Okay he’s got my attention now.
“I told her that I just needed to see her face to face to tell her how my life was affected, but that I’ve let it go.”
“But what about the kiss, Enzo?”
“We stood to leave the restaurant, and she extended her arms for a hug. I hugged her, and she kissed my cheek. The angle and darkness make it look like more than it is.”
I study the picture again, and I can see it’s true.
“But I swear Ava, that’s all it was. I had to make peace with my past so I could move into my future. With you. I was going to tell you all about this. I have nothing to hide from you.”
I sit silently replaying his words in my head. “She’s the reason you’re a dick to woman? The reason you don’t trust anyone?” I wipe my nose with the sleeve of my robe.
“Yes. After her, I was so broken. I gave her my all and she crushed me. I didn’t want to feel like that ever again so I avoided any chance of a relationship.”
“So she’s the reason you haven’t made love to me yet?”
“No, not exactly. She is the reason I avoided relationships for so many years. But you are the reason I wanted to wait for sex.”
I’m confused. “I don’t get it Enzo.”
“I’ve told you before, something about you makes me want to try, makes me want to be in a relationship. I wanted more than sex with you almost from the moment I met you. I finally feel like I want to open my heart again to someone. You.”
I look up and feel my eyes filling with tears again. He pulls me to him and kisses me fully on the mouth.
“I can’t bear the thought of hurting you.” He smothers my face in kisses. “You mean so much to me in such a short time.” I hold him as tight as I can.
“Look at me. I won’t lie to you now or ever. I know what it feels like, and I would never do that to you. I won’t cheat on you. If I didn’t want to be with you and only you, I would just leave. Do you understand? But I’m not leaving. I want you. No one else.”
“Why would someone take this picture and give it to me?”
“I don’t know. Just to cause problems I suppose. A juicy story to report. I can’t promise that my name will never be in the local gossip column again.”
I throw my arms around his neck and pull him to me. He squeezes me tight in return. His kiss is filled with such passion and intensity, I feel lightheaded. How is all of this happening? This hurricane of a man has come in and rocked my world. And now I’m a hopeless mess.
“Come on.” He stands me up, and we walk to the bathroom. He starts the bathtub water. It’s late, but I could use a relaxing bath after all of that.
“You stay here and I’ll be right back.” He leaves and returns moments later with two glasses.
“Prosecco amore?” He smiles. I return the smile. He pours bath oil in the water, and the room fills with the scent of magnolia. I drop my robe. He reaches behind me and unhooks my bra then removes it. He kneels down in front of me and removes my panties. I step out balancing myself on his shoulders. He holds my hand as I step into the steamy bath water. Seductive music plays in the background. Enzo stands and removes his clothes quickly, climbing in to face me. Grabbing the Prosecco from the bathtub edge, he hands me one of the glasses.
“Thank you for listening to me.” He holds his glass in the air.
“Thank you for telling me.”
We drink slowly in silence, the coolness of the drink contrasting with the hot, soapy water. He lifts my foot to his mouth and sweetly kisses each toe, then repeats this pleasure on my other foot. He massages my feet and calves, and all the day’s tensions melt into oblivion.
How did I get this guy? I still don’t quite believe it. And thirty minutes ago I thought I was losing him. Now I’m neck deep in bubbles with him.
Enzo is definitely going to make me fall in love with him. I already have. I shake the thought away. There’s so much to know still.
Doesn’t mean you can’t love him. I wish I had an off switch for my brain.
“What are you thinking bella?”
“I was really afraid it was going to be over for us. I’ve already been cheated on and lied to, and I know I just couldn’t take it again.”
“What kind of fool would cheat on you?”
I shake my head. “This really isn’t a good story.”
“I told you mine.” He teases, but I know he wants to hear.
