He nodded, following her inside the cottage as Will tagged along behind.
“Why don’t you take a seat while we wait for your eyes to get adjusted to the light in here?” Simon said.
Ivy sank onto one of the dining room chairs, and Simon followed suit, scooting closer to her as he carefully prodded and probed her face, asking many of the same questions Will had asked her last night.
Busying himself while Simon made sure her eyes were dilating normally, Will picked up her cell phone from the kitchen counter, and discovering it didn’t have a lock screen, he clicked his way into her contact list.
“Um, Will?”
“Yeah?” he responded, not glancing up from his task.
“What are you doing with my phone?”
“Adding myself to your contact list, so you can call me if you need anything while I’m in London.” Once he was done doing that, he texted himself from her phone, so he’d have her number, too.
“So, if I tell you I have a craving for crème brûlée, you’ll find some and bring it to me?”
Simon snorted. “He’d probably make it for you.”
Ivy looked at Will, her eyebrows raised. “You cook?”
He shrugged. “A bit. Though I typically avoid foods that require the use of a blowtorch.” He grinned at her. “But for you, I’d make an exception.”
Simon shone his torch in her eyes, drawing her attention back to him. “I have a feeling that he’d make a lot of exceptions for you.”
Will watched as her eyes widened and her body stiffened, but she didn’t turn toward him. In fact, she seemed to be doing a fantastic job of pretending that Simon hadn’t said a word.
Will’s phone vibrated in his hand, and he glanced down to see a text from his sister.
When you guys are finished, supper’s ready.
He texted back. Be there soon.
His phone buzzed again. So...what do you think about setting up Ivy with Simon?
Will’s eyes widened. Why are you trying to set her up? Didn’t you say that she’d just gotten out of a shit relationship?
Charlotte’s message popped up almost immediately. He’s cute, and he seems nice. And besides, her self-esteem sucks right now. I think she needs to get laid and back into the saddle. So to speak.
Will choked as he reread his sister’s message.
So...Simon?
He quickly responded. Trust me when I tell you it would never work. He just broke up with someone, too.
Another text popped up almost immediately. That’s perfect!
Chaz, he broke up with a guy. And he only dates guys.
He’d barely hit send before her next thought appeared. Oh. Right. That’s not going to work. You’re single. Maybe you should ask her out...
It was as if someone had sucked all the air from the room. He didn’t even get a chance to respond before his sister sent another message.
Forget I said that. That was a stupid idea.
He tapped out, Why? and sent it before he could think better of it.
Because there’s no way it would ever work, and I don’t want to have to choose between my brother and my best friend. I love you, Will. But none of your relationships work, and I can’t let you hurt her that way. Seriously. Just forget I said anything. It was stupid.
His hand tightened around his phone, and he tossed it on the counter and looked up to find both Ivy and Simon’s eyes on him.
He nodded toward Ivy. “Well?”
“Nothing broken. She just needs to rest and heal.”
“Good.” Will’s relief loosened his chest. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d been with worry.
Simon glanced down at Ivy. “And keep out of the way of Phoebe. That child has a brutal kick.”
“Tell me about it,” Ivy muttered.
“Almost as bad as her mother’s,” Will muttered, straightening from where he’d been leaning against the counter.
Ivy’s brow furrowed as she stared at him. “What?”
“Charlotte said supper’s ready.”
Ivy continued to stare at him, and so did Simon, for that matter, but Will forced a smile and opened the door.
Chapter Nine
Ivy glanced up at Will as she passed under his arm where he held the door open and headed toward the main house. He still had that tight smile she was quickly learning meant he was hiding something. She wondered what it was he’d muttered about Charlotte—or, more precisely, why he’d muttered it.
“You okay?” she asked when he caught up with her.
“Yeah.”
“Really? ‘Cause you look pissed off.”
He met her gaze and grinned. “Yeah?”
Nodding, she smiled back and tried to ignore the way her stomach flipped under the weight of his attention. She was pathetic. Clearing her throat, she said, “You didn’t have to agree to something you hate to get me to see a doctor.”
He nudged her shoulder with his own as they walked. “Yes. Your cooperation and willingness to seek medical attention was abundantly clear.”
A blush heated her face. “I just meant it wasn’t your responsibility.”
