Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set (40 page)

Him, the man who’d sworn off relationships, was standing in the open, drowning in the sweetest kiss. Not that the kiss constituted a relationship. He combed his fingers through his hair. Somehow he
had to put things back on track between them. He promised himself that he wouldn’t lose control around her again.

With his father just far enough down the path, Stefano lowered his voice to say, “That shouldn’t have happened. I don’t know what I was thinking. It...it was a mistake. I know neither of us is looking for a relationship.”

He steeled himself and turned to his father, who was
making his way to the house from the winery. His father’s eyes danced with merriment, but his face was devoid of the mischievous smile that Stefano could only imagine would materialize after he passed them.

“I...we were just on our way back from a tour of the winery.”

His father nodded. “I guess I don’t need to ask how it went.”

Stefano couldn’t believe he was having such fun at
his expense. This was something his father never would have bothered with when he was a kid. Back then his father was quite stoic and didn’t joke around. But lately he’d been seeing more and more changes in him. Any other time Stefano would have welcomed this transformation, but not now—not with Jules. And not when he’d made such a monumental mistake. Whatever made him think that kissing her was
such a good idea?

“Stefano, did you hear me?”

His father was staring at him expectantly, but Stefano hadn’t heard a word. “What?”

“I said you better hurry or you’ll never catch up to her.”

Stefano glanced around, finding that Jules had taken off toward the house.
Great!
Could this get any worse? He stopped that line of thought as he knew all too well that things could always
get worse. He swore under his breath.

He started after her. He didn’t have a clue what he would say to her. Maybe it’d be best to just let her go. She’d get over the kiss quickly enough. After all, it hadn’t meant anything. Nothing at all. Except it felt as if it had been the beginning of something—something profound. His teeth ground together as he stifled a groan of frustration.

His
world had been orderly until Jules had entered it. He was a widower of his own making. Being alone was punishment for his actions. If he hadn’t been so stubborn, if he hadn’t pushed Gianna into marrying him, she’d still be here—still be alive. His footsteps faltered.

The problems came after they’d married and he’d found out that they wanted different things in life. She wanted excitement
and fun. He wanted stability and routine. Where he enjoyed kicking back in front of the large-screen television to watch football, she wanted to dress up and go to the theater. The love they’d initially felt started to dwindle with each passionate disagreement. And then that fateful night.

He couldn’t let the past repeat itself. Though he highly doubted that Jules would take off in his car,
he couldn’t take the chance. He couldn’t let this misunderstanding linger between them. There had to be a way to fix what he’d broken. Maybe if he’d have done that with Gianna, she’d still be alive.

When he entered the kitchen, Jules was nowhere to be found. Maria stood at the counter, stirring a pasta salad. She turned to him. It wasn’t often just the two of them stood in the kitchen. He
was tempted to ask her if there was something going on between her and his father. He resisted, still unsure how he felt about the idea of them hooking up.

“Did you need something?” Maria wiped her hands on a little white apron trimmed with purple grapes.

“Um, no.” Now wasn’t the time to get into it. He had enough problems on his hands.

“Are you sure? Because if you’re looking for
Jules, she tore through here a minute or two ago.” Maria sent him a disapproving look before pointing to the upstairs.

“Thanks. I’ll check on her.” He rushed past Maria and headed for the spiraling staircase. He took the steps two at a time. He didn’t know what he’d say to Jules when he found her. He’d have to wing this one.

* * *

What a fool she’d been.

Jules picked up Apricot
and snuggled her nose down into the downy soft fur. A loud purr vibrated through the little kitten’s body. Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

What had she been thinking back there in the field? It was as if she were a kid with the biggest crush in the world. When Stefano had looked at her with desire in his eyes, she’d forgotten everything but feeling the
excitement and passion of his lips moving over hers.

