Page 44 of Flawless

Nodding, Leo says, “Amaris isn’t going to let up until she gets you.”

“She has no choice. I’m not interested,” I say, looking up and spotting Amaris staring and smiling in my direction.

We make small talk for another twenty minutes until it’s time to eat. Amaris brings a plate over to me and invites me to join her by the firepit.

“Thanks. You didn’t have to do this, you know,” I say, lifting my plate.

Smiling, she says, “It was no problem. Besides, I wanted to. It was the best way that I could think of to get you away from the fellows and all to myself.”

My mouth is full of the burger that I’m chewing, so I can’t say anything. Amaris goes on about how nice I look tonight and how wonderful I smell.

When I finish chewing, I mutter something along the lines of thank you, but my mind is on Dani. Amaris chatters on about her work in Atlanta, her niece and nephew, and her plans for a winter vacation.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Amaris says after a few minutes of me eating in silence.

“Sorry. I guess I’m not good company tonight,” I say.

“Only with me, it seems. I watched you while you were with the guys, and you seemed to have a lot to say. Have I done something to offend you, Zenon?”

“No, nothing at all.”

I set my plate aside as I’ve mostly finished my food anyway.

“Then what is it?”

Sighing, I say, “You’ve been very open and honest with me from the start, Amaris, and I appreciate it. You’re a beautiful woman, and I swear I must be crazy to not have jumped on your offer from the start.”

“There’s still time.”

“That’s just it, Amaris. I’m honestly not interested in having a fling, casual affair, one-night stand or any of that with anyone right now. There’s so much going on in my life that I came here to get away, relax, and just breathe. This getaway was supposed to be a time of reflection, and where I plan out my next phase in life. Not to party, have wild, hot sex or any of those things.”

Amaris is staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind, but I continue with my explanation.

“So, while you’re a beautiful, sexy woman that I know my friends would tell me that I’ve lost my mind to turn down, I can’t do anything with you. I don’t want to keep leading you on by spending time with you when I know that my answer is a firm and resolute no.”

Amaris slowly nods as she turns her head away from me and presses her palms down her sundress.

“Okay, then. I’ve heard you loud and clear. But can I ask one question?”

“Sure.”

“Is it because you’re in love with Danica?”

“What makes you think that?”

“The way that you watch her when she’s around. And although you’ve never said a lot in her defense, you don’t have to.It’s the way you separate yourself from everyone else whenever they say anything about her that makes me know that she’s special to you. The night we were gossiping about her, you didn’t say anything, but you gave each of us scathing looks. And then you got up and left. Zenon, you are protective of her,” Amaris explains.

“I am. She’s been a friend and so much more over the years. It’s not easy to discard that as meaningless. Danica is my friend. I was wrong not to say anything to you all that night. I don’t care what the gossip magazines and talk shows say. They don’t know that woman. She’s an amazing woman with a beautiful heart, and she’s a terrific friend who I’m grateful to have in my life.”

I breathe out and then look into Amaris’ eyes.

“That night when I said nothing, I think I damaged our friendship. I didn’t mean to do that, and she didn’t deserve that. So, I’m going to fight for my friendship because it’s worth fighting for. Hell, to be honest, Dani is worth fighting for.”

“You know, Zenon, I hope that one day I meet a man as amazing and dedicated as you are. And when I do, I will never let him go.”

I smile as I stand. “You will meet him, Amaris. And you make sure that you hold on tight for all it’s worth. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you these last few days.”

“You as well, Zenon. Take care,” she says, waving as I walk away from her.

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