by Sam Crescent
As she set her glass down on a side table, she caught sight of Erik Zimmerman. He and his staff were responsible for the entire weekend, and from what she’d experienced in only one day, it was sure to be another wonderful conference.
Winding through the crowd and greeting a few colleagues along the way, Ivy noticed Erik speaking to a gentleman. With his back to her, she couldn’t identify the man as he towered over Erik. His medium build was nicely encased in a deep blue suit, and his dark hair cut short, not reaching the neckline of the stark white shirt beneath his jacket.
Ivy was within a few feet when Erik’s words stopped her short.
“Such a surprise, Mr. Goldman, to have you visit, and during an extraordinary weekend, no less. This year’s conference proves to be the best in years.”
“My pleasure. I thought it high-time I come see what an event like this is all about.”
That voice! It couldn’t be, could it? Are sexy-voice-stranger and James Goldman one and the same?
“Well I’ll hope you’ll let me know if there’s anything any of my staff can provide to make it a most enjoyable experience.” Erik paused, catching sight of Ivy just as she was about to turn away. But when his eyes lit up and he began to motion to her, she cursed the fates. “Ah, the perfect person to introduce you to.” Erik waved frantically as he turned her way, causing the man at his side to move.
With no choice but to approach, Ivy steeled herself to face the man she never thought she’d see again.
She took steps in their direction, looking toward Mr. Goldman while pasting a smile on her face. And practically tripped over her own feet when the man turned and trained those unmistakable steel gray eyes on her. Oh. My. God. It is him! The force of his gaze hit her like a sonic boom, rippling the air around her and threatening to blast her apart.
Dramatic, much?
His handsome face gave nothing away, as if he hadn’t just rocked her world. Again.
No, handsome was sorely inadequate in describing the man before her.
Sure, Ivy had found other men attractive, but she’d never been as affected as now. Not even when they’d had their encounter mere days ago. The raw masculinity he radiated had to have been felt by every woman in the room. Hell, probably within a five-hundred-mile radius. Without the mask, she was able to see his squared jaw with its appealing shadow of growth, giving him an edgy look. And his perfectly proportioned lips—lips she knew the taste of—began to hint at a smile. The elegant hand wrapped around his glass evoked images of tender touches yet controlled possession, of which she’d had a sample at the art museum. Eyes more intense than anything she’d ever seen held her stare, drawing her in as if she had no choice but to gravitate toward him.
Ivy stopped short, mentally chastising herself while trying to clear the wildly errant and unwelcome thoughts in her head.
What the hell am I thinking? This man just tracked me all the way to Germany!
“Ah, Ivy, I’d like to introduce you to one of our research department’s benefactors. Well, his company, that is.” Erik’s smile couldn’t have been any wider. He swept his hand toward the man across from him then back toward Ivy as he spoke. “This is James Goldman. And this, Mr. Goldman, is Ivy Baines, an esteemed colleague and presenter at our conference.”
With a glint in his eyes, James nodded his head while he held out his hand, offering it to Ivy. “A pleasure. Ivy.”
He knows! How did he find out who I am?
The smile he gave belied the glare only Ivy could discern due to their nearly imperceptible narrowing. Knowing that still didn’t stop the shiver across her senses at the sound of her name being spoken in his deep tone. Brilliant white teeth peeked out from behind his lush, tempting lips. When his hand engulfed hers, the warmth from his smooth skin seemed to slowly envelop her entire being.
What in the ever-lovin’ fuck is happening?
After a hasty shake, she disengaged her hand from his and once again mentally slapped herself for such thoughts. She forced a swallow before attempting to form coherent words.
“Good evening, Mr. Goldman, and—”
“Please, call me James.”
Ivy simply nodded without concurring before she continued. “Thank you for your company’s contributions to a worthy research facility. Without sponsors such as yourself, the world wouldn’t advance the way in which we strive.”
“My pleasure. Advancement with beneficial changes should be the common goal. Wouldn’t you agree?” He casually sipped his drink while he kept his gaze on her over the rim of the glass.
“Beneficial being the key word,” she answered evenly, never wavering from the intensity of his stare. “That word holds different meanings for different people. What benefits one may not be the case for another. Wouldn’t you agree?” She smiled as she threw his words back in his face. Expecting a rebuttal, she startled when he barked with laughter. Ivy could only stare at the change in the man. His eyes actually lit up while they creased at the corners, and the sound of his rich laughter had her involuntarily smiling again.
Before either could utter another word, Erik excused himself to talk with other attendees. “It looks like you two will have plenty to discuss,” he chuckled. “Please enjoy the remainder of your evening.”
As Ivy watched her buffer walk away, she couldn’t help but startle again at James’s words. She reluctantly turned back to him.
“You are an elusive delight, Ivy Baines, and I look forward to more conversation with you.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “Among other activities.”
Ivy stood taller as she lifted her chin, nervously running her hands to the hem of her jacket to straighten the already meticulous garment.
