Of course he believed Arianna when she said it was over. He wanted her so damned bad he let wishful thinking take over—and his dick, the stupid bastard.
“What’s the matter? Didn’t get laid after taking Arianna home?” Mitch snickered.
Isandro sneered as he shot to his feet and stalked away.
“Hey, I was making a joke,” Mitch called out. “Sorry about the blue balls. She’s never going to give up on Derrick.”
Asshole was half right. Arianna wasn’t done with the fucker.
He pushed through the door on his way to the weight room and ran into Trent. He pushed past, not bothering to say a damned word.
“Isandro, this morning wasn’t what it looked like.”
“Fuck off, Trent. I’m not in the mood.”
Trent caught up and grabbed his arm. “Give Arianna a chance. She didn’t let Derrick stay. She kicked him out, but you were already gone.”
He pulled free. “Doesn’t matter. She’s going to choose that shitbag anyway.”
“Did she say something to convince you of that?” Trent demanded.
“She wasn’t in a rush to get rid of him.”
“Did you give her a chance to?”
His jaw clenched. “Why the fuck do you care?”
“Because she’s a friend. And she feels bad because she was half asleep when the jackass showed up. She told you not to leave the bed. He would have gone away, and you would be in a better mood.”
Isandro gritted his teeth. “How do you know all this?”
Trent snorted. “She called me as soon as she got rid of Derrick to figure out how to get a hold of you. She will come to you.”
“Fine. I’ll let her talk.” Isandro rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck. “If she shows up.”
“She will.”
“We’ll see.”
Chapter 4
Nervous energy bubbled over as Arianna walked up the driveway. She’d parked on the street in case Isandro didn’t want her there. God, she hoped he did.
That morning had been a mess. Now she hoped to salvage what they’d started. Swallowing hard, she raised her hand and pressed the doorbell.
A minute passed without answer, so she pressed the doorbell again.
“Hang on,” Isandro shouted from somewhere inside.
Arianna bit her lip and shifted her weight.
Another minute passed as a frown pulled at her lips. Closing her eyes, she thought about leaving the box on the porch and slipping her card inside, but she really wanted to talk to him before leaving.
The door opened and her eyes flew open. His gaze locked on hers without a word.
Her mouth went dry as she stared at the water beaded on his broad shoulders, down his strong chest, ribbed abs, and that divine V that disappeared beneath the towel wrapped around his waist.
He cleared his throat, crossing his arms over his impressive chest.
Gulping, she focused on his eyes. “I’m sorry about this morning. I should have moved faster, but I didn’t want you to leave. I should have thrown on a robe and kicked him out, but I hoped he’d take the hint and go away.”
Isandro nodded.
Her gaze dropped to the porch. Blushing, she attempted to get back to the point, but she really wanted to lick the drops from his skin. Maybe sink to her knees and tug that towel off so she could taste him. She lifted her head and met his gaze once more. “I made you a special box of chocolates. Thought maybe we could spend some time together. That is, if you can forgive me.”
One corner of his mouth twitched as he stepped back. “Come in. I’ll be right back.”
She stepped into the living room and nearly followed him to his room, tempted by the muscles in his back and the way the top of his cheeks peeked over the towel. She’d never wanted to sink her teeth into someone’s ass so bad in her life.
After a few moments and some cursing, Isandro came back out in a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt that clung to his body like she wanted to.
“Look, you don’t owe me an explanation,” Isandro stated.
“I do.” She pulled up the text messages and handed Isandro the phone. “I told him it was over last night. The jerk thought I’d cave again. I mentioned I was stupid in the past. And yeah, I took him back when I shouldn’t have, but that’s over.”
His head tipped slightly as his brow furrowed. He handed the phone back. “That’s why you’re here?”
She took a step closer and held out the box of chocolates. “That and I made your favorites, and tried a couple new things. Trent gave me some hints.”
His lip curled in a sneer as he walked away.
“Come on, Isandro. That was forever ago. I don’t want Trent. I want you.”
“Why? You turned me down once before.” The hurt in his voice gutted her.
She sighed. “I was seventeen. I was already dating Derrick, and that was before I realized he was a douchebag. If you had gotten to me a week sooner, I would have said yes.”
He groaned and paced away. “Sorry. That wasn’t fair.”
“Tell me what I need to do to prove I’m done with Derrick.”
* * * *
Isandro stared out the window a long moment before turning around and looking into her green eyes. Her pleading finally broke through.
He scrubbed his hand over his face and sighed. “I was an ass. Sorry.”
She shook her head. “Neither of us dealt with this morning very well. Let’s start fresh. Just the two of us.”
Hope filtered in. “What did you have in mind?”
Color flooded her cheeks as she looked away, licking her lips. Was she remembering the night before? He sure as hell couldn’t get her out of his head.
“Hungry?” Arianna took a chocolate from the box and closed the distance.
He parted his lips as she placed the truffle on his tongue. A groan rumbled from his chest as he pulled her against his body and dipped his head to take a kiss.
Nothing sweeter than the combination of the chocolaty morsel and her mouth…unless maybe...
