by JC Szot
“How’re things?” Joel asked, leaning into her as she stood. His eyes were weary, appearing exhausted.
“Great, how’ve you been?”
“Ah, stifled by holiday menu planning, same crap, different year, you know.” His tone was sarcastic. “I heard my aunt gave you the weekend off.”
“She did. She’s been very kind to me, not to mention generous.” Ivy sipped her coffee. The nutty hazelnut flavor woke up her taste buds. “I like this.” Ivy toasted him with her mug.
“Good, because that’s all you’ll be drinking until after the New Year.” His lips contorted into a smirk. Ivy noted his sour attitude. Joel seemed disgusted. He sagged over the counter and stared into the vacant air. A few guests were parked in front of the fireplace in the lobby, looking over brochures. He fussed with the collar of his dress shirt that lay beneath a black vest. Even the confines of his uniform seemed to frustrate him.
“Are you okay?” Ivy let herself look at him, taking advantage of his faraway thoughts until he glanced back at her. His brows lifted. Their eyes held. Despite the hot coffee, a slight shiver had her on the verge of escaping his intense eyes, but she held his questioning gaze. Her bravado grew a bit more each day. Joel ran a palm over the freshly buzzed hairs of his scalp, then kneaded his jaw in contemplation.
“I’m in a rut. It happens every year.” Joel waved a hand dismissingly. “I don’t like winter, and I know it’s coming. So what’s up for the weekend? We’re off, too.”
Ivy set her mug down. The sudden urge to keep busy and dodge Joel’s bullet overwhelmed her with panic. Something was passing off of him and adhering to her. Ivy couldn’t put a label on it, but it was there. His voice jarred her from her notions.
“The weekend…?”
“Oh.” She raced to form a reply. “I’m not sure, I…” Her words thinned.
“Let’s go riding or something. We’ve got two ATVs. I could teach you how to drive.” Joel smiled. “Would that be something you’d be interested in?” Joel’s tone lowered. His words dripped from his mouth, the sound of his voice silky. Ivy’s eyes bolted to his. Familiarity rang through her, making her skin itch.
Chapter Eleven
You goddamn idiot! What was that look in her eyes? Ivy’s dark-brown eyes went wide, yanking him into some deep, unknown territory. He could see the inquisitiveness, the change in her features. Had he just blown his cover?
Joel backpedaled, doing damage control.
“Let us know,” Joel told her, fine-tuning his speech, his tone sharp. “I’m heading up to the villa, but Reed is working until the cocktail hour starts,” Joel informed her. His words were tight, battling his nerves. He needed to get away from her for now and go crawl back into his hole.
“Okay, sounds good.” Ivy sipped her coffee. “Thanks for the coffee.”
“No problem,” Joel answered flatly.
He headed back into the dimly lit barroom and untied his apron. Joel tossed it in the back storeroom, making his escape out the back door. He eyed the ATV parked near the Dumpster but chose to walk. He needed to clear his head. He felt tormented. Joel prided himself on doing such a good job, parading his nonchalance in front of Ivy following the party. He’d even backed off with the coffee thing, afraid she’d connect him to her masqueraded rendezvous.
He inhaled the cool air. The woods smelled dank like rain. His shoes trampled over the brittle pine needles as he hiked toward the villa. The puzzled look that’d just spread over Ivy’s face troubled him. Was she now considering him, adding him to the lineup? Joel hoped that Ivy was chalking up her entanglement to being fucked by one of the resort’s guests.
It was more than that for him, though at the time it’d seemed casual, a mission of sorts. But now that he’d had her once, Joel wanted Ivy again. What he wanted was for her to want him. The admission of this reality blew his mind apart in a million different directions. Joel chuckled to himself, recalling her airy words from that night, how they puffed on his skin. “What about you?” God, how’d I love to remedy that!
The beautiful Ivy Tanner was controlling every thought and every hour of Joel’s every day. He’d almost jerked off in bed last night in hopes of banishing the urge. His desire for her was now hounding him. Was it his punishment, a mockery of his behavior? What he’d done he’d done for her. She was too exquisite to be isolated and deprived. He’d fed her, but left no crumbs behind so she could find her way back.
