Isabella - Book One

by Thompson, Jamie Brook

  Renae glances down at her phone. “Pardon me, duty calls. The joys of being a mother,” she excuses herself, and disappears down a long hallway.

  “Can I get you a beer?” Rexton jabs my side so close to my breast I practically freeze in place.

  “No thanks,” I casually say, “I actually need to use the ladies room.”

  “It’s right down there.” Reef loosens his grip around my waist and points to the hallway where Renae just went.

  “Thanks.” I wiggle from his hands and turn to Renae’s direction.

  “Hey,” he calls out.

  I flip back around.

  “Don’t get all chatty in there. Tip off’s in five.” He points to his watch.

  I smile and nod my head, still wondering if he was serious about the things we talked about on the ride here, or if that’s just his way of flirting. I can’t imagine Rexton telling his wife he wants six of her children. I’m not even sure I heard Reef correctly. Maybe my mind wants to make it better than he actually meant it, but somehow I don’t care. Tonight, I’m going to enjoy every last memory of his words and tell myself he’s being nothing but completely sincere.

  Where is the bathroom? I stop walking and tap my foot to search the dimly lit hallway.

  A few feet in front of me there’s a light coming from a door that’s cracked open.

  I move forward and reach down to tug at it, but stop myself. The panting, and heavy moaning behind the door makes me hedge. I peek inside and see the black vest on a man that probably ushers the crowds during the game. He’s standing in front of a table that’s stacked with concession foods where a pair of legs are wrapped around him. I glance to the side of the legs and notice something familiar.

  Bubble gum pink t-shirt.

  Only the shirt isn’t on Renae. It’s wadded next to the rows of stacked cups a few inches away from her. I can’t see what they’re doing, but it’s not hard to imagine. I close my eyes to avoid seeing her nakedness.

  Oh, hell. I cover my mouth and whip around as fast as I can, crashing into someone passing by.

  “I’m so sorry,” I gasp and raise my arms to the sides of my head. “I was just looking for the bathroom.”

  “I think you passed it about twenty feet ago.” Reef laughs.

  “Shhh.” I place my finger against my lip. “She’ll hear you.”

  “What are you talking about?” He makes a funny face in the dimly lit hallway.

  “Renae’s having sex with some guy in that room,” I blurt out like a mad woman.

  “Are you serious?” He curls his lips in disgust as he scans the hallway.

  “I’m not kidding. I just saw them.”

  He reaches over and wraps his arm around my waist, sinking his finger in the waist of my jeans. “That is so messed up. I feel awful for the girls,” he worries, leading us the opposite direction.

  “Shouldn’t we confront her?”

  “It’s always been in my favor to not stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong. Maybe this is what happens when a man neglects his wife.” He smiles and rubs his finger over the skin of my belly. I suddenly feel gross. Like I can’t even believe I’m walking next to him right now. Okay, I think I’ve totally had him wrong. How could I let myself slip? All those nice things in the car must’ve turned me to mush. He’s even better at playing the game than his brother because he’s still single. I’m so stupid. This is probably what rich people do. They just sleep around and nobody calls anybody out on it because it’s not their business.

  Once Reef shows me to the restroom, I head inside and leave him waiting. I’m so disgusted I can’t concentrate. This is so messed up. She’s out there doing who knows what, and I’m positive Reef won’t tell his brother because it’s not a big business deal that pays off. I run some cool water over my wrists and blot the back of my neck after I finish using the restroom. Why do people with money think they can get away with not playing by the rules? Reef Vanguard is a cheater just like every other loser I’ve been out with. I was so wrong. He’s a handsome, man bun wearing cheater.

  “You okay in there?” he peeks his head through the door.

  “Fine,” I say, and step next to him.

  “Well, let’s pick up the pace.” He grabs the waist of my jeans and tugs me forward to a running stride. “I can’t have you dressed like that and not show you off.”

