Reviews For MASK OF THE MATADOR by Ann Cory

This sweet, contemporary novel is a realistic look into one woman’s growth from timid creature to a self-assured woman willing to take the risks necessary for a happy life.

Francesca Hayne
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Sample Chapter For MASK OF THE MATADOR by Ann Cory

Once the plane touched down, she let out a long, deep sigh. Heights had always been a problem for her, stemming back to the first grade when the bell rang and she was stuck at the top of the monkey bars. In an effort to not be late and suffer the dreaded stare of Mrs. Rake, she moved too quickly and fell, promptly breaking her right arm. Since then it had been a constant battle to try to keep her feet on the ground.

As the plane taxied along the runway, she gathered her sketching supplies together and stretched as far as the small space would allow. Her muscles ached from sitting hunched over the tray table, adding finishing touches to a new sketch. She pulled up the plastic window shade, and was met with a heavy dose of sunshine and clear blue skies. Catharine peered out and watched another plane’s luggage being loaded onto a trolley and hoped hers arrived in one piece.

At last the plane came to a stop and the mob of people made their way to the front. All she wanted was to feel the cement beneath her feet.

After grabbing her luggage and dodging the heavy stream of people greeting loved ones with roses and stuffed animals, she made her way outside. Immediately she was hit with new sights, sounds, and colorful flags. She was definitely not in America any longer.

Her friend, Sierra, waved at her from a beat-up old compact and quickly rushed over.

“Catharine, I’m so thrilled you’re here!” Her friend grabbed her in a quick bear hug.

“Here. Let me help you with your bags. How was the flight?”

“I couldn’t drink enough rum to ignore how high up we were flying.” She laughed and tousled her friend’s hair. “I still can’t believe I’m here!”

She looked around the crowded entrance of the airport, studying the numerous taxis and parked cars lined up with people coming and going. There was a fresh, citrus scent in the air, but she couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. This was going to take some getting used to, but she knew it was going to be a wonderful time. Spain was a far cry from her home in Arizona, but she’d been dying for a change of scenery. Now she had it.

“Wait until you see the villa my friend has for you to stay in.” Sierra talked animatedly while loading the luggage into the trunk, her hair swinging in the light, airy breeze. “You’re absolutely going to flip!”

“Trust me, if it’s bigger than a breadbox, I’m sure to get lost. My studio apartment has very little room with all of my artwork and easels thrown about. Two steps and I run into one thing or another.”

“Well, you could get lost in the villa for days. In fact, I say that from firsthand experience. Now get yourself in the car so I can take you there!”

With her head practically sticking out of the window, Catharine tried to catch a glimpse of as many sights as she could.

“Everything looks so festive. Seven days will never be enough time to see it all. I should have booked for longer. Now I’ll be kicking myself for not listening to you in the first place.”

“Then you’ll just have to hurry up and come back again in a few months. You’re here at the best time of the year, which was why I was so insistent you planned this trip early. Anyone who is anyone is here for the Feria de Abril.”

“I know my Spanish is a little rusty, but I gather the translation means a big festival in April.”

“See, you know the language already. You’ll fit right in. Besides, once you have enough tequila in your system, everything sounds like Spanish. It’s a fabulous weeklong celebration, and one of the most popular festivities in all of Spain. There will be tons of singing and dancing; you’ll probably get your first taste of flamenco music, which honestly will make you want to get up and dance. Just wait until you see all of the eccentric costumes! Of course, drinking is on the menu; just wait until you try the sherry wine, my personal favorite. What more could you ask for on a vacation?”

“I’m definitely going to spend a day or two at the festival, but my main reason for coming, other than seeing you, of course, is to check out all the history, architecture, and culture.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you’re into all that artsy stuff.” Sierra tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t and laughed in her signature high-pitched squeal.

Catharine reached over and gave her a subtle jab in the arm.

“I’ve spent so much time learning about the Native Americans in Arizona, I’ve forgotten my first love of the Spanish culture. I used to be into all that stuff and took three years of Spanish in school. You’d think I’d retained some of what I learned, but honestly, I didn’t.”

