Page 76 of Playing for Keeps
Me:It’s a good opportunity. I’m not interested in him, if that’s what you’re asking.
The moment I hit send, doubt kicks in.Why did I say that?I didn’t need to clarify that. He didn’t ask if I was interested.
But he replies almost instantly.
Wyatt:Good.
Just one word. But somehow, it sayseverything.
I exhale, suddenly breathless, and slip my phone back into my purse. My fingers tremble slightly as I reach for the door handle. I’m not sure what just passed between us, but I swear something did.
I push open the door to Eden and spot the girls right away. It’s quiet. It is a Monday night, after all, but their booth is alive with chatter and laughter. Ash sees me first, jumping up and waving like I might somehow miss them in the nearly empty bar. I can’t help but laugh as I make my way over.
“Ivy!” she calls, hurrying over to pull me into a tight hug. “Finally! We need every. Single. Detail.” She pauses. “Actually, maybe not every detail. He is my brother, after all.”
I chuckle as she squeezes me and then lets go. I slide into the booth beside Paisley, who hands me a glass of wine with a grin and a knowing look.
“So,” she says, already smirking. “How was your weekend?”
“Yes, come on!” Taylor leans forward eagerly. “Spill!”
I roll my eyes with a small smile and take a sip of wine, stalling. “There’s not much to say. Wyatt’s publicist was hassling him about some reality show, so I told her we’re dating to get her off his back. Whatever you saw, it was just for show.”
Ash gives me a skeptical look. “You seriously want us to believe it was all fake? Ivy, have youseenthe pictures of you two dancing?”
Heat rises in my cheeks at the memory. Wyatt’s hands on my waist, the space between us disappearing, the way it felt like nothing else existed but us.
“I saw them. But it wasn’t like that. We were putting on a show. For his publicist.”
Taylor raises a brow. “Was his publicist even there when you were in the club?”
I hesitate. “Well… no. Not then.”
“So, who exactly were you pretending for?” Paisley asks, her tone pointed.
I groan, dragging a hand over my face. “I don’t know, okay? He’s… he’s amazing, even if I shouldn’t admit that. But I can’t afford to read too much into this and end up hurt. Whatever it feels like, it’s not real.”
Ash reaches across the table and takes my hand. “But it could be something, Ivy. If you let it. Wyatt isn’t Nico.”
“Wait, who’s Nico?” Taylor asks, her brow furrowing.
I let out a quiet sigh. “Just a guy I knew in college.”
“What happened?” Paisley presses.
Ash cuts in before I can answer. “He led her on for months. Made her believe there was more when there wasn’t.”
I glance at her with a small smile. She’s always defended me, and I love her for it. “We weren’t ever technically together,” I add, trying to downplay it. “I completely misread things. I thought there was something between us, but he saw me as a friend. He actuallylaughedwhen I told him how I felt. He said I wasn’t someone he'd ever bring home to meet his family. His dad was some big-shot senator.” I wave a hand like it’s ancient history. “It was years ago.”
Ash’s hand tightens around mine. “Maybe. But he didn’t have to be your boyfriend to leave a scar. The way he dismissed you, it stuck. Even if you don’t want to admit it.”
I look away, my throat tightening. She’s not wrong.
“You’ve kept people at arm’s length ever since,” she continues, her voice gentle. “Because he made you feel like you weren’tworthyof more. Like wanting something genuine made you naive. And ever since, you’ve been guarding your heart, keeping people out without even realizing it.”
Paisley’s expression softens instantly, her eyes full of sympathy. Taylor nods slowly, understanding dawning on her face.
“But that’s not Wyatt,” Ash continues. “He’s not going to belittle how you feel or make you feel small for wanting more.”
