"Issy!" Abby shouted angrily.
"You better go," she whispered, licking her swollen lips. His eyes instantly latched onto her mouth, and the yearning in his gaze was enough to make her tremble all over again. "Go.”
He nodded, but his reluctance was evident on his face and in his eyes. "Until later," he whispered, dropping a kiss on her mouth.
Isabelle stared dazedly after him as he slipped out the door and made a left toward the downstairs entry. She slumped against the door, trembling. Vicky and Abby popped up, identical looks of consternation on their pretty faces.
"Here you are! Why didn't you answer us?" Vicky demanded.
Isabelle stared at them as she tried to gather her scattered thoughts, and warring emotions. "I was washing my face," she answered dully.
"Did Stefan find you?"
"No, I haven't seen him," she lied.
"That's just as well," Abby said.
Isabelle focused her full attention on her sisters. "Why is that?" she demanded.
Their eyes widened at the hostility in her voice, but they chose to ignore it. "Issy, we need to talk to you," Vicky said urgently.
Isabelle recognized her melodramatic look instantly and couldn't help but wonder what new "tragedy" occurred. "Can't it wait until later? I'm sure the game is about to start again."
"It is, but they can wait two more minutes, we have to talk to you!" Abby gushed.
Isabelle shoved herself away from the wall and headed out of the bathroom. "Talk while we walk," she said over her shoulder.
They scurried to catch up with her on the back porch. "Jess thinks you're trying to steal Stefan!" Abby blurted.
Isabelle grit her teeth, forcing herself not to let her step falter as she descended the steps. She wasn't after Stefan, it was the other way around, but if she were honest with herself, she didn't put up much of a fight when he was near. In fact, she turned into a quivering mass of Jell-O he could bend and mold however he liked. She was more than a little disgusted with herself for not putting up a stronger fight, but he was so irresistible. And the way he made her feel...
Isabelle shut the thought off before her knees gave out. "That's ridiculous," she told them as she reached the ground.
The look they exchanged infuriated her. "Is it?" Vicky asked.
"Yes!" Isabelle nearly shouted in exasperation.
"Isabelle, come on!" Ethan yelled across the yard.
She glanced over to find everyone gathered together, including Stefan. Her gaze went involuntarily to Jess, who was glowering at her with a look of absolute hatred. To her amazement, she looked back at Stefan, instinctively searching him out for some help. The realization of what she’d done rocked her so forcefully she stopped moving. He was looking at Jess, his face cold and remorseless, his eyes hostile. Isabelle's breath froze as his gaze swung toward her, his features relaxed as he cast a small smile at her.
"Is it really?" Abby asked triumphantly.
The identical, knowing grins on their faces were enough to make her want to scream. She clenched her jaw, fisted her hands, and stormed over to join the group in the middle of the field. "It's about time!" Ethan barked.
She shot him a withering look as she stepped into the huddle, barely listening to Mike's plan. "You get it again, Isabelle."
"Fine," she mumbled angrily.
She had scored two of the five touchdowns, but she wasn't in the mood to play anymore. However, the game was tied, and her team needed this win. They kept track of all the games they played, and right now they were one down from David's team. She would be letting everyone down if she didn't keep playing, and they would probably kill her.
"Let's go."
Isabelle moved back to the line. She froze as her eyes landed on Stefan. He stood casually across from her, his black eyes twinkling mischievously. For a second she was unable to move, unable to breathe. Then she drew in a deep breath and forced herself to calm down. She would appear as completely unaffected by their brief encounter as he seemed to be.
"Lose the coin toss?" she asked haughtily.
He grinned at her. "Volunteered, someone has to catch you."
"And you think you can?" she retorted.
His eyes darkened as they leisurely traveled over her. Her body quickened in response, but she refused to let it show. "I know I can, and I will."
Excitement coursed through her at the promise in his words. The hell he would! She decided fiercely. She was taking it easy on Aiden because she saw no need to stress herself. Now, she would. Mike yelled hike, and she dashed easily through the crowd of bodies. She knew where the ball was going and headed straight for it. She snagged it out of the air and ran as if the devil himself was on her heels, which he was.
She could hear him behind her. He was close, so very close. Determination and adrenaline burst through her as she tucked her head down and pushed herself to run faster. Relief rushed through her as she triumphantly crossed the goal line. She turned, grinning as she tossed him the ball.
"I would rethink what you can, and cannot do," she said.
He smiled in amusement as he took her in. She was sweating and panting, some of her glorious hair escaped from her ponytail to cling wetly to her exquisite face. He had to admit she was the most determined, stubborn, beautiful woman he'd ever seen. They were traits he would respect if they weren't serving to undermine his goal of having her.
"I see you were taking it easy on Aiden."
"Of course," she replied with a grin.
"Good, because I was taking it easy on you."
She planted her hands on her hips. He gave her a smug smile before turning and walking away. Isabelle's temper was about to explode, and he was going to be on the receiving end
