Turn Towards the Sun

by Jennifer Domenico

  “Yes, Ava.” She jumps right in. “Tell me your ideas.”

  I’m silent. I don’t know what to say.

  “I want to know Ava. I struggled with this. I don’t want the hotel to look like a theme or a watercolor. I want class and sophistication. But Enzo says you don’t think the sunflowers are represented enough.”

  I cringe. “I was just thinking, maybe some accents.”

  “Like?” She pulls out her notepad.

  Okay, here goes. “Well like the female staff could wear a small silk sunflower in their hair.” She writes it down.

  “Or you could have a small sunflower on the lapel of the uniforms.” She writes that too.

  “I don’t think most Americans know what girasole even means. I didn’t. But I love sunflowers and would love to see them more.” She writes that down too. Enzo is eating bread, listening intently.

  “Okay. This I like. What else?”

  “You could have someone paint a large mural of a sunflower on the ceiling of the lobby or even in here.” I motion inside the restaurant. “The towels in the rooms could have small embroidered sunflowers on them. Just something to tie it all in.”

  She stops writing and says something to Enzo in Italian. He nods in agreement. I’m nervous.

  She smiles. “Ava. I like your ideas.” She puts her notebook back inside the big handbag. “We change it, no?” She pours herself a glass of water and grabs a piece of bread.

  Just like that? She’s going to listen to me?

  “I need an assistant. I train you.” It’s a statement not a question.

  Is she serious?

  “I can’t be your assistant Checca. I have absolutely no background in design at all.”

  “You don’t need it. I train you.” She repeats, stuffing prosciutto in her dainty mouth.

  Enzo is still eating his bread as though nothing is happening. I look at him for help, and he shrugs. “Checca always gets what she wants.”

  She says something else to Enzo in Italian, and he nods again.

  “What?”

  “Yes, we need to teach you Italian.” She says.

  Well Ava, you wanted a job. You got one. I sit silently trying to soak it all in.

  We eat angel hair pasta served with grilled fish. It’s perfect on a hot day like this. Francesca and Enzo knock back several glasses of wine, but I stick to water.

  “Tonight, we’re staying home Ava.” He rubs my arm, sending chills rippling through my body. Francesca smiles and winks at me. All is well.

  After saying goodbye to Francesca, we walk slowly back to valet, hand in hand.

  “I’m so glad you sat next to me on the plane that day.” Enzo’s voice is soft. He lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

  “So am I.” That was indeed my lucky day.

  In the car, I decide I should tell him about my birthday when we get back to my place. If he finds out I let it pass, he’ll be angry.

  We settle into our evening, him on the computer, me with a good book.

  I clear my throat. “My birthday is next week. I’ll be thirty.”

  He looks up from his work. “Ava how could you not tell me?”

  “We’ve had a lot going on. Honestly, I almost forgot myself.” Besides, I'm not exactly excited about crossing over to the next decade.

  “Thank you for telling me. We’ll have to plan something nice.”

  “I don’t need a big deal.”

  He gives me a ‘do you know who you are talking to?’ look.

  I just sigh and continue. “And since I’m not working right now I want to invite my friend Cassie to come and hang out with me for a few days.”

  He shrugs. “As you wish.”

  “I’m going to want to spend a lot of time with her.” I add carefully.

  “I see.”

  “Just for a few days, probably a long weekend.”

  “Ava, you’re a free woman. You don’t need my permission.” He seems sad. I quickly cuddle up next to him and kiss his neck. I coax a smile out of him.

  “Tell you what. I’ll go take care of some business in California I’ve been putting off. Otherwise, I won’t be able to leave you alone.”

  I rush to the phone and call Cassie.

  “Ava, what’s up girlie?”

  “Can you come out for a visit next weekend?”

  “Sure. I’ll take a couple of vacation days. I get to meet the man who's driving you crazy?”

  “Maybe briefly. I’m sending him on a business trip so we have some alone girl time.”

  “Okay, but make sure he’s around at least once.”

