Page 1 of Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend

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QUINN

“Livingladolcevita.”A laugh escapes my lips as I pan my camera across the gorgeous Tuscan landscape, replete with rolling hills and sprawling cypress trees. “And of course, no trip to Italy is complete without indulging in some wine.”

I take a sip from my glass, enjoying the fresh, earthy treat sliding down my throat. “Absolutelydivine.You guys need to try this. I’ll leave the details in the caption.”

I cut the video off just before Lilly steps into the frame. She can hardly keep a straight face as she sees me struggling to balance my camera alongside my glass.

“Life of an influencer, uh?” She barks a laugh. “Here. Let me get that for you.”

I lend my voice my influencer-perky tone. “Hey, it’s all part of the job.” Then I let my usual voice come out. “I need to get this story up ASAP.”

At twenty-eight, I’ve established a decent online presence recording my passion as a wine sommelier. Being an influencer isn’t exactly a normal career as my work doesn’t end when the clock struck 5 P.M.

Truthfully, work never ends. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say it has its fair share of perks…

Like getting flown out for an all-expense paid trip to San Gimignano in the heart of Tuscany, famous for its vineyards and wine tourism.

It’s exactly the kind of escape I needed. The slow, languid Tuscan life is a total contrast to my personal life, which was recently wrecked with devastation.

My chest tightens, and I scroll over to my messages to see if Liam has made any attempts to contact me since I landed. Not that we talk much, now that I signed the divorce papers, but still.

“Quinn, get off your phone.” Lilly nudges me softly on the shoulder. “You’re here now. It’s time to live in the moment.”

Typical Lilly. I smile.

She’s always true to herself, I have to give her that.

I stash my phone away.

Lilly found her fame online with her yoga and mindfulness content.

“Lovely.” She grins and then leans forward as she looks around almost as if to check no one is listening in on our conversation. “You know, I’ve heard that the owner is a real hunk. He’s supposed to make an appearance here, and some of the girls already have plans ready to impress him.”

“A hunk?” I snort, amused.

“Yeah, real easy on the eyes. I googled him before arriving, and I have to say, if I didn’t have Peter waiting at home for me, I’d be pretty tempted too. Maybe you should try your luck.”

I shake my head, laughing at the ridiculousness of her words. It's been a while since I’ve been back on the dating scene, as Liam and I were together for the better part of my twenties. Now that I’m single again, though…

“I’m here for work,” I immediately state before I can get ahead of myself. “Mixing business with pleasure isn’t really my thing.”

“Even when the business looks like that?” Lilly grins, pointing to the doorway.

All heads turn toward the doorway.

Enzo Marchetti, the owner of the vineyard and the sponsor behind the event, has finally arrived.

“He sure knows how to make an entrance.” I laugh.

I haven’t gotten a chance to see him yet as he’s immediately crowded by a group of girls batting their lashes at him just for a chance to speak to him. If you didn’t know any better, you’d assume he’s some sort of a celebrity.

“I told you. The hype is real,” Lilly muses.

“Mhm.” My hand glides through my hair. Curiosity burns inside of me, but I’m not starry-eyed like the rest. “I think I’ll help myself to another glass of wine.”

I make my way away from the crowd to the wine-tasting table. Since everyone is paying attention to the man of the hour, might as well make the best of it and test out some more of the product.

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