by Milly Taiden
“But?” She rubbed the tension from the blades of his shoulders.
“I know my mamma loved him, she treasured him, but he had many mistresses over the years. It wasn’t right.”
“Did she know?”
“I suspect she knows, though she would never speak badly of him.”
He went on to explain that his papa used to take him to town when he was a young boy, using Antonio and Vincent as an excuse, to see his girlfriends. Sadness sunk into her bones, sensing his pain and distress. Tracy’s parents were married twenty-five years before her daddy died and they prided their relationship, their lives, on trust and loyalty. She couldn’t imagine how hurtful and confusing it would be to be put in Vincent’s position. He continued, divulging that his papa’s weakness was the biggest thing that separated him from Antonio.
“I can accept the differences between me and Antonio. We are brothers, we argue, we disagree, we laugh.” A chiding lopsided grin formed at the edge of his mouth. “We got into a lot of mischief together when we were young.”
Tracy smiled warmly at the images of two dark-haired boys, young and running wild, playing havoc through the vineyard.
“Even now. The strongest bond we have ever known, our legacy, now stands as a huge wedge between us.” His smile sobered. “The biggest disagreement we’ve ever had has been about the future of the winery. No matter how it turns out, one of us is going to be wrong. Neither of us enjoy losing, especially to the other. It will take time, but we will both come to terms with the outcome. However his lack of respect for women is something I will never condone. I have to distance myself from him on a personal level. I don’t want to know about his personal life.”
The sound of his voice thinned into a quiet warbled tone, dissipating behind the throbbing in her ears. The wheels in her brain quit functioning after he said now stands as a huge wedge between us. All the research she’d done thus far, all the figures, all the graphs, led the vineyard in one direction. A new road. A new start. He’s going to be very upset with me in a few days. Then what? Will he distance himself from me too?
“Did I say something wrong?” He looped a lock of her hair around his finger. One brow bent in confusion.
She shook her head warily. “No.”
“Why do you have a sad look in your eyes?”
Tracy reached for the lobe of her ear, rubbing it between her fingers. His eyes tracked the movement and his head tilted in question.
“I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“Disappoint me? Nothing you can do—“
“Vincent,” she said in a rush. Her lips pressed into a tight line, wishing and wanting to hold back until she found a better answer. Though it wasn’t her fault, culpability weighed heavily on her shoulders. No matter how long she put it off, the circumstances were not going to look any brighter. Guilt took over making it impossible to contain her ramblings. “I’m not going to be able to give you the solution you are hoping for. I’m so sorry.”
The bronze coloring leached from his face. His shoulders slumped forward as if all the air in his lungs had been deflated. She thought he stopped breathing until she saw his chest raise and lower in a quick breath.
“I’ve been working hard, looking at every approach, trying to find another solution.” Riled by nerves, she gulped in a big breath of air, held it, and then let it go in a long puff. “I hoped that I would find a key element, something I was missing, something that would favor your ideas for the winery, but…it’s just not there.”
His eyelids closed securely. He scrubbed his hands roughly over his eyes, shaking his head in incredulity.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I thought you were referring to us.” He bit between sharp breaths.
“No, no, I was referring to the vineyard. The market is being driven by empire-building mergers and corporate conglomerates. I don’t think it’s possible to continue without crossing the line into exporting. Remaining—”
“The only thing that will cause me pain is losing you again.”
As she shook her head in apology, Vincent captured her mouth in an off-centered kiss. He wasn’t breathing well. He shoved his hands into her hair, fingers shaping to her neck, holding her to his demanding lips. She clutching at his body, crawling over him to get closer.
Wanting to comfort him, Tracy shoved gently at his shoulders easing him onto his back and straddling his hips. Breaking the kiss, she zeroed in on the clean-shaven slope beneath his lower lip. Tracy drew the delicate curve into her mouth, stroking the spot, gently biting, magnifying the sensation. Each time she sucked, his hips ground beneath her as if an electric current shot between his lip and his groin.
