Page 68 of By the Book

“She feels the same way. It just happened.”

It just happened; I always hated that phrase. Like it excuses your actions because they are out of your control. But in a way, this was out of my control. My heart had enough and broke free from its cage.

“Look at me,” he bites out. “Fucking look at me while you tell me that you screwed my sister.”

“Wes—” Hayden starts. But I’m already lifting my eyes slowly. And the last thing I see is Wes’s fist before it connects with my face. Pain radiates out from the point of contact, and by the time I get my bearings, only Hayden and I remain by the fire.

“You good?” he asks, a skeptical look on his face. I’m reading his expression as a distinct metallic smell catches my attention. Wiping under my nose, I withdraw my hand to find a streakof blood. Makes sense. With my non-bloodied hand, I pick up my cold beer and hold it against my face. That could have gone worse, I guess.

“Yeah, I’m good.” I say after a minute.

“So, Ivy, huh?”

“Yeah.”

“And you love her?”

“I really fucking love her.”

“Hey, that is great, man. And it makes sense, honestly. I’m not sure why Wes was so surprised.” He nods to himself and stretches his legs out towards the fire. Nothing seems to get to Hayden, other than Poppy, and I really appreciate his relaxed presence right now. He doesn’t ask any other questions about what happened, just enjoys a beer with me as if blood isn’t staining my face.

After a second round, the bleeding has stopped, and we’re headed through the parking lot to take off for the night. Despite everything, I have to admit, there’s a small part of me that’s relieved. It’s out now, I’m not keeping the secret from Wes any longer.

Climbing into the Defender, I pull up Ivy’s name and let her know I’m on my way.

Tripp

Well. I didn’t get to everything, but he knows enough.

Ivy

How bad??

Tripp

Don’t freak out when you see me.

Ivy

Tripp! What does that mean?

Tripp

I’m going to grab us dinner then be on my way to you, honey. Don’t worry.

Ivy

Don’t freak out. Don’t worry. This is sounding very reassuring…

Tripp

[red heart emoji]

Chapter 27

Ivy

My mom sets a cup of tea before me and adjusts the cardigan slipping from my shoulder. After closing, I came here to tell her that the news she always suspected is now out. Of course, she was not even slightly surprised. Instead, she smiled and gave me a tight hug. And I’ve now spent the past hour recounting theappropriatedetails to her about how things have been going between Tripp and me.

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