Page 24 of Playing for Keeps
She gives me a pointed look. “That girl practically lived here when they were teens. I’m very sure.”
“Shit,” I mutter. “Why wouldn’t she tell me?”
“Maybe she didn’t want a fuss,” Mom says with a shrug. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make one.”
Dad chimes in. “She’s giving up her birthday weekend to help you out. The least you can do is make it special.”
“I guess,” I mutter, having absolutely no idea where to take her. If this were a date, I’d be pulling out all the stops, but it’s not. Even if I’ve spent more time thinking about Ivy this week than I’m entirely comfortable admitting.
“I’m sure you’ll come up with something,” Mom says with a grin.
We finish dinner in an easy silence, and once I’m done, I head upstairs to change into jeans and a shirt. A few minutes later, Dad drops me off at Eden. I give him a wave as he pulls away, then glance down at my watch. I’m early. I’ve no idea if Seb is working, but Alex or Ryder will be.
Pushing open the door to Eden, I walk in, seeing that it’s relatively quiet. I guess it’s still early yet.
“Hey, Wyatt,” Paisley says from by the bar. She walks over and, rising up on tiptoes, presses a kiss on my cheek. “You meeting the guys?” she asks, moving back to the tray she was stacking with drinks.
I follow her. “No. I’m meeting Ivy.”
“Oh... okay,” she says, a hint of surprise in her voice. “I haven’t seen her yet.”
I hold back a smile. I know that tone. She’s dying to ask questions. But I let her wonder.
“I’m early,” I say casually. “Thought I’d grab a drink while I wait.”
She nods, and I can feel her eyes on me as I make my way down the bar to where Alex is serving.
“Hey, man,” Alex says, lifting a hand in a wave. “Beer?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
I take a seat on one of the stools as he grabs a bottle. A moment later, he slides a Bud across the bar.
“Appreciate it,” I say, taking a long sip. “Seb around?”
Alex shakes his head. “Nah, night off. He’s upstairs with Taylor.”
I nod, glad to hear it. Back before Taylor, Seb barely took a day off and ran himself into the ground most weeks. Her accident changed things. It made him take a step back and re-evaluate. Now, he’s finally got a reason to slow down.
“I can grab him if you need to talk,” Alex offers.
I shake my head. “No need. Just thought I’d say hi if he was around.”
He gives a nod and moves down the bar to serve someone else.
I sip my beer slowly, trying to settle the knot of nerves twisting in my stomach. I don’t know why I’m so on edge; it’s not like I haven’t seen Ivy a hundred times when she’s out with Ash. I don’t know why I’m suddenly nervous, but it’s freaking me out.
I’m still lost in my thoughts when a warm hand lands on my arm. I turn in my seat, and the breath catches in my throat. Ivy stands beside me, smiling, and damn, she looks incredible, even in black jeans and a silk cami.
“Hey, Wyatt,” she says, smiling softly, totally unaware I’m taking in every inch of her. “I’m not late, am I?” She nods toward my nearly empty beer.
“No, not at all,” I say, standing quickly. I lean in to kiss her cheek, catching a faint trace of her perfume. “I was early. My dad dropped me off. Do you want a drink?”
“Red wine would be great, thanks.”
I nod and turn back to the bar, taking a quiet breath to steady myself. I’ve got to get a handle on whatever this is. This pull toward her came out of nowhere, and I don’t know what to do with it. If this talk goes well and she agrees to help me find a place, we’ll be spending a lot more time together. The last thing I need is to be distracted by how good she looks every time we’re in the same room. But right now? That feels like a losing battle.
Once we’ve both got our drinks, we make our way to one of the quieter booths tucked into the back corner of the room. I slide in first, trying not to stare as Ivy settles beside me and crosses her legs.
