Page 21 of Candy Cane Chains

"The way this hugs your waist..." I run my hand along the latest dress, feeling her shiver. "Perfect."

"You don't have to buy everything." She fidgets with the strap.

"I want to." I signal the attendant to add it to our growing collection. "I like seeing you in beautiful things."

The truth surprises me - I do want this. Want to spoil her, protect her, keep her close. The realization should unsettle me. I've never wanted anyone, and yet, I knew the second I saw her she was different.

Maybe my obsession should encourage me to put distance between us. Instead, watching her beam at her reflection, I feel something crack open in my chest. Something I've never felt before.

For the first time in my life, someone else's happiness matters more than control. Lucky for me, the two are entwined.

As we exit the boutique, a familiar voice cuts through the winter air.

"Ivy? Oh my god!"

I recognize her friend Jessica from the bar. She stands on the sidewalk, bundled in a charcoal wool coat, her designer glasses fogging slightly in the cold. Her fingers are intertwined with some guy I vaguely remember from O'Malley's. Her usual stern expression melts into surprise.

Ivy tenses beside me. I slide my arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Jessica! Hi!" Ivy's voice pitches higher than normal.

Jessica's dark eyes narrow, assessing me with that lawyer's precision. "I've been trying to reach you for days. Radio silence isn't like you."

"That would be my fault." I raise a hand guiltily. "I'm not sure if you remember me. We got paired up for Secret Santa last week and haven't quite managed to rejoin society yet." I let my smile turn apologetic. "I'm afraid I've been monopolizing her time."

Jessica's perfectly manicured eyebrow arches. "A week? That's... unexpected." She glances at Ivy. "You always return my calls."

"I know, I'm sorry." Ivy leans into me. "We just got caught up in-"

"Each other," I finish smoothly. "Sometimes that happens."

The man beside Jessica wraps an arm around her. "We know how that can be. Right, Jess?"

Jessica's professional mask slips for a moment as she looks at him. Her expression is almost reverent, and it makes me curious. "I suppose spontaneity has its merits." She turns back to Ivy. "But next time send a text so I know you're alive? I knowSoph and Lily are out of town, but my firm's party is next week if you want to go."

"I'll…let you know." Ivy's smile is genuine now.

Her eyes narrow. "Okay." Jessica checks her watch - a Cartier, interesting. "We're late for brunch. Call me later?" The question carries weight, loaded with unspoken concern.

"Promise."

I make a mental note to send Jessica a message on Ivy’s behalf, informing her that unfortunately she can’t make it to the party. Pity.

We watch them disappear around the corner, Jessica's heels clicking against the pavement.

As soon as they're out of sight, Ivy sags back against me, tension melting from her shoulders. I wrap an arm around her waist to steady her.

"Want to head home?" I brush my lips against her temple.

She nods, pressing closer. "Please."

I guide her to the Bentley, now stuffed with bags from our shopping excursion. The leather seats warm quickly as I start the engine, and Ivy curls into the passenger seat like a contented cat.

"You were perfect today." I take her hand, running my thumb across her knuckles. "So good for me. The way you carried yourself, how beautifully you showed off everything I chose for you."

Color rises in her cheeks as she ducks her head. "It was nice. Being out with you."

"You deserve a reward for being such a good girl." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. Her pulse flutters beneath my touch.

---