Page 40 of Training the Heart

“Wade!” More pounding.

“Fuck,” I growl into her lips, pressing my forehead to hers for a beat, both of us catching our breath.

“Why is it locked? It’s fucking cold out here,” Cole bellows from the other side.

I sit up and straighten myself up, looking back down at her, legs still spread wide, knees bent. I’m willing myself the strength to pull it together and answer the door even as Ivy’s disheveled appearance and swollen lips tempt me to ignore Cole and get right back to kissing her. A finger darts up to touch her lips and a grin plays over them.

“Delay of game, Chief.” She giggles.

I might fucking kill Cole.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Ivy

Shit, shit, shit …

Did I kiss him or did he kiss me? Does it matter? It was the best, most panty-melting kiss I’ve ever had, and it answered my question. Wade Ashby is, in fact, capable of losing control.

I straighten myself up as best I can after that as Wade stands up, moving all the blankets back to the couch and sliding the coffee table into place. He adjusts the bulge in his sweatpants in an attempt to hide it, but he doesn’t do it well. I side-eye him as I run a hand through my hair.

“You better hide that weapon better if you’re planning on answering the door right now,” I mutter with a smirk.

He grunts the most frustrated sound, and adjusts himself a little more, pulling his t-shirt down to cover himself as best he can.

As he moves toward the door I cover myself with the blanket and haul the bowl of popcorn from the table into my lap. I have never been so into a movie as when Cole storms into the living room.

“She’s moving in with him? She didn’t even tell Mabesthey’re serious yet and she’s moving in with him. I had to hear it fromhimof all people? If I fucking murder Gemma, will you promise to raise Mabel like your own?”

He is fuming, I’ve seen Cole grumpy but I’ve never seen him angry. A chill runs up my spine at the fury that protects his only daughter. He startles when he realizes I’m on the couch.

“Fuck, Ivy. Sorry, I didn’t even realize you were still er—here,” Cole says as he takes in the scene before him. It must seem innocent enough. He doesn’t even flinch at it.

“I’m going home tomorrow,” I say as a lame explanation.

“We’re watching a movie,” Wade adds, clearly no better at this than I am. “Calm down, I’ll grab you a drink,” he says, patting Cole on the shoulder.

“She’s up to something, I know she is. I fucking knew it when she all of a sudden decided to actually show up on her scheduled weekend. So help me fucking God if she’s using Mabel as pawn to lure some fucking boyfriend in I don’t know what I’ll do.”

I stand and grab my crutches—although I’m hardly using them anymore. This is a conversation for family only. “I’ll leave you to it, boys. I’m gonna take a shower and then head to sleep early. For what it’s worth, Cole, you’re a great dad. If I can see it after only a month, everyone else can see it, including Mabel. She knows who she can depend on, trust me,” I say, hoping to calm him even a little.

My eyes meet Wade’s across the room, longing and the same confusion I feel reflecting back at me. “Good night, boys,” I say quietly.

“Thanks, Ivy, that means a lot,” Cole says back, oblivious to what he almost just walked into, before continuing with his rant.

Wade nods before I turn around and leave the room, the feel of him between my legs still fresh in my mind, but I leaveknowing that this was a one-off. A result of forced proximity and one fleeting moment. Wade is my boss. I need this job. I can’t go back to Jellico.

The hot water tumbles down my skin like a soft rain as I close my eyes and just let it run over me. I smooth my slick hair as I remember the feel of Wade’s warm stubbled jaw under my hands, his plush lips against mine.

God, he’s a good kisser, exactly how he is in his everyday life—sure and firm, controlling with a side that feels like he’d give to me in a way I have never felt. His strong, powerful arms wrapped around me, his large hand cradling my throat. I’ve never felt more tended to.

The ache between my thighs is a sweet torture I can’t resist or smother no matter how hard I try. I let my fingers ghost a hardened, aching nipple in the hot water and I shiver. I really wanted him, I wanted him like I’ve never wanted a man before—granted I’ve really only been in a real relationship with Brad. My few and far between one-night stands since college don’t really count.

The intense way Wade’s mouth claimed mine told me instantly that Wade Ashby would play my body like an instrument. Without thinking, I detach the shower head from its clasp and turn it to massage mode, trailing it over my breasts. I let out a moan that can’t be contained as I imagine his callused hands raking down my bare, wet back, kneading my skin, as if he were in this shower with me. I roll a nipple between my fingers and the fire in my low belly ignites.

Sliding the shower head down over my waist to my clitpushes my breathing to hasten as I press my free palm against the wall. Wade is behind me; his lips pepper kisses down my spine and two fingers slip into my aching pussy.

He works his fingers expertly to a curve that presses every sensitive spot I have.

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