Candlelight and Champagne Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Candlelight and Champagne

  The Forbidden Series

  BY

  Dee Stone

  Copyright

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Candlelight and Champagne: The Forbidden Series Copyright 2016 © Dee Stone

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

  Cover Design and editing by: Gray Publishing

  Dee Stone’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c9AvC5

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Coming Soon From Dee Stone

  Chapter One

  MARKUS

  I stalked my way past the cubicles, ignoring the curious stares that wondered who I was, as I made my angry way to my partner’s office to try and get things straightened out. How could Paul do this? I had just come from Italy, back to the states, for the first time in ten years and he does this. My fists clenched in anger.

  Over the years, I had learned how to control that part of myself––or I thought I had. But his trying to oust me from the board wasn’t going to work. I may just turn the tables on him instead, I thought to myself. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. After this meeting, I’ll talk with each of the other members of the board, and get the low-down on their feelings about how things are going in the company.

  I reached the large boardroom and took a deep breath, to steady myself. Pulling the sleeves of my suit jacket down, I pushed up on my tie, tightened the knot, and straightened my cuff links. Ready as I’ll ever be. Taking another breath, I gave a quick, forceful knock on the door before opening it.

  When I opened the door and stepped into the room, I looked around, feeling like I had entered the Twilight Zone. No one was there. The room was completely empty––except for me, of course.

  I hadn’t been this dumbfounded in years. I turned on my heels, storming toward Paul’s office. I’d been told a day and time, and I damn well was going to find out what happened. And there had better be a damn good reason.

  Hearing laughter when I stepped in front of the office, I was glad to see no secretary at the desk when I arrived.

  Hearing laughter as I approached the door, I ever so politely knocked, when a male voice announced, “Molly, I told you––no visitors.”

  The door was suddenly thrown open with force, and my partner stood in the doorway. For a brief moment I saw shock on Paul Winters’ face before genuine delight appeared. He stepped forward to clasp my suit-covered bicep and grabbed me for a back pounding hug. I reciprocated briefly before removing myself.

  Glancing about the room, I noticed the large, empty desk that had a sleek, polished surface, and sitting in front of it was a striking, young woman. She had long, blond curls that bounced about her heart-shaped face. Instead of a sharp chin, hers was slightly rounded, with what looked like a stubborn jut. Her eyes were as blue as the sea with lashes that were sweeping her cheeks in embarrassment at my scrutiny. Her high cheekbones were now bright red, and the color was travelling down her neck, which was long and delicate. I had such an urge to kiss said neck that I shocked myself. This girl, with her porcelain skin and unlined face barely looked legal, and here I am, having unprovoked thoughts about her.

  I turned to Paul, who was now smiling like an idiot as he walked over to the girl, who rolled her eyes as he pulled her from the chair, and brought her over to stand before me. Seeing her close up made the whole situation even worse.

  “Markus, do you recognize this little girl?”

  “Dad––” she complained.

  Dad? Was this little Grace? I was shocked. I looked to Paul for confirmation and he nodded happily. He wouldn’t be so happy if he knew what I had been thinking of doing to his little girl. How old was she? I couldn’t remember. I hoped over eighteen, with my lascivious thoughts.

  “Grace?” I still asked questioningly.

  “Markus. How was Italy? It must be wonderful to live there. What city did you live in? I’ve always wanted to visit, but we never made it there. Obviously.” Her voice had a light and lively lilt that trailed off as she became embarrassed once again. Though, when she had been asking her questions, her face was bright with excitement.

  I tried for indulgence, like a favorite uncle. “It’s too bad your father never brought you. I live in Florence, we have many festivals and carnivals that you and your sister could have visited. We also have different types of sweets and dolls than you have here.”

  I could see I hit a nerve as the red faded from her face to become white in the stillness of her hidden anger. Hidden to anyone else, but I could read body language and faces. A little trick I learned in my travels.

  Tossing her head back, her long locks floated down her back, and her pink covered lips thinned slightly. Flouncing over to the chair she had been sitting in before, she plopped down into it inelegantly, crossing one long leg over the other, her skirt rising slightly up her trim thighs. Grace’s glare suddenly became a smirk, as if she knew my feelings, which was impossible, since I didn’t even know them.

  I turned from her, as if she were unimportant, and out of the corner of my eye I could see her pissed off expression at being ignored. Done. If she was mad she’d stay away from me, and I didn’t have to deal with my nonexistent feelings for her.

  “Paul––I thought we had a meeting today?”

  He looked startled for a moment before a hard expression crossed his face. Stalking over to the door, he threw it open, bellowing, “Molly!”

