Womanizer (Spoilt) (12 page)

“I love it,” she whispered in between brief tender kisses.

His relief at her endorsement had him buzzing with the prospect of success. Her support swelled his pride and sent his confidence soaring.

“Thanks. It means a lot to me, your support.”

“I can’t wait to attend the opening on the arm of the talented artist.”

“I wouldn’t go that far but thank you, beautiful.” He sought her lips again, his feelings for her overwhelming him.

“
Ewww,” piped a voice from the doorway, “kissing is yucky.”

Isabelle and Mitch dissolved into laughter.

* * *

After escorting them home, Mitch, armed with his portfolio
, began his search for a gallery. The first two only displayed and sold abstract or conceptual photography art whereas his style was more contemporary. At the third gallery he stuck gold. The manager, Valery Eckhart, a short, thin woman of indeterminate age with a sleek black bob and cool blue eyes, was energized by his collection and eager to make preparations.

They arranged a meeting for the following week when he would bring in his framed collection and they would decide on an opening date.

Walking on air, he pulled his phone out of his pocket and called Isabelle.

With Jesse dropped off at pre-school and Carol at brunch with friends, Isabelle had the apartment to herself, a rare treat. A relaxing bath and facial was definitely on the agenda, as was reading a book she had borrowed and had been meaning to read. It had been a long time since she’d had a moment alone and she decided to make the most of it.

Thoughts of Mitch filled her head as she relaxe
d into the lavender-scented bath, but those thoughts soon piqued her desire, and seeing as she wouldn’t be able to satisfy that itch anytime soon, she decided to get out and read instead.

Before settling in for the remaining hour before she needed to collect Jesse
, she checked the mail and to her dismay discovered another envelope with no post mark.

My darling Isabelle,

The company you have been keeping of late displeases me. How could you be so foolish? Mitchell Montgomery is not the type of man you should be exposing your son to. I know all about him and his reputation. I know you took your son with you when you spent the night at his house. What type of mother does that make you? I thought you were better than that. End all ties with him or there will be consequences.

A

Her first reaction was relief that her mother wasn’t home to see this. This letter changed everything. This weirdo was now talking about consequences. Carol would tell her to inform the police but Isabelle wasn’t so sure about what to do. Was there anything the police could do? There was no direct threat, only an implied one. It was disconcerting that the writer referred to Jesse and knew Mitch by name, though they were hardly secrets. Was it really something to worry about? One thing about the letter struck home, though. Was she making a mistake as a mother by exposing Jesse to Mitch? No, she decided, Mitch was simply a good guy who had made bad choices. This didn’t make him a bad role model. In fact he was the opposite as he had a loving and supporting family. She wasn’t going to let some letter writing stalker - was that what he was? - scare her away from Mitch.

Knowing it was
naïve, she decided to keep this new letter to herself. She hoped once more that if she perhaps ignored him, he would go away. Regardless of how foolish this idea could be, she decided with resolution to erase the whole business from her mind. Picking up her book, she flopped on the couch and opened to the first page. The hour passed and Isabelle realized she hadn’t read one word. Indecision clouded her mind and an uneasy feeling had wedged itself in her chest. Was this really the wise thing to do, to ignore it and hope it would go away? Isabelle wasn’t sure but pushed her fear aside and went to collect Jesse.

On the walk home Jesse regaled her with stories of pre-school but Isabelle listened with a distracted mind and she couldn’t help but check over her shoulder occasionally, wondering whether they were being watched right now. She shook her head, telling herself to stop being ridiculous. For the
rest of the walk to the ice-cream parlor she focused her attention on her son.

Just as Jesse tucked into his appetite spoiling chocolate sundae, Isabelle’s phone rang and a smile leapt onto her face when she saw it was Mitch.

“Hey, you.”

“Guess what,
Izzy!”

“You found a gallery?”

“Yes, I can’t believe it.”

“I can.”

“I’m meeting with the gallery owner next week to organize the opening.”

“I told you it was fantastic work.”

“Let’s celebrate. Bring Jesse over and we can have dinner together, and you can both stay again.”

“I don’t think we should stay again, Mitch. I don’t know if it’s good for him.” The moment the words left her mouth she regretted them. She was allowing the letter get to her which is probably just what this ‘A’ wanted.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I just have other people’s interest to put first.”

“Oh, OK, I’m sorry. I know we are moving too fast. This is all new to me. I really wanted to share this with you, and Jesse.”

“We want to share it with you too. Sorry, Mitch, I have other things on my mind. Of course we would love to come. I think
Jesse liked staying at your house more than being at home.” Isabelle decided to ignore ridiculous words from an unknown letter writer; they deserved to be happy.

“Great,” he answered but the zest in his voice
, there a moment ago, was missing now. He was gone before she could say anything else.

Annoyance caused her to clench her fists under the table and it took all her control to not allow Jesse to see it fill her face. She was annoyed at receiving these letters, annoyed that she didn’t know what to do about them
, and annoyed for letting it into her relationship with Mitch. While Jesse finished his ice-cream she mulled over what to do and came no closer to the answer.

An hour later they arrived at Mitch’s with their overnight bags and she still wasn’t any closer to the answer. Mitch answered the do
or with a discouraged and somber expression and Isabelle’s heart sank. She was the cause and she needed to fix it.

“Jesse, could you go and unpack your thi
ngs and play for a moment while I speak to Mitch?”

