Nuts About You: A Testicular Cancer Anthology

by Anthology

  Her eyes never leave mine, and when her tongue slides out to wet her perfect lips, my eyes follow it’s movement and watch them move as she says, “Okay, seven it is then.”

  I click the button on her key unlocking her door, “Perfect.” Raising her hand to my lips, I place a lingering kiss on the inside of her wrist and feel her shiver at the contact. Opening her car door I whisper, “Goodnight, Isabel.”

  “Goodnight Logan,” she shakily replies and slides behind the wheel. Closing her door for her, she starts the engine and pulls away from the curb. I watch her taillights disappear before making my way to my Range Rover. Climbing inside I glance at the phone still in my hand and see the newly added contact information. Chuckling I shake my head as I place my phone in the cup holder and head home.

  Chapter 2

  From the moment, I closed the door of her car; all I have thought about is Isabel Velez. If I were being honest with myself, I’d admit that I’ve thought about nothing but Isabel since the minute I placed my hand on the small of her back and walked her into the open house last night. I don’t remember the last time I was so captivated by a woman. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit pleased she so readily agreed to have dinner with me tonight. Especially after Cole greeted her by kissing her cheek. I couldn’t contain the growl that escaped me, or the jealousy that coursed through me at his familiarity with her.

  Tucking my wallet into my pocket, I grab my keys and cell phone, and head out the door. Climbing into my SUV, I make the short drive to the address Isabel gave me, and park behind her car. Stepping out of my vehicle, I take in the modest white ranch style house. Flowerbeds line the brick walkway leading up to the front porch. The front door is painted blue, as are the shutters that frame the windows, where the light from inside softly glows. Making my way to the door, I ring the bell and wait for her to answer. When the door swings open, the sight before me causes my breath to catch. If I thought Isabel looked beautiful last night, she looks even more stunning tonight. My eyes take in the beaded sandals and work their way up her incredibly gorgeous legs over the coral color sleeveless dress that hugs her curves and makes her golden skin glow.

  By the time my eyes lock with hers, a satisfied smile graces her face “Hi,” she says, a soft blush staining her cheeks.

  “Hi,” I manage as I gather my wayward thoughts. “Isabel, I didn’t think you could look any more beautiful than you did last night, but clearly I was wrong.”

  “Thank you, Logan. Please, come in.” Opening the door wider, I step inside and she closes the door behind me. “Let me get my things and I’ll be ready,” she offers moving to the breakfast bar to collect her purse and phone.

  “I see you got the flowers,” I say as I nod toward the bouquet displayed on the counter.

  “Yes, that was very sweet of you. Thank you.”

  “Beautiful flowers, for a beautiful woman.”

  A light blush stains her cheeks and the fact that she doesn’t take compliments well doesn’t go unnoticed, as she tries to deflect my comment by asking, “Can I get you something or are you ready to go.”

  My eyes find hers as I take a moment to decide if I should ask the question that has been rolling around in my head since our encounter last night. Truth is, I like Isabel and before I can let anything we may have go any farther, I have to know. “Yes, there is one thing I need to know, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “I guess that depends on what it is.”

  “Is there anything going on between you and Cole?”

  I watch her closely as I first see confusion and then realization flit across her features as she answers then counters with a question of her own, “No. Why do you ask?”

  If there is one thing I strive to be, it’s honest, even if that means admitting that I was jealous of their interaction. “Last night he seemed familiar enough with you that he kissed your cheek.” Trying to keep the topic casual, I shrug as I finish with, “I just want to know what I’m up against.”

  She watches me closely, no doubt trying to read me in the same way I have been trying to read her. She smiles softly, takes a step toward me and I relax my defensive stance. “I’ve known Cole for a long time. We met as kids when I used to spend summers here with my aunt. Until he started working for Molly, I hadn’t seen him in years.”

  I study her quietly for a moment then confirm, “So, just friends, nothing else?”

