Seven Guilty Pleasures

by Jeannette Winters

  Since the occupant could make me squeal with pleasure in ways I never imagined. Although the sex was mind-blowing, it wasn’t the only thing she missed. Isa smiled every night at work, but her genuine deep-down smile came when she was with Drake. Everything seemed . . . easier, even though nothing had actually changed.

  “Why don’t you tell him how much you miss him?” Janet asked.

  Isa turned to her and asked, “Miss who?” She hadn’t mentioned anything to anyone about Drake being gone. It’d been only eight days. If she thought about it, she probably could pinpoint it down to hours and seconds as well. Every moment without him feels like forever. It was more than likely others would have noticed Drake’s absence as well, but Janet somehow knew things that always seemed to surprise her.

  “We both have our own lives to live.”

  Janet added, “And that means you can’t tell him? I don’t get you guys. It’s like the older you get the more confusing it is. Just say it. What’s the worst that can happen?”

  “Janet, you always make everything seem so stinking simple.”

  “That’s because it usually is,” Janet said as she picked up the drink tray and delivered it to her waiting customer.

  For over a week Isa had picked up extra shifts to occupy her time. But she was tired, her feet hurt, and her heart ached. Each day it became more difficult to hide it from Drake when he called. He asked her if everything was all right, and she refused to reply with anything except yes.

  Her calls from Ziva weren’t helping either. If she told Ziva, then Ziva would tell Alex who’d tell Drake. So here she was, in love with a man on the other side of the world, in the place of her birth, and she was working in the Pussy Cat Lounge. Life was ironic sometimes. They’d crossed paths when the odds weren’t in their favor, only to switch locations. No matter how much I miss him, I wouldn’t trade places right now. I can’t do it. I can’t go back there.

  “There’s a table waiting. Are you working or not?” Carlos asked.

  She turned and saw a large group of customers seated at one of her tables. “Sorry.” She pulled out her pad and headed over. She may have caught up on her rent and the landlord had cut her some slack, but she still needed this job. If she lost it because of something as stupid as daydreaming on the job, she’d have no one to blame but herself.

  It was only going to be another few days, maybe a week, and Drake would be back. Only then would she allow herself the liberty of mooning over him. But even then, it was only when she was off the clock. What surprised her was how much she felt for Drake.

  Please come home soon. I’m not as strong as you might think. This wasn’t the hard part. When she was home alone, it was so much worse. All she wanted to do was fall asleep with her head on his shoulder and wake with him cuddling her. Who am I kidding? I miss every freaking thing about him. About us.

  * * *

  He’d been waiting by her door for almost an hour. She should’ve been home, but as usual, Isa had decided to work overtime. Drake had been tempted to call, but he wanted her to be surprised he’d returned early. He’d taken every precaution and even had sworn Ziva to secrecy. He’d forgotten one important piece—telling Carlos to send her home after her normal shift was over.

  Drake was glad he hadn’t picked up dinner like he’d originally planned. If so, it would’ve been cold long ago. Should he call and have the limo pick him up again? Go to his penthouse and try this again tomorrow night? Hell no! She was all he could think of since he’d boarded the jet and left Tabiq, and he’d been surprised at how much he’d missed her. This reunion wasn’t how he’d envisioned it.

  Damn it. I should’ve listened to Ziva. She’d told him to let Isa know he was returning and planning a romantic dinner. But Drake didn’t want any advice where Isa was concerned. And look where it had gotten him.

  He heard footsteps getting closer. Drake wanted to peer over the railing to see if it was Isa, but instead he got up and leaned against her door. He didn’t want her to know how long he’d been waiting. Not only for her sake, but it was a bit embarrassing as well. I got it bad for her, but she doesn’t need to know how bad.

  When she came around the corner, she was as surprised as he’d hoped. “Drake!” Isa dropped her purse and leaped into his waiting arms. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”

  “I wanted to—”

  “Give me a heart attack?” Isa said as her arms wrapped around him so tightly it was as though she’d never let go.

  Not releasing her, he said, “Why don’t we go inside and discuss it?”

  “I’m sure we can find something more interesting to talk about,” Isa said as she snuggled closer to him.

  Keep it up and I’m not going to want to talk, but there so much he wanted to say. It wasn’t as though putting it off would change how he felt, but he wasn’t one to procrastinate. Tonight was the night.

  He was forced to let her go long enough to unlock the door so they could go inside. He noticed the boxes that had been packed and ready to move before he’d left for Tabiq were gone. That was a good sign. It meant his plan had worked. Hopefully everything else would as well.

  Isa asked, “Would you like something to drink or eat? I don’t have much, but I can make you a bologna and cheese sandwich and tea.”

  “Honey, I didn’t come here so you could feed me. I really want to talk.”

  She stopped opening the cupboards as though she’d been searching for something that would appeal to him. Turning she asked, “I’m all yours. What is it you want to discuss?”

  He’d thought about it so much, but now it seemed like a jumble of words. This wasn’t like him. He didn’t get nervous or rattled. And yet here he was, his palms sweaty and his heart racing. Maybe it’s because nothing has ever been this important.

