Page 26 of The Plus One Pact

I was one of those men, when I was younger. Before I learned how to enjoy the anticipation.

It's like watching a mystery.

Yes, I want to find out who did it. But that feeling of wanting it—

Needing to know—

Craving that information—

That's the best part.

You don't read a book and skip to the end. You enjoy every fucking page.

I look up at Ivy, take in the sight of this beautiful, successful woman staring at me like I'm the only thing she needs.

Desire spreads over her expression as she wraps her fingers around my wrist and brings my hand to her chest.

This is the best part of my job. I don't stop and enjoy it often enough.

It's like anything. I get caught up in the grind. Stop remembering how good it feels to make someone come.

But it feels fucking good. Sometimes, at least.

I cup her breast and run my thumb over her nipple. "Softer or harder?" It's always better to offer a choice between too options than say how is that. Then, people are invited to ask for more or less.

"Harder," she groans.

I make my touch a little harder. "Harder?"

"A little."

This time, I draw a circle around her nipple. A little softer. Then a little firmer. Firmer.

Until she gasps. "There."

Her eyelids flutter closed as I tease her. I take my time, moving with slow circles, then fast zigzags, back and forth, up and down.

I wait until she finally brings her lips to mine, then I move to her other breast and toy with her again.

She kisses me passionately this time, her lips parting for my tongue, her tongue swirling with mine.

We stay there for a long time. Longer than I can stand. But it feels good to want this badly. It's rare I feel this sort of anticipation. It's rare I have to wait for any sort of satisfaction.

I'm like a chef who's not used to feeling hungry.

It's nice to remember that dull ache in my body. The one that can only be filled by connecting with someone else.

Ivy pulls back, slips off my lap, slides out of her dress. Then her panties.

She kicks off her feet, so she's standing naked in front of me.

She has a gorgeous figure. She's curvier than she looks in her clothes. Even though she's slim, she has round hips and soft thighs.

I want to dive between them.

Usually, this is where I'd bring her to the bed, spread her thighs, taste her. A routine.

"I, um…" She reaches behind her for her purse. Pulls a small foil packet from it. "I'm out of practice with these."