Page 45 of Playing for Keeps
Her beautiful face flushes pink, and she drops her eyes, fiddling with something in her lap. “I know. Ridiculous, right?” she mutters.
She might think it’s ridiculous, but I don’t. Not even close. If only she knew how much I want her. And the more time I spend with her, the harder it is to ignore. But she’s drawn a clear line. This is professional now. She wants to be respected for her work, and I admire that. Even if it means I have to keep a lid on everything else I feel whenever she’s near.
“I hope she’s not judging everyone by her own standards,” I say with a chuckle.
That elicits a laugh from Ivy. “She’s not. And she should know better, especially when it comes to me. I’ve never even…” She trails off, her words hanging in the air between us.
I glance over, eyebrows raised. “Never what?”
Her cheeks redden further as she shakes her head. “It’s nothing. Forget I said anything.”
My eyes widen as I snap my gaze back to the road.Was she really about to say she’s never been with anyone?It catches me completely off guard. She’s warm, funny, effortlessly easy to be around, and of course, stunning. I’ve always known she was beautiful, but until recently, she was just Ash’s friend. Spending time with her has changed everything for me. She’s become someone I can’t stop thinking about.
And damn, if only I’d realized it sooner.
We’re nearly in Phoenix when Ivy’s phone starts to ring in her purse. She reaches down to grab it.
“Mind if I take this?” she asks, holding it up apologetically. “It’s a client.”
“Not at all,” I say with a smile. “I get a front-row seat to the Ivy James real estate show.”
She laughs, the sound welcome after the stretch of silence between us. With a quick swipe, she answers the call.
“Hey, Corey! How’s everything going?” Her tone shifts instantly, all business with a friendly edge. “Any more thoughts on the River Falls property?”
I can’t hear the response over the engine’s hum, but my grip on the wheel tightens, my knuckles turning white, as I recognize the name. It’s the guy from Eden last weekend.
“Sure, I can look into that. Hang on a sec.”
She leans down, rummaging through her bag in the footwell, pulling out a small notebook and pen.
“Okay, so a bigger kitchen and more off-street parking. Got it. I’ll touch base with you next week.”
There’s another pause, then her tone changes slightly, lighter, but guarded.
“Oh… wow. That’s flattering, but I’m actually seeing someone.
My heart sinks. She’s dating someone? Why hadn’t she mentioned that? Then again, why would she?
She lets out a soft laugh. “No, of course not. I’ll be in touch next week.”
She hangs up and drops her head into her hands with a groan. “God, that was awkward.”
“He asked you out?” I ask, trying to sound casual, even though I’m anything but.
She nods, still covering her face. “Yeah. I panicked and said I had a boyfriend.”
Relief floods through me, and I can’t help but smile. She’s not interested in him.
“Two rejections in two weeks?” I tease.
She laughs. “That makes it sound like I’m fending guys off left and right. I’m really not.”
I’ve no idea why she isn’t.
“Do you say no to everyone?”
She shrugs. “He’s a client. I don’t date clients. It’s a line I don’t like to cross. It gets complicated.”
