Page 115 of Playing for Keeps
When he finally pulls back, we’re both breathless.
“I’ll see you soon, baby,” he says, his voice husky.
“See you soon.”
He turns to go but pauses, leaning in to steal one more kiss. I smile against his mouth, my heart skipping. Whatever this is between us, it’s real. I can feel it in every touch, every glance, and every word he doesn’t even have to say.
I walk him to the door, our fingers laced until the last possible second. He hesitates before letting go, like he doesn’t want to leave either. I step out onto the porch and watch as heclimbs into his car. He gives me a wave as he pulls away, and I’m already counting down the minutes until I see him again.
I don’t know how it’ll be when the football season starts back up and he’s in Phoenix while I’m still here. I’m trying not to think about it, but the truth is, I already miss him, and he hasn’t even left yet.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Wyatt
“They look so happy,” Ivy whispers.
I follow her gaze to where Nash and Paisley are slow dancing under the fairy lights, arms wrapped around each other, swaying to a country song.
The garden looks even more magical than it did last night with strings of lights woven between the trees and lanterns flickering on tabletops, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.
“Yeah,” I say, watching them. “They really do.”
She tilts her head up to look at me, and I lean in, brushing a kiss across her lips.
“You good?” she asks.
I smile. “Better than good.”
She smiles back and nestles against me again, her arms around my waist, her legs tucked beside mine on the outdoorsofa. I wrap an arm around her shoulders and press a kiss to the top of her head, letting my gaze drift over the garden.
The dance floor is still buzzing with people spilling off the edges, their feet bare as they dance on the grass, their shoes abandoned hours ago. Cade and Sophie are near the bar, laughing with Seb and Taylor, all with drinks in hand, and at a nearby table, Ash cradles a sleeping Hunter while Ben leans in close, murmuring something that makes her smile.
It’s been one of those rare, perfect days, the kind you know you’ll remember for a long time. Watching my brother marry the woman he loves… it meant everything. And I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.
My mind drifts back to the ceremony earlier today, and while they say everyone should watch the bride walk down the aisle, and Paisley did look stunning, I couldn’t stop looking at Ivy. She looked breath-taking in that sage green bridesmaid dress, her dark hair cascading in waves over her shoulders, and her fingers wrapped around a bouquet of white peonies.
She was glowing. She still is.
And somehow, she’s mine.
“Dance with me?” I say, my voice low against the hum of music and laughter.
Ivy lifts her head from my chest, a slow smile spreading across her face.“Absolutely,” she whispers, slipping out of my arms and rising to her feet.
I take her hand in mine and guide her toward the dance floor. A slow song drifts through the air, and I pull her close, my hands settling at her waist as she melts against me.
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” I ask, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She grins up at me. “You have. But I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.”
“You took my breath away, baby. When you walked down the aisle, I couldn’t look anywhere else.”
“You look amazing too,” she says. “The tux was great, but this?” She leans back in my arms, her eyes traveling over me, taking in my loosened tie, jacket gone, and sleeves rolled up. “This is my favorite look. Your arms… they’re just so sexy.”
I chuckle. “You’ve got a thing for my arms, huh?”
She nods, her eyes not leaving mine. “I do. I love your arms. They make me feel safe… wanted.”
