by Jan Moran
Vincenzo
Upon entering the sitting room, Vincenzo moved to Alicia’s mother and shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Contrino.” He then shook Mr. Contrino’s hand and nodded to Alicia. “I’m so sorry for holding up dinner, but a three-car accident on the freeway created a huge bottleneck.”
“I hope no one was seriously hurt.” He appreciated Mrs. Contrino’s concern.
Mina waltzed in. Her expression went from defiant to surprise as her gaze rested on him. He couldn’t help but grin at the teen who so openly showed interest in him.
“Hello, Mina.”
From the corner of his eye, he spied Alicia straightening in her chair. “You two know each other?”
Mina cocked her head toward her sister, giving her an enchanting smile. “We met at Jess’s.”
Alicia leaned forward, giving him a disapproving glare. “How do you know Jessica?”
“She’s my cousin.” Under her fierce scrutiny, guilt almost prevented him from admitting the truth. She’s jealous. She’s still into me. Thank God she doesn’t know why I’m working for her grandfather.
Before he had a chance to sit down, Mr. Contrino stood. “Let’s go eat before dinner gets cold.” He offered his daughter-in-law his arm, and Vincenzo, without hesitation, offered his arm to Alicia.
Mina’s eyes narrowed when she stood.
As soon as Alicia’s slender hand rested on his arm, his heart jolted. I’ll win you back.
“Mr. French, we’ll start dinner with the first bottle. I’ve lined them up in the order I want you to serve them.” Mr. Contrino spoke with kindness.
Mr. French bowed his head then opened the first of several bottles resting on the buffet. Moving to stand next to Mr. Contrino, he handed him the cork. The old man smelled it, the corners of his mouth curling upward, and passed it to his granddaughter who sat at his left. “What do you think, my dear?”
Alicia sniffed then rolled the moist cork between her fingers and nodded to her grandfather.
“Is it true if the cork is drenched, it’s a sign air entered the bottle, and the wine could be a bit spoiled?” Vincenzo opened the white napkin, laying it on his lap.
“It is.” With a smirk and a nod, Mr. Contrino urged Mr. French to pour some wine into Alicia’s glass.
Alicia swirled the wine to air it then sipped. “Nonno, I’m glad you chose a Merlot-Syrah. It’s one of my favorite blends. I love the fruity aroma coming through.” She raised the glass to the light. “It’s not a bright red, pretty muted I’d say.” Glancing at her grandfather, she said, “The wine has aged well.”
The old man smiled. “My granddaughter approves. Mr. French, you may serve the wine with the antipasto.”
During the meal, Vincenzo spied both sisters glancing his way. He understood why Mina did, but Alicia’s gaze made his pulse jump.
Sitting across from her made it difficult for him not to stare. He tried to concentrate on Mr. Contrino, still discussing wines with his daughter-in-law, who sat at the other end of the table.
While the butler served Mahi Mahi in a lemon-garlic sauce with steamed vegetables, Mr. Contrino said, “Mr. French, it’s time for the white wine.”
This time, Mr. French approached the table holding a bottle wrapped in a starched napkin. After uncorking the bottle, he gave the cork to Alicia, who rolled it between her fingers.
“This is a newer wine.”
Mr. French poured some in a clean glass.
She swirled it once, inhaled the aroma, and took a sip. “It’s a full-bodied Chardonnay with a buttery pear taste.”
“Can you approximate the year?” Mr. Contrino leaned forward, gazing at his granddaughter.
“With no sign of aging, I mean no golden tint, I would guess two to three years old.”
Mr. Contrino nodded, and Mr. French served the wine.
Vincenzo leaned to his right and whispered to Mina. “Is dinner always a fanfare of wine?”
She leaned close to his ear. “For the most part. But sometimes he’ll open only two bottles.” She raised her hand to her lips as giggles poured out.
When he straightened, Alicia’s gaze rested on him, a hawk studying its prey, ready to strike. Though he understood the distrust in her expression, it bothered him. The more time he spent around her the more he wanted her again. Had he permanently screwed things up with her in college?
