Page 115 of Paparazzi Perfect
Peals of laughter echoed all around.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let’s welcome back tonight’s main act.”
30
FIREFLY
IVY
Neither of us looked away as we drifted onto the dance floor.
As he slowly uncurled his grasp from around my hand, his fingers slid along the small of my back, their warmth radiating through the fabric of my dress.
“Karson,” I murmured, “can we fix this?”
His fingers traveled upward, leaving a burning trail beneath his touch.
“Ivy, I can’t imagine my world without you in it,” he murmured. “If you can forgive me… it’s already fixed.”
My heart skipped a beat. “But canyouforgiveme? I know I messed up,” I said, the words catching in my throat.
“Ivy, Ivy, Ivy,” he moaned. “I want you more than anything. Maybe we both messed up, but I overreacted. And that’s on me. But we can move past it.” His eyes filled with hope.
“Okay, but I should’ve seen it coming with Miki, and avoided that night—”
“Yeah, but instead of flying into a jealous rage and storming out, I should’ve listenedto you!” he blurted, his eyes darkening.
“Are we arguing about who was more in the wrong?” I smiled at him, relieved to be talking openly about it. “So, it’s official, then? We forgive each other?”
“Completely. Forgiven.” His eyes smoldered as his hand pressed against my back. “But there are conditions.” One corner of his mouth lifted.
“Oh, yeah?” I grazed my lips across his cheek. “And what might those conditions be?” I asked, inching away as his eyes pierced mine.
“That I can seeyou and holdyou. Every day. We can start with dawn to dusk.” He ran his hands through my hair. “Do you know how much I want you?” he murmured, crushing me against him.
Groaning softly, I locked my hands around his back, reveling in the feel of his warm, hard chest. “I want you too,” I breathed, heat rising through my core.
“You don’t know what you do to me,” he moaned. “We need to get out of here. I’m not sure I trust myself.”
“No complaints from me,” I giggled. “And by the way, I’m glad I accepted your invitation. I mean, it waskindof hard to resist.”
“Ahh, I’m pleased to see my genius plan of seducing you with an Oscar de la Renta gown worked.” He grinned before his face grew serious. “What would I have done if you hadn’t come?” He shook his head lightly.
I squeezed his arm and drew closer.
“God, you look incredible, Ivy. So much so that it takes my breath away.”
I twirled in a full circle. “Full disclosure, your plan to win me over with the swag worked,” I said with an elated giggle. “And don’t even get me started on these boots!” I lifted my foot into the air.
“Well, I can’t compete with that now, can I?” He grinned.
“Truthfully, you could’ve sent rags. I wouldn’t have cared,” I said, leaning closer. “I’ve missed you so much.” His arms circled around me, and I melted against the contours of his firm chest.
“Even from the other side of the planet, you’re all I could think about.” He pushed a loose tendril of hair off my face. “You’re everything,and more, that I ever wanted in a woman.And we’re free from my father now. We can do anything. No more obstructions.”
I buried my face in the warm curve of his neck, kissing him softly. He straightened with a groan. When I drew back, our eyes met. “Karson, you’re the one who has my heart. I’m yours.”
The song ended, but we stayed in each other’s arms on the dance floor, swaying together, neither of us loosening our grip.