  “Wait,” I say, and stop dead in my tracks, making his hands rip free. “Is that all I am to you? A trophy. Just like Renae is to Rexton.” I throw my arms out in frustration.

  His blue eyes soften as he tilts his head. “What are you talking about?”

  “This,” I shout and point back and forth between us. “Is this just some kind of game you play with your brother? See how many women you can sleep with by telling them you want their babies?”

  “Isabella,” he sighs and gently grabs my arm to cradle it in his hands. “I have no idea what was going on back there, but it doesn’t reflect anything about me. Damn it. I can’t win for losing.” He lets go of my arm and raises his hands to the side of his head, making the muscles bulge in his biceps. “Personally, I don’t even want to be at this game. I’d rather have you alone at my house. I was just hoping I could start a new relationship with my brother now that I have a girlfriend.”

  I blink several times. Did he just call me his girlfriend?

  “I’m sorry if I didn’t react the way you wanted me to back there. I’m a little caught off guard myself.” He leans against the carpeted wall of the hallway. “I don’t want what they have. I want you and that fairy tale you told me about.”

  “Yeah, right,” I say, shaking my head. “You might think you want that, but it’s not complicated enough for your rich blood. I’m never going to be Renae. And I don’t want to be married to Rexton.”

  “I don’t either. Can’t you see what I’ve been trying to tell you? I’ve been waiting my whole life to find a woman like you. I only want you. For better or worse.” His body straightens before he slowly reaches forward to grab the back of my neck that’s covered by the hair of my ponytail so he can kiss me.

  I pull away because I’m so emotional. I wasn’t expecting this. “Reef, I’m not your type. I don’t care about money. I come from—”

  “You’re exactly my type.” He lifts my chin. “I love you, Isabella.”

  A tear drips from the corner of my eye and he wipes it with his thumb.

  “And, one day, I can’t wait to hear you say those words back to me. But I know it’s going to take some time for you to trust me. So I’m good to wait.”

  I nod my head because I can’t bring myself to say anything. I’m wondering after what happens tonight if he’ll still love me tomorrow.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The crowd roars as loud as my heart is pounding from having Isabella’s hands all over me. I thought by halftime she’d settle down, but she hasn’t taken a break and it’s getting me all riled up.

  I tickle her stomach to show my approval of her hands on my thighs. Her happy face teases me with those sparkling brown eyes that hunger for something I would give her if we were alone. She’s at a whole new level tonight, and I like it.

  Her hand slides higher, and I wonder if I’ll explode with heat.

  “You want to head out early and beat the crowd?” I shout next to her over the noisy crowd. I can barely restrain myself from doing something I shouldn’t do in public.

  “It’s up to you,” she shouts back.

  I jut my chin towards the south end of the building. “Head for that exit.”

  She smiles and starts walking.

  “You leaving?” Rexton grabs my shirt.

  “Yeah, tell Renae we’re sorry we didn’t get to see her tonight.”

  “She hates basketball.” Rexton shakes his head.

  Mmm. Hmm. Maybe you should keep a better eye on her. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Later,” he says and glances up to check the scoreboard.

  I rush down the aisle to c
atch up with Isabella and grab her around the waist. “Did I ever tell you that you’re amazing?” I crush her against me once we’re in the hallway that leads to the exit near the Rover. “This might be the best night I ever remember.”

  “And you think I’m easy to please.” A smile stretches across her face, exposing that perfect white smile.

  “It’s only great because I’m with you.” I start walking down the hallway with her.

  “Fair enough,” she replies and covers her mouth as she yawns.

  “Falling asleep so early?” I nudge her.

  “I don’t know what’s come over me. Do you mind if we head to the hotel?” she asks.

  “Are you sure?” I stare at her.

  She smiles and nods her head before hiding it in my chest.

  I didn’t expect this type of invitation, but it brings a welcome throbbing sensation to my stomach. “I just want to make sure that you’re sure.”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” She stands on her tiptoes to gently kiss me.