“I thought the same thing when I got here, but it’s easy to pick things up quickly.”

“Good. I’ve been in desperate need of new inspiration. I’ve brought my sketchbook, tons of pencils, and a camera. How’s that for being a tourist?”

“You have more than that, my dear. You forget, I helped carry your luggage. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were staying a month, if not more.”

“Okay, I’m overpacked. That’s nothing new. I couldn’t decide what to bring.”

“Other than jeans and a blouse, what do you ever wear?”

Catharine looked down at her classic-style jeans with a plain white shirt, and realized her fashion sense was plain. Her worst habit was finding something, and sticking to it for life.

“Okay, I admit I’m not very adventurous, but you’d be proud of me, I decided to be a little daring this time around. I brought a couple dresses, just in case we go fancy one night.”

Her friend flashed her a non-believing look.

“We will be fine dining, won’t we?”

Sierra frowned and checked the rear view mirror before changing lanes. “Bad news there.”

“What’s up?”

“Remember that play I was telling you about, where I spent the whole day trying to find the audition place, only to find the date had been changed to a week later?”

“Ah, yes, the one you described as Romeo and Juliet with a Spanish flair?”

“Yep, that’s the one. Good memory. Well, I got a call back on it yesterday and I went in for a second audition just last night.”

“And…”

“I got the lead role! I’ll be playing the part of Juliet, if you can believe it. I don’t have an ounce of romance in me, yet I’m going to be in this play. How strange is that?”

“I’m so happy for you! If you weren’t driving, I’d maul you with a hug right now!”

Her friend patted her on the arm. “I’ll accept that hug once we’re stopped. Besides, it’s all still sinking in. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited, and it’s like a dream come true, but with a twist.”

“How do you mean?”

“Duh. Of all the times to get a part in the play, it happens right when you get here. Almost all my time will be devoted to rehearsals of the play. My schedule was completely clear, until this morning when I got the official call.”

“It’s not a problem. I know if roles were reversed, I’d be feeling the same way. I’m thirty years old, and more than capable of taking care of myself for a week. Even in a foreign country.”

“Then you’re not disappointed in me? Because there’s still time to call them back and say no.”

“Are you kidding? Sierra, we’re best friends and I always want what’s best for you. Plus, I’ll want your autograph. You’re going to be rich and famous someday, and I can say I knew you when you were a starving actress just trying to land a fast food commercial.”

“Don’t remind me. I’m surprised I still bother with this business. Anyways, it’s your turn next, Miss Starving Artist.”

Catharine watched as Sierra pulled into an expansive driveway and turned off the car.

“Why are we stopping here?”

“May I introduce you to the villa of your dreams.”

“You’ve got to be joking. This is where I’m staying?”

Catharine pulled herself out of the car and leaned back against the door, taking in the size of the Spanish villa.

“It’s incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it before! This is the kind of place you expect royalty to vacation in when they have to get away from the castle, or something. I have this whole thing to myself for a week?”

“Yep. In fact, if you wanted to extend your stay, it wouldn’t be a problem. Dani won’t be back for another month or so and has complete trust in my judgment of others.”

Immediately, she felt a tinge of excitement, mixed with disbelief.

“This is much too fancy for me. What should I do in return, mop her floors and do her windows? I mean, your friend could have rented this out to someone and made extra money on the side. Is she normal?”

“She asked me to water the lawn once a week, pick up her mail, and keep an eye on the place. Otherwise, for Dani, it’s normal. There are six guest bedrooms, and you have your pick of any of them. I have a hunch which one you’ll take.”

“Any hints?”

“No hints. I’ll find out if I’m right soon enough. I know it’s been a few years, but I think I know my best friend well enough. Okay, give me a few minutes to dig out the key from my terror of a purse, and you can say hello to your home away from home.”

* * * *

While Sierra hunted down her keys, Catharine walked along the property, her eyes huge and ready to burst out of their sockets. It was just the kind of place she always envisioned owning once she was garnering a price of hundreds of thousands for each of her paintings.

