In related matters, philanthropist Isaac Holt was also spotted the same weekend riding a jet ski with a brunette female companion. Later that same night, he was sighted exiting his award-winning multi-million dollar nightclub 57. Several patrons were surprised when he was spotted holding the hand of an attractive brunette. Sources believe it was the same brunette he was spotted with earlier that day. Isaac is well known for his playboy lifestyle, and it is the first time the public has witnessed a significant partner in his life the past six years.
Many single females are waking up to this sad news!
“Did you see this article?” I ask Harlow, who has finished gathering the crockery from the table next to mine.
“Yeah,” she replies apprehensively. “Thankfully, the paparazzi didn’t get any photos of the actual weekend. Cormack said that's an old photo from the fourth of July weekend.”
My heart stops beating. I didn’t consider the fact Isaac and Cormack would be followed by the paparazzi. I only scanned the areas for surveillance vans. I sigh, glad no incriminating evidence was captured that weekend.
"You should be sighing in relief," she jests. "You're the brunette in both reports. Colby didn't bring a girlfriend that weekend. They’re quoting from people who witnessed you guys at the beach together on Saturday morning."
Harlow smiles before sauntering toward the bakery counter. I grin back before returning my attention to the photo of the boys. It is a good photo of them all. I can mentally picture the devastated faces of millions of women around the world when they read this article. It is just a pity the report is only accurate for one of the three men photographed.
“Oh, before I forget, can I borrow your black pumps Friday night?” she asks, turning around to face me.
“Sure, no worries,” I reply. “Do you have a romantic date with Cormack?” I waggle my eyebrows.
Harlow freezes for the slightest second, but it was enough for me to notice. She smirks before dashing to the counter. Her quick movements cause the dishware in her hands to clang together.
“Harlow?” I ask, utterly confused.
I follow her to the counter. Noticing no customers are waiting to be served, I shadow her to the kitchen located at the back of the bakery. She is washing dishes. Her anger is so paramount, she chips two plates during the process. I've never seen Harlow pissed. I’ll admit; she is as scary-as-hell when she is mad.
I rush for her, easing her hurried movements with my hands. Her glossed-over green eyes apprehensively lift to mine. She swallows hard before telling me, “I’m going on a double date with Cormack Friday night.”
I eye her curiously. From the stories she has been telling me the past two weeks, things have been going great with her and Cormack, so I don’t understand her apprehension.
"We’re going with Isaac. I assumed his date was you. Obviously, my assumption was wrong considering the fact you don't have any clue about Friday," Harlow enlightens me.
I grit my teeth hard, fighting the urge to sob. Isaac marked my skin as a warning for other men to stay away, then not only does he continue to date, he throws it in my face by ensuring my friend witnesses his dates firsthand.
Harlow moves to her handbag stored on a wooden shelf. “I’ll cancel the date.”
I bolt toward her and snatch her phone out of her grasp.
“Don’t cancel,” I request. “Add another two people to the reservation.”
She eyes me curiously before the most mischievous grin etches on her mouth.
Returning her smile, I yank my phone out of my pocket.
"Hey Regina, remember that hot detective you want to hook me up with? Can you see if he is free Friday night?"
29
Isabelle
Damn!I underestimated Regina's hotness radar. Glacier-blue eyes, straight and prominent nose, a razor-sharp jaw hidden under day-old stubble, all combined on a face that looks like it belongs on the cover of GQ magazine. Although his blue suit doesn't look nearly as expensive as the suits Isaac wears, it showcases his muscular physique well.
His eyes peruse my body just as vigorously as I appraised his. His glowing gaze glides over my freshly shaven legs, lingering on the indecent length of my skirt, before filtering over the curves of my breasts. My breath snags when his intriguing gaze settles on my face. When he smiles, my heart freezes. Straight pearly white teeth and small dimples in the creases of his mouth add even more allure to his already rugged appeal.
“I might need to start paying more attention to Regina’s recommendations.”
His voice is thick and gruff as if he smokes a pack of cigarettes per day. I know he doesn’t, though, because I got his life history from Regina this morning. Ryan is twenty-eight years old. He’s been working at Ravenshoe Police Station since he left the police academy at the tender age of nineteen. He was promoted to detective three years ago. He is unmarried, has no kids, and although he has no troubles attracting the ladies, Regina assures me he is not a ladies’ man.
“Did you want to come in for a drink?”
Even though I originally planned to use Ryan to exact my revenge on Isaac, his incredibly gorgeous face has me reconsidering my initial approach.
