Page 47 of Clint & Ivy

Elle entered the house and asked, “Is everyone being inside a temporary or permanent thing?”

“Temporary. We’re eating dinner outside,” Shay explained. “The weather’s too good to pass up.”

I took the spot next to Ivy, who instantly smiled up at me. She seemed relaxed, but I was starting to wonder if I was reading her right. The tattoo reveal made me rethink our last day together.

After taking my hand, Ivy got up the courage to ask Shay, “Where did you and Ford meet?”

“Well, it’s a tawdry story,” Ford answered immediately. “Shay and I met at a bar. She showed up on the prowl for a man with money. I noticed the harlot as soon as she walked into the place.”

Shay shook her head and told Ivy, “I was wearing a flannel shirt and a trucker hat. Ford’s crapping bullshit at you.”

Ford frowned at his wife. “You might have hidden your horny, but it was obvious to anyone with eyes. Get Pax in here to back me up.”

“If Pax is getting roped in,” Shay said and went toe-to-toe with Ford, “then I want Lucky to come over and verify how Iwasn’tlooking for a man.”

Ford insisted, “You found one, though, didn’t you?”

“Sure, any woman would succumb to a sexy man’s begging.”

Ford threw his head back and laughed. Shay winked at Ivy, who seemed transfixed by my parents.

Nearby, Elle told Sutter, “Romance is weird.”

The boy nodded and continued reading. “When I grow up, I plan to be married to my work.”

Elle stroked her son’s head and replied, “Just like your mom.”

I ignored my sister’s dingbat comment and focused on my parents flirting with each other.

“I’m glad you begged,” Shay told Ford, who grinned at her. “I was smart to give in despite your terrible seduction skills.”

“Yes, you were. I gave you two kids, a big house, and my dick every night. You’re a smart chick.”

Sutter rolled his eyes while Elle smiled at Ivy.

“They’re not always like this,” my sister insisted.

Nodding, I pointed out, “Occasionally, they’re worse.”

Ivy startled me by cracking up. Her laughter rocked her petite body, nearly taking her to the floor. I imagined her storing up all her anxiety until this moment when it burst free.

---