by Andrew Grey
“All right,” Dieter said.
“So,” she said, looking at both of us. “If I’m the Cinderella in this story, then how come the stepbrother got the prince?” She pouted and crossed her arms.
“Back off, sister,” I teased. “You can be all the Cinderella you want, but you’ll have to find your own prince.” I held Dieter tighter. Count, prince, whatever—Dieter was everything to me.
“Don’t worry. I’ll introduce you to a few princes, and you can see if you can capture the heart of one for your very own.” Dieter slipped an arm around each of us, and we headed out of the airport to start what I was sure was going to be the adventure of my life.
Epilogue
“DIETER,” I called as I made my way down the stairs of his Munich house, which had been my home for the last six months. Man, that time had flown by. “I thought you were going to be home an hour ago,” I told him as I came to a stop.
“I got held up at the office. But the deal went through. Dante and I are now partners in the new works to manufacture industrial porcelain here in Europe.” It seemed Dante had been working for years to help build the market, but the cost of importing the product was proving too expensive. Now he and Dieter were going to manufacture here to Dante’s standards and avoid the additional import costs. Apparently the two of them had been working on this deal and to get the financing for the plant approved. “It’s going to be amazing for both of us.”
“How long before you start production?” I asked as I sank into Dieter’s arms. “Dang, you’re cold.”
“It’s January, so of course I’m cold. I was outside.” Dieter chuckled as I slipped my arms under his coat to try to warm him. “That’s nice.”
I closed my eyes as his heat returned. “I talked to my mother today. She’s sold the house and moved into an apartment. It was too much for her, and there was no need for it now that she’s alone.”
“Have you told Ella?” Dieter asked, and I shook my head. I’d finally gotten around to researching the ownership of the house. It had been her father’s, but he had actually put Mom’s name on it once they were married. I wasn’t sure how Ella would take it, but I’d be the one to tell her.
“I will. Mom also said that Jeremy has been convicted. They ordered that he get mental health counseling and sentenced him to four years for arson. He probably would have gotten less, but he also attacked me and ran from the police. Mom wasn’t too happy, but she also said he could have gotten more, but they felt he had mental health issues. He’ll be eligible for parole in two or so, I guess.” I didn’t care either way, because I didn’t intend to be around there much. I tightened my hold on Dieter, resting my head on his shoulder. “Mom still tried to guilt me into coming home. She said she wants to see me and misses me, but then she complained about being lonely and how much she hated to cook.” I knew it was just her way of trying to get someone to do the things she didn’t want to do for herself. Mom was never going to change, and I needed to get used to it.
“I’m sorry.” Dieter took off his coat and draped it over the heavy Renaissance chair next to the wall. “At least you and Ella have some distance.”
“I thought we could go back for a week or so this summer and visit.” I was building a life here and had even made some friends both at work and within Dieter’s social circle. I struggled with the language but was taking classes to try to learn. “Not too long, but I’ll need to go back to the States to handle some paperwork and things by then.” I wanted to change the subject. “Did Dante say anything about my idea on his final plans for the new porcelain arts studio?”
Dieter held me closer. “I think he was impressed, and he agreed with the changes so the artists can work more closely with each other rather than be separated into the private work spaces. He’s going to put those designs into action and break ground soon. But what about you? Are you going to go back? Richard has decided to retire, and Dante says that if you want to manage the studio, you have the job.”
I made a show of thinking about it. Dante had already made me the offer a month ago and I’d said I’d consider it. “Nope. I’ve decided I’m going to stay here. I’ll create designs that can be put into production, but I’ll do it from here. I’ve learned so much working with Royal Bavarian and I can put that experience into new patterns.” I smiled at him. “And Royal Bavarian wants me to design a new line for them. They’ve been doing traditional pieces for decades and want to try some more modern ones. I’m going to design for them as well.”
Dieter’s eyebrows rose. “What does Dante think about that?”
“Considering he made an investment in the company a while ago, he’s fine with it.” I winked. “He told me that with my work, he’d come to know them well, so instead of starting a new studio here in Europe, he decided to invest in an established brand with a history.” Everything had worked out, professionally, much better than I had hoped.
“Dante is a smart one,” Dieter said.
“So are you,” I told him with a grin.
“Why is that?” Dieter asked.
“Because you picked me. Why else?” I looked at him as though he were daft, and we laughed together as I guided him toward the stairs. I’d had a very busy day and was thrilled he was home. “Ella is out for the evening.” She’d met a young man in her dance class, Friedrich, and they’d been dating a week or so. “I told her she had to be back by midnight.”
Dieter chuckled. “What did she say to that?”
