Pursuit-of-Passion-PDF3 Page B

weekend. That’s kind of odd, isn’t it? A blind, extended-weekend date? What happens if we don’t like each other? What if he’s a momma’s boy like my last date? What will I do? I can’t just walk home! “
    “Ivy, take a breath. You said yourself that Access to Love was professional. You read the testimonials, and they have a proven track record, right?” Putting an arm around her, Amanda patted and smoothed her hands in circles on Ivy’s back. “I’m sure everything will be fine, and, who knows…maybe it is a sign after all. You said it yourself. What do you have to lose?”
    Ivy nodded and took a deep breath. “You’re right. I need to take a chance. I need to step out of my comfort zone and take a leap of faith. Right?” she questioned.
    “Right!” Amanda answered, confidently. “Besides, girl, you have only one month to get that ass in shape!” she kidded, as she slapped Ivy’s butt.
    Ivy’s mouth gaped open. “My ass is in perfect shape,” she said, looking over her shoulder.
    Amanda laughed and rolled her eyes. “I’m just kidding Miss. I go to the gym four days a week with you. I know you have that perfect heart-shaped ass, which I’m sure Mr.-Mystery-Valentine’s-Date will just love!”
    Ivy shoulder-butted Amanda and chuckled. “Shut up!” Chapter Two
    The month had just whizzed by. Before Ivy knew it, it was February 12 th . Working only a half-day, she had made an afternoon appointment at a spa, where she was buffed, waxed, plucked, massaged, had her hair highlighted, and her nails done. She didn’t really know what to expect, and had been running over all of the possible scenarios in her head. Would he be tall, dark, and handsome—perhaps a dashing professional who worked in a metropolis, like herself—or a blond Adonis from a small town, who worked with his hands? The email and correspondence had said to bring warm clothing and outerwear, so that could mean anything. She hoped they wouldn’t be skiing. That was not her strong point. She had gone a few times, but she was sure she had let Access to Love know that on her application. Ivy was nervous, but very excited for what the next few days held.
    Amanda had come over on Wednesday night. They’d ordered Chinese food, shared a bottle of wine, and helped Ivy pack for her adventure, carefully choosing each garment, accessory, and pair of shoes and boots.
    Hugging her tightly at the end of the night, Amanda grasped Ivy by the sides of her face, cupping her cheeks in the palms of her hands. “I know you’re nervous, but you are about to embark on what could be the best thing to ever happen to you. Relax and enjoy yourself Ivy…you deserve to be happy and find Mr. Right. Who knows, by this time tomorrow, you may have met the man of your dreams.”
    Ivy’s lips curled in a nervous smile. “I hope you’re right! I love you. Thanks for supporting me and being here for me, my friend.”
    Hugging her one last time, Amanda slipped out the door and headed down the staircase.
    Ivy waited until she heard Amanda leave, then locked the deadbolt. Leaning back against her door, she thought about what Amanda had said. Maybe this was going to be a life changing experience after all.
    *****
    She barely slept, tossing and turning all night long. Finally, when she fell into a light sleep, she dreamed of meeting a tall, dark, handsome man. They laughed over dinner—clear crystal glasses filled with burgundy wine glistened in the light of the fire flickering in the large, stone fireplace. He held her hand and they made sweet love by its glow.
    She was in the midst of her dream orgasm when she woke. Her eyes flew open—the room dark, her body humming—as if she had really been in the middle of a mind-blowing release. Jackknifing to a sitting position, her nightgown plastered to her skin, she kicked off the covers and drew in a few deep breaths, her mind somewhere between that dream state and reality. Holy Hell…why can’t I dream like that