Page 1 of Resolution
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Samantha
“Ladies and Gentlemen,our final destination is approaching. We should reach Frankfurt, Germany, in thirty minutes. The local time is nine thirty-eight a.m. The weather is thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit, which is four degrees Celsius, and clear. It’s pretty but cold. Be sure to wear your coats,” the captain announces. Then it’s translated into German and French before the announcements are made about storing our belongings and putting our seats and trays in the upright positions. Butterflies flip in my stomach as I hear this.I’ve been traveling for over fifteen hours and can’t wait to land.
Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this. Here I am at age thirty-eight, on a plane to see myboyfriendin Germany.Germany, as in the one on the other side of the world from Portland, Oregon.If you’d asked me just three months ago if I’d be doing this, I would have told you, you’re crazy. First, there’s the fact I now have a boyfriend. Second, there’s the whole issue of flying around the world. But when Enzo Harper walked into my house that fateful day to surprise his dad, we were both in for the surprise of our lives.
From the moment I saw Enzo walk into my disheveled kitchen, my life hasn’t been the same. It feels like it was yesterday. I was simply sitting there, minding my own business, while a work crew remodeled my kitchen. In walks a man I didn’t recognize, but was instantly attracted to. He was well over six feet tall with short, tousled, dark-blond hair. He was easily in his mid-thirties. He had an athletic build and glorious green eyes that sparkled with delight.
From the very start, I thought he was sex on a stick.I didn’t think any man could ever be that good looking in real life. He’s the type of man women spend billions on each year to buy as their next book boyfriend. I should know, I publish and market said books on a daily basis. I make it my business to know what sells, and the stranger before me was a mint in the making.
At the time, I could tell Enzo was up to something when he walked into my house, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. When he motioned for me to “shhh” as he winked, I was locked in my spot waiting to see what would happen next.He approached Lorenzo Harper, my contractor, who had been talking on the phone to someone. The minute he hung up, Lorenzo was swept into a bear hug,which was no small feat. Lorenzo had been nearly as bulky as the mysterious man in front of me.
Of course, I was quickly introduced to Lorenzo’s son, Enzo. Then, as he showed him the progress his crew was making on my home, I felt a magnetic pull to Enzo, even after just a few short moments. It’s something I’d never experienced before. Of course, after they left, I went about my business, though there were frequent thoughts about the sexy man I had met earlier in the day.
As I left my house to get dinner that evening, I was happily surprised to find him outside retrieving his car after spending the afternoon with his dad. To my utter shock, I actually asked him to join me for dinner. Yes, me, Samantha O’Reilly, the single mother of three, got up the courage to ask him out. I hadn’t even kissed a man in three years. No one I dated after my divorce was even worth a second date. I felt pretty courageous asking him. There was something about that sexy man with the swoon-worthy dimple, that gave me my mojo back.
Lorenzo Harper’s a pilot for pararescue in the Air Force. He can fly just about anything he’s given the chance to. He was home on leave, contemplating his career decisions. Should he retire? Should he switch to Air National Guard? Or should he move to the civilian side and work with private contractors for security? Thank God, he chose option three, which keeps him in Portland, Oregon. Now, he has less than two months left in the Air Force and will be returning home, for good. Sure, he’ll have to travel with work, but his home base is near me, so who am I to complain?
To say our relationship’s been a whirlwind is putting it mildly. I almost blush at the heat and chemistry we instantly displayed. No, I didn’t sleep with him that first night, but when we did, the intensity was beyond anything I’d ever experienced. Enzo brings out a side of me I never knew existed and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
Yes, I’ve been married before, and I’ve obviously had sex before. I do have three wonderful kids with my ex, Devin. But nothing could prepare me for Enzo Harper. I’d like to say I feel ashamed I want to strip naked the moment the man enters a room, but that would be a lie. After having my heart closed off for so long, due to indiscretions in one form or another, it’s a glorious feeling to have someone accept me for who I am and loves me wholeheartedly. I’ve never been happier.
That’s Enzo in a nutshell. Since he’s practically been married to the Air Force for the last twenty years, having never found someone to settle down with, I think he’s just as shocked to experience this, too. Years earlier, there had been one woman, but soon after his first deployment, he received a ‘Dear John’ letter from her, forcing him to keep his heart closed… that is, until he met me.
