Best Man for the Bridesmaid

“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.

CHAPTER THREE

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.”