Page 42 of Just Desserts

"All serious and sexy and intimidating." I laughed at her description.

"Do I intimidate you?" Concerned, I never wanted her to feel uncomfortable about me.

"Yes, but not in the way you're thinking it's not something you do, it's just you. You're, well look at you! Of course you're intimidating. You're, I mean, you know the tall and the charming and the dimples it just. Ugh you know what I mean! " She was blushing and waving her hands around as if that helped her explanation, and I found it even more endearing.

I paid the check and gently corralled Isla out of the restaurant and into the car. I had lifted her up into the passenger seat and was reaching over to buckle her in when her tiny hand caressed my cheek. I looked up into her giant blue eyes and she smiled down at me.

"I like when you do that. It's like you always need to be touching me or making sure I'm okay. I didn't realize. I missed that."

"Missed what?" I asked, a bit confused.

"Touch. I didn't realize it at the time but Jonathan had been pulling away for a while. It feels nice, you don't realize how important touch is until you've gone without it."

"Anything that's important to you is important to me, Isla. As for touching you? I'm happy to do that as often as you'll let me. Not because you want me to, but because I need to. You get me?" I looked into her eyes, she gave a small nod and I saw the gleam of tears that hadn't spilled over.

I pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before securing her in the car. I barely made it onto the main road when I turned to check on Isla and found her fast asleep leaning against the window. I smiled to myself and made sure to adjust the vents so she was comfortable.

The more I learned about Jonathan, the more I hated him. Every time I thought he had reached a new low, even more levels of betrayal and manipulation are unveiled. I couldn't understand anything about his method of thinking.

I was furious that he sent his parents to confront her, but I also watched them carefully and saw how hard the truth hit them after Isla set them straight. Jonathan was destroying lives left and right with no care for anyone but himself.

Isla let out a cute snuffle before shifting and learning her head against my shoulder. I decided to bring her to my place where I could get her set up in the guest room and keep an eye on her. There was also something deep within me that needed to see her in my space. My house was my sanctuary and this was the first time I wanted anyone's opinion on it.

As I turned off the main road and slowed down for any animals I dropped my arm from the wheel and wrapped it around Isla's shoulder. I had never been more grateful for the bench seat in the front of my truck. Tucking her into my side, she snuggled her face against me. I couldn't help the tight squeeze I held her in.

She was right, there was a pull inside of me, I felt like I had to touch her at all times. I had to prove to myself that she was real. I drove up to my house and shut the car off. Isla didn't even stir when I pulled her into my lap and slid out the door.

With the lights off I carried her up to the bedroom before placing her on top of the blankets. I hesitated for a moment then went into my room to grab a change of clothes for her. By the time I got back into the guest room she had already wriggled out of her shoes and pants and was reaching for her top.

Her movements were slow and clunky. I recited times tables and sports stats in my head as I helped her out of her jacket and top and into the shirt I had brought in for her. I had just gotten it pulled down to her thighs when she rolled over into the middle of the bed.

I watched humorously as she kicked and fidgeted until she managed to wiggle her way under the covers before promptly falling into a deep sleep. I reached over and brushed a piece of hair out of her face, admiring the sight of her in my house.

Once in my own bed, there was a new feeling running through me. I was happy, there was a new degree of contentment inside of me knowing I had Isla under my roof, and so close to me. More than anything though I wanted to be even closer.

I wanted her in my bed, her hair on my pillow and legs entwined with mine. I wiped a hand down my face, reminding myself of everything I learned today. I had to take things slow, it didn't matter though. For Isla, I had all the time in the world.

Chapter 31

Isla

I woke up alone in an unfamiliar bed with an all too familiar pounding in my head. I stumbled around the room until I found the bathroom where I took care of business then went to wash my hands. As I was drying them off, I was horrified as I made eye contact with my reflection.

My hair stood up in every direction, while simultaneously turning into a bird's nest in one spot at the top of my head. Black rings from my mascara were under my eyes and I was in a large shirt that I didn't recognize. I made quick work of washing my face and fixing my hair. I dug through the bathroom cabinets, grateful to find ibuprofen and a fresh toothbrush.

I figured out quickly I was at Myles house. I remembered most of dinner but after my third, no fourth? Margarita, things got a little blurry. I slipped my bra on under the oversized shirt and pulled my jeans on before I went downstairs in search of my host.

I heard some banging around downstairs and the smell of bacon and eggs wafted my way. When I reached the bottom of the stairs I stepped into a large living room. One wall was made up of heavy stones, the opposite had floor to ceiling french doors. The whole space was filled with dark wood and sturdy leather furniture. Exposed beams stretched across the entire ceiling.

Everything in his house seemed big. I felt a little like Alice in Wonderland when she ate the shrinking potion but once I saw Myles in the kitchen I understood. His home, his comfort required spaces big enough to accommodate his 6 '4 frame. The space was warm and welcoming, while still feeling large and spacious. Neutral colors made the variety of materials go together in a way that felt natural.

I made my way into the kitchen on socked feet and took a moment to admire Myles as he moved around his kitchen with ease. He had gray sweatpants on and a white t-shirt. His hair was messy and he had a five o'clock shadow. It was unfair how good he looked. I must have made a sound because he turned around and his eyes softened as he saw me standing there.

"Morning sweetheart" his voice was husky and woke me up in an entirely different way.

"Here, come have a seat. There's fresh coffee and breakfast will be ready in a bit."

"Thank you, it smells amazing. And thank you for last night, I'm sorry if I did or said anything embarrassing." Uncertainty froze me as I tried to sort through my tequila soaked memories.

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