Turn Towards the Sun

by Jennifer Domenico

I climb on his lap and slowly lower myself onto him. His eyes open wide. I move my hips back and forth and keep my balance by grasping his arms. He fills my insides, and I want nothing more in this moment than to bring us both to pleasure. I grab my breasts, pulling and kneading.

  “Oh yea Ava, keep doing that.” I throw my head back and rock wildly. I reach down and start rubbing myself, hoping I can get there close to him.

  “Fuck.” He arches and pours into me. I keep rubbing and moving until I finally feel my own climax. We are sweating and heaving and fall into laughter. He pulls me down onto him and kisses my mouth.

  “I knew it would be like this with you.” He whispers into my mouth. I reply with a kiss.

  “We need to get dressed. We are meeting Checca at Girasole at one so you can start your training.” He lifts me off of him and pulls my hand into the bathroom.

  We shower quickly. Enzo shaves while I look for something sophisticated to wear. I decide on a bright turquoise, strapless dress. It has a black belt around the waist and an A line shape. I add black flat sandals and silver earrings. I still have my diamond necklace on, and it looks great with the dress. I pull my hair into a low side ponytail, sweeping my bangs across my face. I walk back into the bathroom for eye cream and lip gloss. Enzo looks up and stops. He just stares.

  “What Enzo? You’re always staring at me.”

  “Because I can’t take my eyes off of you. I can’t get enough of your beauty.”

  “Beauty fades Enzo.”

  “Not your beauty Ava. Your beauty is much more than just what is on the outside. Fifty years from now I’ll look into your caramel colored eyes and see the same stunning woman standing in front of me right now.”

  “Enzo, you astound me. There can’t possibly be a more eloquent, romantic man on the planet than you.”

  “You’ll never find out.”

  We both stare at each other. I want to strip everything off and climb right back in bed with him, but his sister is waiting. I break the silence.

  “We should go right?”

  “Right.” He leaves the bathroom to finish getting ready. He puts on a pair of jeans and a button down light blue shirt. He should always wear blue, his eyes shine even more than usual.

  I watch him as he puts on his shoes. I want to give him the stationery I ordered, but I just can’t seem to find the perfect time. Maybe now is good, before we go meet Francesca.

  “Enzo, I have something for you.”

  “You have something for me?”

  I nod and hand him the beautifully wrapped package that was delivered yesterday.

  He rubs the packaging, clearly touched.

  “Open it.” I’m nervous. Do men even like stationery? I have no idea. I watch him unwrap it and open the wood box containing the stationery. He removes one of the cards off the stack studying it. I wait for some kind of reaction.

  “Ava…I love them.” He looks up and his eyes light up with pure joy.

  “Do you really?”

  He nods. “I use card stock all the time to send notes to my team for special accomplishments. It’s very thoughtful of you. I like it even more that you added your initial to it.”

  He noticed. And he likes it.

  “I was afraid you would think it was… presumptuous of me to add my initial to it.” Shit. Why did I say that out loud?

  “Presumptuous? I would have been disappointed otherwise.” He kisses me on the mouth.

  “Ava, I love them really. Just like I love you. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Now, in the car with you.” He smacks my butt as we head out.

  “Don’t be nervous Ava and just tell her what you think. That is what she expects, and it is how you will learn.”

  How does he know I’m nervous? Could be the constant fidgeting. Hmm, yes maybe.

  “I’ll try Enzo. This is very new for me.”

  “Meeting you was new for me and look how well it’s turned out.” Good point.

  We arrive at Girasole and walk to a small building to the left of the main hotel. Enzo opens the door, and I see Francesca sitting at a large wood table with paper and fabric samples everywhere. Windows surround the room with plush chairs lining the walls. Two massive wooden bookcases flank one of the walls, packed with design books.

  “This is where I work when I’m in Phoenix.” Enzo explains. Francesca turns and waves at us. We walk towards the table. She has various sunflower designs strewn about the table.

  “Yes Ava, I want you to pick the one you like most.” I look through the selection. Some are orange, others multicolored, and some have yellow or brown centers. I like the classic sunflower the most. So I push one to the side. But then I wonder what it’s for. I think the one you choose should be based on its usage.