“She agreed. We worked it out together.” Ella had been feeling her oats a little lately. She was blossoming into a beautiful, graceful young woman, and apparently was quite popular in her classes, with the other girls and with the boys. “He’s taking her dancing. So you and I have the house all to ourselves tonight.” The dowager suite had needed more work than expected, so Ella was living in the main house until the work could be completed.
“But we’re going out…,” Dieter said. “Remember?”
I closed my eyes and groaned. I had forgotten the party. It was one of those nobility things. “Do we have to?” They were usually so stuffy and boring.
“Yes. I agreed to come, and there will be people there you know. I promise.” Dieter took me by the hand and led me upstairs.
I wondered if I could develop a bad case of the flu in the next five minutes. Dieter turned to me at the door to our room, and I knew he could tell what I was thinking.
AN HOUR later, both of us were in tuxedos, Dieter looking totally edible in his sparkly regalia. We left the house, and he drove us to one of the grand homes in Munich in his Mercedes. We got out and joined the crowd of people milling about the glittering space. Thankfully they didn’t do one of those announcement things. I’d been to parties like that, and in my opinion, they were in the extremely stuffy, extra boring category.
I immediately saw Marcus. I’d met him at other gatherings with Dieter and we’d hit it off really well. He came over, and we talked art while Dieter worked the room.
“Are you working on anything right now?” Marcus asked. “You know I’ll sit for you any time.” He was such a flirt.
“I have the only model I want.” I smiled and turned to see Dieter speaking with an older lady dripping with jewels. She leaned in, and Dieter chuckled, saying something back. I really needed to paint him just like that. Well, in that pose anyway. The expression would be more intense… definitely more intense and passionate.
“Earth to Florian,” Marcus said, and I blushed, dammit. “Naughty thoughts—any you want to share?” He laughed, and I hit him with a “stop being mean” gaze, which he ignored.
The music started in the next room, the sweet tones of the small orchestra drifting in. One of the ladies approached Marcus. She batted her eyes at him, and he flirted back. Soon they walked off toward the music, and I finished the last of my white wine.
“Liebling,” Dieter said gently, materializing at my arm. “Shall we?” He took my glass, set it aside, and led me toward the other room. Couples
danced and whirled on the floor. Sometimes I thought these parties were stuck in the nineteenth century. It was hilarious, but that notion lasted about two seconds as Dieter took my hand, guided me out onto the floor, and stepped us into the flow of the music.
My dancing had improved with practice, but then, I had the best teacher. I now knew how to move with the music and him as easily as he’d shown me how to open my heart and let myself love and be loved.
“That’s it,” he encouraged as he changed direction. “I love how you look at me when we do this. I could quite literally dance all night.”
“I have something else in mind for all night.” I smiled as Dieter misstepped for a second and then held me tighter. I barely noticed the other couples around us, and I never did when we danced. I only saw him, the man I loved with all my heart.
More from Andrew Grey
A Tale from St. Giles
The suspicious death of Dante Bartholomew’s wife changed him, especially in the eyes of the residents of St. Giles. They no longer see a successful businessman… only a monster they believe was involved. Dante’s horrific reputation eclipses the truth to the point that he sees no choice but to isolate himself and his heart.
The plan backfires when he meets counselor Beau Clarity and the children he works with. Beau and the kids see beyond the beastly reputation to the beautiful soul inside Dante, and Dante’s cold heart begins to thaw as they slip past his defenses. The warmth and hope Beau brings to Dante’s life help him see his entire existence—his trials and sorrows—in a brighter light.
But Dante’s secrets could rip happiness from their grasp… especially since someone isn’t above hurting those Dante has grown to love in order to bring him down.
When Broadway actor Jonah receives word that his uncle has passed away and named him the heir to a property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jonah’s plan is to settle the estate as quickly as possible and return to his life in New York City. Much to Jonah’s surprise, the inheritance includes the Ashford Cemetery—and its hunky groundskeeper, recent Bosnian immigrant Luka Pavelka.
Jonah soon discovers Luka is more than easy on the eyes. He sees into Jonah’s heart like no man ever before, and his job at the cemetery is all he has. If Jonah sells, Luka is left with nothing. Luka is there for Jonah when Jonah needs someone most, and there’s no denying the chemistry and connection between them. But Jonah has a successful career back in New York. Now he must decide if it’s still the life he wants….
A Carlisle Deputies Novel
Jordan Erichsohn suspects something is rotten about his boss, Judge Crawford. Unfortunately he has nowhere to turn and doubts anyone will believe his claims—least of all the handsome deputy, Pierre Ravelle, who has been assigned to protect the judge after he received threatening letters. The judge has a long reach, and if he finds out Jordan’s turned on him, he might impede Jordan adopting his son, Jeremiah.
