Page 13 of Playing for Keeps
I drag in another shaky breath. “Okay.”
He leans forward and presses the elevator button before turning back to me. “Eyes on me, Ivy.”
My wide eyes meet his ocean blue ones, and my heart thunders in my chest, but I hold onto his hand tightly, hoping I’m not making a complete idiot of myself. Even if I am, I’m powerless to stop it.
The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime. My breath catches as he leads me inside, my gaze still locked on his. We’ve never stood this close before, and if I wasn’t on the edge of panic, I might actually enjoy it.
The doors close with a quiet thud, and the moment the car moves, my body tenses. A sudden jolt sends a squeal past my lips, and I drop my forehead onto his chest. Without hesitation, Wyatt drops my hand and wraps his arms around me, pulling me tight against him.
I let him, pressing my face against his shirt, my eyes squeezed shut as my arms slide around his waist. His cologne wraps around me. It’s warm and distracting, and for a moment, I let it all go and just breathe him in.
“You’re okay,” he mutters into my hair. “I’ve got you.”
I try to breathe, but I don’t know what terrifies me more. Being in an elevator again or being in his arms.
Seconds later, the car comes to a stop and the doors open. Wyatt removes one of his arms from around me, his other one tugging me against his side.
“We’re here,” he says, guiding me out of the elevator and into the hallway.
Now I’m on solid ground, embarrassment washes over me, and I feel my cheeks flush with heat. I can’t believe Wyatt witnessed my breakdown. I want the ground to open up and swallow me.
When I don’t say anything, Wyatt stops walking. “Ivy, look at me.” I reluctantly lift my head from his shoulder, my gaze meeting his worried one. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “Just embarrassed.” I smile sheepishly, and he gives me a soft smile back.
“You don’t need to be embarrassed. It’s only me. We’ve known each other forever.”
Maybe it’s because I’ve known him so long that it feels harder to hide. Or maybe it’s because I feel like someone’s really seeing me, and I’m not sure I want him to see this part.
He holds my gaze for a moment and gives my side a gentle squeeze. “Come on, let’s get inside and eat. Food always helps.”
I’m not totally convinced, but I let him guide me through the apartment door and immediately stop in my tracks, my mouth falling open as I take it all in.
“Wow, Wyatt,” I breathe, stepping out of his arms and slowly turning in a circle. “This place is incredible.”
It’s a huge, open-plan space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering an uninterrupted view of the Phoenix skyline. The floors are polished marble tile, and it’s all clean lines and elegance. The kitchen looks like something out of a magazine, with black granite countertops and white gloss cabinets. I’m only standing in the entryway, but I can’t wait to see the rest. I don’t see real estate like this in Hope Creek.
Wyatt chuckles beside me. “It’s not bad. Let’s eat first, and then I’ll give you the tour.”
My eyes light up. “Really?”
“Sure.”
I kick off my heels and trail him into the kitchen barefoot. He sets the takeout bag on the oversized breakfast bar and heads to the fridge.
“Drink?”
I wrinkle my nose. “Alcohol?”
He smiles. “I’ve got it if you want it.”
“God, no. I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one night. I’ll just have water, thanks.”
He gives me a concerned look. “Ivy, you haven’t embarrassed yourself at all. What you went through was scary. Anyone would feel the same after that.”
I’m not sure I believe that, but I appreciate him saying it.
“Well,” I say with a small laugh, trying to lift the mood. “Just so you know, if I ever have to go in an elevator again, you’ll be getting a call to come with me.”
