“More than ever.”
“The evening isn’t finished.”
What could he possibly have up his sleeve still? He takes my hand and walks me through the house. We walk down a long hall and stop at a closed door.
“This is our bedroom.” He opens the door, and I gasp. Candles light the room, too many to count. A huge four poster bed sits in the center of the room with pillows and sheer canopy panels draped around it. Romantic music plays softly in the background. He leads me around the corner to the bathroom and I see a large soaking tub filled with steamy water, rose petals float on the surface. On a small table, a bottle of wine and two glasses wait for us.
“It’s not finished yet of course, and I’ll want you involved in that process. But I want us to sleep here tonight. I want to make love to you in this house, our house. And I want to start by bathing your gorgeous body.”
He turns me around and embracing me, kisses me deeply. I fall into his arms, overwhelmed by his love for me. It’s all so sudden and amazing and perfect. Yes, perfect.
He unzips my dress and I step out, still wearing my heels. He slides down my body running his hands over my legs as he does. I feel his tongue quickly brush up against my thigh, and I inhale deeply. He removes each shoe as he has done before. I don’t know why this is so sensual, but it does it for me.
He rises, and standing behind me, unhooks my bra to free my breasts. Finally, all that’s left are my panties. He places his hands on my hips, eyes locked on mine. His thumbs slide underneath the waistband and he slowly pulls them down, following them all the way to the floor as I step out of them. Goodness, this man is unbelievably sexy.
He holds my hand while I step into the water. I pinch myself to make sure I’m awake. Honestly, what girl doesn’t want a bath with rose petals just once in her life?
“Aren’t you getting in too?” I ask, watching him kneel down fully dressed.
“In good time.”
He picks up a bottle of body wash and pours some on his hands. He starts at my feet and washes every single inch of my skin avoiding the parts that are on fire from all this. Finally, he stands and begins to undress. I catch my breath as his beautiful body unfolds before me. He steps in the tub with me and sinks down, causing water to splash slightly over the edge. He runs his wet hands through his hair, slicking it back off of his face. He grabs my ankles and opening my legs climbs between them hovering above me, kissing me. I start to wrap my legs around him to pull him closer. He moves away slightly, shaking his head no.
“Not here. In the bed.” His voice is thick with desire.
“Don’t you want me to wash you?” I desperately want to get my hands on the hardness between his legs.
“I’m not dirty yet. But I’m about to be.” He grins. He stands and wraps a towel around his waist then holds a towel open for me and helps me out of the tub. We walk back into the main bedroom. My attention turns to the music. Oh no!
“It’s the Hot and Bossy mix I found on your iPod.” He’s reading my mind again. He didn’t know I had code words for him.
“I hope you don’t mind. I wanted to play the music you liked most. The title of the playlist caught my eye.” He’s still smiling, but I could not be more embarrassed.
“So you think I’m hot and bossy, Miss Bradshaw?” His tone teases as he moves slowly around my body. He tugs at my towel and lets it fall to the floor.
“Well I used to.” I admit. “You’re still hot.”
“Don’t be embarrassed Ava. I couldn’t be more flattered that you thought enough of me to create a nickname.” He drops his towel. My eyes shoot down to take him all in. In just a little while, all of that is going in me. I shiver.
“As much as I’d like to boss you around right now, it’s your night, and I only want to do what pleases you.” His voice softens as he runs his fingers up the back of my neck.
“So tell me what you want, birthday girl.” He stops in front of me, looking me directly in the eyes.
“I want to kiss you.” He pulls me close and kisses me. I love the way his tongue moves around my mouth. I pull away. This could be fun.
“I want to suck you.” He arches his eyes in surprise but moves to the bed, pulling me onto it. I crouch between his legs staring at his massive shaft and slowly lower my mouth over it. I love the feeling of the smooth skin and underlying hardness as I suck it in and out of my mouth. He throws his head back.
