Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set

by Michelle Douglas, Jessica Gilmore, Jennifer Faye

  In the middle of it all, Jules smiled up at him. “Hi. Did you need something?”

  “I didn’t see you at breakfast. I thought maybe you weren’t feeling well.”

  “No, I’m fine. I’m just busy.” She held up a tissue-paper flower for his inspection. “What do you think?”

  “Um...” He wasn’t so sure what to say. “It’s nice.”

  Her smile broadened. “Thanks. I’m a bit of an expert at these by now. But I’ve never had to make them by myself before. Usually the bridal party gets together for some fun and we make the flowers. By the end of the night, there’s hundreds of them. But since Lizzie wants a small wedding, I guess it’s up to me to make them.”

  “But I don’t understand. Isn’t that what we went to the florist for?” He’d never figure out women, no matter how long he lived.

  “This is different. These are for decorations.”

  “If we need to buy more flowers, just say so.” By the looks of this room, she’d been here forever making flowers.

  “Thanks. But it’s not necessary. I want both types of flowers.”

  This wedding business was way more involved than he’d imagined. Jules was going to wear herself to a frazzle. There had to be a better way to go about it. And that’s where he could help her out.

  “You can’t do everything yourself.”

  With a paper punch in one hand and tissue paper in the other, she paused and glanced up at him. “Why, Stefano, is that your way of offering to make flowers with me?”

  “Definitely not.” When her smile dimmed, he hurried to correct himself. “I mean, I can hire someone to do this stuff. I can hire as many people as it takes. Just tell me what you need.”

  Jules unfolded her legs and stood. “I don’t want strangers doing Lizzie’s wedding.”

  He was obviously missing something, but he had no clue what it might be. Back when he was married to Gianna when he didn’t understand her logic, he’d just shrug and walk away. Maybe if he’d asked more questions and tried to understand her better, their life wouldn’t have careened out of control.

  “Why in the world not?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  Okay, he probably could have worded that better. He cleared his throat to try again. “Talk to me. Obviously there’s something I’m missing and I’d like to understand.”

  Surprise reflected in her green gaze. “I...I don’t have money to buy them a proper wedding gift. I know it’s silly, but I want to create a cozy wedding with a personal touch. Lizzie doesn’t know I’m doing all of this. And don’t you tell her.”

  He felt like such an unfeeling lowlife now. The money aspect had never even crossed his mind. And he had to admit Jules’s gift would surpass even the most expensive offering because it came from the heart.

  “Your gift will be their favorite.” And he meant it. “What can I do to help, aside from making flowers? I don’t think mine would be suitable for anything but the garbage.”

  Jules’s stance eased, and she asked if she could use his computer to order some favors. She listed off things he never would have thought of, including wedding bubbles and sparklers. It would definitely be a wedding to remember.

  “You’re welcome to use my computer anytime. Now, how about taking a break to eat?”

  She settled back on the floor, right in the middle of the mess. “I’ll get to it later. I’m excited to see how many of these I can get done today. And Apricot is being a big help.”

  Stefano looked dubiously at the kitten running around and batting at the scraps of colorful tissue paper. Well, as long as Jules was happy, he was fine with it.

  “I’ve got some work at the barn that I need to do. If you need me, I’ll be there.”

  She gathered a stack of tissue paper and pushed a round punch through the sheets. “We’re good. Huh, Apricot?”

  The kitten gave her a quick glance and then returned to playing.

  Stefano felt guilty as he walked away. But seriously, having him make tissue-paper flowers would have been an utter disaster. Maybe he could help with her internet shopping. That was something he could do.

  With a plan in mind, his steps toward the barn grew quicker. She didn’t want help from strangers, but that didn’t include him. They’d moved past being strangers a while back. Where they were headed he wasn’t quite sure.

  He walked into the office just in time to find his father shutting down the computer. “Calling it a day already?”

  Papa jerked his salt-and-pepper head up. “Sorry. I didn’t hear you come in. Umm...yes. I thought I’d take a break.”

  “You feeling all right?”

  “Of course.” Frown lines creased Papa’s tanned face. “Am I that much of a workaholic that you think because I am out of the office something must be wrong?”

  Since when did his father become so defensive?

  Stefano shrugged, trying to take a neutral stance. “Is there anything around here that needs my immediate attention?”

  His father rubbed his jaw. Instead of the gray stubble that normally dotted it, it was clean shaven. “Not that I can think of. I’ve calculated the number of new barrels we’ll need for the fall harvest, and I’ve ordered the supplies. They should be here in a few weeks.”

  “What about the email? Is it backed up? It always seems they come in faster than I can respond to them.”

  “No, I just finished responding to the last email. Things are pretty quiet right now. I was thinking that perhaps we should consider increasing the number of wine-tasting events we host. It’d be good for the business, and I think it’d be well received.”

  Stefano nodded. “You know we have one coming up before the wedding.”

  “I do. I just think that we can do more.”

