Arianna sighed. “Maybe she’s trying to buy me out again. Look, I don’t know. She said she’s sorry, but I don’t trust her. She’s never happy with my choices, and I no longer care.”
“I wouldn’t either.” Cherise huffed. “I don’t know what’s going on with her. She ignored your business for a long time. Now she’s sniffing around.”
There was a banging and Arianna jumped out of her skin. She hurried to the hall and found Isandro holding up a bag of food.
Grinning, she ran to the door and let him in. “Hey, sexy. Wasn’t expecting you so soon.”
His rigid stance made her worry. “We need to talk. Figured I’d bring your favorites.”
How the hell does he know already?
Arianna stepped back with a sigh. “She said she wouldn’t tell you.”
“Yeah, well, she wouldn’t have if Trent hadn’t seen her arresting the asshole the night before. I asked her about it. She wasn’t going to lie to me.”
“Well, damn. I had every intention of telling you tonight. But I didn’t want you to worry when there was nothing you could do. Besides, he’s behind bars.”
“True. But someone put him up to it.”
“Yeah, but who? And am I supposed to shut down the shop and lock myself in the house because someone may come? The one who was doing everything is now in jail.”
“Shit, fine, you’re right.” He held up the bag with a forced smile. “Can we get back on track?”
“Sure. Come on back. Let me send my sister home.”
He looked up and nodded at Cherise. “Hey. How are you?”
“Good. Though I should go. You two look intense.”
Arianna rolled her eyes. “Love ya, Sis. See ya soon.”
Cherise gave her a hug, then gave one to Isandro before leaving.
Isandro gave her a goofy smile. “At least she likes me.”
“She likes you because you make me happy.”
“How it should be.” He put the bag on her table and pulled out the food. He brought Italian. “How much longer do you have to work?”
“Actually, I have everything ready to ship out in the morning. So we should eat and head home.”
* * * *
Isandro followed Arianna back to his house. He hurried to her car and opened the door. “Want to go to the theater?”
It had been a long time since she’d been to a movie. Last time wasn’t worth thinking about. “Sure.”
“What are we seeing?”
Shaking her head, she grinned. “You always let me pick. You decide.”
His brow arched. “How about horror?”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “Sure. I like a good scare. But I might squeeze your hand off.”
“Hmm, I’ll give you something to squeeze.”
Blushing, she followed him back to his truck. He caressed her thigh the whole drive. She was so turned on by the time he parked she almost begged him to take her home.
Instead, she walked to the window, checking out the screen. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Derrick with Ingrid. His tongue was shoved so far down her throat she wondered how the bimbo was still breathing.
Forcibly looking anywhere but at her ex, she purchased tickets to the next horror movie. Isandro came up behind her, placing his hands on the counter beside her, caging her in as he kissed below her new tattoo.
“See who’s here?” Isandro murmured.
“Don’t care about him.”
“He’s putting on a show for you.”
She shrugged, glancing back. “Should I put on a show for him?”
“Should have let me buy your tickets. Then let me kiss you better than he ever could.”
“You always have. And you can kiss me inside,” she whispered as the clerk pushed the tickets at her. She pressed her ass back and grinned.
“God, I love you, Ari,” he murmured, taking her hand and leading her to the concessions counter. “I know it’s not your amazing chocolate, but you want any candy?”
She turned and whispered in his ear, “I brought some.” She’d planned to give them to Isandro, but this worked as well.
“Popcorn? Pop?”
Things Derrick never wanted her to touch. She grinned and nodded. “Lots of butter, but I want water.”
“Fair enough.” He ordered the largest tub of popcorn, large coke, and a large bottle of water. This time, she let him pay because Derrick got in line behind them, and she was tempted to ask for candy to rub it in his face that someone liked her body the way it was. She didn’t because it would only go to waste.
She grabbed the water and popcorn while he grabbed a straw and his pop. “Salt?” she asked.
“Some, not too much.”
Nodding, she put a bit on and started for their door. She hoped like hell Derrick wouldn’t be in the same movie. He never took her to horror movies. Said she screamed too much.
She ground her teeth together.
“What’s wrong, beautiful?” Isandro asked softly.
“Thinking about how much better you are than that slimeball. Sort of makes me want to kick him in the junk.”
“Let’s show him what he’s missing instead.” He took her near the back and picked seats in the middle. He wedged the popcorn in the seat beside him and leaned in to pull her face closer for a heated kiss.
She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “Are we making out like teenagers?”
“Depends. You really like horror?”
She nodded, grinning. “He always said I screamed like a girl. It was embarrassing.” She rolled her eyes. “He never wanted snacks because I ate too much.”
“No, you don’t. And honest to God, I’d rather have your gorgeous curves to hold on to while I’m worshiping your body than some scrawny, bony chick I’m afraid I’ll break when I lose control.”
“Love when you lose control,” she murmured, taking another kiss.
The previews started and she sat back with a giggle. She didn’t miss Derrick straight up staring with a gaping mouth when Isandro put the popcorn between them. Then he offered her a piece from his mouth that she gladly accepted.