After dinner, the three women walked out of the room. Mr. Contrino stood and moved toward the door. “Come on, Vincenzo. Time for a Cuban cigar.”
Chapter 6
Alicia
Almost ready to start the working day at the vineyard, Alicia paused as Vincenzo’s dark eyes came into her mind, soft and questioning. Although Vincenzo spent time teaching her how to keep the books, he always had a million questions about the vineyard and its components. Somehow, the way he asked wasn’t to satisfy his curiosity. The questions had a purpose, and when he asked, the hairs on the nape of her neck would prickle, bringing on chills. The man was not aboveboard. He hid the real reason for working at the vineyard, and she would discover the secret. If his intentions were to hurt him, the way he’d hurt her, she would bring him down, she would…. Hell, I need to think straight if he’s out to hurt my family. Yet, with all her suspicions about the man, she kept thinking about how well their bodies fit together, every lick, every touch, every thrust. She shook her head. Stop being so superficial. Vincenzo is a jackass.
Stepping off the grand staircase into the foyer, she stopped cold in her tracks at the sight of Vincenzo talking with her granddad.
“Ah, my dear, you’re here!” He moved toward her and embraced her.
Alicia planted a kiss on his smooth-shaven cheek. “What’s he doing here?” she whispered in his ear.
“Be nice. He’s a very inquisitive young man—”
“He is supposed to be doing the books, not gallivanting through your vineyard, learning all your wine secrets. Nonno, something just isn’t right with him. I don’t trust him.”
“Good. Never trust outsiders. So, if you suspect treachery, don’t give me empty words. Bring me proof, and I’ll take action.” He squeezed her shoulders and pulled her toward Vincenzo. “We’re about to head to the stables to ride through the vineyard. Hurry up and change so you can meet us there. I’ll have George saddle Devil for you.”
“Devil?” Vincenzo stared after her as she ran up the stairs.
“She raised a black stallion with a temper. So far, she’s the only one able to ride the devil.” He smirked.
“She has a way with animals?” Vincenzo glanced at her granddad.
From the top of the stairs, Alicia teased him, running the tip of her tongue across her top lip. “Would you like to try riding Devil?” She smirked down at him.
Vincenzo shook his head. “No thank you. I don’t want to break any bones today.”
She laughed and strolled to her room where, after closing the door, she leaned on it. Distrust ran through her veins, drumming into her brain. The bookkeeping job was a cover for something else. But what? Nonno can’t be so gullible. He’s always one step ahead of his competition. Maybe it was all her imagination because of the past she and Vinnie shared, but she doubted it.
Dressed in her riding clothes, black and bottle green, she joined the men. A saddled Devil waited. When she mounted Devil, the stallion reared and Alicia laughed, hugging his neck once he settled down. “I love you, too.”
“Awesome greeting!” Laughter fringed Vincenzo’s voice though his eyes showed concern.
Mr. French rushed toward them. “Sir, you have a call from Italy.”
“I’ve been waiting for this call.” He dismounted. “Alicia, why don’t you take Vincenzo through some of the vineyards?”
She hoped her granddad realized her displeasure. He winked at her and strolled away with Mr. French. Not liking the situation, Alicia urged Devil into a gallop. Hooves close behind alerted her Vincenzo followed. Unable to lose him, she slowed to a canter, allowing him
beside her.
“So, what’s the interest in the fields?” Alicia stared ahead.
“This wasn’t my idea, but Mr. Contrino seems quite enthusiastic about having me tour the vineyard.”
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Why would she feel this way about the jerk she didn’t trust? The man who broke her heart? Squashing the feelings, she urged Devil into a gallop. Vincenzo remained close behind. If only someone, anyone, would call her cell, giving her an excuse to return to the house and shake him from her tail.
When she slowed her horse to a canter he caught up. “Alicia, I know I should’ve explained. Things got so complicated and, let’s face it, back in college I was an idiot. Can we make the present situation work?”
