The cottage is too far away, and there are woods between us. It's why I picked it originally. I didn't want my father or anyone else in the house to be able to look out the window and see it. Now, it bothers me. I want to know what she's doing and can't.
 
 I finally give up trying to see her, knowing I can't, and return to my desk. I text her.
 
 Me: I want to see you.
 
 Ivy: No, not right now.
 
 Me: Okay, then later.
 
 Ivy: I don't know, Dax.
 
 Me: I'll pick you up at six for dinner.
 
 Moments pass, and my heart beats faster. I check my desk, waiting for a response to come. It takes ten minutes for her to respond.
 
 Me: Does seven work better?
 
 More time passes, and I feel sick.
 
 I have to get her back on my side.
 
 Me: Ivy, we need to talk.
 
 Ivy: Not today. I'm not having a good one.
 
 Alarm bells ring in my ears.
 
 Me: What's wrong?
 
 Dots appear on the screen, then disappear, then appear again, and disappear once more.
 
 Me: I'm coming over.
 
 Ivy: No, don't. I told you I'm not having a good day.
 
 Me: What does that mean?
 
 She never answers. And then it hits me. It's been a couple of days since we had sex. She's probably jonesing for it.
 
 My cock hardens thinking about our night together, but I also know that she has demons she's fighting.
 
 Me: I'm making a reservation at Finn's. It's the new seafood restaurant in town. I'll pick you up at six.
 
 19
 
 Ivy
 
 Since I saw Lilly, my urges have gotten worse, to the point my body aches.
 
 I should have done something with her.
 
 I could have scratched my itch.
 
 No, why am I thinking this way?I groan, pacing the cottage.
 
 I need to get out of here.
 
 I put on my shoes and step outside. I head toward the woods, jogging through the trees. The lake comes into view, and I pop out of the forest and stop in my tracks.