Fanged Love by

My cheeks heat. “He told me to call him that last night.” I run my finger along the gold bracelet he gave me, delighting in its darling charms. I peer behind her, hoping he’s just running late. “Is he coming?”

“No.”

My shoulders droop, and I turn, gesturing her in. I try to hide my disappointment. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him all day. He was kind enough to agree to help our winery, he gave me a gift, he was so attentive last night, and, let’s face it, he’s drop-dead gorgeous. From his dark hair to his unusual silvery eyes to his exquisitely muscular build. The total package.

Oh, man, I’m so easy. Give me a charm bracelet, and I’m charmed.

I refocus on Neli and put some enthusiasm into my voice. “Would you like a drink, or should we go straight to the storeroom?” I invited them over to taste our different vintages in an effort to narrow down the best choice to blend with one of their wines.

“Storeroom is fine by me,” she says.

I lead her through the house, heading for the back door, and say a quick hello to my twin sisters in the kitchen, where they’re baking red velvet cupcakes. Their futures are never far from my mind. Winning that baking competition would be a blessing, but not something we can count on. My family is counting on me to get this winery back on its feet.

After a short walk to the storeroom in an adjacent building, I remind Neli of our current inventory. She had the tour last night, but I don’t expect her to remember every detail.

In no time at all, Neli settles on a cabernet sauvignon she says has potential. “It’s bold.”

I study her expression, looking for signs of disgust like Boz showed the first time I offered him our wine. Though last night he seemed fine with it. You know, I hadn’t tasted that particular bottle the night we met, already being tipsy from tasting their wine. Maybe it was just a bad bottle. I relax, feeling so much better about the whole thing.

I smile. “I’m glad you think so. We could blend it with your award-winning merlot.”

She rocks her head side to side, and I can tell she’s not on board.

“I was being presumptuous. Tell me which wine you think it would blend well with.”

She lifts her glass. “How about I take a bottle of this with me, think it over, and try a few?”

“Absolutely.” I retrieve a bottle for her, and we head outside.

She tells me about the right flavors for a blend for immediate consumption versus long-term aging potential, but I’m finding it hard to focus. All I can think about is visiting Castle Sangria and seeing him again.

I walk her to the well-worn dirt path that leads to the main road. It’s a perfect summer day, and the view of Castle Sangria as we walk buoys my spirits even more. “Thanks for your help, Neli. I’d love to try some blends with you.” I smooth my hair back, trying not to look too eager. “We could make a night of it, invite Boz to join us too.”

She looks off to the castle, back to me, and cocks her head. “I’m the head of operations, not him.”

“Oh, of course, I understand.” I play with the wineglass charm on my bracelet, a smile tugging at my lips. “I was also thinking I could take another look at your barrel room to plan an event there.” I meet her eyes. “I want to contribute as soon as possible to your winery. This isn’t just a one-sided arrangement. We could do a joint harvest celebration outdoors in September, and a spooky ball on Halloween at Castle Sangria would be amazing. Such great atmosphere there. Of course, we’d have to add the spooky touches. Right now Castle Sangria is grand elegance with the great room, the barrel room, not to mention the dining room. I’m sure there’s even more that would be wonderful for guests.” I’m gushing. I can’t help it. I’m excited about our project.

“You sound really enthusiastic about Castle Sangria,” she says flatly.

“It’s magnificent,” I say in a breathy voice. But I mean he’s magnificent.

“I’ll let you know,” she says, backing away. “I’ve got your number.”

My gaze trails to the castle again, hoping to glimpse the mysterious man himself. I don’t even have his number to thank him for everything.

“Bye, Stella.”

I snap to attention. “Bye, thanks again for stopping by. I appreciate you taking the time. I know how busy you must be.”

“No rest for the wicked,” she says ominously.

My breath catches at her sinister tone.

She flashes a smile, turns, and walks away.

Strange. I rub the goosebumps on my arms and head back inside.

Boz

“You said you would remove the whammy!” Neli shouts, pacing my bedchamber.