Page 75 of Tender Temptation

Cillian leans in, his lips brushing softly against mine. Our kiss deepens, and I feel a rush through my body when his hands cradle my face. Our lips move with heated intensity, each kiss ignites sparks which spread through my entire body, leaving me breathless and yearning for more.

I reach for the buckle on his pants, causing Cillian to pull back slightly. His eyes search mine. “Ivy, can we talk first?”

Dread fills my gut. I hold up my hands in mock surrender. “Oh-kay.”

“It’s not like that.” He leads me to the couch where we sit down, facing each other. Considering the furrow in his brow and the way his eyes flicker with uncertainty, it seems like maybe it is “like that.”

“Doesn’t make me feel any better.” I feel my breath catch.

“Hear me out. Look, I want nothing more than for us to start our life as a couple.” Cillian studies me intensely. “Last night, in the heat of passion, we made proclamations and promises. All day, I’ve struggled to figure out what it means logistically. As a builder, I know the importance of foundation. A strong frame. A leak-proof roof…”

All I hear is him breaking up with me again. I interrupt, angry. “Is this you backtracking? Trying to let me down easy?”

Cillian shakes his head. “No, baby, you’ve got it all wrong. I believe in uscompletely. What I mean by logistics is…I don’t want to spend any nights away from you. I think we have to tell your parents about us and face whatever consequences come our way. I’d like to do it tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to spend any nights away from you either.” I let out a deep breath because I’m relieved, then the rest of what he said catches up with me. “Wait, what?Tomorrow? Why?”

“Think about it. I’m obviously not going to stay at your house. Are you going to tell your folks you’re sleeping at mine??” He takes my hand between his.

I shake my head. He’s got a point. “Um…I don’t want to lie to my parents about where I am.”

“Okay.” Cillian’s grip on my hand tightens. “My part is done. I’d filled my dad in about you a while ago and today I told my parents we’re back together. We have their support.”

It takes me a minute to absorb. “Were they upset?”

“Honestly, my ma took a minute at first but she came around. Da told me anyone with eyes could see we have something going on. Apparently, we’re not as subtle as we think we are.” He shrugs. “Ivy, we’re not fooling anyone. We love each other. It’s not a crime. Let’s not begin our second chance with lies to your family. My only hope is your folks forgive us for keeping our past from them.”

“Hold on, do you think we tell them thewholetruth?” I can’t imagine how my dad is going to react to the current “us” let alone past “us.”

“Don’t you think it’s best? Explain everything—how we met, our past, our plans for the future.” A hint of a smile plays on his lips. “We can’t assume your parents will react badly. Maybe they’ll support us. Maybe your dad has truly changed and will let you live the life you want to live.”

I bite my bottom lip, feeling skeptical. “Uh…I’d like to believe you but so far he and I haven’t disagreed on anything. If he’s backed against a wall, my dad can be pretty intense. He speaks without thinking. Some of the things he’s said to me in the past…” Ivy bites her lip. “Sure, he’s apologized, but I’m always a bit on edge. I don’t want to stress him out.”

“Oh, baby. I’ll never allow him to hurt you. I’d put a stop to it immediately.” Cillian scoots closer.

“I know and I appreciate you wanting to protect me.” I sigh. “I guess I’ve forgiven, but I can’t ever forget.”

“Look, my da said something that resonated with me: you and I have to be on the same page if we’re serious about building a future.”

Now I’m confused. “How are we not on the same page?”

“I feel strongly about telling your parents about us, but I’m not going to put pressure on you.” He scrubs his hand through his hair.

I look into his eyes, feeling a surge of determination. “I’m not under any pressure. If you asked me to elope tonight, I’d do it. I want all the ickiness to be over. It’s time for us to start our life, no matter what it takes.”

“If it were up to me, we’d be on the next plane to Vegas. A big part of me regrets not taking you up on it three years ago.” A slow smile spreads across his face. “There’s an alternative if you’re not ready for the fallout. You could get yourown place. Then we could see each other whenever we want. You could stay with me, I could stay with you. It would give us more time to ease them into the idea of us being a couple.”

Frustrated, I get up and go to the window. “I don’t like that option. There’s no reason for me to get my own place for optics. Last night we talked about me moving in with you. Getting married. Having babies.”

“Of course I want all those things. Why are you upset?” Cillian follows me and touches my arm. “Talk to me.”

I turn to him. “I’m not a kid. My dad trusts me to run the company. If he can’t trust me to pick my life partner, it’s his problem. If you don’t want to live together just say…”

“…of course I want to live with you. It’s all I want.” Cillian pinches his nose.

“Don’t overcomplicate it, then. Let me worry about my parents.” I grip his elbows and plead, “If I want to spend the night with you while still living at my parents’ house, it’s my decision. I don’t feel any shame about wanting to be with the man I love. If I move in with you, same thing. Telling my parents about our current relationship isn’t something I’m shying away from, but slow your roll. We literally reconnected yesterday.”

“Point taken. Which is why I wanted us to have options.” Cillian takes my hands in his. “Are you opposed to telling your dad about our past?”

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