Raspberries and Wine

Copyright © Ayla Ruse 2014. All Rights Reserved, Total-E-Ntwined Limited, T/A Totally Bound Publishing. “Hold on, I’ll be right there,” Stacy Dalton called out when her doorbell rang. “Good Lord,” she muttered, snagging her heel on a throw rug, “he’s early.” She double-checked the little details as she hurried to the front door. “Dining room table set, check. Dinner almost ready, check. Wine out, check. Dress, hair and make-up…” She trailed off as she inspected herself in the hall mirror. “Check. Well,” she whispered to her reflection, “here goes nothing.” She opened the door and her smile froze. Damn, he’s not early after all. It’s not even him. “Um, hi? Can I help you?” she asked the young man at her doorstep. She peered over his wide shoulder to see if Martin had pulled up yet. “I hope so,” he said, his deep voice instantly capturing her attention. “Are you Stacy Dalton?” She paused and gave him a more thorough inspection. He stood tall, maybe six feet, and wore an expensive suit. His short dark brown hair was neatly styled, but it was his eyes, deep hazel and intense, that held her attention once she stopped looking all over the place. Captivating. He smiled then, and she thought she might melt. She trailed her gaze over him again and blushed when he cocked a smooth brow. “I am,” she finally answered. He held out his hand, and she gave him hers, momentarily surprised by the kiss he placed on the backs of her fingers. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Graham Rosen. Martin Rosen’s son.” “Oh,” she sighed, then registered what he’d said. “Oh! Oh, please come in.” She wondered what had happened. He stepped over the threshold and she closed the door, turning at the same time as Graham. “How is your dad? Is he okay?” “He’s fine, but didn’t you get his message?” She shook her head, confused. “My dad sent his regrets. He… Well, he apparently ran into my mother yesterday. They’ve been divorced for several years, but it seems like they hit it off again. He went to the mountains with her today. I’m sorry, I thought you knew.”