Page 21 of Ajax

“I told you why. I didn’t want to be.” I tug her closer. “I’d much rather be here with you.”

My hand rests on her hip, and she drops her hand to cover mine. She gives it a squeeze.

Our gazes are locked, and just as I lean in to kiss her, her lips land on mine and I’m pushed backward onto the couch.

Ivy straddles my lap, her palms resting on my chest as she kisses me hard. I might be taken by surprise by her move, but I open, and her tongue gently probes mine before she deepens the kiss.

I’m as hard as a rock, and when she wiggles her hips and moans, it’s clear she knows.

I pull her with me as I lie lengthways on the couch with her astride me. She doesn’t stop kissing me the whole time, and I get a better handle on her hips as she grinds against me.

“Ivy,” I whisper. “I want you. I want you riding me right here on this couch. I want you in my bed. You don’t ever have to go back to your Dad’s place. There’s a place right here for you with me.”

She pulls away, staring at me with wild eyes. “You really mean that?”

“With everything in me. I’ve never wanted anything or anyone as much as I want you.”

Tears well in her eyes. “Clayton?” she whispers.

Oh god, how I love my name on her lips.

I stroke her cheek. “What, sweetheart?”

“I want all of that too.”

She leans over and kisses me again, grinding so hard against me that I think I’m dying.

There’s no awkwardness or shyness as she unbuttons my shirt. For a moment, I freeze. There are scars on my chest I’m self-conscious about, but she leans over and kisses the scar tissue as she uncovers them, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

“How did I ever get to be so lucky?” I say.

Ivy raises her head. “You’re lucky I’m so patient.”

I run my hand through her hair. “I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

“You didn’t mean to. I mean, I should have said something a long time ago.” She kisses my lips softly. “I never thought I’d be here, doing this.”

“Me either, but I’m glad your car died the other night.”

Her mouth falls open, and she gives my chest a gentle slap. “That cost me.”

“Yeah, but I’d never have had the excuse to spend time with you otherwise.”

She lies down on top of me, resting her head against my chest.

I close my eyes and stroke her silky hair.

“I can hear your heartbeat,” she whispers.

“It’s beating for you, Ivy.”

“You say the sweetest things, Ajax Munroe.”

I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. “Maybe I was saving all my words for you.”

When she raises her head, there are tears in her eyes again, and I frown.

“Today isn’t really going how I thought.”

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