  We decide Cassie will fly in Thursday afternoon and leave Sunday afternoon, the day before my birthday. I want her to meet Gabby and of course, Enzo.

  “Will you take us to dinner at Milano Thursday night so Cassie can meet you?”

  Enzo looks up from his computer and grins. “Certainly Miss Bradshaw. Anything for you.”

  Oh, a smart ass. I respond by throwing a dishtowel at him.

  “Buon giorno principessa.” I wake to the sound of Enzo’s melodic voice. He’s lying behind me, surprising me that he’s not up and about already.

  “Mmm good morning.” I murmur. I don’t know what time it is, but it is still dark outside, certainly not seven yet. I start to turn over but Enzo holds me, stopping my movement. He doesn’t say a word but pulls me closer to him, pressing his erection against the back of my thigh. Morning sex! I want to clap my hands like a seal at a circus.

  He runs his hand down my arm, brushing against my breast with his fingertips. My nipple hardens in response. He pushes me onto my back, taking a nipple in his mouth, nibbling it with his teeth. He proceeds to kiss me all over my neck, shoulders, breast, and tummy. He deftly flips me over onto my stomach and repeats the kissing ritual up and down my body, occasionally biting my flesh softly. All I can do is close my eyes and enjoy his touch.

  He whispers in my ear, “What would you like me to do to you my love?”

  I get to pick? I think for a moment. The lovemaking is nice but frankly, I’m dying for him to be a little more aggressive with me. What I want right now is a good solid fucking.

  “I want you to fuck me.” I have no idea what his reaction will be hearing this language come out of my mouth, so I freeze waiting for his response. He’s silent and unmoving for a moment. Then I feel his hands wrap in my hair, pulling slightly.

  “Is that what you want Miss Bradshaw?” The sudden dark tone in his voice excites me.

  “Yes.” I whisper.

  “Are you sure?” He’s teasing me now.

  “Absolutely.”

  In one swift motion, he lets go of my hair, flips me over, and presses down on me, staring into my eyes.

  “Then say it again.”

  This is so hot. “I want you to fuck me.”

  “Then fuck you I shall.” He flips me over again. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulls me onto my knees. I brace myself knowing what he’s going to do. I wiggle my hips in anticipation.

  Smack! I jump out of my skin as Enzo’s hand meets my ass. It stings, but the pain is no match for the extreme pleasure shooting through my body.

  “Stop moving.” His voice is raspy.

  I gasp and try to stay still. His hand rubs the spot where he just smacked me.

  “Did you like that amore?” His voice drips with desire.

  “Yes.” I’m breathless.

  “Good. But if you move again, I’ll restrain you.”

  Is that a threat or a promise? Cuz I think I might like that. I wiggle my ass one more time to test him. I hold my breath and wonder what he is doing behind me. It’s so quiet.

  “Don’t move. I warned you Miss Bradshaw.” He gets off the bed.

  I keep my face planted firmly on the bed but inside, I’m giggling like I just saw a fifty percent off sale at Northland. He walks around to the front of the bed and takes both my wrists in his hands. He wraps the tie from my bathrobe around them, then loops the tie through
my wrought-iron headboard, securing it firmly. I believe he may have done this once or twice before.

  He climbs back on the bed, kneeling behind me. My hands are bound and my ass in the air as I wait for his next move. I thought I was calling the shots, but he is definitely the one in control. And I like it.

  “Spread your legs.” His next command. I do as I’m told. I feel his fingers reach down and spread my wetness around. I moan. His hard cock presses up against my slit and I want to push back against him but don’t. I hold my breath, anticipating the intense pleasure I know is coming.

  “Ava, you’re making me crazy.” He slams into me, causing me to scream his name.

  “Oh Enzo.”

  His movements are rapid as he holds my hips, pounding into me, thrust after thrust. I can barely move so I just give into the exquisite fucking he’s giving me.

  “Oh. Yes. My. Enzo. Yes.” His movements force each word from my mouth.

