Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set

by Michelle Douglas, Jessica Gilmore, Jennifer Faye

  Did she?

  “This isn’t for our wedding.” Stefano had to correct the woman since Jules didn’t seem the least bit interested in doing it. He couldn’t let the woman go on about them being such a great couple.

  Jules’s perfectly plucked brows drew together into a formidable line and her lush red lips pressed together as though she were holding back a heated reprimand. Let her fume. He’d merely corrected a glaring error. End of story.

  The saleswoman’s puzzled gaze moved from him to Jules. “I don’t understand.” The woman’s face took on a very serious expression. “These flowers you’ve picked out, if they aren’t for you two, who are they for?”

  Jules sent him a this-is-your-fault look. But he didn’t feel the least bit guilty. Why should he?

  She shifted her weight in those sky-high black-heeled boots that made her look as if she’d just stepped out of some rock-and-roll video. Not that he’d watched many. But he had seen a few in his time, and, well, she was definitely gorgeous enough to star in them if only she’d lighten up on the makeup so people could really see her. But right now there was no mistaking that she was upset. Not even that thick makeup could hide her frown lines.

  Jules clasped her hands together. “The thing is we’re picking out flowers for another couple.”

  “You’re what?” The saleswoman looked taken aback. “Where’s the bride?”

  “Working. She had an emergency come up and asked if we’d step in and help with the plans.”

  “Will she be in later to approve the order?”

  “I’m afraid not.” Jules clenched her hands together.

  “I don’t think we can take your order—”

  “But you must.” Jules’s voice cracked with emotion. “We’re running out of options. I promise everything will be to the bride’s liking.”

  The saleswoman shook her head. “We can’t do it.”

  “What’s the big deal?” Stefano came to Jules’s defense. “They’re flowers, for goodness’ sake. They all pretty much look the same except for the colors. And Jules showed you the color of the dresses. Now we’d like to buy some flowers.”

  “You might want to, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Listen, I just got burned on a really big order where the bride was too busy with her dress or some such thing to come in and approve what her mother picked out for the wedding. I’m still sorting out that mess.” She shook her head. “I’m not doing that again. Either the bride comes in or you’ll have to go elsewhere to buy your flowers.”

  The woman couldn’t be serious. He glanced at Jules, who looked upset. “Listen here, you can’t do that—”

  “What he meant to say is we understand. Thank you so much for your time.” She pulled on his arm to leave.

  He refused to be turned away. “I want to talk to the owner.”

  The saleswoman pressed her hands to her generous hips. “You’re speaking to her. And it’s time you left.”

  “Thanks again.” Jules tugged harder and finally he gave in, letting her lead him from the flower shop. He didn’t know why she was retreating. The woman was there to sell flowers and they were there to buy them, not cater to the woman’s wishes. This was ridiculous.

  Once outside and down the sidewalk a ways, Jules spun around and got in his face with her finger pointing at him. Her face was filled with color. Her eyes narrowed on him. This wasn’t going to be pretty. Not at all.

  “Do you know what you just did in there?” Her heated tone left no doubt about her agitation.

  “Yes, I corrected the woman. You let her think that we were a couple. I couldn’t let her think that.”

  “Why? Is it so awful to think that you and I might be involved?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to avoid the curious looks as people passed by. “Can we talk about this later? People are starting to stare.”

  “Let them. You owe me some answers.”

  “Fine. I don’t like to lie. And letting that woman believe we’re something we’re not was a lie.”

  Jules’s gaze narrowed even more. “And you are the pillar of honesty?”

  He lowered his head as memories of his not so distant past started to pound him. No, he wasn’t the pillar of anything. In fact, he was the exact opposite. If he’d been more of a proponent of the truth while he was married, he might still be married—well, he wouldn’t go that far. But Gianna would still be alive.

  He’d give anything to erase that awful night. Anything at all.

  “Lying only leads to regrets.” He looked at Jules. She didn’t seem as hostile now. In fact, the way she was gazing at him it was as if she was trying to read him. “What does any of this matter, anyway? They were just flowers. I’m sure there are lots of other shops that would be more than willing to take our business.”

  “Not if you keep shooting your mouth off like that. These people like to know that they are dealing with the person in charge—”

  “And that’s you—”

  “Not in this case. This is a wedding. The bride is always in charge. It’s her wedding. Her big day. The whole thing revolves around her. And these people have been down the aisle enough times to know how it works.”

  “So if that’s the case, why’s Lizzie dumping it all in your lap instead of delaying the wedding?”

  “Because she trusts me. We’re the only family each other has. We know each other better than anyone in the world, and she knows that I will plan the perfect wedding for her.”

  “I hope you’re right. About knowing her so well.”

  Jules’s lips lifted in a small smile. “You don’t have to worry.” She lifted her phone and waved it in his face. “I’ve been texting and sending photos on top of talking to her every day. She’s on top of things. I’m just acting as her mouthpiece.”

  That bit of news sent a wave of relief through him. But they still had to find flowers, someplace without such a picky saleswoman.

