Page 43 of Playing for Keeps
“Not at all.”
She hurries over to the car and relays the offer to her dad. I see his enthusiastic nod before he climbs out and heads toward me, Ivy trailing behind him.
“That’s one hell of a car, son,” he says, his eyes fixed on the sleek frame.
“Yeah,” I reply, smiling. “She’s a special one.”
“He’s got four more back in Phoenix,” Ivy adds, grinning. “But this one’s my favorite.”
Tom’s brows lift with interest. “What else do you have?”
“Ferrari 812, Chevy Silverado Fox, Mercedes SLS, and a Shelby GT500 Eleanor
Mustang.”
He nods appreciatively. “That’s quite a collection.”
“When Ivy finds me a place and I’m all moved in, you should come by and check them out,” I offer. “I’m always happy to talk cars.”
He smiles. “I might just take you up on that.”
“I hope you do.” I turn to Ivy. “Ready to hit the road?”
She nods and hugs her mom tightly, then leans in to kiss her dad on the cheek.
“Have a great weekend, you two,” Helen says, giving Ivy a cheeky wink. “We’ll call tomorrow to wish you a happy birthday.”
Ivy smiles in response, her cheeks pink.
“Nice meeting you both,” I say, lifting a hand in farewell.
“You too, Wyatt,” Tom says. “Drive safe. You’re carrying precious cargo.” He shoots Ivy a pointed look.
“Dad,” she groans, clearly mortified.
I chuckle. “Don’t worry, sir. I’m always careful, especially with someone important in the passenger seat.”
He gives a satisfied nod. “Good to hear.”
We leave them waving from the driveway as I walk Ivy to the passenger side and open her door. Once she’s settled in and buckled up, I circle around and slide into the driver’s seat. I ease the car into reverse and slowly pull away.
“Thanks for that,” Ivy says. “And sorry about my parents. They managed to embarrass me in record time.” She groans, dropping her face into her hands.
I laugh. “It wasn’t so bad. Your dad’s just protective. I’d be the same if I had a daughter and some guy showed up in a sports car to take her on a weekend trip.”
She lets out a quiet laugh. “Yeah, I guess. But my mom didn’t need to say all that. Iamprofessional when it comes to my work.”
“I know you are,” I say, glancing her way. “You’ve got nothing to prove, Ivy. I mean that.”
She nods, but I can tell the comment still nags at her. She wants to be seen as serious and capable, and she is. I saw that from the start. I just hope she doesn’t dwell on it and let it spoil the weekend. I’ve been looking forward to this trip. Counting down, if I’m honest. Even though I know I shouldn’t, not when I’m just a friend to her, but I can’t help it. I’m already in deeper than I should be.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ivy
Isettle back into the seat as Wyatt drives, much faster than I did, toward Phoenix. I try to relax, but my mom’s comment keeps replaying in my head, and I cringe every time. I know she meant well, and yeah, Iamexcited to work with him, but he didn’t need to hear that. I just hope he doesn’t regret choosing me over a bigger, more established firm.
“Ivy,” Wyatt says, “I can practically hear the wheels turning in your head. Stop stressing, okay?”
