This is L.o.v.e. like it should be

LXIV. The nearness of you

"Please," said Mister E, pulling a chair for Ava.

"Thank you!"

Ava sat at the table, it was already set and in the center awaited a lavish seafood platter.

"Do you want me to ask them to go somewhere else?"

"The servants?"

"Yes," he looked at her, waiting for the answer.

"So, we can share this moment just the two of us?" Ava teased him.

"How do you feel about it?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea."

He smiled, clearly pleased by her answer, and Ava couldn't help but smile as well. He then called over a servant and asked him to tell the others they had the rest of the night free.

It was just him and Ava now.

They shared the food, and mister E made sure to serve her. Ava thought it was unusual to see a man like him serving someone.

"You are full of surprises, aren't you?" she asked, watching him keeping his natural elegance and charm while he bended to deliver her first dish.

"You are my guest, miss Ava," he said.

"I'm curious, I never told you my name. How did you find it out?"

"In the same way I found out your address. But I must say I can't reveal my source, after proving itself as a such a reliable one, I'll have to keep it a secret."

"That's the kind of thing that should scare me!"

"That's also the kind of thing which attracts you," he stared into her eyes to make sure his words were having an impact on her. "You love to feel desired."

"Why me?"

"I don't know," he claimed, then smiled. He was thinking about something. "I think all of your efforts to remain unnoticed to everyone had the reverse effect and captured my attention."

"But how did you notice me?" she asked, a little taken aback. Sure, she used to keep to herself and try to go about her business not drawing attention to herself, but nowadays she looked everything but discrete.

"There's something special about you. You can appreciate acts of power, but you don't claim it for yourself. You have big dreams, but you don't act big. For instance, if I walked away right now, I know you wouldn't come after me. Maybe I'd get a text telling me you miss me after a couple of weeks, because my absence would become unbearable. Or maybe you'd give me a silent but meaningful look with your eyes, because my presence would also be unbearable. Just because you put everyone else's needs in front of yours, even if it hurts you."

"How could you possibly know all of that?"

"After our first encounter, when my phone fell, I just couldn't help to notice you every time you were around, Ava. And your attitude completely amazes me."

"What if I want to kiss you right now and just do it? Wouldn't I be proving you wrong?"

"No, you would just be accepting the fact I want you."

Ava stood and walked over to him. She leaned on him, and let her lips hover almost touching his. She felt his breathing slow, as his eyes started to close. Ava felt how badly he wanted that kiss. So, instead of kissing him, she moved her head and whispered in his ear: "Where is the bathroom?"

He smirked. She had just played with him.

"Downstairs, third door on the right."

"Thank you, Mister E," she gently said. "I'll be right back."

"Did you just call me Mister E?"

"I sure did, you are a mystery." She smirked.

As Ava walked away, he reflected on the nickname. It was silly, but funny. Only Ava could come up with such an idea, and he loved it. That was the kind of thing that made her so special, so unique.

Moments later, in the bathroom, Ava called Phoebe.

"Phoebe!"

"Ava! Why are you calling me? Shouldn't you be on a date?"

"I am, and that's why I am calling you! I am on a yacht!"

"Don't you tell me he kidnapped you again!"

Ava giggled amused by Phoebe's worried tone.

"No, I think not."

"I think not? Oh gosh! Tell me where you are, I'll call the coast guard to come and get you!"

"I am fine! Actually, I think I am about to have a romantic weekend on a Caribbean beach!"

"Aren't romantic getaways reserved for couples?"

"Maybe that's what we're becoming!"

"Watch yourself out there girl! Remember my words, lust isn't love!"