Page 39 of Decked Out with Ivy

Cody went to step inside, but she shoved him back, closing the door behind her. She planted her lips on his, and while she used the kiss as a distraction tactic, she was the one who became distracted, sinking into his embrace and relishing in the sensations his mouth stirred inside her.

“Hi,” he said, head tilting.

“Hi. I just need to warn you… My family is super competitive.”

His brows knitted together. “Okay.” He said it so matter-of-factly, he clearly didn’t understand the severity of the warning.

“No, you don’t get it. They arepsychowhen it comes to their gingerbread houses. There will be name calling, yelling, taunting, everything that is not very Christmassy.”

“Sounds like fun. Let’s go in.”

She grabbed his hand, yanking him away from the door. “Promise me you won’t judge me on what you’re going to witness once you go in there?”

He kissed her once, twice, three times. On the third time, he lingered, swiping his tongue along her lips and dipping into her mouth before drawing away. “Promise.”

A bright light lit the night, and they both turned in the direction of the burst. That damn paparazzo was on her mother’s lawn, camera in hand.

“What the hell, man?” Cody said.

“This is private property,” Ivy added, hoping he’d be reminded of how the sheriff wouldn’t hesitate to give him a ticket. She was well aware this man had been promoting their fake relationship, but it didn’t feel fake anymore, and this was her parents’ house. Her childhood home. This felt like a violation of not only her privacy, but everything she cherished in this life.

“Sorry, but your pictures are selling like hotcakes. I can buy myself a new car at this rate.”

“Or you can get the hell off the property,” Cody said, and Ivy grabbed his hand as he went to walk down the steps. This guy wanted Cody to react, to cause some sort of trouble so he could profit from it.

She latched onto his arm and pulled him toward the door, shoved the door open, and called out to her cousins. Rome and Trey stormed toward her, that determined set in their brows as if they were ready to commit murder. And they probably would for her. Regardless of the bickering, they all had each other’s backs. She nodded toward the lone paparazzo.

They leered down, one six-four, the other six-five. To Ivy they were big teddy bears, but to anyone who didn’t know them, they were downright scary.

“We got a problem here?” Rome asked as he and Trey each took a step.

“You know what we do with problems around here,” Trey said. “Middle of nowhere. No one would hear you scream.”

“And even if they did, it’s your word against ours. Two beloved members of the community,” Rome added. “No one would take your side.”

“And they have the best lawyer in the state in their corner,” Cynthia said, coming outside to stand beside Ivy. “I would destroy you in the courtroom.”

“In other words,” Rome said, “get off my aunt's property, or we’ll make you, and we won’t be gentle about it.”

The paparazzo took a step back. “No need to get violent. I got what I wanted. I’ll be leaving.” He started down the long gravel driveway, then stopped and glanced over his shoulder, making eye contact with Cody. “I’ll see you soon.”

They all stood there on the porch until the asshole was out of sight.

“Thank you,” Cody said to Trey and Rome. “That guy has been relentless, trying to get a rise out of me.” He held his hand out to Rome. “Cody.”

“Rome.” Rome took his hand and probably squeezed harder than necessary.

When Rome dropped his hand, Cody shook Trey’s, and Trey introduced himself.

“Must be a real bitch being followed like that,” Rome said. “I’d have my ass locked up more times than not for losing my shit.”

“And his sister would have to bail his ass out,” Cynthia said, turning to Cody. “Cynthia, these buffoon’s sister and Ivy’s favorite cousin.”

“You are definitely not the favorite,” Rome said.

Ivy laughed. “Keep messing with my best friend, Rome.”

Rome rolled his eyes with as much exaggeration as Ivy had ever seen him muster, and he walked back into the house.

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