As we left the exit, my feet started hurting and I wasn't able to walk on my heels (all thanks to the drinks). Enzo was still holding my hand.
"Your feet are hurting?" he asked.
"Yes, a little bit."
"Take off your heels."
He bent down and took my heels, carrying them in his fingers. He was holding my hand and in his other hand were my heels. He was being patient with me. And somehow, I was feeling good with him right now.
"Thank you," I murmured, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
He just nodded, his expression softening a bit. "Let's get you to the car."
We walked slowly, my bare feet touching the cool pavement. The night air was refreshing, and the city lights blurred around me. Enzo guided me carefully, making sure I didn't stumble.
As we reached his car, he opened the passenger door and helped me in. I leaned back against the seat, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. He placed my heels on the floor of the car and then got into the driver's seat.
As he got into the driver's seat and started the car, I began to feel dizzy and decided to close my eyes. My head was hurting badly, and a sound of pain escaped my mouth.
"What happened?" Enzo asked.
"Headache."
"Is it bad?"
"Yes, my head is hurting badly."
He stopped the car and came closer to me. He pulled out a balm from the dashboard and started rubbing it against my forehead. I was staring at him, amazed by his gestures. The Enzo Moritti, coldest man ever, was doing things like this? Why? How? Questions were flooding through my brain.
"You want ice cream?" he asked suddenly.
"Huh?"
"Ice cream, Elena? Where are you so lost?"
"Nowhere, and ice cream, yes, I want some, but I don't think there will be any vendors at this hour."
"I know a place. Are you okay going there with me?"
"Yes," I said without giving it a second thought.
He drove us to a beach, and there was an ice cream vendor. He got out of the car and went to buy ice cream. I watched him, his back facing me, and then he came back with an ice cream. He handed me the ice cream.
"Pistachio? You know this is my favorite."
"I know, Elena. That's why I brought it."
"How do you know this?"
He smiled, pecked my cheek, and said, "Let it be confidential."
"Aren't you going to eat? Why didn't you get one for yourself?"
"I don't like ice cream," he said.
"But why? Ice creams are such a mood changer and the best thing in the world. You are missing out on the best thing in the world."
He stared at me and smiled. "I'll try someday."
"Why not today? Here, take a bite from my ice cream."
"Elena, you eat. I'll try some other day."
"No, eat now please. I insist," I said, making a puppy face.
"You're damn cute when you're tipsy," he laughed and took a bite from my ice cream.
"Isn't it good?" I asked with curiosity.
"Yes, it is."
"See, I told you. Okay, I'll eat now."
As I started to dig into my ice cream, he said, "Do you want to take a walk on the beach?"
I looked at him with confusion. "Like right now?"
"Yes, if you want to."
"Yes, yes, I want to. Only a fool would say no to a walk on this beautiful beach under this beautiful sky tonight."
"Okay, let's go then," he said, opening the door for me and taking my hand in his.
We walked along the beach, the sand cool beneath my bare feet. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was soothing. Enzo held my hand gently, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me. This night, unexpected and surreal, was turning into something magical.
We found a spot and sat there. "You often come here?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Yes," he said, looking towards the sea. "This place gives me peace."
I followed his gaze. The view was breathtaking- the vast expanse of the sea, the shimmering moon, and the twinkling stars above. "Wow, it looks beautiful," I said, captivated by the beauty of nature.
"Yes, it's really beautiful," he replied. I looked at him and noticed he was staring at me. Our eyes locked, and I felt an inexplicable pull towards him.
We started getting closer to each other, the world around us fading into the background. I closed my eyes, feeling the anticipation build.
His breath was warm against my skin, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The sounds of the waves and the cool night air enveloped us, creating a perfect, serene bubble where nothing else mattered.
My heart was racing, and I didn't know if I wanted to kiss him or not. As he got so close to me, he kissed my forehead and rested his forehead against mine. I opened my eyes and let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I kept my forehead against his.
"I'll not do anything, Elena, that you don't like," he said softly, kissing my forehead again.
I closed my eyes again and took a long breath. I looked towards the sea, but my mind was busy with what had just happened. His phone rang, and he said, "Give me a minute." I nodded, and he stood up and walked a bit away. I saw him talking to someone, and it was clear the other person on the call didn't give him good news, as Enzo seemed disturbed and annoyed.
I decided not to look at him and focused on the sea and its beauty. I was so lost in nature, I didn't realize Enzo had come back. This time, he sat behind me, holding me from the back. I didn't fight; instead, I leaned into his body. He started caressing my hair, and sleep was about to wash over me.
I rested my head on his chest and drifted off, feeling safe and warm in his embrace.
***
When I woke up, the first thing I felt was the warmth of Enzo's body against mine. My head was still resting on his chest, and his arms were wrapped around me protectively. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim light of the early morning. The sky was just starting to lighten, casting a soft glow over the beach.
I tilted my head slightly to look up at him. Enzo was still asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. His hold on me was gentle but firm, as if he had been watching over me all night. The sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore added to the serene atmosphere.
I didn't want to move and break the moment, so I stayed still, savoring the feeling of being so close to him. The previous night's events played back in my mind, and I felt a mix of emotions-confusion, excitement, and a sense of comfort that I hadn't expected.
After a few more minutes, I felt Enzo stir. His eyes slowly opened, and he looked down at me with a soft smile.
"Good morning," he said, his voice husky from sleep.
"Good morning," I replied quietly, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from my face.
"Yes, thank you," I said. "I'm sorry I fell asleep on you."
"Don't apologize," he said. "I wanted you to rest."
We sat there for a few more moments, enjoying the peacefulness of the morning. Finally, Enzo spoke again.
"We should probably get you home," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
I nodded, but part of me didn't want to leave the comfort of his arms. As we stood up and gathered our things we walked back to the car, Enzo kept his arm around me, and I felt a sense of reassurance.
He opened the door for me, and I slid into the car, the cool leather seat a welcome contrast to the warmth of the beach. On the way back home, we both stayed quiet, the silence between us comfortable yet filled with unspoken thoughts.
After a while, Enzo pulled over in front of a small medical shop. He got out of the car without a word, leaving me to my thoughts. When he returned, he carried a small bag and handed it to me.
"Take these, Elena," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
I looked at him, puzzled. "What's this for?"
"You might have some after-drink effects," he explained, his eyes filled with concern. "These are for that."
I took the bag from him and peeked inside. There were some pills and a small bottle of syrup. "Thank you, Enzo," I said, touched by his thoughtfulness.
He gave a slight nod and started the car again, driving through the quiet streets. The early morning light filtered through the trees, casting a golden hue over everything. I could feel my eyelids growing heavy once more, the medicine and the events of the night finally catching up with me.
As we pulled up in front of my house, Enzo turned to me. "Are you going to be okay getting inside?"
I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and something deeper that I couldn't quite name. "Yes, I'll be fine. Thank you for everything."
He walked me to the door, his hand steady on my back. As I unlocked it, I turned to face him. "Good night, Enzo. Or rather, good morning."
He smiled, that rare, soft smile that seemed to be reserved just for me. "Good morning, Elena. Get some rest."
When I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, I leaned against it for a moment. I stood up and went to take a shower. My mind was buzzing with whatever happened last night, I started to curse myself for drinking too much, but thankfully I didn't go crazy after drinks yesterday. Besides, now I have to focus on my project.
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