Perfect Match (Vice Club Nights #2)

13. Gio

Chapter thirteen

Gio

“ W here are you?” Ant demands over the car speaker. It’s nine o’clock and therefore not surprising that my brother has called to question why I’m not in the office. He could have asked my assistant, but as I’m always there, it’s never been necessary to do so in the past.

We’ve turned off the strada statale and are starting to meander our way through the strada provincial . These local roads are narrow and sometimes windy, and I’d forgotten how much fun it is driving along them in a powerful sports car.

“Ciao, Antonio. I’m on my way to the winery.” I look across at Tori in the seat beside me, the wind catching strands of dark hair that have been tugged from her ponytail and whipping them around her face in a wild halo. A smile brighter than the sun that beats down on us stretches her sweet lips wide, and the vision pulls my attention from the road for longer than it should.

“Who gave you the day off?” Ant’s voice booms above the roar of the engine as I accelerate out of a corner onto an isolated straight that cuts between two fields of sunflowers.

“My boss—me.”

Beside me, Tori’s soft involuntary gasp of the word “beautiful” as we pass through the sea of yellow confirms that my decision to escape the city was right.

Antonio is still talking. “Nice. That means there are benefits to being the boss other than having to take the blame for other people’s messes,” he complains, and not for the first time.

Poor Ant. Being CEO of Barbieri Foods is proving to be a challenge, given the state of the subsidiary when my great-uncle handed the reins over to him with little more than a one-week transition period. But already, the results for his first month in charge are looking better. I’ve absolute faith that once the audit has uncovered more poor accounting practices, my brother will turn the business around completely within the year. Us Barbieri men enjoy a challenge and are fiercely competitive.

“I can recommend taking a break. It feels good, bro,” I admit, and this time when I glance at Tori, I give her a wink. She rolls her eyes, which makes me laugh.

“And who are you with?” Ant persists. Of course he’d know I’m unlikely to skip work and take off alone; especially when he saw me with Tori last night.

“A friend,” I admit, turning again to catch Tori’s eye. Her brow is lifted, but the megawatt smile is still in place.

“Would it be the gorgeous brunette you were with last night?”

My laugh is snatched away with the wind whizzing past. “Her name is Tori, and just so you know, I’m in the car and this call is on speaker, so be careful what you say.” There’s a warning in my tone that I’m sure will pique Ant’s curiosity.

“Hi, Tori. I’m sorry we didn’t get to introductions last night. My brother can be rude like that,” Ant teases.

“Hi, Antonio. It was a shame. But Gio and I were in a bit of a rush.”

He chuckles. “I could see that there was something important that you needed to get to.” Innuendo drips from his words.

“I had my hands full,” Tori adds, and I’m not sure who is laughing harder, Ant or me. This girl is something else with her wicked sense of humor.

“I like her, G,” Ant says when he can speak again.

“Okay, so this has been fun, but again, Tori and I are busy.”

“In the car … while you’re driving. That can’t be safe,” he teases, and I need to shut this conversation down now.

“I’m ignoring that, and I’ll see you early tomorrow morning for our meeting.” I disconnect the call while his laughter still rings through the speaker and before he can make any further comment.

This time, I keep my eyes focused on the road ahead, not daring to look sideways because when my brother said he liked her, I wanted to add so do I . But I can’t because this isn’t what we’re doing here.

***

“All of this is part of your family winery?” Tori asks from where she’s standing on the terrace of my family’s seventeenth-century villa, overlooking the neat rows of vines that roll over the hills below.

“Yes, and fourteen other vineyards, but they’re not all in this region. This villa and vineyard is the ancestral home of the Barbieri family, and where it all began. My cousin now runs this property, but he’s away with his family at the moment.”

She looks so beautiful standing there. Her dark-brown hair flowing freely down her back, and her loose blue paisley top translucent with the sun behind her, so every delicious curve of her body is visible. I stroll over to stand beside her and shove my hands deep into my pockets. As much as I want to wrap my arms around her, kiss her senseless, and do so much more, I don’t. That’s what you’d do in a real relationship, not one that will end in a couple of days. The sexual chemistry between us is spectacular, but it needs to stay in the bedroom, not seep out into little gestures of affection that will be difficult to come back from when we inevitably have to say goodbye.

“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 perfect combination 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.” I suspect 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.”

That means there’s a good chance that she’ll still be there when I return to New York. She smiles. It’s her cheeky smile, and I prepare for the witty remark that’s bound to follow.

“Are we still playing twenty questions? Because you’ve far exceeded your turn.”

“I want to know more about you; besides, it’s better asking questions in person.” It’s the truth. I want to know about her family, growing up in Sydney, and what her plans are for the future.

“Go on then, ask away. But I’m counting.”

“Your parents are separated, aren’t they?” I remember her telling me this at some point.

Her brows rise high. “Wow, you’re diving right into the personal stuff.” She smiles, showing she’s not really bothered by the question, then continues, “Yes, but I never knew them together, so it wasn’t traumatic in any way. The term parents when it comes to my mother and father was a concept they weren’t very familiar with. My father returned to the States when we were babies, so we don’t really know him. And my mother, while she stuck with us, really had no idea how to be a parent.”

“Do you think you’ll try to see your father when you’re in the States?”

“No, he made his choice to walk away years ago. He used to call on our birthday, but that stopped when we were about ten. But it always felt like we were being forced to speak to some distant relative.” A shadow darkens her expression, and I know not to delve any deeper.

We sit in silence for a bit, eating the delicious food and taking in the view. It’s comfortable being with Tori, and the longer we linger, the more the recent stress of work eases from my shoulders, floating away on the earthy grape-filled breeze. I want more days like this.