  “Isa, honey, do you know how much I’ve missed you?”

  “Probably not as much as I’ve missed you,” Isa stated.

  I doubt that. “I couldn’t get you off my mind. Day and night, all I could do was think of this moment.”

  “This one? I have a few that were a bit more memorable than this. But I have to admit, having you back is wonderful,” Isa said as she stepped closer to him. “I didn’t know how hard it would be with you gone.” Neither had I. I had no clue what it meant to give my heart away, and no matter how much it hurt, it was still better than being alone.

  He reached up and touched her cheek. “Sorry, honey. It couldn’t be helped, but next time, maybe you’ll want to come with me.”

  Isa didn’t say no, but didn’t agree either. He hoped over time she might feel differently and one day return to Tabiq. Not for him, but for herself. It was going to be part of the healing that needed to take place. Drake knew she was scared and he’d be there every step of the way when she was ready. And if she never was, then he’d love and support that decision as well.

  “Where are they up to now?”

  “The construction will begin in about six weeks and hopefully the resort will be up and running within the next year or so. Dean Henderson is overseeing the day-to-day construction, and I’ll make all the final decisions.” Drake didn’t want to talk shop, but he was waiting for the right time to change the subject.

  “It sounds like you have everything under control. Everything you want.”

  That was the opening he’d been waiting for. “No. Not everything.”

  Isa asked, “What more could you want? You seem to have everything.”

  “That’s business. It’s what I do, but it’s not all I want.”

  “You dream big and it seems to pay off for you. What’s on your list now?” Isa asked.

  Drake said, “To make you as happy as you make me.”

  Isa smiled. “You already do.”

  “No. I don’t think so. See, I’m selfish and greedy. I want it all and want to give it all to you. And if you’ll have me, I’d like to spend the rest of our lives showing you. Even though I hated being away from you physically over the
last few weeks, it was a good thing. I discovered so much about you in every conversation, and it only made me love you more. The things you loved when you were little, the way you treasured your sister and parents, the way you cared for the Bowens when their health failed, and even now, the way you’ve cared for me while I was away. You are a woman like no other, Isa. I cannot begin to properly describe how much I love you, but I can ask you to accept me as yours forever. What do you say? Can you picture yourself married to this stubborn, thickheaded SOB?” He could tell she wasn’t expecting him to say that. But she also didn’t seem to believe him. “You’re not joking, are you?” Isa asked.

  He shook his head. “I wouldn’t joke about something as important as this.”

  “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

  Drake nodded. “Isa, I’m asking you to be my wife.”

  He’d pictured her hugging and kissing him, but instead Isa pulled away and crossed her arms. “Drake, I love you, but . . . but I’m not sure—no—I know I’m not the right woman for you. You’re a—”

  “Man. One who loves you very much.”

  “But I’m not the ri—”

  “You’re the right woman for me.” He wasn’t going to allow her to doubt who she was. He knew her worth and hell if anyone wasn’t good enough, it was him for her. “Hell, Isa, you’re the only woman for me. I’m a better man because you’re in my life.” It wasn’t just words, he meant them. The project with the Hendersons had gone from a business venture to something he was passionate about. Helping Tabiq was his way of helping Isa. “I’ve never told another woman I love her, or even thought about a serious relationship. But with you, I could never have something casual or meaningless.”

  “I don’t want that either,” Isa said softly.

  “I don’t want to think about you not in my life. I love you, Isa.”

  “I love you too, Drake, and I want, no need, you in mine too.”

  Drake reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. It was plain white and not from any jewelry store. “I asked for your hand by the only surviving family member I know about, your sister. Ziva gave me her blessing and also this.”

  Isa looked stunned for a second, and then she took the box from Drake and opened it. He watched her eyes tear up and then she turned back to him. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “It was your mother’s engagement ring. I think it only fitting that it be yours as well.” Isa sat there staring at it. Had he misjudged that one? “Unless you’d like something different.”

  “No! It’s . . . perfect.”

  Drake took the ring from her and dropped down onto one knee. Holding her hand in his, he asked one more time, “Isa, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?”

  “Yes,” she exclaimed as he slid the ring onto her finger and pulled her into his arms.

  He’d never been so happy in his life. Isa, the only woman he ever loved, said yes. There was one more thing he needed to ask.

  “I’d marry you tomorrow if you wanted, but I want to do this right. I want your sister here.”

  She stepped back but didn’t let go. “I’d like that very much.”

  Drake smiled. “But I have to be honest, this sofa bed isn’t working for me, at least not long-term. And I can’t imagine not having you in my arms every night. I know you have been avoiding my penthouse, but I’d love it if you’d agree to move in with me. We can get a different apartment if you want.”

  Isa chuckled. “I agree, this place is too small for two people. Actually, too small for one. So yes, I’ll move in with you under one condition.”

  He didn’t care what her request was. He’d do anything to have her with him. Nothing sounded sweeter than waking each morning with her in his arms. “What it that?”

  “We see just how sturdy this sofa bed really is before we leave.” Isa gave him a playful wink.

