by Sam Crescent
“That may be, but I never—”
Ivy didn’t get to continue as the man took liberty with her, truly kissing her senseless. He drove his tongue into her mouth with expertise, taking what he desired, causing her to reciprocate with wild abandon. She told herself a moment or two would be all the luxury she’d allow with this amazing encounter before she should walk away.
Shouldn’t she?
If not for the increasing activity that could be heard, with voices growing louder by the second, Ivy wasn’t sure she wouldn’t have let the man take her right then and there. She attempted to pull away and rub her legs together to quell the ache in her sex, but the man must’ve sensed her predicament. He lifted his thigh, pressing it against her mound, offering the friction she so desperately needed. As if compelled by an uncontrollable force—or more truthfully a dry spell in the sex department—she rode his leg while he ravaged her mouth, uncaring of the picture it must have presented.
Ivy’s climax built with surprising speed until it barreled through her, causing her body to shake uncontrollably. This man’s wondrous lips remained sealed to hers, swallowing her scream as the pleasure rolled on. After what felt like an eternity, the euphoria dissipated, wrenching a moan of protest from Ivy. He released her lips in order to whisper in her ear.
“Let me show you much more of what we’re capable of together.”
“Oh, God, I don’t know if I can handle much more,” she lied. Hell, yeah, she’d take more, but she wasn’t a floozy, hooking up with a complete stranger, no matter how freaking sexy he was or how much pleasure he could give her deprived body. Out of breath and spent, she practically sagged against the man. Thank goodness his leg between hers kept her upright, even if she knew she should move away from this temptation.
“After what I just felt, I believe you have more in you than you think.”
His hands journeyed down her arms to land on her waist before attempting to caress up her torso. Ivy grabbed his wrists to stop his movements, knowing this had already gone too far. Never, ever had she acted in such a way, and the humiliation that already began to rear its ugly head was something she couldn’t face yet. She needed to exit as gracefully as possible and berate herself later in private.
“I, I have to go.” She released his wrists, and he stepped back, relieving Ivy that he wouldn’t continue trying to persuade her. Gathering her composure as best she could, she briefly met his gaze. “I’m sorry. I never, I mean, I didn’t … dammit.” She dropped her gaze, unfamiliar embarrassment flooding her system. She startled at the gentle contact of the man’s hand beneath her chin, and when their eyes met, his held sympathy and understanding.
“Tell me your name. Please.”
Ivy felt her eyes widen as she shook her head, dislodging a few curls that bounced around her neck. “No, no, I, I can’t.” Her confidence failed her as panic set in. She stepped away, watching his arm drop reluctantly to his side. Lifting her dress, she kicked off the stilettos before rushing off, not caring that they get left behind. She didn’t want to face-plant because of the ridiculous shoes Sophie insisted she wear.
Stopping at the corner, she couldn’t help but look over her shoulder to get one more glimpse at the sexy stranger who had rocked her world. But when their eyes met once again and he took a step toward her as if encouraged, Ivy stupidly blew a kiss in his direction before fleeing from his sight.
****
James stood in disbelief, watching the most enticing woman he’d ever met flee his presence. That never happened! Women flocked to him for what he represented—wealth and power. For what he could provide—a sensual experience, if only for a short period of time.
Arrogant? Probably. But it was true. He never led them on by offering more than he would give. Although he eventually left them, he never left his ladies disappointed. Only himself.
To have the tables turned on him was a new experience. One he certainly did not like.
He may come from one of the wealthiest families in the country and have the ability to exert his power in many situations, but his inability to tempt the beauty to remain with him reminded James of his limits.
He’d have to work on that.
His cock twitched thinking about the petite body he’d held against him and the most luscious mouth he’d ever ravished. He needed to taste her again. Repeatedly. Her bright emerald eyes had sparked fiercely as she faced off with his mother, then softened with satisfaction after climaxing in his arms.
Fuck!
James needed a moment for his cock to settle down before attempting to return to the exhibit. He scooped up the black satin stilettos she’d kicked off, chuckling to himself as they dangled from his fingers.
“Are you my Cinderella?” he mused.
With a mission to accomplish, James set out, intent on learning the identity of the fascinating stranger who stirred him like no other. And next time, there’d be no running away.
Chapter Two
“Ivy! You can’t leave now. Our guest is arriving, and I need you here for the discussion with him.”
Ivy scoffed as she continued to march toward her vehicle, keeping her back to her dad. She’d been home four days after Saturday night’s exhibit and embarrassing encounter with the sexy stranger, and only last night did her father decide to spring this meeting on her.
“Guest,” she mumbled before raising her voice. “He’s a businessman who thinks money talks. Who obviously thinks he can waltz right onto our property and into our home in order to buy it right out from under us. Taking away all we’ve worked for.” She turned to her dad, Reginald Baines. “All you’ve worked for. And—”
“Ivy, I get it.” He walked up to her, gently placing his hands on her arms. “I understand your concerns, but with your mom’s…” The sudden catch in his voice and the audible swallow were the only signs of emotion she’d seen her dad display while she’d been home. Goddamn macular degeneration. “With your mom’s situation, I want to devote my time to her, not the operation of the business. I don’t want to hire on staff, and there’s no one in line to take over.”