“When will you be in Paris?” I ask. Now that there’s the possibility of us meeting again in New York, we might not have to wait that long to see each other, if she’s interested.

“I think we are arriving on the twenty-seventh next month. Why?”

I lean forward, and with a finger beneath her chin, I tip her face to mine. “Because I’d like to meet you there, if that’s possible.”

A slow smile creeps across her features. “I’d like that.”

She wants to see me again, and I jump up from the table, feeling lighter and happier than I have in a very long time. My chair scratches across the tiles, and Tori jerks back in her chair at the sound.

Reaching for her hands, I pull her up and into my arms. “I’d like that too. But now, bella, I want to take you somewhere else. A little medieval town called San Gimignano.”

“I’ve heard about that place. Should we clear up our plates before we go?”

“No, it’s okay. But I’ll just have a quick word to the housekeeper before we go.” I disappear inside to thank the staff for the wonderful lunch and let them know that we’re leaving. I’ll also be making sure they receive a little extra in their pay for looking after us at a time when they weren’t expecting visitors.

Tori is waiting for me in the hall by the front door when I’m done. And with an arm thrown casually across her shoulders, I lead her outside to the car. Any thoughts of keeping my distance from her have been completely brushed aside with the possibility of this just being a start to something more, not the end.

***

It’s dark by the time I’m swiping my keycard across the sensor on the door of my suite. A few steps inside is all it takes for me to gather Tori close. I’ve been doing that a lot this afternoon, liking the way she slots so perfectly against my body.

“Thank you for today,” she murmurs against my chest. “But before we do anything else, can we have a shower? I’m hot and sticky, and it’s not in a good way.”

“Arms up, then,” I command, and as always, she complies so I can strip the top from her body. Next, I reach around behind her to undo her bra, freeing those gorgeous tits. But I don’t stop to lavish them with kisses this time, and instead, flick the button on her shorts and pull down the zipper. Then, with both hands inside them and the elastic of her G-string, I strip them from her body. Her hands rest on my shoulders as I squat to remove them, and she lifts one leg and then the other to step out of them.

She’s so fucking beautiful, and I slide my palms up her sides from ankles to breasts as I stand back up. The thick cotton of my shorts no disguise for my hard reaction. “Now get your gorgeous ass in the bathroom so I can make you hot and sticky in a good way.”

“Yes, sir,” she says, spinning, and I give her cute butt cheek a little tap. She stops abruptly, looking over her shoulder, and there’s no mistaking her heated look. She liked that, and I make a mental note to ask her how much later.

I take a step toward her, and she’s off running for the en suite, my laughter following her retreat. I’d chase after her if I could do it without risking the zipper of my shorts becoming a permanent tattoo along the length of my shaft. I pop the button on my shorts and carefully release the metal teeth that are an imminent threat to my manhood. And with my cock freed from the confines of my shorts and boxer briefs, I stride into the bedroom, stopping to grab a condom from the top drawer.

All I’ve been able to think about this afternoon is sinking into her. When I step into the bathroom, Tori is already standing under the shower, and as I strip the remaining clothes from my body, I feel her eyes tracking my movements. I toss the condom on the vanity before joining her and pulling her body flush against mine.

The warm, fresh water rains down over our bodies as we fuse together, the embrace so tight and complete that there is no gap between us from our chests to our thighs. My mouth seals to hers as I edge her backward until her back presses against the tiled wall. While her fingers find their home in my hair, I yearn for the frantic scratches that I know she’ll inflict as she comes undone.

My tongue tangles with hers, swallowing the little moan she just released. She tastes of coffee with a hint of salted caramel from the chocolates we had this afternoon. It’s an addictive mix, but I move on, because there is so much more to discover with her. I pepper kisses over her shoulders and across the swell of her breasts, stopping to lavish attention on each taut nipple before eventually licking my way over her stomach as I kneel before her. No patch is left untouched. Her wet skin satiny-smooth against my mouth.

When I reach the junction of her thighs, I look up. “Hold on to me.” The fingers of one hand burrow deeper into my scalp, while her other braces against the tiled wall. I ease one leg up to rest on my shoulder and bury my face in her sweetness. She shivers, but I know she’s not cold with the warm water continuing to tumble over us. I lick a path from front to back. And her moan echoes around us, bouncing off the tiled walls. I flick my tongue across her clit, back and forth as she writhes against my face, coating my mouth with her pleasure, her hand tugging on my hair when it becomes too much and pulling me closer when it’s not enough. This woman knows what she likes and isn’t afraid of taking it. It's so fucking sexy, being the pawn bowed down before my queen.

Her head thrashes from side to side. Her moans a cacophony of sound. She never holds anything back from me, and it’s intoxicating. I suck her nub between my lips and her hips rock wildly. Then, when I plunge two fingers into her soaked pussy, curling them up so they hit that magic spot, she cries out her release. The muscles in her thighs tense beneath my palms. She gives me everything. Each drop of passion coats my tongue, and I lap her up.

When her eyes flutter open again, I ease her leg back down, then stand to reach around the glass screen to grab the condom.

Sheathed, I’m back and lifting her completely off the ground, her strong legs wrapping around my waist. And then I’m plunging into her heat. I can’t wait a moment longer to claim her.

We find a frantic, frenzied rhythm that has her dropping down as I push up. We’re climbing the hill together. Racing to the top, and when my thumb rubs across her clit, we jump off the cliff at the same time.

I’m free-falling, and it’s so fucking good that I don’t know how I’ll ever let her go.