Jules snatched the dress from him and turned her back to him. “Come on, Lizzie.”
At the sight of her retreating back, he once again found his voice. “Jules, wait.”
She stopped and turned, giving him an icy, pointed stare that stabbed straight through to his heart. “Lizzie, I need someplace to stay tonight.”
“Umm...sure. Whatever you need.” Lizzie frowned at him. When he went to approach Jules, who was already pulling the front door open, Lizzie held up her palm, stopping him in his tracks. “Let her go.”
He blew out a pent-up breath as he raked his fingers through his hair. He’d blown it. He’d meant to help Jules and instead he’d opened his mouth and inserted his size-twelve shoe. Once upon a time he’d been good at talking to the ladies, but lately he just never seemed to say the right thing. At least not where Jules was concerned.
Still he couldn’t stand the thought of her hating him. He had to say something. Whether or not it would help things he didn’t know. “I’m sorry.”
The glass door swung shut, and his words were lost in the warm breeze. Oh, man, what had he done? He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to gather himself. How had things ended up in such a jumbled mess? The truth was he’d ended up causing Jules the very same pain he’d been trying to save her from.
He had to stop them. He had to try again to apologize. But he was too late. He stopped on the sidewalk and didn’t see the women anywhere. It was as though they’d vanished.
When Dante heard about this he’d be lucky if he didn’t drive to the vineyard and kick him around the villa. And, frankly, he couldn’t blame his brother. He’d utterly screwed up everything.
* * *
Late the following morning, Jules strolled to the living room of Dante and Lizzie’s very spacious apartment. She hoped that she’d slept late enough that her sister would be downstairs at Ristorante Massimo.
“About time you woke up.” Lizzie’s voice echoed across the room. “I was starting to get worried about you.” She held up a mug. “Would you like some caffeine?”
Jules yawned as she nodded her head. She’d been up most of the night thinking about Stefano and wondering what his outburst at the bridal boutique had been about. What in the world had gotten into him to say those things?
And what was Lizzie thinking? Yesterday her sister had been unusually quiet and hadn’t brought up Stefano at all. Of course, some of that might have had to do with Jules fighting back tears. Maybe she didn’t want to make matters worse.
But today was a new day, and Jules could feel her sister’s inquisitive gaze on her. Jules wished she’d just speak up and get it over with. She wasn’t good with hedging around subjects. It just ended up unnerving her more.
“Say it.” Jules plunked down on the couch.
“Say what?” Lizzie said innocently as she approached her with a steaming mug of coffee.
“Don’t go acting like nothing happened. You want to know what was up with Stefano and me yesterday, don’t you?”
“Since you brought it up, yes. I’d like to know how far this thing between you two has gone. Are you in love with him?”
Wow! Way to go straight to the heart of the matter. Pride refused to let Jules admit that she was in love with a man who didn’t love her back. She’d already made a fool of herself in front of him; she couldn’t do the same with her sister.
“No. I’m not.” Guilt rained down on her.
Lizzie stared at her as though trying to make up her mind. “And you still plan to attend grad school, right?”
What else did she have waiting for her back in New York? She might as well stick to her original plan. “Of course.”
“Good. Because I just sent in the tuition payment.”
Jules had totally forgotten about that. Well, it appeared that everyone was getting what they wanted. She would soon be out of Stefano’s life, and she’d be going back to school just like her sister wanted. She should be happy that she was being offered such an amazing opportunity. Not everyone was so blessed. But somehow she just couldn’t work up the excitement.
Now wasn’t the time to dwell on things, not with the wedding in a matter of days. “Now that we have that settled—”
The phone rang, and Lizzie held up a finger, stopping Jules in midsentence. Jules was glad to have a small reprieve. She could use a healthy dose of caffeine before she dealt any more with her sister.
Jules swallowed another mouthful of the fragrant brew with a touch of cream and sweetener. She did have to admit that Italian coffee was quite good. In fact, she could easily get used to drinking it.
Over the rim of her cup, she noticed Lizzie had moved to the galley kitchen. Her back was to her, and Jules could only make out a word here and there—not that she was trying to eavesdrop. She had enough of her own problems without dabbling into someone else’s. As it was, she was quite certain that the Stefano issue hadn’t been laid to rest that easily. Lizzie was never satisfied that quickly when she was concerned about something.
A few minutes later, Jules set her empty mug on the glass coffee table. Lizzie returned, taking a seat on the couch opposite hers. “That was Stefano on the phone.”
Jules was tempted to ask what he wanted, but she resisted the urge. Her sister’s inquisitive stare bore into her. She had no doubt that Lizzie knew how much it was killing her not to ask about him, but she had to play this right or Lizzie would turn into a protective mother bear. She’d make matters worse for everyone. And with the wedding just around the corner, drama was the last thing any of them needed.
Lizzie curled her feet up on the black leather couch and sipped her coffee. Waiting for her sister to speak was pure torture. At her breaking point, Jules asked, “What did he want?”
“He called to apologize.”