“Alright. I met my ex-boyfriend Steve at an outing with friends. At first, we hit it off really well and spent a lot of time together. Within a year, we moved in together, and I thought we would get married. I sold all my stuff and bought everything new with him. Over time, I started to dress how he wanted, speak like he wanted, and do the things he liked to do. I thought I was in love. I didn’t realize how much I compromised for him.” I shake my head again.
“There were warning signs. He couldn’t keep a job, and we were always struggling with money, plus he drank too much. Anyway, I went to Vegas for the weekend with some girlfriends. Our trip ended up not working out like we planned so I went home early. I thought I would surprise him and just be home when he got home from work. I’m sure you can see where this is going.”
Enzo nods.
“So it’s the middle of the day, and I walk into our apartment to see a mess. There had obviously been a party. I walk in the bedroom, and my boyfriend is sleeping butt naked with a woman lying next to him.”
“What did you do?”
“I left.”
“I know but what did you do at that moment.”
“That is what I did at that exact moment. I turned around and left. I drove to my parent’s house and cried on their shoulders for a week. Steve called twenty times a day, and I threatened him with a restraining order. My dad and his friend went and collected my clothes and books. I left everything else.” I sink deeper into the water, my legs up around Enzo’s neck.
“Did he try to get you back?”
“Tons of times. My dad must have said something to him because Steve never called me after my dad went and got my things. He knows I moved and as far as I’m concerned, he can fuck off.”
“Now I understand.” He caresses my leg.
“Understand what?”
“Why you need to feel independent. You gave up too much for him, and he hurt you. We’ve both been hurt Ava.”
I nod. “Yea and it sucks.”
“But no more.”
“Don’t make promises you don’t know if you can keep Enzo.”
He stands and steps out of the tub silently, wrapping a towel around his waist. He helps me out and into a waiting towel, and pulls me into a deep kiss.
“I thought you were going to leave me.” He murmurs between kisses.
“I’m not leaving Enzo.”
We fall into bed removing the barrier of our towels. The intensity of our kissing increases, his mouth devours me. My body is burning with desire. I don’t know if I can handle The Big Tease tonight. I’m emotionally and physically drained.
“Ava.” My name falls from his mouth in a heavy breath. He lifts his head and looks intently into my eyes, his eyes sparkling pools of blue.
“Yes?”
“God Ava. I can’t wait anymore. I have to tell you. I’m in love with you.” The words rush from his mouth.
I’m stunned. He loves me? Oh my God, he loves me. My heart races from the sound of his words. Is it true? Tears stream down his face. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Enzo, I…”
“Tell me. Tell me how you feel Ava.”
Yes, Ava. Tell him.
“I’m in love with you too.” Great now we’re both crying.
He buries his head in my neck. “Don’t say it because I did. You need to mean it. Do you mean it?” His vulnerability shows.
“Yes.” It’s a whisper, but he hears me.
He kisses me again, pressing the full length of his body on mine. I open my legs to let him move closer to me.
“I’m going to make love to you now Ava.” His words pierce me, filling me with desire.
Confident Enzo has returned. Hallelujah!
I’m giddy with anticipation. He stands, and I watch his naked body while he lights two candles. I can’t tear my eyes away from his sinewy muscles and olive skin, and I cannot wait to get all of him inside me. Finally!
He climbs on the bed and hovers over me. “I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you Ava and now your body is mine.”
Shivers course through my body as his words glide over me.
He starts kissing up my neck until his mouth encases mine, intensely hot, owning me, making me completely his. He moves painfully slow to my breasts, nibbling my hardened nipples back and forth. He opens his mouth and sucks the flesh of my heaving breast into his mouth, swirling his tongue around my aroused nipples, giving equal attention to both. This. Feels. So. Good.
I tangle my hands in his thick hair, moaning softly as encouragement. I finally get to have all of him. I’m overwhelmed with emotion and passion.
“Ava, your body is so beautiful.”
His tongue moves down my stomach and stops to dip in my belly button, swirling slowly. Strong hands knead my breasts as he continues this amazing pleasure. I might explode. My skin burns at every touch.
