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Even though I’m paid to attend the event, my reviews are always authentic.
“What would you like to try, madam?” the waiter offers me a menu.
My eyes sparkle as I begin to go over the list. They have an impressive selection, and my inner wine enthusiast is salivating.
“I’ll take a glass of Vernaccia.” I hand back the menu, leaning against the table.
“Excellent choice,” a deep voice says from behind me, making me jump.
A pair of dark brown eyes meet mine, and he extends his hand to shake mine. “Enzo.”
I’m struck by how handsome he is. His dark hair frames his chiseled face perfectly, and he has an air of confidence that compliments his looks.
Iimmediatelyunderstand the hype.
A warm smile dances at the corner of his lips.
“Quinn,” I croak, clearing my throat as the waiter hands me the glass of wine I’d just ordered.
“Go on, then,” he urges, his gaze never leaving mine. “I saw that you were the only one here by the table, testing out the wine. I’d love to know what you think.”
Of course, he’d noticed me because I hadn’t immediately flocked over to him as soon as he entered the room. Is that because he craves the attention or is he seriously just focusing on my tasting his wine?
I swirl the red liquid in my glass before finally taking a sip.
Heat floods my cheeks, but I’m not sure if it’s the wine that is causing me to blush or his presence.
“Very smooth.” Again, I’m not sure if I’m talking about the wine or him. “It’s been aged, the flavor profile is quite exquisite. I know that this particular wine is difficult to nail, but yours might be the best I’ve ever tasted.”
With how intently he is listening to me, it is clear that he takes his craft seriously.
As I take another sip, his eyes flicker briefly to my lips.
“That’s quite the endorsement, Ms. Quinn.” He gestures for the waiter to get him a glass of his own. “You seem to know a thing or two about aged wines.”
“Occupational hazard.” I laugh. “It’s all I know, really. Tasting wines and reviewing them is what I do for work.”
“Refreshing. I had my assistant pick out a list of people to come to this event. But I was worried that most people would be more into the lifestyle than they are into the craft.”
“Well, most of the girls here are lifestyle influencers.” I chuckle, glancing around the room. “And they’re fantastic at what they do. Besides, with all the people that follow them, I’m sure that you’ll get a nice endorsement on their socials by the end of it.”
“That’s what my marketing team told me. People buy things that pretty girls endorse.” He cocks his head. “But I think it’s much better when the girl is both pretty and knows a thing or two about wine.”
My cheeks burn at the comment, and I tear my gaze away from him.
It’s been a while since anyone has given me attention like this.
“Ah but you see, Mr. Marchetti, flattery isn’t going to help you get the endorsement on my socials.”
His eyes widen slightly at the comment, and even I’m surprised by my own playfulness.
There’s just something about our interaction, and I cannot help myself.
“Oh, it’s not the endorsement that I’m after.” He smirks, taking a sip from his glass.
There is no ring on his finger.
Is he single?