Charming Isabella

by Maggie Ryan

  She felt her orgasm building. She moved faster. She felt him press up into her, and they were soon moving as one being. She rocked harder and then screamed as her climax tore through her. Coleman thrust hard a few more times and then erupted deep inside, his cock buried its full length. She fell onto him, her body continuing to spasm and convulse. She whimpered, and he wrapped her into his arms, his own breath coming hard and fast. She didn’t move for a very long time. When she began to giggle, Coleman was shocked. Her giggles turned into full laughter. He pushed her up slightly and saw tears streaming down her face. She saw his face and laughed even harder. He could feel her entire body shaking and his cock responding, as he hadn’t yet left her body.

  “Is that how you show your appreciation for my remarkable seduction skills?”

  She laughed again and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry, I… I was just thinking of what you said last night. I love riding horses, but Sir, I love riding you so much more.” His smile matched hers, as he chuckled and drew her down to rest against him again. He found her the most amazing woman he had ever met. She might have been horribly hurt, but she hadn’t let that stop her from trying love again. He was soon rolling over and then bracing himself against the rock as he looked down at her. She had stopped laughing, her eyes dark with desire.

  “I like riding you as well, my Bella.” He made love to her again, slowly and gently. He drove her to the edge again and again until she was begging for him to make her come. He felt her tense and drove into her hard and fast until she screamed her pleasure again, and he joined her.

  It took longer to come back this time. He sat back to take care of disposing of the condom and then rolled onto his back and dragged her to lie on top of him. He didn’t want to hurt her with his weight. He held her loosely, as she snuggled against his chest. Their legs were entwined, as were their hands. He heard her breathing deepen and knew she had fallen asleep. He had never in his life felt more content. He played with the charms on her bracelet, loving the fact that she loved them so much. He grinned and gently kissed her fingers. She shifted against him but didn’t waken. He watched the clouds roll across the sky, and just before he drifted into sleep, he sent a prayer of thanks heavenward.

  Chapter 11

  Izzy slipped out of her bed Monday morning and realized she was happier than she had been in years. She looked down at her wrist and smiled. God, Coleman hadn’t just entered her life, he was consuming her every thought. She shivered as she stepped into the shower. As she washed, she remembered the feeling of his hands and his mouth all over her body the day before. She felt a rush of arousal and moaned. She also realized that she was a little sore and tender. Maybe it had just been so long since she’d had sex that anyone would have been able to satisfy her. She giggled as she instantly realized that just that thought stopped her arousal. No, it wasn’t anyone; it was definitely Coleman. She finished her shower and dressed for her day. She had a quick breakfast before hurrying down the stairs into the store proper. She flipped on the lights, rearranged a few stacks of books on display and looked around the domain she had built.

  She was extremely proud of her accomplishments. After Bryan had practically destroyed her, she had been determined to survive. Opening the shop had given her the security she craved. It had taken months of his constant degradation, his repeatedly telling her she was nothing without him, before she finally admitted to herself that if she ever had a chance to find a life again, it was solely dependent upon her. Flipping the sign to ‘Open’, she unlocked the front door.

  Izzy stepped to the counter and picked up her cup of tea. She was leaning with her elbows on the counter, thinking about the incredible events of the previous day, when the bell above the door tinkled. She looked up, a bright welcoming smile on her face. It brightened even more when Coleman stepped into the store. She set her tea down and ran to him. Coleman swept her up in his arms and kissed her deeply. When he finally set her down, she was shaking a bit, her arousal returning in full force.

  “I hope you don’t greet all your customers this way, my Bella.”

  She giggled. “Hmmm, maybe it will increase my sales if I do.”

  He laughed and took her face between his palms. “Sales be damned, young lady, you keep those kisses just for me.” She felt her heart speed up. His fingers stroked down her cheek and he very lightly traced her bottom lip with one finger. She moaned and parted her lips. Coleman bent to kiss her again. “Yes, all for me.” She nodded and knew that no other man could possibly set her on fire with just a few kisses. The bell tinkled, and she was blushing when he released her. She saw a couple walk in. Initially embarrassed at having been caught making out in a public space, she saw them smile.

  “Hey, don’t mind us. It’s a nice way to start a day isn’t it?”

  Coleman smiled, and Izzy joined him. “Can I help you find something?”

  “We’ll just browse a bit until you are free—no hurry.” Izzy nodded and assured them she’d be just a moment. They nodded and she began to turn away.

  Before she stepped too far, Coleman said, “I’ve got to get to work. I just couldn’t stop thinking about you and your kisses. I’ll call you later, baby.” She was disappointed but understood. Before he left, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. He moaned, wondering how he was going to get through the day without taking her immediately.

  He heard her whisper, “Just something to remind you of my lips, Cole.”

  He grinned, reached into his pocket and held out a tiny silver charm. “I’ve got a reminder for you, as well.” She squealed, causing the young couple to turn back to see what was happening. They watched as the redhead held out her wrist and saw the man attaching a something to the woman’s bracelet. Once he was done, she lifted her wrist higher and examined the charm. A beautifully intricate silver horse had joined the shoe and the hand. The woman stepped closer and said, “Oh, that’s beautiful. How sweet. Honey, look at this precious little shoe and this horse. Aren’t they cute? I adore charm bracelets, don’t you dear?”

