Midnight in Monterra

by Caroline Mickelson

  "I've got an easy fix." Kat refilled her juice glass and filled one for Madison. "Let's eat first, because whatever you're cooking smells amazing. Then we can go over the recipes you've got there, and spend the afternoon shopping. I'll text Lemon and see if she can join us. Because if there's anything she loves to do, it's shop. Just say yes, it'll be fun."

  "Sounds perfect," Madison agreed. This way she could buy a dress for her date with Luis and one for tomorrow night's dinner at the palace. She was surprised that she suddenly cared so very much about what she would wear. Normally it was food, not clothes, that held her interest. This was just another sign that she needed to get back to business and get her mind off of Luis. "Come on, Kat. Grab a plate. Breakfast is served."

  ***

  "What are your thoughts on the subject, Your Royal Highness?"

  Luis stared at his tablet screen for a full ten seconds before he realized that the other members of the teleconference were awaiting his response. Which was a problem because he hadn't heard the question.

  To buy himself a moment to think, he took a sip of water and struggled to remember just where he had lost the trail of the conversation. They'd been discussing the legalities of opening distribution up to non-EU countries and the pricing considerations involved in such a move. He replaced the water glass on the tray and sighed. It was no use. He'd been thinking of Madison, and precious little else, all day.

  "Your Highness?"

  Luis shook his head. "I apologize that I'm unable to give an answer right this moment. I'd like to request that we adjourn the meeting so that I can prepare my position on this issue more thoroughly." After, of course, he remembered what the actual issue was.

  The exchange of questioning glances from his board of directors back in Santa Rosa didn't escape his notice. But there was nothing he could do about it. And it wasn't as if this happened often. Or ever. Everyone at that table usually had to work double time to keep up with him.

  With a promise to be in touch within four days, Luis signed out of the meeting. He wasn't overly concerned that he wouldn't be able to catch up. His assistant recorded all meetings so he'd be able to access the recordings and get right back on track. But just not today.

  He powered his tablet off and gathered up his materials. It was hard to believe that a week ago he'd been consumed with this new expansion plan. Santa Rosa Vineyards was his true passion in life and his ultimate goal was to have his family's wines on every table in Europe, east or west. But now his mind was elsewhere, tied up with thoughts of a certain blond Texas beauty.

  As soon as he stepped into the corridor, he saw Dante approaching.

  "Just the man I'm looking for," the Monterran prince said. "How was your meeting?"

  Luis shrugged. "Semi-productive, I guess you could say. Why were you looking for me?"

  Dante grinned. "Because it's your lucky day."

  "Judging by the look on your face, it looks like I should be worried. Are you going to offer to sell me a bridge somewhere?"

  Dante laughed. "No. But I do have an offer. Come out this evening with Lemon and me for a night on the town. Kat and Nico are coming."

  Luis shook his head. "Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not the fifth wheel type."

  "But I've got a date lined up for you." Dante fell into step beside him as they walked along the corridor, back toward the wing where his guest suite was located.

  "I'm not sure if I should be grateful or insulted. I don't need any help finding a date."

  "Is that a yes or no?" Dante demanded.

  "It's a 'no thank you'."

  His friend shook his head. "You want me to believe you're working all evening? Sorry, I don't buy it."

  "You don't?" It didn't sit well with Luis that he was so transparent.

  "Say what you will about spending the evening working, but I think your plans involve a lady." Dante shot a challenging look Luis' way. "Tell me I'm wrong."

  Luis opened his mouth but then shut it, unsure just how much to share with Dante. They'd been friends a long time, and he trusted Dante and his brothers implicitly. And, if the truth were told, he could use some advice or, at least, some reassurance. Something was different this time, something about his reaction to Madison. "You're not wrong. I have a date."

  "I knew it." Dante slapped him on the back. "Anyone I know?"

  By now they'd reached the main entryway to the heart of the palace. They stopped under a gold-framed painting of one of Dante's ancestors. "I'm not sure if you have. Her name is Madison, she's an American friend of Kat's."

