Enigma, #1, page 18
When Hugo pulls into the front of my apartment building, I unlatch my belt and climb out of the car while mumbling a quick thanks for the lift. When I’m halfway down the sidewalk, Hugo calls out my name. His face is marred with apprehension, his eyes full of remorse.
“Give Isaac the benefit of the doubt,” he requests. “Not everything is black and white. There’s a whole heap of gr—”
“Gray no one pays any attention to,” I interrupt, repeating the saying Isaac quoted weeks ago.
Hugo grins so broadly, his eyes crinkle. I return his smile before pivoting on my heels and stalking away. After a few strides, the fog in my brain clears. I stiffen before spinning back around. My lips curl when I see Hugo standing by his car waiting for me to enter my building.
“I’m sorry for what happened to your sister, Marjorie.”
For the quickest second, Hugo’s face scrunches before a mask of composure slips in its place.
“Thank you.”
I want to offer him a more heartfelt condolence, but Hugo doesn’t seem like a hugging type of guy. So instead, I awkwardly wave and walk into my apartment building.
My lip crimps into a snarl. “Stop smiling, Harlow. It isn’t funny,” I growl through clenched teeth.
Ever since I entered the bakery, Harlow has been eyeing me curiously. When I yank the collar of my shirt up high, trying to hide the gigantic hickey, she boisterously laughs. Her chuckle is so loud, she startles the lady sitting in the window seat. Her scared yelp echoes around the nearly empty bakery.
“I’m not laughing at you, Izzy. I think it’s hot.” She moves to the table next to mine to gather the used dinnerware.
“You think branding is hot? What’s wrong with you?”
My tone is quickly changing from angry to playful. I can never stay mad for long, let alone at someone with Harlow’s personality.
“No, I don’t think branding is hot, but it’s sexy he wants other guys to stay away from you. That warning is a clear stay-the-hell-away message for any guy. It’s more efficient than putting a ring on a girl’s finger.”
“A love bite doesn’t discourage men, it encourages them.” I grimace over all the horrid men I’ve crossed paths with.
Harlow’s manicured brow shoots up into her hairline.
“Because they think I’ll put out,” I reply to her shocked expression.
She remains quiet as confusion intensifies on her adorable face.
“I once went on a date with a guy who told me he only dates single mothers. When I asked him why, he said it was because he knew she wasn’t a virgin, so she’d be more likely to put out.”
“That’s disgusting.” Harlow gags.
Her tone doesn’t match her words. Her cheekbones rise as her mouth curves. The instant I spot the white of her teeth, a smile sneaks onto my face.
“At least he was honest,” she says between a fit of giggles.
Rolling my eyes, I return my attention to the gossip magazine I was reading before Harlow interrupted me. My eyes bulge when they land on a gossip article in the back pages of a well-respected glossy magazine—Three Eligible Bachelors Taken Off the Market in One Devastating Weekend. It isn’t the headline that has my heart palpitating faster. It’s the photo of Isaac, Cormack, and Colby standing side by side. My eyes glance over the printed article under their picture.
Millions of women around the world are sighing in sync this weekend. Latest reports circling the gossip mill say billionaire McGregor brothers, Cormack (28) and Colby (24), are no longer on the market. The two eligible bachelors were sighted at their elaborate family beachside estate enjoying a lavish long weekend with their respective partners. It has been reported things are seriously heating up with each respective couple, and that this weekend was a way of formally introducing their new loves to their extended family.
In related matters, philanthropist, Isaac Holt, was also spotted the same weekend riding a jet ski with a brunette female companion. Later that same night, he was sighted exiting his award-winning multi-million-dollar nightclub, 57. Several patrons were surprised when he was spotted holding the hand of an attractive brunette. Sources believe it was the same brunette he was spotted with earlier that day. Isaac is well known for his playboy lifestyle, and it’s the first time the public has witnessed a significant partner in his life the past six years.
Many single females are waking up to this sad news!
“Did you see this article?” I ask Harlow, who has finished gathering the crockery from the table next to mine.
“Yeah,” she replies apprehensively. “Thankfully, the paparazzi didn’t get any photos of the actual weekend. Cormack said that’s an old photo from the Fourth of July weekend.”