Her mouth dropped open. “And what am I? Chopped liver?”
“You know what I mean,” he said gently as he dropped his hands. “Your contributions and dedication have been priceless, but you’re not meant to be a brewer or run a tap house. And as much as your mom and I would love some littles running underfoot, I don’t see you settling down just yet. As for your sister, Sophie certainly isn’t going to take the reins. Besides, it was a hobby for me after retirement.” He quickly continued when she would’ve balked at his statement. “Granted, one that profited us nicely these past several years, but maybe it’s time to turn it over while there’s still value. It was a good run and we had our fun, but all good things must come to an end,” he said in a singsong voice.
“Dad, don’t, please. I know how much you’ve loved this, building your hobby into so much more. You still have plenty of years left to do this. And I can arrange to be home more. After this conference—”
Her dad shook his head as he interrupted her. “It’s always after this conference or after that project, then after the next one, then the next one. Ivy, I know how much you’ve enjoyed this little experiment, but you’ve worked too hard on your career to make sacrifices for my hobby.”
“But Dad, I can figure this out. I—”
“Nah. Besides, I want to hear what James Goldman is proposing. This could be our big ticket outta here.” He winked.
“Why did you have to put those feelers out there?” she grumbled. “Why not someone local? I read about Goldman Enterprises and their acquisitions. They scoop up struggling businesses and companies only to decimate them, turning to the cheapest labor and product for maximum profit.”
Oh yes, Ivy had certainly looked up their empire, learning about their business practices. She hadn’t had time to delve into the family themselves, seeing as her dad had sprung this on her less than twenty-four hours ago. She’d been more co
ncerned with planning her early escape— because, yes, she really didn’t want to miss this conference. It’d be a huge boost to her career, given her lecture was the most anticipated of the entire weekend. And what a nice stroke to her ego that news had been. The thought of her dad selling put a damper in her mood, and she wasn’t prepared to deal with it.
“Isn’t that the American way?” her dad teased.
“Fuck, no!”
“Language, Firecracker. You’d think with your smarts you’d have a better vocabulary.”
Ivy continued on, uncaring of her language, knowing her dad was used to it. “America is losing its way, and it’s time to get it back. We need to invest in our own people and resources. We need—”
“Yes, yes, I already know all about your crusade, and I commend it. Truly I do. But forgive me if I sound selfish when I say I just want to see that my family is taken care of. Despite what’s happening, your mother and I would like to get out and enjoy ourselves before our bodies tell us otherwise. So if hearing what Goldman offers makes me a sell-out, well then, if the shoe fits. And I did put out inquiries with the Brewers’ Association, which led to nothing worthwhile.”
Ivy set her bag in the back of her car before facing her dad. “Dad, I get it, too. Of course you want what’s best for your financial future. And I absolutely want you and Mom to get out there and enjoy life while you can.”
“Hey, now,” he teased.
Ivy chuckled. “Hey, you started it.”
“But you’re still going? Leaving me to handle this guy on my own?”
“Yes and no. Yes, I was called about arriving earlier for a special panel, and I have just enough time to make that happen. And no, you will not handle him on your own. You’ll simply tell Mr. James Goldman that due to circumstances beyond your control, the conversation will have to be rescheduled.”
“But, honey, he’s making a rushed trip to be here.” Reginald looked at his watch. “I wouldn’t doubt if he was en route already. I told him you’d be here, since you do own half of the business. I need your insight. I value your judgment, Ivy.”
Inside, Ivy cringed with guilt but pressed on. “Hey, shit happens.”
“Ivy,” her dad started with a note of warning.
“Unexpected occurrences and all that. With his money, I’m sure it’s nothing to just fly back home—”
“Well, he’s driving.”
“—and return another time. Like, half-past never,” she muttered.
“But—”
“Sorry, Dad, I gotta go.” She gave him a quick hug before settling into her vehicle and starting the engine. With the window down she leaned out to give him another smile. “I love you!” She waved and took off down the driveway before he could protest, further increasing her guilt but still not letting it sway her.
“Swoop in and buy us out,” she mumbled to herself. “Never.”
Once Ivy cleared their lane, she turned onto the county road, ready to put Mr. I-have-enough-money-to-do-what-I-want-Goldman out of her mind. At least for a handful of days while she concentrated on her conference and lecture.
She didn’t get far when she noticed an oncoming vehicle.
“I’m not stopping,” she said, continuing to talk to herself, thinking for sure it had to be Goldman on his way to see her father, as no one else lived on this stretch of the road. She did, however, slow down in order to get a look at the man intent on taking away her father’s pride and joy. And in truth, hers, too.
As she passed the black SUV, she glanced toward the driver, seeing a glimpse of tousled hair, dark on top and lighter at the temples. Sunglasses covered his eyes so she couldn’t see their color, but she didn’t mistake the raised brows and slightly parted lips as he watched her drive past.
Ivy sped up, noticing in her rearview mirror his brake lights flashing before he turned into her family’s drive. She snickered like a child instead of a mature woman at the age of thirty-five. Wishing she could see the disappointment, even anger on his face when he realized who she was and she wasn’t where her father said she’d be made her snicker a little more.