  “Nothing else.” Then once again she surprises me by crossing her arms over her chest and cocking her head in question, “Now I have a question for you,” she says her voice dripping in sarcasm as she adds, “If you don’t mind, of course?”

  I can feel the corners of my mouth twitch as I fight a smile, “Please, ask me anything.”

  “Do I look like the type of woman that would go out with one man, while dating another?”

  I look down at the floor, my hand finding the back of my neck, as I consider her question. “Look, Isabel, I didn’t mean to offend you. And to answer your question, no, I don’t think you would play me like that.” I begin slowly walking towards her as I continue, stopping only when there are mere inches separating us. “And I want to assure you that I’m not the type of guy who would move in on another man’s girl. But now that I know that you’re not his, you should know I’m going to do everything in my power to make you mine.”

  I hear her gasp at my admission and see a mixture of lust and uncertainty in her eyes. Moving in closer I run my index finger along her jaw to rest under her chin and lift it slightly. “There is one more thing I’d like to know before we leave,” I whisper huskily against her lips.

  “What’s that,” she asks breathlessly.

  “This,” I say as I capture her mouth with mine.

  Her soft full lips yield to mine, and when my tongue sweeps across the seam of her lips, they part immediately giving me the access I desire. I deepen the kiss, slowly tasting every inch of her luscious mouth and just as her body melts against mine, I reluctantly pull away whispering against her lips, “We should go.”

  Taking a shaky breath, her eyes remain closed as she tries to steady her breathing before she agrees, “Um, yeah, I guess we should.”

  Before she can take a step toward the door, I turn on my heel, wrap my arm around her waist and press my body against her back. With my mouth to her ear I warn, “Let’s be clear Isabel, whether it’s tonight or in the near future, I will taste you again.”

  I know my words have the desired effect on her as a soft moan escapes her lips and I feel her knees go weak. I press into her, making it clear the effect she has on me as well. I want nothing more than for her to turn in my arms, say the hell with dinner and let me take her right here. Instead, she surprises me by leaning her head back until her lips are a breath from mine while she replies, “Then we should definitely go, because I would love to be your dessert.”

  We make our way out to my SUV parked behind her sleek sports car, “Nice ride,” I comment as I open the passenger door for her.

  She looks briefly at her car, giving her head a gently shake as if to clear it of a memory, she smiles softly at me as I help her into my Range Rover and says, “Thanks.”

  Closing her door, I make my way around the front of the vehicle to the driver’s side, slide behind the wheel and start the engine. Once our seat belts are secure, I pull out into traffic, and start the conversation, “I hope you don’t mind, a customer of mine just opened a new restaurant, it’s one of those, farm to table type places that have daily specials based on what’s available.”

  “Oh I heard that one of those had opened recently, I’ve wanted to try it, but haven’t gotten to yet,” she says excitedly

  “Good,” I say while flashing her my best smile, “we can experience it together.”

  Pulling into the parking space in front of The Farmhouse, at first glance, you would never know that this was once an abandoned warehouse. The front façade, covered in white clapboard siding, resembles the quintessential farmhouse se
en in every magazine. A front porch complete with a tin roof, rocking chairs and a swing give it a welcoming feel. Two large windows trimmed in black, frame a screen door. Flower boxes mounted under the windows filled with red geraniums, add just the right amount of color. I cut the engine and go to help Isabel from the vehicle. She places her hand in mine and once I close the door, I wrap my fingers around hers and give them a gentle squeeze as we walk up the few steps to the entrance. Greeted by the hostess, we are shown to a table for two in the large open dining room.

