Isabella - Book One

by Thompson, Jamie Brook

  Damn, you’re gorgeous. I can’t take my eyes off her. “I’ll pick you up in your room later. Be ready by six.” I glance down at my watch. “That’s in less than four hours.”

  “I got it.” She fans her hands. “You seriously don’t have to worry about me.”

  I spin around and shake my head that she’s not being needy like the other women I’ve brought in the past. Something about her blind confidence intrigues me. And yet, the innocent way she curled into my shoulder could set me on fire. How can she be so independent and vulnerable at the same time? This one could get you into trouble. I remind myself I don’t want a screwed up relationship like my brother and his wife as I stop off at the kitchen, looking for Maria.

  I see her black hair pulled back in a braid. “Hola, Maria.” I wave and she comes running.

  “Señor, it has been too long. Are you here on business?” she asks.

  I nod in order to cut the small talk. “I need you to find an Everything bagel, toasted and smeared with cream cheese. And a Coke Slurpee.”

  She puckers her lips. “No, señor, I don’t think we have that.”

  “It’s a roll that looks like a donut with everything in it.” I move my hands as though she can read my poor description of a bagel. “It’s for the woman in section thirty-eight.”

  “A woman?” Her eyes nearly bulge out of her head as she rushes outside to check out the female in question. “Señor, I have never seen you so worried over a woman.” Maria smiles. “Could this one be working her way into your calloused heart?”

  I shake my head and roll my eyes. “She’s not feeling well. Got sick on the flight.”

  “Oh, poor baby.” Maria shakes her head. “I have got just the trick.”

  “Thank you,” I say and reach in my pocket for my cell phone. I check the missed calls and scroll through my contacts to find Bonnie’s number. At least I can check this one off my list.

  “Everything go okay?” Bonnie asks as though she’s worried I called her. It’s a rare occasion that I’m calling her instead of her trying to track me down.

  “I just want you to look into Hector’s file and find his address.”

  “Your driver?” she questions.

  “Yes, his wife has cancer and I want her treatments to start today if that’s at all possible.”

  “But—”

  “I thought we had an agreement that there are no buts in our conversations,” I interrupt.

  “Yes, sir, I’ll look into seeing what we can do to get those treatments started.”

  “No, that’s not good enough. I want her taken to the best facility money can buy today. I want you to call me if there are any problems. Have the doctor call me if he has questions. Give them my black card and tell them I’ll take care of everything. I don’t want anything to prolong her condition. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, sir.” Bonnie lets out a big sigh.

  “This is exactly why we work so well together.” I smile, knowing she’s probably ready to flip out on me.

  “I’m actually wondering who I’m talking to right now. I’m trying to make sure nobody stole your phone before you got to Cabo. Or maybe it’s the change in air pressure. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

  I stare out to Lover’s Cove and think of walking on the beach with Isabella. I’m not sure how she’ll do on the boat ride after the long flight today. Maybe tomorrow would be better.

  “Just get everything done within the next few hours and call me back before five.”

  “Will do,” she assures. The sound of her already making a phone call in the background reassures me she’s taking this serious.

  I hang up the phone and walk back to where I can see Isabella laughing with one of the staff members. I don’t like the way he’s peeking down her blouse. I might have to get his name and take care of this personally. It’s actually pissing me off that she’s so forward with him. Doesn’t she realize I’ve paid good money to have all her attention? Doesn’t she? I shake my head and wander down the beach a little ways until I reach the golf cart. It’s gonna be a long day of trying to focus on paperwork while she’s sitting there looking tempting to every single guy in town. I clench my fists. I can’t keep letting her beautiful face invade my every thought. And then there’s her unique personality. That part has me puzzled. I’m curious to figure this one out.