  Her husband grinned. “It’s pretty, and yes, my dear, I get the hint.” She giggled, knowing her birthday was coming up. He turned his attention to the pretty redhead owner of the bracelet. “I like the horse. Do you like to ride?”

  Coleman had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing. Izzy’s face flushed bright red and her hand shook a little, causing the charms to jingle against each other. She darted a quick look up at Coleman to see his smile and one quirked eyebrow. She found her voice and answered, “I adore riding . . . we both do.”

  Coleman chuckled and then dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head. Coleman also handed her an envelope. She looked puzzled. “Read it in private, babe. Now, I’ve got to run; I’ll call you later.” She nodded and watched him until he was gone.

  With another look at the little horse, she turned her attention to the couple. Several additional customers kept her busy throughout the morning. During a lull, she remembered the envelope she had pushed into her pocket. She took it out and discovered that in contained lab results. Just as he had told her, he was clean. She grinned and thought it remarkable that he made sure to let her know. She also felt a rush of arousal, realizing that she would feel nothing between his skin and hers the next time they made love. She did a little dance of happiness and giggled when another customer stepped in and grinned, seeing her stop mid twirl.

  As she restocked books and rang up sales, she found she loved the jingle on her wrist. Every time she heard it or looked down to see the three charms, her mind and heart thought of the man who had given them to her. She wondered where on earth he could find such perfect reminders of their times together. Hmmm, maybe he owned a jewelry store? She giggled, unable to picture that huge man in such an environment. She found she didn’t care where the charms had come from; the important thing was from whom.

  She ate a quick lunch and spent her afternoon poring over order forms. As the bracelet jingled, she remembered Eric’s word
s. She blushed, but found a listing of available books featuring erotica. She had always loved this genre, had devoured dozens of books and had actually learned quite a bit through them, as well as from more serious writings on the subject of sex, submission and dominance. She had also read as much as she could about physiology, trying to discover why she seemed to be wired the way she was. She hadn’t read one in years and had packed all her own away when she met Bryan. She had discovered early on that he thought any of that perverted stuff was for sexual deviants. She remembered the first time she’d suggested a light play ‘spanking’ before sex, but he had been appalled. He’d thrown her on the bed, fucked her fast until he came and then rolled over to sleep. She realized he had never been concerned about her needs, her desires or in helping her fulfill any of her fantasies.

  Izzy quickly forgot the readings she had pored over, though they had comforted her that she wasn’t the only woman to desire giving total control to another. Bryan’s words and accusations squelched her self-assurance. She had hidden her heart from him as she withdrew from anything that even smacked of deviance. She had withdrawn from her friends, trying to persuade herself that she was happy and that she could be fulfilled with a vanilla lifestyle. She had known deep inside that she was trying to deny who she was, but Bryan’s words and disgust had caused her to question and even feel ashamed of what she truly wanted.

  She felt herself begin to shake as she remembered the horrors of life with him. The jingle of the charms drew her attention, and she smiled. Her body relaxed, as far more pleasant memories surfaced. She wasn’t a pervert; none of her friends were. She thought about how loving, open and honest her family and friends lived their lives. They were nonjudgmental and their lives were full of trust and happiness. Izzy realized that Bryan had none of the qualities she so admired in a person.

  Coleman, however, was the exact type of man who lived each day to its fullest. She wondered if she was falling too fast, taking too many chances that Cole might feel the same way. She remembered Coleman’s words and knew he understood her most secret desires. She fingered the horse charm, remembering their day, and understood this tiny charm represented not only the horseback riding but served to remind her of how wonderful it felt to ride Coleman. She blushed, and her panties moistened as she remembered the multiple and incredible orgasms he had drawn from her. By the time she entered her order into the computer, several new items had been added. She smiled as she hit the submit button, knowing that Eric would tease her but be very pleased as well.

  Izzy flipped the sign to ‘Closed’ and ran upstairs. Coleman had called earlier and asked her to dinner. She had suggested that she cook something herself and he told her he’d bring the wine. Izzy jumped into the shower again. As she washed, she stroked her hand through the red curls covering her pubis. She remembered being shocked to see Nancy bare and wondered what it would feel like to be shaved. She considered taking that step, but when she picked up the razor, she didn’t have the nerve. She remembered Coleman telling her that he loved a redhead and she giggled. Maybe he meant these curls, instead of the ones on her head. She dried off and dressed in her sexiest lingerie, before pulling on a simple dress of dark navy with tiny white dots. She slipped on a pair of sandals and then hurried to the kitchen.

  Izzy loved cooking and was soon humming along to her iPod, as she chopped vegetables for a pasta dish. She finally heard pounding on the door and raced downstairs. She saw Coleman outside the door and threw open the locks. “I’m so sorry; I guess the music was too loud. I’ll have to give you a key.”

  He grinned. She looked adorable. He bent to kiss her and said, “Love the apron, honey.”

