Sweet Tooth Read online

  “This okay?” Arianna asked.

  He looked up to find her in a black pencil skirt that hugged her curves and a green sweater that brought out her beautiful eyes.

  “Absolutely stunning.”

  She smoothed her hands down her frame, frowning. “I don’t look like a couple sausages shoved into a too tight casing?”

  He clenched his jaw to bite back the remark about Derrick. Ruining the night was the last thing he wanted to do. After a slow breath, he moved closer, running his hands up the path she took. “I won’t ever pay you a compliment that isn’t a hundred percent sincere.”

  She bit her bottom lip as she looked into his eyes. Her vulnerability stared back. Then she sighed. “Before you showed up, my mother told me I needed to work out more. That I shouldn’t run a chocolate shop because it’s making me fat.” She sighed and tried to move away.

  Isandro pulled her into the line of his body, pushing down the sudden urge to punch something. “You have sexy, voluptuous curves. And I love your chocolate, if you haven’t noticed.”

  Finally, light danced through her smiling eyes. “Why do I believe you?”

  “I’m telling the truth.” He breathed in deep and released it. “Please tell me at least Trent told you how gorgeous you are a time or two.”

  Looking away, she nodded. “But he’s seen firsthand how horrible my family, and even Derrick, have been about my size.”

  He caressed her throat and dipped his head to kiss her forehead. “For now, let me prove how sexy you are, over dinner.”

  “I’d like that.”

  * * * *

  The way Isandro looked at her was nearly enough to wash away the lingering insecurities. Each compliment chipped away at the wall built of self-doubt.

  “So, you can say no.” Arianna rolled her eyes. “But my sister invited me to some party this weekend. Says you’re invited.”

  “If you’re going, I’d go with you. But if your mother is always so condescending, are your sisters any better?”

  “Cherise is.” She sighed and shrugged. “Come with me. Help me tune them all out.”

  His brow arched. “You could skip it.”

  Her face scrunched. “It’s my sister. The one I usually like.”

  “I’ll go. Where is it?”

  “The country club.”

  He looked down at his suit and back at her. “I’ll be wearing this again…if that’s not a problem.”

  Her face lit up. “You look so damned good in it I have no problem with that. I don’t ever recall you dressing up.”

  He chuckled. “You can thank Ella. She helped pick it out. Now, we have a reservation to make.”

  Her brow arched. “Where?”

  “You’ll see.” He took her hand, leading her out the door. She stopped to lock it before heading back to his Mustang convertible.

  His car was unexpected, but she liked it. “No truck today?”

  “This is a proper date.” He glanced over as he opened the passenger door for Arianna. Isandro was full of pleasant surprises.

  She took his hand and slid into the seat, crossing her legs. He watched the movement as if he were enjoying the show. She’d never felt sexier than she did with Isandro.

  The moment he pulled onto the road out of town, he reached over to take her hand. “How was your day? Besides Derrick and your mother attempting to ruin it?”

  “Not bad, but this evening is proving to be the best part, and it’s just begun.”

  The drive out of town was a surprise, though Arianna didn’t have a clue where Isandro could be taking her in town dressed like that. Then he headed into Middleton and neared Lourdes Bistro.

  She tried to hold her excitement at bay. Never in a million years would she have guessed he would bring her there. Fancy, French, and expensive.

  Then he pulled into the parking lot. “Wait right there.” He climbed out, and she blinked. He really was taking her there.

  The door opened and he took her hand. He pulled her to a stand before leaning down to steal a brief kiss.

  “Did I mention how stunning that sweater makes your eyes? Never mind the fact I’m tempted to run my hands over every inch of your body.”

  Blushing, she giggled. “You did give me that impression, but if this is a ploy to impress me, we can go anywhere and I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”

  “Actually, that might be part of tonight, but I love this restaurant.”

  Her lips quirked, a single eyebrow arching. “When have you been here?”

  He smiled. “Marissa was talking about how much she wanted to try it. It was right after Chris dumped her. Wanted to cheer her up.”

  That was beyond sweet. Then one detail clicked. “Chris Sutton?” Arianna asked.

  Isandro nodded.

  “I didn’t realize they were ever together.”

  “Yeah, it was short-lived. He couldn’t handle her job, and his friends gave him shit for her not being better off.” He rolled his eyes.

  Arianna smirked. “He always did care about what they said. Me, not so much. I’ve come to realize pleasing my mother will never happen. It hurts, but I ignore her as much as I can.”

  “Then why go to the party?”

  “Cherise isn’t like them. I want to be there for her.”

  “All right. We’ll go.” Isandro pulled her toward the door. “Come on. The food is fantastic.”

  A sheepish smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I know. Ella and I went a few weeks ago. Trent kept whining about the snails, so she invited me because she knew I wanted to try it.”

  Isandro laughed. “Yeah, he was bitching about them today in the shop.”

  Amazed, she asked, “You really like this restaurant?”

  He nodded. “I do. Quiet, calm atmosphere, great place for a conversation. I want to know what makes you tick.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  He really couldn’t get more perfect.

