told them we could do it.”
“You did what?” Jules’s face filled with color as she pressed her lips together.
Stefano didn’t know if Jules was going to yell or cry. And Lizzie looked upset, too. Honestly, he didn’t know what the big deal was. The only thing you needed was the bride and groom, and the rest was a bunch of froufrou.
“Jules, you don’t understand. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
His gaze ping-ponged between the two women. Tempers were rising. If someone didn’t do something, this happy reunion was going to end up in a fight. And he didn’t want to see that happen—especially when the disagreement would be over something so stupid.
“Ladies, I’m sure it can be worked out. After all, it’s only a wedding. How hard can it be?”
Suddenly everyone’s attention was on him. The two women looked as though they would send poisonous arrows his way if they could. Dante smiled and shook his head, but he didn’t say a word. So much for receiving any support from his own flesh and blood.
Jules marched over to him. She planted her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. “Exactly how many weddings have you planned?”
He wasn’t about to get into that debate, but when he opened his mouth there was a distinct disconnect between his brain and his vocal cords. “It can’t be that hard. After all, the venue is all taken care of.”
“The venue is only one part of a wedding.”
“So you pick out some pretty dresses and order a cake. Nothing to stress out about.”
Jules glared at him and turned away. “Said like a man who has never planned a wedding.”
Lizzie nodded as though in total agreement. “I know this is short notice. But Dante and I were talking, and we really don’t want to wait a whole year, anyway.”
Jules’s brows lifted. “Is there some other news we should know?”
Color rose in Lizzie’s cheeks. “No. Nothing like that. We’re just anxious to get on with the rest of our lives.”
“But I’m leaving in a week.” Jules worried her bottom lip.
“I know. But if Dante and I buy you an airline ticket for a later date, to make up for the one you’ll be forfeiting, would you consider staying until after the wedding? Please.”
Stefano’s focus zeroed in on Jules. Part of him wanted her to stick with her original plans and leave soon. But a much stronger part of him wanted a chance to check out the butterfly tattoo a little closer—
No! What was he thinking? He didn’t want anything to do with her. Butterfly or no butterfly. He had no intention of getting too close—of feeling too much. The price was too steep. And on top of it all, he didn’t deserve a second chance at happiness.
“Yes, I’ll stay.” Jules crossed her arms and gave Lizzie a firm look. “You know that this is the craziest thing we’ve ever done. Whoever heard of putting together a wedding in two months?”
“We can do it.” Lizzie looked over at Dante. “Didn’t I tell you she’s amazing?”
“Yes, you did.”
Dante swept Lizzie into his arms and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. Stefano averted his gaze and ended up staring at Jules. She looked just as uncomfortable as he felt. No one should be as much in love as them. Thankfully he was leaving.
At the DeFiore Vineyard there were no couples in love—no uncomfortable moments. Only memories of mistakes that couldn’t be undone.
WAS THAT WHAT it was like to be hooked on someone?
Jules gave a slight shake of her head. She wouldn’t know. She’d never let herself get that close to anyone. She glanced at the engaged couple, who were gazing longingly into each other’s eyes. It was as though they had forgotten that anyone else was in the room. She considered making a joking comment, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’d never seen Lizzie so happy...ever. And she didn’t want to do anything to ruin it.
“I should be going.” Stefano hedged his way toward the door.
“Wait.” Jules sent him a desperate look. He couldn’t just leave her there. “Could you give me a ride?”
She may not want to ruin Lizzie’s happiness, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be subjected to it in large quantities. No way was Stefano escaping this den of love and leaving her trapped. There was only so much she could take of this sugary sweetness. And her teeth already ached.
Lizzie pulled away from Dante. “A ride where?”
“To get a hotel room.”
“Why would you do that?” V-shaped lines formed between Lizzie’s brows. “After all, this will be your home during school breaks.”
“What?” This was news to her.
Before Jules could find the words to set her sister straight, Stefano stepped forward. “Jules might enjoy staying at the villa. It’s quite spacious, and it’ll be helpful for her to see where the wedding will take place.”
Lizzie’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. Jules had the feeling she was wearing a similar expression. The man who didn’t approve of her appearance and who thought weddings were a waste of time was now suggesting she stay with him? She wasn’t so sure how she felt about his offer.
Lizzie’s gaze narrowed as it darted between Jules and Stefano. “Thank you, Stefano. But I’m sure Jules will be more comfortable staying here.”
Jules swallowed and straightened her shoulders. “I think a hotel would be best.”
“You really don’t want to stay here?” Lizzie’s voice grew soft, eroding Jules’s resolve.
Dante stepped up and pulled Lizzie close. Her head tilted against his shoulder as if they’d been leaning on each other for years.
Dante met Jules’s gaze. “You are welcome here. Anytime. For as long as you want. It’s your home now, too.”
“Thank you.” It really meant a lot coming from him, but it still didn’t change her mind. She couldn’t impose on them. But she didn’t have the money to stay in a hotel indefinitely. She turned to Stefano. “How far is the vineyard from here?”
“It’s a bit of a drive.”
“But my brother will be happy to get you back and forth.” Dante smiled as though he really liked the idea.
Jules worried her bottom lip. It was only logical that she go home with Stefano, and he seemed fine with the idea. So why was she throwing up roadblocks?
“I guess Stefano’s right. With the wedding being pushed up, we need to get started right away.” And
