Free Delusional Love (2nd Edition) by Sage Young

brown beauties and they stood
out. Tara smiled and whispered to her friends that the song ‘Men All Pause’ by Klymaxx was playing in her head. They all laughed.

 
    “You
would say that Ty.” Stephanie said.  

 
    When
they reached the bar, Marco told them to help themselves to whatever they
wanted and to enjoy themselves. Marco turned to Stephanie and said.

 
    “Ivan
is somewhere in the house and I will let him know that you arrived.” Stephanie
just smiled. The ladies got drinks and stood at the bar momentarily until they
spotted a free table. As they were approaching the table, Adam and Lawrence
walked up behind them.

 
    “The
word traveled through the party that three beautiful women have arrived and we
had to see what the buzz was about. All I have to say is: Damn, you ladies look
beautiful.” Lawrence joked. Tara punched him in his arm. “Thanks, I think.”
     
    “We
are just trying to rescue you ladies because these men look like they are on
the prowl and the women look like they are going to pounce.” Adam said.

 
    They
all laughed as Isabella Napoli, Marco’s wife approached. She was a brunette
with long flowing hair, a voluptuous figure and model-like features. She
introduced herself and welcomed them to her home; she then focused her
attention on Stephanie.

 
    “So,
I understand that you work for our Ivan. How is that working out?”

 
    As
they spoke, Lawrence wrapped his hand around Tara’s waist and whispered
something in her ear and then they excused themselves. Adam asked Brianna if
she was interested in a game of pool and she accepted.

 
    “Now
that we are alone, allow me to give you a tour of our home. That should give us
a chance to talk.” Isabella said with a genuine smile. She hooked her arm into
Stephanie’s and led her towards the house.   Stephanie loved her beautiful Italian accent. She could tell that
Isabella was a genuine person and she liked her immediately.

 
    “So,
I hear that you and Ivan are dating?” Stephanie looked away not wanting to give
her eye contact or she would know how much she really cared for Ivan.

 
    “No,
we are colleagues.”   Stephanie said.

 
    “Me
think thou protest too much.” She said with a smile. “From what Marco said, he
could not keep his eyes off of you at the restaurant and we have never seen
Ivan with an actual date other than the usual gold diggers and he has never
brought them to the restaurant. I just wanted to meet the woman who has
apparently captured Ivan’s attention and heart, I can see why. You are an
extremely beautiful woman and you definitely have a warm personality.”
Stephanie smiled shyly and thanked her for the compliment but denied Ivan had
feelings for her. “Please dear, the fact that you are here is proof that he has
feelings for you.”

 
    “I
don’t understand. Your husband invited me not Ivan.”

 
    “But
you see dear, the mere fact that you were even at our restaurant means that
Ivan cares about you. Trust me, it’s a big deal.”

 
    “I
don’t understand.”

 
    “Do
you like wine?”   Isabella inquired.

 
    “Yes.”
Stephanie said.

 
    “Come,
let’s have a drink and we can talk in private.”

 
    Stephanie
and Isabella talked for about 30 minutes before Ivan walked in with Marco.

 
    “You
better get your lady before my wife tells all your secrets and starts planning
a Christmas wedding.” He whispered while laughing. Ivan quickly moved to
Stephanie’s side.

 
    “Hey.”
Stephanie turned to see Ivan standing right behind her. She could feel the heat
rising in her body. It was crazy how he affected her just by standing close.

 
    “Hey
yourself.” Stephanie responded.

 
    “May
I borrow her Bella? I’m sure you have given her more information that she can
handle in a day.” Ivan said.

 
    “On the
contrary, we were just getting to know each other.” She smiled warmly at
Stephanie.
     
    “Well,
I would like to speak with her if