Growling, he released her and backed up. “Soon, but right now, I need real food. It’s been a long day.”
Her eyes sparkled as they met his. “What sounds good?”
He raked his eyes over her body and all he could think about was the night before. “Any suggestions?”
She giggled. “Something fast and easy. The diner?”
“Come on.” Isandro locked up and took her to his truck. He opened her door with a smile. “And that chocolate, thank you.”
“I have no problem satisfying your sweet tooth.”
“God, you’re going to kill me, Ari.”
She fell silent. He went around and climbed in. She still didn’t say anything, and he stole a glance. A soft smile lit her face.
“What is it?” he asked.
“A nickname?”
His brow cocked. “Sound stupid?”
“Not at all. No one has ever shortened my name. Took me by surprise, is all.”
“Don’t have to,” he offered, though he loved the way it rolled off his tongue.
“I like it.”
He fired up the truck and drove to the diner.
“I really am sorry about this morning,” she said again.
“Forgiven. I’m more sorry. Besides, we agreed on a fresh start.”
* * * *
Isandro curled his hand around her waist as he scooted into the booth beside her. Arianna’s eyes went wide as she turned toward him. “You want to sit over here?”
Concern passed over his face. “That a problem?”
A slow smile spread. “Not at all.” A pleasant surprise. She was used to a particular asshole being cold and distant in public.
“I mentioned I like you close?” he asked with a single arched brow.
“You did, and I’ll get used to that.”
“I’ll remind you every chance I get.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her ear. “Find something to eat. I’m starving for both food
and you.”
“Mmm, hard to think about food with you so close,” she whispered.
He sat back and looked at his menu. “We need fuel to burn later. I plan to satisfy all your needs.”
A shiver traveled down her spine as she attempted to figure out what to order.
Verna stepped up to the table, and Arianna blushed. The older woman smiled sweetly. “Would you like your club sandwich, Arianna?”
Holding her breath, she nodded, waiting for some snide remark about her choice, but she couldn’t think to order anything else she was so flustered.
Isandro grinned. “I’ll have one too. Sounds good.” His hand wrapped around her thigh as he leaned closer. “I should have listened this morning. I’m sorry.”
Meeting his gaze, she smiled sadly. “We’re starting over, right?”
He nodded, the corners of his sexy mouth tipping up. “I needed to apologize before I let it go.”
“You did, so let’s get back to getting to know one another.”
His dark eyes captured hers. “What do you want to know?”
She licked her lips, trailing her fingers over his strong thigh. “Why did you become a fireman?”
“Wanted to help people, and I like the thrill of danger.”
“Good reasons.”
“Why chocolate?” he asked.
“I wanted something that was all mine, and I love chocolate. Sometimes when I’m down, something sweet helps me forget for a little while.”
“You make the best chocolate.”
“Thanks. Do you eat it all?”
He shrugged one shoulder, glancing over. “Usually. Not on purpose. I’d share, but then I eat it before anyone comes over.”
“Guilty pleasure?”
Isandro shook his head. “I don’t feel guilty at all.”
Verna brought their food, and he glanced down at his plate with a raised brow. “Thank you.”
She nodded, a smirk on her lips before she walked away.
He chuckled. “Steamed broccoli? I thought that came with fries.”
She shrugged. “Don’t like deep fried food.”
He grinned. “Good to know. What about pizza?”
“Occasionally.”
Spearing a piece of broccoli, he popped it in his mouth. He nodded to her plate, and she picked up her sandwich. Isandro wiped away her worst expectations.
* * * *
Dinner put them back on track. Isandro brought her home and let her into his house. Masculine, clean, and nothing like she’d imagined.
When she first showed up, she’d been too distracted by wet naked flesh to notice, even when he was in his room changing. Because, hello, hot, dripping Isandro was a sight to see.
His hand curled around her waist as he leaned down from behind and whispered in her ear. “Movie?”
Turning her head, she found him watching her. “Not sure I can concentrate,” she answered, breathless.
He licked his lips. “I could ease that tension, then we could watch whatever you want.”
“You’d let me pick?”
His eyes closed briefly, his jaw flexed. “Yeah. Your choice, beautiful.”
Arianna attempted to turn, and he caught her ribs, holding her in place as he took her mouth in a heated kiss. She pressed back, feeling his arousal.
“Fuck, hold on,” he growled, releasing her to walk down the hall.
Flabbergasted, she spun to watch him retreat. He came back a few seconds later with a foil packet pinched between his fingers.
“Oh, I thought…” She dropped her head and sighed.
“What? That I deflated?” He smirked, yanking his shirt over his head before opening his belt and pants. Sure enough, his dick sprang free when he pushed his briefs and jeans down his muscular thighs.
Arianna’s mouth dried up as she gulped. She stepped forward, plucking the condom from his grasp, and dropped to her knees to lick him from base to crown as she worked on untying the boots.
Flicking her tongue over the ring, she looked up at Isandro. His eyes locked on hers as his fingers tangled in her hair.
