Page 16 of Playing for Keeps
I give her a nod, then slip out before I do something I’ll definitely regret, like offering to stay and help. I close the door behind me and head back to my room, sliding under the comforter again.
Ivy is Ash’s best friend. She’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. She hasn’t changed. She’s still the same Ivy I’ve always known. And yet… something feels different.Something I can’t quite put my finger on, no matter how hard I try.
The room is quiet, but my head isn’t.
She’s right next door. Naked under hot water. And there’s not a chance in hell I’m falling asleep now.
After a restless night, I wake to the scent of bacon drifting through the apartment, and my stomach growls. Sitting up, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and make my way to the bathroom. Once I’ve used the toilet and brushed my teeth, I follow the incredible smell into the kitchen.
I find Ivy at the stove, cooking bacon and flipping pancakes. She’s in a tank top and tiny sleep shorts, her hair a little messy from sleep. I pause for a second, liking that she’s in my space before shaking my head and brushing the thought aside.
“Hey, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” I say as I walk up behind her. “But it smells incredible.”
She turns from the stove and gives me a smile.
“Morning. I wanted to. I hope you don’t mind that I raided your kitchen.”
I smile back. “Not at all. You’re welcome to take over my kitchen whenever you like.” I throw her a wink, and she laughs. “How’d you sleep?” I ask, reaching around her to sneak a piece of bacon.
“Hey!” She turns and swats me with the spatula.
“Ow!” I laugh, rubbing my arm. “That hurt.”
“Serves you right,” she says with a giggle.
“I couldn’t help it. It smells way too good.”
She starts plating up the pancakes and bacon, then opens a cabinet and pulls out some maple syrup.
“Go crazy,” she says, grabbing a strip of bacon and popping it into her mouth.
I grin and drizzle syrup over one of the pancakes. One bite in and I let out a contented groan.
“Okay, these are amazing.”
She smiles. “Thanks! And to answer your question, I slept like a baby. That bed is incredible.”
“Glad to hear it.”
She picks up a pancake, pausing before taking a bite. “So… do I have time to soak in that tub, or are you wanting to hit the road back to Hope Creek?”
“No rush,” I tell her. “Take all the time you want.”
She starts to gather the dishes, but I step in, catching her arm.
“Not happening. You cooked. Clean-up’s on me.”
She flashes me a grin. “Thanks, Wyatt.”
With a cheeky smile, she grabs another strip of bacon and pads toward the guest room. I watch her go, doing my best not to let my eyes fix on the way her shorts ride up with every step. I exhale, scrubbing a hand over my face.
This is Ivy. We’re friends. Always have been. Once we’re back in Hope Creek, I’m sure everything will fall right back into place.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
It’s over an hour before Ivy reappears, and I’m lounging on the sofa, scrolling through my phone when she walks out of the guest room.
“Sorry I took so long,” she says, looking sheepish as she sinks down next to me. “It was just so good that I didn’t want to get out.”
