Page 43 of Hot n Bothered

“ H ow are the dresses? Do you like them?” Nat asked hopping up to sit on the counter as Ben took his dad out to the pool area.

“They are gorgeous. But he shouldn’t have bought them.” Isobelle said making the drinks.

“Why ever not?”

“Because I know they were expensive and he won’t tell me how much they cost so I can pay him back.”

“You’re not paying me back. They’re a gift.” Ben shouted from outside. “Your boyfriend likes to spoil you. Get used to it.”

She sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes. I don't need to see you to know that you are." Ooh that man annoyed her sometimes.

Nat threw her head back laughing. "He knows you so well." She said.

“Let’s see if I’ve got it right.” Isobelle changed the subject, moving to add cold water to Ben’s mug. “Black is for Nat, builders brew for you Bea and tea flavoured milk is for Mr Wallace?”

“You’ll call him Peter and yes.” Bea replied watching her. “Why did you add cold water to that one? Oh I’ll take Peter’s out to him.”

“Because Ben doesn’t drink it hot. Saves him waiting.” She picked up their mugs and followed her out.

She blushed when Ben took his and gave her a kiss to her lips. “Thanks.”

“Do you have any plans?” Peter asked. “Just so we don’t interfere too much.”

“We’ve ambushed their holiday dad. I think we’ve already interfered.” Nat said. “ I have plans. After we’ve chilled I’m going to need to measure you Iz… or do I call you Belle?”

“It’s only Ben that calls me that usually. But…um… whichever you prefer.”

“But it’s your name honey.” Bea frowned at her. “If you want us to call you Iz instead of Belle then we will. I only call you that because that’s what Ben uses when he talks about you.”

“I honestly don’t mind. The rest of our group call me Iz, so I answer to both. Just not Izzy please.” She looked back to Nat. “Why do you need to measure me?”

“Oh yes. I’m making you a dress for your birthday. A Nat W exclusive. It’s a design I’ve been wanting to make for a while and I think you’ll be the perfect model for it.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Yes I do. I did not use up most my luggage allowance with material. Nor pay extra to bring my sewing machine for you to say no.”

“How long will it take?” Ben asked.

“Once I get the proper measurements I’d say about a day, if I work on it solidly with no breaks. Why?”

“So if I book a nice restaurant for us both tomorrow night it’ll be ready?”

Nat beamed widely. “It will be and you’ll be knocked speechless by how gorgeous she’ll look in it.”

Isobelle scoffed a laugh and then quickly moved away from Ben as his arm moved. “Don’t you dare.” She glared at him.

“So you know that scoff was worth a pinch.” He said with a smile. “Right?” He looked to Bea.

“Depends on what the scoff was for.” She said. “If it was at the ridiculous idea that you could ever be speechless, then no it was not a pinch worthy scoff.” She shrugged with a smile.

“If it was a scoff about her looking gorgeous. I’m going to side with Ben on this one.” Peter said. “Sorry Belle.”

Isobelle didn’t answer, she just drank her tea not looking at him.

“Ha. That means it was.” Bea laughed. “You should never play poker.”

“I know. I’m terrible at lying.” She sighed.

“According to Ben, you are sweetly innocent and he finds it adorable.”

“Dad.” Ben groaned going red. “Can you not?”

“What? This is the first girl you’ve brought home to meet us. Why can’t I have any fun?”

“First we’re not home. Second you guys crashed our holiday so it’s not like I brought her to meet you.”

“Oh, I see. You’re either embarrassed of us, or Belle is that it?” Peter smirked at Isobelle. “Did you hear that? I wouldn’t stand for that if I were you.”

“I’m not embarrassed of Belle. You most definitely.”

“So you were planning on keeping her hidden away from us? Why would you treat her like she’s some kind of secret mistress? That’s not very nice.”

“I’m not… Mum, can’t you stop him?” Ben threw his hands up in the air.

“I could. But it’s just too much fun winding you up.” She replied with a grin. “I’m just glad you found someone who does the little things for you.”

Nat groaned and rolled her eyes. “Not the little things speech again.”

“The what?” Isobelle looked at the loving way Bea and Peter smiled at each other.

