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Wow. Boz is better than my dad at getting guys to leave. He sure looks out for Neli. Wait, is Boz involved with Neli? She is beautiful with her red hair and sparkling green eyes. Smart too. I rub the wine charm on my bracelet, as I often do when I think of Boz. He gave me jewelry. Did he also give Neli the pearl necklace she’s wearing? Have I been pining for a man whose heart is already taken?
For the rest of dinner, in between my father’s and Boz’s entertaining debates about the best grapes from Europe, I find myself studying Boz and Neli. First thing I notice is that Boz barely touches his food, and when he does, I’m pretty sure he tucks it into his napkin. Maybe he’s one of those health nuts, who only eats a few select items to keep up their spectacular physique. Really working for him. The second thing that hits me is how close Boz and Neli seem, often following the same line of thinking. Sometimes it sounds like playful banter, though the playfulness is on Neli’s side. Boz seems to take everything seriously. Maybe he secretly enjoys it, but he’s one of those manly men who don’t show much emotion.
After the meal concludes, we thank Boz for the fantastic food, which he paid for before my parents even got the chance to contribute. I linger behind on our way out, hoping to talk to Boz alone. I need to thank him personally for his incredible generosity—it’s a lot, and my family needs to find a way to repay him someday—but also, I want to know what the story is with him and Neli.
Luckily, my mom is talking Neli’s ear off. My dad and the twins are already on the sidewalk, waiting outside, probably coming up with ideas about pastry recipes to name after Boz. I love that they adore him as much as I do, given where things started, but now I worry about how attached I’ve become so quickly. Is it a mistake? Did I jump before I looked?
Before I can come up with a subtle way to ask about the situation, Boz says, “You were very quiet at dinner. Is something not to your liking?”
“Oh, no. I loved everything. Not one single word of complaint about anything. This restaurant has such a romantic ambiance with the dark wood paneling and soft lighting.” I suddenly realize how much I wish it were just the two of us for a romantic night. I fear my secret longing for him is too obvious, so I quickly add, “This whole trip is like a dream come true for my family.”
A smile tugs at his lips. “A happy dream, I hope.”
“Yes,” I breathe, taken in once again by his rare smile. Then I remember myself. “You and Neli seem close.”
“We have a bond that cannot be broken,” he says matter-of-factly.
“Ah. Are you two more than just coworkers?” I ask.
I hold my breath, praying he says no.
He lifts a shoulder in a casual shrug.
And it seems he’s done talking about that. I don’t press. But she must mean a lot to him. I mean, what guy talks about a bond that can’t be broken if they’re not serious about a woman? Plus they live together. I don’t know why I hadn’t considered it before. I was so caught up in his magnetism, his sexy good looks, his incredible kindness toward me and my family, I was blind to the truth. Now I feel like an idiot. And I’m crushed.
He holds the door open for me. I brush past him, ignoring the spike of raw lust that goes through me. I would never be the reason a couple breaks up, but I can’t shut off my feelings. I can only try to hide them.
My mom turns to us the moment Boz and I step outside to join everyone. “Neli just told us the hotel we’re staying at is supposed to be haunted. They have a tour of the suite where they say you can feel the chill of the old widow pass through you.”
I cross my arms, rubbing the goosebumps. “No, thank you. Bad enough I hear creaks in our old house at night. I might not believe in ghosts, but I could still have nightmares.”
My dad wags his finger at me. “Remember when Stella used to have that recurring vampire nightmare after Kevin snuck up on her the day before Halloween—”
“Wearing his fake vampire teeth!” Mom finishes. “Oh, Lord, it took forever to convince her it was just Kevin. And even longer for the nightmares to stop.”
I sigh. “I’m fine as long as I stay away from creepy stuff.”
My parents shake their head over the memory. The twins are busy whispering to each other, shooting glances over at Boz, their new crush. Boz gazes into my eyes somberly. He already knew about my childish nightmares, but clearly he feels bad that I’m being reminded of it now.
