Isabella - Book One

by Thompson, Jamie Brook

  “That works,” she says and starts heading back to the resort.

  Damn. What the hell am I thinking? I’m picturing myself making babies with a woman I barely know. And by the looks of her body language she doesn’t even want to give me the time of day. I swear I’ll kick Rexton’s ass for leading me to this place.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Hey, where’s that little pastry shop you always take Lucas?” I hold the phone to my ear and flip on my blinker. Did I just pass it? I just need something sweet to take my mind off Reef.

  “It’s down the alleyway of that tall brick building that looks really old,” Mia begins to instruct. “I think it’s right behind the 7-Eleven.”

  “Cool, thanks,” I say, spotting the building.

  “When did you get back?” Mia asks.

  I’m not in the mood to tell her I flew out on the red eye last night. To hell if I let that guy get the best of me. Even if the thought of his kiss had me dreaming all morning of every naughty thought I could imagine, I won’t ever admit it.

  My phone starts to beep.

  I glance down and see an unfamiliar number.

  “Mia, I’ll have to call you back. Someone’s beeping on the other line.” I switch calls; grateful I don’t have to give her an explanation of the ridiculous story. “Hello,” I say, wondering who knows this number that’s not in my contacts.

  “Hey, it’s Reef.”

  My heart drops to the floor of my stomach.

  “What’s up?” I catch my breath, acting as casual as the last time I saw him.

  “I wanted to make sure you got home safe.” The heaviness of his tone makes me smile. I can picture him standing outside my room, making sure I really left.

  Did I affect your poor little conscience? Serves the guy right.

  “Reef, I didn’t take you for the guy that calls a girl on his lunch break.” I joke. “I hope I’m not interrupting all those numbers you’re crunching.”

  “Where are you at?” He doesn’t respond to my humor.

  I pull into a parking stall. “I’m just about to grab something to eat. Mia brought in these pastries the other day that were sinful to the taste. I shouldn’t have allowed those tasty little suckers on my lips because now I’m craving more.”

  Silence.

  I sit there, waiting for him to respond.

  “Are you there?” I question.

  “I’m here,” he says as though he’s stumbling for the words. “Hey, is that the place behind 7-Eleven?”

  “Yep,” I step out of the car and lock it before I shut the door.

  “Can I meet you there in fifteen minutes?” he asks, making my heart skip a beat.

  “What?” I gasp.

  “I felt terrible for sending you home last night. I can be a real ass at times.”

  “A phone call works just fine. You didn’t have to come home early.” I stare down and think how much Victoria would kill me for wearing such a worn out pair of her Pink sweats, but they’re my favorite. And my thin tank barely covers the flowers on my bra. I planned on this being a rushing in and out thing. I don’t think I even combed my hair before I piled it on my head in a messy bun.

  I start walking toward the building.

  “I wanted to apologize in person. I don’t like to close a deal on negative terms,” he assures. “I don’t like to burn bridges. I’ve made it my policy over the years to build strong foundations, and I totally destroyed everything this weekend. I’m seriously about five minutes away.”

  Dang. I can’t hide in here with all these people sitting at tables. I rush back to my car, and unlock the door to jump inside and rip open the glove box. I’ve got to have some lip gloss in here somewhere.

  “Are you okay?” he asks.

  I can barely hear him over my hands clanking through all the papers and crap I’ve shoved in the compartment. There you are. I grab a tube full of a frosty peach color and whip down the visor.

  “Isabella, are you okay? I’m pulling in front of the 7-Eleven. I just got off the flight thirty minutes ago.”

  “Reef, I’m a total disaster.” I brush the strands of hair falling from the mess on top of my head. “Maybe we could do this another time. I was planning on taking mine to go.”

  “We could eat in the limo if you prefer.”

  I roll my eyes. That’s not going help. “I just think—”

  “There you are,” he interrupts.

  I spin around a million miles an hour searching for him.

  “Don’t move. I’ll come over and get you.” He hangs up.

