Read Turn Towards the Sun for Free Online Page B

black dress. Her skin is pale, and her make up heavy. She glances at me sizing me up and offers a stiff good morning.
    “Hi. I’m just looking around.”
    “Take your time.” She says without looking up. I roam around the boutique. The floors are pale blond wood, and everything is sleek and modern. In the middle of the room sit two large round sofas. It’s deserted and seems more like a museum than a clothing store. I spy an appealing looking skirt and hope it comes in my size. One thing I have noticed is that the women in this town seem to be universally skinny, with a lot of obvious plastic surgery. My curvaceous figure seems large in comparison.
    “Mr. Milano.” I hear the girl at the front desk and whirl around to see Enzo entering the store, mouth pursed.
    “Anna.” He does not look happy. He keeps his eyes on her as he walks towards me.
    “Ava.” He speaks my name softly, wrapping it in his textured accent. He kisses me on both cheeks. “Your hair is beautiful. I knew Camilla would do a great job.”
    He reaches out and strokes a small piece of hair draped over my shoulder. It’s very intimate. A heated flush creeps onto my cheeks.
    “I’m so glad I found you here.” He continues. “I wanted to ask you something.” His voice lowers, and he moves closer to me. I hear the clanking sound of Anna’s heels moving in our direction.
    “I have a dinner to go to tonight, and I’d love it if you would join me.” His eyes meet mine, completely pulling me in to his energy.
    Anna reaches us at this point and tries to get Enzo’s attention. He continues looking at me, waiting for my answer, ignoring Anna.
    “Yes , I’ll go.” The words fall out of my mouth.
    Enzo grins. “Perfect. Anna, Miss Bradshaw needs a gown for this evening.”
    Gown! Oh, it’s a fancy dinner.
    “ O f course Mr. Milano.” A strained smile is the best she can do. I can tell right away that Anna here is not a fan of mine.
    “Miss Bradshaw, do you have any idea what you might like?” Anna asks.
    Enzo speaks first. “May I offer a suggestion Ava?”
    I have already learned refusing this man is not an option. Besides, I wouldn’t have a clue what to wear.
    “Of course.”
    He points to a gorgeous deep purple chiffon creation. It’s long and flowing with a cinched waist. The bodice is one shouldered with a lovely chiffon knot at the top. It’s demure but alluring. It’s perfect. I light up right away.
    “Oh yes , I love it.”
    “What size would you like ?” Anna asks.
    Before I can speak, Enzo grins, looking me up and down.
    “I’ d say a size six or… an eight?”
    I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended that he knows my size just from looking at me. He clearly knows his way around a woman.
    “Yes that’s right, depending on the dress. Petite please.” A satisfied smile spreads across his face.
    Anna’s lips press into a thin line while she selects the dress in both sizes.
    “How did you know my size Enzo?”
    “I studied fashion for two semesters before I decided on architecture. The lines of the body always fascinated me, so I thought I might like to design clothing.”
    “What changed?”
    “I found that for me, I was more interested in designing structures professionally.
    “And personally?” Well well, look at who’s being bold with her questions.
    A grin spreads across his face. “The female body continues to fascinate me. But I must admit I’m more interested in the unclothing of a beautiful woman.”
    I’m fairly certain my mouth hit the floor.
    Anna arrives with the dresses. It’s obvious this situation is completely annoying to her. I step into the dressing room and slip out of my clothes and into the size six first. It’s a bit tight, so I try the eight hoping this amazing confection looks good on me. I stare at myself in the mirror and can’t believe my eyes. My hair is so different and this dress! It hugs my body in all the right places. I look so, womanly. Watch out Enzo, here I