Seven Guilty Pleasures

by Jeannette Winters

  Isa was glad no one suggested going out. Work had been slow and what she made from tips wouldn’t cover the cost of replacing her phone. There were only a few days left before the landlord would be knocking on the door with the sheriff. She knew she could count on Friday and Saturday, but would it be enough? It was all or out.

  She was feeling defeated as the bus approached her stop. It was going to take all her energy to walk that block to her apartment building. Isa tried to always think on the positive side. All she could come up with was it was a beautiful clear starry night.

  As she got off the bus, she wished it wasn’t so late. Otherwise, she’d take a leisurely stroll back. But a woman alone on the streets at this time of night was risky. She didn’t have a choice. The hours they scheduled her were what they had available. She couldn’t complain because they were peak times. If she could hold on a bit longer, Isa knew she’d get accustomed to them.

  When she finally made it home, she was huffing from the brisk walk and what seemed like an endless flight of stairs. Like every other night, there was a notice on her door. This one was from the electric company. It was a ten-day notice. Won’t matter if I’m out in six. Isa crumpled up the paper and tossed it in the corner. She couldn’t bring herself to take it inside.

  Isa put her purse down and heard a knock on her door. She hadn’t had time to deadbolt or chain the door. Her heart racing, she scurried over to where she had a wooden baseball bat. It was leaning against the refrigerator. Gripping it tightly, she stood quietly in the center of the room, holding her breath. Please go away. Whoever you are, just leave me alone. I have nothing you want.

  Another knock but this time she heard a voice. “Isa, it’s Drake.”

  What the? Why was he here? She wasn’t expecting him. Approaching the door, she asked, “What do you want?”

  “To see you,” Drake answered softly.

  She knew it was a bad idea opening the door. He might not be a stranger, but letting him in was a mistake. “Drake, it’s late and—”

  “Five minutes. That’s all. I won’t even come inside.” He waited and then said, “I promise. This side of the threshold only.”

  Isa put the bat beside the door before turning the knob. When she opened it she noticed he was holding a small box.

  “What is that?”

  He held it up to her. “A cell phone. I feel horrible that I broke yours.”

  “You broke mine?” Drake responded with a nod. “I think you have that wrong. I recall dropping it from the fourth floor.”

  “Correct. But I recall catching it. Well, briefly before I lost my grip and dropped it. There are the facts. I broke your phone.”

  Isa shook her head and laughed softly. “I give you an A for effort, but that is the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard. And I cannot accept the phone. But thank you anyway.”

  “Isa, if I hadn’t kept you out so late yesterday, you could’ve gone and gotten yourself one. Working today made that impossible as well. Since you’re an employee of High View Falls, consider this a company phone. When Carlos needs you, he can reach you.”

  The only thing that made her want that phone was Carlos. If there were any call outs, she needed to be ready to go in early. Every penny is a step closer. She hated it, but she reached out and took the box from him. “Company phone only. I promise I will not use it for personal use.”

  Drake smiled. “And maybe to talk to me?”

  Isa shook her head. “Business phone.”

  “Maybe I need to see how your day was? By the way, how was your day?”

  “It was good.” Telling him it was slow and she hardly made money would sound like she wanted a handout. That wasn’t the case at all. “You didn’t need to come all the way over here because of the phone. You do know where I work.”

  “This is more fun.”

  “You’re impossible. Do you know that?” Isa asked.

  “You may have brought that to my attention before. Maybe I can talk you into joining me for dinner, and we can discuss it.”

  Isa was starving, and there wasn’t much in the way of food there. But he’d bought her breakfast yesterday and paid for their time out afterward. She couldn’t do so again. It wasn’t right. They weren’t dating or anything. Even though it ended with the most tender kiss one could dream of. One I wouldn’t mind having again and ag—

  “Hello? Me. You. Dinner. What do you say?” Drake asked as he leaned against the door jamb.