My heart stops beating. I didn’t consider the fact Isaac and Cormack would be followed by the paparazzi. I only scanned the areas for surveillance vans. I sigh, glad no incriminating evidence was captured that weekend.
“You should be sighing in relief,” she jests. “You’re the brunette in both reports. Colby didn’t bring a girlfriend that weekend. They’re quoting from people who witnessed you guys at the beach together on Saturday morning.”
Harlow smiles before sauntering toward the bakery counter. I grin back before returning my attention to the photo of the boys. It’s a good photo of them all. I can mentally picture the devastated faces of millions of women around the world when they read this article. It’s just a pity the report is only accurate for one of the three men photographed.
“Oh, before I forget, can I borrow your black pumps Friday night?” she asks, turning around to face me.
“Sure, no worries.” I waggle my eyebrows. “Do you have a romantic date with Cormack?”
Harlow only freezes for the quickest second, but it was enough for me to notice. She smirks before dashing to the counter. Her quick movements cause the dishware in her hands to clang together.
“Harlow?”
I follow her to the counter. Noticing no customers are waiting to be served, I shadow her to the kitchen located at the back of the bakery. She is washing dishes. Her anger is so paramount, she chips two plates during the process. I’ve never seen Harlow pissed. I’ll admit, she’s as scary as hell when she is mad.
I rush for her, easing her hurried movements with my hands. Her glossed-over green eyes apprehensively lift to mine. She swallows hard before telling me, “I’m going on a double date with Cormack Friday night.”
I eye her curiously. From the stories she’s been telling me the past two weeks, things are going great with her and Cormack, so I don’t understand her apprehension.
“We’re going with Isaac. I assumed his date was you. Obviously, my assumption was wrong considering the fact you don’t have any clue about Friday,” Harlow enlightens me.
I grit my teeth hard, fighting the urge to sob. Isaac marked my skin as a warning for other men to stay away, then not only does he continue to date, he throws it in my face by ensuring my friend witnesses his dates firsthand.
Harlow moves to her handbag stored on a wooden shelf. “I’ll cancel the date.”
I bolt toward her and snatch her phone out of her grasp.
“Don’t cancel,” I request. “Add another two people to the reservation.”
She eyes me curiously before the most mischievous grin etches on her mouth.
Returning her smile, I yank my phone out of my pocket.
“Hey, Regina, remember that hot detective you wanted to hook me up with? Can you see if he’s free Friday night?”
Chapter 29
Damn! I underestimated Regina’s hotness radar. Glacier-blue eyes, straight and prominent nose, a razor-sharp jaw hidden under day-old stubble, all combined on a face that looks like it belongs on the cover of GQ magazine. Although his blue suit doesn’t look nearly as expensive as the suits Isaac wears, it showcases his muscular physique well.
His eyes peruse my body just as vigorously as I appraised his. His glowing gaze glides over my freshly shaven legs, lingering on the indecent length of my skirt before filtering over the curves of my breasts. My breath snags when his intriguing gaze settles on my face. When he smiles, my heart freezes. Straight pearly white teeth and small dimples in the creases of his mouth add even more allure to his already rugged appeal.
“I might need to start paying more attention to Regina’s recommendations.”
His voice is thick and gruff as if he smokes a pack of cigarettes per day. I know he doesn’t, though, because I got his life history from Regina this morning. Ryan is twenty-eight years old. He’s been working at Ravenshoe Police Station since he left the police academy at the tender age of nineteen. He was promoted to detective three years ago. He’s unmarried, has no kids, and although he has no troubles attracting the ladies, Regina assures me he’s not a ladies’ man.
“Did you want to come in for a drink?”
Even though I originally planned to use Ryan to exact my revenge on Isaac, his incredibly gorgeous face has me reconsidering my initial approach.
Ryan smiles before glancing down at his watch. “With how dense the traffic is tonight, I don’t think we’ll have enough time for a drink, but I won’t say no to a nightcap later.” He returns his intense eyes to me.
Smiling, I grab my coat from the entryway table before closing my front door behind me. “I have a stringent three-date rule.”
