Page 59 of Just Desserts

Charlie was giving me a strange look and a wave of nerves hit me. I had no idea what Isla had told them about me, if she had told them anything at all. I didn't want to put her in an awkward spot and was suddenly apprehensive about my decision to insist on coming today. Before I could say anything, Wes got a wicked smile on his face, eyeing the group withmirth.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to mention I introduced Isla to Myles. He's already in love with her but don't say anything because he'll get embarrassed." I whipped my head around to stare at Wes.

Why would he think that was a good way to announce that? Blood rushed to my head and my heart was beating rapidly in my chest. I was afraid of upsetting the family and, as a result, Isla. I looked up and saw excitement in Susie and Laurel's eyes, my pulse calming slightly.

"Oh! Oh my! I don't know why we never thought of that but yes you two are just perfect for each other! Oh Laurel, we've known Myles since he was teenager. He's a delightful young man." Susie gushed to her sister. Returning her focus to me she pointed and exclaimed.

"You must come to our house for dinner on Sunday so we can catch up, we haven't seen you since graduation! Charlie, can you believe it! Myles and Isla! I'm thrilled." Susie danced in place, turning between Charlie and Laurel. I cleared my throat and took a step towards Isla's mom, extending my hand to introduce myself.

"Hello Mrs. Graham, my name is Myles Bennett. It's lovely to finally meet you." She took my hand and gave a slight giggle as red tinged her cheeks.

"My daughter has been tight lipped about you but now I understand why! Please say you'll stop by for Sunday dinner. We would love to have you even if just for dessert," she replied. Her voice was melodic and so much of her mannerisms mirrored Isla's.

"That sounds lovely. Let me run it by Isla first before I accept the invitation.” I responded, checking out everyone's faces tomake sure I was indeed welcome.

"Then it's a done deal, Isla would never say no to an extra dinner guest! Looking forward to having you." Charlie responded as Laurel and Susie giggled and whispered to each other. I shook my head at the men, who were greatly enjoying my discomfort.

However, all conversation ceased when Isla appeared at the top of the stairs. She looked happy, her face and body language calm. She clocked all of us standing there and a dopey smile spread across her face as she nearly ran down the stairs to us.

"It's done! It was approved, he didn't fight it!" She yelled, launching herself into the arms of her family.

We all laughed and I stepped back, allowing her family to take turns congratulating her. Once they had their chance I couldn't resist any longer and stepped forward. Isla's eyes got big and her cheeks flushed in the way that I love. Her smile was huge as I pulled her towards me and looked down into her beautiful face.

I gave her a hard kiss before pulling away to hold her in my arms. She was free to be mine now, if she wanted to. Wes and Charlie cleared their throats obnoxiously causing me to pull away slightly, but I couldn't help keeping an arm around Isla. I needed her close to me. I had to prove to myself she was real and she was here. We chatted for a bit longer before I offered to take everyone out to lunch, but Isla shut it down.

"I'm sorry, I'm beat. I didn't sleep at all last night. Can we rain check lunch? All I want right now is to change into my PJS and climb into bed," she answered honestly. Her family took it well, an evil grin spreading across Charlie's face.

"Not a problem, go home and get some rest. No worries on theraincheck since Myles is going to stop by for Sunday dinner. Isn't that right?" He looked at me at the same time Isla's eyes swung up to mine, large and worried.

"Your family invited me, it’s up to you whether you want me there.” I murmured lower for her to hear.

"Of course it's alright with me. " Isla breathed out and I smiled.

The group dispersed and I herded Isla into my car. She sighed deeply then leaned back in her seat.

"Your place or mine?" I asked, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yours. I like your bed better than mine." She replied simply and I smiled to myself, happy that she was comfortable at my place. Isla started to fall asleep in the car ride to my house. When we arrived, I carefully guided her inside and up to the bedroom. I gave her a shirt of mine to sleep in and tucked her into my bed for a nap. She was out before I even left the room.

I spent the next hours quietly downstairs, getting some work done while also preparing food for when Isla finally woke up. I had soup and grilled cheese on the stove when my phone started ringing. I grabbed it quickly, hoping the sound hadn't woken Isla.

"Hello?" I answered out of breath, not bothering to check who was calling.

"Hey Boss, now a bad time?" Sully's deep voice replied.

"Hey Sully. Now is fine, Isla's upstairs sleeping was just trying to get to the phone before it woke her up."

"Oh good. She's with you," Sully replied in a way that had my hackles rising.

"Yeah, she had court today. Why, what's going on?" I asked, my nerves growing.

"Yeah, so I decided it would be a good time to check on Alyssa's tracker. I wanted to see what she's been up to since we saw her at the hotel and I gotta tell you boss, it doesn't look good. Not only does she drive by the bakery frequently, it shows she was at the courthouse today and followed you back to your house. She stayed in the neighborhood for over an hour before returning to her apartment."

I took a deep breath, not sure how to process this information. I wasn't a violent man but I was protective of those I cared about. I didn't like that Alyssa was so clearly invested in Isla's whereabouts.

"What do you suggest?" I asked finally, unable to focus my thoughts because my concern for Isla was overwhelming me.

"Let me do a deeper dive, I can scope her out, maybe get into her apartment. Do you know if Isla has security cameras set up at the bakery?" He asked. Shaking my head, I realized I had to verbalize my answer.

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