  It’d been one of those things that he’d been meaning to get to, but there was always something else that needed his attention first. But it seemed his father was on top of everything. Good for him. Right now, Stefano was actually kind of enjoying this downtime.

  “You headed out to the fields?” Stefano asked, feeling obligated to accompany him. “I can give you a hand.”

  Papa’s bushy brows rose. “Um...no, that isn’t necessary. I’m going to have some caffè first. Why don’t you take the day off?”

  That was the problem; he didn’t want to slow down because then his thoughts would take over and that would do nothing but get him in trouble. He’d start remembering his past mistakes. Or worse yet, he’d start thinking about Jules in all the wrong ways. The last thing he needed to do was to start caring about her.

  His father clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t spend all of it in here.”

  After his father walked away, Stefano sat down at the desk. Out of the corner of his eye, he spied the coffeemaker. It was still on, and the pot was full. What in the world? Why was his father heading to the house for caffè when there was plenty here?

  Stefano shook his head and gave up trying to figure out his father. He turned on the computer and found the email was in fact under control. The office was in decent shape. And there was absolutely no business requiring his attention. Good. Now he had time to help Jules with the wedding. His fingers flew over the keypad.

  A little later, he headed back to the house, excited to tell Jules what he’d ordered. His steps grew faster the more he thought of her sitting on the floor in those short shorts with her bare legs showing and that contagious smile on her face. He didn’t know what it was about her that drew him in. She was unlike any other woman he’d ever known.

  Maybe his problem was he spent too much time alone at this vineyard. But that was his punishment for what had happened to Gianna. He didn’t let himself go out and have a good time. He didn’t let himself think about the future because she didn’t have one.

&nbs
p; However, now, for the first time since his wife’s tragic death, he wanted to live again. He wanted to feel alive. And that’s how Jules made him feel—heart-poundingly, soul-stirringly alive.

  It was a strange sensation after living so long in self-imposed exile. He’d cut himself off from most of the outside world. He’d unknowingly followed in his father’s footsteps, even though he’d sworn that he would be different. Yet another thing he’d failed at, but he wouldn’t fail Jules. He’d do his best to help her make this wedding special.

  As he drew close to the house, he saw someone exit the kitchen door. It was Maria, and she was laughing. In the past eleven or so years that she’d been tending to the house, he didn’t recall ever hearing her laugh like that—unrestricted and joyous. What could have put her in such a good mood—

  His father.

  Papa’s deep chuckle drifted through the air. Stefano came to a halt. What in the world was going on?

  Stefano watched in amazement as the two, not noticing him, started off toward the vines as though they were going for a stroll—together. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he never would have believed his father was interested in Maria. How long had this been going on? And how had he missed it until now?

  Did this explain the recent change in his father? The easiness Papa had taken on? The not working until all hours of the night? The added pep in his step?

  Stefano raked his fingers through his hair as he tried to come to terms with the fact his father was back among the living. There was a mixed ball of emotions churning in his gut. He truly wanted to be happy for his father, but it nagged at him that he and his brother had suffered through their childhoods with an emotionally detached father. If only his father had made this change long ago, he could have saved everyone so much misery.

  When his father and Maria were far enough off, Stefano made the rest of his way to the house. It seemed as though everyone was getting on with their lives—except him. But how did he do that? How did he forget what he’d done?

  He didn’t have any answers, just more questions. The one thing he could do was get into the spirit of his brother’s wedding. Maybe Dante was right to roll the dice and see what life handed him.

  The thought of Jules making all those silly paper flowers alone tugged at his conscious. He was the best man. And since there was no other bridal party, it fell to him to help her. Whether he was any good at it or not, he could try his best.

  Spending some time with Jules was not silly—not at all. Besides, it would keep his mind off the fact that his father was changing—right before his very eyes. Suddenly Stefano felt as though he was standing still in life and soon he’d be left behind.

  CHAPTER TEN

  JULES RAN THE brush through her damp hair, pulling the dark strands back in a single ponytail. The cool shower felt rejuvenating. She’d just sat down on the bedroom floor to make some more flowers when there was a knock at the door.

  Her chest tightened. She wasn’t expecting anyone to come looking for her. She thought everyone was out and about doing their own thing.

  She scrambled to her feet. The door was locked, so it wasn’t like anyone would just come walking in on her.

  “Jules, are you in there?” Stefano’s deep tones vibrated through the door.

  “Did you need something?”

  “I have news. You know, it’s easier to talk when there isn’t a piece of wood standing between us.”

  Jules pressed her hands to her cheeks. She hadn’t had a chance to do her makeup yet. She couldn’t have him seeing her like this—with her scars exposed. Her heart beat rapidly. She didn’t think she could stand to have him turn away in repulsion.

  She stepped closer to the door. “Could we talk at lunch?”

  There was a slight pause. “Is everything okay?”

  What could be so important? She didn’t have a clue. She had to admit that she was quite curious to know what was so urgent.