  “Your Enzo?” He says, breathing hard. “Say it again Ava. Say my name again.”

  “My. Enzo.”

  He groans loudly, and I know he’s going to release any minute now. He reaches forward, pulling the tie, releasing me from my bondage. Grabbing my ankle, he flips me over, somehow remaining inside, and pounds into me even harder. I feel my own orgasm building and arch my back as intense pleasure ripples through my core. He tenses and groans, pumping into my depths. He collapses next to me on the bed, smiling.

  “Ava, it was too much when you said my name like that.” He strokes my hand.

  I tickle his chest. “So I am a woman who should be fucked occasionally then?” I say, reminding him of his earlier words to me.

  “Yes, and whenever you want it.”

  We’re quiet for a moment.

  “I am yours Ava. All of me. I want to give you my all. Loving you and making you happy is my top priority. You’re all I need.” His words pour out of his mouth.

  I am speechless.

  Hot water washes over me as I rinse away the passionate remnants of my morning. I’ve never been fucked like that in my life, and I loved it. I don’t know if it was the bondage or just the control he had over me and his intensity. I step out and towel off. Cassie will be here in a couple of hours.

  Enzo is standing in the doorway of the bedroom watching me dress. Why does he have to do that all the time?

  “Please use Grayson whenever you like.”

  “Okay I will.”

  “And why don’t you spend a day at the spa at Girasole.”

  “Sure.”

  “I’m leaving my Amex with you. Use it for whatever you need.”

  “I know.”

  He watches me strap on my silver gladiator sandals. I’m dressed in a short, pale pink skirt and white blouse. My hair is flat ironed, and I feel good about my appearance. I gained back a few pounds, and the glow has returned to my cheeks.

  “You’re so pretty Ava.”

  I respond with a peck on his mouth.

  “It’s flight 203. She should be coming from this area.” I look anxiously around the airport trying to spot Cassie in the crowd.

  “Ava!”

  I look up and see blond curls bouncing in my direction. She grabs me and hugs me hard.

  “Cassie!” I exclaim, hugging her back. Enzo is standing to the side, smiling. She looks at him then quickly at me.

  “Cassie, this is Enzo.”

  She extends her hand and he pulls it towards him, kissing her briefly on both cheeks. She’s flustered. I’m amused.

  “Shall we head to the car ladies?” Enzo takes Cassie’s bag and leads the way.

  Cassie loops her arm in mine as we navigate the airport.

  “Cassandra, I’m so glad you could come and spend time with my Ava.”

  She flinches at the sound of her full name but doesn’t correct him.

  “So am I. I miss my girl.” Cassie squeezes my arm.

  “I’ll be taking you to dinner tonight, but I’m leaving tomorrow morning for a business trip. You can have Ava all to yourself.”

  I know he’s only saying this because he’s talking to a woman.

  Enzo has turned on the Italian charm full force, and The Great and Powerful Cass is putty in his hands.

  Cassie looks at me and mouths, “he’s so hot.”

  “I know.” I mouth back.

  We get inside the apartment, and Cassie flops into a chair. “Good Lord Ava, how do you deal with that heat?”

  “Surprisingly you get used to it.”

  Cassie raises her eyebrows in disbelief.

  Enzo stands uncomfortably by the door. He motions for me.

  “I’m going back to Girasole. I’ll be back at six for dinner.”

  “Why are you leaving?” I pout.

  “So you and your friend can talk freely. I’m sure you have much to discuss.”

  “No, stay here and work. We’ll go in my bedroom and chat. I don’t want you to leave.”

  We have Cassie’s full attention, and she strains to hear our discussion. “Don’t leave on my account Enzo.” She yells out.

  He smiles in her direction.

  “Just stay Enzo.” I give him my best ‘stay’ look.

  He sighs. I win.

  Cassie and I head into my bedroom to talk. “Oh my God Ava, he’s incredible.”

  “That’s a good way to describe him.”

