Page 3 of The Wedding Crush

Which…that’s where we butted heads from the start.

When it comes to her Sister Circle—Seneca, Monica, Valerie, and Morgan, Dante’s girlfriend—Avery Ellis is a ruthless warrior. Much the way I am for my siblings, what she’ll do for them is limitless. Loyalty is the only thing we’ve got in common, which Avery learned firsthand over the last six months.

She’s completely blown it out of proportion now, but in January, after my family realized we were losing Dante to grief, I helped Mother orchestrate a diabolical family hoax, threatening to sell the vineyard.

Now, I know that sounds horrible.

Who goes to those extreme lengths to prank their brother who’s already struggling with the loss of his father and grandfather?

Only loved ones who know they’ve got to do something drastic to light a fire under him to pull him out of said grief, that’s who.

It was out of love, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to save our two-hundred-plus-year-old vineyard and winery, so we took our shot, and it paid off.

Big time.

At Dante’s first event meant to draw crowds, he met and ended up contracting Morgan’s business consultant firm. They fell deeply in love in the process and the rest is history.

Except, Avery still harbors resentment toward me since her best friend’s relationshipcould’vebeen the collateral damage of our risky gamble.

It wasn’t, but it could have been, she reminds me every time we see each other.

Now, this woman who I’ve clashed with from the second we met, is snooping outside my window in the sweltering midday heat, right when the word “sex” is broadcast to the hilltops?

I’m mortified.

But also, cautiously curious why she’s here.

I flit a quick glance at my phone to ensure the podcast app is closed before I straighten and clear my throat.

“How can I help you, Avery?”

Who better to practice that nonnegotiable confidence on than a woman intent on questioning me?

She steps closer and I get my first good look at our sparkly-eyed sunshine warrior, fittingly wearing a bold yellow-and-white polka dot sundress with her sleek blonde lace-front swept over her sun-kissed shoulders. It’s perfect for high tea on a bright, summer afternoon.

No surprise there.

Avery Ellis is perfect in every way, right?

Call me cynical, but I’ve found most people aren’t trustworthy. Generally, they’re not bad but no one is nice or selfless all the time. Not without ulterior motives. And there’s always,alwaysa catch.

“Hi, Stefano.” Avery’s tone is upbeat and clear as she bounces on her heels. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your self-help podcast, or anything…”You’re thoroughly enjoying this, aren’t you?“But everyone was looking for you inside the tent, so I volunteered to look around, and bring you back if I found you.”

I cut the engine and step out onto the gravel.

“Looks like you did. Great job.”

That was a bit harsh.

I stand to my full height, and shut the door behind me, taking my time to press my hands over the wrinkles in my pants.

As Avery glances over her shoulder toward the path that leads to the main lawn, though, my focus zeros in on the thin laugh lines, crinkling around her full, sweeping eyelashes. I watch as they slowly smooth, and she lowers her gaze. I catalogue how her delicate bronze shoulders curl over her chest, and I immediately hate that my default response with Avery is always on the defensive side.

“So, how’s the party going?” I ask, hoping to put her love of talking to use while we walk toward the main lawn since my conversation skills clearly need work.

I’m fishing.

Are they drinking tea or spilling it? Both? Is it about me and Carina? Am I blowing this whole Instagram post out of proportion? How’s my confidence? Do women even notice me anymore?

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