Page 177 of Enthrall Shadows
I’d had Griffin take my dog home.
Dex Cole was incredibly spoiled. He’d literally been chauffeured home so he could enjoy playing in the yard.
With my head down, I continued to play around with the assortment of leaves, working hard to discover that elusive addition to what I’d presented to my father in Switzerland—something extra that would seal the flavor and make it a brand that would steal the show.
We were renowned for excellence, creating and selling the finest quality experience. We were also respected for our traditions. The head of the company had personally invented a unique flavor. No small issue to compete with a profound legacy of tea makers.
My mind drifted.
Letting go, becoming Zen, my subconscious led the way as if I were being guided by some unseen force, allowing my imagination to flow.
At the same time, my thoughts were elsewhere. Mia had given me some hope for my future yesterday when I’d visited her. But seriously, having not heard from Lotte, I wondered if I’d totally blown it.
We’d made precious memories together—the two of us sleeping inside the tent. That first time we’d made love beneath the stars.
I tried to recall when I’d last felt that relaxed.
That happy.
Guilt washed over me as I recalled her having to face that stranger in the preserve alone.
Afterwards, after my nightmare PTSD event, she’d again shown understanding. Her soothing words had calmed me, like the way she had given me water to quench my thirst, or handed me a chocolate bar to raise my blood sugar.
Her tenderness had lifted me out of hell.
A spark of creativity hit me as I was reflecting on those moments of serenity.
A brilliant idea flashed through my mind.
I pushed up and searched the stack of bottles containing samples of tea leaves in the endless jars along the wall.
Then I found it—chocolate shavings. I brought back the container and tipped a few into the teacup.
Tiny chocolate droplets melted within the hot brew, the resulting luxurious scent pleasing.
I lifted the China teacup to my mouth and took a sip.
Wow.
I felt a rush of endorphins at its remarkable taste.
This was it.
I scribbled the note to add to the list.
Glancing up, I stared dead ahead, startled.
I saw another blur of movement behind the glass lab door—the shape of a man.
A thousand thoughts flashed through my mind. How did he get by security?
Instinctively, I folded the piece of paper in half with my notes and tucked it into my jacket pocket.
The door opened.
Griffin stood there.
“Hey,” I said, faking a calm demeanor.