I feel his mouth moving lower and part my legs instinctively. He presses his face against my thigh, and I feel the soft pokiness of his stubble. I tense in anticipation.
I close my eyes and revel in the sensation of his warm breath between my legs. He stops and boldly inhales my scent, causing me to squirm with desire. “Oh God Enzo.”
“Baby you smell so good. Let’s see how you taste.”
He spreads my legs further and buries his face in the hot wetness that was a barren wasteland just days ago. I groan and grind my hips into his face. He responds by going deeper, his tongue flicking around my clitoris. He definitely knows what he’s doing. His hand presses down on my stomach, holding me in place, as his other hand meets his tongue between my legs. He slides a finger inside me, and I cry out.
“Oh, God yes!”
“Mmm Ava, you’re so wet.”
My hips move rapidly seeking the sweet release from the buildup leading to this point. He pulls away and shakes his head no. I gasp at the sudden release of pressure.
“No! Oh please baby, don’t stop.” I want him more than anyone or anything at this moment. I can’t get enough.
“Patience Ava.”
“I don’t think so.” I grin and push him forcefully onto the bed. His eyes fill with surprise. I straddle him and plant my lips on his neck moving my way down. Oh the moment I’ve wanted for so long. I firmly grasp his cock in my hands and lower my mouth onto him. I suck slowly, sliding my tongue up and down his shaft. His breath catches.
“Damn Ava.” He whispers, wrapping his hands in my hair.
“I couldn’t wait to get this in my mouth.” I continue making work of his erection swirling my tongue up and over the tip, moving my hands up and down the shaft, and doing my best to drive him crazy. If I know I’m good at anything in bed, I know I can give one hell of a blow job. His head is thrown back as he repeats my name over and over.
“Ava. Ava. Ava. Fuck, Ava.” Quickly, he pulls me up and flips me over on the bed. “I want to come inside you, not in your mouth.”
His lips press to mine, and I taste the faint saltiness of my wetness on his lips. He moves between my legs and sits up on his knees, preparing to enter. I move my hips up, but he presses me down with one hand.
“Be patient.” He commands.
I lock eyes with him. He reaches down and strokes my cheek.
“You are so beautiful Ava.”
“So are you Enzo.”
“Tell me you want me.”
“More than anything. I want you. Now. Please.”
“Jesus Ava.” He pushes into me, and I cry out.
He doesn’t move at first, letting us both enjoy the sensation. Slowly, he begins pumping in and out of me, his sizable girth filling me completely. I move my hips trying to match his rhythm. He leans forward and kisses my mouth then my neck. I try to push him into me even deeper, wrapping my legs around him to pull him closer.
“Fuck Ava, you’re so tight. I want you to come. Can you come for me?” He’s moving faster now, pumping into me harder and harder.
“Yes.” I moan.
He reaches down and expertly rubs my clit.
“Ah yes, yes.” I writhe around underneath him, my insides beg for release. My intense need for him amazes me.
He thrusts deeper, grabbing my ankles and raising my legs. I feel him press into the deepest part of me, coaxing me to climax.
“I’m gonna come Ava…come with me.”
I feel the tension of orgasm building quickly and buck my hips wildly, digging my nails into his arms to brace myself.
“Ava, you look amazing right now. I love you so much.” He drops my legs and presses his body to me. “Your mine Ava, completely mine.” He whispers in my ear as he holds me tight to him, his hands tangled in my hair.
I run my hands over his glorious muscular back, our bodies sticking together with passionate sweat. I’m grinding against him as hard as I can and know that any moment now will be sweet pleasure.
“Yes, oh God Enzo, yes!” I scream out as wave after wave of pleasure courses through my body. I feel his body tense between my legs and he finally releases, pumping hot liquid into my depths. He slumps on top of me. He’s heavy but I love the feeling of his weight on me. I stroke his hair and wait for my breathing to return to normal. He moves on to his side, the most breathtaking smile on his face. His eyes glow and his skin is flush with passion. He is even more beautiful now.