  “What will it be used for?”

  Enzo grins. Francesca’s face lights up.

  “Brava Ava. Very good.” She praises. “You must consider first, the purpose, no? Yes, I want three different flowers, for the men, for the women, for the linens.”

  “Well then, I would choose this one for the women.” I hand her my previous selection. I look over the other choices.

  “This one for the men.” I choose one with a yellow center and smaller petals. “And this one for the linens.” I select a final picture with rounded petals and a brown center.

  Francesca’s mouth opens in shock. Shit, I messed up already?

  “Perfetto. It is exactly what I chose.” She shows me a drawing she created before we arrived. “Yes, we will work well together, no?”

  “Yes.”

  Enzo sits behind a large wood desk and sets the stationery on it. He opens a folder and starts signing documents.

  “What are those Enzo?”

  “The bills.” He winks.

  “Ava, come here. I have this design, you like?” I look at a drawing of an oversized sunflower in what appears to be the lobby of Girasole. The center of the flower takes up a five-foot diameter of the ceiling and each petal spans seven feet. It’s beautiful.

  “I found a local artist who can do this. Is this what you meant?”

  “Exactly.” I walk it over to Enzo.

  “I love it.” He smiles.

  “Yes Ava, while we are in Italy, I will take you to so many buildings and museums, we will study design, no?” She claps her hands and laughs. She is delightful.

  “Time to get up.”

  I open my eyes and see stunning male beauty. Enzo is sitting on the edge of the bed stroking my hair. I know it’s much earlier than necessary, but I get up anyway. I pad into the kitchen and sit down to drink my already prepared coffee. Enzo makes a cup of espresso for himself.

  “Are you excited bella?”

  I nod enthusiastically.

  “Do you want to eat?”

  “I’ll wait. I’m too excited.”

  “I’m going to fatten you up while we’re in Italy.” He laughs.

  “Not too much. I spent a fortune on clothes.” I reply, laughing too. I go to shower and get dressed. I’ve chosen a pair of black capris that are guaranteed not to wrinkle. I have a sleeveless turquoise shirt that wraps around the waist and ties on the side and a black cashmere wrap in case the plane is cold. I’ve chosen comfortable canvas flats to wear.

  I brush the front of my hair back and clip it, and place tiny silver hoop earrings in my ears. I decided to leave my birthday necklace safe at home, and Enzo took it to Girasole and locked it in a safe.

  I leave my face plain like Enzo likes, except for a smear of gloss. I finish packing my makeup bag and walk out to the living room to put it in my carry on.

  Gabby waves at me. “Hi!” She’s perky this morning. She’s wearing tan slacks and a brown shirt. Her hair is pinned on top of her head. She looks very European.

  “You look great Ava.”

  “So do you.”

  Enzo walks over and smiles.

  “I’m glad you could join us Gabriella.” He added an ‘a’ to the end of her name, and it
rolls off his tongue like butter. I swear I just saw Gabby blush.

  “Calvin should be here in a few minutes, and Grayson will drive.”

  “Who is Calvin?” I’ve heard his name only once before.

  “Calvin is my international advisor.”

  “He’s a lawyer?” I ask.

  “No. He’s an international real estate expert.”

  “Is Francesca coming with us?”

  “No, she’ll be along in a few days.” The front door is partially open when I hear a friendly hello call out. We all turn to see Calvin enter the apartment. Calvin is tall and lean and has the loveliest light caramel complexion. Light blue-green eyes seem to pop off his face. His slightly wavy hair is cut short to his crown. He’s wearing a casual black polo shirt and jeans that hang nicely on his lean frame. His feet are in black and white checkered Vans.

  He’s an international real estate expert? He looks more like an Abercrombie and Fitch model. Enzo greets him and welcomes him in, introducing him to me and Gabby. I can tell she is immediately smitten, smiling and blushing like a schoolgirl.

  Grayson appears in the doorway. “Ready sir?”

