let Dimitri hold her hand as they crossed the stone bridge leading to it.
“Oh, wow,” Angela whispered, transfixed. “Dimitri, it’s…”
“It’s all for you,” his voice was low and husky in her ear.
The circular railing was artfully decorated in fairy lights and hundreds of candles that flickered gently in the cool evening air. In the gazebo, a small table has been set up for two, with crisp white linens and delicate china. Another small buffet table was set up in a corner, next to a large ice bucket with several bottles chilling in it.
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Brent said courteously. “Mr. Fox, the buffet has been stocked with your requested menu. I’ve also roped off the pool area to staff and guests for tonight. As per your request, the staff is not to disturb you at any cost. But, please.” He touched the pager hooked in his belt. “Do page me if you require anything. Have a good evening, Sir. Miss.” He gave a polite nod in her direction and retreated.
“Shall we?” Dimitri pulled out her chair.
“Dimitri… wow,” Angela gasped as she sat down. “Thank you,” she added when he draped her napkin on her lap.
“Would you like a drink?” He walked over to the ice bucket. “We’ve got red and white wine, champagne and…” He grinned and held up a bottle. “Tequila.”
“Champagne, please.” She felt her lips unfolding in a small grin. “I vaguely remember what happened last time we had tequila here.”
“So do I.” He held her gaze as he filled her glass.
Angela cleared her throat, flustered. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to be careful not to get drunk again.”
“Are you hungry?” Small tea lights flickered from under the chrome buffet tureens to keep the food warm. He lifted the covers and peered in. “I ordered your favorite food. Oysters, roasted asparagus with hollandaise sauce, charred lobster, and olive focaccia. We also have chocolate mousse for dessert but I can call in and order anything else that you want?”
She couldn’t help but smile at how insecure he suddenly sounded. “It’s perfect, Dimitri.”
He set the plates down in front of her and poured her more champagne before taking his seat.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” She teased.
He dipped an asparagus stalk in the sauce and held it to her lips. Her eyes locked with him as she opened her mouth, biting down gently on it.
“How did you arrange all this?” She sat back in her chair, listening to the lazy sloshing of water against the stone wall.
“I paid off the manager,” he replied with a small wink. “I actually rented the whole pool area for tonight. Just for us.”
“Well.” She started on the lobster. “I guess it’s very… appropriate for work talk. Very quiet.”
“Yes.” He held up the champagne bottle again. “More champagne?”
She nodded and was just about to say “Yes, please” when her blood ran cold.
Chapter 7
Shit. What the hell was she doing? Shit.
“What’s wrong?” Dimitri asked in alarm when she visibly paled.
Angela couldn’t reply. She was mentally trying to count the number of glasses she’d had tonight. How could she have been so exceptionally stupid?
“Angela? Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Angela’s eyes could barely focus as she looked up at him. “I just… I