Page 92 of Only Mine
“Great.”
“Papa, you’re doing the thing where you say words but mean other words,” Ivy observes.
Saint’s mouth twitches. “I don’t do that.”
“You literally do it all the time,” I say before I can stop myself.
His eyes meet mine over Ivy’s head, and for a second, I see affection flash through them. “Maybe you just think you know what I mean.”
“Maybe I do.”
“Maybe you’re wrong.”
“Maybe I’m not.”
“Are you two going to kiss?” Ivy asks helpfully. “Because that would fix everything.”
TWENTY-ONE
SAINT
Ivy’s words splash into my face like cold water. Pink creeps up Wrenley’s face.
“Kisses don’t fix everything, baby,” I say, my voice tight.
“They fixed it when Sleeping Beauty was asleep,” Ivy counters. “And when the frog was a frog. And when?—”
“Those are fairy tales.”
The words come out harsher than they should.
Ivy’s face falls. “Oh.”
Wrenley squeezes her hand. “But hugs help a lot. Can I have one of those?”
Ivy launches herself at Wrenley with the enthusiasm of someone who’s been starved for affection. Wrenley catches her easily, lifting her off the ground in a spinning hug that makes Ivy giggle.
The sound punches through my ribs. I haven’t heard that particular laugh in five days. The one that’s pure joy, uninhibited and bright. I’m struck by how natural they look together.How right. Wrenley’s eyes drift shut as she holds my daughter.
“Better?” Wrenley asks, opening her eyes with a smile and setting Ivy down.
“Much better.” Ivy beams up at her. “Papa needs one too. He’s been extra cranky since you left.”
“I’m standing right here,” I mutter.
“That’s why I said it loud enough for you to hear,” Ivy replies pertly.
Wrenley stares at me, chewing on her lower lip. The sight has me wanting to bite her lip for her, and maybe run my tongue along it after.
I should snap out of it. Retreat. Maintain the distance I’ve worked so hard to create.
Instead, I move closer.
“Saint.”
My name on her tongue is the barest of sounds.
Her arms come around me tentatively, like she’s afraid I’ll bolt. When I don’t, they tighten around my waist, pulling me into her warmth.