  I let out a heavy breath. Chill out. He just wants to apologize. I tug at the front of my tank. It’s so snug around my body that nothing is going to keep my chest from bulging out. Why didn’t you notice this at the house? Because I wasn’t planning on sticking around to dine in. Ugh. I hate when I’m in a rush.

  “Hey, there,” his voice sends electric chills all over my body.

  I step out of the car and lock it, refusing to let him know how much I’m noticing how amazing he looks in those board shorts and t-shirt with his hair tucked behind his ears. “Hey, how are you?”

  “I’ve been better.” He stares at my chest. I want to reach down and tug at my tank, but I refuse. “How was the flight back?”

  “Great,” I lie. “I slept the whole way home. I actually travel better when I’m by myself.” Big. Huge. Fat. Lie. Please don’t call me out on it.

  “That’s good,” he says, moving so close it makes me nervous he’s going to reach out and hug me.

  I step back. “Have you ever been here before?”

  “No, this is my first time, but I’ve had several people recommend it.” He glances at the building, and then back to his limo. “Give me just a second.” He pulls out his phone, sending a text. “I just have to tell my driver to take a break and grab some lunch.”

  “How is Hector?” I ask.

  “Oh, that wasn’t Hector.” Reef sticks his phone in his pocket. “Hector took some vacation leave. I had to hire another guy from a temp service.”

  I’m guessing his wife took a turn for the worse. It’s not something I want to go into detail with considering I won’t see any of them again. “Mia tells me the chocolate tortes drizzled with raspberry sauce are fabulous.”

  “Is that so?” Reef grabs the door, ushering me through.

  “I’d probably have two if you weren’t here.” I refuse to tell him I’m pigging out on everything sweet to take away the bitter he created this weekend.

  “By all means, I’ll order you three.” He chuckles.

  An Eiffel tower is painted on the wall as we enter. A French design adorns the entire place along with the smells of cakes and coffee. I want to eat everything in site. The refrigerated glass cabinet is full of sugary treats that will gladly remove any jerk move Reef ever put on me.

  “What can I get you?” the girl behind the counter asks.

  Reef turns back to me. “Have you decided?”

  My eyes widen at the site of all the delicious things to try.

  “Should we start with coffee?” He chuckles.

  I nod. “Nikki always gets their chai teas. I’ll have one of those.”

  The girl presses a few buttons on the cash register.

  “And I’ll have a large black coffee,” Reef says, standing in front of the girl. I’m a few feet away. The distance is comfortable. He probably had time to figure things out in Cabo all by himself. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you grab us four of those chocolate tortes and twelve of your favorite things?” He turns to me. “Does that work for you?”

  I nod only because I’m seriously going to eat three of those chocolate tortes in front of him just to prove a point.

  Reef pulls out his black card. “Can I have you make this order to go?”

  “No problem,” the girl says as she takes his card. “Do you need a receipt?”

  He turns to me. “Is this business or personal?”

  I’m not sure how to answer
that. I stand there with a clueless expression.

  “Keep the receipt.” He fans his hand at the girl. “It’s personal. For me anyway.” He laughs.

  I’m not sure if I’m supposed to take that as a compliment, but somehow I just don’t care. I’m in a pastry café with the most handsome guy that’s ever paid for a date with me and he tells the cashier it’s personal. That deserves a kiss. Something unreserved that I’m going to enjoy because I’ll never see him again after this, and he’s proven he isn’t a bell ringer. Madame X will never know.

  A cruel chill rolls over my shoulders.

  I’ve never been a rule breaker. It almost feels…refreshing—almost.

  “Do you mind if they bring everything out to the limo?” Reef asks, taking me from my thoughts. The girl hands him our two cups full of steaming liquid.

  The back of your limo. Even better. I’m wondering if the tinted windows will be dark enough when I hop on top of him to make out. I can’t imagine what he’s going to do. I giggle at the thought of how hard I’m going to lead him on. He turns back to look at me.

