Sweet Tooth Read online

  “No.” He grinned, walking toward her to pluck the blanket off her shapely legs. “I like you as close to naked as I can get, but if you don’t wear something, we’re not watching this movie. You pick one yet?”

  “Maybe. You sure you trust my judgment?”

  “Yes. Now what do you want to drink?”

  “Water.” The words rolled off her tongue without thought, so fast he paused.

  What the fuck did that ass weasel say to her?

  Isandro lifted his gaze to the ceiling and held his tongue. He managed a smile and offered, “Your choices are Coke, tea, beer, or water.”

  One corner of her mouth tipped up. “Are you having beer?”

  “Yeah. Though, next time, if you tell me what you like, I’ll make sure that’s here.”

  She chewed her lip a moment and watched his reaction. “Honestly, I’d prefer water right now. I’m not big into pop or beer.”

  Smiling, Isandro nodded. “Water it is.” He grabbed everything and brought it to the coffee table before sitting down and pulling her to his side.

  “So what do you normally drink when you’re thirsty?”

  “Water,” she answered with a shrug. “I do enjoy a good wine sometimes. And if I’m drinking, I go for Crown Royal. Otherwise, it’s water. I know, not terribly adventurous.”

  Isandro gently cupped her face. “Water, wine, and Crown Royal. Now I know what to have around.”

  Her head tipped. “Why so worried about my choice?”

  He sighed and hoped this came out right. “I want to make sure it’s your choice and not one someone influenced. I think I’ve mentioned I love your body the way it is.”

  Light danced through her eyes. “And what about me going to the gym, not because I want to achieve an impossible size two, but because I want to be healthy? And I’m not talking about my weight, but we all need exercise.”

  “Nothing wrong with that or drinking water. As long as you don’t do it to please someone else. Only thing that matters is how you feel about you, regardless of what anyone else thinks.”

  She trailed her fingers over the outline of the bulldog on his chest. “Like this? You do this for you?”

  “Yeah. My sister called me Bulldog when we were kids.” He snorted. “She says it’s because I’m loyal, and nothing gets in my way. It stuck.”

  “You let Derrick keep you from me.”

  Isandro shifted closer, looking into her eyes. “He already had you, Arianna. That’s different. I watched my mother fight to keep my father when he was ready to move on. Shit, that didn’t work out so well.”

  “How so? I know they both died young. And you and your sister took care of the younger two.”

  “Yeah. But that story is for another day.”

  “You’re close to your sister, aren’t you?”

  He nodded. “Why do you think she barged in without a thought?”

  Arianna giggled. “I wish I were that close to anyone in my family.”

  “You’re not?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. They all want me to be something I’m not.”

  “You can be you around me. That’s who I want. No one else.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “You ready for that movie?”

  “Definitely.”

  He took the remote to order the movie and handed it back to her with a grin. “Next time, there will be wine.”

  Chapter 5

  Arianna went home the next morning, still riding the high of a wonderful night. Her mood dropped when she found her airhead sister pacing in front of her door. Sighing, she climbed out of her BMW and hurried up the stairs to her condo.

  “If this is about Derrick, you can leave,” Arianna warned.

  Cherise pouted. “No. I saw you with that hot Latino fireman last night.”

  A single brow arched as she turned the key and stepped inside. “Okay, so what is it?”

  Her sister followed and shut the door. She turned to Arianna with a grin. “I want to invite you to my party this weekend. You can bring a date.” She waggled her brows. “Though Mom’s snotty friends may riot if you bring your spicy Spanish lover.”

  She groaned. “Seriously, this is 2016. Can we not be racist this early in the damned morning?”

  “What crawled up your ass?” Cherise snipped.

  Arianna took her phone out of her purse, pulled up the last text conversation she had with Derrick, and handed it to her sister before walking back to her room to pick out an outfit for the day.

  “Is it really over with Derrick?” She sounded confused.

  “Yes. And don’t tell me you knew about that asshole cheating.”