  “Jules?” The doorknob jiggled. “Jules, what’s going on? Why is your door locked?”

  She sighed. He wasn’t going to just give up and go away. She’d already witnessed his stubborn streak at the florist. This time he might just break down the door to see for himself that she was okay.

  This might be just what she needed to end the silly crush she had on him. Once he saw the scars on her face, he’d turn tail and run.

  “Jules, come on. You’re starting to worry me.”

  She sucked in a steadying breath, leveled her shoulders and released the lock on the door. With a twist of the knob, she pulled it open. Stefano stood there, all six-plus feet of him, with his forehead wrinkled with worry lines. He stepped into the room, and she backed up so he could enter the whole way.

  “See, nothing to worry about.” She felt a little off center that he was actually worried about her. Aside from Lizzie, no one worried about her.

  His gaze slid over her fuzzy black robe with purple polka dots. She suddenly wished it was a little longer. As it was, it barely reached midthigh, and the only thing beneath it was a lacy black bra and matching undies. Though she was modestly covered, she still felt fully exposed. She lowered her head, staring at her purple toenails.

  “You aren’t dressed yet?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve been busy.”

  “I noticed. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about—”

  “If this is about hiring help, I told you to forget it.”

  “Actually, what I wanted to say is I know in the beginning I wasn’t a fan of helping with this wedding, but I want to help now. I want to do whatever it is that you need. Just give me a task, and I’ll get it done. Or at least I’ll try my best.”

  Jules crossed her arms. “Do you mind if I ask what brought about this change of heart?”

  He paused and stared at her. Was it her scars? Did he at last see her defects? That crescent moon scar that wrapped around the side of her left eye and the long scar that trailed down her jaw. They were so ugly.

  She couldn’t stand him staring any longer. She felt as though she were under a spotlight. Pretending to be intent on picking up some of her flower-making supplies from the floor, she kept her back to him.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.”

  “I should have put on my makeup, but I didn’t get to it yet.”

  “Don’t.” When she turned a questioning look his way, he added, “Don’t put the makeup on.”

  She straightened and turned to him. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “No, I think you look beautiful without all of that stuff.”

  He couldn’t be serious. There was no way someone could find her scarred face beautiful. She shook her head. “Don’t lie.”

  “I’m not.” He stepped closer to her. When she wouldn’t meet his gaze, his thumb moved beneath her chin and raised her face until she was looking directly at him. “You are beautiful.”

  “But...but what about my scars?”

  “The one by your eye is hardly noticeable. It’s your green eyes that draw my attention. The gold flecks in them catch the light just right. And your pert nose is just perfect. And then there’s your lips—they are quite fascinating. They look as though they are just ripe for kissing.”

  The breath hitched in her throat. He was seducing her with his words. No one had ever done that before, and all she wanted him to do now was put some action behind his compliments.

  Then in the next breath his hand pulled away from her chin, and he stepped back. “If that’s the only reason you wear all of that makeup, then don’t. You are much more beautiful without it. Trust me. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  Maybe he wouldn’t. He’d just lead her on and then leave her wanting a kiss that wasn’t coming. How in the world was she ever going to concentrate on anything but him?

 
“I’ll consider it.” She’d been wearing makeup since she was a teen, hiding her scars.

  “Are you still making flowers?” He glanced around at the array of papers on the floor.

  “The shower gave me renewed energy, and I thought I might make some more before lunch.”

  “I see your helper faded away.”

  “Apricot wore herself out chasing the paper and then sliding across the floor. When she got bored of that I rolled a piece into a ball. She batted it everywhere until at last it went under the bed. Instead of going after it, she clawed her way up the bedspread and laid down.”

  There in the middle of her bed, in a pink fuzzy blanket Jules had bundled up into a circle with a divot in the middle, was Apricot—belly up and sound asleep. The kitten was so sweet. She didn’t know how she’d ever leave her behind.

  “Seems as if she couldn’t be happier.” He turned back to Jules. “You’re really good with her. Someday you’ll make a great mother.”

  “It’s not going to happen.”

  She waited, but he didn’t say anything else on the matter.

  Deep inside she wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe that she could someday be a mom. Lizzie wasn’t the only one who’d dreamed of having her own family. But knowing she wasn’t cut out to raise children, Jules had turned her focus to social work. She thought she could care for the kids from a distance. Until she’d found out that she was unable to maintain a professional distance. Frustration knotted her stomach.

  Stefano made himself comfortable on the floor and started to gather a stack of papers. “So how do you do this?”

  “You really want to make a flower?” She surely hadn’t heard him correctly. There was nothing about this jean-clad, muscle-bound businessman that said he had a crafty bone in his body.

  “Of course I do. I told you that I would do everything I could to help with this wedding. Speaking of which, I ordered those wedding favors.”

  “You did?”

  He nodded. “You wouldn’t believe all of the party favors they offer. I hope you don’t mind, but I ordered a few other things. Of course, you get final approval.”