Chapter 4 Getting to know Each Other

"Are you from here?" he asked.

"No, I moved here about 4 years ago. You?" I asked.

"I was born and raised in California, but not LA. Do you have family here?" he asked.

"I don't really have family anywhere, unfortunately." I said.

"See how much nicer this is?" he asked.

"What?" I asked.

"Engaging in conversation." he said with a smile.

"I guess it's not so bad." I said as I started to twirl my hair between my fingers.

"What happened to your parents?" he asked.

"In all honesty, I am not sure I want to open up about that so quickly." I said.

"Do you have many friends here?" he asked.

"Not really. I don't have a lot of time. Before I got this job with Charles, I was working two jobs and that was my priority." I said.

"When is the last time you had a boyfriend?" he asked.

I knew what he was trying to ask. But I didn"t feel it was any of his business.

"I do not have a boyfriend now, and that is all that matters." I needed to change the subject, so I said "What is it like being famous? Do you wish you weren't some days?"

"I have forgotten what is like to be normal. I was famous at such a young age and so now, it is all I know. Sometimes, I wish I could walk down the street and not get bombarded by paparazzi but that is why I find places like this where no one cares who I am." He said.

"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a famous actress. But I wonder if I could handle the invasion of privacy." I said.

"You want to be an actress?" he asked.

"Yes. That is why I moved here." I said.

"Don't do it." He said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I think you are great the way you are. Your shyness, innocence and vulnerability, is what makes you, well you. You lose those traits in this industry." He said.

I sat there, confused. I have never had someone understand me so quickly.

The rest of the night went by quickly and the next thing I knew, it was 11pm.

"Oh my god, it is so late. I need to get home. I have work early tomorrow." I said.

"I know, me too." he said and started laughing and then I realized that he does too.

He paid the bill and when we got up to leave, I quickly realized that I had drank a little too much and had to grab onto the chair to stabilize myself.

"Maybe I should just drive you home." He said as he held onto me.

"How will I get to work tomorrow?" I asked.

"I will pick you up." He said.

I didn't really have a choice because I should not be driving tonight.

We walked to the car and like the gentleman he is, he opened my door.

But before he let me get in, he pressed me against the car. I don't know if it was the wine, but I let him.

"You are so much more attractive than you give yourself credit for." He said.

I looked up at him and I lost control of myself.

Before I could even think about anything else, his lips crashed on mine.

I have only ever kissed 2 guys in my life. Both times it was after dating for a while and I only kissed them because I felt obligated to. But there were never any sparks. I figured it was just because I wasn't ready to date yet. That is why I decided to focus on my career and putting dating on the back burner.

As soon as Luca's lips touched mine, I never wanted them to leave. He made me feel things that I have never felt before. His hands

grabbed onto my waist, and I had to push him away.

"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Kissing you has been on my mind since the moment I saw you." he said as he opened the door for me.

I hopped in quickly and sunk deep into the seat. When he got in the car I looked away. I was so flustered, and I didn't want him to see.

He started the car and asked for my address. I had no choice but to put it into the navigation system and we drove off. Neither of us said anything for a while. I was still feeling pretty drunk and didn't want to do or say anything stupid.

We pulled up to my apartment and I said, "Thank you for dinner." I tried leaving quickly but he grabbed me and pulled me back. I tried keeping my head down but he grabbed my chin and pulled it up to look at him.

"I'm sorry if you weren't ready to kiss me yet. I should have asked you first if it was ok. I didn't mean to hurt you." he said.

"Do you think I pushed you away because I didn't want to kiss you?" I asked.

"Well, ya. Why else would you have stopped me?" he asked.

I was staring into his eyes, and he genuinely looked concerned.

It must have been the alcohol, but I leaned in closer to him. I reached my hand up and placed it on his cheek.

"I didn't stop you because I didn't want to kiss you. I stopped you because if I let it continue, I was scared I wouldn't be strong enough to control myself. I am just not ready for that." I said as I leaned away.

"Have you ever been with a man before?" he asked.

I smiled and said "Goodnight Luca." I reached for the handle and opened the door and got out. As soon as I stood up, I got a little dizzy. I have a feeling I am going to wake with a hangover.

"Wait! What kind of gentlemen would I be if I didn't walk you to your door." he said.

I was actually glad to hear him say that, because I was nervous walking on my own. I was a little apprehensive though and I think he could tell.

He held his hands up and said, "I promise I won't touch you."