a great year.”

  Everyone clapped raucously.

  “And let’s give Pilar a round of applause,” Jake said, raising his glass to her. “I’ve never had a finer meal.”

  Shouts of “hear, hear” accompanied the frenzied clapping.

  “Thank you,” Pilar said with a little bow.

  A hoarse groan came from Gracie’s direction, and everyone turned to stare at her. She clutched the table and slowly hefted her pregnant body up. “Excuse me, please,” she uttered in a strangled voice. “I’ll be right back.” She picked up her phone and hobbled away with one hand pressed to her lower back.

  Emily’s mouth dropped. “Gus, do you think she’s in labor?” she asked Gracie’s husband. “I noticed she’s been quieter than usual tonight.”

  Eyes bulging in his pale face, Gus swallowed several times. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his long, lean neck when he finally got out, “I sure hope not. There’s snow forecasted tonight. She’s not due for another week.”

  “Too late,” Gracie said, entering the room with a shaky smile. “My water just broke.”

  “Oh, God!” Gus shot up from his chair and ran to his wife. “What are you doing standing there?” He led Gracie to an armchair and helped her get comfortable. “We need to call the doctor and an ambulance! Where is your bag?”

  “It’s at the entryway. Remember I brought it?”

  “Oh, that’s right. Have you been timing the contractions? Are you doing your breathing exercises?” he fired off, running around the room like a headless chicken.

  Gracie managed a wobbly smile. “Gus, calm down. I just spoke to Dr. Lanos. Wait. Hold on a sec.” She winced and stopped talking as she launched into deep, rhythmic breaths. When her contraction subsided, she panted, “Please call a car. Dr. Lanos wants me to come to the hospital now.”

  “Yes, what’re we waiting for?” Gus cried, his normally husky voice higher than usual. He fumbled with his cell phone and muttered a string of curses when it fell to the ground.

  Jake grabbed his car keys from his pocket. “I’ll drive you to the hospital. I keep my car in the garage down the street. I’ll be right back. Meet me out front.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Pilar said, rushing to his side.

  Jake smiled down at her. “Good.”

  “I’m coming too,” Emily said.

  “Not without me,” Choco Bear said. “We’ll take a taxi.”

  “Good idea.” Emily smiled at her employees. “Everyone, please stay and enjoy the rest of the evening. Aletha will be happy to serve seconds of Pilar’s delicious desserts.”

  “Don’t mind if we do,” Jean Claude said. He laid a light hand on his wife’s extended belly. “Soon, it will be Nadège’s turn, but for now we enjoy this wonderful evening.” His face split into a broad grin. “With twins on the way, I’ll be running more amuck than Gus is.”

  “I’ll stay here too. The smell of hospitals makes me faint,” Myla admitted sheepishly. “Gus, please text me when the baby is born.”

  Gus didn’t respond, he was too busy helping Gracie into her coat as Jake and Pilar left.

  “Hurry. Drive faster,” Gus urged Jake as he navigated his car through the jam-packed streets of Manhattan. “Gracie’s contractions are coming closer together.”

  Pilar wished Jake could speed it up too, but not at the expense of Gracie’s safety.

  “I’m going as fast as I can without getting us in a car accident,” Jake said. He exchanged a meaningful glance with Pilar, who sat next to him in the passenger seat up front.

  Gracie emitted a shuddering moan, and Gus gently coaxed her, “Breathe with me, Gracie. Come on, you can do it.”

  Pilar turned and watched them, her heart melting at the sight of Gus lovingly holding his wife in his arms. She could feel his fear and deep love at once. The poor man was shaken, worried for his wife and the safety of his future baby girl.

  Within minutes, Jake pulled into the emergency room entrance and two attendants carefully lifted Gracie onto a stretcher. Gus grabbed the hospital bag Gracie had brought with her to Emily’s and followed them as they wheeled his wife away.

  “Whew.” Jake heaved a deep breath and scrubbed a hand over his face before turning the car toward the parking garage. “Thank God, we got here before the baby came.”

  Pilar touched his forearm and smiled. “You were grace under fire, Jake. Good job.”

  “Thanks.” He pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine. “I never expected the evening to end this way,” he said with a rueful smile. “That was an amazing meal you made for us. Thank you for all your hard work.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  “Everyone was beyond impressed.” Genuine warmth framed his words. “Especially me.”

  “Thanks,” Pilar said, touched by his high praise. “I was glad to have Aletha’s help. I had a lot of fun with her. She’s a real character.”

  Jake chuckled. “That she is. I hope she didn’t malign me too much.”

  “I was a bit concerned about your stray kitten selling business,” she teased with uplifted brows.

  “Yeah, that wasn’t one of my finer moments,” he conceded wryly. “Allie was the only one laughing when I was found out. I’ve never gotten in so much trouble as that day.”

  “Was your father very strict?”

  “No, not really. He was my hero. I wanted to please him at all costs, but sometimes I got into trouble when my entrepreneurial ideas took over.”

  “Ha, I can only imagine. What’s your fondest memory of him when you were growing up?”

  “I have many, but one that stands out was when I was eight. He’d just come home from an extended trip abroad that had been delayed. He brought me a replica of his captain’s wings and let me wear his hat all day. I felt so important and grown up.”

  “Aw, you must have looked adorable.” Pilar’s phone buzzed in her purse with the sound of a text. “I’d better get that. It’s probably Emily. We should head inside and meet up with them.” She took out her phone and froze when she saw
the text was from Ben. Her heart jolted at his message:

  I made a huge mistake. Molly misses you. So do I. Call me. Please.

  “Oh, God.” She dropped the phone on her lap and drew several shaky breaths, willing herself to calm down.

  “What’s wrong?” Jake said, peering at her phone. He read the message, his brows knitted over concerned eyes. “Who is n?” He met her gaze, his brows knitted quizzically.

  “He’s my ex,” Pilar said.

  He looked surprised. “Your ex-husband?”

  “No, my ex-boyfriend. Molly is his little girl.”

  “His little girl. Not yours?”

  “No, she’s not mine,” Pilar said, exhaling sadly.

  Jake’s earnest eyes searched her face. “Are you still in love with him?”

  Pilar shook her head vehemently. “No, but I’ll always love Molly.”

  “How old is she?”

  “She’ll be four in February. She is the cutest little pumpkin with curly red hair and blue eyes.” Pilar swallowed against the knot in her throat. “I got very attached to her while I was dating Ben. He was a workaholic, and he had her most weekends, so naturally I took care of her. In no time, I fell in love with her.” A rush of emotion at the memory of holding Molly in her arms nearly brought her to tears.

  “What happened—if you don’t mind my asking,” Jake said, holding her gaze. The profound tenderness in his eyes gave her the comfort to speak plainly.

  She hitched one shoulder and hugged herself. “He went back to his wife. I was sad that it was over between us, but I knew it would be best for Molly. He was divorced when we were dating,” she added quickly. “I would never date a married man.”

  “I don’t doubt that,” Jake said, squeezing her hand.

  “Funny thing is I don’t miss Ben, but I miss Molly like crazy.” She looked down. “And now this. Poor little Molly. It sounds like her daddy left her mommy again.”

  Pilar sank her head in her hands and groaned inwardly as Ben’s wretched text came to mind: I made a huge mistake. Why did he have to continue to torment her? Wasn’t it bad enough that he’d courted her with lies and then disappeared into thin air?