to get his opinion on ours and how to improve it. I mean, obviously if his secret is the source of their vines, that’s not going to help us. It takes several years to grow new ones that produce fruit. I can only hope he’s willing to share a few marketing ideas. We’ll talk shop, businessman to businesswoman. Under less dire financial circumstances, this kind of meeting would be fun for me.
Dad continues, his tone still suspicious. “And what kind of person builds a medieval-style castle in the middle of California wine country?”
Guess there’s no hiding the moat.
“A very rich person. He can build whatever he wants if he’s got the funds. And you know what? I think it’s great that he does what makes him happy.” Like wear top hats. I keep that to myself too. Really, our neighbor just walks to the tune of his own bagpipes (seems appropriate for a castle dweller).
I head upstairs, cradling the bottles in one arm. My dad follows behind me. I don’t care if our neighbor is a little eccentric. Maybe that’s what makes him so good at crafting award-winning wines. Maybe not following the crowd is the key to standing out in the competitive wine business.
“Stella, you don’t need to go over there,” my dad says once we get upstairs. “I mean, he can’t be doing anything that different from us. We’re growing grapes in the same soil conditions, the same rainfall. It’s probably just his connections that gave him a leg up.”
“He’s obviously doing something right. I’m going to find out what. As for your concern about me going over there, I’ll be fine. I’m a grown woman. I can handle a business meeting.”
He lifts a finger. “That’s another thing. Why does he want to meet you at night? I don’t like it.”
“He works late to deal with his overseas distributors. Really, it’s fine. I have my phone, and the manager, Neli, lives there too. What time is it?”
“You’ve got ten minutes.”
“Okay, I’m heading over there.”
“How long will you be?”
I barely hold back on rolling my eyes. I’ve only been home for a few days, and I’m already starting to feel like I’m back in high school. I know my parents see me as capable, they just need to let up on the overprotective stuff.
“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I’ll text when I’m on my way back. Bye!” I head out the door of the wine annex and take the shortcut through the side yard to the road.
Checking in with my dad feels like overkill, but the closer I get to the castle, the more my heart pounds to the tune of naked man, naked man, naked man. I have to get a hold of myself. So much rides on this meeting, and I can’t let anything throw me. I have to let any eccentricity or condition he may have sail right on by. Even if the image of his gorgeous muscular perfection is burned into my brain.
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