“Ava.” He breaths my name. He reaches down and holds my shoulders.
“This night is about your pleasure, not mine.” He’s breathing hard.
“That was for my pleasure Enzo.” I grin. “Now I want you to taste me.”
“My pleasure.”
He quickly pushes me down on the bed and dives between my legs, his tongue licking me up and down until I can barely stand it. He sucks violently on my clit causing me to buck wildly. How does he do this to me? It’s effortless for him to bring me to the brink every time. I pull his hair in between my fingers while my body tenses in response to the monumental orgasm creeping through my body. I grind my body into his face as I writhe around on the bed in ecstasy. He rises and pulls me up to look in his eyes.
“Say it Ava. Say what’s next.” His voice is low and raspy, demanding my next call.
I can barely catch my breath. “I want you to make love to me now.”
He lays flat on the bed and pulls me to him. “I want you on top Ava. So I can see you. All of you.”
I climb on top of him and hover over the tip of his cock, my legs shaking with passion. I lower down slowly, enjoying the sensation as my insides fill up with him. I start to rock back and forth, slowly at first, then pick up speed. His intense blue eyes focus on my every move, burning through me. He moves his hands up my body to my breasts and squeezes as I continue rocking.
“Give me your hands.” I whisper. I take both his hands, entwining my fingers in his for support. He arches his back, causing him to push even deeper in me. I cry out.
I begin to rock back and forth forcefully, bringing both of us to climax. I throw my head back and scream out his name as I orgasm for the second time tonight.
I hear Enzo call out, “minchia che bella.”
I fall back in a slump, releasing him from my body. For some reason, I start laughing hysterically.
“Why are laughing?” He looks alarmed.
“I’m so unbelievably happy right now!”
He starts laughing too. “So am I bella.”
“What does that mean, what you said?” I do my best to repeat it.
“Roughly translated, fuck she’s hot.” We both fall into a fit of laughter once more.
“Come on bella, we have to get your parents and friends to the airport.”
I stir, groggy from the previous evening’s festivities. Everyone has to go back home early this morning since it was such short notice. Still, I’m thankful everyone could be here for my birthday. What an amazing night.
I brush my teeth, touching the necklace around my neck. This thing probably cost more than my previous salary. Sobering. This is your life Ava.
We swing by Girasole to pick everyone up and head to Sky Harbor. My mom keeps saying she can’t believe it’s already 103 degrees, and I’m pretty sure she’s in shock. My dad is surprisingly comfortable with Enzo, and I know he too has been seduced by the Italian charm. Chris sits comfortably staring at Cassie. And Cassie. Well, she’s just Cassie.
We hug and kiss, and my heart warms as I watch Enzo embrace my father and him, hesitantly at first, return the gesture.
We drive away, and Enzo grabs my hand. “Happy?”
“Immensely.”
“Stay with me?”
“Always.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
“Love you.”
“Love you back.”
We walk into my apartment, and I realize how small it really is after being in Enzo’s house. Still it’s nice and it feels like home. Especially when he’s he
re.
“You will need to go shopping for Italy soon, no?”
I didn’t even think of that. I need a ton of stuff for a trip like this.
“Yes, I think so.”
“Why don’t you go tomorrow? Thursday I’m taking you to meet with Checca to discuss the changes for Girasole.”
“You two haven’t let that go yet huh?” I feel completely intimidated by this proposition.
“No, and we’re not going to. It’s perfect really. Checca will teach you everything you need to know. You will learn a new skill and have a job to do, and I will keep you with me.”
I guess it is perfect when you look at it like that.
CHAPTER EIGHT
I swing by to pick up Gabby for our shopping expedition. Enzo insisted I take his American Express card and use it for whatever either of us needs for the trip. I don’t know how Gabby is going to feel about it, but I know better than to argue.
We head back to the massive mall. I have a list of things we should have and know that we’ll find everything we need there. Florence summers can be cool in the mornings and evenings and warm during the day. Plus we need our shoulders covered if we want to enter any churches, which of course, we will.
