A Knock Away

Chapter 33: Waterfall

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I stretched, feeling Enzo's arm draped over me. Last night's intimacy had brought us even closer, and I felt a deep sense of contentment.

Enzo stirred beside me, his eyes fluttering open. He smiled as he saw me, and I couldn't help but smile back. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, leaning in to kiss him gently.

He kissed me back, then pulled away slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Noralee, there's someplace I want to show you today," he said, his tone serious.

"What is it?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"It's a place that's very special to me. I've never shown it to anyone before," he admitted, his eyes searching mine. "I want to share it with you."

My heart swelled at his words. "I'd love to see it," I said softly.

He smiled, relief evident in his eyes. "Great. We'll go this afternoon."

Later that day, we set off in Enzo's car. He seemed unusually quiet, his focus intense as he drove. I reached over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Are you okay?" I asked gently.

"Yeah," he said, glancing over at me with a small smile. "Just a bit nervous. This place means a lot to me."

"I understand," I said, feeling a surge of tenderness for him. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

He nodded, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. "I trust you, Noralee. More than anyone."

We drove for about an hour, leaving the bustling city behind and heading into the countryside. The scenery became more serene, with rolling hills and lush greenery. Eventually, Enzo turned onto a narrow, winding road that led into a dense forest.

"We're almost there," he said, his voice a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

The road ended at a small clearing. Enzo parked the car, and we got out. He led me down a narrow path, the sounds of nature surrounding us. The air was fresh and cool, a stark contrast to the city's hustle and bustle.

After a short walk, we arrived at a secluded spot where a majestic waterfall cascaded into a clear, sparkling pool. The water was so still at the edges that it mirrored the sky and the surrounding trees perfectly. A simple wooden bench sat nestled among the trees, offering a perfect view of the waterfall.

"This is beautiful," I whispered, taking in the serene beauty of the place.

Enzo nodded, his eyes fixed on the waterfall. "My grandfather used to bring me here," he said quietly. "It was our special place."

I turned to him, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes. "Why haven't you shown this to anyone else?" I asked gently.

He took a deep breath, looking away. "It's always been my sanctuary. A place where I could escape and feel close to him. After he passed away, I couldn't bring myself to share it with anyone. Until now."

My heart ached for him, and I reached out, cupping his face in my hands. "Thank you for sharing it with me," I said, my voice full of emotion. "It means a lot."

He leaned into my touch, closing his eyes. "I want you to know every part of me, Noralee. Even the parts I've kept hidden."

"I'm honored," I said, tears pricking at my eyes. "And I promise to cherish this place as much as you do."

He smiled, a genuine, relieved smile that made my heart flutter. "Come on," he said, taking my hand. "Let's sit by the waterfall."

We sat on the wooden bench, the soothing sound of the waterfall filling the air. Enzo seemed more relaxed now, his hand holding mine as we watched the water cascade down the rocks.

"This place is amazing," I said, leaning my head on his shoulder. "You can feel the history and the peace here."

Enzo nodded, a nostalgic look in his eyes. "My grandfather was a simple man. He loved nature and the peace it brought him. He taught me everything I know about fishing, building fires, and appreciating the quiet moments."

I smiled, picturing a young Enzo learning from his grandfather. "He sounds like a wonderful man."

"He was," Enzo said softly. "I miss him every day."

I squeezed his hand, offering silent support. "Thank you for bringing me here," I said, resting my head on his chest.

He held me close, his chin resting on top of my head. "I wanted you to see this part of my life. To understand why it means so much to me."

"I do," I said, looking up at him. "And I'm grateful you trusted me enough to share it."

He leaned down, kissing me tenderly. "You're the first person I've ever felt this way about, Noralee. The first person I've ever wanted to share everything with."

Tears filled my eyes again, and I hugged him tightly. "I love you, Enzo."

"I love you too," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "More than words can say."

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the area, walking along the trails, and enjoying the tranquility of the waterfall. Enzo showed me the spots where he and his grandfather used to sit and talk, the trails they used to hike, and the places they would camp under the stars.

As the sun began to set, we returned to the edge of the pool, the cool mist from the waterfall refreshing against our skin. The sky was painted with hues of pink and orange, the reflection on the pool creating a breathtaking scene.

"This is perfect," I said, leaning against Enzo. "I can see why you love it here."

He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close. "It's even more perfect now that you're here," he said softly. "I want to build new memories here with you, Noralee. To make this our special place."

"I'd like that," I said, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "Very much."

Enzo looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "How about we start those new memories with something fun?"

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

Without answering, he began to undress, a playful smile on his lips. I laughed, catching on to his idea. "Are you serious?" I asked, a mix of excitement and nervousness in my voice.

"Absolutely," he said, his voice low and inviting. "Come on, Noralee. Let's go for a swim."

I bit my lip, glancing around the secluded area. The idea of skinny dipping under the waterfall sounded exhilarating. "Alright," I said, my heart racing. "Let's do it."

I quickly shed my clothes, feeling the cool evening air against my skin. Enzo took my hand, and together we walked to the edge of the pool. The water felt refreshing as we waded in, the sound of the waterfall providing a perfect backdrop to our adventure.

We swam to the base of the waterfall, the powerful cascade of water creating a private, hidden nook. Enzo pulled me close, his body warm against mine. "This is incredible," I whispered, feeling the thrill of our spontaneity.

"It is," he agreed, his voice husky with emotion. "I've never felt so alive."

We kissed, the water swirling around us, adding to the intensity of the moment. Our bodies pressed together, the sensation heightened by the cool water and the warmth of our connection. It was a perfect blend of excitement and intimacy, a memory we would cherish forever.

As we floated in the water, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew that this hidden sanctuary, once a place of solitude for Enzo, had now become a place for us to share our love and dreams. We had made a new memory, one that would be the foundation of many more to come.