“Amazing.” He looks in my eyes as he speaks.
Tears of pure sexual release stream down my face. He reaches over and brushes a tear off my cheek.
“I meant what I said Ava. I’m in love with you. I always have been.”
“I know.”
He traces a finger down my torso and plays with my bellybutton.
“I meant it too Enzo.”
“I know.”
We lay quietly for a few moments. He steps out of bed and turns the music off. Climbing back in, he pulls my soiled towel out from under me and throws it on the floor.
“Buona notte Ava.”
“Buona notte Enzo.”
That was totally worth the wait.
“Rise and shine Ava.” I stretch luxuriously in bed, the soreness between my legs reminding me of our night of passion. Enzo is dressed as usual and stroking my hair off my face.
“Bella, you need to get up and spend time with me before I leave. Remember?”
A frown washes over my face. Oh yea he’s leaving again. Reluctantly, I get up and go take care of my biological needs in the bathroom. I shower, brush my teeth, and throw my robe on to enjoy coffee with the man who confessed his love for me. Love!
“I like that you call me bella.”
He grins. “It’s fitting, no?”
I shrug. “I guess I’m not entirely sure what it means.”
He pulls me to him. “It’s how you tell a woman she’s beautiful. You are actually la bellissima, the most beautiful.”
I grin. “You have a way with words you know that?”
“I have a way with you.” He kisses my neck. “Now sit down and have some coffee.”
“Enzo, last night was incredible. I hope I made you happy.”
“You always make me happy. But yes, making love to you was as perfect as I knew it would be. And now I can ravish you as I wish, no?” He laughs.
I watch him prepare my coffee, adding just enough sugar and milk. I notice his expression change and wonder what’s on his mind.
“Ava,” he sounds nervous. “Come with me.”
“Come with you, where?”
“To Boston. Come with me.”
I laugh. “I can’t. I just started a job three days ago, remembe
r? I’m not on vacation anymore.”
“I want you to quit your job and come with me.”
“What? That doesn’t make any sense Enzo. I’m supposed to quit my job and follow you like a puppy dog everywhere you go?”
“I will take care of every need and desire you have Ava. And I want you with me. I travel a lot, and I don’t want to leave you here.”
This is ridiculous. “Enzo I am not going to be a kept woman. I moved here to start a life, and that’s what I am going to do.”
His face falls. Oh shit.
“I thought that’s what we were doing. Starting a life, together.”
“Enzo this is just so sudden. I’ve always had a job and taken care of myself. I don’t know anything different. I didn’t come from money like you.”
His eyes widen. “You think I came from money? Let me tell you something. My mother raised seven children on one paycheck. My father worked two jobs most of his life and sacrificed time with his family for a better paying truck driving job. They both died young, their bodies broken from back-breaking labor and suffering.”
He turns away from me. His voice fills with sadness.
“I started working when I was fifteen in construction. After my parents died, I applied for scholarships all over Europe and was accepted to a design school in London where I studied architecture and English. After my schooling, I made the decision to move to America where I thought I had a better chance of becoming successful. That’s how I found the internship in Boston.”
I think back to our discussion about Lucia.
“I worked there for two years studying everything, watching everyone. I went out to the building sites and learned what I could about structures. The owner of the firm saw something in me, talent. I apprenticed with him for a year, and he was my financial partner when I bought my first property. I went from having holes in the bottom of my shoes to this, and I did it entirely on my own.”
He turns back to me and stares into my eyes.
“And now I’m fortunate to be able to provide for myself and those I love.” He pauses and crosses his arms. “Listen to me. I’m not asking you to give up who you are. But dammit Ava, you have to give me something. You have to try.”
Turn Towards the Sun Page 15