  “Well, Ms. Mouthpiece, any ideas where we should go next?”

  “I don’t know. Let me see.” She started typing on her smartphone.

  When she turned to start walking, he called out, “You’re going the wrong way.”

  She glanced up, confusion reflected in her beautiful eyes. “Oh.”

  Quietly they retraced their steps. Her focus was on her phone. And his attention was on keeping her from walking into other pedestrians. When they reached the car, she had another florist for them to try. But it was nearing lunchtime, and he really needed a break before they set out again.

  He turned to Jules. “How about lunch?”

  “Already?” When she glanced at the time on her phone, her lips formed an O. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Would you mind if we had lunch at Ristorante Massimo? I have a couple of things to go over with Lizzie.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Why don’t you call ahead? Dante can have something waiting for us so it won’t take so long. Those two stops this morning took forever. I hope we don’t have to wait that long in the next shop.” He didn’t know if he had the patience for this wedding shopping. It was like watching a grape ripen—painfully slow.

  “I hope so, too, or the shopping is going to take us more than a week. And with time being of the essence, we have to move quickly. We still have the cake to pick out.”

  “Why didn’t we do that first?”

  Jules grinned at him. “Because the cake tasting is the best part of this whole adventure. It’s like a reward.”

  He smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know how someone as slender as you can gorge on cake.”

  “You just watch, and I’ll show you.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Jules was a breath of fresh air. She was nothing like the women that lived in the nearby village, who enjoyed a more sedate way of life. And y
et she wasn’t like some of the posh urban women who attended the wine-tasting events and were always in such a hurry. Jules had an air about her, but it was all her own.

  The more time he spent with her, the more he was beginning to like her—really like her. And that just couldn’t happen.

  CHAPTER NINE

  A DELICIOUS LUNCH could change one’s perspective.

  If Jules had known food could put a smile on Stefano’s face, she’d have suggested it ages ago. He’d actually started a conversation, but it was directed at Dante, not her. And it was about one of his favorite subject—grapes. Still it had been nice watching him let down his guard and relax.

  But as soon as they climbed back in the car, the walls around him went back up, blocking her out. She didn’t understand what she’d done to get him to hold her at arm’s length. Surely he still wasn’t upset about the salesclerk thinking they were a couple.

  Jules glanced down at her black skirt, black stockings and black boots. Okay, so maybe her color choice was a bit somber, but her styles weren’t.

  She gave herself a mental jerk. What was she doing? Reevaluating her clothes because of a guy that barely tolerated her? She was fine just the way she was. And black was her favorite color.

  She needed to focus on the wedding, not pleasing Stefano. With that thought, she realized it might be best to tell him exactly what she had in mind as they visited this florist.

  She leaned over and said, “Just follow my lead. Can you do that?”

  He maneuvered the car into a parking spot. “Depends. Are you going to lie?”

  “Stefano, do you want this wedding to be nice for your brother?”

  “Yes, but he isn’t going to care about flowers.”

  “He might not, but his bride will. If she’s not happy, do you really think that he’ll be happy?”

  There was a strained pause. “I suppose not.”

  She didn’t say a word as he alighted from the car. While she gathered her purse and wedding planner, Stefano rounded the front of the car. She reached for the door handle, but Stefano beat her to it and swung it open. He was a gentleman, something she wasn’t accustomed to. But she could get used to this. After all, if they were about to create a little bit of make-believe, she might as well enjoy some of the benefits.

  Inside there was one man working the shop, and he was already busy with someone at the register placing an order. That would give her time to scope out his supply and find out if he was a viable candidate.

  “Oh, look—they have dahlias.” She rushed over to take a closer look. “And there are some in the right color.” She couldn’t resist smiling and gently clapped her hands. “So far, so good.”

  Stefano pretended to be interested, but she could tell by his reserved reaction that he was less than impressed. She wasn’t going to let his mood ruin this for her. She intended to enjoy this wedding as much as possible. It was quite possibly the last thing that Lizzie would ever ask her to do...especially after Lizzie learned that she wasn’t going to grad school.

  “Are you finding what you’re looking for?” The salesman approached them.

  This was where she had to play her cards just right. There was no way she was going through all the pain and effort to select the flowers only to have the man turn them away. They didn’t have the time to waste.

  She slipped her hand in Stefano’s. When he tried to pull away, she tightened her grip. Silently she willed him to play along with her. She would do her best not to outright lie. The impression the salesman made would be his own responsibility.

  After all, she certainly wasn’t expecting anything to come of this. Sure, she’d dated in the past, but she’d always insisted on keeping things casual—except one time. It had been a blind date set up by her lab partner. His name was J.T. It had been a case of infatuation from the get-go. As they’d started to see each other on a regular basis, she’d thought they were building the solid foundation for a committed relationship. She had been certain of it.

