Isabella - Book One

by Thompson, Jamie Brook

  “Are you okay?” Isabella asks, staring at the waistline of my shorts. The concern on her face assures me it might be a little less intimidating when I finally get up the courage to show her my new body art. I could kill Rexton for his stupid ideas. But I can’t really blame him for something he doesn’t know about. I’m the one that wanted her name written where I could see it every day, even if it ends up being a painful reminder.

  “Did you get hurt?” Isabella reminds me I haven’t answered her previous question.

  “I just had some work done to my lower abs. Nothing big.”

  She smiles with that bright, beautiful smile that could nearly blind a man, and my heart flutters.

  Can infatuation feel this good?

  I think back to anyone I’ve ever been remotely interested in. No one comes to mind. I’m starting to wonder if this could be more. A tattoo should probably prove I feel more than infatuation, but I’m not sure. It could’ve been a rebound thing. Maybe I wanted her name on me because I knew Rexton would never dare. It helped to ease the pain of thinking he slept with her. At least I have something he wouldn’t have the courage to do. I’m satisfied with that.

  “We want to go swimming.” Annie’s temper begins to flare.

  Isabella reaches out and tries to comfort her. “I wish I would’ve brought a swimsuit and I’d go with you.”

  “I can fix that.” I grab a beach bag hiding behind the cooler. “I told Nikki to pack you some beachwear for our date.”

  “Since when do you talk to Nikki?” She snatches it out of my hands, ripping out everything inside.

  Since I wanted to know if you slept with my brother.

  Isabella picks through each thing meticulously and tosses the towel on my lap when she finds what she’s searching for. “Oh, Reef, this would never do in front of the girls.” She tucks the smallest bikini bottom I’ve ever seen under her legs.

  “I think it’ll do just fine.” I snag the material from her while Annie jumps on her lap, creating a genius distraction. The little, metallic-blue fabric is every man’s dream come true. I can’t even control my thoughts of imagining her in these.

  “Reef,” she lowers her voice, peeking past Annie’s head. “I can’t wear that in front of these little girls.”

  “Uh, oh, we have a big problem,” I shout loud enough the girls probably assume I’m playing a new game. “Did somebody buy Isabella a tiny swimsuit?”

  All the girls glue their eyes to my face.

  “I think we should spank whoever bought her such a tiny swimsuit. Shouldn’t we?” I flirt with my brows, making her blush.

  “We should spank their butts,” Annie says, defending Isabella’s honor.

  Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll do that in the bedroom later tonight when your little eyes aren’t around. I begin to get a good visual and shake my head to refocus. “But we won’t tease Isabella for wearing a tiny swimsuit. Will we?”

  “No!” the girls shout in unison and jump around.

  “You see how easy that is.” I tug Isabella next to me once Annie jumps off and starts dancing with the other three on the grass.

  “Reef, I’m not wearing that in front of them,” she argues.

  “Just wear a t-shirt over the top,” I suggest, thinking of the one I’m wearing. It’s the lightest, thinnest white t-shirt I own.

  “That could actually work,” she pauses, “can I borrow one?”

  “Of course.” I lean forward, breathing at her jawline. She doesn’t pull away. “I’ll go grab one.” I kiss her neck and start to make a trail to her collarbone that could get us in trouble.

  “Ew, they’re kissing,” Annie shouts.

  I swat at Annie’s little body with my hands and hurry to nibble at Isabella’s neck. If that little brat only knew how hard it’s been to get Isabella back to this stage she’d leave us alone. If she wants any cousins that is.

  “Stop,” Isabella teases. She pulls away in order to get to her feet.

  I grab her leg and peek under her dress before she has chance to catch me. “If you’re worried about the marks I’ve already discussed that in the new contract. It’s a policy that lets other men know you’re not available.” I snicker. “Madame X agreed that you’re mine for the taking.”

  “Oh, you’re awful.” She turns her glowing face.

  “No playing bashful, remember?” I check and see if the girls are looking before I slide my hand up her leg a ways, and then I get to my feet and gently grab her chin to quickly sneak a kiss on those full lips.

