by Sam Crescent
“Oh, just as well,” she said to herself while continuing to stare longingly through the glass separating her and the bakery case. “My jeans don’t need any more reason to protest.”
“And why would your jeans protest being wrapped around such an enticing package?”
Ivy jumped at the voice behind her, recognizing it immediately. It grated on her nerves while simultaneously sending through her body tingles she didn’t want to acknowledge. Knowing she couldn’t avoid him—because he simply wouldn’t allow that—Ivy pulled out her earbuds while turning to face James Goldman.
“If you think you need to avoid anything from the café for fear of no longer fitting comfortably into your jeans, you’d be wrong, Ivy Baines.”
Ivy blushed despite the effort it took to not let his words affect her. “Thank you. I think.” Taking in his appearance, James was dressed much like her, in athletic pants, sweatshirt, and running shoes, even though he looked like he hadn’t even broken a sweat. “What brings you out this early?”
James scanned her form before meeting her gaze, a smile tugging at those kissable lips.
Stop it, Ivy!
“Like you, I was enjoying a nice walk around the city. At least I hope your walk has been nice.” He raised his brow in question, obviously expecting an answer from her.
“It has, and now it’s time to return to my hotel so I can get ready for my day. Enjoy the remainder of your walk.” She started to put her earbuds in place and turn away when James intercepted her.
“Surely there’s time for a coffee. May I have the pleasure of your company?” He waved his hand toward the door of the café, a hopeful look on his face. Not expectant, as Ivy would have thought, but truly hopeful.
Maybe I can be civil toward him.
When she hesitated only a second, James continued. “I promise to behave.”
Ivy snorted with a chuckle then quickly covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.
James grinned. “You think me incapable of behaving?”
“I think your version of behaving may be vastly different from mine, and any opportunity you get to discuss your propositions will be taken full advantage of.”
James brought his hand across his chest to cover his heart. “Ah, Ivy, you wound me. How about I promise no discussion involving you convincing your father to sell?”
“But no promise to avoid your mission of seduction?”
“Well I have to have something to focus on, don’t I?”
Ivy laughed again, surprised at herself for beginning to actually enjoy their banter.
“How about two people getting to know one another?”
“Uh, huh,” she eyed him suspiciously. “And what you’re really saying is you want to know if I’ll jump in bed with you—both physically and figuratively.”
He cocked his head as his eyes narrowed. “Are you always this suspicious? What’s wrong with simply wanting to know more about you?”
“I have a feeling there’s nothing simple about you, James Goldman. And to answer your question, no, I’m not usually this suspicious. But my intuition tells me to be wary of you and your intentions.” Ivy watched his face for any signs of insult or anger, and when a mischievous grin began to take shape, she couldn’t help but chuckle. “Tell me I’m not wrong and I’ll owe you for the coffee.”
“You’re a wise woman, Ivy, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, it’d be my pleasure to treat you.” Without waiting for a response, he opened the door to the café and indicated she precede him inside, all while flashing that devilish smile she was becoming all too used to.
Ivy conceded, nodded her head, and entered heaven. The combination of smells from the coffees brewing and the pastries begging for attention were enough to make her smile and call a temporary truce to whatever this situation was between her and James. She immediately approached the counter to order a drink and choose a sugary delight she silently promised herself she wouldn’t later regret.
After placing her order, she turned to the side to allow James to make his, catching sight of his intent gaze on her. Those silver eyes flashed with longing and heat. So much heat Ivy suddenly wished she’d ordered an iced coffee to cool down the sizzle building inside her. It took the gal behind the counter clearing her throat to break their stare.
“For you, sir?”
Ivy felt herself blush as she turned away first, seeking a spot for them to sit. As she made her way over to a small table, she tucked her phone and earbuds into the pocket of her hoodie. After hearing James place his order, he reached the table and seated himself across from her, a neutral look on his face.
“Something tells me this isn’t your first time here,” James stated.
“Here, as in Germany, or this café?”
“Both, actually. I surmised after hearing Erik speak about you, you’d been to the University before. And the longing look in your eye when you stood out front…” He trailed off, awaiting a response.
“I wouldn’t exactly call it longing, I—”
“Yearning then.”
“No.” Ivy couldn’t help but chuckle, surprised at James’s relaxed and teasing manner. But if she were being honest, she could admit she hadn’t really given him a chance at showing her the kind of man he was or could be. At least when it came to business. He had given her a good introduction into who he was and what he could provide during their sexy little interlude at the art exhibit.
Ivy had jumped to conclusions and thought the worst with his proposal she had yet to hear, simply based on his company’s past business practices. A knee-jerk reaction aimed at safe-guarding not only her family’s business, but their pride and joy. And thinking more about that, she hadn’t even really listened to her father’s thoughts and plans, knowing it would ultimately be his decision. While Ivy may technically own half of the operation, her father would and should have the final say. She sighed. The needle on her guilt-o-meter just increased several more notches.
“You’re concentrating entirely too hard on something if it’s making your brow crinkle.”
