Page 31 of Decked Out with Ivy

“I’ll be up as soon as I can,” the man said, then his eyes drifted from his computer screen and landed on Cody. The man stuttered out some sounds. “Y-You… You’re—”

“Oh right!” Ivy exclaimed. “Troy, this is Cody. Cody, this is Troy.”

“I know,” Troy said. “Everyone knows.”

Cody playfully nudged Ivy. “Apparently not everyone.”

Ivy shrugged. “He’s famous. Or so I’ve heard.”

Cody loved how unbothered she was by his fame. It was a nice contrast to the people who felt like they knew him just because they’d seen him in a movie or in the tabloids.

“Or so you’ve heard? Girl, what is wrong with you? This man is not just famous, he isfamousfamous. Not to mention super talented and doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to his acting skills.”

Cody was starting to like this gentleman. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.”

“And I appreciate you, which is why I must apologize in advance now.”

“Apologize for what?”

“There’s a long list, but I’ll start with Freida, Ethel, and Albert and wish you luck. Don’t get too close to Ethel. She likes to pinch butts.”

Cody’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline. “What the hell are you getting me into?” he asked, but Ivy didn’t answer. She looped her arm through his, threw a wave at Troy, and dragged him toward the elevators.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. Once the doors closed, he turned to her. It had been close to thirty minutes since the last time he tasted her and felt the round curves of her ass beneath his hand. She held her palms up, stopping his advances.

“We are not getting it on in a nursing home elevator.”

“Why not? Maybe that’s the answer to me liking Christmas.”

“Sex in an elevator where there is nothing remotely Christmas in here?”

“There’s music.”

“You can barely hear it.”

“And there’s…” He pointed to a flyer and his words cut off as his eyes took in the words.

Join us for our Annual Christmas Caroling in the Cafeteria Today at 6PM.

He glanced at his Rolex. It was ten-to. Then his gaze swung to the little Christmas vixen beside him. “Christmas caroling? Please tell me we are here to watch.”

“Watch?” she snorted. “Where’s the fun in that?” She patted his chest, mischief bouncing around in those light brown eyes.

“I don’t know many Christmas carols, so I guess I’ll have to sit this one out.” Relief flooded through him. Not that he wasn’t used to performing in front of people, but Christmas caroling sounded like the worst kind of hell.

Her lips pressed together. “Nope. We have printouts with the words, so you won’t miss a beat.”

“Oh joy.”

“That’s the spirit!” The elevator doors opened, and Cody was assaulted by the blinking-colored lights that lined the doorsto what he assumed was the cafeteria. Another Christmas tree was decorated just beyond the doors and surrounded with beautifully wrapped gifts. He wondered if they were just for decoration or if they actually held presents.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he fished it out. Ronnie’s name and a text flashed on his screen. He tapped into the message.

Ronnie: Great photo op at the Christmas tree farm. Social media is eating it up!

God, that had felt like a lifetime ago. But it had only been this morning.

Ronnie: Get more photo ops !

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