  She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks. The lighting in the hallway wasn’t great, so it was possible Drake didn’t notice. If she thought about inviting him in before, that definitely was off the table now. Not with what I’m thinking about. “It’s after midnight.”

  “And I haven’t eaten. If you say no, I’ll go home and still won’t eat. Do you really want to see me go to bed hungry?” He rubbed his stomach.

  Drake was teasing her. “Somehow you don’t look like you’re starving.”

  “Coffee doesn’t count as one of my main food groups. Pizza on the other hand does. Tell me, Isa, what’s your guilty pleasure?” Drake winked.

  Last night while lying in bed she’d written down a few, all pertaining to him. If he kept looking at her like that, she’d be adding to the list tonight. Trying not to play his game, she answered in a flat tone like she didn’t care. “Chocolate.” Melt in my mouth chocolate drizzled on you. And I’d lick every sweet morsel off that hot body of yours.

  Isa hadn’t ever experienced any of the things she’d been dreaming about with Drake. He ignited something in her that was raw and unfamiliar. And hard to control.

  “Excellent. I suggest hot fudge sundaes for dessert. Grab your keys. I know just the place.”

  Drake really wasn’t going to take no for an answer. And I really want to say yes. What was she afraid of? She enjoyed herself so much on Sunday. Was it wrong to want or believe that it could happen twice?

  No matter what they did, Isa knew she’d always want more time with him. That was the issue. Drake might be interested for only the moment, but someone like him would never want a woman like her. She was poor and from a country the world didn’t acknowledge. Whatever they could have would be fleeting. When he realized it, could her heart survive? She had lost so much already. Getting any closer to him risked emptiness later.

  She remembered reading, it was better to have loved and lost than never loved at all. The person who wrote that must not have experienced true love.

  “Isa, are you really going to keep me standing in this doorway? If you want, I can promise not to talk during dinner.”

  Isa looked into his eyes and knew right then. No matter how much it could hurt, she couldn’t say no. She placed her new cell phone on the table and grabbed her keys. She didn’t need her purse as it was pretty much empty.

  “Janet showed me this great pizza place. And they have a dart board. Who knows, maybe you’ll be better at that than bowling.”

  As she slipped by Drake, he gave her a playful tap on the backside. It startled her, but she liked it. It said they were becoming more comfortable with each other. And when they got outside, he grabbed her hand as they headed to the limo.

  What bothered her yesterday, didn’t so much today. He was right. The limo was only a mode of transportation. A very luxurious mode. She wasn’t going to allow herself to get used to it. Public transportation worked just fine for her. Same thing, minus the snoring, smell of old booze, and sometimes unwanted attention. But yep, the bus is fine.

  Once they entered the restaurant, she recognized a few people who had hung out with Janet the night they’d all gone out together. Isa hoped no one from work would be here. Darn. This was stupid. If anyone saw them together outside of work, rumors would fly. She knew Janet could remain tight-lipped, but she wasn’t so sure of the others.

  “Maybe your place might be better,” Isa said.

  “It’s busy. That’s usually a sign the food is good.” Drake ushered her to one of the only empty tables.

/>   The waitress came over and took their order. Thankfully she wasn’t picky. Mostly because she was starving. They chatted until the food arrived. Then she clammed up.

  “Is everything okay?” Drake asked.

  “Yes, why?”

  “You got awful quiet.”

  Only then did she realize she was inhaling the slices. She was already on her third one. Teasingly she said, “I recall taking my time at breakfast, and someone decided to help themselves to my food.”

  Drake laughed. “Yes, there are the fast and the hungry as my parents used to say. But they only said that when they wanted me to eat my veggies. It never worked.”

  Isa said, “Guess it did because look what you ordered.” She pointed to the supreme veggie pizza.

  “And I’ve eaten too much. What do you say, want to work this off with a game of darts?”

  Isa shook her head. “No way. Someone promised me chocolate.” The truth was she didn’t want to play with him. Everyone would be watching, and she really would rather sit in their corner away from most people.