  She giggled at the item. It was one that Aunt Beth had made for her—a ruffled, frilly white apron with pictures of red lips surrounding the words “Kiss the Cook.” He bent forward and made a big show of smacking her cheek with a wet, sloppy kiss.

  “Oh, that’s gross.” She made an even bigger show of wiping his kiss from her face. He chuckled and traced the words on the front of her apron, his fingers stopping to lightly pinch a nipple.

  “Only following directions, sweetheart.” He loved her smile and bent to give her a much more adult kiss. He saw she was dusted with flour from making the pasta. He lifted his finger to wipe a streak of flour off her cheek. “I love a woman who totally immerses herself in the task at hand.” She blushed as his words brought up far more erotic images. He chuckled and started to follow her. Before they reached the stairs, he stopped. “Tell me you locked that door, Bella.”

  She stopped and realized she not only had not locked it, it was standing open. “Oh God, I forgot again!” She ran back and closed and locked the door.

  When she returned to lead him up the stairs, he said, “Again? Isabella, are you telling me that you forget to lock up on a regular basis?”

  She heard his voice deepen and felt a quiver in her stomach. She looked back at the door and then back at him. “No, I mean—not all the time. Sometimes I just get busy, and anyway, the apartment door is usually locked.”

  Coleman shook his head and wasn’t happy. “Usually? Isabella that is just not acceptable. Not only is that putting your store in jeopardy, you are putting your life in danger. I’d better never ever catch that door unlocked again; do you hear me?”

  She squirmed at his words. He was making her feel incompetent. She didn’t like the feeling, even though he was correct. She felt a need to defend herself. “Coleman, I’m not an idiot. I can’t keep it locked, for God’s sake; it’s a store. I’m not about to lock my customers out of the place.”

  Coleman’s eyes darkened and he reached out and popped his hand hard against her bottom. She jumped, and her hands flew back to cover the area. “You know what I meant, Isabella. I don’t appreciate your attitude and unconcern over your safety. I also believe we had a conversation about safety before. I guarantee you’ll find more than just that bottom swatted if you put yourself in danger again. Are we clear?”

  She saw how serious he was and felt ashamed of herself. She nodded. “Yes Sir, crystal clear. I’m sorry.”

  He saw that she was indeed contrite, and his smile returned to his face. She relaxed, her heart rate slowing a bit. He leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose. “Good girl. I don’t want anything to happen to you, Isabella. Now, what’s that I’m smelling?”

  Glad that the moment was over, she tugged on his hand. Soon he was opening the wine, while she put the finishing touches on the meal. It was delicious, and he complimented her on her skills. “I do believe you have many surprises that I can’t wait to uncover.” She gulped as she thought of being uncovered yet again. Her pulse quickened and he watched her flush. “Concluding something, my dear?” he teased.

  She smiled and played along. “I’m not sure, Cole; maybe you’d like to go undercover and see what you find.”

  He accepted the challenge. Dishes were left in the sink, as he played detective. She was soon undressed, though he considered asking her to keep that ridiculous apron on. However, once he peeled off her pink lace underwear, his cock demanded attention. He smiled as he lifted her to lay her on the bed. She moaned, her arms reaching up to pull him down atop her.

  “Hurry up, Cole!”

  He grinned and saw the desire in her eyes. He quickly stripped and joined her in the bed. She told him to hurry again, her body on fire for his touch. Coleman had no intention of having a quickie. “Bella, relax. We’ve got all night.” She flushed and her total demeanor changed.

  He watched as she turned her face away and her eagerness disappeared. She mumbled, “I’m sorry.” He rolled away onto his side and saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. She was trembling and nothing about her said that she wanted sex. He thought of the asshole and quickly pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She started sobbing, her cries tearing at his heart.

  “Bella, oh honey, it’s okay. Everything is fine, Bella; talk to me.” She shook her head against his chest. He drew her tighter and just stro
ked her hair and down her back. Her cries quieted and she began to relax a bit. She was horrified and embarrassed. Her mind wasn’t thinking of their incredible lovemaking of the day before.

  All she thought about was Bryan being disgusted when she showed too much eagerness for any sexual activity. She had practically jumped on the man holding her, demanding that he satisfy her needs. She hadn’t acted demure; she’d been wanton and way too eager. Though her heart knew that Coleman was the total opposite of Bryan, her head kept getting in her way. Coleman just held her and mumbled assurances until she stopped crying. She pushed away, but only enough to look up into his face. His eyes were full of concern and love. She didn’t see a trace of condemnation.

  “You are just as safe today as you were yesterday honey. Trust your heart, and throw that asshole out of your head.” Coleman rolled onto his back and took her with him. The position helped as it reminded her of their time on the boulder when she had ridden him with abandon. “I’ll wait until you are ready, Bella.”

  She closed her eyes and he continued to lightly stroke her arms and down her back. She felt safe and opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was her bracelet. His gift gave her the courage she needed. “I’m sorry…. “

  “Don’t say that, Isabella. You have nothing to be sorry about. Just talk to me.”