Page 78 of Jump on Three

“Do you like that, Evelyn?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Will you tell me if you don’t like something?”

“Mmm…yes.” My head lolled in his firm hold. “I have a tendency to express myself, but don’t worry, you are a very good kisser. I have no complaints.”

His laugh vibrated against my cheek, pulling a smile from me too.

“Neither do I. Have you been wondering about my…swallow for long?” he asked.

“I have.” I trailed my finger along the thin, black lines again, tapping the point of the wing. “This is often my focal point.”

“I’m happy to provide that for you.” He patted my leg. “I would like to feed you, angel. Let’s go get dinner.”

My stomach chose to growl viciously at that very moment. As cozy as I was in his lap, I couldn’t ignore my hunger, or my mood would sour.

“Yes,” he chuckled. “You need food.”

“I do, and quickly. My cheerfulness greatly relies on how well fed I am.”

Ivan set me on my feet then unfolded himself from the chair. He smoothed his uniform pants and adjusted the bulge behind his zipper. He was trying to be subtle about it, but I was watching and didn’t miss the move. In fact, it pleased me so much I found myself grinning as I packed up my books and papers from the desk.

Ivan came to stand behind me, palming my hip. He dipped his head, bringing his mouth next to my cheek. “I saw that little smile, angel. You aren’t shy about what you did to me, are you?”

I turned to glance at him sideways. “I’m not shy with you anymore, and I’m glad I can make that happen from just kissing.”

“There is no just when it comes to kissing you. You feel so fucking good in my arms.”

I clutched a folder to my front, leaning my head back on his chest. He was so much taller and broader than me he fully engulfed me from the back. If he were to wrap me in his arms again, I might have disappeared completely.

My stomach growled once again, breaking the mounting tension. Ivan patted my middle then shifted to my side so I could finish packing my things.

“So organized,” he murmured.

“I’m the happiest when everything is in its place.”

“Then I will be sure to stay where you put me.”

I jerked my head up to see if he was making fun of me. He still had a smile at the corner of his mouth, and his gaze was as warm as ever. He was being sweet. I should have known that.

I liked being in the gray with Ivan.

Chapter Twenty-six

Ivan

My head was still catching up to what my body very firmly understood.

Evelyn, the girl I could not get out of my mind or get over when it became clear I had no chance with her, had kissed me. Not only kissed me but with enthusiasm.

Her lips were just as sweet as I always knew they would be, but she was far more forward than I’d ever imagined.

It was going to hurt even worse if she once again decided anything happening between us was impossible. If we walked out of this room and she came to her senses, it would cut me down at the knees.

“Ivan?” she called softly.

I spread my fingers over her growling stomach, fighting the urge to jerk her back and feel her against me. “Yes, angel?”