  Within minutes of taking our seats at the table, our server arrives, “Hi folks! I’m Brandy, I’ll be your server tonight. Is this your first visit to The Farmhouse?” We both nod and she continues, “Well then, first of all welcome. As you may have heard, we serve organically grown produce, which we either grow ourselves or purchase from local farmers or markets. Obviously, due to space and zoning restrictions, we don’t raise our own livestock, but the meats we serve are free of any antibiotics or added hormones. We are an alcohol free establishment, we offer water, homemade lemonade, and both sweet and unsweet iced tea.” She hands each of us a single page printed with today’s menu, “This is what we are offering today. Why don’t I get your drinks and I’ll give you a few minutes to look that over.”

  She looks first to Isabel, “I’ll have water please,” she says with a polite smile.

  Then turning to me she asks, “And for you sir?”

  “I’ll have a glass of sweet tea, please.”

  “Got it,” she says with a smile and turns toward the kitchen.

  We both take a minute to look over the menu, which consists of pan-fried catfish, served with mustard greens and maple glazed carrots or pork tenderloin with a blackberry glaze, roasted potatoes and green beans. For the vegetarians, there is pan-seared vegetables tossed with linguini and olive oil.

  “I’m not sure which one to choose, it all sounds good,” Isabel says as she looks over the menu.

  “It does,” I agree. “Why don’t you order one entrée, I’ll order the other and we’ll share, that way we can try both?”

  “That’s a really good idea, are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, well unless you are planning on ordering the vegetarian option, then you are on your own,” I tease.

  She laughs, “Now would I really own a café and serve sandwiches if I was a vegetarian?”

  “Good point,” I say as the server returns with our drinks.

  As she sits them down she asks, “Did you all decide or do you need a few more minutes?”

  “No, I think we’re ready,” I say as I look to Isabel and she nods to confirm.

  “Great, then what can I get you?”

  “I’ll have the pork tenderloin,” Isabel says as she hands back her menu.

  “Excellent choice. And for you, sir?”

  “I’ll have the catfish.”

  “Great,” she says as she takes my menu, “I’ll get these placed and out as soon as they are ready.”

  We both thank her as she heads to the kitchen to place our order. I take a sip of my iced tea as Isabel asks, “You said one of your customer’s opened this place?”

  “Yes. They were looking for dinnerware to use in the restaurant. They bought most of what I had in stock and what my brother had as well.”

  “Does your brother live around here?”

  I shake my head, as I answer, “No, he lives in Albuquerque. That’s where we grew up. My parents owned a store there, and my grandparents owned the store here in Phoenix. My grandfather passed away while I was still in college, so my parents handed over the Albuquerque store to my brother Evan and his wife Rachel, and moved here to help my grandmother. After graduation, I spent a few years working with my brother, while my sister-in-law was out on maternity leave and staying home with the babies. Then I moved here to learn the business, and take over this store, so my parents could have the retirement they’ve always dreamed of.”

  “How many kids does your brother have?”

  I lean forward and smile, “Nice try, beautiful, but this is a give and take conversation. So now it’s your turn to tell me a little about yourself, then we’ll go one for one, deal?”

  She smiles and shakes her head, “Deal. What do you want to know?”

  Before I can ask, our server arrives with our meals. Sitting them in front of us, she refills our drinks before telling us to enjoy our dinner. Cutting off a piece of my catfish, I ask, “Where do you want me to put this?”

  She slides her plate over toward me and says, “Anywhere is fine. I sliced you some of the tenderloin too.”

  Placing the catfish on her plate, I then place the tenderloin on mine, “Thank you, it looks delicious. Do you want some of the vegetables too?”

  “No thank you. Did you want some of mine?”

  “No, but thank you. Don’t think that I’m distracted enough by the food to forget it’s your turn to answer a question.”

  She swallows her dinner and takes a sip of her water, “I haven’t forgotten. What do you want to know?”

  “What made you open the café?”

  “Actually, I sort of inherited it from my aunt. My uncle passed away suddenly, and my aunt needed a way to support herself. She always loved to cook, and enjoyed talking to people, so she opened the café. They didn’t have any children and I used to spend summers with her while my parents worked. When she decided it was time to retire, she offered to sign the business over to me and I accepted.”

