by Kristy Gibs
Over my dead body...
“Ash, want to pair up with me?” I blurted out, and he gave me a knowing smirk. Yes, I was jealous, and he knew it.
Jax burst out laughing. I never thought I would become that girl.
“Yes, I would.”
“Guess that leaves me and the blond?” Jax groaned, and I giggled. Jax got up, walked over to her, and sat down after he asked if she wanted to be his partner. She looked disappointed at first but smiled and said yes. They were the only other single people here.
“Okay, ladies, please put on the blindfolds,” the sommelier instructed.
I lifted the black cloth and tied it around my head, instantly turning everything black. As soon as it was on, I felt Ash place a hand on my thigh and squeeze it. It made me jump a little bit; I wasn’t expecting it, and I wasn’t expecting the heat that shot through my body at his touch. Thoughts of him touching other parts of my body came to mind.
We took turns tasting wines and sampling different breads, oils, and cheeses; each team had a paper, and we had to guess what type of wine we were drinking as well as the food that was paired with it. It ended up being a lot of fun, and we laughed a lot. Because we were so busy trying to keep up with the sommelier, we didn’t have much time to talk about anything but what we were doing. Things felt almost normal with him, and it gave me hope that maybe, like Jax promised, everything would be okay.
Once the tasting was over, although not very late, almost everyone decided to call it a night. Some made plans to meet back up later for a drink, but my plans consisted of sitting on my balcony with a glass of wine, maybe drawing or reading a book, and then checking out the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.
After saying goodbye to the group, I walked to my room. Once inside, I hit up the mini-fridge for the complimentary bottle of wine, opened it, and poured myself a healthy glass before stepping out into the cool air. It was getting dark out; the moon was just starting to illuminate the vineyard. I was still buzzed from the wine tasting and happy Ash and I seemed to be on our way to making amends.
Taking in a deep breath, I couldn’t help but think about how much I loved it here. Not just at the vineyard, which was beautiful, but in Italy. Going over everything that happened the last few months, being here was really making me rethink waiting a year to decide if I wanted to come back permanently. I loved my job, but being here in Italy, was the only time I felt content.
Accept the short time I was with Ash, I thought. There were plenty of galleries here. Here, I was far away from everything. Drinking down the rest of my wine, I heard a rustle come from within the vineyard.
Animal, I thought.
I opened up the book I brought. I had just made it through the first chapter when I heard a noise. Looking out again, I saw something in the distance; it was so dark I couldn’t really make out what it was. Maybe it was the animal I heard rustling around before? As the figure got closer, I panicked. It wasn’t a something—it was a someone.
What the fuck?
I jumped up from my seat with all intention of running into my room, locking the balcony door, and calling security when I heard my name.
“Ella?”
Ashton? I walked over to the ledge and peered down. “What are you doing?”
He held up my phone before he reached up and started to climb the vines below the balcony.
“What does it look like I am doing?” he said as he climbed the wall. “Giving you back your phone.”
He was crazy. “I do have a door, Ash.”
“What's the fun in that?”
“You are going to get hurt!” I said, and he looked up to me and smiled. I stepped back as he grabbed onto the railing and swung himself over.
Ashton was on my balcony. He just scaled the building to get to me.
He walked up to me, grabbing my face in his hands.
“Gabriella...”
My heart raced. I looked into his molasses-colored eyes, and I could see they held hope and maybe something else... love?
“Ashton”
He ran his thumb over my lips before he spoke. “Everything was a huge mistake. It’s not what you think. I need you to let me explain, but first... I have to do this.” He dipped his head and crashed his lips on mine.
I stiffened at first, but it was only a moment before I fisted his shirt and pulled him closer. He tasted of wine and honey. Having a mind of their own, my hips began to grind up against him, and I moaned at the friction. Being like this with him felt right. Despite it all, this is what I wanted.
He pulled away, and I let out a groan. We both were breathing heavy; he looked down at me.
“I think I'm in love with you, and I want to give us a shot— a real shot— Ella.”
Did he just say what I think he said? Dumbfounded, I just gazed at him. I loved him too; I confessed it the night I talked with Jax, but I was having a hard time believing this was happening. Not only was I in Italy, under the stars, with Ashton confessing his feelings for me, but my dream came true. All those years, I fantasized about my prince coming to my balcony at my house and confessing his love. He did that; Ash was my prince.
“I am pretty sure I love you too...” I confessed.
He kissed me again, sealing our fate. He pulled away once more, spun me around, and wrapped his arms around me. We stood, silently staring at the dark sky that was twinkling above.
“I did not sleep with that bartender, Ella. You have to believe me.”
My body tensed up, and I moved away from him.
“Please, sit down. We really need to talk.” As much as I didn’t want to know anything about him and the bartender, if what he said was true, that he loved me and we were going to give this a shot, we couldn’t have any secrets.
“Okay.” I nervously began to play with the necklace that hung around my neck, waiting for him to explain.
“Preston paid the bartender off to tell you she slept with me.” It took a moment for the words to sink in.
“He did what?” I jumped up from my chair. “That mother….” I was ready to run off and confront him, but Ash caught me.
