Page 103 of Playing for Keeps
She grins. “I can’t wait either.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Ivy
An hour later, we’ve finished breakfast, and I’m curled up in Wyatt’s bed, tucked securely against his chest with his arms wrapped tightly around me. A movie plays on the massive TV in the room, but I’ve no idea what it’s about. I’m too wrapped up in the feeling of being this close to him. I remember wanting this in the den that night, wanting to stay in his arms, but I hadn’t been brave enough then.
It still feels unreal, like I’m living in someone else’s dream.
“You okay, baby?” Wyatt asks, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
My heart flutters when he calls me baby, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. I lift my head from his chest, meeting his gaze.
“I’m good. You?”
His smile is slow and full of warmth. “I’m perfect.”
My eyes flick to his mouth, and the pull to kiss him again is almost too much. I know he’s waiting for me to set the pace, but unless I spell it out, I’m not sure how to ask for what I want without risking more than I’m ready for.
“Can I kiss you?” he asks, as if reading my mind.
I nod, my breath catching as he leans in, brushing his lips against mine. The kiss is slow at first, but it deepens quickly. His tongue teases my bottom lip, seeking more, and when I open for him, a soft moan escapes me.
He groans quietly, the sound vibrating through me as his hand slides to my waist, pulling me even closer. It’s like he’s flicked a switch I didn’t know existed, and every part of me comes alive under his touch. I’ve never felt anything like this. It’s not just the way he kisses me, but the way he makes me feel completely undone and entirely safe all at the same time.
And, God, I don’t ever want it to stop.
“I think I could kiss you forever, Ivy,”he murmurs against my lips, his voice laced with need. His mouth trails along my jaw, then lower, brushing against the sensitive skin of my neck and sending a shiver down my spine. I’m still wearing his jersey, and when his hand slides down to my thigh, his fingers leave a trail of fire in their wake. Slowly, he slips beneath the fabric, his fingertips grazing over the edge of my panties.
My breath comes fast and unsteady. I was nervous about how far things might go, but with his hands on me, it feels even better than I ever dared imagine. And in that moment, caution gives way to longing. I want more. So much more.
“I should stop… before I lose control,”he says, pulling his lips from my neck.
“Don’t,”I whisper, heat rushing to my cheeks.“Don’t stop.”
He stills, his gaze locking on mine, searching for any hesitation. I can see the restraint in his eyes, like he’s holding himself back.
“Are you sure?”he asks.“We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, Ivy.”
“I’m sure,”I say, my voice barely audible.“I don’t want to go all the way… not yet. But when you kiss me, it feels really good.”
His lips curve into a slow smile.“It feels good for me too, baby.”
His gaze drops to the oversized jersey I’m wearing, and something flickers in his eyes, something tender but intense.
“Can I take this off?” he asks, his voice low.
A flutter of nerves dances through my stomach, but I nod. “Yeah.”
He doesn’t rush. His eyes stay locked with mine as he eases me upright, then pulls the jersey over my head in one smooth motion. It hits the floor with a soft rustle, leaving me in nothing but a pair of white lace panties, the heat of his gaze washing over me.
“Jesus, Ivy…” His voice is thick, with desire. “You’re fucking perfect.”
I should feel exposed, maybe even nervous being like this in front of him, but I don’t. Not with the way he’s looking at me. There’s no doubt, no hesitation in his eyes, just raw need.
I reach for the hem of his shirt, my fingers brushing the warm skin of his stomach.
“I need to see you too,” I whisper, tugging his shirt up.
