Page 9 of Playing for Keeps
Ivy laughs. “A glass would’ve been fine, Wyatt.”
I wave her off with a grin. “Why stop at one glass when we can have the whole bottle?”
When the server returns, she places an ice bucket beside the table and pours us each a glass before setting the bottle on ice and stepping away.
“Cheers,” I say, raising my glass toward Ivy.
She clinks hers against mine. “Cheers.”
I watch her take a sip, then another.
“This is really nice,” she says, settling back against the cushioned seat.
I smile. “Glad you like it.”
She places her glass on the table, her eyes locking with mine. “Do you spend much time in Phoenix during the off-season?”
I chuckle. “I try not to.”
Her brow furrows slightly. “Not a fan of the city?”
“No, I like it. But it’s not home.”
She nods in understanding. “I get that. I’ve only ever lived in Hope Creek. I like visiting Phoenix, but I don’t think I could ever live here.”
“There are perks,” I say with a laugh. “Like being able to get tacos at two in the morning. But Hope Creek’s home. I come back as much as I can. I miss everyone.”
“I’m sure they miss you too,” she says quietly.
“Hey, Wyatt!” a voice calls out, and I glance over my shoulder to see a few of the guys from the team walking in. I lift a hand in greeting as they head our way.
“I thought you went home,” Ricky, one of the running backs, says, his gaze drifting from me to Ivy with curiosity.
“Charity event at the Fairmont,” I reply. “Just in town for the weekend.”
He nods slowly, his eyes still on Ivy.
“You gonna introduce us?” Aiden chimes in with a grin.
I smirk. “Didn’t plan on it.”
Ricky laughs. “Trying to keep this one all to yourself?”
My eyes flick to Ivy. She’s sipping her drink, seemingly oblivious to the way every eye has drifted her way.
“Guys, this is Ivy. Ivy, the guys.”
She glances up and offers a soft smile. “Hi.”
“Hey, I’m Ricky,” Ricky says, practically undressing her with his eyes. “How do you know Wyatt?”
“We go way back,” I cut in, more sharply than I intended.
Ricky raises a brow. “You a Cardinals fan?”
Ivy gives me a teasing look. “Not exactly. Football’s not really my thing.”
He chuckles. “So, you're not here for the fame and touchdowns? You actually like him?”
