Page 22 of The Christmas Gift

Her only hope was to plan for her next project, far away from Bourbon in case things didn’t work out with Cor.

An exit strategy for good measure.

Whether she used it or not, not having one was akin to being naked. Exposed.

By the time December came, her skin was hot despite the slight chill in the air. And his kisses had become an addictive drug.

Chapter Six

First Friday afternoon in December

Cor

Instead of taking the elevator from the lobby to the third floor, Cor headed towards Ivy’s suite. The lobby smelled of fresh pine from the huge Christmas tree brightening the entrance. Besides the large bulb ornaments hanging from the branches, the bottom of the tree had a dozen or so wrapped gifts for Alayna’s gift drive. Cor grinned, letting the festive season wash over him. The landlady didn’t half-ass Christmas.

He nodded to Dolly, another tenant, who looked like she was on her way out of town. It was humbling how many successful business women lived in the building. Dolly was one of them, her start-up alcohol seltzer company was kicking ass.

Perhaps it was the Christmas music and all the red and white decorations Fitz hung around the building that propelled him towards Ivy, but he needed to see her.

She was becoming an instrumental part of his days. If the way she guarded her heart and their baby was any indication, Ivy was thoughtful and protective. He waited patiently for the day she’d reveal her past, which he suspected influenced her hesitance about their relationship.

Turning into the hallway, he frowned, seeing her outside of the suite. She braced the wall with her eyes slammed shut.

“Is everything okay?”

Her eyes snapped open and she swallowed but didn’t answer.

He glanced towards the closed door, his concern growing. Cor was about to ask if she was sick when he heard it—a cry of passion coming from inside Blair’s suite. A smile quivered his lips. “Blair didn’t schedule her sex life into your calendar, did she?” he teased.

She scowled. “That’s not funny.”

“I beg to differ.”

“I think your landlady has been playing matchmaker with Blair and her nephew.”

“Fitz does that.”

“You don’t need to stay.” She didn’t meet his eyes. “They’ll be worn out soon.”

Like hell. He wasn’t going anywhere. How many times had she escaped her friend’s sex life? The thought of Ivy in the vicinity of another naked man made the fine hairs at the nape of his neck rise. “Which room are you staying in? You’re coming to stay with me.”

She shook her head. “Moving in with you is…is—”

“Is what, Ivy?”

“Too permanent!” Her eyes flashed to his. “What if you change your mind about us as easily as you got rid of your furniture?”

Her flippant comment was a physical blow. Is that what she thought of his character? That he was callous or didn’t know his mind? With clarity, he realized she’d been avoiding his place. The past week was spent fending off his advances, ignoring everything he was trying to show her. How was he going to prove he was worthy of a chance if she’d already decided?

“You’re okay now because the baby isn’t born, but that won't last long. If the crying doesn’t make you resentful, dirty diapers will,” she whispered.

“Are your words a reflection of how you feel, Ivy? Are you regretting the pregnancy?” Neither of them was prepared for a baby that night, nor did a child fit into her organized life.

She closed her eyes. “Just go,” she whispered without heat. She looked tired, as if she hadn’t slept properly in days. Cor clenched his fist, staying his thumb from brushing her cheek.

His temper softened a fraction, not enough to prevent the hurt clenching his chest. “Not going to happen,” he hissed. “Until now, I’ve done everything I know to win your trust, but I will not give you or my baby up because you’re scared I’ll hurt you.” His anger inched another notch just thinking of not raising his child. The need to touch her overrode common sense and his hand circled her nape. She gasped, the excited little throaty noise snaked along his spine to grip his balls. It had been too long since he thrust into her heat. “And I’ll be damned if the mother of my child has to listen to another couple fucking.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Her eyes dropped to his mouth.

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