"I know what to do to get rid of them." Abandoning her seat, she crossed the balcony and perched on the arm of his chair. Her perfume was provocative and she had dressed with the idea of seducing him. The black silk dress had a plunging neckline that clearly revealed her generous alabaster bosom. She had left her raven black hair loose from a side part on the left, the color a startling contrast to her smooth skin. He should be highly turned on by now, but to his disgust and frustration, he felt nothing but mild interest.
Another thing to blame that awful woman for.
"I was thinking we should retire to the bedroom," she purred, snapping him out of his dark mood.
"Why don't we finish this excellent wine and see what happens?" he suggested.
Before he could move away, she slid onto his lap, arms twining around his neck, her lush pink lips lifting to his.
In desperation to salvage the evening, he crushed his mouth to hers. When she responded eagerly, he deepened the kiss, hands stroking her back and arms.
He felt a faint stirring of desire, but it wasn't enough to make him want to accept her invitation. He was too deeply entrenched in his misery and anger to even be interested, and it was pissing him off.
Dragging his mouth from hers, he lifted her off his lap and rose.
"I apologize," he told her abruptly, trying not to notice the wounded look on her lovely face. "I really am not good company right now. I have to go."
"But--"
"I'm sorry." Grabbing his jacket, he all but fled.
Damn and blast that woman to hell and back! he thought furiously as he whipped the red convertible around the narrow road. He was going to find a way to get rid of her, if it was the last thing he did!
*****
Dinner was pleasant and to her surprise and delight, Antoinette discovered that she genuinely liked Queen Sofia. The woman was the first royalty she had ever met and had managed to destroy her preconceived notion of standoffishness and exalted manner. She had a sense of humor and a sharp wit. They had a lot in common. When Antoinette revealed her avid interest in art, they had a long and interesting discussion on some famous artists, including Jackson Colby. She was also a fan of the theater.
The meal lasted more than an hour, but the time simply flew by.
Antoinette was told of some of her duties, some of which were what she was accustomed to, but there were some added ones she had never done before.
They had taken their dessert into what was called the blue and gray salon, a comfortable room with books lining one section of the wall and overlooking an arbor.
"We have a lot of outside interests," Sofia said.
"I've recently introduced the tour of the palace," Sofia explained. "It was something that was off-limits when the king was alive. My husband did not like strangers coming into our space. The tour is only extended to the ground floor and the wine cellar. We have tastings once a week as a way of putting our brand out there and it has been a smashing success. It also gives people the reassurance that we're approachable."
"I think that's a good idea."
"What we make from the tours covers the expense for the palace." Picking up her cup and saucer, she balanced it on one knee as she looked around. "This place has been in my husband's family for over a thousand years. I had to do something to hold onto it and keep the heritage for my son and his family." The wistful expression was fleeting, but Antoinette was quick enough to catch it. She said nothing.
"When do I officially begin?"
"Monday morning. Tomorrow you're free to do whatever you please. Enjoy breakfast in bed or on the balcony, take a walk or even a ride."
"I meant to ask about that. I noticed the stables."
"You ride."
"I do, yes."
"We have some very spirited horses at our disposal. The only ones off-limits are my son's. The stallion has a nasty disposition and responds only to Tomas's commands. His name is Zahra. Even as excellent a horsewoman as I am, I steer clear."
"I'll keep that in mind."
After supper, she thought about going for a walk. The meal was delicious, but she was not accustomed to eating anything so heavy. She rubbed her stomach wryly and considered that she was going to have to get used to the late hours as well as the rich food. But so far, she liked being here. She was in Spain! It hit her like an electric bolt.
She was no longer in the States but residing in a palace halfway around the world. Stepping out on the balcony, she lifted her face to the brisk breeze and inhaled the scent of flowers blooming.
