Best Man for the Bridesmaid. Jennifer Faye

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       CHAPTER FOUR

      HONESTY RANG OUT in Stefano’s voice.

      But could Jules believe her ears?

      Did he truly like her sister? Or was he just telling her what he thought she wanted to hear? Jules wanted to believe him. Truly she did. But there was something more to his hesitation than the wedding being bumped up. And that made her intensely curious.

      “Here we are.” Stefano’s deep voice with its heavy accent drew her out of her thoughts.

      With the setting sun at her back, Jules stared out over the vast sloping green fields. It was the most gorgeous evening she’d ever seen. Brilliant pinks and purples painted the sky, while the symmetrical rows of bountiful grapevines were shadowed against the horizon. It was a little piece of heaven on earth.

      “You live here?”

      “The DeFiore family has lived here for generations.”

      He turned the car down a small lane. Off to the side sat a painted wooden sign. Gold letters on a deep purple background spelled out DEFIORE WINERY. It was very stylish. Something told her this villa was going to be more impressive than she’d been imagining. Already the landscape had an essence of romance and blissful happiness written all over it.

      What exactly had she gotten herself into by agreeing to stay here?

      A sexy Italian by her side, the poshest car she’d ever ridden in and the most magnificent countryside added up to trouble. She was certain of it.

      Then again, why fight it? Why not enjoy it? This was her treat for working so hard to graduate with high honors from college. Granted she’d been a couple of years older than her classmates, a result of enrolling late because of a financial hardship. But none of that meant the classes had been any easier for her.

      “Here we are.” Stefano slowed the car to a stop outside a sprawling villa. “I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”

      “I...I’m certain I will be.”

      She gazed up at the sprawling three-story villa. This was more like a colorful mansion than a cozy country home. She caught herself gaping and pressed her lips together. Bright blue shutters adorned each window and door. The color contrasted well with the sunny yellow walls and the red tile roof. Someone sure appreciated vibrant colors. And she couldn’t blame them. It made a happy, welcoming statement.

      The various balconies beckoned to her. Was it possible that her room would have one? She hoped so. She envisioned strolling out there to enjoy her morning coffee. Wow. People really lived like this?

      She couldn’t help but glance around looking for someone with a video camera. But there was no one in sight. Somehow it was hard to imagine that this villa was someone’s home and not a prop on a television show about the rich and famous. And Stefano could easily fit the part of a sexy movie star who set women’s heart’s racing—except hers. She was immune to his charms.

      Stefano opened the car door for her, and she stepped out. “This place is amazing.”

      “Thank you.”

      “It’ll be the perfect backdrop for the wedding.” She glanced around, searching for the ideal spot for Lizzie and Dante to say their vows.

      “You’re thinking of having the ceremony outside?”

      A gentle breeze tickled her skin. “Of course. With such a beautiful setting, it’s not even worth considering any other place.”

      “If you don’t mind me asking, what do you know about planning a wedding? Are you—I mean, have you been married?”

      She laughed. She couldn’t help it. The thought of her making such a commitment was akin to asking her if she could sprout wings and fly. Sure, she hoped that Lizzie would live happily ever after, but, as for herself, she didn’t believe in putting her future in someone else’s hands.

      “I’m a confirmed bachelorette.”

      His dark brows lifted. “Really?”

      “Don’t look so shocked. Men don’t have the market cornered on staying single.”

      He rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I just never met a woman that didn’t believe in roses, platitudes and promises of forever.”

      “Well, now you have.”

      “So I have.”

      Though she’d never admit it, standing here in this little piece of heaven on earth with a man whose thoughts extended beyond his zipper, she could at last understand why some women went the romantic forever route. She turned, and their gazes connected. She should glance away, but she didn’t want to. Not yet. Her stomach quivered. She’d never experienced such a sensation around a man. What was it about him that had her body betraying her?

      Whatever it was, she’d have to be careful around him. No way was she going to fall for some unrealistic fantasy. She knew for a fact that the people you were supposed to trust the most were the first to let you down—the first to inflict pain. Her father had done it first. СКАЧАТЬ