“Are you ready to go?” Stefano sent her a direct look that said he wanted to escape honeymoon central.
“Yes, I am. Just let me grab my bag.”
“I’ve got it.” Stefano gripped the handle.
Jules turned back to Lizzie, who had an expectant look on her face. “We’ll talk later. I’m so happy for you. And don’t worry about a thing. I promise we’ll plan the best wedding. Ever.”
Lizzie’s worried expression eased. “Thank you. You’re the best.”
“I’ll remember that you said that.” Jules smiled, so happy to see her sister again. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
* * *
What in the world had he been thinking?
Stefano shook his head. Obviously he hadn’t been thinking, at least not clearly. What he knew about playing host wouldn’t even fill up his mother’s thimble—a memento that his father kept on his dresser. And what Stefano knew about making women happy was practically nonexistent. His wife could attest to that—if she were still alive. Guilt weighed heavy on his shoulders.
It was just one more reason that taking Jules home with him wasn’t a good idea. Because once you got past all the makeup and distinctive clothes, there was something special about Jules—something that intrigued him. And that was definitely not a good thing.
But he couldn’t just leave her stranded there with those two. His brother could barely keep his hands off Lizzie. Not that he could blame him.
But there was no way anyone could convince Stefano to stay in that apartment—no matter how spacious it was. There was only so much of that mushy stuff that one could handle. Regardless of his hesitation, Jules didn’t deserve to play the third wheel.
“Thank you.”
Her voice startled him out of his thoughts. “What?”
“Thank you for helping me out back there. I don’t think I could have stood to watch them much longer. Did you ever see such a happy couple?”
He shook his head. At last, they had something in common. “They certainly have it bad for each other.”
“You noticed that, too?”
He nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. “What do you think about their rush to say I do?”
“I was beginning to think that Lizzie was never going to settle down with a family of her own, especially after—well, anyway, it’s full steam ahead.”
After what? He wanted to ask, but he didn’t. He just hoped that Dante knew what Jules was referring to. He wasn’t crazy about the rushed engagement and even less so about the hurried wedding. He wished Dante would take his time and give the whole marriage idea more thought.
Perhaps now Stefano wasn’t the only one with reservations. He’d noticed the brief frown that had crossed Jules’s face back at the love nest when she thought no one was looking. Maybe she’d had a change of heart about this whirlwind romance.
Could it be he had an ally—someone who thought the happy couple should slow down and see reason? Sure, the television people were anxious for the wedding. The only thing that mattered to them was their ratings. But marriage was about so much more than a popularity contest. It was a lifelong commitment—one that could have devastating consequences if you weren’t careful.
He cleared his throat. “That sure was a surprise about them pushing the wedding up so far. It’s only a matter of weeks away. I wonder if they’re doing the right thing.”
He took his focus off the road for a moment and glanced over to find Jules studying him suspiciously. Definitely not a good sign. It would seem that he’d read her reactions all wrong.
“What are you worried about?” she asked. “Don’t you like Lizzie? Don’t you think she’s good enough for your brother?”
“Whoa! Slow down. That isn’t what I meant.” Why in the world had he even opened his mouth? He should have just left well enough alone.
He kept glancing between Jules and the road. She crossed her arms and arched a brow at him. She was waiting for an explanation, and he didn’t know exactly what to say. He didn’t want to open his mouth and insert his freshly polished dress shoe. But she didn’t look as though she was about to let him off the proverbial hook anytime soon.
He sighed. “What I meant was that if it’s real between them, there’s no need to rush—no matter what the television studio says. They can take their time—”
“That’s not the real truth, is it?” When he didn’t have an immediate denial, Jules barreled on. “The truth is you know about Lizzie’s past and you don’t think that she’s good enough to marry into the DeFiore family.”
“That’s not true.” He wished that was the case. If his disapproval was the only obstacle Dante and Lizzie had to face, their future would be paved in rose petals. But the truth was he thought they made a great couple—a couple totally in love with each other. The problem with love was that it was blind and deaf to the truth. And sooner or later, devastation would plan a sneak attack—it always did. But how did he explain any of that to Jules? Unless you had lived through it—twice in his case—you just couldn’t truly understand.
Marriage to a DeFiore ended with dire consequences.
“Then what is it?” Jules continued to stare at him. “Why are you against this wedding?”
“I’m not. At least not as far as them being together.”
“But...”
He couldn’t do it.
Telling Jules the whole truth wasn’t an option. He couldn’t pry open that door to his past—to relive the pain. And though he barely knew her, he couldn’t stand the thought of Jules turning those luminous green eyes on him in judgment, followed by condemnation. Gianna’s family still looked at him that way. He’d finally accepted that they’d always blame him.
Pain and worry drowned out his common sense, and he spoke from his tattered heart. “I don’t think they know each other well enough yet. Heck, even when you’ve known someone for years, there’s still so much adjustment you have to make.”
