Free Turn Towards the Sun by Jennifer Domenico Page B

people. I still can’t even figure out why I’m here. Why me? Why does he want me around? I’m pretty enough but based on the women I’ve seen him with he’s used to super skinny, done up women and that’s not me. And why the sudden passion and just as sudden shut down. I just don’t know that I’m enough for him. I twist to catch a look at his face. He’s gazing down at me.
    “Enzo I have a question.” I just have to know. “Am I enough for you?”
    His body tenses underneath me. “What? What kind of question is that? It’s obvious I find you attractive isn’t it?”
    “Yes, I mean…it’s just that—”
    “Ava, what are you trying to say?” Enzo’s eyes are soft, coercing me to spill my guts to him.
    I take a deep breath. Let me just get this out in the open. “I know what you said about why you want to wait for sex, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s something about me you’re not sure of, something holding you back. I just feel sort of plain in comparison to the other women I’ve seen you with. Maybe I’m not exciting enough for you.”
    “It’s just the opposite. You are different than the other woman I’ve been with, better. The only thing I’m unsure about is if I’m good enough for you, if I have what it takes to make you happy. I know I can give you everything you need materially. I just want to make sure I can give you what you need emotionally.” He pulls me tighter.
    “I’ve never let a woman into my personal world, you’re the first. I want you here with me very much. I like being able to think about how I feel without blurring the lines with sex. It’s new for me, but I think it’s important. Can you understand?”
    His words hit me like a freight train. That’s it. That’s what’s bothering me. I can’t figure out how to impress him, how to show him how he makes me feel inside without sex. This is truly uncharted territory. For both of us. I feel tears start to well in my eyes and try to blink them back.
    “Yes Enzo, I understand. Thank you.”
    “Fo r what ?”
    “For everything.” I bury my face in his chest, relishing this moment of closeness.
    “Wh at am I going to do with you ?” He murmurs in my hair.
    “We’ll figure it out Enzo.”
    “We should pack up and get going.” He moves to stand. Oh, no I don’t want this evening to end. I plant myself on the floor, not budging.
    “ Seriously, we have to go. I have a busy day tomorrow.” He blows out the candle. I watch a cool demeanor wash over him, replacing the romantic one that was present just seconds before.
    I reluctantly pull myself off the floor. He turns off the single lamp illuminating the room, blanketing us in darkness. He takes my hand as we walk towards the door.
    “What about all of this?” I ask.
    “It will be taken care of.”
    He opens my door to the car, and I wonder if he will always do this and if I will ever get tired of it.
    “So tomorrow, what are your plans?” He interrupts my replay of the evening.
    “I don’t know. I was thinking I would do some more exploring and drink water all day.”
    “Yes, the water is a good idea.” He grins. “Do you need anything? I can send Grayson with you. ”
    “No I’m good. I can entertain myself all day.”
    “I’ll be tied up all day in the conference from 9-4. After that, I’d like to spend the evening with you again. There’s another dinner I’d like you to attend with me. Would you like that?”
    “I would.” Is he kidding? I just want to be wherever he is right now.
    “Good. Go get another dress for the evening. Cocktail. And Wednesday, I’d like to help you get settled in your new place, make sure it all goes well.”
    “Okay.” Crap, when he sees my hand me down sofa and beat up bookshelves, there will probably be another showdown.
    “You can go back to Sassy for your dress.”
    Oh great . B ack to Bitchville.
    “Sure Enzo. ”
    We pull into valet and step out of the car. Enzo takes my hand and walks me back to