Seven Guilty Pleasures

by Jeannette Winters

  As she looked in the mirror, her mind drifted back to Alex’s wife. She had also worn her long dark curls down, but it looked soft and so well-kept. Back in Tabiq, they would use natural oils from the argan plant. It was the only thing that produced such a shimmer. They made similar products here, but they were out of her price range. So is whatever face cream she uses.

  But that is the kind of stuff you could do when you had money. Alex could afford the best, but Isa couldn’t even afford a vehicle. When she went on job interviews, she took the time to make sure every strand of hair was in place. Right now she looked like a hot mess. If I’d looked like this when I applied at High View Falls, I’d still be unemployed.

  She wasn’t about to put her hair up in a tight bun again and her business suit would be way overdressed to have coffee and scones. Even with the owner. So casual jeans and a T-shirt was the way he was going to have to take her since there wasn’t much else that would fit the occasion.

  The time had slipped by faster than she’d anticipated. Isa didn’t want Drake climbing up all four flights of stairs. No elevator was okay with her, but she didn’t want a guest doing it. Grabbing her purse, she shoved her cell phone inside and rushed out the door. Drake didn’t seem like a man who would be running late, which meant she best get her butt down those stairs quickly.

  Her purse was in the hand that should’ve been holding on to the railing. Instead, it banged against the railing and went over the edge. She leaned and tried to snatch it up, but it was too late. Shouting out, Isa said, “Heads up!”

  The purse seemed to bounce back and forth from one side to the other. Each time more of the contents fell out, her cell phone the first to go. Darn it. She knew from the echo that it had made contact with the cement floor on the ground level.

  Making her way down the stairs, Isa collected the items that had made their great escape. There were a few items which were nowhere on the stairwell. Of course, they had to be the two most important items in her purse: her wallet and phone.

  When she finally arrived on the ground floor, she found Drake standing there holding them both. “You could have just said no.”

  His tone was light and playful. Isa responded likewise, “What fun would that have been?”

  “Probably not as fun as aiming that at my head.” He held up her cell phone, and she could see the screen had shattered and the case dented as well. “Of course no woman has ever thrown her wallet at me. I like your originality.” Drake handed them both to Isa.

  She slipped them both inside her purse. “I don’t want to be boring.”

  He held the door open for her, and as she stepped out, he said, “That is not something I would ever accuse you of being.”

  Isa was tempted to ask how he would describe her, but she knew it was a subject best dropped. She wanted to stay away from any personal topics. Of course, that didn’t leave much to talk about, because she did not discuss politics, religion, or anything pertaining to current events. It usually led to a debate and she usually lost. Guess that leaves the weather.

  The rain had finally stopped, which was good because she did not see any vehicles she did not recognize on the street. “How did you get here?”

  He lifted his hand and waved. That is when Isa saw the black limo. It pulled up in front of her house, and Drake opened the door so she could get in. She stopped and looked up at him.

  “Is there a problem?” Drake asked.

  Several. “Are you sure about this? I mean we can do this another time.” She thought any other time would be better than now. Although Drake was in a pair of slacks, he also wore a crisp white button-down shirt. He didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. Drake didn’t need to. She was doing that all to herself.

  Drake reached out and touched her arm gently. “Isa, tell me what is wrong.”

  She looked at him, then the limo, and finally back up to the fourth floor where her one-room apartment was. “This doesn’t feel . . . right.”

  “In what way?”

  She was looking forward to going. The light banter between them was fun. Isa could see really enjoying herself today. None of that is normal. Not for me. “I’m not used to—”

  “This?” Drake pointed at the limo. Isa nodded. “The limo is only a mode of transportation. I can call a taxi if you’d prefer.”

  Drake didn’t understand it was a status symbol as well. It highlighted their differences. He’s probably never gone to bed hungry. Or worn someone else’s clothes because he couldn’t afford to buy a new wardrobe. No. A taxi wasn’t going to fix anything that was wrong.

  It was too late to change her mind. Backing out now would be a silly thing to do. She had no idea why he kept asking to spend time with her, yet he was here, and he was being nice . . . so she needed to be gracious.

  “I was actually thinking about walking if that is okay with you.” That put them on even ground. “There’s a diner just a few blocks from here. The food’s pretty good, but I don’t think they carry scones.”

  Drake walked over to the driver’s window. She couldn’t hear what he said, but the limo pulled away from the curb. When Drake returned, he reached out for her hand. “Lead the way.”

  Reluctantly she slipped her hand in his. It felt . . . nice, safe. At first, they walked at a leisurely pace. A few droplets of rain began to fall. They moved quicker, but Drake’s strides were much longer than hers. She regretted not taking the limo. Thankfully the diner was only a few buildings away. “Maybe if we make a mad dash, we can get there before the downpour.”

  Drake squeezed her hand and nodded. He could have outrun her, but instead, he stayed by her side. Finally, they arrived with seconds to spare. With a loud boom of thunder, the dark clouds above opened up.

  “I can’t believe we made it.”

  “A little rain never hurt anyone,” Drake said as he shook the few raindrops from his hair.