“You sound as though you know this firsthand.”
He shrugged off her comment.
There he’d gone and done it. He’d cracked open the door to his past. And now he just hoped he could get it closed again before too many memories leaked out. The painful image of his wife’s mangled car being towed away had him gripping the steering wheel tighter.
He choked down the jagged lump in his throat. “The point is that I like Lizzie. I think she’s great.”
“You do?” There was a note of surprise mingled with happiness in Jules’s voice. “Really?”
He nodded and then switched on the turn signal as they neared the entrance to the vineyard. “I just don’t want them to rush things and then find out later that they made a mistake.”
“Is that what you think they’re doing? Making a mistake?”
He shrugged again. “I think love is a two-edged sword. And if you aren’t careful, you’ll get cut.”
He didn’t look at her this time, but he could feel her steady gaze on him. He wasn’t going any further with this conversation. He didn’t owe her any other explanations. None whatsoever.
CHAPTER FOUR
HONESTY RANG OUT in Stefano’s voice.
But could Jules believe her ears?
Did he truly like her sister? Or was he just telling her what he thought she wanted to hear? Jules wanted to believe him. Truly she did. But there was something more to his hesitation than the wedding being bumped up. And that made her intensely curious.
“Here we are.” Stefano’s deep voice with its heavy accent drew her out of her thoughts.
With the setting sun at her back, Jules stared out over the vast sloping green fields. It was the most gorgeous evening she’d ever seen. Brilliant pinks and purples painted the sky, while the symmetrical rows of bountiful grapevines were shadowed against t
he horizon. It was a little piece of heaven on earth.
“You live here?”
“The DeFiore family has lived here for generations.”
He turned the car down a small lane. Off to the side sat a painted wooden sign. Gold letters on a deep purple background spelled out DEFIORE WINERY. It was very stylish. Something told her this villa was going to be more impressive than she’d been imagining. Already the landscape had an essence of romance and blissful happiness written all over it.
What exactly had she gotten herself into by agreeing to stay here?
A sexy Italian by her side, the poshest car she’d ever ridden in and the most magnificent countryside added up to trouble. She was certain of it.
Then again, why fight it? Why not enjoy it? This was her treat for working so hard to graduate with high honors from college. Granted she’d been a couple of years older than her classmates, a result of enrolling late because of a financial hardship. But none of that meant the classes had been any easier for her.
“Here we are.” Stefano slowed the car to a stop outside a sprawling villa. “I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”
“I...I’m certain I will be.”
She gazed up at the sprawling three-story villa. This was more like a colorful mansion than a cozy country home. She caught herself gaping and pressed her lips together. Bright blue shutters adorned each window and door. The color contrasted well with the sunny yellow walls and the red tile roof. Someone sure appreciated vibrant colors. And she couldn’t blame them. It made a happy, welcoming statement.
The various balconies beckoned to her. Was it possible that her room would have one? She hoped so. She envisioned strolling out there to enjoy her morning coffee. Wow. People really lived like this?
She couldn’t help but glance around looking for someone with a video camera. But there was no one in sight. Somehow it was hard to imagine that this villa was someone’s home and not a prop on a television show about the rich and famous. And Stefano could easily fit the part of a sexy movie star who set women’s heart’s racing—except hers. She was immune to his charms.
Stefano opened the car door for her, and she stepped out. “This place is amazing.”
“Thank you.”
“It’ll be the perfect backdrop for the wedding.” She glanced around, searching for the ideal spot for Lizzie and Dante to say their vows.
“You’re thinking of having the ceremony outside?”
A gentle breeze tickled her skin. “Of course. With such a beautiful setting, it’s not even worth considering any other place.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what do you know about planning a wedding? Are you—I mean, have you been married?”
She laughed. She couldn’t help it. The thought of her making such a commitment was akin to asking her if she could sprout wings and fly. Sure, she hoped that Lizzie would live happily ever after, but, as for herself, she didn’t believe in putting her future in someone else’s hands.
“I’m a confirmed bachelorette.”
His dark brows lifted. “Really?”
“Don’t look so shocked. Men don’t have the market cornered on staying single.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I just never met a woman that didn’t believe in roses, platitudes and promises of forever.”
“Well, now you have.”
“So I have.”
Though she’d never admit it, standing here in this little piece of heaven on earth with a man whose thoughts extended beyond his zipper, she could at last understand why some women went the romantic forever route. She turned, and their gazes connected. She should glance away, but she didn’t want to. Not yet. Her stomach quivered. She’d never experienced such a sensation around a man. What was it about him that had her body betraying her?
Whatever it was, she’d have to be careful around him. No way was she going to fall for some unrealistic fantasy. She knew for a fact that the people you were supposed to trust the most were the first to let you down—the first to inflict pain. Her father had done it first. And then her mother had let her down in the worst way.