The garden was professionally landscaped, with vibrant hues of flowers and plants lining the walkway. Mediterranean style palms and shrubs framed the property, giving it a very distinct look. Two marble fountains served as bookends between the large ivory doors. Inside the carport was a stunning little sports car in cherry red, a style she’d never seen before. It looked just right for a single person to drive. She couldn’t wait to see the inside of the house.

Her friend came running up, jingling a set of keys on the end of a rabbit’s foot key chain.

“That was scary. My purse is in serious need of cleaning. Okay, you’ve been blown away by the exterior, now it’s time to really lose it.”

With her trademark dramatic flair, Sierra unlocked the door and threw open the double doors. Catharine thought she’d pass out the moment she stepped onto the cream marble flooring.

“This is unbelievable!” She covered her face with her hands and peered through her fingertips. “I’m not going to want to touch a single thing around here.”

The entryway was like a portal into an endless array of majestic beauty. Everywhere she looked was a scene straight out of a museum. She followed her friend around the spacious villa, barely listening to the quick tour guide spiel. A million thoughts were running through her mind. She marveled at all the sculptures, paintings, and expensive décor. The Spanish style dining suite was tastefully done in ivory cream, and right off of it was a lounge suite with French doors that opened onto a main terrace. The dining table and chairs were in teak, with a drink trolley to add sophistication. Warm shades of terra cotta, smoke blue, sage green, gold dust, muted black, and ivory uplifted her spirits.

“Now, wait until you get a load of the upstairs.”

She followed Sierra up a wide staircase. Exquisite watercolor portraits hung on the wall depicting waterfalls and gardens.

“Dani’s room is way down the hallway over there, but otherwise, you have your pick of what you want, and each one has its own bathroom.”

Catharine poked her head inside one room after another until finally deciding on her favorite. The bedroom décor still kept the style of the rest of the house with its ivory carpeting and small splashes of color, but it seemed more romantic and mysterious to her.

A lush red curtain hung over a sliding glass door and gave the whole room a touch of spice.

She sighed. “This is the one.”

“I knew it.” Sierra threw her hands up in the air and laughed. “It is so you. I should have made a bet or something. Do I know you, or what? It’s the red curtain, isn’t it?”

Catharine nodded her head, eyes glazed in awe. “I think it changes the entire feel of the room. Without it, the ambience would be subdued, but there’s something about the red. It makes me feel adventurous.”

“I think so too. Now, that sliding door leads to the large pool, terrace and patio. If you’re impressed with this house, wait until you see the view that goes with it.”

As she followed her friend out and stepped onto the patio, Catharine felt the wind knocked out of her. A large oval swimming pool, with stunning green tile, looked deliciously inviting. Buying a swimsuit would have to be added to her agenda. Small fountains and shrubbery gave the patio a garden-like feel, without adding clutter.

She walked across the patio and gasped at the panoramic view.

“This is the most spectacular view I’ve ever seen! How am I supposed to figure out what I want to do while I’m here? I could just as easily spend all day by the pool, staring at this view, and pretending this is my house.” She felt like a little kid in a real-life version of Candy Land. “Dani must be obscenely rich or inherited a ton of money from a relative to afford a place like this!

“On the contrary, her fiancé at the time was building it for her as a wedding present, but at the last minute, he got cold feet and called off the whole thing. If you ask me, it was more about what his parents wanted than what was in his heart. Dani is a free spirit and rarely holds down a single job, which isn’t exactly marriage material around here with so many family traditions. Because he still loved her so much, he let her keep it, deciding it would be too painful for him to live in it without her. She was heartbroken for about a day, but once she fell in love with the house, I think she realized she got the better end of the deal.”

“That’s the strangest thing I’ve ever heard, but it makes for a great romantic story. A girl and the house she loved. I don’t suppose she’d give me his phone number?”

“Good luck. I’ve already tried.”

Catharine reached over and gave her a friend a big long hug, doing her best to keep from bursting into tears.

“Sorry. I meant to give you a hug earlier. I sort of got sidetracked with this house and forgot to congratulate my best friend. You’ll be the best Juliet that Spain has ever seen.”