Boy, did I luck out. He’s thoughtful, kind, and wonderful to my three kids. My youngest, Frankie, who’s eight, simply adores him. Declan, my ten-year-old, also gets along with him well. Ever since Enzo rescued Maddie while she was on her first date with a flat tire, she’s befriended him, too.
When he returned to Germany six weeks ago, there was three months left on his contract with the Air Force. It’s been a long six weeks, almost torturous at times. Sure, we talk as much as we can when he isn’t out on a mission, but he’s literally been all over the world.I don’t even know about thewhereof his location until it’s already happened. It sucks not knowing, but that’s how he’s kept safe, so I understand and force myself to accept it. We’ve managed countless talks over the phone, and there may have been some sexy video messaging as well, which has been kind of fun, if I’m being honest.
I bring myself back to reality as I feel our descent, and the Frankfurt Airport comes into view. These last thirty minutes have been pure torture. I can’t believe I’m so close, yet so far from Enzo.God! Can’t this plane go any faster?I don’t want to be away from him any longer. My body’s a bundle of nerves and I feel as if we’ll never make it there.
We finally touch down with a huge bump, coming to a careening stop, before the end of a runway. Thank God, Enzo put me in a first-class sleeper. I’m well rested and eager to see him.
It takes FOREVER for the cabin doors to open and the crew to let us off the plane. I make my way through customs and into the airport.Suddenly, the sexy man I have been dreaming about night and day, for the last six weeks, stands in front of me. He’s still just as tall and handsome as ever. Being six-foot-six, he stands out among the crowd. His blond hair’s shorter than before. High and tight, like a military cut, but upon further inspection, there should still be just enough to get my hands into. The thought alone makes my mouth water. Enzo’s in civilian clothes, wearing dark jeans, dark sweater, and I can tell there’s a collared shirt underneath. The moment he spots me, he closes the distance. A large bouquet of flowers is in his hands, but that doesn’t stop him from swooping me up into his arms to kiss the life out of me.
Fuck, if we weren’t in a crowded airport, I’d beg him to take me right now. But I’m an adult, so I can practice some patience.I hope.
“God, I’ve missed you, beautiful,” he whispers into my ear as he sets me down.
“I’ve missed you, too,” flutters against one last kiss.
Like the gentleman he is, he grabs my carry-on bag, leaving me only my purse to carry, leading me to the baggage claim.
After getting my luggage, we walk hand in hand to the parking garage. His large hand warms mine, making me feel secure and safe with him.
“Are you hungry?” he asks as we get into his silver Land Rover.
Taking in the sights around me, I finally answer, “I could eat.” I’ve been a ball of nerves and haven’t eaten since last night. My stomach feels a little off, but flying will do that to me from time to time.
We get on a highway and drive for a while. I’m in awe of actually being here, in Germany. With Enzo. This is so far from my life in Portland, Oregon. I’ve traveled abroad a little, but never to Germany.Enzo keeps his hand on my thigh and I hold it, keeping me grounded in reality, even though it’s still hard to processI’m really here. My mind reels with possibilities. I’m relieved to find the electric pulses that flow between us haven’t eased in our absence. If anything, they’re stronger.How’s that even possible?
Eventually, Enzo pulls off the highway into a little town I didn’t catch the name of. It’s lined with what I would imagine most German towns are like. The houses and buildings are a Bavarian design, like rustic chalets.My only experience with Germany before this was going to Leavenworth, Washington; a town that mimics Germany in its architecture and tourism, but that hardly does this beautiful town justice.
Enzo pulls into a parking spot in front of some shops. There’s one in particular that draws my attention, so I ask, “Oh, can we go in there? I’d love to bring home an ornament to remember this trip.”
“Let’s go, beautiful.” He takes my hand, and before we can make it to the storefront, he pulls me in for a kiss that could lead to so much more, if we weren’t in public. This man makes me weak at the knees. Every nerve ending comes alive and I’m completely caught up in the moment. Eventually, all good things must come to an end, and he reminds me when he says, “Let’s see what’s inside,” before giving me one last, chaste kiss.
I’m in Christmas Heaven.Christmas, hands down, is my favorite holiday. I love decorating and making memories with my family. I peruse up and down the aisles, peering at everything on the shelves. This place is amazing. I could spend an eternity here and never get bored. Enzo’s a champ, taking it all in with me.