“What makes you think that’s even a possibility?” She couldn’t bring herself to look at him for fear her insides would summersault again. I can’t be attracted to him. I hate him.
Chapter 7
Vincenzo
Anger flared on Alicia’s beautiful features and Vincenzo couldn’t blame her. It was his fault. But now that he’d seen her again, could he repair the damage?
As bad as you want her, if she ever finds out why you’re working for her grandfather….
Maybe if she got to know me again….
Yeah, right. Your funeral.
She took off at a gallop again. He urged his horse to follow. When she slowed to a canter, he brought his horse next to hers. The flush on her cheeks made her more beautiful.
“We’ve been galloping through many sections of the vineyard, have they all been white grapes?” He hoped talking about the vineyard would keep her from charging off again.
“Yes, this section is all white grapes.” She waved her arm. “Over to the right is where the red grapes grow.”
“Did your grandfather start the vineyard?”
Alicia slowed Devil to a walk. “No, it was his grandfather who did.” Her shoulders relaxed, and the corners of her mouth turned upward as she spoke. “He came from Italy to start his own vineyard after working and learning all about winemaking for, maybe, ten years. It was his dream to have his own vineyard.”
“You’ll be taking over the business from your grandfather?”
“Yes. I love everything wine and want to keep my great-great-grandfather’s legacy going, especially knowing how much my grandfather loves this vineyard.”
Vincenzo patted his mare’s neck. “Will you be making any major changes?” The excitement coursing through his body became almost intolerable. He wanted to reach over, pick her up, sit her on his horse in front of him, and gallop through the fields.
A soft breeze accompanied them on their return. Silence settled between them a few yards from the stables. A young man met them and took the horses.
“It’s lunch time. Would you care to eat with us?”
A great invitation to spend more time with her. But did she do it out of duty or out of genuine interest? “Thank you. I would love to share lunch with your wonderful family.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes while one hand tightened into a fist. Shit! Her mixed-up signals are too damn confusing.
Mr. Contrino met them in the foyer. “Has my granddaughter invited you for lunch?”
“Yes, sir.”
The old man smirked, a sparkle in his eyes. “I’ll have Mr. French show you to a room so you can freshen up after the dusty ride through the vines.”
Vincenzo had begun to like this family who showed true interest in him and treated him with respect and consideration. How could he betray their kindness and do his father’s bidding? Shaking his head, he followed Mr. French up the circular staircase and into a large guest room.
“The bathroom is through the door, and you’ll find clean clothes in the closet.” The butler stepped out, closing the door behind him.
What? Clean clothes? How the hell do they know my size? Curious, he opened the closet door, revealing a large walk-in equipped with all types of men’s clothing of all sizes. Well, shit!
He jumped into the shower to cool down, not only his dusty body but also his raging boner. Watching Alicia ride that stallion, her hips undulating in the saddle, her breasts bouncing— His dick throbbed, and he stroked himself, images of Alicia filling his mind.
Alicia’s wet fingertips ran along his spine as the pulsing waters massaged the base of his head and neck. He turned, encircling her in his embrace. Her arms wrapped around his neck pulling him toward her. His lips locked onto hers, exploring. As his manhood stood fully ready, he lifted her in his arms, leaning her shoulders against the wall. When he filled her with his manhood, she moaned, moving with his rhythm.
The last vestiges of release tapering off, he grabbed the bar of soap and washcloth and lathered his body.
Would he ever fill her sweet pussy again? Could he repair the damage he’d done by not explaining his reasons for disappearing?
And now, his father had bullied him into this position, to destroy the Contrino Vineyards and take them over. But why? Contrino Vineyards raked in a sizable profit. His father usually went after companies and corporations in financial trouble. So, why the change in tactics? He’d get to the bottom of it—without Alicia or her grandfather learning the truth.
Chapter 8
Alicia
A month later….
