Paolo returns, interrupting our food play, and we enthusiastically praise the dinner. After saying our goodbyes to Paulo and Sylvia, we rise to begin our short walk back to my room.
I try for lighthearted, non-sexual innuendo conversation.
“Where are you staying Enzo?”
“Next door to you.”
Oh. He stops at my door and opens it for me.
“Ava, what I said earlier, I do hope I haven’t upset you. I always just say what I mean. It avoids confusion.” His tone still smacks of arrogance. He’s not really apologizing as much as just explaining himself.
What do I say to this? I don’t even know if I am upset. I’m a jumble of emotions right now.
“I can handle you Enzo.” I’m not at all sure that’s true.
“Yes, I believe you can. I do hope you sleep well, Ava.”
What? No kiss? After all that. Wait, I shouldn’t want a kiss. Oh Lord, this is so confusing.
“I’m sure I will. And thank you.”
“My pleasure Ava.” He takes my hand and plants a chaste kiss on both cheeks. I inhale his closeness. Man he smells good.
“If you need anything I’m right next door.”
He pauses and stares at me, holding my hand a moment too long.
“You know Ava, you’re really quite stunning. Buona notte.”
He watches me go inside my room. I’m stunning? Enzo thinks I’m stunning. And beautiful. And fuckable!
I can’t stop thinking about all that happened today and the things this man said to me. Maybe he wasn’t trying to seduce me, maybe that’s just how he talks. Still, he did ask me if I had a man so that must mean something right? I don’t know what to think.
What I do know is that this man is probably trouble capital T for me, and I should avoid him. Tomorrow, if I even see him, I’ll just make it clear that nothing is going to happen between us, and I’ll be gone by Monday morning. Yes, that’s a good plan. I settle into bed, satisfied with my clarity.
31
Turn Towards the Sun
CHAPTER TWO
A hint of sunshine streams into my eyes. I stir, momentarily unsure of my location. Oh yes, the hotel. And Enzo.
That was honestly the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. I wonder how I should spend my Sunday. My furniture should be here tomorrow so I just want to enjoy my last day in this paradise. I’ll spend some time at the pool. Yes, that sounds like a good plan.
After a quick shower, I survey my reflection. I frown at what I see. The pool will do my complexion some good I hope. I quickly brush my teeth and pull my hair up in a bun on top of my head. I dig in my suitcases looking for my swimsuit- there it is. I bought it just for Phoenix. It’s dark yellow with brown accents in the middle and on the sides, like a sunflower. I boldly purchased a two-piece even though I’m not the skinniest girl. But I like my curves. Why not show them off. I throw on a t-shirt and shorts and slip on some sandals.
I head out to explore the hotel grounds. Everything you could want is just inside the main hotel, from shoes and clothes to books. There is a hair salon and full spa as well. This really is paradise, a woman’s paradise anyway.
Standing in front of the salon, I watch the women inside getting set up for the day. I wonder how impossibly expensive a haircut and color would be in there. Suddenly, I feel someone standing behind me. I turn to see Enzo gazing down at me, looking relaxed and casual in tan linen shorts and a short-sleeved white polo.
“Good morning Enzo.” I try to keep the excitement I feel out of my voice.
“Buon giorno, Ava. Would you like to get your hair done?”
Well yea, but I can’t possibly afford this.
“Um—” I start. He waves his hand to stop me and grabs my wrist, as we head towards the door of the salon. The girl at the front desk welcomes us.
“Mr. Milano, good morning sir.” She looks to be all of eighteen years old, with a pierced lip and bright magenta hair.
“Good morning Lucy. Is Camilla here?”
“Yes, she’s in the back. I’ll go get her.”
“Listen Enzo—” I start again.
“No you listen. I own this place, all of it. While you are staying here you can have anything you want or need, understand?”
His tone startles me into sudden submission, his eyes piercing through me. I don’t understand any of this but one thing is clear, I better accept his generosity.
