The Owner's Box

Chapter 5

Harlow POV

Harlow's Balcony

Tonight has been incredible. I can't remember the last time I had such a good time with someone. Usually, my days are spent working on various projects and my nights are spent alone.

I enjoy smoking and just zoning out in other worlds. But tonight is different. I'm enjoying Isabella.

"You know, you've surprised me yet again, Isabella," I say, a hint of amusement in my voice. She scoffs playfully, a smile dancing on her lips as she looks up at me. "Yeah? And what have I surprised you with now, Harlow?" She traces the rim of her glass with her finger.

"Well, you never once asked me what I do for a living. That's usually the first thing people want to know when getting to know me," I mention, raising an eyebrow.

"So, me not asking what you do is an issue? I just figured if you wanted me to know, you'd tell me. Besides, you could be anyone from a businessperson to a dope boi," Isabella remarks, raising a brow before adding, "You could be a mommy and daddy's trust fund baby." Her comment strikes a nerve, and I respond with a defensive chuckle.

"Not a dope boi," I clarify before explaining, "I was raised in a family where a strong work ethic was revered as the ultimate virtue. My mama is a surgeon, and my daddy is a lawyer, so I guess that's where I get the hard work and dedication from. So, not exactly a trust fund baby," I chuckle out.

"And are you close to your family?" Isabella inquires.

"Growing up, I watched the sacrifices my parents made for their professions. They weren't really around a lot, but when they were, we spent time together. What about you? Are you close to your family?" I ask Isabella, noticing a subtle shift in her demeanor at my question.

"Nah, not really. I don't have any family. It's just me," Isabella responds, shrugging off the topic. Sensing her discomfort, I quickly change the subject and suggest we get in the Jacuzzi.

 "Nah, because as soon as I take my hoodie off, you'll be looking at me," Isabella laughs, teasingly.

"Okay, and I have eyes," I say playfully. "Um Um," she quips with a smirk. "What if I got in first? And when you get in, I won't even look until after you're in," I suggest with a grin. 

"Alright, deal," she agrees with a chuckle. "Deal," I say, reaching out with my pinky finger. "Seriously?" Isabella rolls her eyes at me, her laughter bubbling up as she connects her pinky with mine.

As I start undressing in front of Isabella, she looks me up and down, her face flushing red. Clearing her throat, she takes a few steps back to the chair and begins typing on her phone, avoiding eye contact. 

Despite her efforts, I can't shake the feeling that she's attracted to me. She keeps staring when she thinks I'm not paying attention. I see you bae.

I don't stop undressing until I'm down to my black sports bra and black briefs. When I finish, I glance up and notice Isabella staring back at me, her expression unreadable. "One second," I say quickly, darting into the outdoor closet to grab two robes for us to use after the jacuzzi.

Returning, I drop them on the chair beside where Isabella was seated. Then, I grab a blunt and a lighter before slipping into the jacuzzi and lighting up. Throughout it all, Isabella remains seated, her gaze fixed on me.

I take another drag of the blunt, observing Isabella as she watches me. "I think it's your turn, Isabella," I suggest, exhaling smoke. "So umm...tur-turn around," Isabella stutters out nervously.