Chapter 13

CPOV

Ana looks radiant. Her eyes are sparkling blue, dark brown wisps of hair outline her face, and her skin glistens from today's events. I order us a glass of wine and a glass of water each.

"You looked beautiful today." I want to say more but I am unable to find the right words. I want to tell her she is the most exquisite woman I have ever met.

Ana looks at me and her long, thick eyelashes flutter as she exhales. "Thank you for the earrings, Christian. They are beautiful. But, you didn't have to do that."

"Well, I thought I owed you an apology for what happened in Los Angeles." Ana blushes a deep crimson.

"Oh… that." She looks down still blushing and lets out the tiniest giggle.

Her response makes me laugh as well. "It was kind of funny seeing your reaction. It was as if you've never seen a naked man before." Her eyes grow large and she has a look of shock on her face. "Wait, you have seen a naked man before, right?" Slowly she shakes her head. What? No way... "Are you telling me you are a virgin?"

She looks down again and blushes even deeper. Almost inaudibly, she whispers, "yes."

"But, how? I don't understand." She's beautiful and spent 4 years in college. How is this even possible?

"I guess there was no one I thought was worth it. I don't want to just be a notch on someone's belt. I want it to mean something, you know?"

There is something endearing about her. I don't know what it is but I find her innocence sweet and attractive. "I think that's admirable."

She looks at me doubtfully. "Yeah, right. So, what about you?"

"Me?" She nods her head. "There's nothing to know about me."

"I doubt that. You're very closed off. It's like you don't want anyone to get to know you."

"People know me. I'm just private."

"You're this complete mystery. I thought you hated me and couldn't stand the sight of me but in Los Angeles, you were so sweet to me. You took care of me. I remember that. Then you don't talk to me at all yesterday or today but you give me these beautiful earrings. I hardly know you, why would you do that for me?"

"I don't know. My brain tells me to stay away from you, that we're too different. But when you look at me it's like you're looking into my soul and I can't resist you."

She looks down again and quickly looks up to me staring into my eyes. "You don't have to resist me." Her voice is throaty and breathy.

"Ana, you don't know what you're saying. You've had too much to drink, that's all. You wouldn't be saying this otherwise."

"Christian, don't you see that I can't stay away from you either." The way she says my name is a calling to me deep inside. I'm speechless. I want to grab her right here, right now and give her everything I have.

I slowly shake my head trying to get that thought out. "It's late and you've had a lot to drink. Let me walk you to your room." I help her up from the table and once again take her hand in mine. I can feel the lobby is a little chilly so I take the wrap from her arms and drape it around her shoulders. When my hands touch her shoulders, I can feel a charge of electricity run through me.

We get in the elevator and the feeling is so strong between us I find it hard to breathe. After what seems like an eternity, we reach her floor and the elevator doors open.

We're at her door. "This is my room." Ana turns to me with her back to the door.

I step closer to her. "Ana…" I lean down and kiss her tenderly at first then, more ardently. I place one hand in her hair and the other on the side of her face. She goes to place her hands on me and I quickly take both of her hands in my hand that was holding her hair essentially pinning her to the wall. I don't know for how long we kiss but I know I've never wanted anything more and I didn't want to stop. We finally come up for air and Ana exhales making me smile. I'm unable to stop touching her so I rain little kisses all over her eyes, cheeks, and lips.

She looks up at me, "would you like to come in?" But, I can tell she is nervous.

I give her another kiss - now that I've finally kissed her I don't want to stop. "I would love to but I don't want your first time to be like this." Her face falls. I place my fingers under her chin forcing her to look up at me. "Hey, can I see you tomorrow?" I gently kiss her nose.

She gives me a devilish smile. "You mean today?"

I smile at her. "Yes, today. I'll call you around noon. OK?" She bashfully nods at me. I give her another quick kiss. "Now, go to sleep but drink a glass of water and take some Advil first so you don't wake up with a hangover.

She smiles at me once again, "yes, sir." The only thing I can do is shake my head and smile.

Ana goes into her room and I stay long enough to make sure she is OK. I walk to the suite I booked so we could do bathroom stops or change clothes. I wasn't going to stay the night and intended to go back home to Escala but now I want to stay as close to Ana as possible.

I feel like I am on top of the world. As I walk back up to my suite I feel as if I could dance right here. I don't think I have ever felt so happy. What is it about her? She is the type of girl that doesn't want contracts; she wants hearts and flowers. But if it's hearts and flowers she wants, I am willing to give them to her. There's something about her that makes me feel as if I would give everything up for her. I feel exhilarated and scared at the same time; it takes all I have in me not to run back and spend the night with Ana.

When I finally lie down in bed, I am unable to fall asleep. Images of Ana run through my head. I'm in unknown territory and I don't know if it's good or bad or how it will turn out. I have never wanted anyone like I want Ana, not even Elena. But I also am afraid I will hurt her. We live two different worlds. What will happen when they collide?