  "The one working on the cookbook, right?"

  Luis nodded.

  "I've heard about the project, it sounds like it will be a great way to raise some funds. Nico is very enthusiastic about it, I know that much. So bring Madison along tonight, we'll show her a great time."

  "We already have plans. We're having dinner at the Royal Lodge. Madison's cooking for me."

  Dante didn't say a word. He didn't have to. His expression said it all.

  "What?" Luis protested. "She offered."

  "Are you kidding me?" Dante's gaze was incredulous. "She's probably not been out of the kitchen for more than a few hours at a time since she arrived here. You can't seriously believe that she wants to stay in and cook?"

  "When you put it like that, I guess not." But Luis had no interest in spending an evening with other couples, even if they were his friend. He didn't want an evening out, he wanted to be with Madison. Alone. He told Dante as much.

  His friend nodded his understanding. "I get it. But there's another option."

  "Such as?"

  Dante watched him for a full moment before answering. "Why don't you let me arrange the evening? I promise it will be quiet and intimate, nothing over the top." He held up his right hand. "On my honor."

  Luis hesitated. Maybe Dante was right. Madison had come all the way from Texas and she'd been so focused on her work that she hadn't had a chance to get out much. "Look, I'll give it to you straight. This woman matters to me. I don't want to mess this up." Was he crazy to even consider letting Dante help him? "What exactly do you have in mind?"

  Dante smiled. "Never mind about the details. I'll take care of everything. Just give me a couple of hours and I'll get you the particulars on what I've planned."

  "Remember that you promised nothing over the top, right?" Luis reminded him. "Just a quiet evening so that Madison and I can get to know each other?"

  Dante crossed his heart with his index finger. "Trust me. I know just what you need."

  Luis doubted that but he nodded his agreement. What he really needed was a chance for Madison to see that he was a normal guy that she could trust. Yes, he was a royal prince, but first and foremost he was a man. A man who was being given a second chance to make a good first impression. He couldn't afford to blow it.

  Chapter Six

  The aroma of tequila lime chicken filled the kitchen. Satisfied that dinner would be ready on time, Madison stirred the Mexican rice and checked the chilaquiles. Next she checked to be sure she had enough limes. She glanced at the kitchen table which she'd already set. Was it a horrible breach of royal etiquette to entertain a prince at the kitchen table? Probably. But when she'd gone to set the table in the larger dining room, it had just seemed too grandiose.

  A quick glance at the clock confirmed what she was afraid of, she'd spent too much time in the kitchen and not enough time getting ready. She checked the food one last time and ran up the stairs to her bedroom.

  The day's outing with Kat and Lemon had not only been fun, but she'd also been successful in finding a couple of dresses that she loved. Lemon had found the one she was going to wear tonight in a tiny boutique that she and Kat often frequented. At first, Madison had been doubtful that it would be flattering but once she'd tried it on, she'd been delighted with the fit.

  The dress was a dark plum color made of a luxurious shantung silk. It was a basic sheath design with a scooped neckline that was beaded. It hit right abo
ut her knee and was sleeveless. It was definitely a departure from the outfits she wore back in Texas, namely denim jeans and cotton blouses. But in this dress, she felt like a million dollars, and her friends had assured her that she was selling herself short with that assessment.

  In spite of her protests, Kat had absolutely insisted on buying her a lightweight silk wrap in a lighter shade. Not to be left out, Lemon insisted on purchasing a pair of shoes so elegant that Madison thought it was a shame they had to touch the ground.

  Both Kat and Lemon had wanted to stay while she did her hair and makeup but Madison had banished them. It was bad enough that she had to endure their good-natured teasing about her date, the last thing she needed was them hanging around to watch her get ready. Why she'd even told them in the first place, she wasn't sure. Well, that wasn't strictly true. With friends, old habits had a tendency to die hard. They'd always shared everything in college, so it had slipped out before she'd been able to catch herself.