  “You might have to prove that theory on the way back,” Isa said teasingly.

  Drake’s blue eyes darkened as he said, “You might regret wearing a white T-shirt if that’s the case.”

  Isa blushed. It wasn’t what he said, it was his tone. He held the playfulness of earlier, but a hint of something else. Was it a sexual reference? Could he actually find her attractive? It made no sense. The man was beyond rich. He could have any woman he wanted. There was absolutely no way he thought of her in that way. He was here only upholding his word and taking her for coffee.

  Changing the subject, Isa pointed to a vacant table. “How about that one?”

  Drake didn’t even look around. “That’s fine.”

  When she first moved to the neighborhood, she was able to eat out. At least at a place like this. They gave large portions for reasonable prices. The only thing lacking was ambiance. It looked as though the décor hadn’t changed since the 1950s.

  Once they were seated, the waitress came over and wiped down their table. “Can I get you two coffee?”

  “I would like hot tea with honey,” Isa said.

  “Coffee. Black.” The waitress went off to get their drinks.

  “The menu is on the wall. Not much to choose from, but it’s all good.”

  He didn’t bother reading it. Instead, he said, “I’ll have what you have.”

  Isa chuckled. “Would you like to change your coffee to tea? Because that’s what I’m having.”

  Drake shook his head. “I’m not the tea type. I meant whatever you’re eating that is what I will have as well.”

  “I’m having tea.”

  He arched a brow and looked her over. “That explains why you’re so skinny.”

  She didn’t care for the way he said the word skinny. It wasn’t as though she was all skin and bone. That was far from the case. She was lucky she could squeeze into the costume for the Pussy Cat Lounge. Another ten pounds and she wouldn’t. If she was worried for a moment he found her physically attractive, she stood corrected.

  When the waitress returned Drake said, “We will have two
of the Grand Betty’s.”

  “And how would you like your eggs?”

  Drake replied to the waitress, “I’ll take mine sunny side up with wheat toast.”

  “And for you, young lady?”

  “Tea,” Isa said firmly. She didn’t want Drake or anyone making decisions for her.

  “That I have. But the Grand Betty comes with two eggs, two sausage patties, two strips of bacon, two pieces of toast, hash browns, and a buttermilk pancake.”

  Isa turned back to Drake. “Do you really think I can eat all that?”

  He shrugged. “If not, I’ll help you. I’m starving.”

  She gave up. There really wasn’t any arguing with him. Drake seemed to have an answer for everything. She turned back to the waitress and said, “I guess I’ll have the same as him but can I please have hard boiled eggs.”

  Drake smiled. “Excellent choice. So you know I like strawberry jam on my toast.”

  Isa laughed. “Sorry, I’m an orange marmalade type of girl.”

  “I bet you finish the entire breakfast just to spite me.”

  Isa gave him a playful wink. “I guess we will see.” She picked up her tea and sat quietly sipping the hot contents. Without breakfast to talk about, she was lost as to where to start. She decided to talk about work. It was after all one thing they had in common.

  “I’m really enjoying the job.”

  “I’m glad.”

  She waited for him to say something else, maybe ask a question, but he didn’t. “The people there are nice.”

  “That’s good.”

  What was wrong with him? She was trying to make conversation, and he was not cooperating.

  “Carlos hired a monkey and a clown. They’re going to be dancing on the tables. What do you think?” Let’s see if he can answer that with only two words.

  She could tell Drake was trying to hide his smirk. “I think you may be sampling alcohol on the job.”

  She knew he was only teasing. “Was the monkey too much?”

  Drake shook his head. “I’m not fond of clowns.”

  Isa almost choked on her tea. She couldn’t picture Drake being afraid of anything. “You’re afraid of clowns?

  “I believe I said I wasn’t fond of them. There is a difference.”

  Now she folded her hands in front of her, and batting her eyelashes she said, “Please do tell.” It was obvious Drake did not want to share the story. That made her want to hear it even more.

  “You’re not going to give up on this are you?” Isa smiled and shook her head. Drake grunted. “When I was a teenager my parents took me to the circus. Our seats were ringside. The clowns were doing their act directly in front of us. I was too busy talking to my friends who were sitting behind me. So I stood up, and my back was now to the clowns. I didn’t know they were videotaping and sharing on the large screen above the arena. The clown had a big rubber fish, and he was dancing behind me pretending he was going to slap me with it. The crowd was laughing, and I ignored it all. Until the fish made contact with my ass that is. I have no idea what possessed that clown to smack me in the ass with a rubber fish, but my instinct was to turn around and land a right hook directly on his red nose. My friends thought it was hilarious. My mother cried. My father lectured me the entire way home. They didn’t take me to the circus or any other live entertainment from that point on.”

  Isa wasn’t sure if Drake was pulling her leg. The story was so outrageous it sounded unbelievable.

  Drake was a fabulous storyteller, but when he was a teenage boy, you didn’t want to mess with him.

  “Okay. No clowns.”

