Page 75 of Strange Love

Chapter 42

“Hard Habit To Break”

Ivy - Age 23, 1994

The rest of the reception passed in a blur, memories and emotions swirling like a storm. I vaguely recall posing for pictures and watching others dance and celebrate while I sat in a daze, fighting back tears with every fiber of my being. I couldn’t bear to do anything that would mar Sarah’s special day, so I shut down and went into robot mode, something I hadn’t done since my darkest days.

Corey disappeared not long after our conversation, but I couldn’t help but notice that Amanda had also slipped away. I tried to convince myself that he was happy and where he belonged now. When I finally managed to break free from the party, I said goodbye to the girls and made a beeline for the safety of my apartment. The silence engulfed me like a soft blanket, offering some respite from the chaos within my heart.

I’ve changed into my most comfortable baggy pajamas and I’m currently lying in the fetal position watching St. Elmo’s Fire, when there’s a soft knock on the door. Somehow, my heartache has become a whole body ache as I slowly reach the door. I’m sure it’s only Sascha here to check on me, but when I open the door, I’m staring into the brown eyes of the man I love.

“I’m not sorry,” Corey says, restlessly running his hand through his hair. “I’m not sorry I kissed you,” he repeats, his eyes locked onto mine. “Ever since I laid eyes on you, it’s all I’ve been able to think about.”

“You disappeared,” I reply, unsure what else to say. I’m not even sure he’s standing at my door. He may be some elaborate dream my brain created.

“I had to show Amanda around town,” Corey explains, his gaze never wavering from mine. “We drove to the high school and Donnelly’s, but all I could think about was getting back to you, so I dropped her off at her hotel and drove here.” His words hold a sense of longing and vulnerability as he stands before me, pouring out his feelings.

“Can I come in, Ivy Girl?”

His mouth crashes against mine, an intense and passionate kiss that leaves no doubt about our desires. All the pent-up longing and need pour into our embrace.

We make it to my bedroom while we continue our fiery kiss like two thirsty wanderers, finally finding a cool oasis in the desert, shedding clothes along the way.

Corey pushes me back onto the soft mattress with a gentle yet firm touch. His body hovers above mine, the weight of his hands braced on either side of my face. All conversation is forgotten as we give in to the overwhelming emotions building between us.

As I run my hands down his strong, defined shoulders, I feel every muscle tense. I trace the small patch of hair on his chest before continuing lower over his abs, stopping at the V in his hips. His skin is hot and cold, causing him to shiver from my touch. The electricity between us is undeniable and only intensifies as we give ourselves completely to each other.

I feel a surge of eager anticipation as he trails kisses down my body, his lips leaving a trail of heat in their wake. His strong hands glide over my curves, kneading and squeezing, igniting sparks of pleasure within me. I can’t help but moan with each touch, my fingers tangling in his hair as I pull him closer, urging him to continue.

His intense gaze travels up my body, taking every inch of me with hungry eyes.

“Ivy,” he whispers, the sound of my name on his lips sending shivers through me. “I need to taste you.”

My heart flutters at his words as he captures my mouth in a passionate kiss, sucking and nibbling at my lower lip while I eagerly explore every hard contour of his body, scratching lightly with my nails.

He buries his head in the crook of my neck, his lips tenderly brushing against my skin, causing waves of pleasure to ripple through me. His warm hands roam across my body, exploring every inch intimately as I tilt my head back, savoring every moment spent with him.

The brush of his fingertips against my skin sends a trail of tingling pleasure through my body. They dance down my chest, tracing the curves and valleys before cupping and squeezing my breast. His skilled hands knead and massage, rolling my nipple between his fingers.

With each kiss he plants on my body, I grow more and more aroused. His lips linger on my breasts, causing me to moan as he smiles against my skin. His nose grazes over my stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. His eyes are filled with satisfaction and desire when he looks up at me.

My anticipation builds as he moves down my body, tugging at my underwear until it’s off. His breath tickles my inner thigh, and I can’t help but squirm in excitement as he kisses and sucks at the area. My senses are overwhelmed when his tongue runs up and down the length of me, igniting a fire within me that only grows stronger with every passing moment.

Without warning, he spreads me open with his thumbs and kisses my clit, taking his time to explore every inch of me. I writhe beneath him, unable to contain the building need within me. He continues to kiss and lick me, sweetly and softly, until I can’t take it anymore and begin pushing against him, seeking more friction.

Sensing my desperation, he adds more pressure to my clit and slips a finger inside of me. The sensation is almost overwhelming as he adds another finger and works me with them. He sucks on my clit harder, sending waves of pleasure through me until I can’t hold back any longer.

“Watch me,” he demands, pulling my attention to his heated gaze. I stare at him as he devours every secret of my body, as if I am his only source of nourishment. He watches me intently as he hooks his fingers inside and presses against my front wall while his tongue lashes at my clit with several hard flicks. My body responds instantly, arching off the bed and convulsing with pleasure. He continues his assault, lighter now, as I ride out my orgasm, and doesn’t stop until he’s licked every last ounce of my release. Finally, he lifts, his lips and chin glistening with my nectar.

As our eyes meet, his mouth captures mine in a blistering kiss that sends shivers down my spine. He pulls back slightly and looks deeply into my eyes. “You want me inside you?” he whispers breathlessly.

My heart pounds with desire as I respond breathlessly, “Yes.” The anticipation builds as we both crave each other’s touch.

“I don’t have a condom,” he says, but his words do nothing to extinguish the fire in my belly.

“We’re good. I'm on the pill."

"I'm clean," he replies. "I've never been bare inside of anyone." His eyes search mine, and I understand what he's saying. This is something he would only give to me.