  “Ewww! Gross!” The girls tease.

  Isabella pulls back and wiggles out of my grasp. “Should we race him to the top?” She bends down to grabs the beach bag, filling it with her things covering the blanket.

  All of their little heads bounce like bobbers as they nod.

  “Let’s go,” Isabella shouts and slides the strap of the bag over her shoulder before she grabs two of the girls’ hands.

  I spring toward them, but the sight of her dress bouncing high enough for me to get a good look at her backside only encourages me to lag behind. I watch as she makes sure each girl gets a turn at holding her hand while they run up the pathway to the backyard of the house, and then they disappear. Man, she is the full package.

  I rush to find them, surprised to find her waiting at the top.

  “Reef, I had no idea homes like this existed.” A state of caution fills her eyes. “A girl like me doesn’t belong here.” She begins to fidget.

  “Trust me, that wasn’t my intention bringing you here.” I take her hand and lead her closer to the pool house where I assume the little girls have already started getting their swimsuits on. “I’m not trying to show off. I just wanted to be comfortable. Away from people.”

  She lifts her brows. “So you wanted me to be the one that felt out of place and uncomfortable?”

  “Quit trying to play the innocent act. I bet men have taken you to all sorts of places better than this.” I tug her a little more, encouraging her to the pool house.

  “I’ve never been to any of their houses,” she says, still staring at the marble texture of the structure.

  “Don’t be impressed. This is nothing.” I open the door to the pool house. “Really, it’s quite small compared to the others I looked at.”

  We step inside and her eyes dart every direction.

  “The dressing rooms are back there.” I point to the back. “And I’ll run and grab you a shirt while you get changed.” I’m totally lying because there’s not a chance in hell that I’m going without seeing her in that bikini. “Go ahead and get your swimsuit on.”

  She straightens her dress and heads to the dressing rooms. I stand there for a bit, and the little girls start squealing past me, fighting over who gets to go outside first.

  “Make sure there’s a lifeguard to watch you,” I call to Annie and pull off my t-shirt. “I don’t want anybody in the pool without supervision.”

  “Can’t nanny Mary watch us?” She frowns. “She just came outside.”

  “That’s fine. I just don’t want anybody in the pool without an adult.”

  She nods and scampers around to corral the other little girls. “I get to go first because I’m the oldest.” Her spoiled little voice makes me shake my head.

  I watch as each one of them exits the building, and I find myself wandering back to the dressing rooms with a giant smile plastered across my face.

  “Are you still in there?” I ask, standing in front of the door that has a light on inside.

  “Yes, I’m just waiting for the t-shirt,” the shaky edge to her voice is tense.

  “You’ll have to come out here and get it. The girls already went to the pool.”

  “Reef, don’t tease me like this.”

  “Oh, I promise I’m not teasing. I paid good money for this date.”

  A soft huff sounds from behind the door before it opens.

  Damn. I wasn’t expecting the tiny triangle top. The blue shapes barely cover the mo
st valuable merchandise. “Turn around,” I encourage her. I’m fully dazed by the way her body looks in that skimpy thing.

  She slowly spins around.

  “Damn, I like that,” the low, hollow sound of my voice echoes between us, reminding me we’re alone, and I’m pretty sure she’ll let me play the way I want to.

  She reaches forward to grab the shirt, but I quickly slip it behind my back.

  “There are children around.” She stands on her toes trying to reach over my shoulder to grab the white cloth.

  I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her close enough that our bodies are skin against skin. A heavy groan rumbles from the back of my throat because she feels so soft and warm next to me.

  “Stop,” she whispers and lightly presses at my shoulders. It’s not enough to tell me she’s being serious.

  I hold her tightly against my chest and walk her backwards into the dressing room. I reach back and quickly lock the door behind before pressing her against the wall to grind her hips into me. “What are these called?” I trace my fingers along the back edge of her bikini bottom.

  “Nikki packed me a cheeky pair,” she pants as though she’s out of breath.