  “Everyone knew,” she protested.

  And there lay the problem. Cherise wasn’t the mean sister. That was Antoinette, but Arianna avoided her like the damned plague. She was as hateful and judgmental as their mother. The two of them expected her to be exactly like them. Only, Arianna realized their opinions didn’t matter. It was why she didn’t feel guilty for only visiting on the holidays and avoiding most of her mother’s calls.

  Cherise parroted the shit they spewed because it was drilled into her head. She didn’t often think before speaking and rarely realized how awful what she said could be.

  It hurt that Cherise didn’t tell her about Derrick.

  Arianna bit out, “And no one bothered to tell me? What the fuck?” Arianna grabbed her favorite summer dress, the one she worried about wearing because Derrick said it made her look like an overstuffed sausage. Fucker.

  “I thought you knew. And you loved him.”

  “Once upon a time. And never enough to put up with him cheating. We’re done.”

  Her mouth popped open. “You’re wearing that?”

  Shaking the dress at her, Arianna glared. “I mentioned it was too damned early for that shit, right? Go away. You’re not helping.”

  “But, that’s not for your body type.”

  Ignoring Cherise, she stormed into the bathroom and slammed the door, making sure to lock it.

  “Come on, I’m trying to help you look your best for that sexy guy of yours,” Cherise whined.

  “Yeah, well, he likes his girls curvy. The man loves to feast on me. So I’ll show off those curves for him.”

  “Oh, so he’s a chubby-chaser?”

  “Out! Out now!” She turned on the shower and cranked up the music, hoping her sister got the hint.

  Half an hour later, Arianna was ready for work and feeling pretty damned delicious as she took a selfie and sent it to Isandro. She opened the door as her phone chimed. His reply nearly split her face from grinning.

  God, girl, you make me hungry.

  Cherise looked over, then at Arianna, motioning at her body. “See, he likes that.”

  Arianna’s mood fell. “Gah, why are you still here?”

  “Are you on the rag? You’re usually in a better mood. Or does he not know how to please a woman?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I was in a great mood because he does know how to please a woman, but you come in here expecting me to want to fit into your perfect little box that I don’t even like. So yeah, you shot my mood to pieces. Thank you. Now, can I please go open my shop and get back to enjoying my day?”

  Throwing her hands up, Cherise stalked toward the living room. “You don’t have to be such a drama queen. I love you and want you happy.”

  “If you want me happy, then accept me for me. I don’t need to be like you to be happy.”

  “Okay,” she answered slowly, rolling her eyes. Then she slipped into full on begging mode, puppy-eyes and all. “Please come this weekend. Bentley has a surprise.”

  Probably an engagement ring. Another opportunity for her mother to tell her she was worthless. “I may have plans. We’ll see. If I come, I’m bringing Isandro and I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks about it.” At least someone would appreciate her in a sexy little cocktail dress.

  “You’ll have to listen to Mom whine and c
ry.”

  “I have to listen to that no matter what I do anyway.”

  Cherise hugged her, then stepped back to take in Arianna’s appearance. She smiled. “You know, you do look pretty in that dress.” She kissed her cheek and hurried out the door.

  * * * *

  “Think we have time to run to Sweet Tooth and Mon Armoire?” Isandro asked Trent as he came through the door.

  Trent glanced at his watch and shrugged. “Probably. Doubt anything is happening today. We’ll have to run if we get a call.”

  “Thanks, man.” He started for the cafeteria.

  “What, you want to go now?” Trent asked, jogging to catch up.

  “Yeah. I want to ask Arianna on a proper date.”

  “I take it you two kissed and made up.”

  Isandro nodded, a smirk on his lips. He shoved his hands in his pockets and nodded at Kyle, Gavin, and Metcalf, who sat at the table talking about the game. “Can we run a couple errands on Main Street?”

  Metcalf nodded. “Sure.”

  Isandro headed for the truck. The guys followed.

  Once seated, Trent turned to Isandro. “So what happened last night?”