  “Are you done talking about work now? Because I didn’t invite you to breakfast to hear about your job. Unless of course, somebody is harassing you, at which point I’m more than happy to help you put an end to it.”

  Isa snickered. “Nope. You’re the only one who gave me a difficult time. My first day too. I wasn’t sure Carlos was going to have me back for a second one.”

  “If he had fired you, he would be on the unemployment line right behind you.”

  She could tell from his tone he wasn’t joking. She didn’t want Carlos or anyone else to lose their job because of her incompetence. Thank you, Janet, for saving my butt and teaching me the ropes.

  “But you don’t have to worry about that. You’re the only person I poured a drink on.” She giggled and added, “I mean spilled a drink on.”

  Drake nodded. “I think the first one was correct. But if I recall, I was a complete ass. I deserved it. Hopefully, you find me more charming now.”

  She wasn’t sure how to answer. Drake was charming and very attractive. Isa couldn’t utter those words to the man she worked for. It would be totally unprofessional. Of course, asking her probably was as well.

  “I’m enjoying myself.”

  “You sound surprised. Did you think I was a jerk all the time?”

  He put her on the spot, and he knew it. But she wasn’t afraid to answer it. “I didn’t know what to expect. I have recently learned you are the owner of High View Falls. People don’t normally become so successful by being . . . nice. I’m not saying you’re one of those people, but my experience has not been . . . good with them.”

  She felt horrible putting him in the same category of the slime that had come to Tabiq. Drake flirted with her, but at no point did she feel threatened. Not for her job and not physically. Isa had no idea why she mentioned anything. She should’ve just answered with a simple no. But she could see Drake’s eye twitch and his body tense. It was too late. The questions were going to come, and it was unavoidable.

  “I agree that money can change a person. But I have found money, like excessive alcohol, only amplifies the person’s character. If a person was an asshole when they were poor, don’t expect anything less when they are rich.”

  The words were out before she could stop them. “What were you?”

  “Why don’t you get to know me better, then you can decide for yourself.”

  That was a fair statement. It was how Isa wanted others to judge her as well. But Isa had no plans on getting to know Drake or anyone else that well. He probably wouldn’t like who he found anyway, not someone of his stature. And because I cannot share that much of myself in return.

  * * *

  Drake had to admit he was surprised when Isa called. But how she was able to turn the questioning around on him blew his mind. If she were a businesswoman, she would rise to the top very quickly. She probably had no idea how good she was. That didn’t mean he appreciated the line of questioning.

  He was, however, capable of turning it back around. He knew there were certain topics he needed to avoid. Otherwise, she might withdraw. Drake did not want this to be their last outing. In order to ensure a second, he needed to be on his best behavior.

  The waitress had delivered their breakfast, and Isa had been correct. The food was good. When he tried to reach and steal one of her sausages, he was met with a light tap.

  “I thought you only wanted tea,” Drake said teasingly.

  He loved the way she wrinkled her nose just before she grinned. She was enchanting. She’s like a breath of fresh air, something I didn’t know I needed.

  “I’m only thinking of your cholesterol.”

  Drake quickly moved his hand and snatched one of the sausages before she could stop him. He popped the entire thing in his mouth. With her hands covering her plate Isa burst out laughing.

  “You better watch out. I have my eye on that bacon too.”

  “I will not underestimate you twice.”

  Nor I, you. Drake had been out with many women, but none had made him laugh the way Isa did. She not only could take a little bit of ribbing, but she could give it back just as well. He knew he was attracted to her. Who wouldn’t be? Her body had curves in all the right places. Her beautiful lips were made for kissing. Her long dark hair with silky curls was meant to spread out across his sheets.

  But that’s not why he was ther
e. He had sworn to himself to watch out for her until the Hendersons decided to tell her the truth. He had made a promise to Gabe not to say a word. But no matter how happy she appeared to be, he could still see the pain she was trying to hide. It was killing him to know he held the key to change that. Alex. Better make that fucking decision quick. Isa deserves to know she’s not alone. She has family here.

  Drake also knew Ziva was going to need to deliver the difficult news as well. Although Ziva had survived that hellhole of her country, their parents hadn’t. Isa was going to go through a period of mourning and grief. He hoped he could build a strong enough bond to help her through it.

  They finished their breakfast and left the diner. When they got outside, it was still pouring rain. Drake asked, “Are you sure we can’t take the limo back?”

  The time they spent in the diner obviously had broken a few of her barriers. She nodded in agreement, and Drake pulled out his cell phone and called the driver to their location. He wasn’t ready to end their time together. Dean Henderson wasn’t going to arrive until later tonight. There had to be something he and Isa could do in the meantime. There were several things that came to mind, but if he spoke them out loud, she would probably slap him across the face. It would be well deserved.

  “Are you in a rush to get back to your apartment?” Drake asked as he opened the limo door and they climbed inside.

  “A basket of laundry is waiting for me. That’s about it.”

  “What do you say about spending the day with me?” Drake still had no idea what to do. He was a workaholic. If he was going out for an event or with other people, work was the underlying reason behind it. It was always business.