“I’m glad Mitch is here today,” Amber prattled on. “I so want to go out with him again. I might have got him too, then you turned up and now it’s so obvious.” Amber offered an apologetic gaze.
Isabelle wondered what it was she was sorry for exactly.
“It has nothing to do with me. I’m sure he’ll come around,” Isabelle managed to reply between calming breaths.
“I don’t think so. Apparently, he’s seeing someone, and I think I know—”
“He sees lots of people from what I’ve heard,” Isabelle said, cutting her off, not wanting to hear more. “It’s probably why he didn’t turn up last night.” Her anger poured the words from her mouth, even though she wasn't sure whether she should be confiding in Amber.
“He seemed pretty sure.”
“He looked like he was enjoying your company to me.” Isabelle knew her voice sounded sharp and that she wasn’t hiding her displeasure well.
“No, he was just being nice. He wasn’t interested, trust me.”
Isabelle shrugged. It still didn’t explain where he’d been last night. Anger threatened to choke her, at him, at herself, and even Amber who hadn’t done anything wrong. With great effort she pushed all her hurt and anger aside and changed the subject. Best get through the shoot as fast as possible and leave. The sooner she distanced herself from him the better.
Once Amber and a hair stylist she didn’t know had finished, she walked out onto the set to find Mitch checking his equipment and lighting. Her heart jumped at the sight of him. As he concentrated a little crease formed between his eyes and this intensified his gorgeous face. Images from their night together flashed through her mind and the emptiness in her chest deepened. Her humiliation burned.
His treachery hurt her more than she realized and it assaulted her now as she watched him. How would she get through today? Or any other shoots they may have together in the future?
This is ridiculous, she chastised herself. It was one night; it wasn’t like he made any sort of commitment to her. What had she actually expected? Yet she couldn’t deny the feelings he evoked in her and the connection between them. Had it all been in her mind?
This was why she never got involved with someone from work. With resolution, she closed her mind and stood waiting on the set, ready to work and get it over with.
To kill time waiting for her to emerge, Mitch rechecked his equipment and lighting. Why had she been so cold earlier? This caused him to frown. How could she be upset over one missed call and shoot? No benefit of the doubt for him it would seem. She already tried and convicted him. Didn’t their night together mean anything to her?
He understood why she would be skeptical, but thought he’d shown her she was different. Their night together meant more to him than any other before it, and he thought that would be enough to convince her and alleviate doubt. It seemed he was wrong.
Still frowning in confusion, he looked up to discover her waiting on set. It was time to straighten things out. There was no way a misunderstanding would keep them apart, especially now he was falling in love with her.
“Izzy,” he began. Her stony stare made his heart leap and stomach roll. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night, but something came up and…”
“I’m sure it did,” she repeated with eyebrows raised.
“It’s not what you think. I was with Charlotte at—”
“What? She’s your brother’s fiancée, how could you…”
“We were at the hospital. Her sister had her baby and there were complications. Jared had to go to work and asked me to stay with her until they knew Chelsea would be all right, which she is by the way. I got in late and didn’t want to disturb you. I thought about calling you on the way to the hospital, but I thought you might have been sleeping. I hoped you would understand. The weekend meant a lot to me and I have no intention of seeing anyone else…” Mitch knew he was rambling but didn’t care.
Her face began to soften, and hope surfaced.
“Oh, Mitch,” she said, a smile lighting her face. “I’m so sorry for assuming the worst. I feel terrible now. How awful that must have been for her family.”
A relieved grin lifted his lips, until he remembered her mistrust. “I understand why you would assume the worst and I probably deserve it. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt that you didn’t trust me.” Did I really just say that? His sudden vulnerability was an alien feeling.
“Oh, Mitch.”
With her face screwed up and her lips pursed, she grabbed his hand and led him to a private spot behind the set. Their mouths came together while her hands trailed up his back to become lost in his hair. Her hands and lips on him again caused his blood to boil and his groin to ache. He didn’t realize how much he craved to feel her again until this moment.
Her intoxicating lips left him wanting more. No care for where they were or who would see them, he drew her in closer, his hands exploring every inch of her body. He was crazed by her and would have taken her right there if she hadn’t pulled away and jolted him back. Her ocean eyes stared into his and he could see that she believed him and couldn’t stop the grin spreading across his face. Hers matched his, wide and delirious. Eyes full of desire reflected his.
“You’d better go and see the make-up artist,” he said with a chuckle.
Her laugh matched his. “Yes, I can imagine there’s lipstick all over your face too.”
They both went off to tidy up.
The shoot was the best they’d both worked on. Being around him brought out the best in her. Knowing the angles of her face and curves of her body so well helped Mitch capture Isabelle at her best and both thought the results would ensure they nailed the brief.
After they wrapped for the day, Isabelle rushed to change while Mitch packed up. When she hurried out, he was leaning against the doorway, waiting for her.
“What are you doing now?” he said quietly as he ran a hand through her hair.
