Page 60 of Tender Temptation

No, I’m freaking the fuck out.

“Yeah. Thanks for the reminder, it helps.” I keep my emotions in check out of habit.

At some point, do I tell Mom and Dad the man who broke my heart was Cillian? I’ve been protecting him for all this time, but maybe the past is water under the bridge. Dad seems to like him, everything he’s told me over the years has been positive.

Ugh. This secret is the only remnant from our summer, it would be nice to have it out in the open.

The three of us eat dinner as a family for the first time in, gosh, nearly a decade. It’s nice. After dinner, my jet lag catches up with me, and I excuse myself to head to bed early.

My bedroom is exactly how I left it and I’m surprised at how comforting it feels. Once I’m snuggled under the expensive sheets and cushioned by the memory foam mattress, exhaustion quickly pulls me into a deep sleep.

The low-level panic begins the second my alarm goes off.

Cillian has no idea I’ll be meeting with him today. Dad didn’t tell him I was taking over.

“I didn’t want him to worry,” he said, unaware of the personal history between us.

In many ways I’m glad he doesn’t know. I’m still mortified by the last time I saw him—standing before him naked and crying, begging him to love me…cringeworthy.

Today, I’m approaching my role as a pure professional. Fully prepared to handle anything related to the Bright Shipping business. As I wound my life down in Italy, Dad and I spent many hours preparing for these responsibilities.I may not have pursued my MBA, but I do have a business degree and Dad trained me relentlessly for years before I left.

Besides, immersing myself in the world of art had an unexpected benefit. I was able to clear my mind. Have balance and focus. Painting and drawing will always be my favorite way to spend time, but I’m fine stepping in for as long as my dad needs me. In the meantime, it’s crucial Cillian sees me as capable and confident, not as the lovesick girl he once knew.

Starting with my appearance. Most of my clothes are in transit, but I find a tailored, navy-blue pantsuit in my closet. A little snug, the result of one too many pasta dinners, but it’ll do. I apply minimal makeup and, since it’s raining, I pull my hair back into a sleek ponytail. Professional and composed is the look I’m going for.

Every nerve ending is on high alert when I pull into the designated parking next to the newly erected structure. It’s a gorgeous building, even more impressive in real life than the renderings and photos. Despite the steady downpour, windows are being installed today and the construction site is buzzing with activity. Workers in hard hats hustle back and forth. Cranes hoist two-thousand-pound glass panels into place.

I spot Cillian almost immediately, standing under an umbrella by the lineup of office trailers, engrossed in conversation with one of the foremen. Wearing a fitted whiteMcGloughlin Construction Henley with the sleeves rolled up to show off his muscular forearms, he’s only gotten more handsome. Dark jeans hug his legs in all the right places.Wow. He’s definitely put on muscle since I last saw him.

Though I try to tamp it down, my reaction is visceral. Powerful. My nipples tighten. My pussy clenches at the memory of his perfect cock.

I honestly don’t know what to do. Every plan to be professional feels out of reach—I want to run to him, jump in his arms, and tear his clothes off.

Because he’s your man.

Except…he’snot.

After a few calming breaths, I compose myself and walk toward him. I know theexactmoment he sees me—his eyes lock on to mine and time seems to stand still as it did the first time I saw him. The noise of the construction fades into the background, leaving the two of us in this charged moment.

He visibly pales and a myriad of emotions pass across his face. Surprise. Confusion. Fear. Anguish.

Love.

“Hi, Cillian.” I shake off my stupid imaginary thoughts and manage to keep my voice steady, despite the storm of emotions whirling inside me.

“Ivy?” There’s a beat of silence, thick with tension. He looks around and then back at me. He shifts his weight from leg to leg. “I, uh, didn’t expect to see you here today.”

“I know.” I tack on a smile. “My dad needs a few weeks off for a medical procedure. I’m stepping in to help until he’s back on his feet.”

He give me a strange look as he absorbs the news. “I’m sorry to hear.”

“Thank you.” My voice catches slightly. “He’s undergoing chemotherapy.”

I didn’t mean to tell him, it’s just…he and I always had such easy conversations. Two minutes in and I’m confiding family secrets like we’re still a couple.

It’s important for me to remember how I felt the day he rejected me. When he told me, under no uncertain terms, he didn’t want me. As much as my heart yearns for Cillian, I can’t be vulnerable with him ever again.

Tamping down my emotions, I jut my chin out and look him in the eye.

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