Crave (Billionaire Bachelors Club #1)(39)

“But it’ll be temporary. Once Crave’s design is complete, we’re finished. I’m sure you’ll be ready to move on by then anyway.” Her smile turns unnaturally bright. “From everything.”

Not true. I’m ready to deny it, but she cuts me off.

“We walked away from each other before and you never called. I guess I could’ve called you but I don’t operate like that.” Her smile becomes more brittle and I’m tempted to lunge for her. Tell her exactly how much I want her and watch the wariness leave her gaze. And become replaced with pleasure.

And of course she doesn’t operate like that. She’s a traditional sort of woman who deserves a man who will chase after her without fear and make her his forever.

I suddenly want to be that sort of man. Only for Ivy though.

Not for anyone else.

“This is so embarrassing.” She sighs and drops her head, keeps her gaze focused on the table in front of her. “The guys I’ve been with, they were all hopeless, you know? I wanted to fix them and they definitely didn’t want to be fixed. And I get you don’t want to be either. You’re perfectly happy in your broken, messed-up state. But you, Archer, you were the first one I truly felt comfortable with. Like I could finally let go and . . .”

“And what?” I prod.

“Have an . . .” Her voice trails off again and her cheeks are pink. “You know.”

Pride fills me even though I know it’s a jackass move. But what man doesn’t want to hear those words slip from the lips of a woman he’s attracted to? “Have an orgasm?”

“Yeah.” She gives a jerky nod. “They don’t usually happen easily for me.”

Well, hell. I have to help her. Prove to her she’s a beautiful, desirable woman who deserves to have as many orgasms as she damn well pleases. Let her know just how much she undoes me with only a look. A smile. A glimpse of skin, a brief hug. Everything about her screams “take me”, and my body is more than willing to do just that.

Clearing my throat, I decide to get down to business. After all, I’m a world-class negotiator. “So you want me to help you.”

“Yes.” She bites her lower lip, her expression full of worry.

“Have plenty of orgasms.” This turn of events is downright surreal.

I’m not complaining.

Her cheeks color a pretty pink. “Yes.”

“And in return, you’ll help me.”

She nods, not saying a word. “I still can’t believe you want me for the project.”

I roll my eyes in answer. “I can’t believe you doubt your abilities.”

“It’s not that. It’s just . . .”

“What?”

“I don’t understand why you want me around,” she whispers. “What’s happening between us, Archer? It’s confusing.”

My heart lurches. I feel the same exact way. “I’m confused too, Ivy.”

“You don’t act like it. You’re the usual smug, arrogant Archer.”

“Deep inside, I’m petrified you’ll tell me to f**k off.” Couldn’t she see that? I hardly uttered a word for the last five minutes. I just let her do all the talking.

She laughs, the tension easing from her expression at my confession. “I would never say that to you.”

“Never say never.”

“So we’re in agreement then,” she says, releasing a shuddering breath.

“Design skills for orgasms? I think so.” I grin and she glares at me.

“You make it sound sleazy. You’re paying me for my design skills.” Worry flits through her gaze. “Right?”

I chuckle. “Of course. You know this.” Pausing, I contemplate her. “But you don’t have to pay me for the orgasms, you know. I’ll handle that task for free. Gladly.”

“Oh my God, this is the most embarrassing thing ever. I should’ve never told you.” She buries her face in her hands.

I stand and slowly start to approach her. “Don’t be embarrassed.” My voice is soft and I stop directly in front of where she’s sitting. “I’m glad you were honest with me.”

She tilts her head back, her gaze meeting mine. “Will you be honest with me?”

I think of the bet. I think of Matt laughing his ass off at me. Of me owing him that extra fifty grand because damn it, he was right. I think of Gage wanting to murder me for defiling his sister.

“I’ll try my best,” I say because it’s all I can offer.

“That works,” she murmurs, a smile teasing the corners of her mouth. “I’m excited to see the new resort.”

“I’m excited to show you.”

“Calistoga is gorgeous.”

“I agree. Wait till you see it. Hopefully you’ll think the hotel is gorgeous too.”

She nibbles on her lower lip, looking unsure and incredibly sexy. “I want to thank you for the opportunity. Letting me work with you,” she says softly.

“I’m grateful you’re willing to help.” Reaching out, I skim my hand over the top of her head, my fingers tangling in the silky soft strands of her hair.

“Like I said, you really didn’t give me any choice.” She shakes her head, but I don’t remove my hand. I never want to stop touching her. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”