  He didn’t need much encouragement. He reached up and pulled them both onto the bed. As he rolled over and pulled her to lie on top of him, he knew this was exactly where he belonged. It wasn’t a house or an apartment that made a home. It was being with Isa, and having her in his arms.

  “I love you, Isa.”

  “I love you too, Drake.”

  A lifetime with you won’t ever be enough.

  Epilogue

  Isa sat at the desk reviewing a few last-minute applications. They were fully staffed, but Ziva insisted she find jobs for these young women.

  “We’re at full capacity already. We can add them to the list to call if anyone quits or doesn’t work out.”

  “Isa, I gave my word to them years ago that I’d always watch out for them. I know they aren’t family, but I harbored these five women in the woods and protected them when they were young girls. There must be something,” Ziva pleaded.

  “Okay, I’ll tell my husband we have five more employees than he thought.” Isa wasn’t worried about what Drake would say. He’d given her full rein as recruiter to do as she saw fit. His explanation had been simple: the people of Tabiq would trust her more than a stranger. From the influx of applicants, Drake had been correct. As usual. The stubborn man was brilliant in many . . . many ways.

  “Thank you, Isa. Now put that stuff away and get ready. The grand opening starts in an hour.”

  “I have plenty of time,” Isa replied. She couldn’t believe it. The day was finally here, and she was too tired to think about moving.

  “Come on. You’ll feel much better when you get up and walk a bit.”

  Isa laughed. “Waddle is more like it.” But her sister was correct. She’d sat too long and her ankles were going to be balloons. Pushing her chair away from the desk she got up, her hand supporting her back. “How much bigger can I get?”

  “You still have another three weeks until your due date, so don’t ask that question. Besides, you look wonderful.”

  Ziva might be trying to cheer her up, but the fact was, she was burnt out. If it hadn’t been for all the people who’d come to help with the grand opening, she probably would’ve given up. “I should check on Myla and see if she needs my help—”

  “Trust me, Myla can handle the children. You should be beside your husband. He might not tell you, but he couldn’t have done this without you. All this, New Hope Resort, happened because you both worked your tails off.”

  Isa walked to her sister and said, “No, Ziva, we all did this. You, Alex, and his family did this. Neither of you gave up on Tabiq when the rest of us had. We might have built a resort, but you and Alex ensured it went from a dream to a possibility. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you. Just like I am.”

  Ziva’s eyes glistened as she said, “Don’t you dare get me crying. The last thing I need is Alex seeing me with puffy eyes. I’ve been an emotional wreck and seem to cry over every little thing.”

  “And you were vomiting earlier too. I have a funny feeling this isn’t just stress. Could you be—”

  “Pregnant. No, definitely not.” Ziva stared off for a second then said, “I’ve been so busy I never thought about it. I just figured I was overworked, but . . . oh boy. Doing the math, I think you could be right.”

  Isa would pull Ziva into her arms, but with the size of her belly right now, getting close to anyone was nearly impossible. “Oh that’s wonderful. I can’t wait to tell—”

  “Please don’t say anything until I confirm it. I don’t want Alex getting his hopes up. He’s been telling me we should have a second child so they could grow up together. It’s just the timing is—”

  “Hmm. You once told me that timing is what you make it,” Isa reminded Ziva.

  Ziva laughed. “I only said that so you wouldn’t overthink your relationship with Drake.” Puffing up her chest she said proudly, “And look how that turned out.”

  Isa placed a hand over her well-rounded stomach and replied, “Bigger than a house.”

  “You ladies look like you’re up to no good. Not talking about me, are you?” Drake asked as he walk
ed over and placed a kiss on Isa’s cheek.

  “I was just telling Isa how beautiful she looks. Don’t you agree?” Ziva asked.

  Drake placed a hand on Isa’s stomach and said, “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  Isa shrugged. “Great, now you both need glasses. If everyone is done commenting on my appearance, I think I might go and put my feet up for a while before the ribbon-cutting ceremony begins.”

  “I’ll go with you. You might even be able to talk me into a back rub,” Drake stated.

  Isa teased. “One for you or one for me?”

  Drake gave her a playful tap on her bottom as they headed out of the office. She was thankful they had a penthouse suite only an elevator ride away. Any farther right now would seem a waste of time and effort. When they arrived inside she headed right for the couch. It wasn’t as though she could just plop down. Everything was about maneuvering properly. Drake sat beside her and helped her turn so her legs and feet rested on his lap. It was a slice of heaven when he took off her sandals and started massaging her feet and calves.

  “Honey, we don’t have to go today if you’re not up to it. We can stay here and relax.”

  Drake meant it, but that wasn’t practical. People expected them to attend. But she was looking forward to bailing early. When Drake asked her to help him get New Hope Resort running, she’d been so resistant. Drake had been loving and supportive. Now it was her turn to do the same.

  It wasn’t something she thought she’d ever do, not after everything she’d been through, but the past no longer controlled her life.

  “Drake, you asked me what I wanted for an anniversary gift.”

  “This sounds promising. I hoped you weren’t going to leave it to me to surprise you. We both know romance isn’t my forte.”