  I heard high heels clacking as a young woman, not much older than Grace, came hurrying around the corner into sight. Her face was unnaturally pale, as if she was ill, and I saw what looked like a baby bump on her slender form. I gave Paul a quick glance because I knew when he got angry sometimes heads rolled. I have to try and derail this mess before she gets fired.

  “It’s alright, Paul. I see that Grace is here and that’s what got you distracted.”

  The words I said seemed to have been the red cape before the bull, because his face got red with anger as he stalked over to tower above Molly, who shrank back in fear.

  “Dad––calm down. Think about your blood pressure. Remember what the doctor said. Go in your office, sit down, and do some deep breathing. You don’t want another episode. I’m too young to set up a funeral.” Grace took Paul’s forearm in her hand and led him back into his office,
but not before he drew his arm out of her hand fast and hard. Straightening his back with purpose, he closed the door behind himself.

  All three of us gave a large sigh of relief that that disaster had been averted. I turned to Grace, but she was fussing over the secretary, Molly, who was now sitting in an office chair, her hand to her forehead and her head slightly bowed, as if exhausted by what she had just endured.

  Turning to Molly, I asked, “Is there something I can get you? Hot tea or something?” I wasn’t good around pregnant women, not having any in my family or any employees that were. I wanted to help, but wasn’t sure how, so I hovered, my hands out but not touching.

  Grace looked at me impatiently, “She’s pregnant––she doesn’t have a disease.”

  I was tired of her obvious anger issues, but tried to diffuse the situation by stamping down my impatience. She seemed to be perpetually angry. “I know that, but she looks ill. Maybe she should go home and rest?” Bending my knees to be at a lower level, so as not to overpower her, I asked Molly gently, “Would that be okay?”

  Molly lifted her head for a moment and studied me before she nodded tiredly, deep shadows beneath her eyes. “This baby is kicking my butt, but I need this job. Who are you, by the way?”

  “I’m the partner.” I smiled apologetically.

  If it were possible she turned even paler. “I’m sorry, I forgot to call you. I got sick––and just forgot.” She shook her head at herself and her dark head sank down to her chest in defeat, expecting to be fired.

  “That’s okay. Disaster averted––I think. I won’t let him fire you for this, and if he does, come to me and I’ll find something for you. I know we have great pregnancy benefits, so I understand you wanting to keep your job. Let me get my driver, and you get home and rest.” Handing her my card with one hand, I used my other to pull out my phone from my back pocket to text Leo, my driver, relaying the necessary information. “You just give him your address and get home. Okay?”

  She smiled in relief as I placed my hand under her elbow to help her up. She widened her smile in thanks and slowly, with her bag under an arm, made her way to the elevators to meet Leo.

  I turned, happy that a disaster had been averted, to meet Grace’s scowling face.

  Chapter Two

  GRACE

  Most men, at the age of forty-five, I wasn’t interested in, but there was something about Markus Giovanni. He was so powerful, in both form and mind. The way he looked at me made me feel things I had never felt before.

  I couldn’t let him think I was interested though. He was way too old for me, plus I was a virgin, and I wasn’t going to give it up to someone my father’s age.

  It did make my heart beat faster the way he was with Molly. He seemed genuinely worried about her, and whether she would lose her job with us. It just sucked that he was so handsome; with his clean-shaven jaw, and slight amount of scruff, black hair to his collar with silver strands throughout, and light blue eyes.

  Stop it, Grace, I scolded myself. His being so forceful with my father was such a turn on for me. Would he be like that with me? Stop. Bad girl. A shiver overtook me and my breath caught in my throat at what I was thinking. No way.

  “Grace, what do you have planned now?” Markus’ resonating voice gave me more shivers, and I gave a slight gasp as butterflies filled my stomach.

  Keep your mind on what you are going to do later. What was that? Oh, yeah––lunch.

  “Lunch. Early lunch.” Where are my brain cells? I think I lost them.

  “Good. I’m hungry as well. Was in such a hurry, I didn’t have breakfast. So, where’s good to eat?” His attitude had completely changed. Markus was suddenly happy and enthusiastic. I was confused, and that wasn’t a good look for me.

  “Hmmm. Ok––we can go to lunch, and you can tell me about your life in Italy and what it’s like.” I was hopeful we could keep this lunch on a family or friend level. Uh huh.

  “Sounds great, kid.” Markus had a mischievous glint to his eye when he finished the word ‘kid’.

  “Sounds great, old man.” I could give as good as I got. I lifted my stubborn chin to show I wouldn’t cow tow to any man. Not even my father.

  Markus smirked when I said old man. “So, where too?”

  “It depends upon what do you want? Fancy, rich man food, burgers and fries, or sandwiches?”

  Markus raised his blue eyes to the ceiling and pursed his luscious lips, rubbing a hand over the dark brown scruff on his chin as he thought. He looked back at me with an ‘ah ha’ smile, brightening his strong face. “Sandwiches––deli food.” The last two words were said with such reverence.

