Read Online From This Moment by Sean D. Young - Free Book Online Page A

Lauren’s curiosity, Ivy said, “It’s okay, Lauren. Anyway, we’ve got a lot to do, so since we are all here now, let’s pick up where we left off.”

Chapter 7
    Ivy slumped in the chair behind her desk for more than ten minutes after Lauren and Randall left her office. When she closed her eyes, all she saw was Randall. The broad shoulders, chiseled face and close-cut black hair hadn’t changed in the ten years since she’d last seen him.
    As if seeing him wasn’t enough, putting her hand into the strong grip of his massive hands had almost made her want to throw up. But she couldn’t allow his presence to affect how she did her job.
    Sitting up straight in her chair, she opened the folder with the signed contract, looked over it before picking up the phone to call Jonathan.
    “Jonathan Damon.”
    “Jonathan, how are you today?”
    “I’m good, but what’s wrong with you? You sound funny.” There was a pregnant pause before Jonathan spoke again. “Don’t tell me she didn’t like the menu Marc suggested.”
    “She liked the menu and was very excited about everything. She actually chose the proposal with the food stations.”
    “Great, and she’s good with the sides and vegetables, too?”
    “She’s good,” Ivy said, thinking that their client didn’t have a problem, but she sure did.
    “What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?” Jonathan asked, changing the subject.
    Ivy frowned; she had no idea what he was talking about. “Pick me up for what?”
    “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten we are supposed to go on a date Friday night.”
    Ivy smacked herself upside the head. She’d completely forgotten about their date, which now, thinking about it, may not be such a good idea. After the other night and the way that her body betrayed her, she was uncomfortable being around Jonathan.
    All she wanted was peace and harmony in her life. The way things were pre-Las Vegas. It wasn’t One Life to Live or some other soap opera; it was her life, and she wanted to live it peacefully.
    Ivy felt bad canceling the date, but she needed to tell him now, so that he wouldn’t show up at her place on Friday.
    “I don’t think we should go out, Jonathan.”
    Jonathan clenched his jaw. He didn’t know how to read Ivy. One minute she was warm and pleasant, and the next she was cold and distant. He wanted her to make up her mind about the date once and for all.
    “Oh, so you’re trying to back out on me.” He didn’t want to pressure her, but he wanted her to realize what she was doing.
    Ivy sighed deeply. She needed to do something to relax, because coming in contact with Randall made her realize that they had some unresolved issues; she knew in her heart that she would see Randall sooner than later. “I’m just saying, I’ve got a lot of work to do and I’m already tired.”
    “I thought we’d settled those issues earlier this week.”
    “Did we?” Ivy was running out of things to say. “Look, Jonathan, I’m going to be honest with you. I haven’t been out on a date in a while. Most time my work consumes me, and I really like it that way. I don’t risk my heart being broken.”
    “I’m not going to hurt you, Ivy,” Jonathan said, his voice low and husky.
    “We’ve already started out on an emotional roller coaster after our escapade in Las Vegas,” she said.
    “I know it was not my best decision, but I want to get to know you and for you to know who I am on the inside.” Jonathan blew out a big breath. “Ivy, I’m attracted to you. I think you are beautiful, smart and have something to offer a man. I want to be that man.” After a long pause he said, “Now I’ve got my cards on the table.”
    Ivy had no idea that calling him would reveal his feelings. She could no longer deny that she was attracted to Jonathan, but she knew from past experience that attraction isn’t enough.
    “Where do you want to go?” he asked Ivy.
    “I don’t have a preference, Jonathan. You just let me