She blinked, a bit taken aback by the question. “Um, yes. I have an IUD.”
Ian seemed relieved by her answer. “Good. I’m – well, I’ve always been extremely careful over the years in my relationships, not that there have been all that many. I get tested every year when I have my annual check-up, and I can promise you that I don’t have any nasty communicable diseases I could possibly pass on to you.”
“I wouldn’t have even imagined it,” she told him earnestly. “And I know you’d never lie to me.”
He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “Christ, you’re sweet. So damned sweet. And you’re absolutely right – I will never, ever lie to you, Tessa. But if you’re protected and you trust me – I’m hoping you won’t mind if I don’t use a condom when we’re together.” He whispered huskily in her ear, “The first time I slide deep inside of you, I want to feel every delicious inch of you bare against me.”
She gulped, feeling her nipples peak at the sensual image his words evoked. “Oh, God. I want that, too.”
Ian shut his eyes tightly and groaned. “You are the most tempting, irresistible – Jesus, let me finish before I do something to make you moan again.” He sat back on the sofa, his hands clasped firmly together. “Now, one final thing, love. The reason I was late getting back to the office today was because I made a stop at Neiman Marcus.” He paused to fish a business card out of his jacket pocket and handed it to her.
Tessa glanced at the card, which bore the name and title Marlene Brennan, Personal Shopper. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ve used Marlene’s services several times since moving to San Francisco. Strictly to buy gifts for the female members of my family,” he clarified. “I’m not in the habit of purchasing personal items for the women I’ve dated in the past. You’ll be the first.”
She frowned. “You bought me something?”
“No. At least, not yet. I took the liberty of selecting a few things for you, things I would very much like you to wear to dinner this evening. But,” he added firmly, “it’s entirely up to you, Tessa. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, I’ll understand.”
Suddenly self-conscious about her inexpensive, well-worn clothing – especially when compared to his elegant designer suit – she plucked at a pulled thread on her skirt. “It’s not that. It’s just – no one has ever really given me things before.”
Ian regarded her quizzically. “Not even your parents? Or your husband?”
Tessa shook her head. “Money has always been – well, something of a problem. So I’m not used to receiving gifts.”
He smiled. “Well, then, I will definitely look forward to spoiling you frequently and thoroughly. Starting with tonight.”
She gave him a shy smile in return. “You don’t have to buy me things. I don’t expect or need that.”
“I know that, darling. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be pampered a bit, though. I’m guessing from the little I know about you that you’ve had a rough go of it. Let me take care of you, Tessa. Care, not control,” he emphasized. “The choice will always – always - be yours.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes at how good he was to her, how kind. “I don’t know what to say.”
“The word is yes, darling girl. At least to this one small thing. Just go see Marlene and look at the things I had her set aside. If you don’t like them then you’re more than welcome to choose something else. Or nothing at all. I just want to spoil you a little bit.”
She noticed how the heel of her black pump was scuffed and starting to wear away. “All right, I’ll go look. I don’t want to embarrass you at dinner tonight with what I’m wearing. But you really don’t need to buy me anything. I can just go home and change, I’m sure I have – ”
“Stop it.” His voice was firm and she didn’t dare argue further with him. “You could never, ever embarrass me, Tessa. You’re likely to be the one embarrassed by me. Everyone is sure to wonder what a gorgeous young girl like you sees in an old man like myself.”
“No!” she burst out. “You’re not old at all! And you’re so handsome and wonderful and – and splendid.”
Ian looked extremely pleased at her outburst. “You think I’m splendid?”
“Yes,” she told him earnestly. “And – thank you. For arranging whatever it is you did.”
“You ought to leave the office a bit early today,” he suggested. “Say around three o’clock or so. I’ll plan to meet you at the store around six-thirty and we’ll go to dinner from there.”