Page 46 of Humility

Clearing my throat, I nodded. “It’s stunning.”

“Thanks.” Enzo took the lid and filled it with some food for himself, giving me the bottom of the container. I couldn’t help feeling mildly disheartened that we weren’t eating out of the same one.

“Why a Persian carpet pattern? Seems like an unusual choice.”

“It’s a family thing. My great-grandfather made carpets, and so did my grandfather and my father. I’m the only oddball in the family who chose a different path, but I couldn’t help taking a little of the legacy when I struck out on my own.”

“I love that. So what exactly do you do besides being a very gracious landlord?”

Enzo smiled, a dimple appearing on his cheek that made my heart flutter. I watched him eat a piece of chicken and wanted to know if he kissed as methodically as he ate. I blinked and shook my head. I wasn’t in this town to find a man. I was here to strike out on my own and prove that I didn’t need my family or a man. The voice in my head kept saying, ‘Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun along the way.’

“Electronics and sales, I have the gift of the gab,” Enzo smirked, and I imagined he used that exact smile to get what he wanted many times. “So, what brought you to Beastville?”

“Oh…um….” I held up my finger and finished chewing to give myself an extra second to think. “I just needed a fresh start.”

“Family or boyfriend issues,” Enzo asked, and my body heated with embarrassment. Did I have it plastered on my forehead?

“I guess a bit of both.” I stood up, needing to move away from his intense stare. “Did you want a bottle of water,” I asked. Any topic other than me would be great.

“Sure.”

As I stepped between our chairs, my toe caught, and I screamed as my knee twisted and I fell forward. Enzo snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me back, and I ended up frozen on his lap, staring into his eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so,” I said, feeling stupid. When had I turned into such a klutz? Enzo moved in a little closer, and I was sure he would kiss me, but his phone rang. He closed his eyes and swore. I tried to stand, but Enzo didn’t let go of my waist. His phone stopped, and he moved in, only to have it start again.

“I’m going to get up, and you better answer that. They seem insistent,” I said, standing as he sighed and let me go.

Enzo growled a litany of profanities as he dug out his phone and answered it. I watched him stomp across the room and stare out the window as I pulled water bottles from the bar fridge.

“Boss?” His voice was tight with anger. “I’m having lunch. I am entitled to lunch.” I couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation, but Enzo’s face slowly pulled into a dark scowl. “I see. I guess we need to talk about it when I get there. Yes, I’m leaving now.”

He ran his hand through his hair and put the phone away, collecting himself before he spoke.

“I’m really sorry to cut our lunch short, but I need to get going.”

“Wow, you weren’t kidding about your boss being an ass,” I said and he chuckled.

“Oh you know it. Listen, I had a great time. I’ll let you know when the house is done.” He came toward me, and with each step, the fluttering in my stomach increased until I felt like sprinting off. I had no idea what to do with my hands other than hold out a bottle of water like that was why he was walking across the room.

Enzo took the bottle, but his fingers lingered on mine. “Thank you.” He turned and walked away but stopped when he reached the door. “Would you like to go on a date sometime?”

“Um…I….”

“You don’t have to.”

“No, it’s not that. You know what…yes. Yes, I would.” Enzo smiled wide, and I smiled back.

“Great, I’m looking forward to it.” He left the room, and I flopped down into the chair at the table, my heart beating faster than a hummingbird’s wings.

“What are you doing? You’re not here to date,” I scolded myself. But going five years without sex is a long time, and it was about time I did something just for me. Enzo seemed like he would be very interested in getting me back in the saddle.

I shuddered as images of riding him crossed my mind. It had to be the air here. Whatever it was…I liked it.

Chapter Twenty-Three

DARIO