  Enzo nods. Grayson and the men begin loading luggage into a large SUV. Both men have one suitcase while Gabby and I each have two plus a carry on.

  “It’s good to be prepared.” Calvin teases and looks at Gabby. His voice is smooth and casual, just like his appearance.

  She looks away briefly then locks eyes with him. She’s flirting! Enzo picks up on the scene, and I swear I hear him snicker under his breath.

  “Hey Grayson.” He glances at me in the mirror. “Are you coming with us?”

  “Yes. I’ll be escorting you and your friend around when needed.”

  I scowl. I didn’t know that. I glare at Enzo, who raises his hands.

  “I know Italy and you don’t. I’m only protecting the most important thing in my life.”

  Flattery, well played sir, well played. He smiles and pokes me playfully in the side. I shift trying to avoid him, but he grabs me again and tickles me until I laugh out loud. Everyone in the car is smiling at us, including Grayson.

  We clear security and I’m thankful we didn’t have to get spot checked. No girl on the planet wants a TSA agent fondling her delicates. Grayson and the boys carry our bags. I could get used to traveling like this.

  We head to the British Airways gates. Enzo walks towards the boarding line for first class. Gabby’s eyes light up. I nod but say nothing, trying not to think about how much five first-class tickets to Italy cost.

  We’re flying direct from Phoenix to London. We have a two-hour layover in London then we’ll be on a short flight to Florence. I’m beyond excited at this point, but I’m trying desperately to maintain my poise. We settle into our seats and sit back for the long flight. Shortly after takeoff, Enzo’s demeanor changes and I see the hint of Mr. Stoic return. He squeezes my hand, and I realize he doesn’t like to fly! A man who travels the world, hates flying. Well isn’t that ironic?

  “You okay?” I rub his hand.

  “Certo.” Aww, he’s embarrassed.

  “Enzo, it’s me.” I try to comfort him.

  He leans over and whispers in my ear, “Just hold my hand okay?”

  I nod discreetly.

  He looks over at me. “Does this seem familiar Ava?” He kisses me on the cheek.

  “I think we should order a drink. Lambrusco my prince?”

  He laughs, and I can see him visibly relax.

  We finally start our descent into Florence after eighteen hours of traveling. We all look exhausted, even Enzo looks weary. It’s nine o’clock the following morning.

  “We’ll go straight to the hotel and freshen up then we’ll meet for lunch.” Enzo explains as Grayson and Calvin make their way to the car rental counter.

  “We’re going to need two cars.” Enzo answers my questioning eyes.

  “Gabby can ride with Calvin.”

  She gives me a look.

  “Oh don’t think I didn’t notice all the chit chat and giggles during the flight.”

  Her face turns bright red, but she smiles. We make our way to baggage claim. I lean against a column, holding up my tired body. Enzo comes up and presses against me.

  “My favorite person in my favorite place.”

  He kisses the top of my head. I reach up and brush his cheek with the back of my hand, and he moves his face to kiss it. We grab our bags and head to the curb to find Grayson and Calvin.

  “Do you want to ride to the hotel with me Gabby?” Calvin asks. “Sure.” Her face lights up.

  Enzo and I climb in with Grayson.

  I’m so tired I barely notice the drive. We arrive at the Hotel Michelangelo and check into our rooms. Walking through the lobby to the elevators, I feel like I’ve stepped backwards in time to Renaissance Italy. The floors are marble, the walls covered in stunning frescos. The whole place is meant to look antiqued even though modern amenities abound. The lobby is furnished with gorgeous sixteenth-century sofas and tables where various tourists sit discussing their plans. We walk to the far side of the hotel to the mirrored elevator doors and step in. This is such luxury. I’ve never been in a place like this before. This place makes Girasole look like a dump.

  Exiting the elevators, I wink at Gabby as we head in separate directions. We walk down the plush carpeted halls to our room. Enzo opens the door and steps back, allowing me to enter first.

  I am… speechless. I’ve just stepped into a fifteenth-century palazzo. I walk into a room with creamy white marble floors.

  “These are from Carrara, where Michelangelo got the marble for David.” His accent sounds even more Italian in this room.