“I’m free all week.” He gives me a sassy wink before offering me the crook of his arm.
The drive to the restaurant was pleasant. Our conversation flowed freely, and there was never any awkward silence. Although Ryan doesn’t know I work for the FBI, he has heard of my Uncle Tobias. He even shared a few stories with me about my uncle that I hadn’t heard before.
By the time we walk into the restaurant, I’m so immersed by Ryan, I’ve forgotten we’re meeting other guests until the restaurant hostess walks us to the table Isaac and his date are already seated at.
Isaac’s date is beautiful in a slutty type of way. Unsurprisingly, she’s blonde as that seems to be Isaac’s preferred choice of late. She’s wearing an elegant dress that cost more than I earn in a week. It’s just a pity she ordered it two sizes too small as her silicon breasts are threatening to spill out of the top of it at any moment.
Isaac glances up at me, our gazes colliding with palpable tension. He lowers his heated gaze down my body, loitering on my bare thighs longer than what could be classed as an acceptable glance. My ego awakens. I chose this dress with my four-inch-high stilettos as I knew it made my legs look like they went on for days and days. My outfit is the perfect cock-teasing ensemble.
His gaze turns icy-cold when he notices Ryan and my interlocked hands. After working his jaw side to side, he returns his eyes to mine. His stare quickens my pulse, but I remain quiet, letting him stew, grateful the shoe is finally on the other foot.
“Isaac, I haven’t seen you in months. Where have you been?” Ryan releases my hand to offer it in greeting to Isaac. “How is Nick? How many months left until we have another Holt player running around?” he continues, making me realize he knows Isaac more personally than just a casual acquaintance.
Isaac stands from his seat, his demeanor commanding the attention of everyone surrounding him. Numerous women—and even a handful of men’s eyes—turn to watch him as if he’s performing an act instead of doing something as simple as standing.
“I’ve been around. I’ve just been busy.” Isaac’s infuriated gaze shifts to me before he continues in a friendlier tone, “Jenni is due in a couple of months.”
A smile curls on my lips. Even in his bad-tempered mood, he can’t hide his excitement when he talks about his nephew due in a few months.
“Isabelle, this is Isaac Holt. I’ve not yet had the pleasure of arresting him, but I’m sure my day will come soon. Isaac, this is my date, Isabelle,” Ryan introduces us, unaware that we’ve already met.
Isaac isn’t the slightest bit fazed by Ryan’s cheeky statement. His captivating gaze remains steadfast on mine as he offers me his hand to shake.
Rolling my eyes, I accept his offer. My heart thumps in an unnatural rhythm when he raises my hand to his mouth to kiss my palm. Although my heart is flipping, my outward appearance doesn’t give any indication that his simplest touch has affected me.
“Are you going to introduce us to your date?” I drop my gaze to Isaac’s date, who’s more interested in the polish on her nails than participating in an adult conversation.
“Isabelle, Ryan, this is…” Isaac’s brows draw together as confusion slides over his face.
“Tatiana,” she informs us.
Her nasally whine screeches through my eardrums. If I’d only heard her speak, I would’ve assumed she was a twelve-year-old boy going through puberty.
“Tatiana.” Isaac shakes his head before his mouth carves into a smirk.
I huff, disgusted he doesn’t know his date’s name. Sighing, I plunk down in a spare chair and skim my eyes around the restaurant while Isaac and Ryan continue with their chit-chat.
Thankfully, not long later, Harlow saunters toward our group. My mouth gapes, and my pupils widen. It isn’t just her beautiful canary yellow dress that has my eyes bugging. It’s the pair of Jimmy Choo gold and black Lana stilettos encasing her feet, capturing my attention. When we were fantasy shopping online a few weeks ago, she told me they were her dream pair of shoes, but at nearly twelve hundred dollars a pair, they were to remain a fantasy.
“Cormack’s two-month anniversary present,” she explains to my shocked expression before sitting down in the chair next to me. “I got him a present, but it’s only suitable for him to open in private.” She gives me a cheeky wink.
Her playful commentary improves my sour mood. I’m glad things are going well for Cormack and Harlow.