Vincent’s head dropped back, the smooth skin on his neck glistened with perspiration. She gripped his hands. Twining her fingers through his, she held them to the blanket beside his head. Her wet lips brushed against the butterfly-shaped gland at the center of his throat, lightly toying, testing the urgency in his pulse. She ran the soft flat of her tongue straight up to his Adam’s apple, massaging with circular motions.
Positioned as they were, the sun beat down on her back. Tracy shifted to one side, tugging his shirt upward so the brightness radiated on his drum-tight abs. Shimmery pixels of dust suspended in the cool air bringing chill bumps to his skin.
Her hands stole to his jeans, rubbing the palm of her hand over the bulge. Vincent gave a soft grunt. “Umm, Tracy.” He gurgled her name in gratitude as she unzipped his fly releasing him from the denim restrictions.
Desire rushed through her, flowering over her skin in tingles, wanting to make him feel good. Tracy bent over him, slinking downward, placing strategic licks and kisses to the nerve-rich pleasure trail. She gripped him firmly at the base. Steadying his steely erection skyward, she stroked his skin downward, brushing her parted lips against the head. His hands tangled in her hair, applying no pressure, simply cupping her head. She took the crown into the warm suction of her mouth, learning him, tasting his essence. Heightening the sensation, she released him from the heat of her mouth, rubbing her slick wet lips over his glistening broad tip. She repeated, sinking lower, taking him deeper.
“Amore Mio, your mouth. Yes. Don’t stop, it feels so good.”
Fueled by the guttural sounds of appreciation, she worked him with an entirely new feeling of intoxicating satisfaction. Her hands came to his hips, thumbs drawing small circles over the V shaped dip. Vincent watched, his eyes clouded as if immersed in awe. Tracy gave a few fast flicks with her tongue to the edge of his engorged head, setting off an amazing chain reaction. A tsunami of low moans whooshed from his chest. He lifted his head, eyes wide and warm, hands clasped tight around her head as he thrust upward. There was no force in his grasp, only caressing, giving her control.
Tracy could feel his urgency rising in his flexing muscles, she relaxed around him, absorbing as much as possible. His hips lunged, offering more. And she took every inch, tasting his release, the essence warm and musky.
He pulled her to his chest, whispering soothing endearments. His hands coasted over her, lightly gripping, placing breathy damp kisses to her eyes and nose.
She offered a timid smile. “Heavenly, absolutely heavenly. That is the name of our new flavor.”
Adoration flickered in his smile, right before he flipped her on her back. Adjusting his knees between hers, Vincent parted her thighs, spreading until her legs fell wantonly to the blanket. Pushing her black lace panties to the side, his fingers lazily massaging her. She closed her eyes as the warmth of sunshine, beamed, radiating to the one pulsing spot.
“Feel good, Amore Mio?” His tone thickened, dipping two fingers inside her, pumping rhythmically with a twist.
She convulsed and squeezed, arching as the light shattered beneath her lids. Hot silk. Tracy called out for him. The pleasurable cry of contentment echoing though the branches above.
“Absolutely heavenly,” he agreed descending downward, reaping the divine reward
s.
*
In the early hours of the morning, hazy grey pushed through the window as Tracy lay in bed wide awake. Sensual incense eddied around her, filling her senses with a warm fuzzy tranquil feeling. Vincent slept soundly beside her, exhausted and content.
Staring at the ceiling, her fingers strummed mindlessly along her ribcage, having a candid one-way conversation with herself. Tracy was happy, happier than she ever thought imaginable, but questions began to mount, seeping into her head in the quiet of the nighttime. It was obvious that she and Vincent were going to stay together. They were undoubtedly a couple. Nothing had ever felt more right in her life, but what was the next move?
All of her findings, conclusions and recommendations were stored in a file on her laptop ready to be printed off and handed over to the family. She’d finished the reports several days earlier. All that was left to do was schedule a meeting and have a long discussion with Vincent.
