Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“Hey, whatever is going through your head, squash it. Everyone is enjoying your artistry.”
Her lips quirked and she leaned over to whisper, “Was thinking I should have paid more attention to you over the years.”
“Mmm, too late to worry about that. I don’t plan on letting you go now that I have you,” he murmured in her ear, licking the shell before leaning back to take another bite of cake. “This is so good,” he groaned.
Arianna put a bit of hers on the fork and held it out for him. “You like espresso?”
“Mmhmm.” He swallowed and took hers. “Mmm, mmm, mmm.” He nodded.
Marissa laughed. “He’s easy. But seriously, this is good. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing me a lot more in the shop.”
“Me too,” Estevan added.
Isandro chuckled. “See, I told you she makes the best goodies.”
Chapter 11
Shopping had never been so invigorating. Isandro never once complained, though she’d tried on a dozen dresses. He carried her purse while she was changing. Then he offered opinions, which were all positive. Isandro didn’t make her feel stupid for taking so long.
Luckily, the dressing rooms were in the back, and no one complained about Isandro hanging around outside the rooms.
She stepped out in yet another dress. This one felt confining. He looked up, licking his lips as his eyes moved over her body. “As gorgeous as that dress is, you look uncomfortable. What’s the problem?”
“Feel like I can’t breathe,” she muttered, tugging at the bodice.
“What about the green one? It matches your eyes,” he asked, nodding behind her at the one she’d left on the hanger. She saw it and fell in love, but was terrified she’d hate it the second she put it on.
“I don’t know. Halters are iffy, and that’s a whole lot of cleavage.”
He grinned. “Cleavage I happen to love. Try it on. If you don’t love it, we’ll find something else.”
Arianna sucked in a breath and ducked inside. She managed to get the zipper down on the blue dress and rehung it before slipping into the green one. Instead of looking in the mirror, she stepped into the hall and held her breath.
“Fuck me standing,” Isandro whispered. He stood and shifted the bulge straining his fly. “That’s the dress.”
She bit her lip. “Really?”
“Oh yeah.” He gripped her waist, walking her back into the room before his mouth descended on hers. “Where’s the zipper?” he breathed against her lips.
She reached back to open the dress. He freed his cock as the fabric fluttered to the floor. Isandro caressed down her body, finding her wet and ready. “Sorry, but you’ve tortured me long enough. I need you before I explode.”
She pushed the dress aside in time for him to spin her around. Her hands landed on the wall as he pulled her hips toward him, her back bowing as her breasts pressed against the wall. Then he was so deep she could only breathe through the sensation.
He started slow, one hand gripping her hip, the other sliding around to finger her clit. It took no time to send her over the edge. He gripped her hair, bringing her head back to capture her mouth, stifling the sound as he thrust again, finding his release.
After a moment of calming their breathing, he whispered, “That dress, buy it. It’s fucking gorgeous.”
Arianna nodded, a smile on her lips. She hadn’t even seen it, but if it got that response, it was hers.
* * * *
Arianna stood in front of her mirror, pulling rollers from her hair. Isandro leaned against the doorframe, watching her every move as if he wanted to bend her over the counter and make her scream his name, again and again.
Staying home seemed like a much better idea. Nervous energy bubbled up, stealing her confidence. “Sure you want to go?”
“Yeah. We’ll support your sister, and if it gets too bad we’ll leave early.”
She sighed. “You don’t understand, Isandro. We go, and I’ll have to stay.”
“We.” He shook his head. “And no. If we go and they treat you like shit, we should leave. You don’t have to put up with it. Your sister will understand.”
“Did I tell you my mother, of all people, attempted to convince me to take Derrick? Both of them are going to say or do something to egg you on. Ignore them, please.”
He shrugged. Last thing he wanted was to make the night uncomfortable. “I’ll play nice.”
“Thank you.”
“Ready to put that dress on?”
He was already dressed in the suit from the other night, but had a new deep blue shirt that looked amazing on him. Isandro looked like a million bucks, and she still worried that no one at the country club would accept him. She never understood why how much money someone made should affect one’s opinion.
They wouldn’t see the gorgeous hero. They’d see a thug in a cheap suit. And the suit wasn’t cheap. She’d seen the prices on designer clothes in Ella’s shop.
Shaking her head, she took the last roller out and walked to the closet where the sea green cocktail dress hung. She slipped it onto the hook on her closet door before moving to the dresser to pull out sexy undergarments she bought with Isandro in mind.
“Here, let me help,” he rumbled.
“Oh no, you start that and we aren’t leaving.”
He shrugged. “I’m already dressed. I can help you pull these on.” He took the satin panties and knelt down.
Giggling, she gripped his shoulders, those strong shoulders. Her heart warmed. This gorgeous man had reminded her she was beautiful and worthwhile. Things she often questioned.
She stepped into the holes, and he slid them up her legs, caressing as he went. She closed her eyes with a smile. He stood before her and took the strapless bra from her hands and helped her into that too.
“So damned gorgeous, Ari. I’m a lucky man.”
