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“I know it hasn’t been easy for you.” I caressed her cheek. “But I’m going to change your life. I promise.”
“I believe you.” She trailed her hands down my chest and along my stomach. “I’m sorry I overreacted about the money, but I can’t accept it.”
“That’s fine.” I grasped her hair. “As long as you accept that I’ll just have the groceries delivered in the morning.”
“Silver?”
“Don’t argue with me.” I swept my lips along her jaw. “That will make us both happy.”
“I shouldn’t have barged into your home and yelled at you.”
“I don’t like being yelled at, but you are welcome in my home anytime you want. Even if it is to put me in my place.” I kissed her again as she unbuckled my belt. “But try not to make a habit of that.”
“I’d like to get back to fulfilling your Christmas wish.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I wasn’t that gentle earlier.” I lowered her pants over her hips. “Can you handle me now?”
“Yes.” She breathed against my lips as I slipped my hand inside her panties. “I want you.”
When I pushed my fingers inside her, she winced, confirming she wasn’t recovered from our previous encounter.
“It’s okay, I’m fine.” She reached between us and guided my hand to continue. “I’m not lying.”
“I know you’re not, but I don’t want you to do something just because you think it pleases me.”
“I want to please you.”
“Hurting you won’t please me.” I withdrew my fingers and stroked her inner thighs. “We have all night to revisit this, but now I have a better idea.”
“Better than sex?” She bit the corner of her bottom lip, making it difficult to forget about the erection straining against my pants. “I’ll hear you out but…”
“I’ve created a sex-craved elf.” I laughed. “My idea may include sex.”
“Oh.” She smiled. “What is it?”
“The hot tub.” I motioned toward the enclosed back patio. “You can soak, and we can reevaluate having sex in a bit.”
“Um… I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”
“You won’t need one, little elf.” I helped her off the table. “I promise.”
Soaking in the hot tub with Ivy between my legs, resting quietly against my chest, was the stress reliever I had needed. Taking a step back from my project and focusing on her and the holidays was the break I deserved. Before meeting her, I never would have allowed myself to take it easy.
In January, I would resume all inquiries and negotiations. The pause would make my associates even more curious than they already were. After the new year, they would be even more eager to invest in my community.
“You were right,” Ivy finally spoke.
“I’m always right, but are you talking about something specific?”
“You’re arrogant.”
“I am.” I twirled a strand of her wet hair around my finger. “Most people would be right if they said that about me.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” She lifted her legs and let them float among the bubbles. “You were right about the hot tub.”