We chat about the sights we want to see while in Florence.
“I know for sure I want to go to the Accademia and see the David and of course, the Uffizi art gallery.” Gabby says.
“Me too. I can’t wait to see those sites in person.”
I don’t know if Francesca has plans for me as her new assistant or not, but I hope I have plenty of time to hang out with Gabby. We walk to Northland armed with a credit card and an open credit limit burning a hole in my pocket.
“Enzo insists that he pay for our purchases since the trip is his idea.”
Gabby purses her lips. “I think it’s enough he’s buying the tickets and hotel room.”
“I know. But he insists and trust me, when he insists we should listen.”
She sighs. “Okay.”
“It was hard for me at first but over time I’ve just come to accept it. A couple of butt chewings from Cassie helped the process along.”
Gabby laughs. “You hit the jackpot Ava.”
“In more ways than one.”
I swear we clear out the Northland shoe department. I don’t even know how many pairs we each have but I know I have flats, sandals, walking shoes, wedges and evening shoes. Gabby did her share of damage too. I follow our salesman to the front and hand him the American Express. He glances at the name and his demeanor changes.
“Oh Mrs.?” He pauses, unsure of how to address me.
“No, not Mrs.” I reply. “Miss Bradshaw. I’m an authorized user.”
“Of course madam.” He is suddenly quite formal. He rings up our purchases and announces the total.
“$2152.78.” I choke and look over at my friend who has gone pale.
“Shall we keep your bags at valet while you shop?” He asks.
I nod, numb.
“Ava, we spent too much.” Gabby whispers.
A woman wearing a very sharp business suit approaches us.
“Miss Bradshaw?”
“Yes?”
“Hello, my name is Teresa Knowles. I’m the store manager here.”
She’s smiling, but I’m nervous. Is something wrong with the card?
“I just want to make sure everything you need is taken care of. We have a personal shopper who can make your experience more pleasurable.”
A personal shopper? I glance at Gabby, who nods enthusiastically.
“That would be lovely.” I reply.
“Wonderful. Please come this way.” She escorts us to a sitting area on the third level. A thin woman who looks to be in her mid-forties steps out from the back room.
“This is Nahla. She’ll be assisting you today.” Teresa explains.
Nahla is tall and slender with rich chocolate skin. Her hair is cut short, reminiscent of Halle Berry back in the day. She isn’t wearing any makeup, and her skin is flawless. She flashes a magnificent pearly white smile. She is wearing a form fitting white sheath dress and impossibly high stilettos. How does she work in those?
“I’m Ava and this is Gabrielle.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Her voice is as rich as her complexion.
“What are you looking for today ladies?”
I hand her the list. “We already covered footwear,” I add.
She excuses herself and makes a call. Moments later our shoe purchases are delivered, and she begins to open our packages.
“We’ll start here.” She smiles and lines up our shoes, separating them by owner. She asks our dress sizes and tells us to sit back and relax. We sink into the cushy chairs and discuss the day’s events.
“I’ve never been treated like this before Ava, have you?”
“No, but I like it.”
“Do you think it’s because of Enzo’s name?”
“Possibly. Could be the two thousand dollar purchase in shoes!” We laugh. A woman approaches and hands us two cool bottled waters.
My phone vibrates.
Hot and Bossy: Enjoying yourself?
Me: Thoroughly.
Hot and Bossy: Not as much as you will when I get my hands on you again.
Me: J
Three hours later we’ve tried on at least a hundred outfits and we both have fabulous wardrobes complete with jewelry, accessories, and undergarments. Nahla knows her stuff. I shudder to think of the total.
“Can you sign here Miss Bradshaw?” I glance at the receipt and can’t believe my eyes. We’ve spent over eight thousand dollars. Is that possible?
I realize Nahla never told me the price of anything and just kept bringing beautiful clothes. She’s good. I hope Enzo doesn’t mind.