“Well I’d say I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not in the habit of lying. It’s been a long day, and I was just about to go to my room. Good night, Mr. Goldman.” She began to turn on her heel and walk away as gracefully as possible. The man inexplicably rattled her nerves, and she didn’t like it one bit. She couldn’t afford to lose her wits with him, nor her inhibitions. Before she took two steps, James quickly moved into her path.
“But the evening is still young. Surely you could grace me with your company. And I wouldn’t say no to an extended repeat of our first encounter. I did come all the way to Germany for you since you escaped the meeting with your father.” He poured on the charm with his pleading words and brilliant smile.
Ivy bristled. “Cocky, much? I didn’t ask you to come, so that’s on you. Your meeting was with my father, and after persuading him, he chose not to engage in discussions without me, for which I’m thankful.” That was only partially true, but Ivy wasn’t about to admit that to this man. She truly was relieved her father hadn’t continued with any sort of negotiations. “He had no idea my plans changed, so do not fault him. If you’re looking for an answer to your offer then that answer is and will always be no.” With each sentence, she stepped further into James’s space, standing toe to toe with the infuriating man. Didn’t matter she had to lift her head to make eye contact, she would show him she wouldn’t be intimidated. “I have no obligation to give you a few more moments or any amount of my time. My priority is with this conference, which starts with an early lecture, and I’m tired.”
Without so much as another good night, she went to side-step him and finally make her escape. James mimicked her move, blocking her path once again.
“You can’t tell me you felt nothing at the museum, and that you don’t wish to explore what would no doubt be fantastic between us.”
Ivy wrinkled her nose. “I can’t even explain what came over me as I’ve never done anything like that in my entire life. The only reason I stepped in was to stop your crass mother from continuing her insults about my sister’s work.”
“Yet the way you stepped in, you were not only defending your sister, but me as well due to the fact that I championed Sophie’s work.”
“Do you know my sister?”
James continued without acknowledg
ing her surprised question. “And you had no problem in continuing the pretense and succumbing to the connection we shared once we were alone.”
“You didn’t give me much of a choice,” Ivy ground out.
“There’s always a choice. Despite what some may think, I’ve never had to force myself upon a woman. They come willing. Pun intended.” The man practically smirked.
“Are you serious with that arrogant bullshit right now? You’re the one who flew four thousand miles hoping to get laid.” Ivy laughed. “Damn, but pickin’s must be slim.”
James stepped right up to her, lowering his voice. Their little discussion had already yielded a few curious stares. “I didn’t come for a quick fuck. I—” He abruptly stopped and collected himself. “There’s also the matter of your father’s brewery.”
“Which is partly mine as well,” she said from between clenched teeth.
His gaze caressed over her face, down her body and back, locking his eyes on hers. “I had hoped for a better reunion that would conclude with mutual satisfaction.”
Ivy scoffed. “In your dreams, buddy.”
“You can’t avoid me, Ivy. You’ll soon learn I’m a very persistent man who won’t be deterred.”
“And you’ll learn you’re wasting your time if you think I want anything to do with you or your offers. You’ll never convince me that this,” she gestured back and forth between the two of them, “will ever happen or that my father should sell to you.” She practically hissed as she leaned his way. “Why the hell would your ridiculously rich company have an interest in a small-town brewery and tap house? You amass multi-faceted companies and employ hundreds. My father’s passion isn’t meant to be taken over by some faceless entity that’ll ruin it quicker than a trout will steal your bait and leave your line empty.”
Ivy suddenly straightened, not liking the reactions this man elicited from her. Never mind that she did indeed find him sexy as fuck, and had they met under different circumstances, she wouldn’t push aside the thought of inviting him into her bed. But his arrogance and expectancy were unbelievable! She was usually calmer and more level-headed, but James Goldman triggered her in a way she had yet to dissect. And way to sound educated and put-together by throwing out a backcountry analogy. By the smirk on the man’s face, he found her humorous. Or dopey.
Whatever.
Ivy lowered her voice and ground out her next words meant only for him. “Do not push me. I will make more of a scene regardless of who you are or how much money you’ve thrown toward this University.” She stared right into his eyes. “Now get out of my way.”
Standing her ground, she watched his eyes wander over her face, lingering at her lips before meeting her gaze. A storm seemed to build in those silver-gray depths, and Ivy braced herself for the aftermath.
James, however, surprised her once again by smiling and lifting his glass to her as if toasting her spunk. He pivoted to the side, giving her room to pass. But with only one step from her, he leaned over until his ear perched next to hers.
“Until next time, Ms. Baines.” His whispered promise ghosted across her skin, causing an involuntary shudder.
Ivy simply continued to stare straight ahead as if unaffected. “There won’t be a next time.” She walked away before he could get in the last word, only to hear his low chuckle before she made it out of the room.
Un-fucking-believable!
****
James spoke to himself as he watched the enticing backside of Ivy Baines. “Oh, there most certainly will be a next time.”