So much for her maturity.
She didn’t ever want to face him and whatever outrageous offer he planned on presenting. There was no point because her answer would always be no.
“Sorry ‘bout your luck, James.”
Not really. Even if a part of her did feel a little bad about his wasted trip. And the fact that now her dad had to deal with him.
“Ah well. Dad will smooth it over like he always does.”
Ivy happily drove on to the airport, her thoughts already focused on her trip.
****
James was momentarily stunned by the flash of vibrant copper curls and green eyes that passed him by. Where the hell is she going? Her father said she’d be here for our talk. After the exhibit this past weekend, he’d discovered his mystery woman was Ivy Baines, sister to the very artist whose work he admired. And their father just so happened to be looking for a buyer for his operation. His plan had felt serendipitous. James had desired something new in his life, and Baines Brewery presented the perfect avenue.
A decidedly wondrous bonus was getting Ivy back in his arms.
His preoccupation with the vixen had nearly made him miss his turn. Veering quickly into the drive, he wound his way further up the lane as the area opened to present a beautiful home with a few outbuildings in sight. Reginald Baines stood near the porch awaiting his arrival. The man walked his way, raising his hand in greeting as James exited his vehicle.
“Mr. Goldman?”
James stopped in front of him and offered his hand. “Please, call me James.” His host gave a sturdy shake before releasing his hand.
“And you can call me Reggie.”
“Certainly.” He took a moment to scan the property before returning to look at the man. “You have a beautiful place. You mentioned your daughter would be here. Did I just see her leaving?”
“Uh, yeah, about that.” Reggie cringed.
“Will it be just you and me then?” James tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. After all, Reggie had no idea about James’ ulterior motives in getting close to Ivy.
“Well, no. You see, Ivy had to change her travel plans, and, well, yes, that was her you saw leaving. And I’m afraid there wasn’t time to notify you about the change, and we won’t be talking until she returns.”
James tried not to bristle at the man’s confession. “I see,” he said evenly. “And when do you expect her to return so we can talk?”
“Monday.”
“Monday?” James’s head started buzzing. “That’s nearly a week away.”
“I’m really sorry about that. You see her plans had to change unexpectedly.”
James ground his teeth, recalling the smile that was most likely a smirk on the pretty ginger’s face. At least her father had the decency to truly look apologetic.
“And where have her plans taken her? Until Monday.”
“Germany.”
James stilled, unsure if he heard correctly. “Excuse me, did you say Germany? As in the European country?”
“The one and only. Ivy’s attending a scientific conference and will be one of the speakers. She was called about some early panel, something or other. She didn’t really give me specifics, just had to rush out of here.”
“I can only imagine.” Had she discovered his identity and didn’t want to face him? Or did she simply not want her father to sell? From all he’d read about Ivy Baines, she was a chemical scientist involved in research who also lectured internationally. Sure, she contributed greatly to her father’s brewery, but did her tie to it run deeper than he thought? Was she intent on keeping the business and just hadn’t discussed it with her father yet?
“If you’ll excuse me.” James barely nodded his head as he turned for his vehicle. “It seems I’ve wasted my time.”
Reggie called out. “I truly am sorry about this, and I hope we’ll have the chance to try
again.”
James reached the door to the SUV and swung it open, facing Ivy’s father. “Oh, you can be sure of that.” He entered the vehicle, closing the door and buckling. Once he started it up, the man called out again as he raised his hand.
“Have a safe trip back to the city.”
“Oh, I have no intention of returning to the city.”
“Oh, really? Business elsewhere?”
“Yes. In Germany.”
James drove away as Reggie’s eyes widened.
“If that woman thinks to evade me by running, she’ll learn this is one chase I won’t mind.”
Chapter Three
Ivy continued to sip from the flute of champagne, delighting in the fruity taste as the tiny bubbles tickled her palate, causing her nose to itch. She’d been mingling at the party in the hotel’s conference room for over an hour, making the one glass of alcohol last. While she enjoyed a glass of wine every now and then, and a few glasses of champagne once or twice a year during functions like this, she much preferred her dad’s Pilsner with its rich, spicy taste and heady malt aroma. It would resemble the champagne with its pale golden coloring, only it’d have a thick, frothy head of foam that never failed to perch across her upper lip.
Ivy had been thinking of her parents all day, especially her dad, and how he had dealt with James Goldman. With her travel, packed schedule on Thursday, and the time difference between Germany and New York, she hadn’t had the chance to call home. A few quick texts were exchanged to inform her parents she’d arrived safely, but nothing more. Tomorrow she’d make a point of calling them in between lectures and hoped she didn’t hear that her father had rescheduled another meeting with Goldman.
Turning her thoughts to her own schedule, she knew she needed to concentrate on her lectures, and to do that, she needed sleep. She was exhausted. The meet-and-greet tonight had been an informal gathering of the presenters and contributors, and while Ivy knew it was important, she figured she’d spent enough time schmoozing. After drinking the last of her champagne, she decided to say good night to the conference director and head up to her room.