“That’s good. He should. He knows nothing about you and me.”
Lizzie’s lips pressed together in a firm line and her brows gathered. “He wanted to talk to you, but I told him that you didn’t want to talk to him yet. That is right, isn’t it?”
He wanted to talk to her? She wondered what he wanted to say. Then she realized with the pending wedding that he probably just wanted to apologize and smooth things over before the big day. The thought dashed her hopes that he might have miraculously come to his senses.
“That’s fine. I can talk to him when I get back to the vineyard, anyway. I have a lot to do when I get there. The temporary flooring and tent will be arriving tomorrow, and I have to figure out the most level spot to set everything up. I should grab my planner and we can go over the final details.”
She went to stand when Lizzie said, “Wait. We aren’t done talking.”
Jules sighed as she settled back on the couch.
“What did Stefano mean by I don’t listen to you?”
No way was she getting into all of this with Lizzie on the week of her wedding. This was Lizzie’s moment to shine. There would be a better time and place for this talk.
Jules shrugged. “I don’t know. I think he was just frustrated. This running around for the wedding while trying to keep his business going has been a lot for him. I think he just needed to blow off some steam.”
“That’s interesting because he said almost the same thing on the phone.”
“He did? I mean—see? I was right. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. All you have to do is show up for the big day.” She forced a smile.
“You better not be falling for him.” Lizzie gave her an I-mean-business look. “You can’t mess up grad school. You worked too hard for it.”
And you already paid the tuition.
Jules stifled a frustrated sigh. Time to change the subject.
“By the way, where’s Dante?”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“ARE YOU TRYING to ruin everythi
ng?”
Stefano’s body tensed at the sound of Dante’s voice. His brother was the last person he wanted to deal with right now. He glanced up as Dante crossed the patio in his direction. Stefano turned away and stared blindly out over the sun-drenched rows of grapevines. The only vision in his mind was Jules’s beautiful face.
“I’m not up for it today, Dante,” Stefano warned.
“Too bad.” The footsteps behind him stopped. “You have some explaining to do, big brother.”
So he’d heard about the incident yesterday at the bridal boutique. He wasn’t surprised, but the fact Dante had driven to the vineyard while the ristorante was open for business was a worrisome development.
Stefano sighed and turned to face his brother. “Shouldn’t you be in Rome working?”
“I would be if my brother wasn’t trying to wreck my wedding.”
“What? I’m not doing any such thing.”
“That’s not what I hear.” Dante’s hands rested on his waist, pushing his suit jacket back. “I know that you’re not a fan of weddings after what happened to you and Papa, but I thought you were man enough to step aside and let me make my own choices.”
“I am. I did.” How did he explain away yesterday? Jules wasn’t even speaking to him. “How’s Jules?”
“First, I think you owe me an explanation before I withdraw my request for you to be my best man.”
The serious glint in Dante’s eyes left Stefano no doubt about his sincerity. But he needed to know Jules was okay after the way she’d disappeared. “This is important. How’s Jules? Did she say anything to you?”
Dante’s brows arched. “You’ve fallen for her, haven’t you?”
“No, I haven’t. We’re...we’re friends. That’s all.”
“You have it real bad for her, and you’re fighting it. That’s what yesterday was about. And judging by Jules’s tears, she has it bad for you, too.”
“She was crying?”
His brother nodded.
Stefano ran a hand over his stubbled jaw. He hadn’t bothered to shave. This was worse than he’d been imagining. He wanted to go to her and take her in his arms. But he couldn’t do that. It’d only succeed in making things worse. She’d get over him. She surely didn’t love him, did she? It was a crush. Nothing more.
“You need to make this right.” Dante’s tone left no doubt about his sincerity. “And I don’t mean by playing the part of Romeo. That’s already gotten us in enough trouble.”
He waved away his brother’s unwanted advice. “I know. I know. You don’t have to lecture me, little brother.”
“Really? Because from where I’m standing you’ve made a mess of things. And this is my wedding week. My bride is not happy, and this should be the best time of her life.”
“Okay. I hear you. I’ll fix this.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.” The stress lines on his brother’s face eased. “Then quit messing around with my soon-to-be sister-in-law. You know she’s supposed to go off to some grad school, don’t you?”
“Yes, I know. I’ve been telling her that’s what she should be concentrating on.”
“I bet you have.” Dante sent him an I-know-better-than-that look. “And Lizzie just paid the tuition. She’s counting on Jules following through with this. Don’t ruin this for Jules, or you’ll have me to answer to.”
Stefano had no doubt that Dante meant business. His brother wasn’t about to let anything ruin his wedding, and Stefano couldn’t blame him. He’d be the same way if he was marrying Jules—not that he would ever be walking down the aisle again.
The first thing he had to do was talk to Jules, but since she wasn’t answering her phone and Lizzie was running interference, he’d have to wait until she returned to the villa.
He didn’t know what he’d say to her aside from apologizing for making a fool of himself. Maybe that would be enough. He hoped.