  Slow it down and let her take the lead. I roll my shoulders back and walk her outside to the Rover. Even when I get behind the wheel I don’t really pay attention to the road as I get to the hotel. The smell of her perfume and that black lace bra is the only thing on my mind. Even when she says something about the hotel elevator I don’t hear much, because my mind is hard wired on her chest.

  “I thought you got two rooms,” she says, hesitating once I open the door to the suite.

  “We have the entire top floor to ourselves. Trust me, you’ll have a full section you can lock me out of. But I can get you a room on a separate floor if you prefer,” I assure. I only want to make her comfortable.

  “I’m kidding.” She runs her hands along my upper abs. “I trust that you’ll be a gentleman.”

  The throbbing sensation in my lower stomach is growing painful it feels so good. I hunch over once she wanders down the hall to check things out. I can’t remember a time wanting a woman this badly. I quickly pick up the room phone and order several dessert bars to take my mind off her body. But when the woman asks me about whipping cream I begin to drift back to her chest. Cool it, man. I shake my head and ask for several bowls before I hang up.

  I wander next to the tan leather couch and try to calm my thoughts. Don’t take it fast. You don’t want to scare her. I’m talking to myself like I’m a damn kid in high school again.

  There’s a tap on the hotel door.

  I jump up and rush over to allow room service to roll in the trays of brightly colored goodness. I snag a few gummy bears and stick my finger in the whipping cream, enjoying the sweet flavor before I hand the guy a tip.

  “Thank you,” he says.

  I follow him out and make sure to stick the do not disturb sign on the door before I hustle back to the couch.

  She still hasn’t come out. I’m worrying she’s changed her mind and things might turn explosive if I do anything that will panic her. She’s not that kind of woman. I remind myself how quickly she forgives. Just mind your manners.

  I hear light footsteps shuffling over the carpet.

  I turn around to see she’s removed her black converse.

  Her clothes are still intact along with a frightened expression plastered across her face.

  “Come over here and sit with me.” I wave my hand to lighten the mood. Her eyes are wide as she explores the room.

  “Did you have them bring the entire candy section of the grocery store while I was gone?” Her nervous laughter excites me as she plops down on the opposite side of the couch. “Anything good on?” She grabs the remote and begins flipping through channels.

  I toss a gummy worm at her head. “I don’t bite.”

  “Are you kidding me?” She turns her head and toys with a smile.

  “Bring it,” I tease, trying to lighten the awkward tension.

  She leans forward and grabs a handful of whipping cream from the glass bowl in the center of a rolling tray.

  “You wouldn’t,” I say, shifting my weight on the leather couch.

  “Oh, but I would.” She launches the white mess across the tan couch and it lands smack dab in the center of my shirt.

  I tug it over my head. “Now you’re gonna get it.” I reach in and grab two handfuls of the whipping cream.

  She jumps off the couch and begins to find a place of protection.

  “You can’t hide all night,” I call out as the whipping cream drips through my fingers. I wander to the hallway that leads to the master suite.

  “You cheat. I know you’ve been here before.” She giggles.

  “Lucky guess. I just figured you had other things on your mind.” I drop the whipping cream to the marble floor and pounce toward her. Her eyes watch, but she doesn’t move. Her thin legs timidly bend at the knee, exposing her soft brown skin through the frays on her jeans. “Tell me you want this.”

  She stands there and bites at her bottom lip. She’s innocent, yet unafraid as I reach out and wrap my sticky hands around her neck. “Just tell me you want me. I need to know it’s okay if I take this where I want it to go,” I whisper into her ear.

  She nods.

  My hands drop to her thin waist and almost wrap around it as I squeeze at her hips. “You can’t even imagine how much I want this,” my voice is unwavering. I press her against the bedroom wall, tipping a picture. She moans and I lift her legs around me to walk over to the bed. I gently toss her onto the white comforter. “If you don’t want me to do this I need you to tell me to stop.” The throbbing pulse in my stomach is a warning I won’t be able to control what I’ve started.