Once again, Alicia sat at the dinner table with Vincenzo sitting across from her. Nonno had made a habit of inviting him often on weekends. Only God knew why. Even before draining his cup of cappuccino, he stood and excused himself from the table. Mother glanced at him and, with a nod, joined him. Alicia stared after them as they walked out, whispering like two coconspirators. Why did her grandfather like Vincenzo so much?
Mina, with a grin, stood and wrapped her fingers around Vincenzo’s arm. “Come on. Let’s take a stroll through the garden.”
He glanced at Alicia with a sheepish grin, seeming uncomfortable. I can’t let Mina get involved with an unfaithful ass like him.
Nonno stuck his head through the doorway. “Mina, your mother wants to see you.”
The smile faded from her face, and, like a wounded animal, she retreated, following him.
Relief filled her mind.
Alone with Vincenzo, Alicia fidgeted her heart accelerating. Dear God, how can I still have feelings for the man? He’s up to something, but I still haven’t been able to figure out what. When Vincenzo worked on the books, she was right beside him, making sure no funny business transpired. Maybe working so closely with him has clouded my judgment.
Yes. That and his amazing cologne. Deep-brown eyes. Big hands….
She shook her head. Snap out of it, Alicia. You’ve been abandoned to play hostess.
“Won’t you join me for a stroll in the gardens?” She sighed. “After a big dinner, exercise is a must.”
He stood and held her chair. “Sounds wonderful.”
She ambled to one of the French doors flanking the marble fireplace and, opening it, stepped out onto a large stone patio surrounded by brick columns. On top of each column sat an alabaster vase with different varieties of flowers. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure he followed.
He stepped to the banister tying the columns together and gazed out at the garden below. “I’ve been admiring your Italian garden for a while now. Who created the landscape?”
“Glad you like it. Nonno and I do a lot of the planting, but the actual design is my father’s.” She leaned her forearms on the stone rail.
“Your father must have been a very creative person.”
“Painting and landscaping were his favorite hobbies. He always said they released all his creative juices, bringing peace of mind and body.”
Vincenzo shifted closer, almost touching her body with his. Her heart missed a beat while hundreds of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She stepped away. Would his kisses transport her to a time where they were happy? She looked out over the gardens. Do I even want him to kiss me?
No. Yes.
I don’t know.
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His closeness fogged her mind while a shiver ran down her spine. Shaking herself out of this dangerous feeling, she descended the steps to the garden. How is this supposed to be a magical moment? Not the right man, nor the right time. Prince Charming shouldn’t be someone who breaks your heart.
Or someone you suspect of foul play.
She headed down a winding path under a tunnel of blooming wisteria, getting out of the heat of the setting sun.
He reached overhead and caressed a flower. “It takes a great deal of love to create such beauty.”
Damn if he doesn’t sound sincere. “You like flowers?”
“I like flower gardens and trees.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, shrugged a shoulder. “But most of the time when I’m outside, I’m running around chasing Olivia or she chases me.”
She faltered. “You’re married?”
“Nah. My ex-girlfriend took advantage of me while I was plastered. She got pregnant and decided to have an abortion. Thank God my parents helped me.”
She remembered how drunk he’d get at these parties. The reason I stopped going with you. “Why would she do such a thing?”
“She hated you.”
Exes can be such cunts. She sat on a stone bench under a weeping willow. “Does Olivia visit on weekends?”
“I have full custody.” The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of his child surprised her, mixing admiration with confusion and hate.
“How’s that?”
“Money talks. She gave me the child and disappeared from our lives. The mother wouldn’t even see the child when she popped out.” He sat next to her, gazing around. “Olivia has become my world….” He lowered his head. The man really cared about his daughter. Before he broke her heart, she’d thought him a decent human being. So why do I feel like he’s out to destroy Nonno?
He lifted his head, his deep-brown eyes meeting hers. The connection sent quivers through her body. I need to think straight for the sake of the winery. Tearing her gaze away, she stood, moved to a flowerbed, and picked a white daisy. “You really care about your little girl.”