Then to have him push away from her and try to dismiss the moment as though it meant nothing hurt more than the rude comments she’d received back in school about her scars. The cruel comments kids threw out about how she was defective and that’s why her own parents didn’t even want her had cut deeply. But Stefano’s actions had surpassed
that pain.

Why, oh, why did she ever think that he might be different? Just because his brother had accepted Lizzie with her less-than-stellar past didn’t mean that Stefano would be as open-minded. Sure he said all the right things, but that was just because he was a gentleman. It didn’t mean that everything he said was true—not when it came to her scars or her past.

A knock at her door
had Apricot squirming to get out of her hands. Jules moved next to the bed so that the little one would have a soft landing.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Stefano. We need to talk.”

“No, we don’t.” She was being childish, and she knew it. She just didn’t know what to say to him at the moment. Her emotions were raw and conflicting.

“I hope you’re decent because I’m coming in.”

She
started for the door, but before she could get to it, it swung open. And there stood Stefano. His large physique filled the doorway. There was no getting past him even if she wanted to. His forehead was creased, and his dark brows were drawn together. His gaze zeroed in on her and made her want to turn away, but she refused to let on how much he’d hurt her.

She leveled her shoulders and crossed
her arms. “What do you want?”

“I told you we need to talk.”

“And I told you I don’t want to talk. I...I have stuff to do.”

“Such as?”

“I need to make more paper flowers.” Deciding that it would be good to have something to do with her hands, she moved to the dresser and started gathering the items she’d need.

She heard the door swing shut, followed by his approaching footsteps.
His fingers encircled her arm. “Those can wait. This can’t.”

She glanced at his hand on her bare arm and then lifted her chin. “You make it sound like life or death.”

“It could be.” He sighed and shook his head. “I need to apologize.”

“Wait. Why might this be life or death?” What was she missing? Obviously it was something big.

“Because...oh, it doesn’t matter. I want to apologize
for kissing you—”

“Why? It isn’t your fault that this—” she pointed to the half-moon scar next to her eye “—is so ugly that it repulses you.” She started to turn away.

He gripped her shoulders in his strong hands and pulled her around so that they were face-to-face. “It doesn’t repulse me. How many times do I have to tell you that you’re beautiful before you believe me?”

She shook
her head, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. “But the scars
are
ugly. I’m ugly. That’s why I wear the makeup. It hides things.”

“You don’t have to hide.” His voice was deep and soothing.

“Yes, I do.” She pulled away from his hold. “Look at me. I tried to play this your way. I tried to look like everyone else around here. I bought different clothes. I didn’t put on
my makeup. I even brushed out my hair and wore it loose. And still it doesn’t work. I’m still different.”

He smiled at her. “You’re right—you are different.”

If this was his way of making her feel better, he was doing a lousy job. “Just go.”

“Not until I tell you this.” When she didn’t look at him, his thumb moved to her chin and lifted it. “Being different isn’t bad. Being different
is something to be proud of. Just make sure you’re doing it because it’s what makes you happy and you aren’t doing it just to make a statement or to hide.”

“I wanted to dress like the other women in your life. I wanted to be like everyone else.”

“You’ll never be like everyone else. You are special. To me.”

And then his head dipped and his lips pressed to hers. Her heart tumbled
in her chest. He did care about her, scars and all. She knew that life wasn’t that easy and that she shouldn’t fall for him, but the reasons to hold back and keep him at a safe distance were eluding her at the moment.

His kiss was filled with heat, leaving no doubt in her mind that he desired her. And she wanted him, too. She wanted him more than she could say. But when he lifted his head
and looked her in the eyes, the doubts started to crowd in.

“They’ll be looking for us at lunch.” Her feet refused to cooperate. She stayed right there in his very capable arms.

“They won’t wonder about us for long.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “They know you’re up here with me?”

He nodded. “Maria pointed out your whereabouts. Don’t worry—no one will disturb us.”