  * * * *

  Arianna trailed her fingers over Isandro’s, her smile lighting up the room while they waited for dessert. His phone buzzed for the third time.

  Sighing, he offered a tight smile. “Mind if I check who’s calling? This is call number three, and they haven’t gotten the hint.”

  Her nose scrunched as her head tipped. “You’ve been ignoring your phone?”

  The corners of his mouth tipped up in a smile. “This is a date and you have my full attention, but if my phone goes off again, my ass may go numb.”

  Her giggle made his cock twitch. “Answer. The call may be important.”

  Pulling out his phone, he rejected the call and checked his texts. A hint of guilt filtered in as he typed out, Shit, sorry, Sis. On a date with Arianna. Took her to Lourdes Bistro. I’ll help tomorrow.

  Isandro silenced his phone and put it back in his pocket.

  “Everything okay?”

  He shrugged. “Sister may smack me. I promised to help her put the new grill together when she picked it up. It’s fine, though. She got it a few days early. I’ll help her tomorrow evening.”

  “Put her grill together?”

  “Yeah. She bought a nice gas one. She likes having us all over on the weekends. The old one was starting to fall apart.”

  Her smile dampened. “You’re close with your family, aren’t you?”

  “With my brothers and sister, yeah. But they don’t try to force their opinions on me.” He took her hand, hoping he could coax a smile from her lips. “I’ll go to this party, but how about you come to the barbeque with me Friday? Let them get to know you.”

  “They won’t wonder why I’m there?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe at first. Until they see how much I like you.”

  Her brows drew together. “That easy?”

  “Yeah. That easy.”

  “I don’t think Marissa likes me,” she whispered.

  His eyes narrowed, wondering what the hell she said to Arianna. “Why?”

  “She w
arned me against hurting you.”

  “That’s what family is supposed to do. I’ll talk to her. I can handle my own relationships. I hope that isn’t what is making you stick around.”

  “No. You’ve blown away all expectations I’ve ever had for any man.”

  “If you’re basing your opinion on Derrick, it can’t be hard to do.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  He winced. “I’ve seen the way he talks to you in public.” Isandro shook his head. “I can’t imagine what he said behind closed doors was any better. You’re fucking gorgeous. I crave every inch of your body. And he made you feel ugly.”

  * * * *

  Arianna’s heart melted. This big, strong, delicious man wanted her. No one else. Her.

  “If someone had told me about Derrick cheating, I would have shut him down completely. As it was, I’m the one who always dumped him. I should have made the first time stick.”

  “I’m sorry I brought it up.”

  “Let’s forget about him. He’s dragging me down, and he isn’t even here. I’d rather erase him from my life.”

  Isandro pulled her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss as he stared deep into her eyes. “What about me?”

  A smile stole across her lips. “Oh, you I want.”

  The waiter brought their crème brûlée to the table. He insisted on ordering two. This man—he filled her with confidence.

  “Eat. You said you love this,” he urged.

  Taking her fork, she brought a bite to her mouth. She groaned her appreciation. “So good.”

  Smiling, he took a bite of his own and closed his eyes. Damn, that was sexy. He met her gaze. “Very, but not as good as your chocolate.”

  Blushing she leaned forward. “You’ve officially made this night wonderful.”

  “That was the plan.”

  Chapter 7

  Isandro was tempted to ask her to come to his place, but he took her to hers. At least they wouldn’t be interrupted by a nosy sister.

  Arianna took his hand. “Tell me you’re staying the night.”

  He let out a laugh. “I’ll ignore the door if anyone knocks.”

  “Sounds good.” She waited in her seat, and he hurried around to let her out. Arianna rose up on her toes to steal a kiss.

  A loud sports car pulled in and she settled down, her smile falling clean off her face. “Why don’t we go to your house?”

  He looked up to find Derrick watching them with a glare.

  “Up to you. But if he’s the only reason you want to go, he’s not chasing me off this time.”

  She trailed her fingers down his chest and abs with a sigh. “May not be worth it. He’s likely to try to start something.”

  Derrick gunned the engine of his Porsche Boxster, the sound ridiculously loud.

  “Let him be an asshole. Someone will complain about that noise box of his.”

  She pushed him back and let him shut the door. Isandro locked the car and put his arm around Arianna’s shoulders with a smirk in Derrick’s direction.

  Derrick shot out of his car, came around the back, and threw a swing. Isandro caught his fist and shoved him back, forcing him to stumble.

  Arianna scooted away and shouted. “Derrick, we’re over. Now go!”

  The fool snarled and came back at him. Isandro shot his fist out, square in Derrick’s face. Derrick landed on his ass, his hands going to his bleeding nose.

  Isandro gave Arianna an apologetic smile. “If he stays down, I won’t hit him again.”

  “You’re with this fucking meathead now?” Derrick sneered at Arianna.

  “None of your damned business.” She grabbed Isandro’s sleeve and dragged him toward the stairs.

  Assuming he hadn’t fucked up, he scooped her off her feet and took her upstairs with a grin. Sure, he may have been showing off, but it killed two birds with one stone. He proved he was stronger, and that Arianna loved it.