“Going to your house.” Her eyes and smile confirmed her intentions.
The moment they walked in the door, Mitch captured her lips and kissed her deeply, hungrily. Shutting the door with his foot, he proceeded to guide her upstairs, removing their clothes as they went. They fell on the bed together, lips still feeding, hands a frenzy of movement as they explored each other. Isabelle delighted in the feel of his smooth hard body and became light-headed from the masculine aroma at the base of his neck.
Somehow, he managed to resist the urge to rush, to feel her again, and concentrated instead on giving her pleasure. Their legs entwined and her hands all over his body drove him wild with desire and he thought he would explode with it.
His fingers massaged her, and she moaned into his mouth. She mimicked his movements and stroked him until they groaned in unison. As she arched her back with pleasure, he rolled onto his back bringing her with him and guided himself inside her. Watching her make love to him was definitely the best place in the world to be.
Several hours later they still lay entangled, neither in a hurry to move.
“I’m sorry I doubted you,” she said, breaking the silence.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call.”
“What did they have, boy or girl?”
“A girl. Elle. They named her after Chelsea’s roommate who was murdered.”
“Oh, how awful. I mean nice, but… awful.”
“Do you remember hearing about the serial killer the ‘Rich Bitch Killer’?” He shook his head as he recalled the name dubbed by the media.
“How could I not? The worst serial killer this city has ever had.”
“Well, Chelsea was the survivor. It was how they met. Lucas is a detective. So, it had a happy ending, so to speak.”
Isabelle shook her head as she remembered the news coverage and the horror Chelsea and Lucas would have endured. “Wow, they’ve had some tough times.”
“Yeah, but they have the baby now, so it’s all good. Speaking about happy couples,” he said, trying to divert her
from the horrible subject. “Jared and Charlotte are having a small dinner party tomorrow night in celebration. Nathan and Carrie will be there with the kids and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and bring Jesse too.”
“We’d love to,” she beamed.
“Your mom can come too if she wants.”
“Thanks, but it’s games night at the club, so she’s covered.”
“I’ll pick you both up at seven then.”
“Don’t you drive a convertible with only two seats?”
“Yes, but I have another car.”
“You do?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, I do,” he said, poking her in the ribs to send her into a fit of giggles. “I think I might get rid of the convertible. It’s a bit too… pretentious.”
“Yeah, it is a bit,” she said with a snicker. “Definitely a playboy’s car.” This procured another poke in the ribs and more giggling.
“I suppose it is and not kid friendly either. Just as well I have my old car.”
“Why do you?”
“Sentimental reasons, I guess. It reminds me of how far I have come and how hard I worked to get here. Keeps me grounded.”
“I like that, Mitchell. It makes you seem a lot less shallow.”
“Ha, ha, very funny. Behave or I’ll tickle you again.”
Silent moments followed and Isabelle knew he was deep in thought as his brow had creased in the adorable way she noticed earlier that day. She waited for him to say what was on his mind.
“So that means you still think I’m somewhat shallow?”
She laughed and his brow furrowed deeper.
“No, not anymore.” She tilted her head up to kiss away his concern. “Oh, crap, is that the time? I should go.”
They got up and dressed in reluctance before he saw her to her car, where they lingered with teasing kisses. As soon as she pulled out of the driveway, he longed for the following evening to arrive. With a chuckle he realized he sounded like a lovesick fool.
This reminded him he should call his brother and notify him of the extra guests for dinner.
Charlotte’s husky voice answered the phone.
“Hey, Charlotte. How’s Chelsea?”
“She’s good. Hopefully she’ll only be in the hospital another three or four days.”
“I’m glad to hear all is well.” He paused. “We still on for dinner tomorrow night?”
“Absolutely. Are you bringing a date, Mitchell?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Your dinner date from the other night?”
“Yes. Isabelle.”
“Okay, so, plus one for the guest list.”
“Actually, it will be two extra.”
“Two?”
“She has a son.”
“Oh, how adorable. How old is he?”
“Almost five.”
“An instant family, eh? Let’s hope you really have changed then.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, there’s more than just her to hurt.”
“I’m aware of this, Charlotte.” There was an edge to his tone, but he didn’t care. Was it so hard for everyone to believe he could fall in love?
“I’m sorry, Mitch, I didn’t mean anything by it. Just wanted to be sure.”
“Who’s on the phone?” Jared asked in the background.
“Your lovesick brother,” Charlotte quipped.
“Happens to us all,” Jared replied with a chuckle.
“Okay, you two had enough?” Mitch asked, but laughed himself.
Charlotte came back on the line. “I can’t wait to meet them.”
Chapter Twelve
Family
After having spent a day of constant talk about the coming event, an impatient Jesse paced the lounge room, waiting for Mitch to arrive.
Not only would he be seeing Mitch again, but he would meet new kids to play with and that prospect excited Jesse. Isabelle on the other hand took an hour to decide what to wear. It was an informal dinner, but she would be meeting his family, and this made her a touch nervous. After all, this was only their third date.
