“I’m not saying that, but he cares enough about you, Isabelle, that the instant he knew you had a man in your apartment, he left averyimportant meeting to go to you.”
My brows squeeze as my confused eyes scan Hugo’s face. “How did Isaac know I had a man in my apartment?”
I’ve seen Isaac’s town car parked outside of my apartment or Harlow’s bakery numerous times the past two weeks. At first, I thought it was endearing. Now, I realize it is because Isaac doesn’t want another man moving in on his turf.
“Are you protecting me, Hugo, or spying on me?” My tone is stern and unapologetic.
Hugo swallows raggedly before returning his attention to the road. Not a word seeps from his lips the remainder of the trip, revealing where his loyalty lies.
When Hugo pulls into the front of my apartment building, I unlatch my belt and climb out of the car while mumbling a quick thanks for the lift. When I’m halfway down the sidewalk, Hugo calls out my name. His face is marred with apprehension, his eyes full of remorse.
“Give Isaac the benefit of the doubt,” he requests. “Not everything is black and white; there is a whole heap of gr. . .”
“Gray no one pays any attention to,” I interrupt, repeating the saying Isaac quoted weeks ago.
Hugo grins so broadly, his eyes crinkle. I return his smile before pivoting on my heels and stalking away. After a few strides, the fog in my brain clears. I stiffen before spinning back around. My lips curl when I see Hugo standing by his car, waiting for me to enter my building.
“I’m sorry for what happened to your sister Marjorie.”
For the quickest second, Hugo’s face scrunches before a mask of composure slips in its place.
“Thank you.” His voice is a husky whisper.
I want to offer him a more heartfelt condolence, but Hugo doesn’t seem like a hugging type of guy. So instead, I awkwardly wave and walk into my apartment building.
* * *
My lip crimps into a snarl. “Stop smiling, Harlow; it isn’t funny,” I say through clenched teeth.
Ever since I entered the bakery, Harlow has been eyeing me curiously. When I yank the collar of my shirt up high, trying to hide the gigantic hickey, she boisterously laughs. Her chuckle is so loud, she startles the lady sitting in the window seat. Her scared yelp echoes around the nearly empty bakery.
"I'm not laughing at you, Izzy. I think it's hot.” She moves to the table next to mine to gather the used dinnerware.
“You think branding is hot? What is wrong with you?”
My tone is quickly changing from angry to playful. I can never stay mad for long, let alone at someone with Harlow’s personality.
“No, I don’t think branding is hot, but it’s sexy he wants other guys to stay away from you. That warning is a clear ‘stay the hell away’ message for any guy. It’s more efficient than putting a ring on a girl’s finger.”
“A love bite doesn’t discourage men; it encourages them.” I grimace over all the horrid men I’ve crossed paths with.
Harlow’s manicured brow shoots up into her hairline.
“Because they think I’ll put out,” I reply to her shocked expression.
She remains quiet as confusion intensifies on her adorable face.
“I once went on a date with a guy who told me he only dates single mothers. When I asked him why, he said it was because he knew she wasn’t a virgin, so she’d be more likely to put out.”
“That’s disgusting.” Harlow gags.
Her tone doesn’t match her words. Her cheekbones rise as her mouth curves. The instant I spot the white of her teeth, a smile sneaks onto my face.
“At least he was honest,” she says between a fit of giggles.
Rolling my eyes, I return my attention back to the gossip magazine I was reading before Harlow interrupted me. My eyes bulge when they land on a gossip article in the back pages of a well-respected glossy magazine:Three Eligible Bachelors Taken Off the Market in One Devastating Weekend.It isn’t the headline that has my heart palpitating faster. It is the photo of Isaac, Cormack, and Colby standing side by side.My eyes glance over the printed article under their picture.
Millions of women around the world are sighing in sync this weekend. Latest reports circling the gossip mill say billionaire McGregor brothers Cormack (28), and Colby (24) are no longer on the market. The two eligible bachelors were sighted at their elaborate family beachside estate enjoying a lavish long weekend with their respective partners. It has been reported things are seriously heating up with each respective couple, and that this weekend was a way of formally introducing their new loves to their extended family.