Suddenly
she felt like a kid making out in her boyfriend’s house with his parents in the next room. She knew she was being ridiculous. This was a massive villa. The dining room and kitchen were at the other end. And they were consenting adults. Still...

“I want you.” Stefano’s voice was husky with desire, leaving no doubt in her mind about his intention.

“I want you, too.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“W
HAT
’
S
GOING
ON
between you and Stefano?”

“Nothing.” Jules avoided meeting Lizzie’s inquisitive gaze as they sat on the living room floor of the villa. “Whatever you’re thinking, just let it go.”

Why did Lizzie have to pick today of all days to drive to the vineyard to help with the wedding details? Jules held back a yawn as she reached for the glue.

She didn’t want to lie to Lizzie about Stefano. But she didn’t know what to tell her sister because quite honestly she didn’t know what was going on herself. She’d been awake most of the night replaying everything between them. How could she explain something when she didn’t understand it herself?

After she and Stefano had made love, he’d kissed her goodbye and spent the rest of the day
and evening at the winery. He said they were preparing for a wine-tasting event that weekend. She told herself that his absence meant nothing. That he was just taking care of his responsibilities.

But a nagging voice kept telling her that he was intentionally avoiding her. Instead of their lovemaking bringing them together, it had driven them apart. But why?

“There’s something going
on between you.” It was on the tip of Jules’s tongue to deny it when Lizzie continued, “You aren’t falling for him, are you?”

Jules shook her head vehemently. “You don’t have to worry. Just because you found your Prince Charming doesn’t mean that I want the same thing.”

Lizzie straightened and eyed her from across the coffee table. “I know that it’s easy to get caught up in all of this
wedding stuff and start to daydream about falling in love.”

Jules stopped gluing together another fan with the wedding program printed on it. “You don’t have to worry. Stefano has been nice and all, but my future isn’t here—”

“You’re right. I don’t know what got into me. You’re too smart to throw away your exciting future for anything or anyone.” Lizzie’s stiff posture eased. I’m just
so proud of you for getting into grad school. You’ll see—the time will fly by.”

This was Jules’s opening—a chance to tell Lizzie that she’d had a change of heart. But she’d have to do it gently. She could tell Lizzie was already nervous about the wedding. “What if I didn’t go back to school?”

Lizzie’s head lifted. Her focus narrowed in on Jules. A long moment of silence passed, and then
Lizzie smiled. “You know, you scared me. Don’t do that. For a moment, I thought that you were serious.”

Jules’s palms grew moist. “You make it sound like grad school is the only worthwhile option.”

“It is.” Lizzie leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “I don’t understand. I thought this is what you wanted—what we’ve been working toward.”

“But what if I changed my mind?”
She prayed Lizzie would understand. “What if I don’t have what it takes to get through the program?”

“So that’s what this is all about.” Lizzie leaned back and sighed. “Jules, you don’t have to worry. You’re going to do great. You’re the smartest person I know.”

“I’m not that smart.” Still it felt good knowing that her sister thought that highly of her.

“Smart enough to get honors
in college and get accepted to your first-choice school. To me that’s very impressive. Just don’t stress yourself out. You can do anything you set your mind on.”

“But what if—”

“Lizzie, are you ready to go?” Dante strolled into the room, rubbing his hands together as though he was ready to hit the road.

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Lizzie put her supplies in a nearby box. “Did you remember
to pack the recipes your aunt gave me?”

Dante nodded. “I got them.”

“And the photos your father gave me of when you were little.”

“I got those, too. Mind telling me what you plan to do with all of that stuff?”

Lizzie smiled up at him, and he just shook his head. “Well, you better get moving. We have to get ready for tomorrow’s filming, and I want to do some prep work tonight
on the menu.”

Lizzie turned to Jules. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer and help more.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

“And make sure you ask my brother for help,” Dante told her as he offered Lizzie a hand to help her off the floor.

