Page 53 of Just Desserts

"What if she tries to talk to Myles?" Sarah asked, looking concerned.

"Record it. Might come in handy if Isla or Myles needs a restraining order down the line but more importantly, I'll enjoy having the option of rewatching the boss tearing that bitch to shreds." I grinned, the idea of talking to Alyssa already making my blood boil.

"You can't go up to her Myles, it's better if she doesn't know we're aware of her. So if you don't think you can handle this, then I understand." Sully said, looking at me with concern.

"No, no I'm good. Text me when you're all set and I'll head out, we'll take it from there." I told them. With grim looks we all nodded and Sully was the first to stalk out.

"You're a good man Myles Bennett. I'm happy for you, and I'm happy Isla has someone like you in her corner." Sarah stood there, looking at me seriously.

Sarah had worked with me for over five years. I considered her a close friend and she was instrumental in keeping the hotel running. She had a sparkling personality, and was quick minded with a sharp tongue. She also had a huge maternal instinct, caring for all the younger employees and guiding them through the different conflicts that arrived in hospitality. She doesn't like anyone knowing she's actually a sweet person though so this compliment was rare and genuine.

"Thanks Sarah, I promise to do my best not to fuck it up. I have no doubt you could swoop in and steal Isla even if I don't piss her off."

"You bet your ass. Okay let me go out, get prepared for Part 1 of Project Skank." I laughed at the name as she headed out to the office.

Once she was gone, I held my phone in my hand waiting for Sully's text giving me the go ahead. I had no idea what I would do if Alyssa came up to me, but not knowing what she was doing here was even more worrisome. As I made my way through the lobby, it took more strength than I cared to admit not to look for her. I approached the front desk where Sarah was waiting and put a piece of paper down between us.

In a low voice I asked, "Where is she?" before pointing from the computer to my paper like I was showing Sarah something.

"Left side of the door, in the wing back chair by the fern tree. She’s wearing a too-tight pencil skirt and a bright blue satin shirt. Don't make eye contact, you might turn to stone."

I hid a smile by wiping a hand over my mouth and risking a glance up, catching a glimpse of Alyssa out of the corner of my eye. She was blatantly staring, her eyes focused on Sarah, a cruel glint visible. I looked away quickly, not wanting toengage or invite conversation. After a couple of minutes, I said goodbye to Sarah and started to head back to my office.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Alyssa standing. I slowed my pace slightly, curious to see if she would approach me on my way back. Once I was behind the safety of the employee only entrance I gave a deep breath. I felt my phone buzzing and looked down. There was a text from Sully.

Need an hour to get started on Project Skank. I'll text you when I'm back and we'll regroup.

I sighed, unease settling through me. Just over an hour later Sully came into my office with Sarah hot on his heels.

"I put a tracker on her car and in her purse. I also gave her the number for my burner phone. Let me get an idea of her movements and then we can talk about next steps, but we have eyes on her for now."

"Thanks man, I appreciate it." I replied with a sigh.

"Are you going to tell Isla?" Sarah asked me.

"Yes, I can't think of a positive reason to not tell her. Especially if we're all this concerned. She most of all needs to be aware, Wes too unfortunately. But yeah I'm going to head over to her now and check in. Thanks again, both of you."

"Thank Sully, he had to talk to her and change her tire to plant those trackers. That's an hour of his life he's never getting back." Sarah replied tartly while Sully snorted in agreement. I gave his shoulder a firm pat as I grabbed my jacket.

A deep need inside of me urged me to go check on Isla, make sure she was okay. Seeing Alyssa brought up all my protective instincts. I wanted to wrap Isla up and whisk her away where nothing and no one could hurt her. I also knewIsla was stronger than anyone gave her credit for, treating her like glass, leaving her out of the conversation wouldn't help or protect her.

So despite everything inside of me ordering me to handle it on my own, I knew keeping Isla in the dark would hurt her, hurtus, more than telling her the truth. My girl was strong, she could handle anything that came her way. But she wouldn't need to, she had me now.

Chapter 37

Isla

Myles had gone out of his way to make the last few weeks some of the best times in my life. We both had busy schedules, but still managed to see each other at least once during the week, if not more. We developed an easy rhythm, aided by our constant communication. I would pop by the hotel whenever I had freetime and not just to see Myles.

Just last week I brought Jen by for a girls day with Sarah. On the weekends, Myles made it his mission to help me finish decorating my apartment; taking me to estate sales and different furniture shops. He also took me bowling and to karaoke, crossing things off what he deemed the Johnny Wouldn't List.

Myles was a mix of contradictions, controlled and smooth but not bossy. He was the perfect balance of decisive and flexible. He seamlessly managed to know when to take charge or when to let me stew on something. The only area I was unsure of regarded the bedroom.

Things were blissfully silent for me regarding Jonathan. Court was scheduled for next week and I was mostly anxious to get it over with. Lydia told me she expected everything to go smoothly but it could still take additional time for the divorce to actually get finalized.

I sighed, one step at a time. We were getting closer and that's what counted. Not to mention I hadn't seen hide nor hair fromJonathan since his parent's visit so I was taking that as a good sign. Still, I felt like the pending divorce was somehow holding my relationship with Myles in limbo.

We hadn’t slept together yet, hadn’t done more than a few kisses if I was honest. The few times we had fallen asleep together I would wake up wrapped around him. I wanted more, my body wanted more but mentally,emotionally, I wasn’t ready yet. Sex wasn’t something casual for me.

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