  The evening sky only triggers my agitation. Can she just get out of your mind already? All day Isabella’s been there with those pouty lips. Her face leaning against my chest. The whole playing hard to get thing. Damn. I can’t even stop thinking about how many pool boys have hit on her since I left. Did she put up a fight with them like she does with me? I’m afraid that toying little fight to separate us will be the death of me. I can’t break this woman out of my head. Why do I care so much about that coppery brown hair that cradles her beautiful face and drapes over her body as a shield of protection from animals like myself? Her innocence is so tempting. I’ll give her that, but it doesn’t make her one of my properties.

  I let out a jagged breath of confusion before I knock on her door. It’s a hard and impatient knock. I don’t feel like hiding my frustrations of a wasted day because I couldn’t get her off my mind. I probably should’ve spent more time in the shower to cool off.

  “It’s open,” she shouts.

  I glance twice to make sure I’m seeing this right. She has the door propped with a metal lock she’s swung against the frame to hold it.

  “Not real safe when you’re in Mexico.” I frown.

  “Oh, I was waiting for Javier to bring me a blow dryer. I forgot mine.”

  “The pool boy?” I ask before she can say another word. I wander inside so I can take a good look at her instead of relying on the images in my head.

  Damn.

  My heart sinks to my stomach.

  How the hell do you make yourself look that good?

  I stand there in the brightly lit room, and watch that little white dress making love to her body like no man ever can. But still I’m up for the challenge. No, that would be ridiculous. Any man would be fool to think he could make her feel as good as that dress looks. “Is that all you have to wear?” I ask, heightening a tone of disapproval. She glances down and straightens the soft fabric over her flat stomach as if that’s legal in a man’s world.

  “I didn’t bring anything formal. I wasn’t given those types of instructions.” She gazes back at me, staring at my black causal shirt rolled at the sleeves up to my forearms and jeans, and then down at my flip-flops.

  “Do you have anything that covers you more than that?” I allow the wicked protective side of me to lash out. I can’t stand the idea of her little Javier getting his hot and heavy, penetrable gaze on her again.

  “We’re in Mexico at a beach resort. I think I’m covered plenty.” She glances down, tugging the dress higher against her thighs.

  You would do that. “I saw the way Javier had his eyes all over you today.” I cross my arms over my chest, flexing the biceps. “Women like you should just live in a box,” I growl, but instantly regret it. It’s not her fault she bombarded my brain the entire day, making for a worthless day of work.

  “Did you just say live in a box?” she questions while messing with her hair.

  “Yes,” I say a little softer, and tighten my eyes. “It’s very hard for men to control themselves or even concentrate when—when you look like that.” I wave my hands up and down the length of her.

  “You’re joking right?” She laughs. “I mean this isn’t exactly the Victorian era where women have no rights. You do realize men are supposed to have the strength to control their actions and their minds?” She pulls her hair in a bun, exposing her delicate shoulders. “Did you happen to forget that the cave men died with the dinosaurs?”

  I pull back. I need to rethink my approach. She’s not reacting how I thought she would. She’s not throwing a fit and putting something else on like the others would if I’d said something like t
his. “I’m just saying we’re in Mexico and men get really drunk and do stupid things. I’m not going to feel comfortable letting you out of my sight for more than five seconds.”

  “Then don’t.” She leans next to the mirror in her room and glides a perfect shade of pink lipstick over her mouth, then smacks her lips together.

  “Has anyone ever told you how stubborn you are?” I shake my head. “Madame X warned me about trying to control you.”

  She shimmies her shoulders. “Tonight I’m going to show you the best time of your life. You’re in my territory now.” She drops her lipstick into her small black purse. “Do you think Tom Cruise has a thing for white?”

  “It’s the only color he allowed in his condo,” I tease to watch her reaction.

  “Is he coming tonight?” Her eyes widen with excitement. Too much excitement. Enough to make this man stark raving mad with jealousy.

  “He doesn’t own a condo on this property,” I reluctantly admit.

  She shrugs for a moment, but quickly shakes off any disappointment. “I’m just giving you hard time. I couldn’t care less. I just haven’t seen him in real life. He’s probably just like the other creeps. The rude and rich that don’t want to follow the rules.”