  “So you’ll have your own business to pass along to your children someday. What do your parents do?”

  “Maybe, someday. They are attorneys, in El Paso.”

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  She smiles, thinking about them, “I have two older brothers, both are married. My oldest brother and his wife live in El Paso and are expecting their second child in October. My youngest brother and his wife live here in Phoenix.”

  “What do you do for fun,” I ask as I take the last bite of my dinner.

  She laughs, “I own my own business, remember? I don’t have a lot of time to do things outside of work.”

  I laugh and nod, “I completely understand. But we all need to have downtime and something to take our minds off the everyday stresses of work.”

  She shrugs, while looking up at me through her lashes and softly says, “Maybe I just haven’t found the right person to want to have fun with, until now.”

  I reach across the table and place my hand over hers, causing her to lift her eyes to mine. “Maybe neither of us have, until now. And I would definitely like to spend more time with you.”

  After dinner, I drive Isabel home and walk her to the door and she turns to me and shyly ask, “Would you like to come in?”

  I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and gently brush her cheek with the back of my fingers, “I would love to, but I think it would make it even harder for me to leave. And I’m trying really hard to remain a gentleman.”

  She smiles turning her head to place a kiss on the palm of my hand, a simple gesture that makes my cock twitch. “Thank you for dinner.”

  “You’re very welcome. I’d like to see you again, Isabel, can I call you?”

  “I really hope you do,” she replies breathlessly, as I lean in to kiss her goodnight.

  “Then you can count on it,” I whisper as I gently brush my lips across hers, then draw her closer to deepen the kiss. She melts against me, her arms automatically wrapping around my neck, fingers threading into my hair. The taste of blackberries fills my senses and the feel of her in my arms creates a warmth I haven’t felt in quite a while. With one arm holding her close to me, my other begins to caress her curves, when my thumb brushes across her breast, I swallow the moan she utters while giving my hair a tug. All too soon, I pull away from her and rest my forehead against hers. “I really should go.”

  “Are you sure you have to?”

  “Yeah, gorgeous girl, I am.” Placing a kiss on her forehead, “Can I s
ee you again?”

  “I’d really like that.”

  “Good, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Placing another kiss on her soft lips, I open her front door and wait until she steps inside. “Goodnight, Isabel. Sleep well.”

  “Goodnight, Logan. Drive carefully.”

  She closes the door and I wait until I hear the lock set in place. Knowing that she is safely tucked away for the night, gives me a sense of peace as I make my way to my car. Backing out of her drive, I find that I’m already looking forward to seeing her again.

  Chapter 3

  The raven-haired beauty that filled my dreams last night, had my normal morning arousal raging. Who the hell am I kidding? Even the cold showers I’ve taken all week after hearing her sexy voice as we talked on the phone, didn’t help. Climbing out of bed, I grab my phone from the bedside table and send a quick “good morning” text to Isabel, while making my way to the kitchen to start the coffee.

  When I don’t get an immediate response, I go about my morning routine. Once I have brushed my teeth, shaved and dressed, I head back to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Seeing the flashing light on my phone, I pick it up and check for messages, finding one from Isabel.

  I begin to type out a reply then delete it, opting to call her instead. When she answers on the second ring, I can hear the smile in her voice as she says, “I’m guessing you’re not a big fan of texting, are you?”

  I can’t help but chuckle at her observation, and a smile spreads across my face as I reply, “Now why would I text, when I would much rather hear your voice?”

  “Well, in that case, I’m glad you called.” The tone of her voice gives her away, and I can almost see the blush staining her cheeks. There’s a short moment of silence before she continues, “Have you had breakfast yet? I was just about to make pancakes if you would like to join me?”

  “So eager to spend the day with me, Miss Velez,” I tease.

  I hear the laughter in her voice as she gives my own teasing words back to me, “Are you doubting my sincerity, Mr. Matthews?”