“No, I’m the lucky one. I stopped thinking I deserved to be treated well. You showed up at the perfect time. You made me remember I deserve better than what I’ve put up with for too damned long.”
“Hey, sometimes we need a reminder we’re better than people want to believe.”
“Last chance, Bulldog. If you don’t want to go we can do something, just the two of us.”
Her phone buzzed and he swiped it off the dresser to show her the text from her sister. You better not blow me off. I’m looking forward to meeting your sexy Latino lover.
“Ugh, ignore her. She doesn’t mean that in a bad way, I swear.” She sighed. “She’s just blond.”
He lifted a curl off her shoulder with a shrug. “So are you, beautiful.”
She shrugged. “Yeah, but I don’t try to classify you as anything other than my sexy lover.”
He laughed. “First time someone attached lover to Latino in reference to me, but it’s no different than pointing out what country your family came from. Now get dressed or I will bend you over the bed.”
A whimper escaped as she went into the closet to grab her garter belt and stockings. They were still in the bag because some asshole had convinced her she couldn’t pull them off long ago.
She took her time, not needing his hands on her body because he’d only distract her. After putting her shoes on, Arianna stepped back out.
“Oh fuck, Ari, you’re killing me here.” He made a show of adjusting himself.
“You like?” she teased.
“Hell yes. Shit, put clothes on before we’re late,” he groaned.
Grinning, she pulled the dress over her head and came over to let him zip her up. “Please,” she murmured.
He pulled the zipper, placing a kiss between her shoulder blades before hooking the fastener. “Tonight will be sweet torture, waiting to get you home and in bed.”
“Let’s not stay long,” she whispered, pulling him toward the door and snagging her purse.
“We’ll stay as long as you want,” he promised.
* * * *
By the time Isandro pulled into the parking lot, he had a bad feeling. Arianna was too damned nervous. As long as she stood up for herself, it would be fine. He hoped.
Inside, the tension rose fast. Not hers, but everyone else’s. They watched him like he was a criminal and her as if she didn’t belong. Everyone was white, thin, and wore designer suits and dresses. Hell, he even wore a designer suit. And if Arianna wasn’t so pleased with the way he looked, he wouldn’t feel comfortable.
She pulled him toward the bar. “Champagne?”
He shook his head. “Water. Derrick’s eyeing me like he wants to start something. I’m not giving him any ammo.”
She glanced over and snorted. “Doubt he’s stupid enough to start something here.”
The thinner, slightly older version of Arianna ran over with a grin. “Oh, you’re here, and here he is. Wow, oh wow, he really does look good in a suit.”
Arianna giggled. “Cherise, this is Isandro. Isandro, my sister Cherise.”
He held out his hand and dipped his head with a smile. “A pleasure.”
Cherise took his hand and grinned. “He doesn’t even sound Mexican.”
Isandro choked back a laugh. “I’m as American as you are. My family has been here for generations.”
“Oh, I know, but so many people with darker skin have such deep accents.”
Yup, this woman was a ditz. Clearly not hostile, but thoroughly ignorant.
“No accent here,” he answered.
Arianna giggled.
A man joined Cherise, wrapping an arm around her waist. He nodded a greeting. “Good evening, Arianna, and…”
“My boyfriend, Isandro.” Arianna’s eyes lit up.
Isandro offered his hand. “A pleasure.”
Bentley shook his hand with a slow grin. “I’m happy to meet you. Arianna seems much happier with you than I’ve ever seen her.”
Arianna grinned. “Much happier than ever. Finally found someone who treats me right.”
“Looks good on you,” Bentley said with a smile.
“She’s always been beautiful, and I’ve always had eyes for her.”
Arianna turned to him, placing her hands on his chest with a grin. “And I only have eyes for you. So how about a dance?”
“Of course.” He couldn’t help remembering their first night together. They didn’t get to dancing before she took him home, but tonight, he’d show her he did know his way around the dance floor.
He took her hand in his and wrapped the other around her waist.
She looked up in surprise. “When did you learn how to dance?”
He glanced away. “Took lessons the summer before senior year. Wanted to impress someone.”
Her smile fell. “I really wish you got there first.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I have you now.”
“You do.” She gave him a dazzling smile.
He attempted to maneuver them away from his sister’s ex-husband, but the pussy seemed to be following him.
Isandro groaned and avoided eye contact when he finally got close.
Carson stopped beside him, grabbed his shoulder, and asked, “How is she doing?”
Arianna’s brow arched as she stared at Carson.
“Marissa is fine.”
“Tell her I still think of her.”
Isandro smirked. “Sure, but I doubt she cares.”
“Probably not. I wish things had been different.”
Isandro offered a tight smile and moved Arianna away from Carson.
She finally whispered, “What was that about?”
“He and Marissa were married briefly. Forever ago.”
Her eyes rounded. “Married?”
He snorted. “Yeah. He let his parents convince him she was only after him for the money. So she signed the divorce papers and took nothing. It lasted months. Not many people knew.”
“They kept it secret?” she whispered.
He shrugged. “Carson was ashamed, thanks to his parents. They’d run off to Vegas. At his urging.”