“We can have your purchases delivered to your home Miss Bradshaw.”
“Thank you. That would be helpful.” I don’t think the Mercedes could handle the load anyway. Besides, if I were a crook, I would totally jack us on the way to the car.
Walking back to valet, Gabby grabs my hand.
“How does it feel to be rich?”
“I have no idea. I’m not rich. Enzo’s rich.”
“Well from what I just experienced that makes you rich too.”
I guess she’s right. This is strange.
I drop Gabby off at home and park the car. I find Enzo in the middle of a call. He paces back and forth as he speaks but I can tell this is his work mode. He lights up when he sees me.
“I have to go Calvin. Just be ready okay? Ciao.”
“Ciao amore.”
“Ciao Enzo.” I kiss him on the cheek.
“Where are your bags?” He asks, looking behind me.
“They are, um, being delivered.”
“You did some damage then?” He grins.
“Too much. I spent a lot of money Enzo.” I’m worried.
He pulls me towards him and kisses my neck. “It’s not too much.”
“I spent over ten thousand dollars.”
He doesn’t even flinch. “Good. I’m proud of you. Did you both get what you need?”
I nod. He’s still nuzzling and sucking on my neck. My knees start to feel weak. He releases me and winks.
“I feel like a nap. Care to join me?”
I smile and let him lead me to the bedroom.
“Yes, bring them in.” I hear Enzo instructing the person at the door. I’ve slept in, but Mr. Morning Guy is awake and cheerful as usual. I walk into the living room and watch in shock as bag after bag is loaded into the room. Enzo stands by the door smirking. I grin and retreat into the bedroom.
I set about the massive tasks of unwrapping everything and separating mine from Gabby’s. Would you look at that? Nahla labeled everything, making it much easier.
I bring all my new purchases in the bedroom and lay them out across the bed. I don’t know if I even have enough room in my closet for all these clothes. I notice Nahla has removed all the tags and i
ncluded them in a little silk bag. I look through the tags, shocked at the prices. A blouse somewhere in that stack costs $525 dollars. One. Effing. Blouse.
Enzo enters the bedroom looking around at my purchases. “If this is how you shop I’ll have to make sure the closets at the new house are expanded.” He teases me and picks up several items. “You have excellent taste Miss Bradshaw.”
I sigh. “Are you going to call me that the rest of my life?”
“No. Someday I’m going to call you Mrs. Milano. I hope.”
My eyes widen.
He holds a dress in his hands and strokes the fabric. I walk up to him and lay my head on his chest. We are silent, letting his words hang in the air.
“I never thought this could happen to me. That I could feel so much for a woman. I thought I was in love once, but now I know I’ve never been in love until now, with you.” He strokes my hair.
I push up to my toes and kiss his neck, once then twice.
“Are you seducing me Ava?”
“Me?” I bat my eyelashes.
I start to unbutton his shirt, keeping my eyes locked on his. I strip it off of him and inhale his scent. He moves his hands to touch me, but I push them back down.
“I’m going to blow your mind.” I whisper. I’m going to blow something anyway.
Enzo looks at me with his lips slightly parted. I unbuckle his belt and pull it slowly from the loops, following it around his body. His breathing is shallow as he tries to keep his eyes on me. I push him down on the plush chair in my room and unzip his pants to remove them.
“Take off your clothes Ava.”
“In good time my prince.”
I slide his boxer briefs off his hips to free his glorious cock. I stand and lean over him and kiss his neck, then his nose, then his mouth. I drag my tongue down his chest onto his stomach and glide back up his body into standing position. I try my best at a strip tease and slowly remove my clothing. I shimmy back down to my knees and press his erection between my breasts, moving up and down. I lower my mouth down his entire length to make the glide easier. Then I run my tongue around the tip and up and down the length, occasionally plunging him deep into my throat. He moans loudly.
Turn Towards the Sun Page 21
