Page 28 of By the Book

“I do, as long as that really is the reason. I’m worried I used my dad’s health scare to back out.”

“You don’t seem to shy away from things, case in point.” He motions to the tablet beside me.

“This is different,” I counter.

Rolling his eyes with a grin, he continues, “My point is—I’m over here begging you to be more worried. If you ran away from things, this would be the same way. Youshouldrun away from this. Actually, I would prefer it if you did.”

Relief works its way into every part of me. I’ve never told this to anyone. It would have clued them in to my father’s heart attack. And maybe telling Tripp before Wes is wrong. But saying it all aloud, it’s like a weight has been lifted from my chest. I feel lighter.

“Sorry to disappoint, but you aren’t getting rid of me.”

Tightening his arm around me, he says, “That’s far from disappointing.”

2 years ago

Tripp

I slow the patrol car down as she flits into sight. I knew Ivy was home for a visit, but it’s become an extended one apparently. Pulling over, I throw the car in park and smile broadly when she starts my way.

“Not headed back to New York yet?” I ask, ignoring the pressure that takes hold when I think about her leaving again.

“Not yet. I wanted to get this all squared away first.” She looks back over her shoulder at the brownstone she just exited.

“Get what squared away?”

“Signing my lease.” A small smile tugs at her lips as she turns back to me. Coming around the car, I lean back on the hood and try to make sense of her words. Lease. She signed a lease in Foxport?

“A lease for what?”

Ivy tucks her curls behind her ear, the smile widening. “An apartment, I’m moving home.”

Her words wash over me, loosening something tight in my chest. She’s coming home. My world had been tilted on its axis when she accepted the job in New York, and in the blink of an eye, she’s righted it again.

“That’s great, Foxport wasn’t the same without you,” I tell her. Nothing was the same without her. But I keep that part to myself.

Chapter 12

Tripp

“Your evidence, Sheriff Forester,” Ivy purrs, delicately placing the keys in my waiting palm. And damn if the way she uses such an official name for me isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. I’d wear the uniform for her.

Closing my fingers around the cool metal, I smirk back at her. “I’m not sure if I should thank you or charge you for taking these in the first place,” I tease.

“You should definitely thank me.” She leans in her doorway, grinning and jutting her chin upward in confidence. It’s been like this since the moment she shared with me about New York and her dad—she’s seemingly more carefree. And it’s the best feeling being the one to lend an ear and getting to see her relaxed.

“I should, huh?” I take a step closer and peer down at her, need stirring within me. Her smile slips, her lips parting softly—those soft, pouty lips.

Ivy had surprised me when she nuzzled against me at the lighthouse. The more time we spend alone together, the more I find myself analyzing every look, every touch, every tension filled moment. Currently, I’m unable to tear my eyes from hermouth and unable to stop thinking about what it would be like to kiss her until we’re breathless.

“And keep me involved in the investigation.”

Her words pull me from my trance. “How do you imagine yourself being involved with me?”

“Any way you want,” she breathes.

Before I can control it, a low growl sounds in my throat. If it’s up to me, I’d take every way imaginable. And maybe this is my chance. I tilt closer, debating how to keep this going without promising her anything related to the investigation.

“I’ll be around the shop next week,” I decide on.

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