  I almost burst out laughing, but instead snorted. We were both startled silent for a moment. Suddenly, we both broke into laughter as we walked to the elevators.

  This felt good. It reminded me that he was family.

  We were silent during our ride down, both listening to the elevator music. I think it was Good to You by…I can’t remember.

  ***

  The deli was so close, we walked, even with the light drizzle coming down. The light amount of moisture felt so good against my overheated skin, that I stopped walking, and raised my face with my eyes closed to the grey sky.

  I opened my eyes to Markus leaning over me, so close I could see a darker blue tint to his iris. Was he going to kiss me already? I held my breath until he leaned back and draped his arm casually over my shoulder, pulling me close. It was so hard to breath. Was something wrong with me? I wanted to panic, but I knew I was fine.

  And there we were. THE DELI. Yes, that’s the name––don’t wear it out. I almost groaned aloud at that thought.

  Markus opened the door for me, and we entered to find the place already packed at eleven in the morning. I should have known, since this place is so popular. “There.” I heard Markus say, as he suddenly began dragging me along with him, until we were sitting in the now empty booth.

  He grinned, so proud of himself, I half expected to see him beating his chest with his fists. And such a fine chest it is, I thought. I shook my head at the thought. Get your head out of the gutter, Grace!

  We sat side by side in the booth, waiting for the waitress to come over for drink orders. The menu was pretty basic and was painted on the wall. Truth be told, I had been waiting for days to eat their pastrami and cheese––no pickles. I hated pickles, but loved lots of mustard. And of course, I can’t come here without getting their mint chocolate shake. Yum.

  I turned to Markus, and found him staring at the menu on the wall intently. His brows were lowered in consternation as he studied the menu. What was taking so long? It wasn’t as if there were a lot of choices. I pulled a small napkin out of the holder as I waited, and began tearing it into tiny pieces.

  “Is that all there is?” He asked, still staring at the stupid menu. Come on already. Order.

  “It’s a deli. What else do you want?” I knew I sounded exasperated. He better not be unhappy about the choices.

  “I think I’ll have the––Italian Sub and a vanilla shake.”

  “Vanilla? How boring.”

  Markus had an interesting glint to his eyes, though I wasn’t sure what it meant. “Vanilla doesn’t have to be boring. It can have––a different taste. Strong…or mild.” I saw the smirk on his face as he hesitated on what he was saying, twice. The way he lowered his voice when he said the last sentence made me shiver.

  A waitress came over and took our orders, bringing us tall glasses of iced water.

  As we waited on our food, we sat staring at each other silently, sipping at our water, not knowing what to do or say. I decided to start first, but Markus beat me to it. “So, how old are you?” I could see he was feigning disinterest, but I decided to play along and lie.

  “I’ll be twenty-one in a couple days.” I almost saw his ears prick up at that news. I guess a couple days made a difference, I told myself. Difference for what I didn’t know. Either way––I wasn’t interested.
r />   “What are your plans?”

  “What do you mean?” I crinkled my brow, wondering his meaning.

  “You and your friends––what are you gonna do? Go bar hopping?”

  Ahhh! Hmm––what should I tell him? I couldn’t let him meet my friends, they’d tell him my birthday wasn’t for a couple more months.

  “It’s weird, my friends are all busy right now. Dad’s going away tomorrow for business, so I’ll be alone. Thought I’d watch movies and have a couple glasses of wine.” Well, I didn’t completely lie––my dad was going away tomorrow. He was going to Japan for a month, on business.

  Markus looked horrified. “You can’t be alone on your twenty-first birthday. Exactly what day is it? I’ll take you out. Put on your sexiest dress and you’ll wow those young men.”

  I laughed heartily, making most of the people in the restaurant stare, but I didn’t care.

  Markus looked almost hurt by my laughing. I didn’t mean anything by it. He had been an uncle to me my whole life, and now he’s trying to fix me up. It was so ridiculous to me.

  “Markus,” I was still smiling. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just can’t believe you told me to hook up with some guys.”

  “I did not.” His voice sounded horrified. “I told you to meet some boys. Not hook up,” he said disgustedly. Markus stared at me, and I couldn’t tell what emotion was on his face. I gazed down at the wooden tabletop, wishing there was somewhere I could crawl. My feelings with him were just too uncertain.

  After our lunch was delivered we ate fast, not even having time to enjoy it, because I had to get back to work. We were getting ready to leave, so I took another suck on my straw, while Markus paid the bill. I loved mint and chocolate together, so there was no way I was going to leave mine. Of course, Markus left his. Boring vanilla. Remembering what he had said about vanilla, I suddenly felt a tingle run through my body.