“Yea, sure I understand.”
“Good. Then Camilla will do what you want. She’s very good.” A tall, blond woman comes out from the back and smiles when she sees Enzo. Her smile calms my nerves immediately.
“Ciao Enzo.” They embrace and kiss on both cheeks. Camilla is pretty and looks to be close to fifty. She has delicate features with pale blond hair.
Enzo introduces me. “Please take good care of her Camilla.”
“Of course, Enzo.”
“Okay then, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll see you later Ava?” He looks at me with warm eyes.
I nod my head, feeling unable to speak. I have no idea what’s happening to me right now.
“What would you like today Ava?” Camilla asks. I unleash my hair for her to survey.
“Oh my, you have a lot of hair here.”
“Yes, the color is grown out, and my ends are dry.”
Camilla takes a chunk of my hair in her hand and studies it.
“Yes, the ends are a bit dry but not too bad. What kind of color would you like?”
“I don’t know. What do you think?” I ask, somehow knowing she knows what Enzo would like.
And why are you thinking about what Mr. Rich and Bossy would like?
“Well, you could go darker, closer to your natural color. I could put some chestnut low lights in it to give it some dimension. It would bring out the olive tones in your skin, and it would be easier on your hair in the dry weather.”
“Okay sounds good.” I sit down, and Camilla begins to work on me. I see hair falling all around me, but for some reason, I don’t worry about it. If Enzo trusts Camilla, she must be worthy of it. I can already tell he has very exacting standards.
He’s intense and demanding, yet every now and then softness comes through. I still can’t shake the feeling I’m being seduced but for now, I just want to enjoy it. When else is a girl on a budget going to get this kind of treatment?
Camilla washes out my color and snips more of my hair. She begins blow drying, and I start to feel excited about the finished product. She swings me around in the mirror. She’s cut my hair in long layers so it swoops down across my face framing my eyes. It just touches my shoulders now, considerably shorter. My natural wave is back, and it’s a deep dark-brown color. It’s very elegant and dare I say it, sexy.
“Oh Camilla, I love it.”
“I’m so glad. The darker color really suits you.” She adds. The whole time I’ve sat in Camilla’s chair, we were silent, I lost in my thoughts and she in her task. Finally, I decide to pry a little.
“You must be used to this, Enzo bringing women here?” I keep my tone light.
Her eyes widen in surprise. “No Ava, not at all. You’re the first.”
“Oh I guess I just thought…” My voice trails off as I realize I don’t know what I thought.
“I don’t know how you met, but I do know Enzo very well. He’s my brother in law. He doesn’t bring women around. I know he’s in the paper often, but those women are just dates as far as I know. I’ve never met one.”
I’m the first? Very interesting.
“Are you Paolo’s wife?” I ask.
She laughs. “No. I’m Franco’s wife. Enzo has four brothers and two sisters. You really don’t know anything about him do you?”
“No I don’t. I had to look him up on the internet.”
She laughs again. “Well then, enjoy getting to know him. He is guarded and can be very focused on his work, but once you get to know him, you will find he is very passionate about the people and things
he cares about. And he’s very generous as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
I nod. I don’t know how to react to this new information, so I won’t. Yet.
I jump up and flip my hair around like a shampoo commercial.
“It’s awesome. I really do love it.”
“Your hair is lovely, Enzo will like it.” Camilla winks at me.
“Well I don’t know if that matters. It’s not romantic or anything. He’s just helping me out.” I insist.
“I don’t know about that Ava, based on the look in his eyes when he talks to you, I’d say he’s interested in you.”
I look down, unsure of how to answer. “I should go. Thank you for my hair.”
“I’m glad you like it.” She winks again and floats off.
I glance once more at my reflection before heading back out into the lobby. I wander down the hall of shops and boutiques gazing in through the windows and stop in front of a store called Sassy. It looks too expensive for me, and the sizes look small. I’m just dying to take a look at the clothes close up. Anyway, it doesn’t cost anything to look. I’m going in.
