Isabella - Book One

by Thompson, Jamie Brook

  “Mia, I had no idea you were so talented,” I praise her and search for a pair of shoes on the shelves next to the clothes rack. “Heels or Converse?”

  “Converse,” Nikki says still engrossed in her book. “Heels will make you look like a slut with that lipstick and Mia’s soon to be masterpiece.”

  I set down the heels and pull on a pair of black Converse.

  “Hold up your arms.” Mia stretches out the collar of the shirt as though she can’t stand the idea of ruining my hair, and slips the shirt over my chest. “Hold still. It needs a few more snips in the front just enough to showcase your cleavage with that tight, little waist.”

  “Mia,” I gasp, covering my chest.

  “What?” She pulls my hand away and runs the cold steel blades next to my skin.

  “It looks smokin’.” Nikki peeks over her book. “Trust Mia. She’s the best.”

  I face the mirror and stare at the front angle before turning to my side, marveling in the silhouette of the hourglass shape accenting all the right places that her sewing skills have made.

  Mia beams with pride that she’s made me look like a star.

  Even Nikki smiles as she sits on the couch.

  “It’s perfect.” Mia picks up a bottle of perfume and spritzes my neck.

  My phone starts to buzz.

  “Looks like Prince Charming just arrived.” Nikki sticks her head back in her book.

  “Shoot. I’m not ready. Go open the door.” I point to the front so Mia will do something other than stand there and stare at me.

  She turns and runs up to let Reef inside the building. Nikki jumps off the couch and is dead on her heels before I can tell her to do anything. My heart races. I can’t get it to settle down. I try to catch my breath as I wander out to them.

  “Hey, there,” I say and he turns around from chatting with the girls. Could he be more handsome? The man bun, those jeans, and that tight shirt that has every woman on the planet begging to stare at this chest.

  “Whoa.” His eyes drift to my tummy, and then back to my chest. “You look stunning. Where did you get the jersey?”

  “Mia designs them.” I point to her as she smiles like a professional.

  “It’s hot.” He nods his approval. “I need to pay you to make a few more for her.”

  “Thank you,” Mia says, lowering her gaze. I’m positive she’s not sure what to say after the conversation we just had in the back room. She’s probably afraid her eyes will give every part of the secret away.

  “Well, you two don’t have too much fun.” Nikki presses out the door. “We won’t wait up.” She slaps my butt.

  I’m probably fifty shades of red right now.

  “I actually got us a few hotel rooms. So we don’t have to rush home after the game. Is that okay?” Reef asks once we’re alone. He opens my door and I can’t stop thinking about the word hotel room. “I just wanted to relax afterwards and not get you carsick with all the driving.”

  I’m sure that’s what’s on your mind. “Sounds good to me,” I say, fighting the pile of nerves my stomach is turning into as I watch him walk around the front of the vehicle. His perfect blue eyes are as cool as melting ice. I’m trying to act like I’m fine not hearing from him, but I can’t stand that he hasn’t given me a bit of attention. Not even a text to tell me he’s alive. I wish so badly that I would’ve told him that day how I felt, but my guarded nature got the best of me. I can’t help that I don’t trust men after this many years of being around losers. I mean, how do I tell him he’s the only guy I’ve ever really had faith in?

  “Damn, you look amazing.” He climbs in next to me and runs his fingers over my stomach before kissing my neck. “What are you wearing? I like that?”

  “It’s something Mia put on me.” I stare at the ivory console he’s resting his arm against and wonder how it can feel this natural being next to him, when we haven’t seen each other for the last few days. But I can’t deny that it does.

  “You need to ask her what the name of that perfume is. I really like the smell.” He sits up and backs out of the parking lot.

  “I will,” I say, trying not to get nauseated from his quick movement. I close my eyes and silently thank Nikki for that protein bar she had in her purse. Hopefully, I won’t get sick as we drive on the freeway. I take a few deep breaths, and then check out the speedometer. It’s as though he’s taking this ride as gently as possible. I hate that I have a body that acts like this. I can’t imagine telling him I need to drive because I’m carsick. It’s just a dang good thing he didn’t have Hector pick us up in the limo.

