“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.
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 the 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