Page 30 of Summer Nights

She shifted on the cushion as if she was uncomfortable with the idea. "You're different from other guys."

"Maybe I'm just different than the guys you've allowed yourself to be involved with."

Her brow furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You date safe guys. Ones that couldn't possibly get too close."

Ivy scoffed. "That's ridiculous. I date men who know I don't want a commitment."

"How do you know that I'm the same?"

She pointed at me with an amused smile. "If you remember, you promised me one time."

"Does it make you uncomfortable that I changed my mind?" I waited with bated breath to see what her answer might be.

"If it becomes something I don't want, then I have no problems ending it." Her tone was stiff.

I wasn't sure that she believed what she was saying. Was it possible to get her to a point that she felt differently? It was a challenge I wanted to take. "You don't want to get married one day?"

Ivy frowned. "I haven't had the best example when it comes to relationships and parenting. I assumed it would be healthier for me to stay away from all that."

That was sad. She'd deny herself a life with someone and a family because of her mother's mistakes. "You don't think that you could be different from your mother?"

She frowned. "I am different."

"Then why don't you think you could have a better success rate?"

Ivy chuckled. "I don't know the first thing about relationships."

I frowned. "You never had the inclination to find out?"

Ivy shook her head. "I never met anyone that I'd take that chance for."

I was fairly sure she was already different with me. I had the advantage. I just needed to play my cards right.

"We both have successful businesses to run. You have your family to think about." Ivy set her glass on the table, and I knew my window was closed. At least for the night. "I don't mind enjoying ourselves physically. But there isn't room for anything else."

I forced myself to act nonchalant. "Let me walk you out."

Her brow raised in surprise, but she followed my lead, heading toward the door and inside.

"Thanks for stopping by." It was good to have her in my space.

"It's absolutely gorgeous. You should be proud."

"Thank you." I was, but this place was empty most of the time. There wasn't anyone to fill the space with love and laughter. It was just me after a long day at work. I showered, maybe drank a beer on the deck, and then fell into bed exhausted.

What would it be like to share the space with Ivy? I could imagine evenings on the deck, talking about our day, and fucking in the hot tub, the pool, and on every surface.

I walked her outside to her SUV. I waited for her to get into the driver's side seat, and then I leaned in. "Drive safely."

"Thanks, Cooper."

I liked hearing my name on her lips. I wished it was in the throes of passion. But I could bide my time with her. I wanted her to be a little off-center with me. I wanted this to be different for her.

"Night, Ivy." Then I forced myself to step away.

She closed her door and reversed down the driveway. I waited until her taillights disappeared and then went back inside. Our glasses were still on the table, and I didn't have the heart to clean them up.

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