  Giggling, she threw her arms around his neck.

  “Not mad?” he breathed against her ear.

  She shook her head. “He started it. You only stopped him. You could have done so much worse. And he would have deserved it, but that wouldn’t have been a fair fight.”

  He shrugged. “Sooner or later, he’ll give up.”

  “Maybe you knocked some sense into him.”

  Chuckling, he let her down to open the door. He leaned in behind her and murmured, “I don’t want to think about him.”

  “Neither do I.” She stepped inside, and he followed, kicking the door shut and throwing the locks.

  Arianna took his wrist and pulled him toward the kitchen with a devilish grin. “Hop on the counter.”

  His head tipped slightly. “Why?”

  She batted her long lashes. “Please.”

  Shit, how could he resist. He hopped up on the counter and she moved to the freezer, pulling out one of those icepacks with the beads. After placing a kiss to his knuckles, she pressed the icepack to the back of his hand.

  He shook his head with a smile. “Ari, it’s not that bad.”

  She shrugged, opening his tie, then taking her time with the buttons. Her devilish smirk sparked something deep within.

  “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice husky as she pushed his shirt and jacket down his arms and licked her lips as she dragged her eyes over his body.

  Fuck, he was hard, but he wanted to see where she was going.

  Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him. “The piercings, is it because you like your nipples played with?” Her cheeks colored.

  Biting his lip, he nodded, unable to utter a word. They’d been sensitive before, but the barbells made every sensation more intense.

  “Like a sign, pointing out your pleasure spot?” She giggled, and he grunted, about ready to give up on her teasing and show her how bad he needed to bury himself inside her body.

  “And what about this one?” She squeezed his dick through his pants and ran her finger over the thick ring.

  His eyes closed a second. “Wasn’t with anyone at the time, and I figured if the others were more sensitive, that would be too.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yeah.”

  She stepped back to the freezer.

  “Where’re you going, beautiful?” His voice was low and rough. Isandro barely had a grip on his control as it was. The date proved his attraction was more than skin-deep. He liked her spunk, her drive—hell, everything about her. She was smart, independent, but had been put through the ringer by those who were supposed to love her unconditionally. Her confidence had been battered and worn down, but he had every intention of building it back up.

  Shutting the freezer door, she came back with an ice cube she teased around one nipple. He hissed at the cold, the sensation sparking straight to his balls in his too tight slacks.

  Moving to the other side, she bent down to tug the barbell with her teeth.

  He wrapped his fingers through her hair and gently pulled her head back. “You plan on teasing me all night?”

  She shook her head slightly, flicking the ice cube over his nipple. “Derrick didn’t like me anywhere near there,” she breathed. “It’s fucking sexy the way you react. I just—I want to make you feel good, then make you come so hard you never think about another woman.”

  “Ari,” he warned, “you’re playing with fire.”

  Her fingers brought the cold trailing down every ridge of his abdomen as she went for his belt.

  He caught her wrist and brought the ice cube to his mouth, stealing it before he pushed her back and threw her over his shoulder.

  “I was enjoying myself,” she whined.

  He caressed her ass then slapped it. “No cold down there. You want me hard, right?”

  “Yes,” she groaned, wiggling her ass under his hand while he carried her to the bedroom.

  He tossed her onto the bed, grinning at the way her face lit up. She scooted past him, pulling her sweater over her head.

  “There are t
hings I want to do to you.” She unzipped the skirt, letting it slide to the floor, leaving her in delicate, lacy, pink panties and a bra that clung to creamy skin.

  His mouth watered as she sauntered toward him and pushed him onto the bed. He caressed her curves with a grin.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “Fuck yes, it is. Ari, you’re delicious. Let me show you.”

  “Later. Let me show you, now.” She stepped between his legs and knelt to open his fly. Her eyes traveled along his body as he rose up enough for her to pull his pants and underwear down.

  “What are you doing, Ari?”

  The dimple in her cheek deepened as she met his smoldering stare.

  “Shh, or I’ll blindfold you.”

  His brow arched. “That supposed to be a threat?”

  “You like that?”

  He gulped. “I’ve never been.”

  “Would you like to be?”

  He nodded slowly, willing to take this journey with her. Later, he’d repay her, make it better than anything she’d ever experienced.

  Arianna climbed up next to him and leaned over to the nightstand. He noticed the toys when she opened the drawer to pull out the black silk scarf.

  Her brow pinched as she looked back at him. “Those don’t offend you?”

  “Hell no. Gives me a few sexy ideas.”

  Her green eyes held insecurities as she took a slow breath. “You don’t feel emasculated by them? Or the blindfold? Or anything?”

  He almost asked if dickweed did, but he already knew the answer. “We’re both consenting adults seeking pleasure. I’m willing to explore anything, as long as I can stop it if it doesn’t work for me.”

  She trailed her fingers over his thigh with a thoughtful smile. “Even if I have a freaky side I’ve never explored?”

  He grinned and pulled her up, urging her to straddle his lap. “Fuck, yeah.”

  She folded the blindfold as if she’d done it before. He watched, wondering, but not daring to ask and ruin the moment.