* * * *
The next morning Joel was up early. He sat at the island and drank his coffee. He grabbed another mug from the cabinet when he heard Reed’s feet slapping down the stairs. Joel filled Reed’s mug for him as his brother ambled into the kitchen.
“You’re up early.” Reed stifled a yawn. Joel pushed his brother’s mug across the granite surface. Reed sat down, digging at the honey-colored growth that shadowed his jaw.
“Yeah, couldn’t sleep. What’s on tap for today?” Joel asked.
“Not sure. I was about to ask you the same.” Reed blew on the surface of his coffee.
“Ivy has off, too,” Joel enlightened him. He turned to avoid Reed’s direct stare, afraid he’d read into his thoughts. Reed had a knack for that, the twin phenomenon maybe. Joel opened the fridge and took out the jelly. He peered into the toaster oven, waiting for his bread to brown.
“Does she?” Reed buried his face into his hands. “Man, I can’t snap out of it.” His tone was sleepy.
“Step outside, you’ll wake up. I think we should take her riding. Maybe we could teach her how to drive the ATV,” Joel suggested. He prepared his toast and reclaimed his stool at the island. Reed’s eyes shifted to his, his brows pulled together.
“What?” Joel answered, not meaning to sound defensive. Reed lifted a shoulder.
“Nothing. Yeah, that sounds good, though she doesn’t seem to want to learn how to drive. I tried that already. What time?”
“Take a shower and we’ll go knock on her door and see what she’s up to.” Joel didn’t mention that he’d already briefed Ivy on the possible excursion.
Reed’s next question kneed him in the balls. “Have you noticed a change in her?”
“A change?” Joel pleaded ignorance. “Enlighten me, Brother.”
“I can’t put my finger on it. Sometimes it seems like she’s coming out of her shell, but then other times it’s like she’s running scared again.”
“I say we just hang out with her. The more time we spend, the more comfortable she’ll become. Human nature, right?”
“What’s your deal with her?” Reed asked abruptly.
“I have no deal,” Joel emphasized. “I wanna take the girl riding,” he said, his tone biting back. Joel faced the window over the kitchen sink, chewing his lower lip. The secret task of releasing Ivy from her sexual inhibitions was becoming a bit too heavy to carry.
The sky was overcast, looking like tarnished silver. The blooming fall foliage decorated the backdrop, brightening the dreariness. At least it wasn’t raining. It wasn’t often that they both had off the entire weekend. Joel wondered if his aunt had some kind of ulterior motive where the schedule was concerned, and if it included Ivy, too.
Chapter Twelve
The sound of throttling engines drew near. Ivy dropped the rake and walked toward the edge of the small rectangular yard. The Dyer twins came into view as they gunned their way down the trail. Reed’s hair was askew, tousled around his face. Joel had a helmet on. Odd that one wore one, and the other didn’t.
Clumps of dirt spewed from the rear tires as they skidded to a halt on the edge of the trail. They cut their engines almost simultaneously.
“Hey, Ivy.” Reed saluted her. “What’re you up to?” His mouth eased into a subtle smile. Memories of their kiss flashed in her mind. Did Reed tell Joel about the pass he made? Ivy shoved the question from her mind. Reed got off the ATV. Joel followed suit, hanging his helmet on the end of the handlebar. Both boys…They’re men, she internally screamed at herself. They strolled across th
e dormant grass. Joel rubbed his jaw, a habit Ivy was learning.
“What’s going on here?” Joel asked, eyeing her project.
“I just thought I’d tidy up the yard. Your aunt told me I could do whatever I wanted to the place.”
“Yeah, it could use a woman’s touch. Place’s been vacant for a while,” Reed told her. Reed began to circle around the house, as if taking inventory of what needed to be done. Joel’s hoarsened voice filled her ears.
“How about that ride?” he asked.
Ivy jumped, not seeing him close the distance between them. She’d been too preoccupied watching Reed. Joel’s eyes tried to claw their way in. Ivy glanced over his shoulder, taking in the serene water of the lake. The vibrant-colored trees reflected off the murky surface, looking like stalks of broccoli.
