Chapter 7: A Whirlwind Flight to Napa

Liliana's POV

"What do you mean you two didn't kiss? Do you think he's gay? I've read about guys like this that date women as a cover."

"Aubrey, no. It wasn't that kind of a date. It was deeper. Bigger than a kiss. I can't explain it. It's just my heart hasn't stopped fluttering since being with him."

"Well, it all sounds odd. No kiss??"

"No kiss; however, he is flying me to Napa this evening on his private jet. Something about having to attend a meeting and then a gathering of some sort at a vineyard."

Aubrey's screams of utter incredulity reverberated off the apartment walls. Eventually, the two friends hung up with Aubrey saying she would be over once the baby woke from her nap.

Liliana then called the office and told her assistant to cancel all her appointments over the next two days.

"I knew it. The date went that well! Good for you. He just sounded like a real man. Not like those clowns you've gone out with before. I won't even ask; just do it all! Wait! Before I forget, that last will and testament meeting has been canceled until further notice."

Falling back onto the bed, Liliana spread her arms out and replayed every minute spent with Darick.

Liliana had barely stopped to breathe; she had talked so much. He listened attentively, asking questions occasionally. Mostly, coaxing her along to share all the details of her life. There had been talk about family, the friendship with Aubrey, and the aspirations for her career. In one single night, the man had cracked open emotions and thoughts she had held inside for years.

How was this be happening? The man could easily have any woman he wanted in the world. Why her? The thought churned in the pit of her stomach. Was this doomed to end in a river of regret for having ever gotten involved?

Jumping up, Liliana pushed aside the gloomy thoughts and began to gather the items needed for a weekend trip. A jumbled pile began to form in the center of the bed. Tossing a toothbrush and dental floss on top, the search began for her travel case. The last time the rolling bag had been used was for a business trip to New York.

Finding the bag in the front hall closet, Liliana wondered where the key to the lock had gone. Thumbing through a messy trinket drawer, she found a collection of keys in a lidded container. She dropped the contents and flipped through, picking out the suitcase's lock key. Next to it had been the set for the storage unit containing the remaining items from her parents.

Hearing the insistent knocking of her friend, Liliana moved to unlatch the door.

"I'm here! We have to make sure you have the perfect outfit for whatever arises in California. Oh my gosh, Liliana, I can hardly believe all this."

Aubrey placed the baby carrier looped over her arm down on the living room floor, moving into the apartment. Lifting her daughter out, she danced down the hall to the bedroom. Liliana looked at the storage key one last time before sliding the drawer shut.

"The items on the bed are as far as I've gotten on my packing."

* * *

Hours later, the two friends kissed goodbye as Liliana made her way to the private jet hangars at the airport. Sitting in a small reception area, Liliana waited for the plane's stewardess. Darick had assured her that she would not be late. She just had to call the jet's phone number and communicate with the crew.

"I'm going to be flying out earlier. They have pushed up a meeting which I need to attend. Enjoy your flight. Make sure you rest. The cuisine is quite good if you get hungry. I'll see you this evening. There is a party this evening being given by our host."

Trying not to let disappointment get the best of her mood, Liliana settled into a creamy leather recliner. She pulled out a magazine and thumbed through the pages, stopping on an article. 'Do Vampires REALLY exist? Leading experts put forth evidence.' Turning to the front cover, she saw it was an archaeology periodical.

"Ms. Farley. We will be taking off shortly. Please buckle your seatbelt. I'll be back to discuss our meal options today and offer you something to drink. Our flight will be a little under six hours. Also, Mr. Xander has left this for you to read at your leisure."

The flawlessly suited woman handed a small envelope to Liliana. There was nothing marked on the outside. Turning it over, she slid open the back and pulled out a single sheet of embossed linen paper. A modest 'DX' marked the sender's initials.

'Kindest Liliana-

Last night was one of the more memorable times I have had in a long time. You are a breath of fresh air into the life I am bound to. Delighted you agreed to come. Eager to show you some of my life.

D.'

Drawing the envelope close to her face, she inhaled the earthy scent of the man topped with citrus. She couldn't have imagined this days ago, and now she couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

* * *

The gentle shake by the stewardess woke Liliana. The plane had landed in California and would arrive at the gate within minutes.

"Please feel free to freshen up. There is a shower this way, and I'm sure it will have everything you need. A car is waiting to take you to Monsieur Sattui's when you are ready. The Castello di Amoroso estate and vineyard. There, Mr. Xander will be waiting. "

"Please, can you tell me what time it is?"

"Why yes. The time here is 9 p.m. You slept most of the time we were in the air."

Peering out the small window, Liliana saw a black and silver Bentley pulled up next to the plane. A man in a dark uniform stood by the driver's door in silent repose. Pointing outside with eyes wide, Liliana mouthed the words questioningly to the woman standing beside her.

"Is that for me?"

The woman smiled and nodded her head excitedly.

Feeling refreshed, Liliana emerged from the spacious bathroom and looked for the stewardess.

"You look stunning. That is a classic 1947 Christian Dior suit from the Corolle collection."

Liliana laughed in amazement.

"Yes. It is. I can't believe you know this. Darick Xander, along with his staff, continues to amaze me."

Moving closer, the woman picked up Liliana's hand and held it between hers.

"Mr. Xander is an unusual man. Most don't pass muster. He losses interest within seconds. Frankly,

he has never brought a woman aboard any of his planes or boats. Nor trains. I can only imagine that he has something extraordinary planned for you. We will see you on Sunday, Ms. Farley. You might return home dead tired; however, you are going to have a wonderful time."