Page 59 of Volatile

One hand held her jaw tight as he kissed her, sucking out every last moan. The other rubbed over her clit, pinching it as she bucked against him. He fucking loved it. All of it. He could never get enough of her sounds, the way she opened her body for him and responded beautifully whether he gave it to her hard or soft.

She began melting down the wall, but he kept her close. And soon her pleasurable cries gave way to a contented smile and flushed cheeks.

Then her eyes narrowed, making him laugh. “Lily’s going to be here any minute. Was that necessary?”

“Are you complaining?”

“She’s going to take one look at my face and get suspicious.”

“Are you complaining?” he asked again.

“No.”

“Good.” He traced a finger down her lips and over her chin. “She’s only going to notice how beautiful you are, as always. How happy you look. It’s a good way to start the session.”

“Is she finally ready to tell me who this guy is?”

“If she does tell you, know that means she trusts you enough to have an open mind. You need to listen to whatever she has to say.”

She turned her head away. “Hmm....”

He turned it back. “Okay?”

“I’ll always support her to make the right decisions.” He gave her a kiss, hoping that her definition of ‘right’ had expanded over the weeks. “I just want us better again, like we used to be. We hardly talk, and I understand we have our own things going on, but I don’t feel that closeness anymore. It’s like we’re strangers living in the same house and it sucks.”

“She feels the same, Ivy.” He brushed her hair with his fingers, intending to see it splayed across his pillow later. “When are you planning on telling her about us?”

“After this. I need us to get through one thing at a time.”

Jon nodded, accepting that reasoning. Lily already knew Ivy was seeing someone new; she just didn’t know who. How would she take the news?

Ivy slipped out from his arms and grabbed her purse off the floor. She pulled out a mirror, inspecting her face like she was looking for the flashing red ‘I had an orgasm’ stamp.

“Before I forget,” she said, snapping the compact closed, “how about meeting me at Seagrass Café tomorrow for lunch?”

“How about someplace else?”

“I love that place. They make the best grilled cheese sandwiches. Besides, it’s walking distance from the flower shop.”

“I’ll pick you up and take you wherever else you want to go and make sure you’re back on time.”

She gave him a strange look. The thought of being just a few buildings away from Julia’s restaurant.... He just couldn’t do it yet. He’d come further than he ever expected, but he didn’t know how he’d react if he ran into her. And he didn’t want to find out.

“This is the second time you got all weird on me about that place. The food is fantastic, so I know it has nothing to do with that. Does it have something to do with Julia?”

He owed her the truth, but—

His lobby door dinged open, startling them both. They’d been so focused on each other they hadn’t even noticed Lily walking up.

Ivy swiveled and went to give her sister a hug, which Lily returned easily enough. At least the first seconds were going smoothly.

Lily pulled back, eyeing her sister. “You’re earlier than me, and I’m early.”

Ivy smiled. “Yes, well. I’m looking forward to this meeting.”

Jon waved them into the office. “Let’s get started then.”

Once they were seated, he said, “Lily, would you like to begin?” He wished he could sit alongside Ivy to hold her hand, help her stay calm. He knew this would be challenging for her at best, inconceivable and painful at worst.

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