* * * *
Shit, Isandro wanted to do all the dirty things he’d never done in a theater, especially with Derrick watching. The asshole couldn’t keep his eyes off Arianna, to the dismay of his date.
Sure, she screamed a couple times, then clung to Isandro. He’d nibble her ear, kiss her neck, and caress her side and thighs. He wanted to slide his hand under her skirt and make her come, but he didn’t want to embarrass her when she came loudly, and he wanted her to come so damn loud everyone in the theater knew how fucking gorgeous she was when she lost herself.
Fuck, much longer and his balls would explode as it was. He needed to get her home and sink deep inside her until neither of them could stand it any longer. The whole damned night had been a major tease.
Arianna screamed again, then buried her head against his neck. Her warm breath made him groan as her hand brushed his rock-hard cock. He hissed and murmured. “Can’t take much more.”
The movie finally ended. Her hand was wrapped around his thigh so tight he’d have bruises, but he didn’t care because her grip was the only thing anchoring his last threads of control.
“Then let’s go.” She stood, and he followed. Her smile urged him on.
He adjusted himself as they made their way down the stairs and up the ramp.
Isandro shot Derrick a cocky grin. Asshole didn’t understand what he gave up. They hurried to the car, and he helped her in before walking around to slide in beside her.
Derrick’s new girl was pissed. Maybe she’d leave his ass too. They walked by the car, and Arianna started laughing, unable to stop.
“Oh God, I don’t miss him at all. What did I ever see in him?” The laughter died and tears fell.
He turned to capture her face. “Hey, what is it?” He worried she might say she missed him.
“I wasted years on an asshole who only cares because I’ve
moved on. Fucking prick!” She opened the door and yelled, “You’re a fucking prick, Derrick!”
As soon as she shut the door, Isandro hit reverse and pulled out. “I’d say forget him, but I don’t think it’s that easy to forget that much time. So, remember how things are better now.”
“You’re right. Sorry. It’s stupid. I wanted him to hurt, even a little, after all the years he held me down. But it doesn’t matter because he’s too much of an asshole to actually learn anything.”
“Exactly. But, Arianna, I wanted him to be jealous too. I wanted him to realize what he’s missing out on. Because you are gorgeous, and you are worth everything and more.”
She turned toward him, spreading her legs. “Take me home. If I don’t get laid soon, I’m going to take care of myself right now.”
“Shit, I’m so close to pulling over, it’s not funny.”
“Decide,” she moaned, trailing her hands down her body and between her thighs.
He punched the gas harder and hurried to get them home. Glancing over, he saw her head drop back as she rubbed at her clit. “God, Isandro, hurry. You do this better.”
“Fuck, that’s gorgeous.”
She reached over with her other hand and caressed his erection. “Need you.”
“Almost there. Calm down or we’re never lasting.”
“Where’s your sense of adventure?” she taunted.
“Let me stop the truck and you’re mine.”
The engine cut off and she dropped the seat back. He flipped her over. She grabbed the headrest as he got his cock free and pushed her skirt up. Isandro ran his fingers through her dripping heat.
“Don’t tease. Need you,” she whined.
He slammed into her and her walls gripped him tight as he grabbed onto her hip with one hand and held himself up on the door as he pounded into her.
“Yes, yes, fuck yes,” she chanted. Then he fisted her hair, pulling her upright. Her back arched and he took her mouth as her hands went to the ceiling.
Then they were coming together. Once his dick stopped pulsing, they dropped to the seat, him over her.
“That’s the beginning,” he breathed.
Chapter 25
Arianna dragged herself out of bed and made it into the shower. She stood there, wishing she could go back to sleep, but she wanted to get the chocolate shipped off so she could focus on new orders and figure out what kind of training Miley might need to learn if she took over some more responsibility.
What she really needed was another employee. Decisions, decisions. Of course, if the boost in sales didn’t stay steady, she wouldn’t need anyone.
She could figure it out later.
Hands slid around her waist and she nearly jumped out of her skin, turning to find Isandro with his cocky grin.
“You scared me,” she whispered.
“Then stop leaving me alone in bed in the morning.”
“Shit, you must be tired. You woke me up how many times?” She dropped her head back as he guided her under the water. Her eyes closed as he massaged shampoo into her hair. She couldn’t stop the moan that escaped.
“Not too tired to take care of my woman.”
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his torso, and held on.
“What’s wrong, beautiful?”
She half laughed. “Nothing. Everything with you is amazing, and I’m wondering what I did to deserve you.”
“Put up with too much shit. Everyone needs love.”
She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “I love you, Isandro. So much I don’t know how I managed before you.”
He stared back, his dark eyes full of emotion. Instead of saying anything, he brushed his lips over hers before deepening the kiss. She dropped to her knees, pushing him against the wall as she gripped his length with one hand and swirled her tongue over his crown.
He moaned as she sucked him in and pulled back slowly, trailing her tongue over him with a hum. She hooked the tip of her tongue in the ring and tugged slightly.