“Sorry. He was always such a wuss.”
“Yeah, well, he was sweet to her after Randy beat her and she sent his ass to jail.”
“Randy? You mean the drug dealer who went to prison not last year?”
He nodded. “Yup, but that was before he started dealing. At least as far as we know.”
She took a look around and sighed. “And you wonder why I don’t like these people. Right now, I want to forget them and get lost in your arms.”
Smiling, he spun her around the dance floor.
* * * *
Three magic words danced on the tip of Arianna’s tongue. Two weeks and she wanted to tell him the one thing that could ignite something stronger, or burn what they had to ashes. She wasn’t ready to risk scaring him away.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I like the way you move.”
A giggle escaped. “Ditto.”
Someone tapped her shoulder and she looked over only to groan. “Let me stop you there, Derrick. No, I don’t want to dance.”
He shot Isandro a glare, then smiled back at Arianna. “Dance with me, baby.”
Arianna stopped and turned toward him with a glare. “I’m with my boyfriend. I will not be dancing with you.”
“We need to talk. You owe me a chance to explain that night.”
“No, I don’t. I’ve given you a thousand and one chances. Now I don’t have two fucks to give.”
“You need to listen,” he snarled, reaching for her.
Arianna stepped back, and Isandro stepped in front of her.
“She said no. I think you should listen to her,” Isandro stated simply.
Derrick attempted to push Isandro, but he didn’t move.
Isandro put his hands up and sighed. “I’m only repeating what Arianna told you.”
“Back off, Derrick. You’re making a scene,” Arianna said coolly before taking Isandro’s hand and pulling him outside, away from the eyes that had zoomed in on the three of them.
“I’ll find a way to get through to you,” Derrick shouted.
“You won’t. I’m not interested in anything you have to say.”
“He’s nothing but a thug!” Derrick shouted.
Sighing, Isandro shook his head. “Is he always such a joy in public?”
“Honestly?” She glared over her shoulder. “I’ve never seen him beg. Thing is, it’s years too late.”
Isandro smirked. “If you want me to beg, I will.”
She giggled. “Oh, I know how to make you beg.”
“You do.” He leaned against the rail, urging her to his side. “So far, not so bad.”
“That’s not so bad?”
“He could have swung at you. That would have started a fight.”
She licked her lips. “You wouldn’t have fought back if he swung at you?”
“No. Let him play the fool. We’re here to support your sister. Not to start shit with your ex.”
“We never did get that champagne. We need to make a toast.”
“To the future?” he murmured, leaning down to brush his lips over hers.
“Exactly,” she whispered, pulling him toward the bar.
Three steps into the room, her mother walked up with a scowl. “I told you he wasn’t welcome here.”
Isandro smiled sweetly and held out his hand. “Good evening, Mrs. Nelson. I’m Isandro Cortez.”
Her eyes narrowed at him. “You are unwelcome here.”
He dropped his hand, keeping the pleasant smile in place. “Not according to two of your daughters. Sorry you feel that way, but no one else is complaining, unless you count the man who hurt Arianna over and over again.”
Arianna stifled a giggle. “Mother. You’re the only one with an issue. I didn’t come here for you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to enjoy a drink.”
“Sure, play the fat lush.”
A hint of anger flowed through Isandro’s quiet words. “Where do you get off saying
such ugly things to your own daughter? What mother does that?”
“Oh, I’m sure your more pitiful, desperate mother did far worse. Or was it only your father who beat you?”
Isandro shook his head and walked away. Arianna caught up and pulled him to the two open seats at the bar.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “This is why I thought staying home might be better.”
“Just words,” he muttered.
The bartender came their way with a sympathetic smile. “Hey, Arianna. And you’re Isandro, right?”
He nodded. “Yeah.” His body was stiff, unmoving. Clearly her mother’s words cut deep.
The bartender smiled. “My daughter is the receptionist in the firehouse. I’ve heard many stories about the guys.”
A smile pulled at his lips but didn’t reach his eyes. “Tell Teagan hi for me.”
Nodding, the bartender continued, “Will do. What am I getting you?”
“Water, please.”
“Champagne,” Arianna answered, then turned to Isandro. “No toast for you?”
He shook his head. “Didn’t say that. Rather keep the murmurs to a minimum. We can toast all the same.”
She turned to grab the bartender’s attention.
Isandro bent to whisper in her ear. “Don’t. Let me take the brunt of it. Enjoy your sister’s party. I’m fine. She wants me to screw up. Why do you think she went below the belt?”
“Because she’s a bitch who wants everyone as unhappy as she is.”
“So we won’t let her ruin our evening. Doesn’t matter what she thinks anyway.”
Those three words danced on her tongue once more.
The bartender brought the drinks back. Isandro smiled. “Hey, I didn’t catch your name.”
“George. You and the men you work with are heroes. Don’t let one stuck-up princess ruin your night.”
“No intention of it, sir.”
Arianna held up her glass. “To the future.”
“A bright and happy one,” he murmured.
Chapter 12
Sweet Tooth Page 9