Part of her got the distinct feeling Vincent procrastinated having a direct conversation pertaining to their future. Tracy wasn’t sure if he was waiting until after his family made a decision, or if there was something more. He made it very clear he didn’t want her to leave, but he hadn’t invited her to live with him either. They had talked about being together, about things they wanted to do, places they wanted to travel, they even talked about having children someday. But it was never conclusive. Every time she mentioned anything regarding her schooling, he listened intently, but something was there, lingering in the back of his thoughts.
Being careful not to wake Vincent, she crawled out of bed and padded over to the window. The morning sun began its ascent, making the morning journey over the mountains and striking onto the valleys below. The low lying mist settled into the valley taking on its fabled blue hue.
Tom had been right about her future. She’d learned as much, if not more, in the last few weeks than she had in a year or two of college. But now what? Do I just pack up and move to Tuscany? She already knew the answer to that question. What am I going to do with my life? She asked herself again.
Tracy stared out the window in awe at the picturesque view laid out before her. She closed her eyes drawing in a deep cleansing breath, erasing the worries from her mind. She stood loosely, fingers twined together, dangling at her lower abdomen. Her body swaying slightly as she began humming a rhyme, a little jingle her daddy used to sing to her as a little girl when something bothered her. “If only, if only…”
A strange tingling sensation glided over her shoulder and up her neck. Her body shuddered at the pleasant tickly feeling.
All movement came to a sudden halt.
She opened her eyes, slowly turning her head from side-to-side looking to see if someone stood beside her. No one was there. Daddy?
At that moment the sun rose above the highest point of the mountain, casting a single ray of sunshine onto the castle on the hill. A warm feeling filled her chest. The edges of her mouth lifted. Our spot.
The beats of her heart fluttered rapidly and her pulse escalated, throbbing almost painfully in the vein at her neck. It was like a silent message presented itself straight through the panes of glass. Her hands flew outward in recognition. She jumped at the abrupt jolt. “Yes, of course. Our spot.”
Tracy glanced heavenward, hands balled into fists of victory.
She got dressed quietly. If she left him a note, Vincent would be on the Levi’s doorstep as soon as he woke up. She touched the tips of her fingers to the underside of his bristly jaw.
Vincent nuzzled into her palm. “Morning.”
“Morning.”
His hand closed over her breast, drawing a concerned frown. One eye peeked open surveying her clothing. “Everything okay? Where you going?”
“Everything is perfect. I just need to do some work.” Working to calm her rocketing pulse, she reached for her earlobe, but forced her hand to her side.
He gaged her every movement, through the slit of one eye. “You are a terrible liar,” he said evenly.
Tracy couldn’t deny it. She sucked in a quick breath, rolling her eyes playfully. “I want to do something nice for you, to surprise you.”
“You don’t need to leave for that.” He lifted the sheet tempting her to join him.
Damn he looked delicious. Pings of excitement jumped in her stomach. A snicker simmered in her chest stretching her hand down the length of his body, fondling gently. She bent burying her face into the crook of his neck. “I’ll be gone all day. Save this for later.”
*
Her fingers gripped the leather steering wheel, waiting impatiently for the Levi’s gates to open. Tracy picked up her cell and voice messaged a text to her mom.
I need to talk to you and Tom. Can you video chat with me right now? It’s important.
It wasn’t even six in the morning in Tuscany, so it would be almost nine at night in LA. Her phone chimed as she stepped out of the black Rover. Tracy took a deep breath, composed herself, and pressed the green button.
“Hi Momma.” She smiled into the phone, juggling with the doorknob as she made her way inside the Villa.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Is everything okay?”
Her mom looked gorgeous, hair and makeup done to perfection, but worry puckered her brow.
“Yeah, everything is great. I just need to talk to you and Tom. Is he with you?”
The phone camera turned and Tom’s dashing profile appeared on the screen. “Hello, sweetheart.”
