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Suddenly his head whipped in her direction. “Really Doc?” His voice cracked as he shook his head. “We need condoms…now?”

Ivy understood the accusation in his tone. The fact was they had never used one. Not ever. He had been her first.

“Manny, I am ready.” Ivy wasn’t sure if she should tell him or not. This is where her inexperience reared its ugly head. They had been dating for over a year. Never in all that time did she feel pressured to take things further. They were passionate with each other, but Manny always cooled things off before they went too far. There was evidence that he was able to take things further, but he always allowed his care for her to overrule his needs.

The two had been sitting in Manny’s condo, on the sofa. They were supposed to be watching television, but Ivy was completely distracted.

Her legs were stretched out and lay in his lap.

“Ivy, I told you there is no rush. I enjoy being with you?—”

Ivy left her spot and straddled him so that they faced each other.

“Me too. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to—” She suspected that he knew but wanted to leave no room for question. “I wouldn’t be comfortable enough to lose my virginity to you.”

That was odd. She had been certain that Manny had known she was a virgin. Yet he looked so surprised.

“I know that can be a big deal, Ivy. Honestly, I am cool with waiting.”

Ivy felt the evidence of his eagerness between her thighs. Seduction wasn’t something she was well versed in. In fact, she was a novice on the subject. What she did know was she was tired of the cold showers. His patience was affecting her as well. The fact was she wanted to take things further. Had hinted at it many times. Now, she was done hinting. His stalling was frustrating her.

“Why don’t you want to be with me?” She all but whined.

“Really? Does it feel like I don’t want to be with you Ivy?” He punctuated his statement by thrusting his hip. “I want you.”

“So, let’s?—”

“I want. No, I need it to be special for you. I want you to look back and think of the night I took your flower as special, okay?”

“Tonight, will be special.”

“Baby, not special enough. Okay? Look, I made plans for us to go away for spring break. Paris. Wouldn’t that be the perfect place?”

“That’s a lovely thought and all but I am tired of leaving you and taking care of myself. I want you now.”

Oh my gosh. Ivy was mortified. Was she seriously begging for sex? The urge to cover her face overcame her.

“Hey,” Manny called gently as he pulled her hands away. His hand caressed her jaw. “You don’t have anything to be embarrassed about. I want you too Ivy. Give me ten minutes. I'm going to go to my room. Then you can come join me, okay?”

“You don't have to?—”

“Yeah Ivy, I do. When you remember tonight, I want you to look back on it and smile. Know that I care about you. Stand up for me.”

Ivy did as she was told. She fixated on the clock as the ten minutes ticked by. Her steps were hurried as she made her way to his room. Then she paused, before the closed door. This was it.Rap, rap.The knock was soft.

Emmanuel chuckled. “Come in.”

In ten short moments, he'd accomplished a lot. Soft music played in the background. The sandalwood candle that she had given him was lit. The covers were turned down. It was so sweet. The closing of the door drew her attention to him. He stood before her in a pair of joggers, shirtless.

Manny cupped her jaw and sighed in contentment. “It means a lot to me that you chose me.” He gave her a tender peck on her forehead. “Anytime you want me to stop, you tell me. Okay?”

“I won’t.”

“No, Ivy promise me.”

She nodded.

“If you don't like something, tell me.” The back of his knuckles stroked her cheek. “Okay?”

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