  “How do you keep your hands off of him all day?”

  I laugh. “Who says I do?”

  “And this apartment… it looks like a freaking magazine layout.”

  “Yea I know. Amazing isn’t it? I feel like I stepped into a dream world that I don’t have to wake up from.”

  “You totally did. So how is the big bang anyway with Prince Charming?”

  I’ve always told Cassie all the dirty bits about my exploits, but I feel myself wanting to protect this. It’s special…and private.

  “He’s amazing in every way. Let’s just leave it at that.”

  “Amazing. Good enough for me. So have you finally moved on from Steve?”

  “I moved on from him right away Cass.”

  “I mean the anger and not cutting yourself some slack.”

  I realize I haven’t thought about him since the first few days after I met Enzo. “Yes. I’ve moved on.”

  “Good. I didn’t want to have to kick your ass.” Cassie cackles, and I follow suit.

  Two hours with Cassie passes like two minutes. She talks a mile a minute and fills me in on all the gossip since I left. I realize I don’t miss a thing about Denver. Just her. And my parents.

  “We should get ready for dinner Cass.” I glance at the clock, noticing the time. Cassie takes at least two hours to get ready. She looks like a natural beauty, but a lot of work goes into it. Taming the curls alone takes an hour.

  “You can shower first.” I offer. I show her the towels and leave her to it. It’ll take me thirty minutes, so I let her go first.

  I head out into the living room and watch Enzo work from the hallway. He’s on the couch wearing shorts and a t-shirt, looking more like a college student than a highly successful architect. His hair is swept back from his face, and he’s wearing black framed glasses. Glasses! I haven’t seen those before. He’s enthralled in whatever it is he is doing and doesn’t notice me. I take the opportunity to delight in his presence. He reaches over to grab some papers and notices me staring. Ha! The table is turned Enzo.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Watching you. Since when do you wear glasses?”

  “Since my eyes are too dry to wear contacts.” He grins and starts to remove them.

  “No please, keep them on. I think they’re sexy.”

  “Sexy huh?” He smiles and motions for me to come and sit.

  “Are you having a good time with your friend?”

  I lean my head against his shoulder. “Yes. I’m happy she’s here. I’m happy you’re here too.”

  He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll always be where you are A
va. That’s a promise.”

  “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

  “Please do.”

  “Promise me something else.”

  “Anything.”

  “You’ll do what you did to me this morning again.”

  A seductive smile spreads across his face. “As you wish.”

  I snuggle up against him and wait for Cassie to finish.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Is this okay?” Cassie is wearing a bright pink and coral maxi dress.

  “It’s perfect Cass. You look great.” I slip on a pretty pink sundress and tan wedge sandals.

  We walk out of the bedroom to meet a waiting Enzo. He’s wearing his usual linen shorts, pressed white shirt, and flip flops. He kept his glasses on. Man he’s a beautiful sight.

  “Well I’m a lucky man tonight. Two lovely dining companions.” He winks at Cassie but pulls me to him and kisses my neck.

  Cassie talks incessantly on the ride over about everything from the heat to the palm trees to how nice the car is. Enzo focuses on driving but with a grin on his face the entire ride.

  We walk into Milano and are treated with the usual pomp and circumstance reserved for the owner of the property. Paolo comes out to see us and meet Cassie. I look over at Cassie and see her shell-shocked expression at the red-carpet treatment. Ah yes, I remember well.

  “Why don’t you order for us Enzo?” It’s far more impressive when he’s running the show.

  “Certainly.” He proceeds to discuss with Paolo the evening’s meal in Italian. I look at Cassie again, and she’s melting. I pinch her arm and she jumps, smiling sheepishly.

  “We’ll have some Pinot Grigio and start with an antipasto platter.”

  Cassie and I nod our heads. Cassie shoots a hundred questions at Enzo about his life, and he answers them all openly and honestly. I can tell he wants her approval.

  “Do you want to get married? And have kids?”

  I cannot believe she just asked that and smack her arm.