Ivy’s hand flew to her forehead, smoothing out the lines she had no doubt were there but denied nonetheless. “My brow isn’t crinkling,” she said with little bite.
James chuckled, causing a silly flutter in her belly. “It most certainly is, but it’s charming. Tells me your beauty—”
“Your orders, ma’am, sir.”
James’s words were cut off by one of the employees placing their drinks and pastries on the table. Ivy continued to stare at him wondering what he’d been about to say, but James just cleared his throat and began rearranging the items in front of them.
“Enjoy,” the gal said.
“Thank you,” Ivy and James responded together.
“I believe the Puddingbrezel is yours,” James said, sliding the plate toward Ivy while avoiding eye contact.
“And that would make the Schneckennudeln yours,” she returned, unable to stop her giggle. “Sorry, it’s just some of their words are comical to say.”
James smiled, finally looking at her. “Well if anyone is capable of making comical words sound elegant, it’s you.”
Ivy chuckled as she looked away. “Hardly.” She reached for her treat and took a bite of the twisted pastry with a pudding center, delighting in the burst of sweetness saturating her mouth. Ivy closed her eyes and let out a soft moan, thoroughly enjoying the sugary indulgence.
As she swallowed the bite, she opened her eyes and reached for her coffee, bumping the cup in the process as her gaze collided with James’s.
“I take it you’re enjoying that.” His voice had grown deeper, his eyes darker as he sat still, not yet touching his drink or cinnamon roll-like pastry.
“Immensely,” she stated, holding his stare.
“Glad I could provide you with such joy this morning.”
“To which, I thank you.” She finally took hold of her cup and sipped the warm brew. “Although I could reverse that sentiment later as I work off th
ese calories.”
James twisted his lips as he shook his head. “Why do women insist on obsessing over their body image? You’re a beautiful woman who has no need to worry about one damn pastry.” He bit off half of his roll, chewing furiously before practically gulping down a good portion of his coffee.
“That’s easy for you to say, you with your perfect physique, who probably never had to worry about a fat roll or stretch mark or water retention that made you want to throw out every outfit you own because nothing felt right or looked even remotely flattering. But hey, I’m all in now, so might as well enjoy the hell out of it.” She continued to hold his stare while taking another hearty bite of the pastry.
A grin stretched his lips as he stared at her. “So you think my physique is perfect?”
Ivy snorted, trying not to spew the coffee she had just taken a sip of. “Of course that’d be what you focus on.”
“It might be the only flattering words you utter about me, so I’ll take it.”
Ivy stared at him, trying to truly see the man sitting across from her.
“What?” he questioned when he caught her stare. “Do I have pastry on my face?”
“No. Just trying to figure you out.”
“Good luck with that,” he stated.
“You don’t want me to figure you out? Get to know you? Weren’t you the one who said we should do just that?” She continued to sip her coffee while waiting for his answer.
“Yes, well, I should have clarified that I’d get to know you while I remain a complete mystery.” He grinned before finishing off his pastry, followed by a swig of his coffee.
Ivy shook her head. “Doesn’t work that way. You want to know more about me, it’s only fair I get to know more about you.”
“Haven’t you heard that line about life not being fair?”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Are you always this obstinate?”
“Worse,” he said smugly as he placed his empty cup on the table. Sitting back, he kept his focus on her.
“Well, I can see at this rate, we won’t get anywhere.” She too placed her empty cup on the table and stood, causing a flash of surprise across James’s face. “It’s time for me to get back and get ready for the day. Thank you again for the coffee and pastry, which I won’t obsess over or regret.” She gave him a cheesy grin.
She turned to leave when James sprung up from the chair. “I’ll walk with you.”
“That’s not necessary. I do know my way back.”
“It is necessary when I’m staying at the same hotel.”
“Of course you are.” Ivy rolled her eyes and headed for the door.
James sprinted ahead and opened the door for her. He remained in place, allowing a family to enter before he followed.
Without turning around, Ivy spoke, knowing damn well the man was close enough to hear what she had to say. “You know, your actions could be considered borderline stalking.”
“Well I’ll continue to keep my actions just shy of full-on stalking then.”
She detected the humor in his voice and couldn’t help but glance over at him, instantly regretting the move when she met his stare. The sparkle in his bright eyes and curve of his smile made her pulse jump and her skin sizzle. Her panties dampened, and not from sweat due to the exertion of her hasty walk. Oh no, her body’s response was an immediate lust-driven punch to her libido. A libido that had been on hiatus for some time. More than she cared to think about but obviously couldn’t stop due to James’s presence awakening dormant desires.
Ivy sighed and turned away before she did something foolish like push him against the nearest wall to taste those yummy lips. She then snorted just thinking about that image, knowing he wouldn’t be surprised at all because he was probably used to women throwing themselves at him. Hell, he would no doubt welcome her actions.
“Something amusing?” James asked.
“Nope. Not at all,” she lied.
“Mmm,” he simply hummed, as if he knew she withheld the truth.