Simon rolled his eyes as he walked past. “You two are still arguing about that?” He turned around and walked backward, smirking. “Take it from a medical professional—don’t dwell. It’s bad for your health.” Winking, he turned and jogged up the hill toward the main house.
“I do know a great place for crème brûlée,” Will said, as if their earlier conversation had never been interrupted.
“Do they deliver?” She could go for a double serving right about now. She’d been tied up in knots about Will ever since he’d offer to fuck Daniel out of her system. Eating her feelings seemed like a better idea than acting on any of the urges coursing through her body.
“Not all the way out here,” Will answered.
For a moment, she forgot what he was responding to. Oh, right. The crème brûlée.
“But I could bring some back for you. Or...” He paused and looked at her.
“Or?”
He grinned, and her stomach flipped again at the sight of his expression. “Or you could come to London with me and let me take you out to dinner and dessert.”
Go to London with him? That was a terrible idea. It was hard enough to resist him with his family around. How much more impossible would it be if they were alone together?
“I don’t think that would work,” she said as they climbed the hill and the house cast cool shadows over them. “I need to keep working with the kids, and put together their homework packets for the trip.”
Will pulled open the door and gestured for her to go through. “You know how to get a hold of me if you change your mind.”
She nodded, swallowing hard. She wasn’t going to change her mind. She couldn’t, even if she wanted to. There was just too much at stake. Ducking under Will’s arm again, Ivy entered the house and immediately headed for the kitchen where Caleb and Charlotte were preparing supper.
“Need any help?” she asked.
Charlotte lifted a stack of plates from the cupboard. “Sure. How about if you set the table?” Glancing at Will, she added, “You might want to rescue your friend from Pheebs. She’s showing him her trophy collection.”
“And giving him a play by play of every game?”
“Exactly.”
Ivy carried the plates into the dining room and set the table while listening to Phoebe tell Simon and Will about her “best goal ever”.
The meal she’d been desperate to avoid the day before ended up being surprisingly pleasant. Despite his epic level fuck up with Phoebe, it was clear that Will really loved the kids and equally clear that they loved him just as much. She couldn’t help but imagine him with his own children. A pang of guilt soured her stomach, and her appetite vanished as she stared at her half-eaten dessert. Taking a swallow of water, she pushed away the memories she’d rather not deal with.
Pulling herself from the past, she realized that the goo
d-humored laughter that had filled the room moments before had ceased. Everyone’s gaze followed Caleb as he paced from the room, speaking on his phone in a low, urgent-sounding tone.
Ivy looked at Charlotte, and she mouthed, “His mother.”
Ivy nodded. Noticing the kids’ confused expressions, she said, “Hey, if you guys are done eating, let’s help your mom and clear the table.”
Kit and Phoebe stood and carried their plates to the kitchen as Charlotte murmured her thanks and followed her husband into the living room. Will took care of the leftovers while Simon busied himself scraping plates, and Ivy and the kids loaded the dishwasher. By the time the kitchen and dining room were picked up, Charlotte returned, her lips tight and her eyes watery.
She looked at the kids. “Why don’t you two go to your rooms and start working on your packing lists for the trip.”
Once Phoebe and Kit had left the room, Ivy asked, “Is everything all right?”
Her friend shook her head. “Caleb’s gram isn’t doing well. She had a heart attack this morning. We’re going to be leaving as soon as possible. Caleb’s trying to make arrangements, now.”
“I’m so sorry, Char.”
“I’m just hoping we can get there before anything else happens. I don’t think he’d forgive himself.”
She wiped at her eyes, and Ivy put her arms around her.
Charlotte returned the hug then pulled away. “I should go start packing.”
“I’ll get their lesson plans finished, now.” Ivy turned to go, but Charlotte stopped her with a hand on her arm.
“You know this doesn’t mean you need to leave, too, right? We’ll still pay you for the time we agreed on. Now, you’ll just have more time to do more sightseeing.”
“No. It’s fine. I’ve got stuff to do at home, anyway. And I’m not going to charge you for work I haven’t done.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Caleb said, entering the room. “Phoebe is already miles ahead of where she was before you started tutoring her. Just take some time to yourself and have some fun. I’m sure Will would be happy to take you to Austen’s home and all the other spots you wanted to see. Or, hell, you could join a tour group if you wanted.”
