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I gazed up at the cracks in the ceiling, knowing how much money it would take to bring this old house up to speed. Maybe this wasn’t the appropriate time to tell him about my uncle’s offer to buy this house. I liked whatever was developing between us, and I didn’t want to ruin it with business.

“It is freezing in here though, and the temperature is going to drop tonight.” He shifted himself into a seated position and rested against the headboard, displaying all those muscles and tattoos. “Why don’t you come back to my house and spend the night?”

“I’m fine.” I kissed his cheek. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m self-sufficient.” Why did I find it necessary to declare my independence when it was obvious to both of us that I wanted to surrender myself to him and let him take control? I already admitted it, so why was it so difficult to follow through?

“I do worry about you, but my motives are a little more selfish.”

“Are they?”

“I want you in my bed,” he said. “When I get the urge to fuck you, I need to be able to reach for you in the middle of the night and take you. No waiting, no patience, just us.”

Well, when you put it that way… “Is that part of your Christmas wish?”

“Agree to sleep in my bed tonight and I’ll make all of your wishes come true.”

“You want me to be your holiday sex slave?”

“My sexy little elf.” He smirked. “That could be fun.”

“I think I can fulfill that wish.” I traced my finger along his chest. “I’ll spend the night with you.”

“I’m drawn to you.” He tugged me into his lap. “It’s more than physical.”

When he straddled my legs around his solid hips, it was difficult to think of anything other than being physical with him.

“What else is it?” I asked. “Because we’re pretty compatible in that department.”

“I want to take care of you.”

“I’m used to taking care of myself.”

“Then you should probably get used to me.”

SEVENTEEN

Huxley

As I studied the plans on the dining room table, I circled Ivy’s house. When I started this project, I never intended to settle for less than everything. All the properties. But then I met her. She put a human aspect to this venture that I didn’t see before.

I was able to acquire what I needed with money. The other owners could be bought for whatever reason. But with Ivy, I had to take a different approach. One I wasn’t used to.

Compromise.

I could find a way to make this work and still give us both what we needed. She could have her property and I could get the rights to the lake access. But more importantly, I could keep her in my life.

Goals.

If anyone could achieve them, it was me. I just needed to do something I never had before. How do I figure out someone who was like none I had ever met? A strong-willed woman, trying to be independent as she came into her own person. A lonely girl who needed guidance. Who needed me.

“Huxley!” Ivy stormed through the front door without knocking and barreled down the hallway, straight toward me. “What were you thinking?”

“When?”

“Don’t play games.” She tossed three one-hundred-dollar bills on top of the plans. “Why did you leave that on my nightstand?”

“Because that was all I had in my wallet.”

“You think I’m complaining because you only left three hundred dollars?” She raised her voice. “I don’t want you to give me any money.”