  “My sister barged in on us, half dressed.”

  “Before, after, or during your make-up session?”

  He snorted. “After. Arianna was in my shirt on the couch, picking a movie.”

  “She pick a sappy romantic movie?”

  Isandro shrugged. “It wasn’t so bad. Besides, I don’t want her to do shit to please me. I want her to do it to please herself. Derrick really fucked with her head.”

  “Not just him. Her family too. It sucks. She’s gorgeous but doesn’t believe it.”

  “I’ll make her believe she’s beautiful.”

  Kyle smirked. “You finally got her to go out with you?”

  Isandro nodded. “Haven’t asked since high school.”

  “About damned time you got the balls,” Gavin offered.

  Metcalf chuckled and started the truck. “We planning on being long?”

  “Maybe. If she says yes, I’ll need a suit.”

  Trent shrugged. “Park between Sweet Tooth and Mon Armoire, if you can.”

  Luckily, he pulled up to the curb. It was early enough most people weren’t out.

  “How about you meet me at Mon Armoire?” Trent asked.

  “Sure.” He hopped out and walked to Sweet Tooth. Arianna stood near the counter with her arms crossed over her chest, her face red as Derrick jabbered away.

  Isandro pushed his way into the shop and walked up to Arianna, settling his arm around her shoulder. He hoped to God he hadn’t misread the situation.

  Derrick stepped forward, anger burning in his eyes. “What are you doing here? You the one brainwashing her to push me away?”

  “She doesn’t need help realizing you’re a trash-talking, cheating liar, and she can do a million times better.”

  “What? With a lowlife firefighter who doesn’t have a future?”

  Isandro’s brow arched. “What would you know? You still work for daddy.”

  Derrick snarled.

  Arianna squared her shoulders, her sea green eyes narrowing on Derrick. “I already told you. I’m done, Derrick. You can leave before I have Isandro help me throw your ass out.”

  “Would be my pleasure,” Isandro replied, straightening up, ready to haul him out of her shop.

  “You’ll be back. You always are,” Derrick hissed.

  “Nope, not this time.” Arianna took a step forward and shoved Derrick toward the door.

  He stumbled back and glared at Isandro. “This isn’t over. You’ve stepped into my territory.”

  “You don’t own her. Now move your ass,” Isandro taunted, closing the distance.

  Derrick’s eyes went wide. He stumbled back and all but ran out the door.

  “You aren’t mad?” Arianna asked softly.

  “No. You didn’t look too happy to see him.”

  “Wasn’t, but I’m happy to see you. Thanks for getting it through his head.”

  Isandro tipped his head. “Doubt he took the hint. He’ll be back. That’s not why I came by, though.”

  She closed the distance, placing her hands on his shoulders as she looked into his eyes. “What is?”

  He licked his lips. “Go on a date with me tonight? Eight o’clock?”

  “Should I meet you at your house?” Excitement danced across her face.

  “Nope. I’m picking you up.”

  “I’ll be ready. Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “No hints?”

  He shook his head. “None.” Isandro took a quick kiss and nodded outside. “I need to catch up to Trent. Can’t be gone too long. Still on duty.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I do like you in uniform.”

  A grin stole across his face. “That gives me an idea for another night.”

  “I can hardly wait for tonight, and you throw that in there.” She pushed him toward the door. “Now I’ll be daydreaming all day long about the things you could be doing to me.”

  “Oh, if I wasn’t on duty I’d do those things now—and more.” He hurried outside and turned back with a sexy grin.

  Before he was tempted to go back in, he walked down the street at a brisk pace and slipped into Ella’s shop. Trent’s lips were locked to Ella’s.

  Isandro cleared his throat. “There was a purpose to this trip.”

  Ella broke away, blushing. “What’s that?”

  “Going to take Arianna out on a nice date. I need to look good.”

  “Where are you taking her?” she asked.

  “Lourdes Bistro,” Isandro answered.