As she beat a hasty retreat away from him, those thick strands of copper curls danced around her shoulders in the process, further delighting and arousing him. As if catching sight of her emerald eyes up close once again wasn’t enough. Or the sprinkling of freckles across her nose and cheeks he now had the pleasure of seeing due to her uncovered face. How he’d love to spend an evening counting every single one. Or the superior way she held herself against his subtle prodding, not falling for his arrogant bullshit, as she so eloquently stated.
The woman nearly undid him. He had his work cut out for himself in winning her on both fronts—personal and business—and he didn’t plan to lose. Their chemistry was undeniable, and although he’d never openly admit to it, he’d chase her to the ends of the earth to solve this mysterious and explosive attraction.
He sipped the remainder of his drink as he continued to mingle about the room, listening in to conversations, hoping he might catch any snippet when it came to Ivy.
Her name alone made him think of the tenacious, crafty vine with vibrant green leaves. It would cover everything in its path, reaching otherwise unattainable heights, lending its beauty to all it touched.
James practically snorted, wondering where the hell that whimsical thought had come from. He wasn’t a man of flowery words or phrases, or one to think with his head in the clouds. At the age of forty-five, he was as grounded as they came, being told on more than a few occasions what a stick in the mud he was. Perhaps it was the woman herself who inspired such foreign and wayward ramblings in his mind. He chuckled as he thought about the way she squared off with him, not even realizing how tempting and appealing she’d been.
Strolling through the room, he heard praise for Ivy in a few conversations, particularly for an upcoming lecture. She had collaborated with others in the early development of cost-effective biodegradable plastics and reuse of various waste products. He had read about these advances although he hadn’t committed names to memory. James had wanted Goldman Enterprises to invest in the technology. His mother, who had control over the allocation of investments and funding, had struck that idea down, stating it wouldn’t be cost-effective for their bottom-line.
Sure, the start-up would be considerable, he had agreed, but someone had to lead the way, and why not them? They certainly had the wealth to do so, and their investors would no doubt benefit in the long run. In the end, his mother’s greed won out, unwilling to release funds that wouldn’t be reciprocated in her lifetime.
James had been angered and disappointed, and that moment had served as the tipping point in his decision to more seriously consider stepping out on his own. He was tired of the ruthless nature Goldman Enterprises was becoming known for, of the buying and selling without regard to the people affected by their actions. It was beyond time to be more conscious of such matters.
James had wealth separate from the family enterprise, partly due to his savvy investments, as well as the fortune his father left him at his passing.
A sore spot that had widened the divide between James and his mother.
Perhaps the meeting between James and Ivy was meant to be.
Somehow, some way, he hoped to show her his offers were ones she couldn’t refuse.
Especially when they benefitted them both.
Chapter Four
Ivy rose early due to a restless night of sleep. If she didn’t know any better, she would’ve sworn James Goldman had cast a spell over her to trigger erotic thoughts about him every hour. She’d awakened in the middle of the night with her hand between her legs, highly aroused, leaving her no choice but to relieve the ache. She worked her clit fast and hard, bringing about an orgasm just as intense as what she’d experienced the first time with him against his leg.
But it hadn’t eased her need. She longed for the intimacy of a body next to hers, for a cock filling her, completing her.
Sappy, much?
Ivy groaned, making her way to the bathroom, unable to get that man off her brain. His devilish smile she’d only admit to herself she found sexy. Those stormy gray eyes that evoked wild images yet reflected calm control. The ease with which she connected with him at the exhibit as if they hadn’t been strangers. Not to mention the swift orgasm he’d brought about, making her desperate for more. That in itself left her reeling and she’d had to leave before she acted even more out of character.
She still couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that he followed her t
o Germany! Chased was more like it. And his expectancy to pick up right where they’d left off in New York.
Damn, that cocky attitude!
A deep part of her actually delighted in the fact he wanted her so much he’d fly across the Atlantic just to find her. Did that make her pathetic? Or did he really want the brewery badly enough that he’d use any means to gain it?
And now she felt even more pathetic thinking it was all about her.
Ivy washed up, deciding a walk was needed to clear her mind and help her recharge. Her subconscious told her wiping her mind of James Goldman wasn’t going to be so easy, but she would give it one hell of a shot. She slipped on her leggings, sports bra, and Baines Brewing sweatshirt. After her socks and shoes were in place, she bound her hair, stashed her room card in her pocket, then grabbed her phone and earbuds before heading out.
Having previously been to this area, she was familiar with the surroundings and knew the route she wanted to take. Ivy snugged her earbuds into place, determined to let the music fill her head instead of unwanted thoughts about the man intent on disrupting her world.
Twilight was barely upon the city as soft hues of pink washed the horizon. With no one else in sight, the scene had an otherworldly feel to Ivy, as if she were the only person in existence. But in no time at all, as she walked block after block, more people bustled about. Cafés opened their doors, luring the early risers with the teasing scent of robust coffees and delicious pastries. Ivy stopped to admire an inviting window display, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma wafting from within. She was tempted to make a detour, only to remember she didn’t have her wallet in order to purchase the sugary delights winking at her.