  “Everything okay?” He wrinkles his forehead, still holding the cups.

  “Fine,” I say. Poor boy. If you thought sending me home alone was bad, you just wait until I show you what you’re going to miss when I’m really gone. The idea has me thinking all sorts of things I can do to make him pay. He’s already proven he enjoys my company. I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m going to enjoy every part of kissing him and sending him home to take a cold shower. I haven’t kissed a guy in so long. I deserve this.

  “So do you take all the girls into the back of your limo?” I shimmy my shoulders. “Or am I just the lucky one?”

  He squints and sets the cups on top of the limo to open the door.

  “Thanks,” I sigh. I duck my head to get inside. His suitcase is near the back so I move to the side.

  “You’re happier than I expected.” He hands me a cup. “I think that one’s yours.”

  I check the lid. “Nope this one’s coffee.”

  He takes it from me and a knock taps on the window.

  “Thank you,” Reef says once he opens the door. He takes a few bags and hands them inside to me.

  I start searching for the tortes. There are so many pretty things in the bags I’m not sure I don’t want to take a bite of everything before I start on that chocolate raspberry deliciousness.

  “Save one of those for me,” Reef teases. He pulls out some forks and napkins.

  “Thanks,” I say with a mouthful of heaven, and lick my fingers. “I didn’t think to use a fork.”

  He shakes his head. “And you’re still adorable. How do you manage that?”

  I scrunch my face.

  “You look hot as hell in that.” He juts his chin to my sloppy outfit. “I’ll be honest that getup is every man’s fantasy. You should probably make a rule for yourself not to wear something like that on a first date. I think plenty of those men you were talking about would come back to pay the fine for a second date.”

  “I’m disgusting.” I rub my hands over my stomach. “I haven’t even showered this morning.”

  “That’s what I could smell,” he teases, pressing his nose to my neck.

  I don’t pull away.

  I’m tired of being bound by this imaginary cord of rules that is constantly wrapped around my neck, strangling me with policies, procedures, and the way to act appropriately. Reef isn’t a perverted freak I have to worry about. This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. A few kisses won’t hurt. You’re not attached to him. I’m just going to lock lips with a super hot guy that I’ve already broken the rules with.

  He begins to pull his head away.

  I grab his hair tucked behind his ears, encouraging him to kiss my neck.

  “We’ve been here before,” he groans.

  I press my finger over his lip and move into a position I can grind my hips into him.

  “What are you doing?” His jagged breath rumbles from the back of his throat.

  “I’m breaking the rules,” I whisper, kissing at the side of his mouth.

  He grabs my waist and pulls me on top him. “Why are you doing this to me?”

  I don’t respond. I want his mouth. I move closer and stare into his blue eyes that make me think of surfboards. The weakness behind them only strengthens my confidence. I press my lips to his, causing a sigh to escape from his chest. The magic of the sound leaves me breathless. Every part of this is better than my dream. I suck on his lower lip, making him squeeze his hands around his tight abs. I want more. I press my tongue into his mouth, exploring a sweet, raspberry flavor.

  “How did you enjoy the torte?” I ask barely above a whisper.

  “Not as much as this.” He rolls me over and kisses me deeper.

  I grab his shoulders and pull him closer so I can wrap my legs around his waist. He moans and tries to pull his mouth away. I shake my head and he laughs. The movement is enough to break our lips apart. I run my face against his scruff.

  “This should be illegal.” He continues to pleasure me with the coarse hairs on his jawline. “Can I take you to dinner?”

  “What?” I instantly pull back.

  “Dinner.” He smiles as though he hasn’t ruined a perfectly good moment.

  “I’m—”

  “You’re reserved for the entire weekend to this guy.” Reef chuckles, pointing to himself. “Right?”

  I can’t help but smile back at him because it’s better than flipping out about making a huge mess for myself. “Are you serious?”

  “I’m damn serious.” He squeezes my thigh.