Jules refused to let herself get close enough to a man for him to hurt her.
* * *
The following morning, Stefano found himself lingering in the updated kitchen longer than necessary. Instead of his normal one cup of caffè, he’d just finished his second when he turned to refill his cup and found the pot empty.
Oh, this was ridiculous. He was stalling, and by the look on Maria’s face, their cook/housekeeper knew it, too. Thankfully she didn’t say a word about his beautiful houseguest. Maria turned her back to him and set about making a fresh pot.
He carried his empty cup to the sink.
Maria tilted her head to look at him. “If you wait, you can have more caffè.”
“No, thanks.” He forced a smile before gazing out the window at the brilliant morning sunshine casting a golden glow over the ordered rows of grapevines. “I’m just tired today. I was up late last night catching up on some paperwork for the winery. Harvest time will be here soon. We need to be prepared.”
Maria’s dark head nodded before she moved to the fridge. Just great. Now he was talking like a blathering fool. He shouldn’t be standing around—waiting for Jules. She’d be fine on her own. He’d shown her all around the villa yesterday.
The less he thought about the woman who wore far too much makeup, the better. His work was waiting for him, and it wasn’t getting done standing here.
“Thanks for breakfast.”
“Don’t worry so much. Everything will work out.”
Before he could ask what she meant, he heard footsteps. He turned to find Jules standing there in black shorts and a sheer long-sleeved black top. But what sent his heart slamming into his ribs was the black bra that was visible beneath her top. Wait. It was more than a bra, but not much more. There was a strip of stomach visible, and the spaghetti straps left her arms bare beneath the sheer top.
His first instinct was to get her one of his long-sleeved shirts to put on. What if one of the workmen saw her like this? His gut knotted up. Then again, why should he care what clothes she wore? Or who looked at her? But he couldn’t shrug off the unsettling feeling of protectiveness. He didn’t want other men ogling her.
The thought brought him up short. He couldn’t be jealous. That was ridiculous. He had no claim on her. Nor would he. She could traipse around in her birthday suit and it’d mean nothing to him.
So then why was the sight of her in that sexy little outfit warming his blood? His jaw tightened, and his body tensed. It’d be best if he thought of something else—and quick.
“Good morning.” She smiled as though she didn’t have a care in the world. “I didn’t mean to sleep in so late. I guess all of the traveling is catching up with me.”
Stefano’s mouth went dry, and his mind went blank. He should say something. Yet his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. He was staring. And he couldn’t tear his gaze from her.
Maria stepped between them and offered Jules breakfast—a hearty one. As Jules dug in, the fact that the slip of a woman had such a hearty appetite didn’t escape his attention. When her eyes met his there was a twinkle of amusement in them.
He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did. I opened the window and a cool breeze put me straight to sleep.”
He sure hadn’t slept well—not at all. Thoughts of the little butterfly tattoo had fluttered through his mind. His attention strayed to her chest, but the material obscured his view. Just as well. He was better off not thinking of it at all.
Work. Concentrate on today’s tasks.
“I’m heading out to the fields.”
Jules’s eyes lit up. “Are you going to pick grapes? It looks like s
uch fun on television.”
He chuckled. It was refreshing having someone around who didn’t think she was an expert when it came to the vines. “No. It’s not that time of the year. But at harvest time, you’re welcome to come back and join us.”
“Thanks.” The enthusiasm in her voice made him smile. “I just might take you up on the offer. But is it hard to learn?”
“No. Anyone can do it. I’m sure you’ll take right to it.”
Her lips pursed together. “I’ll definitely keep it in mind. Thank you for the invite.”
He mentally kicked himself for extending such a ridiculous invitation. Like she was going to fly all the way back to Italy to pick grapes. Yeah, right. But what if she did? Hope ballooned in his chest, and he immediately squelched it.
“If you aren’t picking grapes, what do you do?”
“There’s always something that needs tending. Right now, I’m going to thin the shoots.”
“Interesting.” Her brows scrunched together. “Sorry. I don’t know much about making wine. Actually I don’t know anything at all about it except how to drink it.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to offer to show her the basics, but spending time with her wasn’t a good idea. Besides, she was only feigning interest in the grapes to be nice. After all, why would this city girl be interested in a bunch of plants? He assured himself that she had plenty of wedding stuff to keep her occupied.
His grandfather shuffled into the kitchen using a walker to assist him. Ever since Nonno had a stroke, forcing him to hand over the reins of Ristorante Massimo to Dante, he’d been living at the villa. Nonno was his mother’s father and the only grandfather Stefano had even known. He loved him dearly and was so relieved to find that Nonno was starting to pull himself out of that dark place he’d briefly visited after being forced into retirement.
Stefano spoke up. “Nonno, this is Jules, Lizzie’s sister. She got in last night. Jules, this is my grandfather, Massimo.”
Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set Page 40