they neared the large stone structure, Stefano cleared his throat. “You’d be surprised at what people are capable of when their hearts are involved.”
She shook her head. “Trust me. I didn’t have a good role model.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Not as sorry as I am.
Just then she heard something. A squeak? A squeal? A cry?
She stopped walking. “Did you hear that?”
Stefano stopped and glanced back at her. “I don’t hear anything. What is it—”
“Shhh...” Her gaze darted around the foundation of the building, where the grass was higher.
If it was a rat, she was going to scream and jump on Stefano’s back. She may be pushing to gain her independence from her foster sister, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have a weakness or two. And rodents gave her the willies. Still curiosity drove her on.
Squeak.
“Did you hear it that time?”
He nodded. “I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s just some sort of wildlife that can take care of itself. Come on. I’ll give you the unofficial tour of the winery.”
“We can’t leave. Not yet. What if it’s hurt?”
Stefano arched a brow. “Didn’t you just get done telling me that you weren’t the motherly type?”
“I’m not.” Though deep down she wished someday she could be the kind of mother that she’d dreamed of. “But that doesn’t mean that I’m heartless. The creature might be starved or worse.”
She didn’t want to think about the worse part. She’d always had a tender spot for animals, even though she’d never been able to have a pet. Her foster homes wouldn’t allow animals. And then the apartment lease forbade them. But now that she was moving, perhaps she’d look for a pet-friendly apartment.
She hunched over and started searching around the shrubs and through the greenery along the side of the building. When she glanced over her shoulder, she found Stefano standing there staring at her.
“Don’t just stand there. Help me.” She didn’t wait for his response as she turned and continued her hunt.
There was a distinct sigh from Stefano followed by the sound of his approaching footsteps. She wished whatever it was would squeak again. She couldn’t see any signs of life. What was it? And where was it?
“Is this what you’re searching for?”
Jules immediately straightened and turned. Her gaze landed on a fuzzy ball of orange fur. “What is it?”
Stefano chuckled. “Don’t you city girls know a kitten when you see one?”
“A kitten?” Her mouth fell open, and she forced it shut. She moved closer. “Is it yours?”
He shook his head. “Not mine.”
“Then how did it get here?” She glanced around, not seeing any nearby houses.
“Sometimes when people don’t want animals, they drop them off. I don’t know why they think this is a good place to leave animals, especially cats. It isn’t like we’re a dairy farm or anything.”
She stuck out her hand to pet it, then paused just inches from the ball of fluff. “Is...is it okay?”
“I’m no vet but...” He lifted the little thing up and gave it a once-over. “I think it’s scared to death and starved. Otherwise, I think it’s okay.”
Jules blew out a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. “Can I pet it?”
His brow crinkled. “Sure. It isn’t that fragile.”
Her fingertips stroked the dirty and tangled fur. She could feel its little ribs as they moved in and out with each breath. And then it turned to look at her. Its crusty little blue eyes peered at her. In that moment, Jules’s heart melted. How could anyone dump such a sweet little thing?
“Do you want to hold it?” Stefano held out the kitten to her.
“Sure. But...but I don’t want to hurt it.”
“Trust me—you’ll be fine.”
She held out her hands, and then there was a little pile of fur in them. She didn’t know that anything could be so featherlight. Her fingers instinctively stroked the fur. She could so relate to this kitten. She knew what it was like to be abused by those who are supposed to care for you.
“Aww...it’s so sweet.” She lifted the kitten until they were face-to-face. “Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”
As she started back toward the house, Stefano called out to her, “What about the tour of the winery?”
“It’ll have to wait. Apricot needs some food.”
“Apricot?” There was a pause and then the sound of him catching up to her. “What are you planning to do with...Apricot?”
“Feed her, of course.” What did he think she was going to do with the poor little thing?
“I meant after that. Do you really think it’s such a good idea to name it?”
She saw the concern in his eyes. What was he worried about? That she didn’t have a clue what she was doing? That somehow she’d hurt Apricot? Maybe he was right. She didn’t know what she was doing, but she was willing to learn.
“We can’t keep calling her ‘it.’ That’s not a name. And I may not know anything about cats, but I can learn. That’s what the internet is for.” And then a worrisome thought formed. “Or are you worried about having the cat in the house?”
“The cat in the house is fine. It’s a big place, and if you keep it in your suite of rooms, no one will even know it’s there.”
As they walked on in silence, Jules’s nerves kicked up. She really didn’t know what she was doing. What if she did hurt the kitten? After all, she’d never taken care of anyone but herself, and even then Lizzie had always been around.
This is why she wasn’t having children—ever. She didn’t know thing one about taking care of others. And judging by the worried expression on Stefano’s face, he agreed. She glanced down at Apricot. Someone had to do his or her best for the kitten. And for the moment that was her.
“What did you want to talk to me about, you know, before the whole cat thing?”
That’s right. She still had to spring the idea of a trip into the city on him. “What exactly are you doing tomorrow?”
WHY EXACTLY HAD he agreed to dinner out?
Stefano sat stiffly in a chair in one of Rome’s finest hotels. Jules and Lizzie were chatting nonstop about wedding preparations. And he wanted to be anywhere but listening to things like guest lists, linen choices and table settings. All it did was stir up long-forgotten memories.
His wedding to Gianna had started with such promise. Then the problems had set in—inconsequential things at first. A comment about a forgotten toothpaste cap seemed so minor. Then things escalated to a litany of how he’d lost interest in her. He’d thought it was what every married couple went through as they adjusted to married life.
He tried to do better. He started taking Gianna to Rome as often as his work would allow him to be away. She’d always loved the city. And he’d loved spoiling her. But when he’d mentioned starting a family, she’d gotten angry. She didn’t want to be trapped at the vineyard with a baby. She wasn’t ready to settle down into family life. She wanted