Turn Towards the Sun Book Two: After the Rain (45 page)

My other line rings. Oh shit.

“I have to go, Alex. Enzo is calling.”

“It will be okay,” he tells me.

“Thanks.”

I click over to the other call.

“Hi.”

“Ava, my God. Are you okay?” Enzo asks, sounding frantic.

“Yes, of course. You just talked to me.”

“How could you not tell me?”

I’m surprised he is not as angry as I expected.

“Calvin thought it was better if he did,” I say softly.

Enzo is quiet for a minute. “I would agree. Jesus, Ava, I’m so angry that I can’t even think. I’m going to kick his fucking ass.” His voice is quiet, intense, and ominous.

“He’s really not worth it, babe. And I’m fine, really.”

“What if Calvin hadn’t been there? Then what? Would he have tried to–”

“Calvin was there,” I emphasize. “And I don’t think he would have gone too far. I think he honestly thought he would just give it a try and see if it worked. I was never afraid that he was going to hurt me. I just wanted to make it clear I wasn’t interested.”

“The minute I leave town, he makes a move on my wife…”

“Yeah, he’s an ass, but we already knew that. He probably tries it on with every woman he meets. This doesn’t have to ruin everything we’ve worked so hard for.”

“What does that mean?” he asks. “This doesn’t affect our relationship at all.”

“Not us, the hotel.”

“The hotel means nothing in comparison to you.”

“I know, but I know it’s important to you, too. You’ve worked so hard–”

“Ava, stop it. Nothing is more important than you. Do you really think I’m going to put the completion of a hotel over the safety and honor of my wife? Give me more credit than that.”

“It’s just that we are so close to completion. It was a minor incident.”

“It was not minor. It was major. He’s going to be very sorry he did what he did. He picked the wrong woman to mess with.”

“I know.”

“I’ll be home tomorrow morning. Alex will come and take care of things here. I’m getting an early flight and I’ll be home before you wake up.”

I know that it isn’t worth trying to reason with Enzo. By now he has probably changed his plane ticket and booked one for Alex.

“Okay,” I reply.

“Get some sleep. I love you, Ava, more than anything. Do you understand? Do you understand what we have? Nobody has what we do.”

“I know, babe. I do understand.”

“I would sell everything, give up everything. Your happiness is all that matters.”

“Enzo, it isn’t just my happiness that matters. It’s our happiness together that matters. It’s the only reason I didn’t want to tell you about this situation with Dax. I want your happiness just as much as you want mine.”

“I know. It’s another thing I love about you. I’ll see you in the morning,” he says.

“I’ll be here.”

“Buona notte.”

“Buona notte.”

I hang up and Cassie comes into the room carrying my plate of food.

“That was Enzo,” I tell her. “He knows now.”

“Did he blow a gasket?” Cassie asks.

“He was actually calmer than I thought, which I think is worse. He’s holding it in and Dax is going to get it.”

“Well, he deserves to get it. It’s not like Enzo will shoot the guy. He’ll just fire him, right?”

“I have no idea what Enzo will do, but I’m sure firearms are not part of the equation.”

We eat quietly and watch one of Cassie’s favorite reality shows, while Chris sets up camp in their room, working away. After that, I’m feeling quite tired.

“I’m going to bed now, Cass. See you in the morning.”

“Okay girl. Sleep well.”

“You too,” I tell her.

In my bedroom, I climb into the bed and settle in. It’s the first time since we moved into this big house that Enzo isn’t here with me. Maximus bounds onto the bed, licking me, before settling into his spot at the foot of the bed. I close my eyes and try to sleep. At least my prince will be home in the morning.

****

His hands are on me, exploring; strong, sensuous strokes over my aroused skin. Kisses – sweet, fluttering kisses – cover my tummy and breasts. I stir, relishing the sexy dream that is playing with my morning thoughts. Instinctively, I open my legs and then I realize that it isn’t a dream. He’s here! Opening my eyes, a pair of gorgeous blues stare back at me.

“Buon giorno,” my husband says, smiling that breathtaking smile of his. He always gets me with that.

Enzo hovers over me, naked and aroused. He disappears from sight and nestles between my legs, his tongue darting around and teasing me.

“I missed you. I don’t think I can sleep without you anymore,” he whispers, between licks. He spreads my legs wider and dives in once more, his tongue hot and delicious.

“I missed you too, baby. I’m glad you’re home.”

“So am I,” he replies. “You. Are. So. Delicious.” His words vibrate against me, staccato and so sexy.

My hips undulate, pushing my sex against his mouth.

“That’s right, signora, come and get it.”

I say nothing and just lay back, enjoying the pleasure that spreads throughout my body.

“Shall I make you come?”

“Yes, please.”

“How?” he asks.

“Come inside me.”

“I would love to.”

Enzo slides up my body and enters me. I wrap my legs around his back and rock in time with his motions. This is gentle, sweet lovemaking. I love this closeness that I feel right now. I’m glad he didn’t come home angry. Lying on top of me, he holds me tight, kissing my neck and face.

“I love you, Ava, tanto, tanto. You are everything.”

As he pulls me closer, I feel his body tightening above me. Suddenly, he pulls out and returns to his position between my legs, sucking furiously on my clit. I twist and writhe across the bed. Oh, oh, yes, here we go... This is the best feeling in the world.

My orgasm hits like a grenade, exploding deep within me, sending ripples of ecstasy throughout my body, causing me to cry out, “Enzo, oh, oh, yes!” I slap my hands against the mattress.

