Paradise Bound

Chapter 18

I'm suddenly very nervous after reading Isaac's text.... A million questions start running through my head.

(Why is he inviting me into his home? I mean this was only a casual arrangement, he made that perfectly clear from the start. I really do want to get to know him but I'm terrified that in me doing so, I'll end up falling for him even more and ultimately end up broken hearted again.)

I try to push all my worries and insecurities out of my head, afterall this could be a casual dinner.

I head to the shower and let the hot water soothe my tired and aching muscles. After my long relaxing shower I dry myself and my dry hair.

I rummage through my wardrobe trying to decide what to wear.

(I mean, do I dress up or keep it casual?.... Oh to hell with it, I may as well go all out and try to feel good about myself!)

I finally settle on a dress and slip it up over the curves of my body. I look at my reflection in the mirror.

I put a little makeup on and head into the kitchen for a quick drink of water. Isaac will be arriving in a few minutes.

As I'm putting my glass in the dishwasher the doorbell rings. As if on cue the butterflies start fluttering around my stomach.

I quickly grab my bag and make my way to the door. I open it slowly to see Isaac looking like a Greek god as usual.

As his eyes find me I can feel him taking in my whole body.

"Tessa..... You look stunning. You know we're just going back to my house, not some posh restaurant?"

I smile at Isaac.

"Yes, I know that but, surely there's no harm with a girl wanting to dress up a bit and make an effort."

"Not at all.....but you do know you don't need to make an effort to look beautiful?!"

Again I'm flummoxed at Isaac's causal compliment. He seems to know all the right things to say.

"Thank you Isaac."

"Not at all. I'm just being truthful.....shall we go?"

"Yes, let's go."

I step outside my apartment, pulling the door closed behind me and locking it. I follow Isaac out to where his car is parked. He opens the passenger door for me and I slide in on the familiar feel of the smooth leather seat.

After closing my door Isaac makes his way around and slips into the drivers seat. He starts the engine and drives away from the hotel.

The smell of Isaac's fresh cologne is a little distracting, bringing back little flashbacks of kissing the soft skin of his neck while the scent of him filled my nostrils.

(I have no idea what is happening to me right now. I'm craving this man.... every single last inch of him. He draws me to him like a magnet and even if I could fight this attraction, I certainly wouldn't want to.)

The drive is spent in silence, except for all the loud naughty thoughts that are flying around my head.

Isaac soon pulls up into a small driveway outside a lovely, but smaller house than Mia's.

Isaac parks the car and quickly comes around to open my door. I step out of the car and Isaac closes the door behind me.

I follow Isaac up to the front door. He opens it and ushers me in ahead of him. When he closes the door he turns to face me.

"You have a beautiful house Isaac."

"Thank you. Now how about we go to the kitchen and I'll get you a glass of wine."