“Come on, I’ll show you around.”
We spend the next hour or so wandering through the vineyards, then the cellars and wine-tasting rooms before returning to the terrace. My cousin’s staff have set up a casual lunch for us under the shady loggia at the far end.
“Wow, this looks amazing,” Tori exclaims as she settles into the chair adjacent to mine. Fresh-baked bread with a crunchy golden crust sits sliced in a linen-lined basket, a shallow bowl of olive oil beside it. But the centerpiece of the spread is an antipasto platter with a variety of cold meats, cheeses, olives, and sundried tomatoes.
“All of this comes from the farm,” I explain with pride filling my chest.
“Really?” She selects a slice of bread from the basket, rips a corner from it, and dips it in the olive oil before popping it in her mouth. “Yum, that’s the same olive oil from Emilio’s place. It’s delicious.” A drop of oil remains on her bottom lip, and I reach up to wipe it away with my thumb. She’s blown my restraint up yet again, and I wonder if I should just surrender to her now, forget the consequences.
She continues to stare at me, frozen in place, her lips parted, and I have to kiss her. Leaning forward, I seal my mouth to hers, swallowing the soft breath that escapes through them. Her mouth holds the fresh buttery taste of the green oil. A perfectcombination when mixed with her wildflower scent. I pull her closer so I can trail kisses along her jawline.
“Fuck, I want you.” The words rise up unbidden from deep within my soul, overriding any sense of caution that my brain might be warning. She tilts her head, giving me unfettered access to the long, smooth column of her throat and the source of her wildflower perfume that will forever be imprinted in my memory. My fingers slip the sleeve of her top from her shoulder while my other hand seeks out her breast.
With Tori in my arms, I can’t think straight; I’m acting on an instinct that tells me being with her is just right. But unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the sound of footsteps tapping toward us across the terracotta tiles has us springing apart. The housekeeper approaches with a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice.
When we’re alone again, the moment has passed, and we settle down to eat.
“Do you visit the winery often?” Tori asks, probably more to move us on from the awkwardness of having nearly been caught doing way more than kissing.
“I try to visit every few weeks when I’m based in Florence. It’s not far, and I think it’s better to get the updates in person from my cousin.”
“And how long will that be … You know, you being based in Florence.” Her gaze remains fixed on her plate, not looking up at me. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Tori, it’s that she’s not afraid to hold my stare.
It’s interesting to think that she might be suffering the same internal conflict that I am.
“At least until the end of the year, maybe a little longer.” I look for a reaction, but it’s hard to know if there is one when she won’t raise her gaze. I continue, “My father wants Ant and me to be closer to the business while he transitions into his new role.” Isuspect it’s really so he can make sure we don’t go making any decisions without him.
“And your father lives in Florence?” she asks, flicking a quick look my way.
Frowning, I answer, “Yes, he has a house in the hills overlooking the city. He moved to Italy permanently after my mother passed away.” I’ve told her about my mother in the calls and texts we shared after Capri. What I haven’t ever said much about is my father and the difficult relationship my brothers and I all have with him.
“My father likes to control every aspect of the business. He’s chairman of the board, and he sees that role as very much like a dictatorship. He’s not necessarily happy to have another of his sons as CEO of a subsidiary because that further weakens his position.”
I’ve probably said more than I should have, but I want Tori to understand more about my family and my role in it. These next few months are going to be difficult, and if the plans Ant and I have to bring about modernization changes to the business work out, then the relationship between my father and us is going to get worse. Ant and I would never do anything to damage the company. In fact, what we will be proposing to the board in hopefully the next couple of months will ensure its future in an increasingly competitive global market.
“Enough about me and my work; after all, it is my day off. What are your plans? What’s next on Tori’s grand adventure itinerary?”
She looks up, smiling. “Venice, Milan, then Lake Como before we go to France.”
“Will you be traveling all of the summer?”
“We hope to. Amy has to fly back to the UK at the end of June, but Tina and I will continue through July.”
“And after France?”
“After Paris, it’s back to London briefly before I fly to New York to be with my sister.”
New York, where I hope to be based again next year. Maybe there is a chance for us to have something more than just a few days together.
“Are you going to work there like your sister?” I draw in a breath and hold it, waiting.
“Yes, but not in a bar. Hopefully, I can get a job in a gym and teach yoga and Pilates classes like I’ve been doing in London.” She pops an olive between her lips, then sucks the tip of her finger. In other women I’ve known, this would be a deliberate attempt to entice me, but with Tori, it’s just a natural move. She doesn’t play those games. She doesn’t need to for me to want her.
Picking up my frosted glass of juice, I take a long swallow, the cool, refreshing drink soothing my dry throat.
“And how long do you think you’ll stay?” I ask, a spark of hope having been lit at the thought of us living in the same city.
She shrugs. “I’m not sure, but I’ve got dual citizenship, as my father is American, so it can be as long as I like.”
