Page 88 of Clint & Ivy

IVY

My peachy pork chopsand wild rice dinner was a hit with the Reed family. Shay kept laughing at how someone in the family enjoyed cooking. Ford claimed I would save them a fortune in delivery. Elle told Sutter that she might attempt to make more than macaroni and cheese. The boy seemed to take her comment as a threat. Through it all, Clint watched me like I was amazing.

Over the next two days, Clint received regular updates from Lula. On Friday morning, she claimed Uncle Linus “saw the light.” I wasn’t sure what that meant. Was he threatened? Did they bribe him? Or was the judge swayed? Clint only gave me the Cliff's Notes version.

“Your belongings will be packed up this weekend and shipped to Little Rock,” Clint explained. “We want to make sure he doesn’t sneak a tracker into your stuff. Lula worried your uncle was only being agreeable to gain access to you.”

“What happens next?”

“That’s up to you. Your money is paying for the house. You could go through the legal effort to kick out your uncle and sell it. Or you can keep the house. I don’t think you should decide yet. Let’s get you settled in here. The house isn’t going anywhere.”

Despite Clint’s call for patience, I already knew I wanted to sell the mansion. I could never live there again. Even if I didn’t view the mansion as my prison, it held too many bad memories. Someone new could give the majestic home new life. Despite knowing the right choice, I didn’t push the subject. I was just relieved Lula and her escorts would return to Little Memphis.

Rowdy showed up late one night and reunited with Goblin. I would miss the little beauty, even if he did bite my fingers every single time I petted him.

The next day on our way to the Sorority House party, Rowdy walked with Clint and I to the elevator. The other Crimson Guard members—Rock, Farley, Ben, and Nine—joined us on the way down. I felt so tiny in the elevator surrounded by so many six-foot-tall men.

Once we arrived in the garage, Clint handed me a pink helmet and zipped up my jacket. His protective nature left me weak-kneed and smiling lovestruck.

Sharing my grin, Clint explained, “This helmet used to belong to Shay. She suggested you use it.”

I shoved the helmet over my head, feeling silly wearing it in front of the club guys. Rowdy tapped the top and smiled in where my face was nearly covered.

“You look like a giant ball of gum attached itself to your head,” he teased gently. “Real stylish.”

Clint casually shoved Rowdy aside. “Tease someone else.”

“Boss man, your ass looks especially tight in those jeans,” Rowdy replied and walked to his motorcycle. “Maybe don’t be a showoff now that you’re settling down with a woman.”

Clint smirked at his cousin before gesturing for me to join him at his motorcycle. “Just like we practiced today.”

“I’m getting the hang of it.”

“Yes, but you still hold on like you think you’re about to die.”

I climbed on behind Clint and let my hands slide across his belly before clasping each other and holding on tight.

More male members arrived to join us on the ride over to the Sorority House. Soon, the garage rumbled under the power of so many bikes coming alive together.

My heart raced with excitement as Clint led the other men out of the garage. The downtown area sparkled with activity. Tonight was warmer as the spring weather pushed back against the chill.

Our group rode away from the center of town and past subdivisions filled with boxy houses. Soon, we reached an area where the homes were farther apart. Long driveways led from the road to large houses in the distance. I assumed this was the wealthier side of town. I noticed horses in the front yards of several properties.

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