Page 58 of Baking it Merry

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.

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