The Owner's Box

Chapter 38

💋💋

Isabella Saint POV

We sat around the large table, and the tension was thick as everyone guarded their cards. I peered over mine, glancing to my left where Harlow had very few cards left. To my right, Hardin was holding what seemed like half the deck.

I chuckled quietly to myself, knowing he was definitely not winning this round. Across from us, Charles and Diane sat with a couple of cards each.

I was plotting how this might all play out.

Diane took her turn, making Charles pick up two cards. He smacked his lips in frustration as he drew them.

I glanced at Harlow, who grinned before placing a Draw 4 card on the table.

"Uno," she declared, bopping her head with a smile so wide, I didn't think she could smile any harder.

"Ouuuuu," everyone murmured, waiting to see what I'd do next.

Smirking, I placed my cards down, starting with an Uno reverse. Since we were playing No Mercy, I followed up with two Draw 4s and two Draw 2s, sending it all right back to Harlow.

"Uno. Uno out. No mercy," I said, locking eyes with Harlow. I blew her a kiss as her smile faded.

"Damn, she won! Whooped your ass! Haaaa," Hardin dragged out as he stood up from his chair.

"Shut the fuck up. You're over there holding half the fucking deck," Harlow mumbled.

"Harlow, stop cussing," Diane scolded, giving her a pointed look.

"Yes, Harlow, stop cussing," Hardin mocked, just as Charles smacked him on the back of the head.

"Ouch!" Hardin rubbed the back of his head, still laughing. "Anyway, are we ready for s'mores? I'm kinda tired of getting my ass kicked in Uno."

I grinned at Harlow. "Sorry I had to do that to you, stink," I said, leaning over to grab her hand.

"But the look on your face when I did it? Kinda priceless," I snorted, laughing as Harlow kissed her teeth and rolled her eyes.

"Is that right?" Harlow asked, her face softening as a smile played on her lips.

"Yep," I replied, popping the 'P.' "It's about to be cold as shit. I can already feel my nipples getting hard," I muttered under my breath, making Harlow chuckle.

"Let me touch them when we get out there, and we'll find out," Harlow teased as we put on our jackets. I rolled my eyes at her as she took my hand and guided me outside.

We all made our way to the back deck, and—wow.

There was a jacuzzi, a heated pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a massive TV. The fire pit was surrounded by a bunch of chairs, and in true Steele family fashion, there were heaters all around the outdoor area, creating warmth for everyone. I could probably take off my jacket and be fine, but I wasn't about to test that theory and risk getting sick.

I went to sit in my own chair, but Harlow pulled me along with her. She sat down on one of the lounge chairs, spreading her legs and pulling me to sit between them.

We were the first ones outside, so I didn't hesitate when Harlow brought her face to mine and kissed me. She placed her hand under my chin, deepening the kiss. I wanted to continue, but I knew we couldn't let it get out of hand.

I pulled away, not wanting to give her mom any reason to say something to me. I tried to get up, but Harlow wrapped her arms securely around me, keeping me in place.