* * *
Jules’s insides quivered. She’d rather be doing anything but this. Even a trip to the dentist sounded good to her at this point.
Her footsteps were slow but steady as she entered the winery. Lizzie had loaned her a car to transport the dresses to the villa without incident. No one wanted to trust the dresses on the train. And now that the wedding gear was stowed away safely in a spare room, Jules had to face Stefano. Things couldn’t linger like this. She’d promised Lizzie there would be peace for the wedding.
She’d made a fool of herself over Stefano, but she would be fine without him. She sucked in an unsteady breath. Her heart disagreed, but her mind kept telling her to do what was easiest for everyone.
When she found Stefano, he was in the barrel room, testing some wine. He glanced up and surprise registered in his dark eyes. Then it was as if a wall came down, making it impossible to know what he was thinking. She was shut out once again.
She refused to let it stop her. “Can we talk?”
He nodded. “I needed to talk to you, too.”
“I promised my sister that you and I would make peace.”
“I promised my brother the same thing.”
That was a good sign, right? It was so hard to tell. He didn’t smile. Did she always have such a hard time reading him?
She twisted her hands together. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ll stay out of your way from now on. And I’ll be leaving right after the wedding.”
She turned to go, and he reached out for her arm. His touch was warm and gentle. It sent a current of electricity zinging its way to her bruised heart.
“Wait. I need to say something to you.”
His hand dropped away as she turned back to him. Had he at last come to his senses and realized that what they had was worth fighting for? The breath caught in her chest as she waited for his next words.
“I was a fool. I shouldn’t have said those things to you in front of your sister. Please forgive me.”
She nodded. “It’s forgotten.”
There had to be more. Anticipation had her stomach twisted in a knot. What was he waiting for? This was the part where they were supposed to kiss and make up. It’s how it worked in the black-and-white romantic movies that she loved to watch late at night when she couldn’t sleep.
“Do you want me to walk with you back to the villa? I can if you just give me a couple of minutes to finish filling out this form.”
It wasn’t going to happen. Their happy ending was not to be. She expelled a trapped breath and pulled her shoulders back. “No need. Finish what you were doing. I have some calls to make. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Her feet felt weighted down as she walked away. Since when had she become such a romantic? It wasn’t good. Not good at all. She had to forget Stefano and her Roman holiday. In just a few days she’d catch her flight back to reality, but first she had to make sure this wedding went off without a hitch.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
ALL DECKED OUT in a new tux, Stefano stood at the altar.
He resisted the urge to pull at his collar. His brother stood next to him as the wedding music started to play. Dante had a permanent smile tattooed on his face. It was as it should be, but Stefano struggled to keep from frowning over the way he’d messed up with Jules.
He missed the gentle chime of her laughter. The way her eyes twinkled when she smiled.
Who was he kidding? He missed everything about her. She was so close and yet so far away. They were cordial to each other but nothing more. No teasing banter. No easy conversation.
Amid everything, Jules hadn’t let it distract her. She had worked tirelessly from the time she got up until she called it a night. She’d been driven to make the wedding perfect. And it was amazing. She was amazing.
As though his thoughts had summoned her, Jules started up the aisle between the rows of
white chairs with purple bows. Guests dressed in their finest turned to watch her walk up the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning in a knee-length purple dress with a black sash accentuating her narrow waist. And the fitted bodice snuggled to her curves just perfectly while leaving the butterfly tattoo peeking over the top. Stefano stifled a groan of frustration. He forced his eyes upward, noticing how the strapless dress left a clear and enticing view of her sun-kissed shoulders. It was impossible for him to look away from her.
Jules didn’t appear to have a similar problem. She kept her gaze straight forward. Was she purposely avoiding looking at him? Or was she nervous about standing in front of a large group of his extended family while television cameras were pointed at her from almost every angle?
She held her chin high. With her dark hair swept up, her slender neck was left exposed with only a gold chain adorning it. Stefano’s mind meandered back in time to when they’d made love. He knew exactly where her ticklish spot was, right there in the gentle curve that sloped into her shoulder. He halted the tantalizing thought.
When she neared him, she glanced his way. He expected to find fury—or anger—at the very least pain, but there was no sign of those emotions reflected in her emerald eyes. That was good, right? She’d already gotten over him. So why didn’t he feel relieved?
As she took her position opposite him, the guests rose to their feet as the wedding march played. Lizzie started down the aisle on the arm of Massimo. His grandfather had surprised everyone when he’d announced that he’d worked extra hard at his therapy so he could walk Lizzie down the aisle without the aid of his walker. Stefano wasn’t sure who beamed brighter, the bride or Massimo. It seemed as though it was a day for happy endings...or beginnings, depending on how you looked at it.
When Lizzie joined hands with Dante, the minister cleared his throat. “Welcome. We are gathered today to celebrate the joining of two hearts...”
As the ceremony continued, Stefano became distracted by the smile on Jules’s face. It lit up her eyes and made them sparkle like fine gems.
Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set Page 52