They walked in silence along the sidewalks that filled with more and more pedestrians, along with citizens who were clearly down on their luck. At one point when Ivy didn’t sense James at her side, she turned to see him talking with a man dressed in clothes that had seen better days. She watched as he handed the man a few bills and exchanged smiles before James jogged to return to her side.
The action surprised Ivy, but neither said a word until they made it back to the hotel where James once again held open the door for her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He kept in step with her until they reached the elevators. Once inside, she pressed the button for her floor, noticing he didn’t press another. “What floor?” Ready to press another button, she focused on the numbers rather than look at him.
“Same as yours, it would appear.”
“And I’m sure that’s not a coincidence at all.” She dropped her arm but continued to avoid his stare.
“I assure you, it is. Contrary to what you may think, I don’t have the power to persuade the staff to divulge your room number.”
“Uh, huh,” she harrumphed.
In an unexpected move, swift as lightning, James caged her against the wall, his body pressing into hers. He swallowed her gasp as his lips sealed to hers, cutting off a protest that quickly turned to surrender. His lips were both tender and possessive, feather soft yet skillfully controlling, consuming her. Ivy couldn’t help but sink into the sweet abyss she was positive many others had more than dipped their toes in.
A miniscule voice whispered that this was likely a very bad mistake, but with the pleasure coursing through her deprived body, it was all too easy to ignore the warning.
He continued ravishing her, sweeping his tongue past her lips, intent on exploring every nuance of her mouth. Ivy couldn’t stop her body’s response, moaning when his quest became more demanding, as if he had tasted the most exquisite morsel and feared it’d be snatched away before he got his fill. But she had no thoughts of pulling away. In fact, she shamelessly yearned for more, wanted to feel more. She snaked her hands beneath his sweatshirt to glide across the taut muscles of his back. James released a groan that vibrated through her entire body, and she found herself rubbing against him, suddenly feeling the bulge of his erection as it pressed into her lower abdomen.
Ivy froze, realizing how far things had escalated.
Well what the hell did you think would happen when two charged individuals start making out in the elevator? And how is it I so easily run from hot to cold with this man?
Just as she thought to move away, James pulled his mouth free from hers, trailing across her jaw. When he reached her ear, he nipped the lobe and whispered in a raspy voice.
“I could take you right here, right now.” When Ivy only whimpered, he continued. “Tell me you want that. Say you want me.”
If Ivy were capable of melting on the spot, she no doubt would have, softening with his touch, his seductive words. Words that started a riot in her body which demanded attention.
If only her mind would get on board.
Chapter Five
James felt Ivy’s body vibrate with need, yet she held back. She fought her desires, and it was killing him. He could make good on his claim to take her right here, right now, but he wanted her consent. Needed her to want him, need him. If she said no, he of course would still try to persuade her, but he’d never force himself upon her. He wasn’t a total brute.
“Tell me,” he whispered again while peppering kisses along her neck, the skin quivering beneath his tongue. He suckled the spot on the slender column where her pulse beat rapidly, drawing an erotic moan from her sassy mouth. Ivy’s hands tightened on his back, her nails digging into his skin, further driving him mad. A subtle push of his crotch against her body had her catching her breath, but just as quickly, he stole it away as he covered her mouth. He was addicted to her taste and wanted to gorge himself for an eternity. Kis
sing her wildly, he moaned when she finally reciprocated, matching his desperation play by play.
Their tongues tangled, their hands roamed, and their bodies heated to the point of near combustion.
Suddenly the elevator stopped and Ivy jolted before scrambling to move away as the door began to open. James stepped to her side, locking her hand in his, preventing any distance between them. When it was apparent no one waited on the other side of the door, he stepped through, moving down the corridor with purpose.
“Wait, my room is the other way,” Ivy protested, trying to dislodge her hand from his. When James remained quiet, continuing his strides, Ivy once again tried unsuccessfully to shake her hand free. “James, stop,” she demanded.
He finally stopped once in front of his door, managing to position Ivy’s back against the barrier while keeping his hands posted at his sides. They would either enter his room and explore this dynamic between them, or they would part, leaving James burning. Possibly Ivy as well.
When he silently held her gaze, he sensed her irritation and unease. The last thing he wanted was to scare her away or piss her off further, even if her fiery temper was a turn-on. He acted completely out of character by reining in his impatience and softly pleading once again.
“Tell me you want this, what you know would be spectacular between us.”
Her eyes filled with uncertainty. “I don’t. I, I can’t.”
“You said you’re not in the habit of lying, yet you’re doing exactly that. Why, Ivy?”
“You’re the enemy,” she whispered.
He flinched with surprise. And hurt. “Am I?”
“Yes. You want to take away my father’s passion. You—”
“I want no such thing,” he interrupted.
“You do! Your company isn’t really interested in some small-time brewery. You—”
He slammed his mouth to hers, cutting off her argument. She startled at first, then began to given in, but before the kiss got carried away, he broke their connection. James kept his forehead against hers as their labored breaths mingled in the air between them.
“Why do you keep doing that?” she asked softly.