“Thanks. Your support means the world to me. I’m thrilled you’re here, even though the circumstances have lessened our time together. I figured you’d want to take it easy the rest of the day, and acclimate to the time zone change. In case you didn’t hear, and yes, I saw your eyes all glazed over as I was showing you the house, my famous nacho dip and a few other scrumptious entrees are in the refrigerator for when you get hungry.”

“Sierra, you’re a total doll. You’ve thought of everything. It all sounds perfect to me. As excited as I am to be here, I didn’t sleep a wink on the plane and I’m starting to feel it.”

“No sweat. The car in the carport is yours to use if you’d like to. It’s rarely driven. The keys are in the ceramic bowl on the table by the doorway.”

“Okay, now I really have to meet this Dani. She seems like such a trusting soul. The house, a car, a pool, the view, I feel like I’ve stepped through a looking glass and entered a festive wonderland.”

“Nah, she’s a gypsy at heart who believes in sharing everything. If you’re not comfortable driving around here, which does take some know-how, then take a cab. Guillermo is her private cabbie and has instructions to put all mileage on her tab. His number is by the phone. I wouldn’t worry too much about her tab though, I think Guillermo is paid in other ways, if you know what I mean.”

Catharine snorted and quickly covered her face.

“Same old Cat, with her endearing snort,” Sierra joked.

“I hate it when that happens. It’s so embarrassing.”

“Okay, so tomorrow afternoon I’m a bit booked up with the auditions, but what do you say we hit the festival around dinner time, and party until we can’t stand up straight?”

“I think I’m up for that. Right now, I’m going to shower, unpack, and take a nice long rest.”

“Take it easy and we’ll catch up tomorrow night. I still can’t believe you’re here. Oh, also there are a ton of brochures, tickets, and maps in the lounge, just in case you can’t figure out what you want to do first. Have fun tomorrow, and tell me all about it at dinner.”

Catharine gave her friend another hug and walked her out to the car. She waved and waited until the rusty old car was out of sight.

Back inside, she ran through each room pinching her arm to be sure she was awake. This wasn’t the same Catharine she’d always been—shy, timid, simple, and devoted to routine. Now all of a sudden, she found herself in Seville, Spain in a grandiose villa, during one of the biggest festivals there was. In some ways, she was glad it would only be seven days, but another part of her knew it would be over much too fast.

She ran up the stairs and admired her bedroom again. As much as she wanted to unpack and get settled in, a shower was her first priority. The smell of plane and airports had seeped into her hair and she couldn’t stand it anymore.

In the enormous bathroom, the tile was done in a jewel-like mosaic, and the shower was clear glass with subtle etchings of swans on each side. Towels in sage-green hung from brass hooks, matching the rugs and toiletries. Warmth flooded in from the skylight and made her feel lazy.

She quickly threw off her clothes, and stood in front of the long oval mirror, looking herself over. Age had put a few more inches on her hips than she’d prefer, but otherwise, she was content with her looks. She wasn’t big on dieting, or exercise for that matter, but she still maintained a nicely proportioned size ten, and it suited her just fine.

After seeing the pool, it renewed her desire to swim, and planned to start up once she was back home. Eyeing her profile, she noticed a few wrinkles, but wasn’t too disturbed by their presence. Her skin was dusted in an all-over tan, thanks to the weather in Arizona. Her habit at home was to sit outside on her postage stamp balcony of her studio apartment drawing, and soaking in the sun.

While she let the water run in the shower for a few minutes, she loosely piled her chestnut colored hair on top of her head. Catharine peered closely into the mirror, posing like a supermodel.

“Prepare to be pampered.” She laughed at the echo her voice made.

Inside the shower, she let the mist of the water coat her from head to toe before lathering up with all the delicately scented body gels Dani had stocked it with. This was going to be a week to remember.

Shortly after stuffing herself full of Sierra’s delicious grub, she walked out on the patio and took in the breathtaking sights one more time. Her eyes felt heavy and she knew sleep was going to win out whether she wanted it or not. After closing the sliding glass door, she pulled back the ivory duvet and slipped her naked body between the softest sheets she’d ever felt. She was in paradise.

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