His head thumped against the wall as his fingers tangled in her hair. She loved the way his hips moved, the way his cock jerked occasionally, signaling how close he was.
She felt like some seductive goddess leading her man to ecstasy.
“Please, Ari,” he grunted. “Ah fuck, I need to come.”
Sucking harder, taking in as much as she could manage, she squeezed his sack and hot liquid filled her mouth. Swallowing, she kept going until he gently pulled her head away and slid down the wall, trying to catch his breath.
He got his eyes open and met her stare. “I wanted to make love to you.”
Her brow pinched as she sat back on her heels. “I thought…I—shit.”
Isandro pulled her in and took her mouth in a kiss. “Don’t,” he whispered. “Amazing. But now I won’t have time before you leave.”
“Oh. But you spoil me, and as much as I love what you do to me, I want to do the same to you. Honest, I was more concerned with you than me. Besides, last night I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven with all the different ways you made me come.”
He laughed softly, pulling her against his chest and holding her tight. “I love you, Ari. Be careful today. Please.”
“Marissa will be hanging around the shop. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
“Be careful,” he insisted, taking the conditioner to pamper her again.
* * * *
Isandro hated watching Arianna walk out the door. He didn’t have a good enough excuse to ditch work, and he didn’t want to show up and babysit her. Not that he would, but she might feel that way if he refused to leave.
He flopped down on the couch and pulled up Marissa’s number.
She answered after two rings. “What’s going on, Isandro?”
“Something seemed off yesterday with Derrick. I know you’re thinking Talbot is working for Mrs. Nelson, but what if it’s Derrick? He’s got shady written all over him. Arianna’s mother may be a bitch, but she seemed genuinely concerned the other day. She even sort of apologized to me.”
“She did?” Marissa asked with a laugh.
“I’m not sure it was sincere, but yeah. I think she’s realized she may have lost her daughter. I don’t think a simple apology will fix what she broke.”
“Doubtful. Look, I’ve been keeping an eye on the asshole. He’s been seen all over town with different women. I think he’s too busy fucking around to pose a threat.”
“He was honestly shocked I couldn’t keep my hands off Arianna at the theater.”
“Oh God, tell me there was no indecent exposure, or public sex.”
“No, but five more minutes and there may have been,” he taunted.
“You purposely put on a show, didn’t you?”
“Fuck, I’ve been jealous of that bastard for years. You bet your ass I put on a show when Arianna took pleasure in him being upset over her public displays of affection.”
“I’ll make sure someone keeps an eye on the shop as much as possible. Don’t worry about Arianna. I want nothing to happen to her. I really do like her.”
“Good, because I’m going to ask her to move in, permanently. As soon as I can figure out the best way to do it.”
“Doubt she’ll turn you down.”
He smiled. “She got a tattoo of a bulldog behind her ear.”
Marissa choked out, “She what?”
“I was freaking out yesterday because she was late to work. I thought something happened. Then she showed up with a bandage. Turns out it was a tattoo.”
“Of your nickname.” She laughed. “Yeah, she’ll be down with moving in for good.”
“Okay, I’ve got to go. Keep an eye on her.”
* * * *
Arianna walked straight to her office and took her laptop to the front counter before powering it up. Then she brought all the boxes she’d prepared the night before to the counter.
Once again, her website was full of orders. She sucked in a breath and consi
dered her options. Ask Miley for extra help. Beg Isandro to spend an evening with her on his day off. Maybe actually put an ad in the paper to find another employee.
She rubbed at her forehead. Then she jumped at the knock on the door. She hurried to the door and let the postman in.
Bill’s brow arched. “All of those? Let me get the tubs and hand truck.” He turned and went back to the mail truck.
Tapping her head, she sat down behind the counter. Another long night, and she still felt like the walking dead. It was nice that her shop was becoming popular, but she had never expected the kind of publicity that came with Ryan King’s endorsement.
Definitely time to place an ad. She’d never had two employees at once before.
Bill came back with a frown. “What’s the matter, Arianna? These kinds of orders are good, right?”
“Nothing’s wrong. But now that I have a boyfriend, all the extra work may kill me.”
“Boyfriend? Who’s the new guy?”
She grinned. “Isandro Cortez.”
“Marissa’s brother?”
“Yeah. You know her?”
“Went to school with her. Met him a couple times.” He shrugged. “I know he’s a fireman. That’s about it.”
“Yeah. He’s pretty amazing. Wish I had paid more attention to him long before I did.”
“Can’t change the past. Can only move forward.”
“Very true. And I am happier than I’ve ever been.” She nodded to the packages. “I’ll be needing you back here in the morning. I have a ton of orders again.”
“See you then.”
She followed him out and waved as Cherise ran up to the door.
“Orders?” she asked with a squeal.
“Yeah. I have even more this morning.”
“Oh, that’s amazing. Want help? Bentley had to go to some stupid convention, so I could spend some time helping.”
Arianna’s brow arched. “You’re going to help me make chocolate? You may get dirty.”
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