  His finger tickles the skin on my stomach. “I’ve missed you.”

  A tingling sensation plays behind his movement.

  I’m grateful for the distraction.

  He waits for a response and reaches over to turn off the radio.

  I nod because I don’t know what to say.

  “Isabella I’ve purposely ignored you the past few days because I need to hear you missed me.” His brows narrow. “Quit making this harder than it needs to be.”

  My heart flutters. “I missed you, too.” I sound like I’m teasing, but deep down I’m being serious.

  “Even though you’re kidding, I’m going to take that. And I’m going to need a few texts when we’re apart. You good with that? I don’t think I can go through this again. I need to be able to talk to you a few times a day.” He rolls his finger over my navel. “Damn, I’ve missed that.” He glances down at my stomach.

  I squirm around because it’s feeling too good.

  “You not into that?” he asks, pulling his hand away.

  “No, it’s fine.” I place his fingers back where they were.

  He smiles.

  “Why don’t you tell me what you’ve been up to while you’ve been ignoring me.” I joke.

  “Oh, I just went down to El Centro to check out a few properties I’m interested in.”

  I tilt my head. “Did you know that’s where my father lives?”

  “Is that so?” He smiles.

  “Yes, he grows flowers and vegetable starts for the garden center I used to work at.” I squint my eyes, trying to remember if we’ve already had this conversation. “Haven’t I told you this?”

  “Bits and pieces. Not the part where you used to work at the garden center. I’m glad you got that all taken care of. I’m going to need you around a lot more.” He plays with my tummy, and keeps his other hand on the steering wheel as we pass several cars on the freeway. “Do you think you could handle that? I’m thinking I’d like you to move into my place.”

  “I—”

  “Just think about it.” He winks. “No pressure.”

  “It’s…” I begin, but let it drop.

  “It’s what?” He asks, palming my stomach, pressing his fingers into my skin, teasing me like no man has ever done.

  “Well, call me old fashioned, but I can’t live with a guy I’m not married to. I know I’m a grown woman, but my father would flip.”

  “I understand.” He strokes my navel a few times. “But we could do something about that.”

  “Like?” I’m curious if we’re thinking along the same lines.

  “I’m single. You’re single. I’ve got a house. It doesn’t have a white picket fence, but I have a killer alarm system.” He mocks and I turn my head. “Look at me,” he begs, but I won’t have it. I’m too embarrassed. “I wish you would look at me when I have something this important to say.”

  Can he make me anymore uncomfortable? I can’t stand that I’m so shy all of the sudden.

  “Isabella, I think we should get married.”

  Oh, boy. My stomach drops to the floor.

  “Ha. Because we totally know each other,” I say, playing it cool. Is he being serious right now? I won’t even argue if he is. I want that too.

  He takes his eyes off the road and stares at my stomach. His finger slips into the waistline of my jeans. “Would you let me put babies in there?”
>
  My body pulses.

  What is he talking about?

  I can’t even imagine how huge my eyes must be.

  He lifts his gaze to meet mine.

  I turn my head so he won’t see the shock on my face and notice a car veering towards us. “Watch the road.”

  He swerves, and steadies the vehicle traveling at freeway speed.

  I don’t say anything because how do you answer a question about putting babies inside me? Even if I want his babies in there.

  He puts his hand back on my stomach and strokes his fingers back and forth. “Would you ever allow a guy like me to get you pregnant?”

  “Reef, I think most women would consider having children with you.” I’m on fire this conversation is so hot. What man talks like this?

  He rolls his fingers around my navel again. “That doesn’t answer my question. I only want to know if you would let me get you pregnant.” His hips shift around in the seat and I’m beginning to think he’s enjoying this as much as me.

  “What am I supposed to say to that?” A nervous laugh escapes my lips.