  She bashfully shakes her head.

  “Isabella don’t play like that. It only makes it harder,” I say, standing at the edge of the bed, watching her little body curl into the covers. I’ve laid awake for so many night thinking about this moment. I just want to rip off her clothes and stare at every angle of her body. Take it easy, slow down. I suck in a few jagged breaths and loosen my hair so it can fall to my shoulders.

  “I like that.” Her playful voice invites every bad thought I want to do to her.

  I place a knee on the bed and crawl toward her while I’m still wearing my jeans. “Tell me what else you like.” I slip between her legs and stare at her coppery brown hair cradling her slender shoulders as she rests against the white comforter.

  “I’m not sure,” she says.

  “Do you want me to figure it out?” I ask, wondering if she’s too nervous to tell me what she wants.

  She nods.

  I slowly grab her hips and grind them into me. She whimpers. My hands are so large against her hips it makes me wonder if other men have had the same thought, holding her like this. The idea irritates me, but the hot pool of pleasure playing at my stomach encourages that I move on. I raise my hands to her waist and pull at her shirt. She raises her hands over her head as I pull it off. I’m not expecting that black bra to look so incredible. Even better than the swimsuit.

  “I can’t have another man doing this to you anymore,” I say and lean down to kiss her stomach. “Only Reef’s allowed to do things like this.” I press a finger against her navel.

  “Only Reef,” she whimpers. Her body language screams that I should take the lead.

  “You promise?” I want to pleasure her with the dark, dominating side of me that’s begging to control the situation.

  “Promise,” she repeats.

  “Good girl,” I praise, and reach up to try and find the clips of her bra.

  She pulls my hands away. “Can we go slow?”

  “Of course,” I breathe the words heavily against her skin.

  She wraps her legs around my waist, making me shudder with excitement.

  “Isabella, that’s not taking it slow.” I softly bite at her neck making her moan as she arches into me. Her delicate body is so slender, I’m afraid of breaking her. I run my hands down the outline of her and stop once I find the button of her jeans.
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  I look up to meet her gaze. “Are you sure about this?” I ask.

  She smiles, and I sigh as I pull off the acid wash fabric. A burning shiver crawls up my spine at the sight of her black, silk panties. “Those are nice.”

  “Nikki didn’t pack me any cheekies.” She giggles.

  “Trust me, these are enough to drive me insane.” My fingers toy with the smooth waistband. “You have no idea what men are thinking when they see something like this.” I lean back and stare at her perfect hourglass form. I palm her thigh with my hand and squeeze at her tiny leg muscles. “Only I’m allowed to touch you like this from now on. Are we clear on that? I don’t want anyone else in bed with you.” I tilt my head back and shudder from the heated breath escaping her body. I don’t even want to think what it would do to me to see her with another man. “I will never hurt you. I just want to protect you.”

  She bites her bottom lip and nods.

  “I’m not going to let anybody hurt you.” I clutch her shoulders and crush my fingers into her collarbones.

  “I believe you,” she says.

  The sound of her innocent voice makes me think of something else I need to get off my chest. “Can we make another rule?” I ask, and take in another deep breath. My heart pounds wildly as I reach down and tug at her panties, but don’t pull them off. “I need this part to be mine. Nobody else can ever see it or touch it again,” I whisper into her ear so that she knows I’m being serious.

  “Please just go slow,” she tells me nervously. “I’ve never done this before.”

  “Don’t play with me like that.” I tug a little harder on the panties, but she holds tight and won’t let go.

  “I’m serious, Reef.” Her soft voice echoes like a warning.

  My hand pulls away even though I can barely restrain myself. “You don’t have to put on the act anymore. I’m not disappointed.”

  She rises to her elbows. “I’m not acting.”

  “Are you telling me you’re really a virgin?” I chuckle, completely confused. Is she serious?