“According to them, it shows if someone loves you. If they do the little things instead of a big grand gesture.” Nat explained.

“Like what?”

“Dad always saves his purple gummy bears for mum because they’re her favourite.” Ben said.

“And she always makes me a coffee that’s ready for when I’m out the shower. Even if I’m up earlier than her.”

Bea shrugged. “It’s those little things. You know, like putting cold water in Ben’s drink because he’s difficult.”

Isobelle blushed so red.

“Difficult? More like weirdo.” Nat snorted. “Who on Earth drinks lukewarm hot drinks?”

“I do.” Ben replied smugly, taking a big drink. “And Belle makes them perfect every single time.”

“Still not explaining how you’re not a weirdo.”

Isobelle smiled as the two bickered back and forth. There was no malice in it at all. No sly jabs or intended barbs. It made her miss Darren.

“I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.” Bea said to her quietly, coming to stand next to her. “It’s just nice he’s found someone like you. Everyone always assumes he’s this big, strong, confident, tough guy.”

Isobelle chuckled at that. “Ben? Tough?” She shook her head. “No, he’s far too sweet and kind to be tough. Too sweet sometimes.”

“I’m glad you see that. I get the feeling you won’t take advantage of him. Unfortunately he’s had some significant people who have and… Well, it’s not my place to say anything, but he’s been scarred by it. So you’ll have to be patient with him.”

Isobelle frowned at her. What did she mean by that?

But Bea moved away to interrupt the arguing siblings.

She watched Ben as he laughed and spoke with his family.

She couldn’t stop the spike of jealousy at how loving they all were to each other.

But then Ben looked at her with a smile and for the first time she felt a fluttering of hope that maybe she could be a part of it.

The little things.

All those little things he did for her had her thinking. Letting her stroke his hair, knowing when she needed quiet, making sure no one else drank out of her favourite mug at his place and so much more.

“Belle?” He was now looking at her expectantly.

“Hmm? What? Sorry I zoned out a little.”

“I was just asking if I could send your dragon book to mum and dad. Or should I make them wait until it’s published?”

“Oh, you don’t have to read it if you don’t want to.” She said.

“Rubbish.” Bea said. “I am a massive fan of romantasy books. And so is Peter.” She stage whispered.

“I’m more fantasy. With a little bit of romance.” He admitted after a look from Bea.

“Well. Alright then.”

She had to bite her lip from saying they didn’t have to finish it if they didn’t want to if it was rubbish. That and a million other negative things about her writing rattled round her head. But she remembered Ben’s reactions when he read it, plus she knew he’d pinch her. So she stayed quiet.

“You’re going to love it. I’m telling you I whizzed through reading it.

I’m not going to spoil it but… no I’m not going to tell you.

You’ll see just how good she is. You should hear what I’m helping type up.

” Ben was gushing, full on gushing it was so adorable.

“A woman, Nemaza, is being sent across the seven kingdoms to become betrothed to a warrior from another kingdom. All they know about this kingdom is they are all feared warriors and she is expecting to be rejected and possibly killed by this barbarian. But not all is as it seems. She is being terribly abused and these so called barbarians are against it. Her betrothed éo is incensed when he finds out and treats her with gentle kindness. But there is another problem, not only is an attempt made to kidnap her while they are travelling to her new home. But once there she is shot with a poisoned arrow. So they have to deal with that, and the envoy to her kingdom disapproving with their betrothal practices. It also looks like the ones who want her dead are trying to blame the warrior kingdom.”

“Oooh I love a good murder plot and intrigue.” Peter said. “Do they have any idea as to who is behind it?”

“Not so far where I’m at. Nem, he calls her Nem. She’s just figured out that she is in fact safe with éo and that knowledge hits her hard.”

“So sweet. Is it lovely and romantic when it happens?” Bea asked, she really did look so interested.

“Not really. Belle is brutal on my feelings.” Ben sounded so proud. “Doesn’t pull any punches. You really feel all her agonising and fighting against her past and wanting a better future. I’m telling you I’ve teared up several times.”

“While they’re talking books. Can I steal you away to measure you?” Nat asked.

“Do I have a choice?”

Nat grinned widely. “Nope.”