“Why do you always do that?” Joel asked. Ivy felt his fingers on her chin, steering her back to him.
“Do what?” She swallowed past the lump that was sprouting in the back of her throat.
“You always look away when I try to talk to you. Are you scared of me?” Joel tilted his head at her. His mouth curled into a crafty grin. She turned her face, feeling his fingers release her. He seemed to be entertained by her faults and reserves. His pupils grew, blacking out the blue.
“No, of course not.” Ivy waved him away. Warmth moved across her skin like a menopausal hot flash.
“Okay, just checking.” Joel smiled, his disposition softening. Ivy held his gaze for as long as she could. It was potent, like staring into a summer sun without sunglasses. Reed’s voice drifted across the yard, extinguishing the uncomfortable moment.
“Ivy, I can’t believe what you’ve done. What’d you do, get up at dawn?” Reed laughed. “This place looks great.”
* * * *
They’d both talked her into going on a ride. The helmet was intended for her. Ivy politely turned down Joel’s offer of driving lessons. Reed suggested she be his passenger, which felt safer.
Unfazed by his brother’s insistence, Joel mounted his ATV and took the lead. Joel led them down the winding wooded paths. Fragrant evergreens cleared her nasal passages as the twins gave her a tour of the entire perimeter of the property. Remnants of older cabins from a distant time were scattered throughout the woods. As they cruised down the hill, one of the employees came out the back door of the dining hall, flagging them down. Both ATV’s slowed, coming to a stop. A gentleman in a black-and-white uniform approached Joel. Ivy looked on as Joel’s features stiffened.
“What’s wrong?” Ivy leaned into Reed’s ear.
“Don’t know.” Reed turned off the engine just in time to hear Joel curse. Joel got off the ATV and walked into the back door of the dining hall. Seconds later he emerged carrying a brown bag.
“What’s going on?” Reed asked, his face creased in confusion.
“Well, it looks like you two will be eating lobster, but I’ve gotta go get dressed because someone called out sick tonight,” Joel announced. Anger laced his words as he thrust the bag into Reed’s lap.
“Sorry, buddy,” Reed chuckled.
Ivy could see the line of fire that ignited between them. Reed’s tone was mocking, and Ivy could clearly see that Joel didn’t appreciate it.
“Fuck you,” Joel huffed. “Ivy, excuse me.” His tone softened. She shuddered, her memory flaming over the flow of Joel’s words. Her eyes darted away from his sculptured face.
“Don’t do that,” Joel scolded. “You should always look at people when they talk to you. You do it very well out at the front desk.” Ivy’s fingers dug into Reed’s flannel shirt.
“So true.” Reed rocked back into her. “Two minds can think alike, even out of utero,” Reed said, laughing.
“Well, I’d love to engage in this stimulating topic of conversation, but I’ve gotta get to work.” Joel frowned. “Enjoy the lobster.”
Chapter Thirteen
Reed prepared an extravagant dinner. They sat in the living room on throw pillows and picked from lobster slathered in sweet butter, potatoes, and green beans. The conversation flowed easily. Reed asked her what she had in mind for the yard. He told her if she needed his help putting up any outside Christmas decorations, he’d be happy to give her a hand. June had a thing for decorations. She always wanted the resort draped in the current holiday décor. As Reed cleared the table, he asked her to pick out some music while he loaded the dishwasher.
Ivy sifted through the tower of CDs, choosing Coldplay. She turned on the stereo components and inserted the disc. The music sounded through the speakers, mixing with the clinking of glassware in the kitchen. Ivy sat back down on the floor. When the lights dimmed, her attention snapped back to Reed, who was carrying a large candle over to the glass-top coffee table.
Reed lit the candle and then returned to the threshold of the living room and turned the track lighting off. Ivy’s nerves sparked with anticipation. What’s he have in mind? The candle’s flame shot up, flickering against the walls, competing with her pulse that was now running at full throttle. Their eyes connected through the shadows. She fidgeted, seeing Reed kneel down behind her. His fingers threaded through her hair, then grazed down her neck, tracing the shell of her ear.
