Excerpt of Hearts in the Vortex by Amber Polo

“On Equinox Eve,

Darkness threatens Light;

Summon Moon Power

Upon Red Rock Rise.

Love Triumphs Time!”

That night, as instructed, Rebecca waited on the bench closest to the creek, curious to meet the man with the great voice and beautiful handwriting. Unfortunately, that particular bench was the only one beyond the reach of the hotel security lighting. She felt strange sitting in the dark in her black business suit…

Above the burble of water over river stones, Rebecca heard noises from the hotel kitchen. She turned and in the dim light watched a man approach. She sat straighter and was about to stand to greet him when she recognized the wine steward carrying a tray.

“Miss Dumaurier. A gentleman requested this for you,” he said with a formal bow.

“What gentleman?”

He said, ‘If the lady asks, tell her an admirer.'” The waiter placed a delicate crystal wine glass and linen napkin on the small wooden table next to the bench, announcing, “Champagne, 1988 Krug Clos du Mesnil. Our finest,” then turned and retreated up the path.

Rebecca lifted the wafer-thin tulip glass to her nose and inhaled the distinctive smell of the legendary wine, allowing its bubbles to tickle her nose, and sipped. This was a business meeting, yet she couldn’t deny herself a taste of the most expensive champagne ever imported. “Excellent,” she whispered.

“I am so happy that you like it,” said a deep, very male, voice behind her.