Page 110 of Empire of Seduction
He didn’t stop typing as I drew closer. “Thanks for shoveling.”
“No worries. I was awake so I decided to tackle it.”
“Wild fucking storm last night. You were okay out in the cottage?”
“Yep. You?”
“Yeah, Massimo helped to shut everything down so we could send everyone home before the worst of it started. The guy’s really great.”
Yes, he was. “Did we lose power?”
“No, not that I know of. I didn’t hear the generators kick on.”
“Good. I’ll go and take some readings on the tanks just to be sure. I told Bruce to stay home.”
I poured a glass of juice and drank it all in one go. When I refilled my glass, I noticed my brother staring at me strangely. “You okay?” he asked. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m fine. Just a busy morning.”
“You’re doing that thing you do when you’re upset. Like a turtle in a shell.” He curled his arms up into his chest. “What happened? Did you fight with?—”
“Nope. Nothing happened. Everything’s fine.” I poured a glass of juice for Mikey. “And don’t call me a turtle.”
“Oh, boy.” He reached for his glass. “You’re really pissed off today.”
He was wrong. I wasn’t pissed off. I was . . . I didn’t know. Hurt? Sad? Annoyed? There were a whole host of emotions going through me at the moment.
A blast of cold air rushed in as one of the back patio doors opened. “Hello?” an accented female voice called just before a Mediterranean woman not at all dressed for the weather appeared.
Fuck my life.
Mikey swiveled on his stool and rose. “Hi. We aren’t open today, ma’am.”
Paloma D’Agostino crossed the floor in high-heeled boots that were more fashion than function. I saw her gaze assess my brother, then her mouth curved into a flirtatious smile aimed squarely at him.
Gross.
“Ciao, bello.” She put out her hand, which Mikey accepted. But then she leaned in and kissed both his cheeks. My brother turned red.
“Hi,” he said awkwardly.
“Mikey, this is Vito and Maz’s sister, Paloma,” I said quickly, lest he get any ideas.
“And this is your brother,” Paloma declared, still holding Mikey’s hand. “How adorable you both are!” She was looking directly at him when she said it, so I knew she wasn’t talking about me.
“I didn’t realize . . . ” Mikey started, then thought better of whatever he was going to say. “Where are you staying, Miss D’Agostino? At the B&B in town?”
“Call me Paloma, please.” Though she let him go, she remained close to his side and leaned elegantly against the bar. “I’m staying at your sister’s lovely home. With my brother Massimo.”
Mikey nodded rapidly. “Oh, good. If there’s anything you need, anything at all, please let me know. I oversee this place.” He waved his hand to indicate the winery.
“Grazie.” She put her fingers on his forearm and squeezed. “I willdefinitelydo that.”
God, was she hitting on him? I scowled at her, fighting the urge to rip her hand off my brother. “Paloma, was there a reason you stopped in?”
The edges of her mouth tightened at my tone, but I didn’t care. “I wish to have a word with you, if you can spare a few minutes.”
I didn’t feel like chatting right now. I was sweaty and hungry, and I needed to go take readings on the tanks. And to be honest I needed a break from D’Agostinos.