A petite woman with stark black hair cut in a chic bob looks up from her paperwork at the front desk. She’s dressed in a form fitting black dress. Her skin is pale, and her make up heavy. She glances at me sizing me up and offers a stiff good morning.
“Hi. I’m just looking around.”
“Take your time.” She says without looking up. I roam around the boutique. The floors are pale blond wood, and everything is sleek and modern. In the middle of the room sit two large round sofas. It’s deserted and seems more like a museum than a clothing store. I spy an appealing looking skirt and hope it comes in my size. One thing I have noticed is that the women in this town seem to be universally skinny, with a lot of obvious plastic surgery. My curvaceous figure seems large in comparison.
“Mr. Milano.” I hear the girl at the front desk and whirl around to see Enzo entering the store, mouth pursed.
“Anna.” He does not look happy. He keeps his eyes on her as he walks towards me.
“Ava.” He speaks my name softly, wrapping it in his textured accent. He kisses me on both cheeks. “Your hair is beautiful. I knew Camilla would do a great job.”
He reaches out and strokes a small piece of hair draped over my shoulder. It’s very intimate. A heated flush creeps onto my cheeks.
“I’m so glad I found you here.” He continues. “I wanted to ask you something.” His voice lowers, and he moves closer to me. I hear the clanking sound of Anna’s heels moving in our direction.
“I have a dinner to go to tonight, and I’d love it if you would join me.” His eyes meet mine, completely pulling me into his energy.
Anna reaches us at this point and tries to get Enzo’s attention. He continues looking at me, waiting for my answer, ignoring Anna.
“Yes, I’ll go.” The words fall out of my mouth.
Enzo grins. “Perfect. Anna, Miss Bradshaw needs a gown for this evening.”
Gown! Oh, it’s a fancy dinner.
“Of course Mr. Milano.” A strained smile is the best she can do. I can tell right away that Anna here is not a fan of mine.
“Miss Bradshaw, do you have any idea what you might like?” Anna asks.
Enzo speaks first. “May I offer a suggestion Ava?”
I have already learned refusing this man is not an option. Besides, I wouldn’t have a clue what to wear.
“Of course.”
He points to a gorgeous deep purple chiffon creation. It’s long and flowing with a cinched waist. The bodice is one shouldered with a lovely chiffon knot at the top. It’s demure but alluring. It’s perfect. I light up right away.
“Oh yes, I love it.”
“What size would you like?” Anna asks.
Before I can speak, Enzo grins, looking me up and down.
“I’d say a size six or… an eight?”
I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended that he knows my size just from looking at me. He clearly knows his way around a woman.
“Yes that’s right, depending on the dress. Petite please.” A satisfied smile spreads across his face.
Anna’s lips press into a thin line while she selects the dress in both sizes.
“How did you know my size Enzo?”
“I studied fashion for two semesters before I decided on architecture. The lines of the body always fascinated me, so I thought I might like to design clothing.”
“What changed?”
“I found that for me, I was more interested in designing structures professionally.
“And personally?” Well well, look at who’s being bold with her questions.
A grin spreads across his face. “The female body continues to fascinate me. But I must admit I’m more interested in the unclothing of a beautiful woman.”
I’m fairly certain my mouth hit the floor.
Anna arrives with the dresses. It’s obvious this situation is completely annoying to her. I step into the dressing room and slip out of my clothes and into the size six first. It’s a bit tight, so I try the eight hoping this amazing confection looks good on me. I stare at myself in the mirror and can’t believe my eyes. My hair is so different and this dress! It hugs my body in all the right places. I look so, womanly. Watch out Enzo, here I come.
I step out of the dressing room into the main boutique. Did he just take a deep breath?
“You look amazing.” His eyes linger on mine. “Here, try these on.”
I bend down and slip on some gold sandals, thankful they are my size. I twirl around for him once.
“Does this meet your approval?”
