Page 35 of Melt For Us, Daddy
All of a sudden, he was very aware of the multiple sets of eyes on him. “Yes, Ma’am. I feel fine.”
Her eyes narrowed, leaving him with the very unsettling feeling that she could somehow see the truth, no matter how he tried to hide it. “Did you sleep well?”
“Ah, no, not really.”
“Why not? Are you ill?”
“Aw, man. I hope those extra donuts didn’t make you sick.” Looking worried, Zach leaned in, examining Jacob more closely. “You should’ve said something, man. Holden keeps the medicine cabinet well-stocked. We could have gotten you something for your stomach.”
Cordelia sighed, and the sheer disappointment in the sound nearly drove him to his knees for reasons he couldn't quite understand. He’d been on the receiving end of disappointment and anger plenty of times in his life, but never had it affected him quite so… deeply.
“I tried to tell you not to overdo it, Jacob.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. But hopefully the next time I try to warn you off something, you’ll listen.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
From her spot beside Cordelia, Ivy was watching him, curiosity dancing in her dark eyes. “I don’t think we’ve officially been introduced.” She held out her hand. “I’m Ivy. Cordelia’s partner.”
“Shit. Sorry, blossom. Ivy, this is Jacob. Jacob, this is my Ivy.”
Reaching forward, he clasped her hand, and that sinful reaction below his waist only got worse at the soft feel of her skin on his.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Ivy.”
“Just Ivy, please, Jacob.” Her voice was like springtime, soft and sweet and full of promise. Promise of what, he wasn’t sure, but he felt it all the same.
Braden clapped his hands together, drawing everyone’s attention to him. “Well, now that Jacob has been properly chastised and we’ve all been introduced, we should begin the tour.”
Ivy flashed an apologetic smile. “I need to run to the ladies’ room but I can meet you all downstairs. I assume you’re starting in the pit?”
“We are. We’ll see you down there.”
But when Ivy tried to step away, Cordelia pulled her back, an edge Jacob couldn’t quite identify glinting in her eyes. “Aren’t you forgetting something, blossom?”
A pretty blush rose to Ivy’s cheeks. “Seriously, Dee? Here?”
“Did I give you any exceptions to this particular rule, little girl?”
“No, Ma’am.”
“Then yes, here. Or you’ll have to wait.”
Dropping her gaze to the floor, Ivy mumbled something beneath her breath.
“I can’t hear you, Ivy Mae.”
Ivy sighed, but when she spoke again her voice was strong and clear. “May I please use the bathroom, Ma’am?”
“Good girl. And yes you may.” Leaning in, Cordelia pressed a kiss to Ivy’s lips before releasing her hold.
As Ivy scurried off, Cordelia turned to the small crowd and smiled. That edge he’d noticed in her eyes before was there in the baring of her teeth, and it both terrified and excited him.
“Gentlemen. After you.”
Cordelia
