The sun is setting as I cross the drawbridge once more. I think cooling thoughts and lift the heavy metal knocker. A shiver courses through me. Wow, it wasn’t just my mind that made me cool off. The air definitely feels colder close to the castle. Probably something to do with the stone construction. I’m also wearing another of my long maxi dresses—plain white—and matching sandals, so the cool air goes right to my skin.
I wait in breathless anticipation, my heart drumming to its new favorite tune with a little fluttery add-on: naked sexy man, naked sexy man.
One of the large arched wooden doors slowly creaks open. Is it him? Is he naked?
Neli’s small frame appears in the doorway. She’s wearing a white blouse, jeans, and pink flip-flops. Her red hair is in a high ponytail.
“Hi, Neli.” I try not to show my disappointment that her boss didn’t open the door. Sans pants.
She smiles. “Hi, Stella, come on in.”
I step inside, and the door shuts behind me with an ominous thud, echoing through the large two-story foyer.
She takes a step back. “I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“I have arrived,” a deep voice announces, startling me. He must move fast. I didn’t even notice him approaching. He’s dressed, which is good, of course, but his clothes are rather unusual. Like a goth musician in a black top hat, white frilly shirt, black velvet cape, and snug black pants that outline his powerful, ahem, thighs.
I jerk my gaze up to his eyes. Silver glints sparkle back at me in black eyes. How exotic. I guess I didn’t notice them before. Maybe I was too distracted by his defined muscular chest with a smattering of dark chest hair, his washboard abs, and his thick penis with a throbbing vein pointing right at me.
I flush hot and try to focus on something else, like his black hair reaching down to his shoulders and his pale skin. Maybe he’s a musician in seclusion from his rabid fan base. It would explain so much.
Neli whirls and whispers something to him in a fierce low tone.
“Leave us,” he commands. He doesn’t raise his voice, but the soft edge of authority is unmistakable.
“I’m the manager here,” she says to him. “It’s important I’m in on business meetings.”
He doesn’t reply. Instead, he merely looks at her as though he expects to be obeyed. She turns back to me and then to him before throwing her hands up.
“I’ll be nearby if anyone needs me,” she says, looking right at me.
I nod. Strange. It seems like Mr. Bozhidar would be the one who needs her assistance not me. I face the man who’s the key to getting Stellariva Vineyards out of the hole we’re in and back to the light. Out of the red and into the black. Or something like that. I may be a wee bit nervous now that we’re face-to-face. He’s just so much man (don’t think about it), and he exudes power.
I stare as he removes his top hat with a flourish.
“Good evening,” he drawls in a deep silky voice that wraps around me like a dark caress.
I step closer, drawn in, and then remember the old-school manners Neli told me were important to him. I drop into an awkward curtsy as I clutch the wine bottles against my chest, my purse dropping forward off my shoulder and hitting the floor. My planner spills out of it, exposing one of my many lists. “Good evening, Mr. Bozhidar.”
I go for my purse and planner, but he’s faster, tucking the planner back in and snagging the strap with a single finger.
“Quite a long list,” he says.
I straighten, meeting those glittering black eyes that seem to hint at something mysterious. “I’m a planner. Love to make a plan and check stuff off my list. It’s kinda my thing.”
He sets my purse back on my shoulder, his touch through the thin fabric of my dress sending a spark through me.
I lick my lips. “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me. I brought two of our best vintages as a gift.” I offer him the wine. “Would you like a tasting?”
He leans close, his black eyes gleaming. “A taste?”
My heart is in my throat, a distant warning of danger sounding in my mind. I take a step back.
Wait. I’m being silly. I’m just feeling intimidated. Who wouldn’t be in his presence? Good looking, successful, wealthy.
I gather my nerves and remain focused on the prize. “Yes, I’d love to get your opinion on our wine.”
“The wine, yes, of course,” he murmurs. “We shall have some.”
I offer him the bottles, but he doesn’t take them. Instead he snaps his fingers, announcing, “Bring these to the parlor.”
I glance around. Does he have a maid or a butler who appears at the snap of his fingers? Neli appears. She must’ve stayed close like she said. I guess she helps him a lot.