“Jax and I already took care of it. Let me finish.” I eased out of Ash’s arms and back to my seat. “I think I should start at the beginning…” I was shocked to learn the lengths that Preston went through to get revenge on Ash for something that was irrelevant. Bringing me into his drama stung. Despite what happened between us, he used me as a pawn. A pawn that ended up leaving me crushed these past few weeks. He didn’t once consider my feelings during his quest, and for that, I am not sure I will ever forgive him.
“I just can’t believe he would do such a thing. Why wouldn’t he just talk to you or his father?”
“I have no idea. I am so sorry you got caught up in my family bullshit, and it took this long to figure it out. I knew you would have never left with another guy.”
“Left with a guy?” There is and will never be another guy.
“Oh, yeah, that is what the bartender told me when I was looking for you and Lucy.”
I thought only stuff like this happened in movies, but I guess I was wrong.
“I am so sorry I didn’t just confront you about it. I let her get in my head; she was so convincing.” Ash moved closer to me and kneeled down, so we were at eye level.
“I would never do anything like that, Ella. I’m in, all the way, if you are. As far as I am concerned, you’re my girlfriend.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. Girlfriend sounded so silly when you got to a certain age. “I like the sound of that.”
He leaned in and kissed me before pulling away slightly. “Just one more thing.”
I craned my neck to look at him.
“Please, don’t flirt with anyone in front of me again. I almost lost it.” I chuckled, knowing he was jealous. “I don’t want to waste another second being here and not being with you,” he said seriously.
“Same goes for you... I saw how Mia’s friend was looking at you.” He stood and pul
led me up with him.
“You are the only one I want, Gabriella. I have never wanted anyone the way I want you.” He grabbed my hand and walked me into my room toward the bed.
Oh, my God. Was this really going to happen? I was nervous and excited at the same time.
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Ella,” he whispered before he trailed his hands up my arms.
“I want to do it all, Ash. I have wanted to for so long,” I replied.
28
Ash
Spending the night with Ella was even better than I imagined. I worshipped every inch of her last night, just like I told her she needed to be treated.
“Morning, beautiful.” I pulled her closer as she tossed her leg over mine.
“Morning.” She yawned as she stretched. Her body had to be sore. Even I was feeling a bit stiff.
“So, last night...” I felt her go rigid in my arms.
“Relax…” I brushed a piece of hair away from her face. “I meant every word I said. I am in love with you, Ella, and last night sealed it. You are mine? Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, I want to be yours.” She rolled on top of me and showed me just how much she wanted to be mine.
We walked into breakfast together, late. A few eyes looked our way, but they could draw their own conclusions. I saw Gabriella’s mom smiling over at us.
I led her to the far end of the room and returned to the table we sat at the day before with Jax, who looked at us with a smirk on his face.
“I wondered where you were, Ash...” he said.
“Yeah...” I couldn’t look my best friend in the eye, knowing I spent the night devouring his sister’s body.
“I don’t want to know. I really don’t want to know,” he said, dramatically covering his ears, which made us both laugh.
“Now you know how it feels,” Ella teased.
Jax tossed his napkin at Ella. “Seriously though, you two good?”
I squeezed her hand.
“Yeah, we are good,” she said as I put my arm around her.
“Thank fuck,” Jax said. “I didn’t think I could deal with both of your mopey asses much longer.”
“I was not mopey!” I shouted.
“Oh, you were definitely mopey. If I had to listen to you go on and on about how fucked up everything was any longer...”
“Okay fine, maybe a bit.” I squeezed her shoulder.
The waiter from the day before walked up. “Sei, bellissima.”
I didn’t like this guy. I pulled Ella closer to me, and the waiter went wide-eyed.
“Oh, ugh, can I get you both a drink?” he asked nervously.
“Yes, please. Coffee and a mimosa for me,” Ella ordered before turning to me and rolling her eyes when she noticed the stare-down I gave the waiter.
“Same.”
“Breakfast is a buffet. Help yourselves.” The waiter eagerly stepped away.
“Well, caveman...” she joked, and Jax burst out laughing.
“I told you yesterday. I almost killed him for flirting with you. I needed him to know you were mine.”
“Dude, did you see the Ashton Martin parked outside. I can’t wait to drive that one.” I looked over to Ella, who was smiling.
“I am going to me Ella’s family. I won’t be joining you on the exotic car excursion.”
“Oh, bummer, but that’s cool. Dad said they are great people.” If they were anything like Ella, I had no doubt they would be incredible.
“Ash, if you want to go with Jax, I’m totally fine with that.” I saw a hint of disappointment in her eye. If I really wanted to, I could go with the guys, but I want to be with Ella. Removing my arm from behind her chair, I took her hand in mine and brought it to my lips. “Wherever you are is where I want to be.”
“Gross. Get a room, please,” Jax said, pulling me from Ella.
After finishing our breakfast, we walked over to Ella’s mom and stepdad to say goodbye.
“Hey Mom, we’re going to Zia Bianca’s.”
Mia snapped her head in my direction.
“Oh, honey, that’s wonderful. Ash, you will love Bianca; she is the sweetest woman. I wish we could come too,” she added.