  I walk in further and see it’s a full suite, with a kitchen, living and dining room, and en suite master. The furniture is dark wood, covered in cream upholstery. A large tapestry covers one entire wall. A huge Venetian mirror covers the opposite wall. On the dining room table stands a replica David statue.

  I walk into the bedroom to find a huge four-poster wood bed with a red silk canopy above. The bedding is cream and gold and feels soft to my touch. At the foot of the bed, a chaise lounge covered in deep brown silk sits invitingly. Two imposing armoires stand in opposite corners. Each has an elaborate inlaid wood pattern down the front.

  The bathroom is a modern masterpiece of pure white marble. Two sinks that seem suspended in midair line the wall, and a large marble shower encased in floor to ceiling glass stands beside them. A standalone white porcelain claw-foot tub sits in front of a large window, overlooking a scenic view of the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. The modern and strange looking toilet and bidet sit tucked back in the corner. I turn around to see that Enzo has followed me on my tour.

  “Well, does it meet your standards?” His eyes twinkle with laughter.

  “I don’t know if I can get used to this.”

  “Well you better. This is how you live now.” He plants a quick kiss on my mouth and heads back to the bedroom.

  Yes, Ava, this is how you live now. Can I get an amen?!

  I follow him back to the room.

  “We should rest for a little while then we’ll meet up with everyone else to get some lunch. Va bene?” I’ve heard him say this before and take it to mean okay.

  “Yes, va bene.”

  He grins. The phone on the nightstand rings.

  “Pronto?” Enzo answers, then laughs and hands me the phone.

  “It’s Gabriella.”

  “Hello?”

  “Ava what the hell. Have you seen these rooms?”

  “Well I’m standing in one right now.”

  “Right.” She says, trying to compose herself. “This is amazing. Everything’s covered in marble and mirrors!”

  “I know.” I’m trying to suppress a giggle with Enzo still in the room.

  “Just enjoy it.” I encourage. “Enzo says we’re going to meet back up around one for lunch. So rest, take a shower, and we’ll see you soon.�
� I hang up with Gabby.

  Enzo is watching me again. “I’m so happy you’re here with me Ava.”

  “So am I Enzo.”

  “Let’s rest amore. I set the clock for two hours.”

  As usual, Enzo is up before me. He’s hanging his clothes in one of the armoires. He looks at me and smiles.

  “Time to get up bella.”

  I stretch and smile. I’m in Italy. Holy shit. I get up and go into the bathroom. My pants are still not wrinkled. Impressive. My shirt is though.

  I peel off both and turn on the shower. Enzo has unpacked my bag for me, and I see my toothbrush, hairbrush, and eye cream on the floating vanity. I step out of my bra and panties and into the scalding hot water letting it rush down my travel weary body.

  I close my eyes to rinse the conditioner out of my hair and suddenly feel his hands on my back. Opening my eyes, I turn to him. He cups my chin and tilts it towards him, kissing me.

  “Bella Ava, la bellissima. I couldn’t resist a chance to see your body again.” He murmurs as the hot water washes over us. “I can’t wait to make love to you tonight, you know that right?”

  “Yes.”

  He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me tighter. I gasp and reach my hand down to stroke him.

  “Make love to me now Enzo.”

  He moves away, shaking his head. “No. I’m saving it all for tonight.”

  How does he do that? It drives me crazy!

  “Tonight we’re going to a dinner held in my honor, and then I’m going to take you around Florence at night. After that, I’m going to strip off whatever you’re wearing and pleasure you until you can’t take it.”

  I already can’t take it. We step out of the shower and towel off. I walk into the bedroom to see he’s hung all my outfits and laid out my shoes in the armoire. How sweet.

  I grab a yellow sundress and a sweater and slip on black sandals. I braid my hair down my back until I figure out how it will react to humidity. I put some gloss and perfume on, and I’m ready to go. He pulls out his phone and calls Calvin and Grayson.

  “Calvin says he’ll pick up Gabby.” Enzo says. “I think he has a thing for your friend.”

  “I would say the feeling is mutual.”