I backed away, breaking the kiss, and stared at her face. We were both breathless and didn’t release our grip on each other.
“What were you going to say?” I asked, trying to calm my breathing.
“I don’t know,” she said, her voice breathy and her face flushed.
“I can show myself out.” I stood and grabbed my coffee cup off the small table next to the swing.
Izzy sat there looking like a deer in headlights as I reached to open the door to the house. “Wait!” she yelled, standing on shaky legs.
“Yes?” I asked, turning to her.
“I can at least show you out,” she said.
I smiled and released the door handle.
“It’s more for self-preservation, really.” She opened the door, trotting down the steps in front of me. “I want to make sure you don’t leave a reason to come back.”
“I don’t need to leave something behind,” I said as I reached the last step, following her into the kitchen and toward the front door. “I’m all the reason you need.” I walked up to her as she stopped by the door and pressed her against the flat surface, brushing my lips against hers. “My cock is a good reason. I remember you mumbling something about God when I was finger-fucking you. And then…then there’s my mouth; you almost suffocated me to death. Do I need more reasons?”
She glared at me and exhaled loudly, her breath hitting me in the face. “James, I think it’s you who can’t forget my pussy. It was so damn good you keep coming back for more. We’ll see who’s begging.” She ducked, weaving out of my grasp, and laughed as she stood behind me.
I hung my head and smiled. The girl had smartass perfected. “Maybe we both have a problem.” I straightened my back and turned toward her. “We’ll find out soon enough. Thanks for the meal and coffee, doll.”
A flash of anger clouded her eyes before a small smile spread across her lips. “You’re welcome. Keep my brother safe, ya hear me?”
I opened the door and waved, leaving her behind. “I will. That I promise you, Isabella.”
I climbed on my bike, smiling as I pulled away, and caught a glimpse of her standing in the door watching me head away from her home. No one did that if they hated the person. The girl had it just as bad as I did. Now I had to figure out how to get her to admit it.
Chapter 7 - Gallo Family Clusterfuck
I spent the rest of Saturday at home relaxing. No one expected me at work, so I didn’t bother. I answered a few text messages and lay around. Even Flash got a short response. I told him that I was fine but too pissed to talk to his sorry ass. He took the hint and left me alone. I mean, what the fuck could he say anyway? “Sorry I left you at the mercy of an MC guy so he could rape you”? He was a total dumbass.
I didn’t feel like hearing bullshit from my brothers if I went into the shop. I’d have enough explaining to do showing up at Sunday dinner, but I had to go. I needed to tell everyone that I had seen Tommy. They’d be relieved that he was well, but totally pissed off at me.
I rubbed my face as I stood outside my parents’ front door. I could hear everyone inside laughing and carrying on. We were never a quiet bunch.
“Here goes nothing,” I whispered to myself, trying to put on a happy face and come up with a bullshit excuse.
I opened the door, walked into the foyer, and dropped my purse next to the stairs. “I’m here!” I yelled, heading toward the great room.
The smell of pasta sauce filled the home and made me think of James. He’d looked so damn hot sitting in my kitchen, scarfing down pasta like it was the best fucking thing he’d ever eaten. I wanted to plop my pussy on the plate and let him attack it like it was his last fucking meal.
I shook my head, clearing James from my mind. The man had me all crazy and losing focus.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Anthony hollered, standing from the couch and stalking toward me.
“Nice to see you too, brother.” I smiled, wrapping him in my arms and patting him on the back.
“You weren’t supposed to be back until tonight. What happened?” he asked, backing away and looking me up and down. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Anth. Really. Bike Week just wasn’t for me.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Joey and Mike striding toward us. Here we go. Let the inquisition begin.
“Hey, guys,” I said, turning toward them and holding out my arms.
“Don’t give us that bullshit, Izzy. What happened?” Mike growled, coming to halt and glaring at me.
“I just wanted to come home. I’m not built for that life.” I looked at Joey, trying to wrap him in a hug.