  “Well, you’re not allowed to wear this kind of stuff around anybody but me now. That’s a new rule.” I lightly bite down on her shoulder, making her shudder. “I promise I’m not kidding.”

  “Fine,” she says barely above a whisper.

  “I’m not even sure you should wear something like this around me right now.” I bend at the knees so I can grind my hips into hers. “This could seriously get you fired.”

  “I thought you already took care of that.” She reaches up to run her fingers through my hair.

  “Damn, you are good at this when you want to be.” I chuckle, and enjoy how hard my stomach is pulsing.

  The door to the pool house slams open.

  “They’re looking for us,” Isabella quietly shrieks and digs her fingernails into my back. “They shouldn’t see us in here together.”

  I wince at the pain of her fingernails, and worry about the hole the doorknob just left in the wall. This is exactly why people don’t have kids.

  “Uncle Reef, they won’t let me have a turn with the goggles.” Annie’s wet feet softly slosh against the tile floor as she heads back to the dressing rooms.

  “She’s going to see my feet under the door.” Isabella pushes me back and jumps in the air wrapping her legs around my waist. It stings as she brushes against my new artwork, but I can’t complain.

  “Are you trying to drive me insane?” I squeeze her thighs. “Please tell me you’ve never done this on a date before.”

  “You’re the first,” she whispers. The look of sheer panic on her face assures she’s telling the truth. “Reef, she shouldn’t see us in here together.”

  “Annie, go tell them I said you could have the goggles.” I stand there, rubbing my fingers over her thighs, enjoying the soft feel of her skin like a high school boy going to his first prom.

  “They won’t listen,” Annie whines. “Where’s Isabella?”

  “She went to the bathroom in the house. Go look for her.”

  “Don’t lie.” Isabella grabs my face.

  I peck her on the lips. “Then do you want me to invite her in here with us?”

  “Who are you talking to?” Annie asks, moving closer to the door.

  Isabella scoots higher on my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs.

  “I’m on my phone,” I gasp. “Go in the house and find Isabella.”

  Annie’s little feet stomp back outside.

  Isabella kicks her legs free and snags the t-shirt, slipping it on as fast as she can.

  “Can’t we pretend she’s still in here,” I encourage. “I could hold you like that for a long time until things needed to go somewhere else.”

  “You’re hilarious,” she quips.

  I stare at her legs. “No seriously. Do you think sex is this exciting when you have kids?” I ask, finding stimulation in the fact she’s just been caught with her pants down.

  “Exactly why I want five.” She plays with the sound of her voice, which heats the room to a whole new level, and then stares down at the shirt, fiddling with the hemline to make it straight.

  “Do you think five kids would affect our sex life?” I ask to see if she’ll take the bait that I have marriage on the mind.

  “Any woman who wouldn’t rip your clothes off to roll around in the sheets with you even after she has five kids is brain-dead and doesn’t deserve you, in my opinion.”

  Technically she didn’t answer, but I’ll take what she said because at least she’s promising she’ll be warm in the bedroom.

  I try to lace our fingers together as we walk through the pool house, but she won’t have it. The rejection only triggers me to want her more. I need a new plan.

  “I’m surprised at all the different shades of gray.” She points to the walls, and then the furniture. “I thought for sure you’d decorate everything in ivory.”

  “Just wait until you see my bedroom.” I wiggle my brows.

  She quickly turns away.

  “That’s an invitation for any time you’re ready.” I grab her hand and refuse to let her pull it away. “I’m good to skip the pool thing if I can see you out of that shirt again.”

  “You’re really something else,” she banters as we step outside.

  The kids are shrieking loud enough to make my ears hurt. They’re splashing around in the crystal blue water like fish on a riverbank when we step next to the pool. Isabella smiles as though she’s thrilled to have all four of them around her. She runs to the diving board and dives in. The little one screams in delight as she surfaces, playing a game of shark.

  “Help me, uncle Reef,” Annie shouts as she swims to the side.

  I dip my toe in next to her, enjoying the cool sensation on such a hot day. “I can’t get in the water for a few more days. You’re gonna have to swim faster.”