  “Just tell me the truth.” His blue eyes are haunting. It’s as though they’re trying to pierce through my soul and find the answer. “Will you ever let me put a baby inside of you?”

  “Are you asking me to have sex?” I can’t decide if he’s being serious, or if he’s just trying to pull one over on me by making the idea of sex feel so sensual. Either way, I’m game tonight. “Reef, I’ve never had a guy ask me something like this before.”

  “I certainly hope other men haven’t asked you that.” He startles, and then shakes his head. “Just answer me. It’s an easy enough question.”

  “It’s honestly not that easy when you’re all hot and bothered.” I grab his arm. “I’m sorry, but this is the biggest pick up line I’ve ever heard. A guy like you shouldn’t ask women questions like that.” I chuckle at the idea of how many females I know who would trap him in a second. “You could get yourself into some real trouble.”

  “Would you let me put at least six babies in there?” He rolls his fingers around my stomach again.

  Yikes. I thought we were past this. I turn and give him an empty expression.

  “Isabella, I’m not going to quit asking until you answer me.”

  I keep staring at him. “Are you being for real?”

  A soft gentle side exposes itself as he winks. “I really want to know if you would ever consider letting me get you pregnant.”

  “Maybe,” the word slips. “But not if we’re not married. I won’t raise a child alone. I don’t want to be a single mom like Mia. I want the fairy tale.”

  “That’s fine.” He smiles and looks out the front window acting like I’ve satisfied his question.

  “Wow,” I sigh, and stretch my legs out. “Don’t you think you should tell me about your family so I can at least know more about the man I’m pretending to have babies with.” I take a deep breath and try to shake off the arousing tension inside the cab of the vehicle.

  “Well, like I said, I have a brother. We’ve been in competition since we were kids,” Reef says as though we’ve just had the most normal conversation he’s had on a date in years, but I can’t stop thinking about having babies.

  “I have one sister. Trust me, I know what competition feels like with a sibling,” I tell him like my mind is really on my sister.

  “I think we have a lot in common if you’ll just allow me to get inside of there.” He pokes his finger over my heart and I think I could flip it feels so good.

  Holy hell. Is he trying to make me strip naked in this car? Because it’s starting to feel that good, and all my reservations are gone after he said six babies. “You are full of it tonight,” I gasp, straightening my back once he pulls his hand away from chest. My heart pulses out of control at the tingling sensation playing around in my stomach. “Do you do this to all the women you take out?” I ask.

  “Nope,” he replies, and curls those pale-pink lips into a devilish grin. “I’m just fond of you. Is it making you uncomfortable?”

  “Not now that I know you don’t go around teasing other women like this.” I try and catch my breath.

  “Isabella, I don’t want other women. I want you. I don’t even date other women. I’ve slept with a few, but it was only for simple pleasure. I’m a difficult person. I like things a certain way. And I haven’t found that certain way with women until—you.”

  My heart stops. Is he serious?

  “My counselor says it stems from my childhood. My parents always bought us stuff, but didn’t have much time for us with all their business trips. I grew up wanting things instead of real love.”

  “I’m so sorry.” My face saddens at the painful sound of that.

  “All I ever dreamed of as a kid was having a family meal with meat and potatoes and a cold glass of milk at supper.” His laughter is real and unguarded. “But that just wasn’t our family. The only thing my parents were good at was loving each other. Nothing ever got in the way of their affection for each other.”

  “That’s beautiful,” I say, wondering how in the world I’ve never seen this vulnerable side of him until now, as we’re sitting in his vehicle almost to the Staples Center to watch the Lakers in a playoff game. “I’m guessing you want a successful wife considering how amazing your mother must be.” The words escape my mouth before I can tell my brain to stop.

  “I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve been so busy building my own career I haven’t had time to consider the prospects of what I want in a wife. But the other day at the pool, I knew you were the only woman I could ever have on my radar. It’s pretty bad when I don’t even answer my phone when we’re together. You can’t imagine how much this is hurting my business.” He doesn’t move his finger from my waistband. “I thought I was making this clear.”

