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“I can’t believe Ari, Izzy, and Luca are still here. We all used to play together when we were kids. They’ve lived here and taken care of the vineyard our whole lives.”
“That’s pretty cool.”
“Their dad, Roberto, grew up on a vineyard in Italy and came here to the states after he met his wife, Rose.”
Franky let out a whistle at the spectacular view beyond their cabin. “No wonder they stayed here all these years.”
Skylar paused beside him and took in the sight. “I know. Isn’t it pretty? I love it.”
“It’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been, and I’ve traveled all over Europe.”
“Me too. I’ve seen some beautiful vineyards in Italy and the south of France, but nothing beats having a place like this here in our home state.”
Skylar opened the cabin, and Franky brought their things inside.
“Sorry we couldn’t each get a room at the inn.”
“Hey, not a problem. It’s nice that this place stays so busy.” He looked around the space before walking over and peeking his head into the one bedroom. “Nice big bed. That’ll be comfortable for me tonight.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, and he started laughing.
“I’m fine with the couch or a cot. Unless you want to share the bed.” He winked.
Her cheeks were instantly on fire. She wouldn’t complain one bit if he wanted to snuggle up with her tonight.
“You know I’m teasing, right?” he asked.
“Of course, I do.” She waved him off and carried her bag into the bedroom, taking deep breaths to calm herself.
“Want to go for a walk before dinner?” he asked.
She walked out of the room, smiling from ear to ear. “I’d like nothing more.”
They took their time ambling along the path that wrapped around the edge of the vineyard, while Skylar reminisced about being there as a child, playing in the rows.
“I think this would be a really peaceful life.” Franky touched a leaf from one of the vines as they passed by. “Growing grapes and making wine. Living in a place like this.”
“Seems pretty perfect, doesn’t it?”
He smiled over at her.
“When I was younger, before I decided to go to school for business, I thought about moving up here.”
Franky looked taken aback. “You never mentioned that the summer before you left for college.”
Skylar’s heart stuttered in her chest. They had never talked about that summer. All the conversations they’d had during those months, both silly and serious, had meant everything to her. But she was just a kid then, fresh out of high school, and most of the time, she’d felt as if he was humoring her or hanging out with her to pass time until Sebastian got off work. Except for that last night in the pool, which she was pretty sure wasn’t even real. Her teenaged brain had surely taken a simple look he’d given her and skewed it into something way more than it was meant to be. All these years, she assumed he’d forgotten about that summer. But he obviously hadn’t. And now she was curious how much he remembered.
“I’ve never told anyone,” she replied.
“Not even your family?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?”
“I’m a Schultz.”
“So.”