  With J.T’s graduation just weeks away, he’d asked her to dinner. He’d said that he had something he wanted to say to her. She recalled how excited she’d been. While Lizzie had done her utmost to talk sense into her, all Jules could think about was a diamond ring. At last, someone in her life who would love her and never leave.

  In the end, the dinner had been a thank-you for tutoring him in a philosophy class. He had told her that he couldn’t have passed the course without her help. And, as she’d tried her best to suck up her disappointment, he’d capped off the evening with an announcement that he was moving across the country to California. He was leaving, and she wasn’t invited to go with him.

  It wasn’t until after a couple of tissue boxes—the jumbo size—that she had realized it had worked out for the best. It reaffirmed her belief that love didn’t exist. It was a fleeting notion. Something that she never planned to explore ever again. But now, after witnessing Lizzie and Dante’s relationship, she thought maybe her assessment hadn’t been quite so accurate.

  Jules presented her best smile to the salesman. “We’d like to order some flowers for a wedding.”

  “Excellent.” The man glanced around as though searching for something. “Let me just grab something to write on.” He rushed back to the counter and returned with a clipboard and a pen. “When is the wedding?”

  “The middle of next month.”

  The smile faded from the man’s face. “Oh, that soon.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  “Why don’t you tell me what you have in mind, and we’ll go from there.”

  Not wanting to press her luck, she released Stefano’s hand. She chanced a quick glance at him to find a frown pulling at his lips. Disappointment wiped away her own smile. Not exactly the look a bride would want from her intended bridegroom, but it wasn’t as if they were even involved. So then why did his scowl dig at her?

  After reviewing each flower on Lizzie’s list, the man assured her he’d be able to order them all. The bridal bouquet would be quite extravagant. And the changes the florist suggested, although small, were just enough to set off the flowers.

  With the deposit made, Jules and Stefano turned to the door. She slipped her hand back in his. She didn’t have to, she knew that, but she wanted to feel his strong fingers entwined with hers. It had been a long time since she’d dated. Maybe she was lonelier than she’d thought. Or maybe all of this focus on the wedding was making her realize how alone she’d be without her sister.

  “Don’t worry,” the salesman called out. “You two will have a marvelous wedding.”

  She turned and waved goodbye. His words drove home her loneliness. Maybe always being the bridesmaid wasn’t all she’d convinced herself it would be.

  Jules sucked in an unsteady breath. She’d promised herself on the flight over that she wouldn’t fall apart. She would be happy for her foster sister. No matter what.

  “Are you okay?” Stefano stopped on the sidewalk to look at her.

  “Umm...yes, I’m fine.” When she realized that her hand was still in his, she tried to pull away, but this time he was the one to tighten his grip.

  She gave up the struggle and took comfort in the innocent touch. Instead of dwelling on her loneliness, she turned her thoughts back to Apricot. She desperately wanted to take the kitten home with her. She’d soon be known as the spinster cat lady, she mused. She wondered what Stefano would say if he knew about the direction of her pathetic thoughts.

  As for the kitten, she wasn’t so sure it was a good idea to transport it such a long distance. And if she didn’t know better, she’d swear that Apricot was working her way into Stefano’s heart. Perhaps finding Apricot a home wouldn’t be as hard as she’d originally thought.

  She still had a handful of weeks until the wedding to make up her mind about the cat. One
way or another Apricot would have a loving home.

  * * *

  More than a week had passed since the whirlwind, otherwise known as Jules, had blown Stefano’s routine life off course. Nothing was the same with her around. She’d befriended his father. Nonno thought the sun rose around her. And Maria had taken her under her wing, showing her some of her favorite recipes. It was as though Jules fit right in.

  But she didn’t belong at the vineyard. And she never would. Nothing good would come of him imagining any other scenario.

  So if that was the case, why had he immediately noticed Jules’s absence from the breakfast table? He forced himself to stay there and eat. After all, she wasn’t his responsibility. It was enough that he had to babysit her on their numerous ventures to Rome, but the line had to be drawn somewhere. He couldn’t risk getting involved.

  Once he’d finished his caffè, he quietly emptied his barely picked-over breakfast into the trash. He had no appetite even though Maria was a fine cook. At last he escaped to the silence of the outdoors, but it was no easy task. His father was in quite a chatty mood. In fact, he hadn’t seen his father this animated in a long time. Maybe Dante had been right. Maybe Stefano had unintentionally cut his father out of more of the business than he’d intended. At least one of them was happy.

  Once outside, Stefano hesitated. His thoughts turned back to Jules. Maybe he should check on her. After all, something could be wrong. He assured himself that it was his duty to be a good host. With his mind made up, he made his way around to the front of the house, preferring to avoid the prying eyes in the kitchen.

  In no time at all, he was standing outside Jules’s room. He rapped his knuckles on the door. “Jules, are you there?”

  “Come in.”

  He didn’t know what to expect when he opened the door, but it wasn’t the sight that greeted him. There was Jules sitting on the floor, surrounded by an array of various shades of purple-and-white tissue paper. And the kitten was scurrying around, chasing bits of paper. What a mess.