  Great. I’ve totally created a monster. “Reef, I thought—”

  He covers my mouth with his fingers. “Just let me pick you up around six.”

  I raise my brows.

  “It’s the least I can do after being such an ass in Cabo.”

  “I’m over that,” I quip. “What happened is not personal. It’s business.”

  His eyes tighten and he pushes me away. “This is personal to me.”

  I bite at my bottom lip. I’m in so much trouble if X finds out.

  “Just be ready by six,” Reef says, opening the door to the limo.

  Yikes. I have seriously struck a nerve with this guy. This could be really bad. I totally just led him on. Do not kiss him again. I make a promise that won’t happen again.

  CHAPTER SIX

  I just want to get her out of my head, and this date is going to prove it’s purely a sexual attraction I have for her. Sure she cares about Hector and his wife, and all the workers at my resort, and the pilot of my jet, and…and…and…Damn. Just stop. The woman cares about the whole damn world. That doesn’t mean she won’t lose my attention like all the others I’ve dated in the past.

  I knock on the glass door.

  The lock clicks from inside and it gently opens.

  “You never told me what to wear so I hope this is okay?” Isabella steps into the warm air and stands in front of that yellow building unsure of herself. She looks like a dream in those jeans and tight black t-shirt. “I can go back inside and change.”

  “Looks great,” I say as she locks the door behind her.

  “You’re late.” She taps her wrist.

  “Sorry, I had to drive thirty miles to get our dinner.” I point to the classic Mustang convertible I had restored a few years ago.

  “Now you have me curious.” She peeks over at the red car.

  “I thought we could start over.” I take her by the arm. “Maybe follow the rules.”

  “Nice,” she teases. Her smile is sweet enough to break my concentration.

  “I’m going to need some help,” I encourage. “I might need you to explain the boundaries. I don’t think I was paying attention the first go around.”

  “Well, for one thing, I’m not supposed to entertain a suitor on an actual date.” She steps into the car, and I wait for her to get situated before I shut the door.

 
“So a guy can’t pay for a date? Like a real date.” I walk around the front, speaking to her since the top is rolled down.

  “No, it risks an emotional attachment,” she answers.

  I scratch my head. “This is insane.”

  “It’s smart. It keeps us out of trouble.” She sniffs the backseat. “Fried chicken?”

  “Oh, just wait until you taste the coleslaw.” I turn over the key and back up.

  Isabella grabs her hair and pulls it to the side as the wind starts to whip it around.

  “It’s not the most comfortable ride, but it sure looks good,” I say against the warm air stirring between us.

  She nods.

  “I thought we could go to the park just up the street,” I shout.

  “Sounds good.”

  I floor the gas, enjoying the growling motor.

  She wiggles her shoulders. “Listen to that power.”

  I wink and rev the engine again.

  She holds her hair and smiles all the way to the park. I quickly find a spot to park the car, and jump out to open her door. I grab the plastic bags of food in the back and hand her the blanket. She wanders over and spreads it out. I set down the bags and we both start pulling out plastic dishes of food to fill our plates.

  “I love Murphy’s Fried Chicken,” she says with excitement. “Have you ever tried their homemade root beer?”

  “Damn. I knew I forgot something.” I jump up and pull out my keys. “I didn’t grab the drinks on my way out. I’ll go grab something at that 7-Eleven just down the street.”

  “I’m fine if you’re fine.” She hands me a fork and napkin. “Why don’t we eat while it’s warm and get a drink later?”

  I shove my keys back in my pocket. Is she really this easygoing? “I just don’t want you wishing you had some of that homemade root beer to wash down the chicken.”

  “I’m seriously good.” She takes a bite of coleslaw.

  “I just don’t want to disappoint you with such a casual date.” I sit back down. “I just needed something like this tonight.”

  “We always take Lucas to this park,” she says before taking a bite of a drumstick. The way she gently holds it with her fingers is charming.

  “Do you ever worry your boss will see him?” I take another scoop of coleslaw.