Page 56 of By the Book

“Tripp did some good work. He found multiple accusations against Reid in the past that had been brushed under the rug. It’s enough, thanks to this paper trail. And for fear of retaliation, I’ve asked him to stick by your side for a while longer. Let him, please?”

“I guess I can do that,” I agree, hiding my smile behind a forkful of pasta. Glancing sideways, I watch a smile catch the corner of Tripp’s mouth too. We seem to have stumbled into a tremendous silver lining.

The remainder of the meal feels like the slow weekends from when we were younger. During those off season days when there were no sporting events for Wes and Tripp, the five of us would stay huddled around this island long after the meal was done.

We talk about what we need to do and plans for getting my apartment back together. And we talk about nothing at all, reminiscing and joking. Throughout dinner, Tripp drops his hand back to my leg, his thumb dragging absently along my thigh. Each time, butterflies erupt within me. Each time, I allowhope to play its fickle game with my heart. Hope that this is just the beginning.

“I don’t want to disrupt your night, but Ivy—is there any chance you can come into the station with me? We never did get anything in writing about Reid’s behavior. I think it might help.”

Excusing ourselves, we rise from our seats and slip out into the early evening. Once we round the corner onto the driveway, his hand slides around me and pulls me close. Leaning in, he admits, “I don’t need you to go to the station. But since I have you, can I take you on that date?” There’s a spark of delight in his eyes that ignites my core. Tripp Forester is taking me on a date.

“I’d love that.” My words feel like an understatement. But how does someone respond when they’ve been imagining this moment for half their life?

He checks his watch and says, “We should be perfect with time.”

“You already have something in mind? When did you plan this?”

He doesn’t respond, of course. Instead, he flashes me a wink that sends a shiver down my spine and reaches out to open the passenger door. But this is Tripp, I’m not sure why I was surprised that he was already a few steps ahead.

“Are you ready, Sherlock?” He tilts down as I climb into the seat, one hand on the door frame above me, the other reaching for one of my curls.

“I’ve been ready for quite some time,” I reply.

Chapter 23

Tripp

Atowering neon sign comes into view as we reach the outskirts of town. It reads Stargazer Drive-In Theater in glowing white letters with a red arrow wrapping around it and pointing us in the right direction. Following the sign, I turn down the dense tree-lined drive until it opens into a clearing.

There is a faint orange glow as the sun begins to dip low in the sky. It’s going to be a clear night; the drive-in will live up to its name for us. I watch as Ivy glances around us, noting the empty parking lot. Her eyes trace across the sign next. It says closed, and I can see her working through this in her mind.

“It’s closed for everyone else tonight,” I explain. As if on cue, the projector room roars to life, the massive screen before us lighting up.

“How?” she breathes, eyes widening with understanding. My heart stutters at the excitement in her voice. Seems like I’m doing alright so far.

“The owner is an old fishing buddy of Pops. He was happy to oblige. I…” Hesitating, I recall the comment Reid made to her the night before. “I don’t think of you as my dirty secret. I just thought, maybe some privacy tonight can help us relax and enjoy ourselves.”

Reaching over, she runs her hand along my jaw. Her touch is gentle, caressing. “It’s perfect. What’s playing tonight?”

“It’s calledPractical Magic. I’m not sure what it is, but the name seemed like something you’d enjoy. And he told me it was a good date movie.”

“I love this movie,” she beams.

I reach up and take her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips and kissing her palm. Maybe I’m doing more than alright, at least I really hope so. A first date with Ivy Taylor is something I’ve been waiting my whole life for.

“Give me one minute?” I ask, opening my door and jumping out.

Pulling open the back door, I unfold the blankets I stowed in here before heading to the Taylor’s this afternoon. I lay them out until there’s a soft base, then call to her in the front.

Ivy bounces out and appears at my side in a blink of an eye. “This looks amazing,” she breathes.

“Climb on in,” I hold my hand out to assist her. “They have popcorn and M&M’s, you like to mix those together for movies, right?”

“You noticed that?”

“I couldn’t help but notice. When it comes to you, it’s always been that way for me.” I give her knee a squeeze and turn for the concessions hut. A few paces away, I stop and look back over my shoulder. Ivy is watching me with a bewildered look that I can’t help but smile at. She’s gorgeous with her curls framing her delicate face, glowing from the screen behind me. And she’s here with me.

Reaching the concessions, I go around behind the counter as instructed and start the popcorn machine. Collecting the chocolate candies, I turn back and scoop out the freshly popped snack, smothering it with the butter and pouring in thechocolates. I start back through the gravel lot just as the wordsfeatured presentationflash across the screen.

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