When Jordan can no longer stay silent, he gathers his courage and tells Pierre what he knows. To his surprise and relief, Pierre believes him, and Jordan finds an ally… and maybe more. Pierre vows to do what it takes to protect Jordan and Jeremiah and see justice done. He’s willing to fight for the man he’s growing to love and the family he’s starting to think of as his own. But Crawford is a powerful and dangerous enemy, and he’s not above ripping apart everything Jordan and Pierre are trying to build in order to save himself….
Love’s Charter: Book One
It could be the catch of a lifetime.
William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.
Mike started his Apalachicola charter fishing service as a way to care for his daughter and mother, putting their safety and security ahead of the needs of his own heart. Denying his attraction becomes harder with each of William’s visits.
William and Mike’s latest fishing excursion starts with a beautiful day, but a hurricane’s erratic course changes everything, stranding William. As the wind and rain rage outside, the passion the two men have been trying to resist for years crashes over them. In the storm’s wake, it leaves both men yearning to prolong what they have found. But real life pulls William back to his obligations. Can they find a way to reduce the distance between them and discover a place where their souls can meet? The journey will require rough sailing, but the bright future at the end might be worth the choppy seas.
A Hearts Entwined Novel
As a stunningly attractive man and the owner of a successful chain of auto repair garages, Trevor is used to attention, adoration, and getting what he wants. What he wants tends to be passionate, no-strings-attached flings with men he meets in clubs. He doesn’t expect anything different when he sets his sights on James. Imagine his surprise when the charm that normally brings men to their knees fails to impress. Trevor will need to drop the routine and connect with James on a meaningful level. He starts by offering to take James home instead of James riding home with his intoxicated friend.
For James, losing his sight at a young age meant limited opportunities for social interaction. Spending most of his time working at a school for the blind has left him unfamiliar with Trevor’s world, but James has fought hard for his independence, and he knows what he wants. Right now, that means stepping outside his comfort zone and into Trevor’s heart.
Trevor is also open to exploring real love and commitment for a change, but before he can be the man James needs him to be, he’ll have to deal with the pain of his past.
Readers love Taming the Beast by Andrew Grey
“I have no hesitation in recommending Taming the Beast to everyone who enjoys reading m/m romance stories.”
—Love Bytes
“This was such an incredible read… I cannot wait to see what Andrew Grey will come up with next.”
—Gay Book Reviews
“I have always liked the way Andrew Grey writes. He has a way of writing a gentle story that has a powerful message.”
—Open Skye Book Reviews
ANDREW GREY grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and now works full-time on his writing. Andrew received the RWA Centennial Award in 2017. His hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving husband. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.andrewgreybooks.com
By Andrew Grey
Accompanied by a Waltz
All for You
Between Loathing and Love
Buried Passions
Chasing the Dream
Crossing Divides
Dominant Chord
Dutch Treat
Eastern Cowboy
In Search of a Story
Noble Intentions
North to the Future
One Good Deed
Path Not Taken
The Playmaker
Running to You
Saving Faithless Creek
Shared Revelations
Three Fates (Multiple Author Anthology)
To Have, Hold, and Let Go
Turning the Page
Whipped Cream
ART
Legal Artistry • Artistic Appeal
Artistic Pursuits • Legal Tender
BOTTLED UP
The Best Revenge • Bottled Up
Uncorked • An Unexpected Vintage
BRONCO’S BOYS
Inside Out • Ups
ide Down
Backward • Round and Round
THE BULLRIDERS
A Wild Ride • A Daring Ride • A Courageous Ride
BY FIRE
Redemption by Fire • Strengthened by Fire
Burnished by Fire • Heat Under Fire
CARLISLE COPS
Fire and Water • Fire and Ice • Fire and Rain
Fire and Snow • Fire and Hail • Fire and Fog
CARLISLE DEPUTIES
Fire and Flint
CHEMISTRY
Organic Chemistry • Biochemistry • Electrochemistry
Chemistry (Print Only Anthology)
DREAMSPUN DESIRES
#4 – The Lone Rancher
#28 – Poppy’s Secret
#60 – The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
EYES OF LOVE
Eyes Only for Me • Eyes Only for You
FOREVER YOURS
Can’t Live Without You • Never Let You Go
GOOD FIGHT
The Good Fight • The Fight Within
The Fight for Identity • Takoda and Horse
HEARTS ENTWINED
Heart Unseen • Heart Unheard
HOLIDAY STORIES
Copping a Sweetest Day Feel • Cruise for Christmas • A Lion in Tails
Mariah the Christmas Moose • A Present in Swaddling Clothes
Simple Gifts • Snowbound in Nowhere • Stardust