  Hairbrush in hand, she paused and studied herself in the mirror. She frowned. Why hadn't Kat and Lemon told her anything about Luis? He was staying at the palace, wasn't he? Her mind raced back over the details of their conversation but her friends had done nothing more than exchange a cryptic look when she'd told them that she was cooking for Luis.

  Whatever she was going to learn about Luis should come from him anyway. She was curious. Curious and nervous to be alone with him, but excited as well. She set the brush down and sprayed a tiny bit of perfume on her wrists. She was just about ready to declare an end to primping when the front doorbell rang. She glanced in the mirror. It amazed her that she could look so calm on the outside when her heart was beating like a tribal drum on the inside.

  She took a deep, steadying breath just before she opened the front door. But it wasn't Luis who stood on the doorstep.

  A broad-shouldered man in a dark suit nodded. "Good evening, Miss Bishop. His Royal Highness has sent a car for you."

  His royal highness? Which one? "I'm afraid there must be a mix-up. I have plans this evening. My understanding was that King Dominic was expecting me at the palace tomorrow night for dinner, not tonight."

  The man's expression didn't change. "His Majesty is expecting you as a dinner guest tomorrow evening. However, I was referring to Prince Luis."

  "Oh." She didn't know what else to say as she scrambled to collect her scattered thoughts. She stepped back and held the door open. "Would you like to come in?"

  The chauffeur shook his head. "I'll wait for you by the car if that is acceptable." When she nodded, he turned on his heel and headed in the direction of the drive. Madison slowly closed the door.

  What on earth was going on? On one hand, it was obvious enough. She'd been summoned by Prince Luis. But what had happened to dinner plans with Luis, the man who had looked completely at home planting a rosebush as if he were a common gardener rather than a royal prince?

  Disappointment pierced her hopes for the evening she'd planned but she had to admit that she was curious as to what Luis had planned. Thus far she'd spent time with him when he was acting like a driver, and then again as the gardener. It was time she got acquainted with Luis the prince.

  Working swiftly, she transferred the food she'd prepared into the refrigerator, even taking the time to clear the sink and wipe down the counters. She'd never left any kitchen she worked in as anything less than spotless and she wasn't about to start now. Prince or no prince.

  Once everything was done, she collected her evening wrap and slipped on her already uncomfortable shoes. She turned out the kitchen lights and headed out of the Royal Lodge for just where she hadn't a clue. When she reached the car, she apologized to the driver for keeping him waiting. He politely assured her that she hadn't done so but he declined to answer her questions about where they were headed.

  Thwarted, Madison leaned back against the leather seat and watched as the car threaded its way through the village. It was twilight, and lights throughout the village were being turned on as if they were being lit by fairy dust. The effect was absolutely magical. And somewhere amidst the sparkling lights, Luis waited for her. Hopefully with an explanation as to what exactly was going on.

  ***

  Luis stood on the tarmac, only half listening to the pilot as he and the co-pilot reviewed their flight plans for the evening. His sole focus was on watching for the town car that Dante had assured him would bring Madison to him. He glanced down at his watch. It was rare for one of the palace drivers to be anything but punctual. Had Madison decided not to come? He shifted uneasily and straightened his tie.

  "Pardon me, Your Highness, but we'll need to contact the tower if we aren't able to begin our pre-flight check within five minutes." The pilot spoke in the well-modulated, deferential tone of voice that people often used with him. "May we have your permission to ask the tower for a later flight time?"

  Luis started to grant their request but then he caught sight of a black town car turning through the gate and onto the tarmac. He motioned toward the approaching vehicle. "It would appear that our wait is over." Although just whether his date would actually agree to his plans, no make that Dante's plans, was something he was less certain of.

  Once the car drew to a halt, Luis approached the rear passenger door. He signaled to the driver that he would open it.

