Page 69 of Humility

“Yes, but more will be ready in a couple of days, and I can always grow more. I have a greenhouse.”

“So you can grow all year? That is excellent news.”

Gina didn’t say anything as she walked to her car and returned with a large handful of cash. She counted out enough for everything on the table and a handsome tip. “I mean it. I will be your only customer. I want first dibs on anything you have for sale,” she said, handing over a business card for the restaurant.

“The cellphone number is my direct line. Call me as soon as you have more, and I’ll come get it.”

“Wow, Gina, thank you. I don’t know what to say.” I stared at the business card in bewilderment.

The corner of her mouth curled up, and she struck me as the type of woman used to giving orders and not taking any shit. I loved that about her aura.

“Nothing needs to be said. Just make me your first call.”

“You got it.” I was brimming with excitement at the thought of truly building my very own business from the ground up.

“Do you have a business name yet?”

“Oh…um…maybe Jas’s Jams,” I said. “I’m planning on making my own real soon and having them be a show stopper.” I smiled, at my little sales pitch.

“I love that idea, I’d definitely be interested in those as well. Any reason for Jas’s Jams and not Izzy’s Jams?” I swallowed hard with my slip up and could feel Enzo’s eyes on the side of my face.

“My mother’s name, it holds special meaning for me,” I lied and hoped it didn’t show all over my face.

“Parents are very special, I love that,” she said, her eyes softening.

“Here, let me help you put the stuff in your car,” I offered.

Between the three of us, we loaded the back seat and trunk in no time. Gina smiled just before she got in.

“You two make a cute couple. Have a great day.” I didn’t even open my mouth to correct her, and she was off. I watched her car leave and then slowly turned to look at the empty table and then up at Enzo’s face. His expression looked just as bewildered as I felt.

“I’m sorry she called us a couple. I should’ve corrected that,” I said, staring at the empty table.

“Don’t be sorry about that.” Taking my hand, he pulled me in close. The earlier jitters that had disappeared with Gina’s arrival were back. “I don’t come over because I love the old house.” Enzo’s eyes filled with mischief as he smirked at me.

“I thought it was because of Hick, Dick, and Dock. They’ve taken a real liking to you.”

“The mice have?” He chuckled. “Just the mice,” he asked, tilting my head up.

“I’m a little harder to convince.” He smiled at my cheeky response, but whatever I was going to say next floated away in the wind as his lips met mine. The kiss was soft, but there was nothing soft about the look in his eyes.

“I like a challenge,” he said, nipping at my lower lip.

“Is that so?” Stepping back, I gave him a playful smile and grabbed my flowers before walking around him. “In that case, do you know how to make pancakes?”

“If I say yes, do I get to drizzle the syrup on you?”

“Um…ah….” I blushed as I stammered over my words.

“I’m joking. Kind of,” Enzo said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He was so easy to be around that I forgot we had only known each other a short time. Even with the nervousness, I felt comfortable with him touching me.

Flirting had become foreign to me, and I had no idea if I was doing it right. Was there a right way? I’d dated very little, not finding any interest in anyone after Angelo and Dario until now. Enzo was different. I didn’t know what it was exactly, but he made my heart race and my blood run hot. I could picture him drizzling syrup on me, and I wanted him to. I would hand him the bottle. I had no idea what had gotten into me.

* * *

ENZO

Containing myself around Jasmine was getting harder every day we spent together. She was so beautiful that I wanted to get down on my knees the moment I saw her. I would worship her anywhere. But she was more than her stunning beauty. She was kind and made me laugh. She was strong, and living without her family’s protection was brave. Especially, when I knew it was all she’d ever known. Then there was the fact that even though I wasn’t supposed to know, I knew she was passionate and loving. She was everything I ever dreamed to be worthy of in my life. I didn’t care about who her father was or what her political standing could do for me. At one point that was me and I would’ve happily taken the edge to move up. Not with her.