Tracy grinned, waving in return. Her voice caught in her chest, overwhelmed by emotions flooding over her. She set her purse on the kitchen counter, sitting on the nearest stool before her knees buckled from nerves.
Clearing the sentiment from her throat, she said, “Are you guys on your way out? This might take a few minutes…or an hour. Or two.”
Tracy watched as weighted concern shadowed over her mom’s bright blue eyes.
“We were going to dinner, but it can wait. What’s going on? Your sister told us about Vincent.”
“I need some help, but this might take a while. Do you want to call me back?’
“No! Absolutely not.” Tom insisted. A happiness rang in his tone. “We have plenty of time.”
An appreciative smile burned across her cheeks. Tom loved when she or JC or John needed his advice. Tracy suspected it filled a void he carried from never having children of his own. He would do anything for her and she knew it. The man had been a true blessing to her family. Not because of his fame or fortune, but because he loved her mother endlessly and filled the shoes of her father. Tom never tried to replace her father, he was simply the perfect fit for their family.
“I need some help. I have a business opportunity for you.” Tracy stammered a bit. Help was a bit of an understatement.
Tess and Tom moved to the couch, sinking down into the rich brown leather. Both of their faces now encompassed the screen of her cell phone. His brow lifted with genuine intrigue. “A business opportunity? Really?”
A heavy dose of sarcasm chimed into the background. “Great! Why is it, just because you two are her parents, you get all the credit?” Lisa snuggled tightly to Tess adding her face to the video. “I haven’t even gotten so much as a text telling me thank you or a box of chocolates or a bottle of my favorite wine. Who got you the job? Who found the love of your life? Who—”
“I was going to call you next. Consider yourself added to the credits. Thank you.” Heat rose up her chest, dusting her face in a fiery blush. Tracy tried to keep her voice steady, pinching at the wetness at the corner of her eye. “I owe you.”
Tracy watched all four of the faces, Benny now sat beside Lisa, softened by her show of emotion.
“Now…I need to buy a castle.”
Tracy laid out her plan. She rambled off her guesstimate of projected earnings over the next five years. Explaining all of her numbers were loose, because she’d never used calculations, including double the acreage. Costs of clearing the land, planting, new equip
ment plus renovations would require deep pockets. However, the return would be quite profitable. Castlello Giovanni would rocket into one of the finest, most respected wineries in the region. It would no longer be simply a vineyard, it would be an experience.
Between her inheritance money and the money Tom and her mom gifted after selling their wedding photos, she had well over six hundred thousand dollars. Plus her condo in Colorado which was worth another one hundred and seventy thousand. But that would only be a portion of what she needed.
After laying everything on the line, black and white, the numbers proved to be more than promising.
Lisa and Benny joined in, Lisa chimed innocently, “By silent partner, you mean?”
Tracy thought she might need of shot of Ouzo to stand her ground with Lisa, but it was better to do it now than later. “By silent I mean—“
“By silent she means you can’t take over.” Benny interceded, winking at Tracy. “This is her baby, not yours.”
Lisa turned slowly to her husband, glaring. Tracy half expected her to stick her tongue out at Benny.
“I’m assuming it will be okay with you if we promote the hell out of the vineyard. Considering we do have some influential friends.” Lisa’s tone deplorably sarcastic.
“Yes, of course. I’d be grateful for your help. And I would love your input, too.”
Appeased by Tracy’s gratitude, Lisa’s grin of arrogance spread even further over her face. “I’m assuming that it would also be okay if I made a phone call to the owner of the estate. We happen to know each other. Benny and I almost made an offer on that property. And even though we decided to buy the villa we live in now instead of his, the man still adores me.” Lisa flashed a playful sexy pout, waiting for more praises. “I could call right now. I have his number in my telephone. If that’s okay with you, of course? I could probably even get you a key…by noon.” She added just to show off.
Tracy nodded enthusiastically. Lisa touched her fingers to her lips and blew Tracy a kiss before Benny ushered her away from the couch.