  She kicks her little legs and Isabella acts as though she can’t catch her.

  I shake my head. “She’ll never learn if you make it easy.”

  “Trust me, I’m not easy.” The sun pelts down on her glowing face.

  “I gather that.” My heart wags like a dog’s tail, making my stomach tingle. “Why don’t you come out here and cool me off with that wet t-shirt.”

  “I’m not taking this off.” She clutches the see-through fabric.

  “I’m not asking you to.” I wink.

  She covers her chest. “Reef, you’re terrible.”

  “Only when I want to be.”

  Her pink cheeks are probably on fire as Annie climbs out of the pool beside her. One by one each girl climbs out and follows Annie. I stand there and watch as they start a diving contest. This is my perfect opportunity to get Isabella next to me.

  “Alright, listen up. Everybody gets ten practice dives before me and Isabella start judging Uncle Reef’s Backyard Olympics,” I call out, making each girl fight for a place in line. “No pushing. You have plenty of time.”

  Isabella raises her hand so I can help pull her out of the water. I don’t take my eyes off the soaking wet t-shirt clinging to her body. I don’t care if the little girls are giggling. It’s not every day in a man’s life he gets to see such an incredible view.

  “I need a towel,” she says, leaning to the side to wring out her long brown hair.

  “Over here.” I grab one that’s setting on a lounge chair.

  “Are you sure?” She glances back to the kids.

  “The chairs are stocked with guest towels any time I have company.”

  “Ah, clever,” she sighs.

  I sit down in the full body lounger and grab a towel off the chair next to me before encouraging her to sit between my legs.

  “That’s okay, I don’t want to get you wet. I’ll just sit next to you in this one.” She begins to sit down and I nearly break my arm on the metal armrest, grabbing a hold of he
r small body to pull her in front of me.

  “I prefer being wet when it’s boiling outside,” I say, and place the dry towel between us to protect the tattoo. “I only need to cover this spot.” I gasp at the ice-cold sensation of the t-shirt when she leans back.

  “Did you have surgery?” She tilts her head, gazing into my eyes.

  “You could say that.” I think of the awful needle poking my skin a zillion times. Good thing I’m only doing this once. I can’t imagine getting a cover-up if things don’t work out. This sucker will remain intact as a reminder to never trust another woman.

  Beads of water drip down her legs as the sun glistens against her skin. I take in the mental picture, promising that I’ll never forget what those legs look like. Her feet gently settle against the bare skin on my lower legs. I push her hair to the side so it can drip onto the concrete, and then I gently lift the t-shirt as she settles comfortably against my chest, exposing her bikini bottom and the skin of her tan belly.

  “Is that okay?” I whisper into her ear. “Will you let me peek at your tummy?”

  She bashfully nods.

  “I thought we agreed on you not playing bashful?” I kiss the side of her cheek, half way touching her lips.

  “I’m sorry. I just get nervous.” She pulls away.

  “I seriously want to apologize again for sending you home alone in Cabo. There’s no excuse for my poor behavior—”

  “We’re good,” she interrupts. “I’m a ‘quick to forgive’ kind of person.”

  “Can I have a do-over on that trip?” I ask, trying make sure she understands how stupid I had been. “I really want to make it up to you.” I breathe down her neck, loving the way her arms and legs grow the chills.

  “Will Tom Cruise be there this time?” She giggles, reaching up to play with the tips of my hair.

  Damn, I love when you do that. “He won’t be anywhere near you. I can tell you that for sure.” I roll my fingers over the low waist of the metallic-blue bikini.

  She whimpers, and quickly pushes my hand away. “Not down there,” she corrects me. “Only right here.” She places my hand closer to her navel and I feel my stomach pulsing again. I hold my hand there for a second and slowly inch my fingers towards her navel to play around while Annie starts pitching a fit several feet away next to the diving board. “Just ignore her,” I say, and lower my head to lightly kiss her jawline. She shudders and pulls away. “Don’t pull away. Just let me tease you.”