Going Up | ✓

Shopping Trip - (4)

Shopping Trip.

I take a deep breath, my fingers tightly gripping the steering wheel. Thoughts rush around my head in a crazy mess.

Am I really doing this? Am I really willing to risk everything for another night of this?

I groan, banging my head off the steering wheel. I'm here now, and I've told Ivan that I'm coming here for the night. I'm going to do this.

This is the last time.

Steeling myself, I push open the door to my car, shivering at the cold air. I didn't think to bring my jacket, having forgotten that the parking for Ivan's apartment would be private. It was only the drive over here that it occurred to me I would have to park a little way away.

It probably takes me around five minutes to arrive at Ivan's ridiculously posh apartment building. Taking a deep breath, I walk through the automatic doors, to be greeted by a blast of warm air.

I walk over to the doorman, desperately hoping I'll be able to get in. I have no idea how I'm going to manage it, though, I don't know how these things work. Last time I was here, the doorman just let us in because he obviously recognised Ivan.

He greets me with a small smile. 'Hello, how can I help you?' he asks politely.

I manage a small smile. 'Hi, um... I'm Poppy Adams, Ivan Garth told me to come here?' It comes out more of a question than a statement.

The doorman, whose name badge reads Hansen, glances down at his computer, his eyebrows furrowed as he clicks a few buttons.

I almost snort. Hansen? Who on earth calls their child Hansen?

He glances back up at me, nodding. 'Yes, you're on the all access list. On you go,' he gestures with his head towards the elevator.

I nod, and head towards the elevator, so glad that I came here last night, otherwise I would have absolutely no idea where I'm supposed to be going.

I take the elevator up to the top floor of the building. Luckily, I'm alone in the elevator, so I manage to make my journey in peace. The doors slide open and I arrive at the door of his penthouse suite.

I ring the doorbell, and bite my lip nervously. Do I look good enough tonight? Is my black lace dress a bit too much?

All my doubts are taken swiftly away when the door swings open and Ivan's eyes light up as they drag appreciatively down my body.

He doesn't hesitate in stepping forwards and wrapping his arms around my waist, dipping his head to brush his lips against mine.

I indulge in the kiss for a moment, before pulling back, smiling lightly. 'If we don't go inside now, we might end up doing something we'd regret out here.'

He chuckles huskily. 'I wouldn't regret it,' he murmurs, playfully nipping my ear, not removing his arms from around my frame.

I laugh, shaking my head. 'No,' I decline, wriggling out of his grip. 'Come on, I haven't eaten yet.'

He groans, but follows me into the apartment either way. 'You're no fun,' he sighs wistfully.

'I think you'll find I'm plenty of fun,' I roll my eyes. 'Now, what is there to eat?'

Ivan shrugs. 'I'm not sure. Have a look in the fridge and cupboards, I'm sure you'll find something you'll like.'

'Have you eaten?' I ask as I wander into his kitchen.

'No, I was waiting for you.'

I open his fridge and scan the contents before letting out a loud groan. 'Really? There's almost nothing in this fridge,' I complain. 'What have you been living on?'