  Drake waved for the waitress. “We’ll have a super-sized hot fudge sundae, rocky road ice cream, and two spoons.” When the waitress walked away, he asked, “Was this an example of my being—”

  “Arrogant? Bossy? Controlling?’ Isa asked. He nodded. “I’ll let it go this time, but only because it’s chocolate.”

  He reached across the table and said, “Than I think I need to learn all your guilty pleasures.”

  Her entire body tensed. If anyone could, it would be Drake. Somehow the man was able to learn anything he wanted about her. If he knew it all, he wouldn’t be here. “You already know all there is to know.”

  Drake cocked a brow. “I told you my clown story yesterday. Tell me something most people don’t know about you.”

  This was a game she didn’t want to play. What could she share with him that wouldn’t get him asking more questions? It wasn’t fair. His story was cute. Hers would be horrific.

  “Oh look, our ice cream is here.”

  The waitress placed the huge bowl between them and handed them each a spoon. Drake placed his spoon on a napkin on the table. “We can eat after your story.”

  She was tempted to dive in anyway, but his expression said she best not. Cornered yet again, she figured she would tell him about home.

  “I didn’t grow up here. Actually on an island very far away. I have one sister, younger and . . . and . . .”

  “You must miss home very much.”

  Isa shrugged. “I miss the way it used to be, not what it became. It is . . . not a place I want to talk about.”

  In a very soft voice, Drake said, “Sometimes talking is the only way to get over it.”

  “So you no longer have an issue with clowns?” Isa snapped. It was uncalled for, but he had no idea what she’d been through. How could she ever tell another living soul? Especially him?

  “Isa, I wasn’t trying to make light about it. I meant that I am here. Whatever you want to say, I promise, I won’t judge. Not you or your home.”

  “I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. It’s just that I never talk about that place. It’s . . . not someplace you’d want to see.”

  “How do you know where I’d go?”

  “Oh trust me. The only people who go there are . . . predators. You’re not like them. You wouldn’t . . . wouldn’t hurt someone just because you can.” Isa fought back tears. She was talking but not really saying anything. Yet, she knew he was right. It felt good to declare even the little she was sharing.

  “You’re right, Isa. I’m not like them. I never could be. There are people who fight against such things. That would do anything to keep it from happening again.”

  She hadn’t been able to look him in the eye, but the way he was speaking made it sound like he understood more than she thought. “How much do you know about me?” He knew her address, her phone number, but did he know about Tabiq?

  “I know enough.” His voice was so soft as though he was having a difficult time saying it.

  It was too much. Her mind was racing in so many directions. Thoughts about Tabiq, thoughts about Drake, and now the two colliding into one. Why was he here? The comfort she’d felt earlier now was panic. “Drake, can you please take me home?”

  “We haven’t had dessert.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not hungry. Please. Can we go?” She was trying to hold it together. Drake pulled out some money, but she couldn’t wait any longer. She was falling apart on the inside, and it was about to overflow.

  Isa got up and ran from the restaurant. By the time she was at the door, the tears were streaming down her cheeks. She couldn’t make it out to the limo, and it was parked directly in front of her. Drake must’ve left right after her because she felt his strong arms wrap around her and pull her close.

  “It’s okay, honey. I’m not going to let go.”

  She wanted him to. Pulling away, she wiped her face on her sleeve and said, “Holding me isn’t going to change the fact that you won’t be here later. Because this never ends. Not the flashbacks, not the nightmares, and not the . . . guilt for not taking my sister with me.” Her hand was in a fist as she pounded on his chest before burying her face in it.

  Drake didn’t speak, but he let her cry it all out. It seemed like hours, yet only minutes had passed. When she finally calmed, he loosened his hold but didn’t release her entirely. Isa couldn’t look at him. She was totally embarrassed. This was not just some man she felt a connection with.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

  “Come on, let’s get in the limo.” Drake guided her as her legs trembled. “You’ll be more comfortable there.”