“Sure, Mummy,” he said, racing down the hall to what had become his bedroom.

Her eyes sought Mitch’s and the disappointment in them almost broke her heart before he lowered them to study his feet. Reaching up she brushed the hair from his eyes and he flinched.

“Mitchell,” s
he waited for him to look at her, “it isn’t because I didn’t want to celebrate or that I’m not excited about your exhibit. I was being cautious and I overreacted. There is nowhere else I would rather be than here with you.”

“No, I’m sorry.” His tone sounded like a boy who had been caught pulling the cat’s tail.

“What for?” She ran her fingers down his jaw and rested them under his chin.

“I got caught up in the excitement and I haven’t been thinking about what you need to do as a mother. I know I should back off a bit.”

“Don’t you dare,” she said with a tender kiss on his soft lips. “I wouldn’t want you any other way. I was protecting Jesse but I trust you, Mitch, and I realize now there is no reason to be scared.”

“No, there isn’t.” His eyes met hers and they were filled with desire and love. “I don’t think you understand how much I want to be with you.” His hands cupped her face and his sky blue eyes burned into hers, pouring his emotions from his to hers.

“I do now.” She smiled. “Now, where is my happy less serious Mitchell gone?” This attracted the smile she was after. “Ah, there he is.”

“So
, pizza?” he asked.

“Yes
, please!” Jesse cried from behind Mitch. He’d returned without them noticing.

“Sure,” she said with a small laugh. “I guess I will just have to jog further tomorrow.”

* * *

Later that night
, after she had wiped away Mitch’s concerns with passion, they lay side by side, entwined.

“So I need a date for Jared’s wedding.”

“Amber seems to like you. I’m sure she’ll go with you.”

“Of course.
I didn’t even think of her. I might have her number here somewhere ...”

“I’ve been wondering when you were going to ask me,” she said
, giving his side a pinch which produced a new boyish giggle. She decided she would like to hear that again.

“I’m not. I’m going to ask Amber.”

She pinched him again and his laughter was contagious.

“
Izzy,” he said once her assault on him had ceased, “I just assumed that you’d assume that you would be going with me but I thought I had better make sure. Jesse too.”

“We would love to go with you.” She paused. “Right now though, I have other plans.”

Chapter Fourteen

Valery

Nervous about his meeting with Valery, Mitch asked Isabel
le to accompany him. In the car she studied him for several moments, trying to determine why he had the concentration crease between his eyebrows.

His knuckles had gone white from gripping the steering wheel
, so she placed a comforting hand on his leg as she spoke. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“What if she’s changed her mind?” His voice was filled with the doubt that clouded his expression.

“Why would she?” she asked, squeezing his thigh.

“Maybe she has realiz
ed my work isn’t good enough.”

“Of course it is. You’re really talented. I’ve told you many times.” She offered what she hoped was a reassuring
smile when his eyes flicked to her before returning to the road.

“You’re biased.”

“No, Mitchell. You need to have more faith in yourself. Where is that confident self-assurance you have with women?”

“
Had
,” he corrected.

“Had.”

“This is my dream, Izzy. If this doesn’t work out and I have to keep earning money doing modeling shorts, or even freelance, I’m going to go crazy. Working with you helps, at least.” He offered a slight smile, his nerves still showing through.

“If she liked your work before then it’s not going to be different now.” Her hand trailed up and down his thigh
, hoping to ease his tension.

“If you keep doing that we won’t get there.” He grinned and she laughed, relieved to see desire rather than nerves shine in his eyes.

They pulled up outside the gallery, and without saying a word, Isabelle gave his hand an encouraging squeeze before getting out of the car. He took her hand in his as they entered the building.

“Oh, here you are, darling,” gushed a petite, slim woman Isabelle guessed to be Valery. “It is good to you see you again. I am very much looking forward to preparing the gallery for your opening.”

Her velvety voice seemed to sooth Mitch as his rigid stance seemed to relax a little beside her. His grip on Isabelle’s hand loosened too, much to her relief. She was starting to lose feeling in her fingers.

“I’m looking forward to it too.”

“Now, who is this exquisite lady and why isn’t she in your collection?”

“This is Isabelle and I would love to have a shot of her, if she’ll let me.”

“Lovely to meet you, darling. Would you consider allowing this wonderfully talented young man to take your picture for the exhibit?”

“It’s ni
ce to meet you too. Of course. All he had to do was ask.” She squeezed his hand again and she could feel his loving eyes caress her face.

“You only have a month to prepare,” Valery said
, bringing his attention back to her which was just as well. If he kept looking at her that way she would have to kiss him. This shy, unsure Mitch and his desire-filled eyes were almost too much. Her limbs felt like liquid all of a sudden. “I have scheduled the opening for the first weekend of next month.”

“A week after the wedding,” Mitch said
, turning to Isabelle.

“Your wedding?
How delightful! Is this a problem?”

“No, not ours!” she said and by the slight frown on hi
s brow she realized she been a little too vehement with her response.

“My brother’s,” Mitch said. His voice sounded strange and she knew she had offended him. Something she would have to make up for later, she decided. “No problem at all.”

While Valery and Mitch ran through the details, Isabelle took in her surroundings. The gallery, although smaller than others she had visited or seen, had a contemporary, intimate feel that ensured it was the perfect place for Mitch’s work. Her excitement grew as she listened to them and she could hardly wait to be on the arm of a ‘famous’ artist.