Page 10 of Tender Temptation

A Few Minutes Later

Ivy’s going to besuch a hot little fuck.

I can hardly believe my luck at meeting someone so…perfect.

When we leave the bar, the cool summer breeze does nothing to temper the heat coursing through me. Half hour from now and I’ll be balls deep inside her, which is fucking awesome.

At the same time, I kind of like how Ivy’s hand feels tiny in mine as we navigate the bustling downtown streetstoward my loft. It’s weird, we’ve only just met, but the mere act of walking back to my place with her feels like a gift—one I shouldn’t take for granted.

We stop at the crosswalk, giving me a chance to steal a glance.

Her face, illuminated by the soft glow of street lamps, is a vision of serenity. Her big, blue eyes blink up at me, wide and shimmering with adoration.Desire. Her golden hair is tangled and wild from my fingers. Her lips are plump from my kisses. She even has beard burn on her upper lip.

God, she really is perfection.

It knocks me back.

I certainly didn’t plan on this turn of events, but I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Seeing her like this, vibrant and alive, stirs something hidden within me. Something more than lust, though my dick is hard as a pole.Yeah. Somehow, we’ve made a profound connection. It’s tugging at the core of my being.

I’ve always thought love at first sight is a myth—and maybe it is—but with her, I can totally understand how people catch feelings quickly. Ivy makes me feel alive in ways I can’t comprehend.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at my building, which has been renovated by McGloughlin Construction into a blend of historical architecture and modern design. I close theindustrial elevator door behind me then gently tug Ivy toward me. Our bodies align with a shockingly familiar ease. Our lips touch except, unlike at the bar, now there’s a deliberate slowness in how I kiss her. I want to savor the moment and heighten the connection we’ve been weaving all night.

The elevator comes to a stop, I hold the door open so Ivy can step inside. Her gaze sweeps across the high ceilings and custom fixtures. “You livehere?” Her voice is tinged with awe. “It’sgorgeous.”

Ivy’s enthusiasm fills me with pride. I spent nearly two years making this not a just a cool place to live, but a showcase of what my company is capable of. Every detail is to my taste, from the old brick walls intersecting with vast, floor-length windows to the contemporary kitchen to the rich, warm wood floors.

“Thanks, darlin’. I renovated it myself. Moved in earlier this year.” I caress the side of her face and nuzzle her ear, whispering, “For the record, the only thing gorgeous in here is you.”

Ivy’s chest heaves and she grips my elbows, sighing as she melts into me. “Cillian, the way you touch me, it feels incredible.”

My cock throbs against my jeans. My God, Ivy looks sweet and innocent, but the way she speaks is direct. To the point. Clear with her intention. Her physical cues are there too.The way she was grinding against me tonight has given me a permanent hard-on.

Although, under my loft’s high-end lighting, it’s apparent she’s younger—much younger—than I originally thought. Or maybe, the buzz from the many Guinnesses I consumed earlier has faded and I’m able to see her more clearly now.

Shit.

I can’t deny how much I want her, but it’s time to do some due diligence before things go further. I’m not going to fuck her until I’m sure we’re both on the same page. The last thing I need is a scandal.

“Hey.” I take her hands in mine and step back. “I think we both know where this is headed and it’s important you feel safe. Do you want to text someone where you are?”

A flicker of uncertainty flashes across her eyes but is quickly masked by a quick, nervous smile. Ivy’s cheeks flush an intense shade of pink and her lips part as if she’s about to say something. She stops and instead bites her lower lip. I hope she’s not having second thoughts, but I won’t pressure her if she is.

“Um. Yeah. Great idea. Give me a sec.” She efficiently types into her phone and looks back at me. “For the record, I’m nervous at the situation, not at you. Iwantto be here.“ Ivy reaches for my belt like she’s done this a few times before. “I wantyou.”

“Whoa, hold up for a second.” I capture her hands, bring them to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “Let’s talk about this. I can be pretty intense during sex. If there’s anything you’re not on board with, I’ll stop. No matter what. Okay? I’ll always respect your boundaries.”

Ivy blushes adorably. “How can you be so perfect? I’ve been wet all night thinking about what you’re going to do to me.”

Alrighty, then. Green. Fucking. Light.

“Oh, sweet Ivy.” I take a step away and look at her. “You’re killing me with your naughty talk. At least let me be a gentleman. Would you like something to drink? Wine?”

She slides onto a stool at the counter, twirls a lock of her hair around her finger and looks off into the distance. “Uh…Sure.”

“Red? White? Rose?” I crouch my six-foot-six frame down to check my wine fridge, then peer up at her.

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