  “I’m never going to be comfortable,” Isa mumbled as she got inside. He was being so nice, and so understanding. He didn’t push for more than she was able to give. If only I could, I’d tell you. But I can’t. It hurts too much.

  Drake slid in beside her and put his arm around her. She didn’t have any fight left in her and eventually rested her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and heard Drake tell the driver to take her back home.

  Home. It was a place one should feel safe, but she never had. Here with Drake was the closest she’d ever come. Her apartment was only a few blocks away, and this would have to end. Whether either of us wants it to. It has to.

  When the limo pulled up in front of her building, Drake started to get out. She grabbed his hand and said, “If you don’t mind, I need to be alone right now.”

  “Honey, you don’t have to be.” He reached up and touched her cheek, and she melted into his hand. “I’ll stay with you.”

  Isa pulled away slowly and met his eyes. The pain in her heart seemed to be reflected in his eyes. This isn’t your burden to carry. She kissed him lightly and said, “I really believe you would.”

  “Don’t ever doubt it, Isa. I said it before. I’m not going anywhere.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “Call me if you need me. I don’t care what time it is. Promise me, you’ll call.”

  Isa nodded and forced a smile. “I don’t have an excuse since you got me a phone.”

  “You never need an excuse. Because I don’t want to make one up to see you.”

  She wanted him to pull her into his arms. To kiss her like he had yesterday when they said goodnight. But he was respecting her wishes. Or at least part of them. How could I allow him to see as much as I did tonight?

  Opening the door, she said, “Goodnight, Drake.” She wished he’d follow her, but she knew he wouldn’t. Yes, he was bossy and arrogant, but he was also . . . a gentleman. Someone who had been more than kind to her. But not for much longer.

  Every step up to her apartment felt more like a wedge being driven between them. It was only a mirage. Nothing had changed. He saw some of her well-hidden sorrow. And he really only scratched the surface. But now he’d know how weak she really was. Nothing had changed.

  Who am I
fooling? Everything had changed.

  Chapter 10

  Drake didn’t like starting his day with a visit from Gabe, but if he had information, it was worth it. “So you’re telling me you believe the asshole behind my thefts actually is the same guy you’ve being searching for?”

  “I would say so. He, or she, is damn good at covering their trail. But this time, they made the mistake of utilizing your employees.”

  “I still don’t understand how they were able to do it. My employees are loyal,” Drake said, looking over the files of the men who had been fired. “Not one issue had been logged. Then out of nowhere they are caught stealing?”

  Gabe nodded. “I’ve looked very closely at your surveillance videos. You really have to be good to pick it up, but on each one, there is a three second delay.”

  Drake shrugged. “Meaning what? Someone messed with the recordings?”

  “Long enough for the chips to be planted on them. All it would take is someone bumping into them and slipping the chips in their pocket. You see them holding chips, but that’s their jobs. It’s no surprise. You never actually see the chip in their hand as their hand enters the pocket.”

  “Do you think someone on my security team set them up?” That would bring an entirely different set of problems if that was the case.

  “Everything I find says this is an outside job. A very skilled one, but with one purpose only. Make you distance yourself from the Hendersons. What I don’t understand is why? If you backed out, the Hendersons could easily find someone else.”

  “Gee, thanks. Nice to know I’m a dime a dozen.” Drake knew that wasn’t the case, and so did Gabe. This new development should please him, but there was one . . . actually three things that bothered him. “I have fired three people and they also have been charged with theft. You better be fucking sure about this. The police are going to want a hell of a lot more than just your theory.” And so will I. I’m not backing off until I know for damn sure who I can trust.

  That was one of the problems. Drake never trusted anyone completely. He knew he could only count on himself. Relying on Gabe for assistance was foreign territory. No matter what anyone told him about Gabe, he still wanted to see the proof with his own eyes.