He enters me and pumps madly until he reaches his own climax, which drives me even wilder. We rock together, allowing our mutual pleasure to wash over us. Finally, he kisses my cheek.

“Thank you,” he says.

I grin. “No, thank you. What a nice way to wake up.”

“Shower?” he asks.

“Yes, please.”

He helps me out of bed and walks to the bathroom to start the shower. I’m shocked to see that it is seven in the morning. What time did he get on the dang plane?

“How long have you been home?” I ask and start to brush my teeth.

“As long as it took me to ravish you,” he answers. “You looked so beautiful that I couldn’t control myself.”

“I’m glad.” Giggling, I step into the shower.

As the hot water washes over me, I wonder how to tell my husband my news. I cannot decide. I think I should see how he handles the Dax situation and go from there. Enzo pours some shampoo into his hands and starts washing my hair for me.

“Mmm, baby, that feels good.”

“I live for your pleasure, amore.”

“I feel the same about you, you know?”

“Yes, I know this. That’s why you tried to protect me. It’s why I always try to protect you too.”

I laugh. “We’re the same, you and me.”

“My heart beats when yours does. Don’t ever forget that.”

“How could I?” I ask. “And why would I want to? It’s the most amazing feeling on the planet being loved by you.”

“I’m so happy you feel that way, and that I am worthy of you.”

“More than worthy. We deserve each other.”

Enzo pulls me into his arms and kisses me. I feel absorbed by his love and passion for me. It’s incredible.

We step out and dry off, and I get dressed while Enzo shaves his face.

“Amore, I’m going to the hotel today to handle Dax. I would like you to stay home, please. I think it would just be better if you aren’t there.”

“I’ll stay here. I’m still feeling pretty tired.”

“Are you coming down with something?” he asks.

Um yeah, a baby…

I smile. “No, I don’t think so. I’m just tired.”

“Well, you have been doing a lot lately,” he remarks.

I watch my husband while he dresses. I wanted to plan some creative way of telling him about the baby, but I didn’t have enough time. An idea pops into my head. Jumping up, I go to the closet where we’ve kept the baby outfits I gave him at Christmas.

This moment now is good between us, so romantic. Who knows what kind of mood Enzo will be in when he gets back from the hotel, so maybe now is the best time. I decide that I need to tell him right this minute.

I walk out holding up the two little outfits. “Which one of these do you hope we get to use first, the blue or the pink?” I ask.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I want lots of babies with you, so I hope we get to use both eventually. All I want are healthy babies,” he replies.

“I hope it’s a boy.”

“When I get home, we can work on that again, no?” He grins.

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” I say with a smile.

He looks hurt. “You don’t want to make love?”

“I always want to make love to you. I just mean that it won’t be necessary to work on the baby part.”

He drops a cufflink. “You don’t want to try for a baby?”

“I don’t need to try anymore.”

“I don’t understand.”

I walk closer to him. “I’m already pregnant.”

Enzo’s eyes open wide and well up with tears. “What? You mean it? You’re pregnant?” he gasps.

“Yes, my prince. I took the test yesterday. It was positive.”

He grabs me around the waist and swings me around until I’m dizzy.

“Ava, oh my God, Ava, this is amazing. I’m going to be a dad? We’re having a baby?” He laughs and swings me once more before putting me down.

Now that’s the reaction I was hoping for.

“Why didn’t you tell me when I called?” he asks.

“I wanted to tell you in person. It was Cassie who noticed. She said my boobs were swollen.”

“I noticed that.”

“Cassie questioned me and I realized my period was late. So we did the test and it came out positive. Can you believe it?”

“I’m so happy, beyond happy,” he says. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.”

“How do you feel?”

“Really good actually, but tired, like I said,” I add.

“No sickness?” he asks.

“Not at all, and I made an appointment with Dr. Warner for tomorrow afternoon. I wanted you to be with me. She said she can help us figure out how far along I am.”

“Perfetto.” He shakes his head. “I am… stunned.”

“In the best way?”

“In the most amazing way, but you should rest now,” he tells me. “I need to go take care of business.”

“What are you going to do to him?”

“I’m going to make his life miserable,” he says simply.

“He’s not worth it, you know.”

“The man touched you. He put his hands on my pregnant wife. I should kill the motherfucker.”

“Whoa, hey now.”

“Don’t worry, I promise I won’t do anything crazy. I’m not a violent man, lucky for him,” Enzo replies, winking at me.

I walk out to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of decaf. Cassie was sweet enough to swing by the store yesterday to get me some.

Enzo walks in and kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you soon, amore.” He turns to leave, but stops and brushes my cheek with his hand before he goes. “Love you.”

“Love you back.”

I watch him head out and then settle on the couch with a book.

“Morning,” Chris says, walking in.

“Hey. Is Cass up?” I ask.

“Sort of, but she has cramps. I came to get some tea and water for the Midol.”

“Best to steer clear of her today then,” I advise, laughing.

“Yeah, it’s a bad one. I think she’ll be in bed for most of the day.”

“Okay, well let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do,” he says, heading back to their room.

I glance at my phone, feeling a little bit anxious for Enzo to call or come home. Hours pass without a peep. Finally, I hear the garage door open. He walks into the house carrying a huge bouquet of flowers and balloons. There is also a rather large stuffed animal and a bag from my favorite cupcake bakery.

“Ciao amore. How’s my lovely wife feeling?” he asks.

He sounds perfectly normal, happy even.

“I feel fine. What’s all this?”

He smiles. “This is a celebration.”