She pulled the ring gently, and he groaned. “Oh fuck, that’s good.”
Pleased with herself, she rocked up and down his length, playing with the ring before taking him in again. He pulled away, shaking his head.
Pouting, she lifted her gaze. “Where are you going now?”
“You need relief too.”
Biting her bottom lip, she tore the package and beckoned him over. “Come here and you can help me out.”
He kicked off the rest of his clothes and closed the distance. She rolled the condom down his dick and stood up.
“Need to get you naked, Ari.”
Her shaking hands went to the buttons of her blouse, and he took over, pulling them away to open her shirt, placing hot kisses as he exposed more flesh.
“Hurry,” she pleaded. “Need you.”
The devilish smirk on his face as he pushed the shirt down her arms and unhooked her bra was enough to send her up in flames. He unzipped her skirt, letting it slide to the floor, and slipped her panties down her thighs. Isandro gripped her ass, hauling her against his body.
“Better,” he rumbled, sliding his hands down, under her thighs, urging her to hop up.
Arianna froze, her eyes wide. “That’s not a good idea,” she sputtered.
His jaw clenched, one brow arching. “I’m quite capable, Arianna.”
“But—”
“Uh-uh. Whatever that scrawny prick said, forget it. I’ll carry you around all I want, and you’re going to love it.” His tone was purely feral.
A startled laugh escaped and she hopped up, wrapping her arms and legs around him. He walked her to the counter with his sexy smirk. Reaching between them, he slid his crown through her slick folds and her head fell back on a sigh. Then he filled her completely.
He gripped her chin, staring into her. “I’m not him. I’ll never make you feel like shit. Don’t let him fuck with us.”
“You’re right.” She took a breath to stop the apology from rolling from her lips. “Now, where were we?”
His mouth crashed over hers, stealing her breath as his hips withdrew, only to slam back into her. It felt so damned good as his hands moved over her skin, gripping lightly before gliding to a new spot. Isandro kissed down her throat, teasing her flesh, nipping here and there.
Pleasure erupted, washing out all thought as she came undone. Three more thrusts before he groaned against her neck, finding his release.
She’d never felt so desired in all her life. She rubbed her fingers over his short hair, holding him to her as her body trembled.
After a long moment he stepped back. “Stay right there.” He moved to deal with the condom, then scooped her into his arms and carried her to the couch.
Isandro set her down and tossed her his T-shirt. “Hang on. I’ll grab something to put on, or we’re not watching that movie.”
She giggled. “Can I put my panties back on before I pick a movie?”
He bit his lip, his eyes smoldering at her. “Shit, probably best if you do. And go for anything on the shelf or On Demand.”
He strode down the hall, not bothering to pick up the rest of his clothes.
She pulled his shirt on and her underwear before settling on the couch with the remote. Her phone chimed and she considered ignoring it until Isandro came back in a pair of gym shorts.
“Might want to check that. Oh, and you like popcorn?”
She tamped down her first response. “Yes. And buttery.”
“Go on, pick something to watch.”
He went to the kitchen, and she snagged her phone from her purse. Texts from her mother and from Derrick. She groaned and shut off her phone.
* * * *
Isandro had the second bag of popcorn in the bowl and popped his head out to smile at the romance movies she was flipping through. Not his first choice, but he wanted her to make her own damned choices without feeling like she had
to please him.
She wanted him. That was enough for now. Sure, later they could compromise. Right now, he wanted her to realize that Derrick was an ass and she shouldn’t ever entertain the notion of going back to him, even if they didn’t work.
Though, he had to wonder why she was ignoring her texts. She glanced at the phone and shut it off. Why?
Marissa burst through the front door. “Isandro, where are y—shit, sorry.” She backed out the door and slammed it shut.
“Oh my God!” Arianna jumped off the couch.
Isandro strode back into the room, grabbed the throw blanket, and handed it to her.
“Sit down. I’ll get rid of my nosy sister.” He placed a quick kiss on her lips.
She blinked at him, then looked at the door.
He nudged her toward the couch. “Really, let me handle her. I’ll be right back.”
Frowning, she sat back down and covered her legs.
He managed a smile and hurried outside. “For fuck’s sake, knock,” Isandro growled.
Marissa’s brow arched. “I didn’t expect you to be half naked with a guest. When was the last time I had to worry about that?”
“Sometimes I wish I had never bought the house next to you,” he grunted.
She giggled. “Tell me you got some.”
“Yeah, and we’re about to watch a movie, and maybe get some more later. Now, what do you want?”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Go back in there. Seems she figured out what she wanted.”
“You couldn’t have called?”
“I did. You ignored your phone.”
He dropped his gaze with a sheepish shrug. “It’s a good thing you didn’t come ten minutes ago.”
Laughing, she stepped toward the stairs. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Next time, knock, unless you want to see more than you bargained for.”
“I’ll remember that.” She cut across the yards.
Isandro stepped back inside. “Marissa’s sorry she barged in. She’s not used to me having women over.”
“Sure I shouldn’t get dressed?”
Sweet Tooth Page 3