Page 32 of By the Book

“I gave him the keys and the guest list, but we went over it at the lighthouse. As in, inside the lighthouse,” I start.

“I didn’t know you could go inside there?”

“That sounds romantic.”

“Apparently Tripp can, he has the key. And it was gorgeous in there. Oh my gosh it was a glass room near the top. And I think we’ve been having these… moments.”

“Moments how?” Poppy asks as they all lean forward in interest.

“I think there’s something there. I want there to be something, and lately it’s seemed like he does too. I think he almost kissed me.”

“Ivy!” Poppy exclaims, Stevie letting out a squeak of excitement beside her at the same time.

“It’s been all these little touches and stolen glances. Like if we say it out loud this whole thing could fall apart. Which it will. How could it not?”

“Okay, sure. But why does it have to fall apart?” Wren asks softly.

I take a generous sip of wine and sigh. “Tripp’s like a part of the family. He’s Wes’s closest friend, his person. I’m sure I’m making this all up in my head anyway. But even if I wasn’t, it’sreckless and already doomed. How would we ever be able to tell Wes? No way.”

Poppy shakes her head. “Wes is an adult. I don’t think it should stop you.”

“I want to go back to how he almost kissed you,” Stevie adds.

I recount the whole morning together for them, save the secret about my father. I focus on the way he looked at me, touched me. How there always seems to be this electricity when we are around each other. By the time I’m finished, I’ve fully convinced myself there is something between us. And I want to know what it is.

My phone vibrates on the table before me, but I’m so lost in the memory of Tripp’s hand on my waist that I don’t pay it any mind.

“He just texted you,” Stevie cuts into my thoughts excitedly.

“Who?”

“Tripp!”

I swipe my phone from the table in disbelief. My first thought is that they must be teasing me. But there it is, a new message from him. On a Saturday night?

Tripp

Are you going to be around your shop in the next few days?

I can feel eyes on my phone over my shoulder. “What did he say?” Wren asks from beside me.

“He wants to know when I’m at my shop next, nothing flirty,” I promise, a hint of disappointment in my voice.

“Why does he need to know that tonight? He wants to talk,” Poppy insists.

“You should call him instead of texting back. To see where he’s at, what he’s doing,” Wren suggests.

I’m certain that it’s the multiple glasses of wine thrumming in my veins, but I like her idea. If for no other reason than I get to hear his voice. A giggle escapes me as I press call and hold the phone up to my ear.

Chapter 14

Tripp

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I’m tempted to check if it’s a text back from Ivy. I’m not sure why I felt the need to arrange this now. But at halftime when I checked my phone and saw the delivery confirmation for the security system, I took it as a sign to reach out.

It’s not a text though, still vibrating against my leg. I slide my phone out to see that Ivy is calling me. Glancing up to find Hayden and Wes focused on the game, I slide out the door beside me and start across Hayden’s driveway.

When I’m a good enough distance away, I answer to the sound of loud music and the chatter of a crowd.

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