Page 133 of Playing for Keeps
I want to believe that’s enough. I really do.
I squeeze his hand. “I just don’t know how to be okay with everyone knowing my business. Judging me for something I didn’t do. This could affect my career, Wyatt.”
He doesn’t say anything, and a lump rises in my throat. I’m scared. Scared of being hurt, scared of what everyone will think, but mostly I’m scared of losing the best thing I’ve ever had to a lie.
“Shit,” he mutters, lowering his head until it rests against our entwined hands. A long moment passes before he lifts it again, his eyes clouded with pain.
“Can I get in? I just… I want to hold you.”
I nod quietly, watching as he stands and slips out of his sweats and T-shirt. I sit up, giving him space to settle in behind me, and when he does, I lean back against his chest. His arms come around me, holding me against him.
“I thought you weren’t a bath guy,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
He kisses my shoulder, his lips warm and soft against my skin. “I’m anything if it means being close to you,” he says, his voice low. He pauses, then adds, “I love you so much, Ivy. I didn’t know I could feel like this. Just... please don’t leave me.”
There’s something so raw in his voice that it tightens my chest.
I turn to face him, kneeling in the water and cradling his face in my hands.
“I love you too, Wyatt. I’m not going anywhere.” I exhale, steadying myself. “Whatever this turns into, we’ll get through it. Together.”
I might be shaken and unsure of what’s coming, but walking away from him? That’s not even on the table.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Wyatt
After lingering far too long in the tub, we finally dry off and head to bed, though I doubt either of us will sleep.
Cleo’s already emailed through the statement, detailing everything that happened that night in Vegas. It’s hard, knowing something so personal is about to be made public. But if it shuts down the lies this woman’s trying to spread, I’ll say whatever needs to be said.
I just hope it’s enough. At least this way we’re putting the truth out there first. Now all we can do is wait.
We’re lying in bed, Ivy’s head resting against my chest, when she suddenly lifts herself up.
“I know I said I wasn’t mad, but the more I think about it, the angrier I get.”
My stomach twists. “Ivy-”
“Howfucking darethis woman, Wyatt!” she says, sitting up straight. “She thinks she can just show up and destroy everything we have. I’ve waited my whole damn life for this.”
She gestures between us, her hand trembling slightly. “If she thinks she can just…” Her voice breaks, and I reach for her.
“Hey,” I say, pulling her against my chest. “It’s going to be okay.”
I don’t know if that’s true, but watching her fall apart guts me.
Her breathing comes in short, uneven bursts, and I trace slow circles along her back until the tension starts to ease.
“We can’t let her win, Wyatt,” she whispers, her voice raw. “She can’t.”
My heart swells with love for her, so fierce it almost hurts. “No, baby. She won’t. I promise I’ll fix this. Whatever it takes.”
“God, I hope so.” Suddenly, her eyes widen. “What if you asked Nash to look into her? Cara Livingstone. Maybe he can run her name through the police database or something. We don’t even know if that’s her real name, but it’s worth a shot.”
I look down at her, surprised but impressed. “That’s actually a good idea. I’m not sure how deep Cleo’s digging has gone, but I doubt she’s got access to anything like that.”
“Call him,” she urges. “He might be on duty tonight.”
