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Skylar chuckled. “Right? But it is my birthday, so I guess I deserve the best view.”
Franky suddenly turned and drew her into a hug. “You do deserve it.” He pulled back and leaned down enough to plant a soft kiss on her cheek before pulling her close again. “Happy birthday.”
The butterflies in her stomach went crazy. “Thank you.” Her reply was muffled by his shoulder, which she had buried her face in. If only she could stay there all night, breathing him in, enjoying the feeling of his strong arms around her.
“So, what’s on the agenda for tonight?” he asked as he abruptly let go and headed back across the hall to his room.
Skylar followed after him, thrown by his sudden exit. “Just hanging out. My parents are downstairs reminiscing with Roberto and Rose. They could be there all night.” Skylar flopped down on his bed and watched him open his suitcase.
“If you’re tired, I can go,” she said.
He shrugged as he dumped his suitcase on the bed behind her. “I suddenly feel a second wind coming on.”
She smiled to herself. “If it weren’t for the rain, we could’ve started a fire outside on the patio.”
“That’s a bummer.”
“We could go try out wine in the tasting room,” she suggested.
“We could. If you want.” He went about stuffing his clothing in the dresser drawers. “Is all of your family here already?”
She shook her head. “Only my parents. Bash and Gen get here tomorrow.”
“What about Gus?”
She shook her head. “Not coming. Didn’t you see the giant guilt bouquet in my room?”
His head tilted sympathetically. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too.” She stuck out her bottom lip. “I’m sad.”
“Let’s go taste some wine. That’ll cheer you up.”
She laughed. “Okay.”
In the tasting room downstairs, they found Luca behind the counter.
“You’re just working everywhere tonight,” Skylar said.
“I go where I’m needed,” he replied.
“You remember my friend, Franky.”
“Yes. Nice to see you again.”
“You too.” Franky’s reply sounded clipped.
Luca turned back to Skylar. “So, it’s your birthday party this weekend, huh?”
“It is.”
He smiled sweetly. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
“I remember when you were here for your sixteenth birthday.” Their eyes met for a few brief moments. She and Luca had shared a kiss that night after weeks of flirting during the summer.
Her cheeks warmed. “I remember that too.”