Page 67 of Tender Temptation

“Here.” I locate the card key to my hotel room in my bejeweled crossbody bag. “Room 523. Just go in. I’ll be there soon.”

After a quick kiss goodbye, I practically skip back up to the party. The other day, when he said we should leave things in the past, I was forced to give up hope. His kiss, though. Holy shit. For the first time in a long while, I feel complete.

On my way back to the restaurant, the otherworldly feeling I’ve kept suppressed, but felt the first time I saw him, permeates my body—Cillian and I are meant for each other. I believed it at eighteen and I believe it today. Later tonight, we’ll reunite and now nothing stands in our way.

Except, maybe, my dad.

Inside, people are dancing, laughing, and celebrating. I’m chatting with my Italian friends, my parents, and a few random people when I see Cillian slip back in. Neither of us can take our eyes off each other for a minute, but I compel myself to look away and focus on the conversations I’m engaged in.

A few minutes later, Lucia teases me on our way to the dessert table. “Where did you disappear to?”

“I needed some air.” I can’t help but flick my eyes to Cillian, who’s watchingme intently.

Matteo follows my gaze and smirks. “Well, while you were getting some ‘air,’ you missed out on boogieing with us. Come on!”

I laugh, letting them pull me onto the dance floor. The music is loud, and the room is filled with joy. I get lost in the moment, dancing with my friends. I feel happy. Free. I’m surrounded by people who love me. It’s the perfect day.

Cillian watches from the sidelines, his gaze never leaving me. There’s a new understanding between us. A promise of something more.

Whatever it means, I can’t wait for us to get naked.

And for tonight, that’s enough.

thirty

Cillian

An Hour Later

Three years ago sheutterly and completely captivated me.

Not one goddamn thing has changed.

As I watch Ivy dance with her friends, every sway of her hips makes my heart ache with longing. I can’t take my eyes off her, but it’s time for me to go. We’re going to celebrate her birthday alone later and I need to make this night one she’ll never forget.

A night that’ll set the tone for the rest of our lives.

I slip out of theparty quietly, leaving behind the noise and lights. It’s late, but I manage to find a high-end grocery store where I buy a bottle of sparkling cider and clean them out of roses and candles. My heart races with anticipation as I drive to The Edgewater so I can get Ivy’s room ready for us.

The suite is magnificent, with a master bedroom featuring a four-poster king bed, a full panoramic view of Elliott Bay, and a private deck with Adirondack chairs and a chaise lounge. There’s a dining area and a wet bar, a loft-style living room with a gas fireplace, and a glass surround shower with waterfall and handheld shower heads.

Oh, we’re gonna have some fun here.

Quickly, I take off my jacket and tie to get comfortable. Then I set things up. First, I sprinkle rose petals from the door to the bed and all over the duvet cover. Then I light the candles and take out the cider and glasses. Finally, I compile a quick playlist of soft music and pipe it through the sound system.

As I survey the scene, the door opens and I spin around.

Ivy steps into the room and her eyes widen in surprise. She’s breathtaking. Her dress shimmers in the candlelight, silky blonde hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders. Her cheeks are flushed from dancing and her lips still slightly plump from our kisses.

I’ve never wanted her more than I do in thismoment.

“Cillian.”She sets her purse on the table.

“Ivy.” I’m so taken by her, my voice is barely a whisper.

The past three years—the pain, the heartache, the shame—all melt into the background and we move toward each other.

Before I say another word, Ivy’s in my arms. Her lips crash against mine in a kiss that’s both desperate and passionate. Her hands tangle in my hair, and I pull her closer, pouring all my love, longing, and regret into the kiss.

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