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IVY
What am I doing?
One minute, I’m facing off with Jake, trying – and failing – to not let the bastard get under my skin. The next, I’ve got my arms up around Reeve’s neck and his tongue in my mouth, and he’s kissing me back so thoroughly, I see stars.
Jake disappears. The coffee shop melts away. All that matters is the heat of Reeve’s body, and the taste of him, and the way his hands are sliding over my waist; drawing me closer, making my head spin and my knees weak.
Because damn, this man cankiss.
Reeve finally draws back, breath rasping. “Hi,” he says, blinking at me in a daze.
“Hi,” I echo, just as breathless. I blink at him, lost in the sweep of his lashes, and the way his eyes have those little flecks of green—
“Ahem.”
I hear someone clear their throat behind us, and I realize we have an audience.Everyone’swatching … and they’ve all just witnessed me maul the poor man next to the muffin case, just to prove a point to my ex-husband.
That’s the only reason, of course. Not the fact that Reeve’s hands on my body set off some kind of thermonuclear reaction. Boom: instant lust.
Luckily, Reeve doesn’t seem to mind. He drags his gaze away from me, and turns to Jake with a big smile. “Hey man,” he says, slinging a possessive arm around my shoulder, like we really are dating. “You must be the ex.”
“And it looks like you’re the new guy.” Jake blatantly looks Reeve over, and puffs up his chest a little, trying to get an extra couple of inches of height on him. Unfortunately for him, Reeve is actually 6’2, instead of just saying so. “What’s up?”
“Oh, just trying to keep up with this one here,” Reeve says, giving me a grin. “You know Ivy. It’s one wild adventure after another with her.”
Jake looks confused. I don’t blame him. “Uh, sure. Yeah.”
“But we shouldn’t keep you,” Reeve continues, friendly. “You’re making that show of yours, right?”
Jake puffs even prouder. “Fortune Favors the Bold. Yup. We’re prepping for our new season, the network’s really pumped.”
I scowl, trying to think up a cutting barb – but Reeve beats me to it.
“I think I’ve seen your trailer playing, in the back of a cab sometime,” he muses, casual. “You can’t ever shut them off when you want some peace, can you? But hey, it looks cute, digging around like that. Good for you.”
But of course, Jake is immune to the put-down. Criticism always flies way over his artfully-mussed head. He just gives us a grin. “Thanks. This series is going to be the best yet. And when I find Earl’s treasure … we’re talking massive ratings. Awards. That AIA trophy’s got my name on it this year.” Jake winks at me, as he saunters out: “Play your cards right, Ivy, and maybe I’ll save you a front row seat at the dig.”
The door swings shut behind him, and I make a noise that’s something like a growl.
“AIA?” Reeve asks.
“American Institute of Archeologists. It’s like the Oscars for history nerds,” I explain. He’s still got his arm around me, and I don’t want to step away. There’s something warm and comforting about nestling here in the crook of his embrace – even if the close proximity is making my heart race and my body … pay attention.
Reeve looks down at me with a cocky smile. “Best you’ve ever had, huh?” he says, quoting what I told Jake with a smirk. “Are you sure you want to keep it to just one night?”
Crap. I told him what happened between us wasn’t going to be repeated … and then threw myself at him in a crowded public space.
I blush, ducking away from him. “I’m sorry,” I blurt. “He was just being so …ugh, and then I looked around, and there you were …”
“Hey, I’m happy to be of service,” Reeve grins, still casual. “Any time you need me, just say the word. For making out in front of your ex, or, other things …”
His gaze drops to my mouth, and I feel a shiver of pure lust roll through me. Oh, I could need him, alright. After dark, when I’m alone in bed, and he’s right next door …
I swallow hard. “I should be getting back to …” I pause. What was I doing before Reeve’s tongue was in my mouth and I lost track of all rational thought? “Things!” I blurt. “I have things to do. Bye!”
I turn on my heel and dash out the door before he can say a word.
So much for “leave the fantasy alone, Ivy”, I scold myself, pulling my jacket shut against the crisp breeze. So far today, I’ve literally thrown myself into the man’s arms, and dragged him into a very public make-out session. If I keep this up, we’ll be naked together by nightfall—