When Ryan takes a seat next to me, I jump when he places his hand on my bare thigh. Lifting my eyes, I meet his rugged grin. He seems pleased my body reacted to his touch. Although it did respond, it was more because I wasn’t expecting his hand on my thigh than a zing of intimacy. Ryan is gorgeous, but no man can make my senses ignite as Isaac does.
“How do you know Isaac?” Ryan probes, gesturing his head to Isaac, who has sat back down next to his date.
Hearing Ryan’s quiet interrogation, Isaac’s unique colored eyes lift to mine. He shifts his head and cocks his brow, not attempting to conceal he’s eavesdropping on our conversation.
“I don’t know him. He’s practically a stranger,” I reply, my tone pompous.
A ravenous smile morphs onto Isaac’s face before his tongue slides out to lick his top lip. When his eyes darken, I know he’s recalling our time in the office of his nightclub.
Isaac’s pussy-clenching chuckle sounds around our group when I dart my eyes away from his, needing to look at anything but his sinfully striking face.
For the next hour and a half, I keep my focus on Ryan. He has been a perfect gentleman with the occasional flirty line thrown in. He asked me what I’d like to eat instead of assuming, and not once did he bat an eyelid when the waiter filled my wine glass numerous times throughout the evening—unlike Isaac. Every time the server returned with a bottle, Isaac’s eyes connected with mine. His lips would thin into a sharp line, and his brow would arch when I nodded at the waiter’s silent question of a refill.
Although it has been awkward sitting across from Isaac, the night has gone surprisingly well. But I swear if I hear, “It feels so big,” come out of Tatiana’s mouth one more time, I’m going to snap.
I was always under the impression restaurants made sure each of their patrons had their own chair to sit in, but apparently, no one has informed Tatiana of that. She’s been sitting in Isaac’s lap since the first course was served. Isaac doesn’t seem concerned about her closeness, but I’ve heard several other restaurant patrons’ gasps of disdain when Tatiana’s immature giggles bounce around the restaurant. Tatiana is beautiful, but she’s a dimwit. I’m surprised someone as entrancing as Isaac would have any interest in wanting to date someone like Tatiana.
This time, when Ryan places his hand on my bare thigh, I don’t jump in fright. Looking up from the extensive dessert menu, I lock eyes with his twinkling baby blues.
“What would you like for dessert?”
“Umm.” My gaze returns to the menu. “There are too many choices. Why don’t you pick something for me?”
His face spreads with a full-toothed grin as he waggles his eyebrows. My interest piques when he swivels his back and sneakily orders from the waitress. What is he up to?
“It feels so big,” screeches Tatiana.
Gritting my teeth, I clench my fists around the white napkin on my lap. The urge to scream the obscenities running through my head is overwhelming. Before I can come up with a more respectable response, Harlow snarls.
“Okay, we get. It feels so big. It’s so big. Isaac has a ginormous cock, but can you please shut your mouth for the next thirty minutes so I can enjoy my dessert without having to hear your nasally, whiny voice anymore? Thirty minutes of peace! That’s all I ask.”
My eyes snap to Cormack, wanting to gauge his reaction to Harlow’s outburst. He’s staring at Harlow in complete awe and admiration. Harlow gives me her I’ve-got-your-back look. I bestow my silent thanks with a grateful smirk before turning my annoyed gaze back to Tatiana. Her mouth is ajar, and her slitted green eyes are shooting daggers at Harlow.
“You’re just jealous,” Tatiana sneers.
“Oh, honey, please. I have absolutely nothing to be jealous of.”
She doesn’t. Harlow wins hands down in the looks department and don’t even get me started on personality.
A bitter taste scorches my throat when Tatiana informs Isaac he can show her exactly how big it is tonight. Shifting my eyes to Isaac, I catch his gaze at me. When I grit my teeth and narrow my eyes, he winks. Arrogant asshole.
“Open up,” Ryan croons.
My lips curve into an illustrious grin when Ryan dangles a cherry in front of my mouth. Since I was distracted by Isaac, I didn’t notice the waitress serving Ryan one of the biggest banana splits I’ve ever seen.