  “Can we just get out of here?” I roll my eyes not wanting to think of all the Hollywood heartthrobs I’m competing with. Slowly I slip my hand to the swell of her back. She stiffens. I keep it there, entertaining the idea of what I’ll say if she pulls away. She doesn’t. Nice. I keep my hand on her back as I press the button for the elevator. “So tell me…do women like you only settle for beefcakes on the big screen? Is that how it really is?”

  “Not at all.” She makes a disgusted face and presses her thin fingers against my chest. “It’s just what we’re supposed to say.”

  “You’re supposed to say?” I question. “Please, do enlighten me so I’ll be prepared with the others from your agency.” I’m hoping she shows a sting of jealousy.

  She doesn’t.

  “Well, for as long as I’ve worked in this industry, I’ve been told to remain a mystery. Men only want what they can’t have,” she recites as though she’s been told this a million times in her life.

  I barely pay attention to the pain in her voice of how she’s been treated so poorly because it’s just a reminder. A reminder that other men have enjoyed her companionship as much as I am standing here in this elevator not wanting it to get to the bottom floor.

  “It’s sad,” she sighs. “But men don’t want the truth.”

  “The truth,” I grin, playing at her innocence.

  “Yeah, the white picket fence with a dog.”

  “You’re absolutely right about that.” I flare my nostrils at the thought of all that work. “The upkeep of painting that fence alone is way too exhausting, much less cleaning up after a dog.” I wiggle my brows so she knows I’m teasing and rub at the skin not covered by the cutout crisscross material on her back. “I promise you, painting is so overrated. Unless you live in Mexico and can have a laid back lifestyle.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re awful at jokes,” she teases, and still doesn’t pull away from my touch.

  “Most people don’t dare tell me the truth.” I stand there not willing to break our eye contact.

  She lowers her gaze. “Well, I’ll always tell you the truth.”

  “Nice.” I smirk. “So tell me, are you the old fashioned type? Is that what I gather by all this fence and dog talk?” I’m encouraging her to open up, desperate to have her reveal some of those truths I was wondering about earlier today.

  She bites at her bottom lip and stares up to the ceiling as though she’s deep in thought listening to the Mariachi music playing in the elevator. “I guess, I am.”

  My chest pulses at the idea of her being a real woman. The kind that wants to raise children. “Don’t apologize for what you want.” I nudge her, acting as though this is more of a playful conversation rather than me making a mental list of everything about her. “And how many kids live behind that fence?”

  “Well, if I told you two, a boy and a girl, you’d probably walk away satisfied, but you told me to be truthful, right?” She blinks those perfect brown eyes barely wearing any make-up, her cheeks glowing with a dewy hint of pink.

  “That’s right,” I say, curious of where she’s taking this.

  “Well, a woman like me wants five.” She shifts her weight on her heels and grins like a hungry cat.

  “Five?” I shout louder than I’d anticipated from the shock of the large number. She instantly pulls away. Damn. “You think that little body could handle five pregnancies?” I brush my fingers over her stomach and a burning pulse begins to ache deep in my belly, imagining I’ve put my babies in there. My head quickly jerks to the side. Did I just have that thought?

  “I don’t think it’s wrong to want a big family.” She moves farther away like I’ve honestly offended her.

  The doors open to the elevator, and a loud crowd of people appears before us.

  “This is exactly why women don’t want the rich movie star type,” she says, rushing to get out of the elevator.

  I quicken my pace to catch up. “Wait a second,” I shout over the loud music.

  She stops dead in her tracks, probably because she’s been trained to do this. The movement alone turns me to putty. You have no idea what this does to a man when you allow him to have control. The idea is making it very hard to keep my hands off her.

  “My mother wanted a big family, but my dad would only give her two boys,” I say, and wrap my hand around her waist, inching my fingers to her stomach to play with the fabric as we wander into the large area of blinking lights and strangers dancing.