  "Hello, Madison." He held out a hand to help her alight. Once she stood beside him, he smiled. "You look beautiful. Breathtaking actually."

  "Thank you."

  Her gaze was unwavering as she looked at him. Luis searched her eyes for a sign that she was angry with being summoned but if she was, she hid it well. What he did see was confusion. And this was something he could do something about.

  He gave her hand a small squeeze before letting it go. "Thank you for coming."

  "Where are we?" She looked around. "Please don't say 'the airport'. That much is obvious."

  He placed a gentle hand on her back and gestured to the private jet that Dante had arranged for him. "Will you join me for the evening?"

  He held his breath while he waited for her to answer. He couldn't honestly remember a time when he'd so badly wanted something. Someone. The indecision in her eyes was clear to see. "Please."

  She glanced at the plane. "Are we leaving Monterra?" she asked.

  "Does that influence your decision?"

  "I don't have my passport."

  He smiled, relieved that her objection was practical rather than personal. "That's been taken care of."

  Her eyes widened. "It has?"

  "One of the perks of my job, you could say." He glanced over to where the pilot stood patiently waiting and then back at her. "Madison, will you join me?"

  "Yes, on the condition that you tell me who you are. Who you really are."

  "Fair enough." Luis offered her his arm. "You've made me a happy man."

  "Well, you've made me a curious woman." She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. "I hope I don't regret this."

  "You won't. I promise." Luis escorted her to the plane and introduced her to the pilots. Once they were on board, he guided her toward two large leather seats that faced each other with only a small cocktail table between them. He ordered champagne from the flight attendant and watched as Madison settled into her seat. "Are you comfortable?"

  She smiled. "Trust me, this is more than comfortable enough for me."

  It wasn't long before they were airborne. Luis lifted his champagne glass. "To a fresh start."

  Madison raised an eyebrow. "To the truth."

  "Touché. To the truth." Luis took a sip of champagne and set his glass on the table. Madison looked so gorgeous that it was hard to take his eyes off of her. Dante had coached him to act as casual as possible and not to make his interest in her obvious. But he was failing miserably, and he wasn't sure he cared. He and Madison were alone together, she was giving him the opportunity to explain himself, for this he was grateful.

  Madison twirled her champagne flute abs
ently as she studied him. "Okay, spill."

  Luis' eyebrows rose. "Spill?"

  "Yes, you know, spill the details. It's an expression."

  He nodded. "Ah, yes, pardon me, I studied English in the United Kingdom. The only American expressions that I am familiar with are from movies." His eyes lingered on hers. "I don't know your last name or much about you, so why don't you tell me more about yourself?"

  Madison surprised him by laughing. "There's no way under the Texas sun that I'm going to start answering questions. Not when I have so many for you." She leaned forward. "Here's how this is going to work. I ask questions. You answer."

  His nod was courtly. "But of course. Ladies first."

  "Who are you? Really?"

  Chapter Seven

  He didn't immediately answer. His gaze was searching. "What is my title? Is that what you're asking?"

  She shrugged. "Start with what you think is most important."

  He leaned back in his chair. "I am Luis."

  That was telling. Here was an actual prince who didn't feel that his title or his place as a member of a royal family was the most important thing about himself. This was a story she wanted to hear. "That's it? Just plain Luis?"

  "By the technicality of my birth, I am Prince Jose Luis Sergio de Santa Rosa."

  Santa Rosa? Madison struggled to remember where she'd heard the name before. It was common enough a name in Texas. She knew of a street, an elementary school, and a housing development with that name. One of her favorites wines was from the Santa Rosa vineyards, and it was a European wine. Was there a connection? "You'll have to help me out there. Where is Santa Rosa?"

  "My country is nestled in the mountains between Spain and Portugal." His smile belied a genuine fondness for his homeland. "It is a small principality, quite small by American standards. Certainly not comparable to the great state of Texas, I'm sure. But we have a rich history and hundreds of years of tradition that continues to influence our lives even today."