Chapter 139
**Tom**
I stepped out of the cafe, Sara close behind me. The cool air struck my face, jarring after the cafe's warmth. I fumbled for my car keys, my mind buzzing from our conversation.
We reached my car, and I was about to unlock it when I heard a familiar voice call out.
"Tom! What a surprise!"
I froze my hand on the door handle. Oh, for fuck's sake. Not now.
I turned to see Isabella sauntering towards us, her hips swaying in a way that screamed, 'Look at me.' She was wearing a dress that left little to the imagination, and I couldn't help but remember our encounter.
"Isabella," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "Fancy seeing you here."
She reached us, her eyes darting between Sara and me. "Oh, am I interrupting something?"
"No, not at all. Sara, why don't you wait in the car? I'll just be a moment."
Sara hesitated, her eyes darting between Isabella and me. I could see the questions forming in her mind, but thankfully, she nodded and slipped into the passenger seat without a word. I watched her, noting the tense set of her shoulders as she pointedly looked straight ahead.
With a sigh, I turned back to Isabella, who was eyeing me like a cat that had just cornered a particularly juicy mouse.
"Isabella," I said, plastering on my best fake smile. "What a... delightful surprise. Are you stalking me now?"
She laughed. "Oh, Tom, you flatter yourself. I'm just here for coffee with friends." Her eyes flicked to my car, where Sara sat rigidly in the passenger seat. "But it seems I'm not the only one with company."
I shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of Sara's presence in the car. "Company? She's just a friend. What are you getting at, Isabella?"
"Oh, nothing. I'm just curious about your... friend. Does she have a name?"
I hesitated, weighing my options. "Her name's Sara. I appreciate you stopping to chat, but we need to get going."
"Funny, I don't recall you mentioning her before. Is she new in your life?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but yes, we met recently."
She stepped closer, her perfume wafting over me. "Come on, Tom. You can tell me. Are you two... dating?"
I laughed, but it sounded forced even to my own ears. "Dating? No, no. We're just friends."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "That's not the vibe I'm getting. The tense way she's sitting in your car... seems like there might be more to the story."
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. "I don't know what you think you're seeing, but Sara and I are just friends. Nothing more, nothing less."
"I suppose you take all your 'just friends' out for intimate coffee dates?"
"It wasn't a date," I insisted, feeling like a broken record. "We ran into each other and decided to grab a coffee. That's all."
"Oh, Tom. You always were a terrible liar."
I glanced nervously at the car, where Sara sat stiffly, her gaze straight ahead. This was not how I'd envisioned this afternoon going.
"Look, Isabella, I really need to-"
"Before you run off," she interrupted, stepping closer, "I was wondering if you might be interested in a little... encore performance?"
"Excuse me?"
She smirked. "You know exactly what I mean. Our little rendezvous the other night? I have to say, I enjoyed it immensely. And judging by the noises you made, I'd say you did, too."
I felt my face flush, memories of our passionate encounter flooding back. "Isabella, that was... that was a one-time thing. We agreed on that."
"Did we?" She pouted playfully. "I don't recall making any such agreement. In fact, I distinctly remember you saying, ' Oh God, Isabella, don't stop'."
"That's not... I mean, I didn't..."
She laughed. "Oh, relax. I'm just teasing. Well, mostly. But the offer still stands if you're interested."
I took a step back, trying to put some distance between us. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not looking for anything right now."
"Not even a little fun?" She raised an eyebrow. "Come on, Tom. Live a little. Life's too short for regrets."
"I'm not regretting anything," I said firmly. "But I'm also not interested in repeating it."
Isabella's smile faltered for a moment before returning full force. "Are you sure about that? Because I seem to remember you being very... enthusiastic."
"Look, what happened between us was great, okay? But it was a one-time thing. We both knew that going in."
"Did we?" She cocked her head to the side. "I don't recall having that conversation."
"It was implied," I said through gritted teeth.
"Was it? Because I distinctly remember you saying you couldn't wait to see me again."
I groaned inwardly. Had I really said that? The night was a blur of passion and alcohol, but it wasn't entirely impossible. "If I said that, I was... caught up in the moment. I didn't mean-"
"Oh, I think you meant it," she purred, stepping closer. "In fact, I think you still mean it. You're just too scared to admit it."
"I'm not scared," I protested. "I'm just not interested in pursuing anything further."
Isabella's eyes sparkled with challenge. "Are you sure about that? Because I could make it worth your while."
I swallowed hard, ignoring how my body reacted to her proximity. "I'm sure."
"What if I told you I'm not wearing any panties right now? You could check if you don't believe me."
My breath caught in my throat. Images of our previous encounter flashed through my mind, and I felt a familiar stirring in my groin. Damn it.
"Isabella," I said, my voice strained, "that's... flattering, but I really can't."
"Can't? Or won't?"
"Both," I said firmly. "Look, what happened between us was great, but it can't happen again."
She sighed dramatically. "Fine, have it your way. But just so you know, you're missing out on a lot of fun."
I forced a chuckle. "I'm sure I am."
"Alright. But remember, you're welcome if you need... anything again. And I mean anything."
"Thanks, but I think I'll manage."
"Suit yourself. But don't come crawling back when you're desperate for a good time."
"I'll try to restrain myself," I said dryly.
"You're adorable when you're flustered." She glanced at my car, where Sara was still sitting rigidly. "Your 'friend' seems to be getting impatient. Better not keep her waiting."
I nodded, grateful for the excuse to end this conversation. "Right. Well, it was... interesting seeing you."
"Likewise," she purred. "Don't be a stranger. You know where to find me if you change your mind."
With that, she sauntered away, her hips swaying hypnotically. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding, feeling relief and lingering tension. As I was about to return to my car, Isabella suddenly stopped and spun around.
"Oh, Tom! I almost forgot to tell you something," she called out.
What now? "Yes, Isabella?"
She strutted back towards me. "We're arranging a little drink party for all our friends next weekend. You simply must come."
I hesitated, weighing my options. On the one hand, I didn't want to encourage her flirtations; on the other, I didn't want to be rude to my friends. "Uh, sure. I'll be there."
Isabella's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Wonderful! Oh, and Tom?"
"Yes?"
"Do bring a date, won't you? Otherwise, everyone will think you're still single and available." She winked suggestively.
"Right, wouldn't want that, would we?"
"No, we certainly wouldn't," she purred. "Unless, of course, you are single and available?"
I cleared my throat, desperately searching for a way out of this conversation. "I'll, uh, I'll be sure to bring someone."
"Perfect! I can't wait to see who the lucky lady is." She glanced meaningfully at my car. "Or perhaps I already have?"
I felt my face flush. "I'll see you at the party."
She laughed. "I'll hold you to that. Don't disappoint me."
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