After deciding on black dress pants, a deep green loose flowing top, and low heels, she decided it would have to do. She tied up her hair in a loose bun, applied a little gloss to her lips and color to her eyes. As she headed out to wait with Jesse, Carol hurried into the room and shut the door, giving Isabelle a somber look.
“What’s wrong? Are you worried about Jesse? Mitch?”
“No, I think it’s lovely you have someone to spend time with and I don’t want to ruin your dinner.”
“What is it?”
“I’m worried about this.” She pulled a folded letter out of her pocket and passed it to Isabelle. It looked familiar.
Once again there was no stamp, so it came by hand. Isabelle didn’t think she wanted to read its contents.
Dear Isabelle
I see you have been visited this past week and this displeases me. I endeavor to find out all about him as I really do not think he is suitable for you. I hope you will see the error of your ways and discover this for yourself in time.
A
Isabelle read the letter aloud to her mother with a concerned frown. She found her expression reflected in Carol’s face.
“I don’t like the sound of this, Isabelle.”
“He knows about Mitch and Jesse. Do you think this means he’s watching our apartment?”
“It’s possible. How else would he know? Unless it’s someone you know, of course.”
“What should I do?”
“Go to the police.”
“What can they do? There have been no threats made.”
“Yet.” Carol’s mouth thinned again, and Isabelle knew she wouldn’t let this go.
“Maybe he’ll give up and go away.”
Her mother’s dubious expression gave her answer. “You should at least tell Mitch.”
“Why? I don’t want to concern anyone. I think we should ignore it for now.”
Carol shrugged but didn’t look pleased. “If you get anymore, promise me you will do something about it.”
“I promise.”
Carol gave one nod of her head and Isabelle hoped the subject would be dropped for now. As she made this vow the doorbell rang. Isabelle shot Carol a warning look, but she wore an innocent expression.
“I’ll get it,” Jesse sang out as he raced to the door.
“Hey, Champ.” From her perched position on the couch, Isabelle heard Mitch address Jesse. “I have something for you and your mom.”
“You do?”
A smile touched her lips despite her concern. Clenching her shaking hands into fists and telling herself to forget her concerns, she went out to greet Mitch.
“Sure do,” she heard Mitch say. When she entered the hall, he pulled a framed photo from behind his back.
It was a picture of Isabelle and Jesse taken at the park. They were looking at each other and smiling, arms wrapped around each other. The contrast in their coloring and their delighted expressions caused Isabelle’s heart to swell. The picture was beautiful. His thoughtful gesture caused tears of happiness to well in her eyes. If she wasn’t in love with him before, he had just sealed the deal right then and there.
“Look, Mom,” Jesse said thrusting the photo into her hands. “It’s us.”
“Yes, it’s beautiful, honey,” Isabelle managed, wiping away a happy tear.
“Can I see?” Carol asked, and Isabelle passed it to her. “It’s lovely, Mitch. You have a good eye.”
“Thanks. I had good subjects.” He shrugged with a shy smile, his eyes not leaving Isabelle’s face.
“I’ll find somewhere to put this. You three go before you’re late.” Carol said, shooing them towards the door. Jesse took Mitch’s hand and began to ask his usual endless questions.
“Is it true your brother is a fireman?’
“Can I play with their dog?’
“Wh
ere do they live?”
“Jesse, one question at a time,” interrupted his mother.
“That’s okay, Izzy,” he said, turning to her before proceeding to answer all of Jesse’s questions.
On the drive over, it was Isabelle’s turn to do the quizzing.
“Have you finished your collection yet?”
“Yes. I plan to take it to galleries over the next few days.”
“So, am I allowed to look now it’s finished?”
“I planned to show you next time you were at my place.”
“I can’t wait.”
Nerves struck her as she thought they must be drawing closer to their destination. To combat them she continued with small talk.
“I like your car. I think this one suits you better than the other one.”
“Really? I’m old, a bit beat-up and mostly reliable?”
“No,” she said with a giggle. “Dependable and not so flashy.”
“Um, thanks, I think.” Their laughter eased her tension a little and excitement started to well up. Could this be the start of something solid and real in their lives? Had she finally found someone to fill the empty space in both her and Jesse’s lives?
When they pulled up, Jesse mimicked her thoughts out loud. “Wow, look at the house.”
Mitch opened the door for Isabelle and helped her from the car before doing the same for Jesse. They walked up the path either side of Mitch, their hands firmly clasped in each of his. The path wove through a lovely low maintenance garden with a rainbow of flowers greeting them. The house itself appeared quite large with a veranda she assumed ran around the entire house. Isabelle wondered what it would be like to live in such a lovely home. The ringing doorbell was answered by a tall strawberry blonde with a stunning, unique beauty.
“Hello,” she said brightly. “Come in.”
“Charlotte, this is Isabelle and Jesse.”
“I thought Mommy was tall,” Jesse said, his voice filled with awe.
The Player (Broken Wishes Series Book 3) Page 7