Private Finished Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth

Zora was actually so touched by Stefan's words that she did not actually know what to say... It was true though - all of it, but that humility had come at a very high cost... and she had strived hard, especially since the vicious attack on her business and the suicide of her lover to change... to refocus her energies on those around her and change not only how she did business, but also what she valued.

Of course, it had not been easy, and much of it was due to the support of her family, son, and her bodyguard and personal assistant, Felen... whose elven heritage had shown her how to reclaim her roots and move forward again.

"You know, you are the kindest, most supportive and, most amazing boyfriend ever. You often know just what to say or do to make me feel better," Zora said as she put down her fork for a moment and gazed at him softly and adoringly, trying hard not to become emotional as she did so.

"I mean... it doesn't hurt that you have the body of a god and are great in the sack," she quipped suddenly flashing him a mischievous grin.

Taking a bite of her slice of Tres Leches cake, Zora sighed appreciatively. It was rich, creamy, and very delicious.

"It's been hinted at that Ms. Dubé has been quietly signing artists to her label. She's supposedly been handpicking those she considers to have star quality," Zora said as she glanced over at Stefan and smiled.

"But those are just the rumours.. who knows, maybe the truth is that she is just as captivated by you as I am," she remarked teasingly as she took another bite of her cake.

"Silver-tongued devil..." Zora stated as she gently chided Stefan. Once again she was left semi-speechless by his words. "I seriously doubt that I have you wrapped around my finger."

"In fact, I'd say my fingers are pretty bare at the moment... Do you happen to see anybody wrapped them?" she teased as she held up her one hand for him to examine, fingers slightly splayed apart.

Before she could even react Stefan had interlocked his fingers between hers. Therefore making it seem like she had him locked or wrapped around her fingers.

"I am pretty darn sure that might be cheating, you know," Zora pointed out as she closed her fingers around his and grinned. She really did enjoy his playful antics and attempts to make her laugh or smile.

"But then again, all's fair in love and war, I suppose?" she remarked jokingly as she moved to the end of the booth, got up, turned her body slightly, and slid herself onto the seat beside him - all without letting go of his hand.

"There... that's much better," she declared as she leaned over and placed a kiss on Stefan's cheek.

"By the way, I received an invitation to the grand opening of "Immortal Brews 'n Spirits" by one of our newest clients. I was wondering if you'd like to be my plus one?" Zora asked Stefan as she slid her piece of cake over to where she was now sitting.

"It's not too fancy. I believe the invitation said semi-formal.. which is basically anything but jeans, shorts, and t-shirts," she said.

"But, yes, it is indeed a fancy brewery,... they make ales and stouts and then distill the beers into whiskey and gin," Zora explained as she broke a corner off her Tres Leches cake with her fork and then pierced it with the tines.

"From what I have read of their business plan, I think it's a fascinating concept that's actually centuries old," she said, smiling when Stefan teased her about being swept away by some other blue-eyed smooth mover.

"You need not worry about me being swept off my feet by anyone else...you've got me wrapped around your finger, remember?" she teased, deliberately turning things around as she gently nudged him back.