Page 78 of Clint & Ivy

Farley frowned at the kitchen island as if thinking over his life. I sensed these two men had shared this conversation many times. That explained why Clint was frustrated. Yet, he didn’t write off the other man’s failure and go enjoy his evening.

I stared up at Clint and admired how he cared about his people. Their struggles belonged to him, too. He might seem cold at times, but his heart ran hot.

“What do you think?” Farley asked me.

Startled out of my lovestruck wonder, I hesitated. Clint didn’t even glance in my direction. I suspected he hoped not to pressure me. Or he was upset by how Farley drew me into their argument. Either way, Clint kept his gaze on Farley while I found my voice.

“I don’t know you or Cordy. But you’re a good person to want to help her,” I said and then shrugged. “Clint is helping me. I couldn’t imagine taking advantage of his generosity. If Cordy takes advantage of your good side, she’s not worth your time.”

Farley stared at me like I’d said something really profound. Exhaling deeply, he nodded and smiled sadly.

“I’m going to miss Cordy,” he told Clint. “She made me feel good for a little bit, but it wasn’t real.”

“No, and you deserve real.”

Farley nodded. “Okay, sic the foxes on her. It’s the only way I’ll be rid of Cordy, and that’s what I want.”

Clint smiled at Farley. His quietly hostile vibe was gone.

“I’ll have the foxes handle the situation. Once you get a little space, we’ll find a sweet chick to keep you company.”

Though Farley nodded, I sensed he was already second-guessing his decision. He even opened his mouth as if prepared to shut down the plan. Then, his gaze found me, and he frowned.

“You found Ivy at a gas station,” Farley said.

His words almost sounded mocking, yet his tone was hopeful, as if Clint and I meeting was a powerful sign.

“I wasn’t even looking for her,” Clint said, surprising me with how tenderly he said the words.

I smiled as his thumb brushed across my lips. Farley seemed soothed by Clint’s affection for me. No longer sulking in the kitchen, he walked over and offered to take Hanzee to the courtyard.

“I’ll get him sorted for the night,” Farley said. “Ivy looks tired, and it’s cold out.”

While reaching for my hand, Clint grinned at his friend. I stood and shuffled against him. His gaze held mine.

Today was so stressful, even if I got only good news in the end. My prize for remaining strong was a chance to claim Clint for good.

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