When Lizzie got to her feet, she leaned forward just as natural as could be and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. The look that passed between them
spoke of their boundless love. Jules smiled. This just confirmed that all her hard work for the wedding was so worth it. This truly was her sister’s happily-ever-after.

Lizzie turned back to her. “I’m taking the rest of the fans with me to finish. And I have the heavy paper for the place cards. I’ll run them off on the printer in the office once we have a finalized guest list.”

Jules
placed the rest of the programs in the box and closed the lid. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. My guess is everyone will attend. No one wants to miss the celebration.”

“You don’t think they’re all coming because it’s supposed to be filmed for television, do you?”

Dante wrapped an arm over his future wife’s shoulders. “My family is all about the celebrating and it has nothing
to do with television.”

Lizzie gazed into Dante’s eyes. “I hope you’re right.”

“Trust me. They’re happy for us.”

Lizzie reached up and squeezed his hand.

“I wouldn’t trust him.” Stefano stepped into the room. “If there’s one thing I learned growing up with him, it is to be wary when he says ‘trust me,’ especially if it involves the last of the gelato.”

Dante smiled and
turned to his brother. “Hey, I can’t help that you were so gullible.”

“What did you expect me to do when you said Papa was looking for me and to trust you that there’d be some gelato left when I returned?”

“See? You learned a valuable lesson—eat your gelato first.” Dante smiled broadly over the memory of outsmarting his older brother. “We’ve got to go.”

“Don’t worry.” Lizzie turned
back to Jules. “Everything will work out.”

And with that Lizzie and Dante carried the wedding supplies out the door, leaving her alone with Stefano. He turned a puzzled face her way.

“What did she mean about everything working out?”

Jules shook her head and got to her feet. “It’s nothing.”

She turned her back to him and bent over, picking up her supplies. She wasn’t going to
get into another discussion about her education. He’d probably side with Lizzie anyhow, and she didn’t need people ganging up on her. When were people going to trust her to make her own decisions?

He stepped forward and wrapped his hands around her shoulders, and turned her around to face him. “I know that something is bothering you. Did you tell her? You know, about us?”

“No. Why would
you think that?”

“I don’t know. Women like to confide in each other, and I thought that you might have said something.”

“I wouldn’t know what to say.” Her frustration and insecurities came bubbling to the surface. “You and I never talked about what it meant. You’ve made yourself scarce since then.”

He arched a brow. “You make it sound like I’ve been hiding from you—”

“Haven’t
you?” She dropped down on the couch, and he joined her.

“I’ve been busy. You know that.”

“Uh-huh.” He surely didn’t think she was going to buy that he didn’t have one spare moment to speak to her, did he?

“It’s the truth. There’s a wine-tasting event this weekend, and I’ve been helping my father nail down the details. But don’t change the subject. We were talking about what your
sister said. What’s going to work out?”

Jules sighed. “I was trying to tell my sister that I’m not so sure that I still want to go to grad school.”

“And...”

“And she thinks I have cold feet. She’s certain I’ll get over it and things will go according to plan.”

“Is that how you feel?”

“No.” It was the truth, and she was tired of holding it all inside.

His tone softened.
“Then talk to me. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Maybe Lizzie wasn’t ready to hear what she was feeling, but Stefano genuinely seemed interested. And she felt as though she could confide in him. Maybe he’d surprise her and be in her corner.

“The truth is I no longer want to go to grad school.”

“That’s a big decision. What changed your mind?”

“Are you really interested?” She
didn’t want to go on and on if he was only being polite.

His tone held a definite note of sincerity. “I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t interested.”

She leaned back on the couch and folded her hands in her lap. “I just finished a session as an intern with social services before I flew here.”

Then again, maybe she didn’t want to get into it all. Stefano was the picture of success.
His winery was thriving. She’d been awed by all the awards he’d won. They were displayed in the wine-tasting room. His wine had worldwide recognition. He’d never understand failure. And she didn’t want him to think less of her.

“Jules, are you going to make me drag it out of you a little at a time?”

