Page 35 of Isla by Any Other Name

“Maybe in the morning,” said Mitch. “I still want to make sure everything is in order before we leave the house.”

She brushed a kiss over his lips and walked into the bedroom to find something to wear. “I’ll be down in ten minutes.”

“Okay, I’ll see you downstairs,” said Mitch, still staring at her in the towel. “Tomorrow, Molly, I promise.”

“I’m holding you to it,” she said with a smile. Her eyes followed him out the door.

The evening unfolded with a simple dinner and good company. Isla had no idea if these friendships would continue after this was all over. But for now, they were all she had.

“Hey, they have every streaming platform on the living room TV. How about a movie tonight?” Max asked. “Lara and I aren’t on till tomorrow morning.”

Isla smiled. “Sure, Max, you pick the movie. My only request is that you don’t pick a movie that could possibly depict my life. I’ve had enough drama to last a lifetime.”

Max walked into the living room and scrolled through. “What about Top Gun? It’s got action, but not the kind of drama we’re used to.”

Isla nodded. “One of my favorites. Also, I saw popcorn in the pantry.”

“Great, Mitch are you joining us?” Max asked.

“Don’t wait for me,” Mitch said. “I need to go over a few things with Lara. Dirk and Colt are already upstairs getting in a few hours before their shift. This day isn’t over yet.” Isla wondered if he ever unplugged from his job. She knew from working twelve-hour shifts in the ER that long days could wear on you.

Isla made a huge bowl of popcorn and brought it into the family room. She handed it to Max. “Are we ready?” he asked.

“Ready.”

An hour later, Mitch came in from the garage. He took a handful of popcorn and sat on the other end of the couch. “Have we gotten to the good part yet?”

“Not yet, it’s coming up,” Max said as he filled his bowl once again.

Isla thought of all the nights she worked instead of making friends. She thought of all the nights she’d missed in college because she was studying instead of going out. Yet here, she finally had friends. This movie night meant more to her than they’d ever know.

She fell asleep in the middle of the movie, safe and content.

Max brought the empty bowls into the kitchen while Mitch woke Isla up. “Come on, sweetheart, time for bed.”

“I fell asleep.”

“You did.”

“I must have been more tired than I thought. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately, haven’t I?”

“You have. Let’s get you upstairs.”

She opened her door, but before she stepped into the room, he took her into his arms and kissed her passionately. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she burrowed herself into his body.

He kissed down the column of her neck and then back up to her mouth. He slipped his tongue between her lips and his knee slipped between her legs. She pushed herself down onto his thigh. He could feel the heat of her body and the dampness of her arousal through the fabric that separated them. His erection strained against his zipper. He pulled her away from him and smiled into her beautiful eyes. “Goodnight. Sweet dreams, Isla.”

“Good night,” she said, breathless. “See you in the morning.”

“Seven.” He turned and walked into his own room.

Isla walked into the kitchen just before seven. Mitch stood at the island with two bottles of water in hand.

“Are you ready for our walk? Sixty degrees, no wind. A perfect morning on the island.”

“Thanks, Mitch,” Isla said. “I’m hoping the fresh air will clear some of the cobwebs away.”

“You look tired,” he said. “Didn’t sleep well?”