He studies me with warm eyes, and then his voice suddenly cools.
“Yes. Anna, go ahead and ring it up.”
His mood shifted back to all business. Oh, right. This is just an event he’s attending. It’s not a real date. I’m the unknown woman for the evening. I shuffle back and forth while Anna moves in to remove my tags.
“Mr. Milano that will be $1,125. Shall I have it delivered to her room?”
What? I can’t believe these two things cost that much. I know I had better not question it but seriously, he just spent this much on a girl he barely knows. Maybe he does this sort of thing all the time. He seems perfectly comfortable with it. I hurry to change back into my own clothes. When I come out, Enzo is waiting for me.
“Well then Ava. I thought we might go to the pool for a few hours. Get a little sun.” His tone is still a little cool, but he wants to keep me around. I have no idea what to think at this point, but I know I could use a bit of sun, so I agree.
“Sure. Already got my suit on. Do you need to change?”
“No.”
That’s it? I guess we’re not having a conversation.
“Listen Enzo, I really appreciate the salon visit, and the dress is beautiful, but I feel uncomfortable that you’re spending this kind of money on me. I don’t even know you.”
He continues walking without saying a word. A strange expression settles on his face. Sunglasses hide his eyes, so I have no clue what he’s thinking.
“You will get to know me, no?”
So um, what the hell does that mean?
We enter the pool area and find a nice set of lounge chairs. Immediately, attendants swarm around us, providing towels, pillows, and plying us with cool drinks.
“Must be nice to be the boss.”
“Yes, it has its benefits.” He smirks, warming up to me again.
“Make sure you put on some sunscreen. The sun is strong here. You don’t want to burn.”
There he goes, bossing me around again.
“I’m not a child you know.” I shouldn’t have said that based on the fact that my poor planning has led to this series of events.
He grins. “I’m sure I didn’t say that you were a child.”
Just shut up Ava.
“Aren’t you going to swim?”
“In linen?” He laughs. “N
o, I just came to the pool to get some work done and get a little sun. Now relax.”
He removes his shirt and lays it at the foot of his lounge chair, then slips off his shoes and places them underneath the chair. I try to keep my eyes off his physique, but it’s damn near impossible. He rubs sunscreen across his taut arms and chest, and I wish I could do that for him.
I remove my t-shirt and shorts revealing my swimsuit. He gazes up from his iPad.
“That looks like a sunflower.” He muses.
“It’s supposed to. I love sunflowers. They’re my favorite flower.”
“Well then you must like the hotel name.”
I look at him clueless.
“Girasole. It’s the word for sunflower in Italian. It means to turn towards the sun.”
“Oh how beautiful.” I love that meaning.
“Yes, beautiful. I chose sunflowers for the hotel because all good things come from the warmth of sunlight. Of course, too much sun can burn.” He hands me the sunscreen.
I take the bottle. “Do you like it then, my swimsuit?” I ask. I have no idea why I am seeking his approval.
“Yes, Ava. I like it.” His tone is pure business again. His gaze lingers on me for a moment before returning to his work.
I settle into my lounger and rub sunscreen on my front. Enzo is typing away on his iPad paying no attention to me. At least I got him to admit he likes my suit.
The hotel pool is as lush as its rooms. The color scheme is a vibrant blue and yellow with dark espresso colored furniture. The space is large, with sitting areas, covered cabanas, and lounge chairs flanking the infinity edge pool. A bar area sits alongside one end of the pool where visitors can swim up and order drinks. Every guest has a server who brings drinks, food, or anything else the person desires. It’s all very posh.
I want to strike up a conversation, but he seems very cold and distant. He’s obviously focused on his work. Best to keep my iPod plugged in and my mouth shut.
I’m ready to flip and need sunscreen on my back. Should I ask Enzo to do it? Good reason to talk to him at least after thirty minutes of silence. Will that seem too forward? I can’t do it myself though. Here goes.
Turn Towards the Sun Page 4
