Page 69 of Just Desserts

To his employees, Myles was the Terminator, never diverting from his mission and taking down anything in his way. To me, Myles was my safe haven, the calm in the storm. I loved that I got this secret version of him that no one else saw. Whenever he was around me, Myles was on alert as if ready to cut down anyone who even looked at me funny. It soothed a part of my soul I never knew about. I felt protected, safe and loved. He was possessive and paranoid and completely devoted to me. I couldn't ask for anything more.

After the divorce was finalized, it felt like I was finally free. I could break free from any ties to my past and really give my all to Myles. Our first time together was an incredible night and the indelible moment in which our relationship firmly traversed into a true connection. Since then, we've been inseparable as well as insatiable. It was like something was unleashed within me, a version of myself I didn't know existed. This version, Myles' Isla, was unburdened, unrestrained, free to give and receive.

There were times we didn't even make it back to one of our houses, needing to pull over in a secluded spot, our need for each other overtaking us. Even after the newness faded, every touch caused goosebumps. Each caress is a promissory noteof what to expect once we were alone together. Jonathan was my first and only, and nothing that happened in the years we were together even remotely compared to what I felt for Myles. What Myles made me feel.

It was alarming, once again I felt the need to slow things down, think things through but anytime I tried to talk myself into pulling back Myles was there. Calm, reassuring, steady and oh so delicious. I stopped fighting it, deciding it was okay to treat myself to everything that was Myles. I trusted him, I wanted to see what he would do if I gave him everything, every part of me. I tuned back into the conversation to see both Grams and Sarah staring at me.

"Sorry I didn't hear you, what did you say?" I asked. Sarah and Grams looked at each other with similar expressions,

"How are things going with Myles? By your expression I think we can assume it's going well, better than well." Sarah said, causing me to blush profusely.

"I like Myles for you. He will guard your heart." Grams said, leaving me speechless.

"Of course he will, Myles is a great guy, but we want the naughty details." Sarah said, leaning over to waggle her eyebrows at me.

"Well as much as I would love to hear about Myles prowess in the bedroom we do need to discuss the guest list." Grams said, surprising me.

"What! She was just about to get to the good part, look how red she is!" Jen exclaimed.

"Yes and that tells us all we need to know. He's clearly doing something right to render her speechless. Now what was I talking about?" Grams paused for a moment. Jumping on theopportunity to move the conversation away from my sex life I followed up.

"The guest list? You said you needed to discuss it? I thought you and your contact at the charity were putting it together." I asked.

"We are, what I wanted to let you know is that DeMatteo & Shaw have bought a table. I don't know who all they are bringing from the firm but there is a chance that Jonathan could be there." Grams said, something mischievous working behind her eyes.

"Makes sense, I know how important these events are to Martin and Rachel. They are an incredibly kind couple, neither they nor the charity should suffer for Jonathan's misdeeds." I said, feigning a calm I wasn't entirely feeling.

"Okay so what I'm hearing is we have to make sure your dress is flaming hot, we need the whole works. If there's a chance your ex is gonna be there we have to make sure you look radiant so we can watch him crumble when he sees you on Myles arm." Sarah said menacingly.

"You're ridiculous. This event is for charity and Grams. Let's not worry about me and especially not waste any energy worrying about Jonathan." I said, rolling my eyes at Sarah's dramatics.

"Sure believe whatever you want. I'm making an appointment for us at this cute little couture boutique I know of. We'll make sure we find the perfect dress." Sarah said, clearly dismissing my feedback.

"It should be blue, my Isla looks lovely in that color and will make her eyes pop." Grams replied, dismissing me to look at dresses with Sarah on her phone.

I tuned them out, letting them have their fun and tried to enjoy the rest of the pedicure. Life was good, the people surrounding me now were honest and supportive. I couldn't ask for anything more. That's what terrified me the most. Nothing this good lasts. As much as I tried to shove it down, doubt and anxiety reared its ugly head telling me the other shoe was going to drop any day now. I couldn't help but worry that this would all disappear, that it wasn't real, just smoke and mirrors. That I had once again attached myself to a man who could easily deceive.

I knew that was unfair to Myles, that he was nothing like Jonathan and I shouldn't compare the two, but I couldn't help but worry. What I felt when Jonathan betrayed me cut me down in ways I didn't know were possible. I was still working to put myself back together. If something happened with Myles, I don't think I would ever be able to recover. It was terrifying, but at the end of the day wrapped in the comfort of his arms I knew it was worth the risk. Myles was worth risking it all.

Chapter 49

Myles

Sun had barely risen the morning of the Charity Ball as I pulled a sleeping Isla into my arms and enjoyed the opportunity to watch her for a moment. She looked so innocent and fragile when she was asleep. Her face, unmarred by concern or worries, brought out all the caveman instincts I never believed existed. I wanted to wrap her up and keep her away from anyone or anything that could hurt her.

Tonight was the big event and I knew the girls had plans for a full beauty day to prepare. It seemed silly to me because Isla would never look more beautiful to me than she did in this moment. Bare faced and trusting, her body warm and curled against mine. Only I got to see her like this, and that was a precious gift.

Unable to help myself I leaned down to press a kiss to her lips as I stroked a hand down her back. Isla squirmed against me, reaching her arms up to stretch as she slowly woke up. She was sluggish in the morning, stubborn and downright ornery. It was adorable. Knowing it would take her some time to actually leave the bed I slid out to get breakfast started. It was an important day to both of us, we had worked on this event as a team and I wanted to start it off right. I put the coffee on as I got started on French toast and bacon, knowing how much Isla liked the mix of sweet and savory.

Once the food was done I attempted to plate it in a pleasing manner before putting it on a tray with syrup, coffee and acup of fruit. I even made sure to give the French toast a good layer of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Just as I was about to carry it up to her, Isla made her way into the kitchen. Her eyes widened as she saw me standing there with the tray and a large smile broke out over her face.

"Is that for me?" She asked with a mischievous smile.

"Yes, I meant to wake you up with it but I got distracted. Any chance you can creep back up the stairs and into bed so I can pretend to surprise you?"I asked, disappointed at my poor planning.

"How about I climb back down the stairs and act surprised then we can eat together at the table, where I can't spill syrup all over our bed." My heart swelled when she said our bed and I couldn't help the goofy smile that covered my face. Not to mention she had a point, she had a knack for spilling things regularly.

"Fair deal. Count to five before you come back down. I need a minute to rehearse." I said pretending dramatic seriousness.

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