“No. Never mind. It’s not important.” She attempted to get up, but Stefano reached out
to her.

“It is important.” His tone was filled with concern. “If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be trying to tell your sister about it with the wedding so close. Since you can’t talk to her, talk to me. Maybe I can help.”

She glanced up at him and wanted to believe that he could actually understand. That he wouldn’t think less of her. Jules’s heart told her one thing, but her mind said the
opposite. She decided to follow her heart.

Unable to look him in the eyes, she ducked her head. “I got fired from my position. Well, I don’t know if you can get fired from an internship, but I was asked not to return.”

There. It was out there. The embarrassing truth. She was a failure.

When Stefano didn’t say anything, she glanced up. In his eyes, she didn’t see any signs of judgment—just
compassion.

“I’m sure there has to be more to the story than that. What aren’t you telling me?”

“I...I couldn’t do things the way they wanted. The kids...they needed someone in their corner. And I couldn’t stand by and say nothing. When I spoke up one too many times, the supervisor determined I wasn’t suited for the position.”

“Sounds to me like you were just following your heart.”

“But don’t you see, I can’t do that type of work. I can’t follow their rules and regulations blindly when they just don’t make sense in every case. I know the rules are there for a reason, but sometimes exceptions need to be made.”

“Did you ever think that you’re letting your injured ego override everything else? You could help so many kids. I agree with your sister. You need to keep
going and get your degree. Maybe you can bring about change to the system.”

Why did she ever think that opening up to him would be a good idea? He wasn’t any different from her sister. Sure, it hurt getting fired. No matter how nicely the woman at the office stated it, a firing was a firing. She was certain there were other occupations that she could be just as good at or better.

But
switching her focus made her feel as though she were copping out somehow. And she didn’t want to turn her back on those kids who didn’t have a voice. She wanted to do her part, but how could she do that without compromising who she was and what she believed in? She’d never be a yes-girl.

Guilt chewed at her as she considered doing something other than being a social worker. Why the guilt?
Was it projected on her from her sister and now Stefano? She didn’t know, but she sure wanted to figure it out. And she’d do it on her own, without his input or her sister’s. This was a choice only she could make.

“Maybe you’re right,” she said. When he smiled broadly as though he’d just solved the world’s economic crisis, she added, “But maybe you’re not. That’s why I haven’t pressed the
subject with Lizzie. I want to be sure before I get into it with her.”

“And that’s why what happened between us can’t happen again.”

Jules forced her mouth closed as a hundred thoughts struck her all at the same time. “You think me changing my mind about grad school is somehow related to us making love?”

“I think that you don’t know what you want in life, and I don’t want to confuse
matters. It isn’t like I can offer you anything serious. I’ve done that, and it didn’t work out. You’re still young. You have your whole future ahead of you.”

A future without him. The thought tore through her, making the backs of her eyes sting. She blinked. He was right. They didn’t have a future, but it had nothing to do with her being young or his first marriage ending. It had to do with
her not being wife and mother material. Maybe he realized that, too, but didn’t want to point it out.

Jules sucked in a steadying breath. “You’re right. I have my whole future ahead of me. And right now that consists of creating the most amazing wedding for my sister.”

She got to her feet and started for the door. No matter his reason for rejecting her and their lovemaking, it still
hurt. She didn’t want him to see how much it bothered her.

“This isn’t how I meant for things to go between us.” His voice was gentle and thick as honey. “Don’t go away mad.”

“Just go away,” she mumbled.

She fled from the room as quickly as her legs would carry her. Her heart was heavy. He regretted their lovemaking, while she’d been replaying it over and over in her mind. She’d
been such a fool to think that it’d been special for the both of them.

She wouldn’t make that mistake again. And she didn’t have time to dwell on her foolish mistake. The wedding was getting close—a wedding to top all others. It’d be so romantic that it’d have couples falling in love all over again.

Except for her and Stefano.