The Italian's Unexpected Heir

Thankfully, the estate was in tip-top shape. So pictures shouldn’t be a big deal. Right? Surely, Enzo would be happy about this interest in the vineyard, wouldn’t he?

She assured herself that she had nothing to worry about. After concluding the phone call, she wrote Enzo a note and left it in what was now his office. And then she set off to change into her dress for the wedding. It was almost time for the bride and groom to say I do.

* * *

What was wrong with him?

Every time Enzo was in Sylvie’s vicinity, he was nearly kissing her or thin

king about kissing her. And that just wasn’t right. He was the one taking away not only her job but also her home.

And there was another thing. He kept delaying talking to her about the final date for the last wedding at the estate. No matter how much he dreaded doing it, the talk had to take place. In fact, he’d put it off too long as it was.

After a long day in the fields, he had one more thing he needed to do. He wanted to test these new oak barrels for leakage and then he would head to the little guesthouse on the property where Sylvie lived. He was certain she wouldn’t want to see him, not after the way he’d handled himself earlier that week—or rather how he’d been out of control, letting his desire dictate his actions. That was why he’d been up extra early every morning and returned late each evening.

“Something on your mind?” Vito asked.

“No. Why?”

Vito nodded toward the hose. “Because you’re spilling water all over the floor.”

“What?” Enzo glanced down to see that the barrel was full and the excess water was forming a puddle on the floor. He rushed to turn off the water. When the hose was drained, he turned to an amused Vito. “Aren’t you supposed to be on holiday with your family?”

“I just stopped on my way out of town to check on things and see if you need anything.”

Enzo grabbed a rag to clean up his mess. This accident was minor but it was indicative of why he didn’t belong here any longer. He was forever distracted. Where once his work had been all-encompassing and fulfilling, now his mind was on other things. “Thanks, but I don’t need a thing. Have a good trip.”

Vito didn’t say a word for a moment. He just stared thoughtfully at him.

Enzo grew uncomfortable beneath his friend’s stare. “Whatever it is, just say it.”

“I’m wondering what’s on your mind.” Vito’s expression turned serious. “Or should I say who?”

Enzo shook his head. “No one is on my mind.” Liar. “I just have a lot to do before the estate sale goes through.”

For a moment a strained silence filled the air. Enzo knew Vito didn’t agree with his decision to sell the estate. They’d already had a heated disagreement. Enzo was hoping Vito would accept the inevitable, even if he didn’t agree with him. Enzo was certain the new owner would keep him on to manage the place, as they’d already discussed it.

“Seems like Sylvie is trying to sway you into changing your mind about the sale,” Vito said as he propped himself up against the worktable.

Enzo moved around the barrel, searching for any leaks. So far it looked good. “She’s wasting her time. It’s practically a done deal.”

“You didn’t sign the papers, did you?” There was concern in Vito’s voice.

“No. But I will as soon as we work out the final terms.”

“So there’s still time for you to change your mind?”

“It’s not going to happen.” If this was anyone but his father’s best friend, he would have told Vito to buzz off already. But Vito was a part of the family. He was like his uncle and no matter how much he stepped on Enzo’s nerves, he just couldn’t tell him to get lost.

“Did you ever consider raising your family here? Maybe with Sylvie.”

That was it. He wasn’t getting away with that—favorite uncle or not. Enzo straightened to his full height. But when he turned, he found Vito had already made a hasty exit. No one could ever accuse Vito of not being a wise man because right about now Enzo was about to unload all of his pent-up frustration when—

“Enzo?” It was Sylvie’s voice. “Enzo, are you in here?”

“Back here,” he called out. It was only after he’d spoken that he realized the mistake he’d made. He was in no frame of mind to deal with her. He was certain she’d want to talk about that almost-kiss and want to analyze its meaning.

Her footsteps approached and he braced himself for her anger or accusations. He just needed to get it over quickly and then he’d tell her that he needed her final date for the wedding business. Quick. Simple.