Page 4 of Summer Nights

I'd never done anything like this. It was so unprofessional. If anyone walked in on us, my reputation would be in tatters, and he'd be hailed the hottest bachelor on the island once again.

The only thing that saved me was that this house was under contract, and the sellers lived in Canada.

With the rain falling on the roof overhead and the lights out, I could pretend that we were alone and that there were no consequences.

This time, I unbuttoned my blouse, shrugging it off my shoulders, before he lifted me in his arms, easily entering me. He set a steady pace, thrusting in and out of me as if he was claiming his spot deep inside me, and I wasn't about to argue with that. I'd never felt this taken before.

I'd never let him in emotionally. I only had this to give. No man was worth the cost of leaving yourself open. I had to protect myself at all costs.

No matter how good this felt, I wouldn't give in to the desire to do this again or to see what he'd be like in a bed. We only had this one moment.

There was a part of me that reveled in letting go, in letting someone else support me even if it was only for a few seconds. I gave in to the feel of his strong arms supporting me, his cock driving into me.

The sensations cleared my mind of thoughts, leaving me in the moment with him.

Chapter Two

Cooper

Sweat trickled down my temple as I fought for any semblance of control. I couldn't believe that Ivy had made a move. I hadn't thought she'd ever give into the growing attraction between us. I wasn't sure she'd acknowledge it to herself, much less to me.

Ivy Buckley was so carefully controlled; I thought of her as a queen in my head. She was regal and professional and never gave in to any man.

It was the storm that seemed to rattle her, and I couldn't leave her alone in this house. Especially when the power went out.

There was something about seeing Ivy so vulnerable that struck a chord deep inside me. She wasn't a damsel in distress, but damn if I didn't want to sweep in and save her, even if it was from herself.

She'd never admit to anyone that she needed me to protect or satisfy her.

The orgasm built in the base of my spine, so I slowed my pace, kissing her, as my hand snaked between us, finding her swollen nub. I rubbed her, and she jerked in my arms, her mouth ripping from mine.

"Oh, my God."

I ground my teeth together. "It's Cooper."

She held on tight as her body spasmed around me. I was positive she'd hate this act of vulnerability when she realized what transpired between us.

She'd never let me this close again, but I'd always remember it. She'd let down her guard and let me in. I was positive she thought she was in control of every situation, especially this one. But she wasn't.

For a few seconds, I was in control. I was the one holding her against the wall, supporting her weight. It took my touch for her to let go.

Her fingers tangled with the hair at the base of my neck, and that one act of tenderness set me off. I thrust one more time deep and emptied myself into the condom. I wished I was bare inside her, but she would never allow that to happen.

It was too risky. Neither of us wanted the risk that came with something like that. I hadn't even asked if she was on birth control. I should do it now, but she was already pushing me away, wanting to get down.

I complied, setting her on her feet.

She pulled on her bra, hooking it with efficiency, then her shirt, which she left gaping open while she reached for her skirt.

It only took a second for me to tuck myself into my briefs and zip up my jeans. This was a quickie against the wall of an empty house. It shouldn't have meant anything, but I felt this overwhelming swelling of emotion in my chest cavity.

I wanted to ask her to slow down, to wait, but there was no stopping Ivy when she got something in her head, and right now, she wanted to escape this situation. She wanted to get away from me. I stepped back to give her the space she needed.

My presence was a reminder that she'd let down her guard for a few seconds, and she wouldn't forget it.

Her movements were jerky, so I shoved her hand aside to pull up the zipper of her tight skirt. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Her tone had a bite to it, belying what we'd just shared.

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