  “Ooh, I’ve been trying to get Trent to go with me.” She shot him a pleading look. “Not tonight, of course, but I think he’d like it, if he’d give it a try.”

  “Come on, Trent. I took Marissa, and the food is phenomenal.”

  “I’m not touching the escargot,” Trent muttered.

  “There’s more than snails on the menu, you big baby,” Ella teased. Then she flashed Isandro a smile. “Come on, let’s see what we have.” Ella motioned for him to follow. “What are you looking for?”

  “Well, it’s fancy. I don’t own a suit. About time I get one.”

  “I’ve got you covered.”

  Chapter 6

  The ringing phone made Arianna groan. She’d already blocked Derrick’s number the moment the idiot tried to call her earlier. Chances were it was her mother, calling to complain that she shouldn’t write Derrick off yet. That or Cherise begging her to come to the damned party.

  A glance at the phone confirmed her fears. “Hi, Mom. I really don’t have a lot of time. I need to go.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up on me, Arianna May Nelson.”

  “If this is about Derrick, I’m done. He was sleeping with another woman when I showed up the other night.”

  “Yes, well, it sounds as if you’ve already had your revenge on him. Now let him explain.”

  “Explain what? That he accidently fucked another woman?” Arianna seethed.

  Her mother snapped, “Watch your language, young lady.”

  “I’m thirty, Mother. You can’t exactly ground me.”

  “About Derrick—” she started.

  Arianna cut her off, “It’s too late. I’m seeing someone else. Someone who won’t treat me like shit.”

  “You can’t be serious. Derrick’s only issue with you is that you’re a husky woman who could stand to go to the gym. But no, you waste your time running a chocolate shop, which only makes you fatter.”

  Her eyes slammed shut. She didn’t bother mentioning she did go to the gym four to five times a week, or the fact she did enjoy a good workout. Instead she huffed. “I don’t need your opinion either. Goodbye.” She hung up and blocked her mother’s number as well. Just in time for the doorbell to ring.

  Wiping her eyes, she made her way to the door.

  * * * *
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br />   Isandro looked down at the clothes Ella helped him pick out and wiped the back of his hand across his brow. He liked the suit, but he felt confined.

  Steeling his courage, he rang the bell and waited.

  Arianna opened the door with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Perfect timing,” she whispered.

  He gently caught her face and wiped away a tear. “Hey, what’s the matter, beautiful?”

  Arianna shook her head and pushed him onto the landing. “I don’t want to ruin the night.”

  “I’ll drop it if you promise I can make you forget whatever upset you.” He didn’t like it, but tonight, if it got her to let him in, he’d worry about whatever was bothering her later.

  “Promise.” She stepped back and let her eyes trail down and back up his body. “Wow, you—you clean up really well.”

  Isandro ducked his head. “Too much?”

  She shrugged. “Depends on where we’re going. Am I underdressed?” She wore jeans and a blouse that looked amazing on her. He didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought.

  He gave her a hopeful smile. “I want dinner to be a surprise.”

  She took another look at his attire and slipped back inside. “Come in. I’ll change and be ready to go.”

  “What you’re wearing is fine.”

  She shook her head. “But you look so damned good I want to change.”

  He pulled her close. “Whatever you wear will be fine.” He kissed her briefly, then let her back away.

  Sighing, he took in her living room. Bright colors, simple yet comfortable furniture. Bookshelves, a DVD rack with all sorts of movies, though he didn’t fail to notice the shelf full of various workout videos.

  He wanted to beat Derrick’s face in for brainwashing her into thinking she was anything less than gorgeous.

  Then he took a deep breath and pushed the thought aside. There was a chance she wanted the videos, which didn’t bother him. And he wasn’t about to ask why she had them. She already stated she enjoyed the gym.

  Not to mention that the thought of her hot and sweaty made him hard.

  Before she came back out, he moved to the fireplace where tiny crystal figures sat. He couldn’t help the chuckle. Sexy poses, couples in embraces, a few in filthy acts. Nothing he’d expect.