  “But I don’t want to be a working mother,” I say with no regret. “I’ve always wanted to stay at home with my children.”

  “You want to stay home with five kids?” He wrinkles his forehead, which loosens the hair connected to his man bun.

  “Yes,” I reply.

  “And it wouldn’t drive you crazy?” He smiles. Probably because I’ve answered him honestly.

  I shake my head. “That would never drive me crazy.”

  “I guess that’s what nannies are for.” He chuckles.

  “Oh, I won’t have nannies raising my children. I want to be right there, on the floor, rolling around with them.”

  His blue eyes are glowing with anticipation. “But if we keep you pregnant all the time how is that going to work?” His finger strokes my belly.

  I glance down and really think about being pregnant with a little Reef.

  “Women can still be active during their pregnancies,” I try to correct any misconception he might have. He’s probably heard all sorts of misleading information.

  “What kind of active are we talking about?” He winks.

  My heart skips a beat.

  “Funny.” I crinkle my nose and take a deep breath to cool myself down. “Mia did everything when she was pregnant. Of course, she was still a teenager, but I think I’m in pretty good shape. I’m still young, I think?” I linger on that last part. Maybe I’ve gotten old and haven’t realized it. The fairy tale might have to shrink a bit for a person that’s turning twenty-six. A big family might not be in the cards. “I guess I’ll take what I can get at this point in my life. Not to sound desperate. I just thought the whole marriage thing would be easier than what it has been.”

  “I think we should try for six. An even number.” His finger tickles my stomach again. “I’d be happier if I could walk around knowing I placed six seeds in my woman.”

  “Oh, stop.” I reach over and tap his shoulder.

  He flips on the blinker to enter the stadium.

  “You’ll be lucky if your wife gives you two. A boy and girl,” I mock, trying to lighten the subject. He literally has no idea how badly
a woman like me desires to have a good husband and family.

  Reef rolls down his window as we approach a gate and holds up a card.

  “The perks of being rich.” I let out a big sigh. “Must be nice.”

  He winks and blows me a kiss. “I’m just trying to impress you so I can get you out of that jersey later. And maybe get a peek at that little black lace thing you got on underneath. Who knows, maybe a guy like me could start making those babies.”

  I cover my chest. I knew this was too much. I could kill Mia and Nikki for telling me it looked so good.

  “Go ahead,” the man at the gate lets us through.

  Reef whips the vehicle through a few aisles and parks close to the stadium.

  I pull down the visor and check my lipstick before he moves around the SUV to open my door. No marks on my teeth. Good. I tip the visor back up and grab my purse.

  “Just remember, my brother is an ass. That’s all I’m going to say.” Reef runs his hand around my back and inches it forward onto my belly where he rests a couple fingers inside the waist of my jeans. “I love this shirt. Did I tell you that? It makes everything so accessible. I think I’ll hurry and have Mia make a few more. You could wear one every day.”

  “Very funny,” I scold him and try to relax as we enter the brightly lit building with crowds of people moving around. I’m fully aware this is an area where poor people never get to step foot inside.

  “Reefcake,” a low voice calls out from a guy standing a few feet in front of us. He’s waving his hand and I can’t help but think he looks a lot like Annie, but nothing like Reef.

  “Renae, how are you?” Reef clutches his grip around me tighter as he leans over to bump shoulders with a woman about as plastic as a Barbie doll. She acts as though the two of them are hugging without arms because for some strange reason he won’t take his hands off me. “This is Isabella.”

  “Nice,” Rexton’s disapproving glare is enough to make me feel two inches tall.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I reach out and shake both of their hands. I am hardly able to take my eyes off Renae’s tight, bubble gum pink t-shirt. This poor woman is trying so hard to be everything her jackass husband wants off a computer screen. I glance back at Reef, joking with his brother. They’re nothing alike.