Free The Invitation by Scarlett Sanderson

Chapter One
     
    Standing on the steps, Evie stared up at the gothic manor house. The stone structure loomed over her like a towering god. Lights blazed from every window, casting eerie shadows on the crisp snow blanketing the vast expanse of lawn. Christmas garlands of holly and ivy hung from the archways. Strains of moody classical music wafted from brightly lit rooms. People in decadent clothing milled around inside.
    She clutched the golden invitation and once again read the masculine script.
    Miss Evelyn Ward,
    Everything you can imagine is real.
    Forever yours,
    G.
    The “G” belonged to Gabriel Longthorn. Ruthless businessman. Heir to the Longthorn fortune. The most eligible bachelor in America since John F. Kennedy Jr. Recluse. Star of her deepest fantasies and inspiration for all the erotic heroes she wrote about in her novels.
    The invitation had been hand delivered earlier in the day by a stern aide. His thinning gray hair and pinched face made him appear severe. At first she had felt intimidated by him. Why was Gabriel Longthorn sending an aide to her door? Panic fluttered in her gut until he handed her the invite.
    Accompanying the invitation was a majestic black medieval gown, tapered at the waist with a long, flowing skirt. Down the center ran a wine-colored velvet panel. She’d never seen anything so exquisite.
    A beautifully painted fae mask completed the package.
    “My duty is finished, ma’am. I will be back later. Eight thirty, precisely, to drive you to Longthorn,” the aide had said.
    Now here she was, staring up at the towering beauty of Longthorn manor. Her feet wouldn’t move. Fear and trepidation danced in her stomach. Why couldn’t she walk up to the door?
    Her overanalytical mind kicked into gear. You’re afraid.
    Of course she was afraid. As a powerful man, Gabriel could easily find out her dirty little secret and crush her. He could sue her for defamation of character. If he’d read her books, he would know who provided the inspiration.
    She gathered her strength.
    Courage, Evie. If this were a novel what would the heroine do?
    She picked up her skirt and strode toward the opulent mahogany doors. Two ushers dressed as seventeenth-century footmen flanked the entrance. They bowed as she entered.
    Evie blushed and fumbled with her invitation. “Do you need this?” She wasn’t used to this kind of service. It made her a little twitchy.
    A footman met her gaze. “Thank you. Mr. Longthorn is in the throne room, madam. That would be to your left, through the ballroom.”
    She nodded a gesture of thanks and moved into the house. As she glanced around, she recognized a string of senators, socialites and Hollywood starlets. The Longthorn Christmas Ball was notorious. It provided a chance to mingle with the reclusive Gabriel. Only the richest and brightest society stars were invited. It was so exclusive he never asked the same people twice.
    It was during one of these Christmas balls that Evie had first caught a glimpse of the handsome businessman. She’d hidden in the trees as a child one Christmas Eve. He’d taken her breath away. Every Christmas until she was eighteen, she sneaked up to the house to catch a glimpse of him.
    Now she was here. Inside the house. No longer on the outside looking in.
    Large trees sparkled in gold and red. Garlands hung from portraits that adorned the walls. The air smelled of cinnamon and something hot, spicy.
    Sensory overload.
    Evie filed every tiny detail in her imagination. This would make a great setting for a novel. A gothic manor. A gorgeous rake. Maybe a Victorian setting.
    “Champagne, ma’am?”
    She lifted a glass from the waiter’s tray. “Thank you.”
    The bubbles burst on her tongue as she savored her very first taste of expensive alcohol. She almost moaned with pleasure. The bottle must have cost a small fortune. Probably more than her monthly rent.
    Her stomach lurched. She didn’t belong here. This wasn’t her world. It was a fairytale.