Page 24 of Ajax

“I don’t mind hard work. And I can pitch in with the housework too.”

Cookie shakes his head. “We do our own here. What you do with Ajax in his place is your business.”

“Let us look after you for a while.” I slip my arm around her shoulders and place a kiss on the top of her head.

She sniffs, and I grasp her chin, raising her face toward me.

Tears well in her eyes.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“Told you. Anything for you.”

I place a kiss on her nose, and Cookie chuckles. “Man, you have got it bad. We really screwed up setting you up on that site when Ivy was right under our noses.”

“I’m not going to screw anything up ever again,” I say.

Ivy pokes my arm with her index finger. “I’m sure you will.”

“Not on purpose.”

“I know.” Her smile is gentle and loving. I’m such an idiot. I could have had the love of this good woman ages ago, but my fear of being rejected beat me every time.

I won’t waste another moment.

ELEVEN

AJAX

Ivy has to work tonight,but it didn’t take a lot to convince her to stay the night. After I drive her to and from work—just like I did a week ago, we walk hand and hand into my house.

It feels good—normal.

As if it was always meant to be.

She switched her phone off a while ago—her father and brother are trying to get hold of her. I’d think they were worried, but she believes they’re just going to complain about her not being around to cook and clean for them.

So we’re going to let them stew overnight.

She’s a grown woman making her own decisions.

And I’ll support her no matter what they are.

When we’re finally alone in my living room, I pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless. She gazes at me with all the affection in the world.

“We don’t have to … you know … tonight.” If I can sleep with her next to me, I’ll be a happy man.

“I know. But I want to. I want you, Clayton.”

Taking her by the hand, I lead her to my bedroom.

My heart thuds, but again she takes the lead, reaching for the buttons of my shirt. I can’t believe my luck.

This beautiful, vibrant woman is all mine.

She wants me as I am.

Ivy pushes my shirt down my arms, and it drops to the floor.

---