“What happened after the party…” His words drifted on an intake of breath. Ivy stilled, thinking of her erotic romp on the second floor of the ballroom, but what Reed was alluding to was the kiss they’d shared. “Was that okay?” His nose nuzzled into her hair from behind. She stared at the pulsating lights on the stereo as it read the tempo of the music. His heavy breaths filled the warm ambiance of the room.
“Yes,” Ivy whispered. Was she confused? Yes. But she’d had her first taste of sexual freedom, and she wanted more. Curiosity and the plain lust and urges that most people felt had now been birthed inside her, and she owed it all to her midnight masquerader.
“I know you’re kind of shy.” Reed rubbed her back, his hands talented. Reed’s touch was soothing, opening every door that’d been shut tight. Ivy liked the idea of him being behind her, but how long would that last? Maybe he’d blow out the candle so it could be dark. Was she ready for the light? “It’s all right.” His voice was silky. “If something isn’t comfortable, then just tell me.” His raspy directives filled her ears like a gusty wind. She felt her body sag back into his.
“Okay.” She exhaled, willing every muscle to unravel. His lips moved through the short strands of her hair. He lightly kissed her neck, licking her skin. Every pore expanded, drinking him in. His hands rested on her shoulders, edging toward the front of her shirt. She’d worn an old button-down of her father’s, planning to work in the yard all day. With every stroke of his hands, she molded into him. Ivy tilted her head, giving Reed access to her neck, hungering for more. He lightly bit and tasted. As his fingertips grazed over her breasts, a groan she tried to suppress escaped from her throat.
“So beautiful, you are,” Reed whispered, his voice husky with need. His fingers were working on the buttons of her shirt. She wanted it again. Ivy couldn’t run away from the urge. All she’d thought about was the night of the party, and how she’d felt, how her body had soaked up the physical pleasure she never knew she was capable of having. Had it been Reed? A worm of apprehension tried to burrow through. No. She wouldn’t think about that now. There was another man here, eager to please her again. She welcomed the connection, the experience. Reed’s slow and methodical movements told her that she was being blessed a second time with a man of patience.
The air changed, rushing at her skin as he gently parted the material and opened her shirt. Reed eased it down her shoulders, letting it drape over her elbows. Ivy leaned her head back, resting it on Reed’s shoulder. Through lowered lashes, she watched his hands cup her breasts, still encased in her lacy, pink bra.
The same sensations charged through her body—the want, the need. The desire to connect and feel one with another. This time there were no rules. She’d be able to react and give Reed the gratification he so e
agerly wanted to provide to her. Could she? Reed had her floating. Would her womanly instincts just kick in and guide her?
His fingers worked the front clasp of her bra, slowly peeling the lace away from her body. Reed lifted her arms, freeing her body from her clothing. Impulse took over, and Ivy leaned forward and blew out the candle. Reed chuckled behind her.
“You like the dark, I take it?” His hands skimmed over her skin, leaving a smoldering path on her flesh.
“I do,” Ivy answered, pushing away every tormented thought that tried to resurface. This was her chance to return her affections, to practice the art of giving as well as receiving. She didn’t think she’d have the chance again, and so soon.
“We can manage in the dark. I was hoping to see your beautiful body naked. I’ll just have to see you through my hands.” Reed sucked on her earlobe. His hands slid over her breasts, gently pumping them in his hands. She felt her nipples bead in his palms. Her belly rose and fell, the same sensation she’d felt before.
“Jesus,” Reed hissed. He held her waist, wanting her to stand. They rose to their feet. He turned her to face him, their darkened faces meeting. She followed the sheen of his eyes. Reed fumbled with the button and zipper of her jeans. Ivy reached for him. She rested her hands on his dense chest, tracking the formation with her fingertips. Reed’s hands left her. He yanked his shirt over his head, unable to wait. Her fingers combed down his chest. She leaned into him, licking his warm flesh. Her tongue lashed out at his nipple. Reed’s body quivered against hers.
His hands were back on her, gently pushing her jeans and panties down. He freed her from her clothing, their shoes removed earlier. Reed’s fingers traveled over her thighs, finding her core. He gently parted the folds of her pussy. Ivy panted as he slowly searched for her clit. His touch had her yearning for him. His hoarsened request had her pleading for it all.