  “Are you ready for this?” I place my hand on the swell of her back and lead her into the crowded patio of dancing people. Lights are flashing and the smell of spilt Coronas is heavy as we move into the large group of people partying.

  “Reef, my man, I want to change a few of the plans on my new condo.” Jimmy grabs my shoulder, and all I can think about is how he looks so much better on the big screen than he does in person. “I need more beds in the place. Maybe a giant room with great big beds.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

  I’m stunned he’d be such a punk in front of a lady.

  “I’m Isabella,” she says, holding out her hand. “I won’t be sleeping in those beds.” She winks and rolls back her shoulders with such confidence I’m not sure who she’s turned into. “But, I have a few friends I could call that would be totally interested. Reef knows them. Are you into blondes by chance?”

  “Dude, I like this one.” Jimmy nudges me.

  I turn to look at her. “I’m not sure you’ve introduced me to these friends.”

  “That’s right, I forgot.” She bites her bottom lip. “They’re only interested in men that have a few Academy Awards.”

  “Is that so?” I ask, enjoying her playful banter.

  She reaches over to pat Jimmy on the shoulder. “It’s a good thing Reef has you for a friend. Maybe he can cut you a better deal on a few more of his properties. They tell me he’s the best.”

  “Damn right he’s the best.” Jimmy shoves his hands in his pockets and rolls on the back of his heels.

  “Jimmy, can I grab you a drink?” Isabella smiles.

  “I’ll take a cold Corona with a lime,” he answers like they’re old friends. He can hardly take his eyes off her body just like every other man in the area.

  “You got it.” Isabella spins around and walks to the bar. The way she sways her hips captivates both of us like little boys sneaking to watch their first R-rated film.

  “Where the hell did you find that one? And do they have more just like her?” Jimmy is still staring at her standing next to the bar. “I mean I can take her off your hands if you’re not that interested.”

  I want to punch the guy in the face. I don’t know why I’m feeling like this. We’re not dating. I don’t have any rights to her.
“Yeah, she’s the full package. This girl has a heart you wouldn’t believe. She actually cares about people. I got a lecture about the way I treat my staff members earlier today. And her mind. Oh man, it’s—”

  “I just want her in those giant beds I was talking about.” Jimmy slaps my bicep. “She any good?”

  I cringe, and clench my fists. I’m seriously about to lose it.

  I turn back and stare at Isabella, ignoring his question. She’s in full conversation with the bartender, and laughing. Even as far away as they are, I can tell they’re speaking Spanish. I’ve gotta work on that. I can’t stand how well she’s making the guy chuckle. I want to know every word she’s saying.

  The guy hands her a couple bottles of Corona, and she starts heading back. I quickly shift my gaze back to Jimmy so she won’t see me gawking at her.

  “How long you planning on staying?” I ask him.

  “I’m filming a movie in town. I should be here a while. You?”

  “Leaving Sunday.”

  “What about her?” He juts his chin to Isabella.

  Does he ever quit? “She’s coming home with me,” I say sharper than I had anticipated.

  “Got it.” He takes the Corona Isabella holds out. “I didn’t take this guy for a family man.” He traces his hand down the side of her arm. “Congrats.”

  Isabella lowers her gaze.

  Is she playing bashful, or is this part of the act? I can’t tell, but I like it. She just turned up the heat between all three of us about a hundred notches. She’s so full of personalities tonight I can barely handle it. I’m honestly wondering where in the hell all of this is coming from.

  I stand there trying to take her in, and Javier suddenly appears out of nowhere. He steps in front of us with a few other men to gain Isabella’s attention. They’re fully engaged in a conversation I can’t understand. I’m seriously going to fire this kid. It’s when I hear the word baile that I hedge. I know exactly what he wants.

  I grab Isabella’s hand. “She only dances with me,” I inform him.

  Her eyes widen.