Mia folded her arms. “Ash, I thought you were joining the guys for the exotic car ride today?”
“Change of plans.” I let go of Ella’s hand and put my arm around her, pulling her in close. “Meeting Ella’s family is important.”
“I see. Well, I do hope it’s enjoyable...” Mia added, but everyone knew she didn’t mean it.
“Time for us to go,” Ella said before she hugged her mom. “See you tonight.”
We turned to walk away, and I heard Mia say, “Unbelievable. She does realize that it’s my wedding, doesn’t she?”
Ella stopped, and she wanted to say something, but I squeezed her hand, hoping she realized it wasn’t worth it.
“Mia, give it a rest. Her family lives not far from here. If my family was here, I would see them too,” Preston said to her, and I saw Ella crack a small smile. Although I was still pissed at Preston, this was now the second time he defended Ella to Mia, and I respected that.
With a little tug, we walked into the warm Tuscan sun.
29
Ella
It was a little before eleven when we pulled up to the large farmhouse. I was so excited I jumped out of the car.
My aunt yelled out the window, “Nipote!” Niece.
“Zia.” I spun around to face her.
With his hands in his pockets, Ash stood, a grin plastered on his face.
“Come on,” I called to him and grabbed his hand. We walked through a door that led straight into her kitchen. At seeing her, I released Ash’s hand and ran into my aunt’s arms. It had only been a few months since I was here, but it felt like so long ago. My aunt was in her late seventies.
“Chi è questo bel ragazzo?”she asked who the handsome guy was in Italian, causing me to blush.
“Il mio ragazzo, Ashton.” I introduced him as my boyfriend, hoping he didn’t mind the title. We didn’t really put a label on us, but it seemed appropriate after his confession.
I faced Ashton and held my hand out for him to come over. “Ashton... this is Zia Bianca.”
He held his hand out. “Zia, this is Ashton.”
“Hello, Ashton,” she said through her thick accent.
“It’s a pleasure. Your home is lovely.”
“Oh, this boy is a charmer, Ella.”
“You have no idea,” I said before wrapping an arm around him.
“You speak Italian?” he asked, looking surprised.
“A little here, a little there,” I responded, winking at him.
“So full of surprises,” he added before kissing my head.
We sat with my Zia while she got to know Ashton; she asked him a million questions, even including his intentions with me, which had me laughing. He took her questions like a champ. I couldn’t stop smiling. I loved having him here with me. This place was so special to me, and I was glad to share it with him.
“Zia, I am going to show him around the farm.”
She practically pushed us out the door telling us to be back in an hour for lunch.
Once outside, I grabbed Ash's hand. “Come on, I want to show you something.” We walked down a set of cobblestone stairs leading to a clearing. “This way.” I pointed to a hill. “Up there.” We walked hand in hand.
“This is spectacular,” Ash said the minute we were at the top of the hill. The land spread for acres. There was a small bench that I walked toward and sat down on.
“This is my favorite spot. It’s just so peaceful,” I told him. “I used to sit here, right on this bench with my dad when I was little.” My eyes watered as I thought of my dad. I normally didn’t get upset when I thought about him, but I wished he were here. I wished he could see me and meet Ash.
Pulling me close, Ash kissed me on the side of the head. “I can see why you love it here so
much. I have been to Italy before, but here—it's something else.” The sun shone, and as we sat at the far end of my family's property, we looked around the open fields that surrounded us.
“It was here I developed my love for art. Every summer, my dad would take me here to visit, and we would go ito Florence. All of it fascinated me – the museums, the galleries, the architecture— it was all so beautiful to me.” I felt Ash’s eyes on me. “Some of my best memories are here.” With my dad, I thought. And now with Ash.
After sitting for a while, we walked back toward the house. I showed him the large garden. It held every vegetable imaginable.
“I know this isn’t glamourous or anything, but it’s home for me,” I said to him as we walked back toward the house.
“This is way better than anything in California.”
We walked back into the house to a full kitchen table. There was antipasto, soup, and what I assumed to be her infamous Pollo alla Potentina.
Ash leaned in. “Does she cook like this always?”
“Yes... Normally, there are more people. Zio is out of town, and my cousins are all working, or they would be here. I wish you were able to meet them too.”
“I guess we just have to come back again soon so I can,” he suggested
“I guess so.” My heart swelled at the thought of him wanting to come back again with me. We had only been here for a few hours, but this was so far from his reality in California. We were in a house that had clay floors, and the kitchen was ancient.
“What you wait for? Mangia!” my Zia announced.
I was sad when our afternoon was coming to an end. I didn't want to leave. My Zia wasn’t getting any younger, and I always feared whenever I left, it would be the last time I would see her.
“Ti amo, Zia,” I said, hugging my aunt.
“Ti amo, Ella.” She pulled away from me and turned to Ash.
“Take care of my girl,” she told Ashton, who smiled at her before taking her hand again.
“I promise,” he said.
I was quiet most of the ride back. Other than my mom and Connor, none of my other friends or family visited my relatives with me. Lucy always planned to come one day, but it never happened.