Page 35 of Decked Out with Ivy

“Bug off,” Jim said. “Or I’ll go get the sheriff, who happens to be right inside. And this parking lot is private property, so unless you want a hefty fine and a court date, I’d go find some else to annoy.”

“Sure thing,” the jerk said. “But Cody, I’ll be watching.”

“Creep,” Jim mumbled as he held the door open.

“Thanks,” Cody said, hoping Jim knew how much he appreciated him.

“We protect our own here.” Jim patted him on the back as they made their way inside. They were greeted by a pool of ridiculous sweaters. A smile tugged at Cody’s face as he scanned all the ugliness, noting his favorites to point them out to Ivy when she arrived. He also noticed so many of her creations. He could tell by the quality and detail. They weren’t ugly, but they were fun and festive.

He glanced down at his Rolex. She had said she wouldn’t be far behind him. He couldn’t wait to have her at his side, to hear her laugh or gasp, depending on whatever was said. Couldn’t wait to feel the curve of her hip beneath his hand and be able to squeeze her tight into him.

As soon as they were inside, they hung up their coats, then Jim got swooped into conversations and Cody made his way to the bar. He ordered a root beer and spoke with Declan for a few minutes before Declan got called to the kitchen.

Cody held his bottle of root beer, wishing he could have a beer, but if he was photographed with one, the headlines would run with it. He hated how the public dictated how he spent his time. He loved his job, was grateful for all the luxuries it had afforded him, but at what cost? The general public either loved or hated him. Some thought they knew him better than he knew himself. They judged every relationship he was in, every decision he made, acted as if they had control over his life.

He glanced at Bex who was holding a glass of wine. While he had to not have a drink in his hand, it was almost imperative that she did. One picture of her at a party without alcohol, and the next morning headlines would be speculating that she was pregnant.

That part of the entertainment industry was exhausting, but he couldn’t complain about it. Not when he chose this life, and he was making millions while others were barely surviving. He just wished people would back off and let him live his life.

Sheriff Hayes came up to him, wearing a Santa skiing on his sweater. He nodded to Cody’s sweater. “Nice,” he said before he introduced him to his brother, Cooper, who was donning a Christmas tree printed suit, complete with lights that lit up. From their brown hair to their builds, it was obvious they were brothers even if their styles were completely different.

Cooper cleared his throat. “Sorry, just took a sample of Old Man Simpson’s cinnamon moonshine.” He grabbed his throat and rubbed. “It will burn a hole through your esophagus, but it’s free, and it tastes really good.”

“It’ll put hair on your chest,” Sheriff Hayes added.

“Thanks for the heads up.”

“Has that photographer harassed you anymore?” the sheriff asked.

“Haven’t seen him, but that doesn’t mean he’s not lurking in the trees. But I do appreciate your help with the situation.”

“It’s what he does,” Cooper said, patting his older brother’s chest. “Protect and serve.”

The sheriff landed a hand on his brother’s shoulder and squeezed, shaking Cooper slightly. “And what exactly do you do?”

“Other than being a New York Times Bestselling author and having one of the most followed Dad vlogs?” Cooper tapped hischin. “Being an awesome brother and uncle to your kids and let’s not forget brother-in-law of the year.”

“Are you still claiming that title?” Another man walked up, looking very similar to the two, so Cody assumed it was the one Hayes brother he hadn’t been formerly introduced to. “You changed Shay’s flat tire. I don’t know how that qualifies you for best brother-in-law.” He held his hand out to Cody. “I’m Mason Hayes..”

“Nice to meet you,” Cody said, smiling at his sweater that said, It’s the Most Wonderful Time for a Beer. “I’m Cody Chance.”

“I drove all the way to Conway, with two kids in tow, changed the tire, saved the day, and I brought donuts for my nephews. I win,” Cooper said.

The door opened, a burst of cold air coming in with it. Ivy stepped into the pub, the conversation around him fading. A thick plastic headband with lit Christmas bulbs sat on her head. Small red ornaments hung from her ears, decorated with white polka dots. She slipped out of her coat, revealing a sweater she told him she’d been working on since the first week of October. The sleeves were red and white stripes like a candy cane, in the middle a llama, its neck decorated like a Christmas tree, and a Santa hat sat on top of its head, but instead of a pompom, it was a star. He laughed at the ridiculousness of it, though on her, it was the cutest damn thing he’d ever seen.

Her legs were covered in white and red striped stockings that matched her sleeves, and her red tulle skirt swayed when she moved.

Her cheeks and the tip of her nose were red from the cold. A smile lit her entire face, her light brown eyes sparkling as she scanned the crowd. He raised his hand, and she instantly spotted him.

“Who do you think is the best brother-in-law?” Cooper Hayes’ voice penetrated his thoughts, but not enough to drag his eyes from Ivy.

“He’s occupied,” Mason said.

Ivy had so many people here, and she came to him first. An unexpected rush of warmth flooded his system. No one ever looked for him in a crowded room unless they wanted a selfie or an autograph.

Her blonde hair was curled, hanging just below her shoulders. Her eyes locked on his and didn’t waver as she dipped in and out of people.

“Hey,” she said a big smile on her kissable lips.

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