“I’m not sure...”
“Don’t be daft,” Charlotte said. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want. Besides, after this past year, you need to do something fun.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“You know...the London offer is still open,” Will said.
Charlotte’s head whipped toward him like she was a velociraptor spotting its next meal.
“That’s not necessary,” Ivy murmured. Changing the subject, she added, “I’m going to go work on the packets for the kids. I’ll bring them back up to the house as soon as I’m done.” She paused on her way to the back door and hugged Caleb. “I’m so sorry about your grandma.”
He nodded and tightened his arms around her.
“When’s your flight?” she asked, releasing him.
“Tomorrow night.”
“Okay, I’ll have the kids’ stuff finished by tomorrow morning.” She slipped out the door and headed back down the hill to the little cottage. A part of her wanted to stay and explore the county. After all, she’d always wanted to go to England. But she knew she’d feel guilty if she wasn’t working with Kit and Phoebe as planned. Maybe she’d at least finish up the week here before rescheduling her flight home. Regret swelled at the thought of leaving Will without ever investigating this attraction between them.
An elongated shadow crept up beside her then joined hers. Glancing to the side, she found Will.
“Forgot my phone on the counter at your place,” he murmured.
“Oh. Right.” No, dumbass. He’s not following you to convince you to stay.
They reached the cottage, and he entered behind her, his body heat almost palpable.
“When I get finished with the test and the team meeting, I’d be happy to take you to see all the dead writers’ houses you want.”
In spite of the gravity of the situation with Caleb’s family, she had to laugh.
“If you want, we can hit all the other tourist sites, too. Anywhere you want to go.”
“I’m sure that would be thrilling for you.”
“Being with you would make it worth it.”
It was impossible not to notice the way his eyes dropped repeatedly to her mouth. And that pretty much made her decision for her. She was going to have to leave—as soon as possible—or resisting him would be impossible.
“So, are you staying?” he asked.
She forced a smile. “Yeah. Probably.”
She hated to lie, but she was afraid that he’d manage to talk her into staying if she didn’t.
The smile that lifted his lips sent a fluttering through her middle.
Nope. Nope. Nope. She was out of there. Just as soon as she could manage it.
“Good. I should be back in two days—three, for sure.”
She could easily be back in Michigan by then. And that would be it. She’d never see Will again.
Uncontrollable longing crushed her, sitting heavily on her chest. The need to taste him one last time overwhelmed her until she could no longer remain still. Impulsively, she stepped forward, lifted herself to her toes, and pressed a kiss to his surprised lips. Just as quickly, she pulled away, registering the confusion in his gaze.
“Ivy?”
“Have a safe trip,” she blurted.
She started to turn away, but he grabbed her wrist and reeled her back until she was facing him. Keeping hold of her wrist, he settled his other hand at the small of her back, his warmth seeping through her thin blouse and into her skin beneath.
“What was that?”
She swallowed heavily. “A kiss?”
He stared at her for a moment, then his eyes narrowed. “You lied.”
She moistened her suddenly dry lips. “What do you mean?” A nervous laugh escaped her. “It’s been a while, but I’m pretty sure I remember what a kiss is like.”
Exerting pressure at the small of her back, he tugged her closer, still keeping his fingers locked around her wrist.
“You lied to me. You’re not planning on staying. That was a kiss goodbye.”
Her breath caught in her throat, and she couldn’t look away from his leaf-green eyes even if she wanted to.
“You’re not planning on staying after they leave. You won’t be here when I get back.” Neither sentiments were questions.
She opened her mouth but closed it again
Seemingly in response to her continued silence, his expression hardened. “If that’s the case, you can at least kiss me goodbye like you mean it.”
The previous kiss had been nowhere near enough, but she wasn’t sure another one would be a good idea. Hell, the first one hadn’t been, either—but it was too late to change that, now.
He slid his fingers from her wrist up along her forearm, trailing his slightly callused fingertips along her skin, sending shivers coursing through her body. He skimmed his hand over her upper arm, along her shoulder to rest his fingers along the back of her neck beneath her hair, his thumb stroking the front of her throat. The sensation of that roughened flesh brushing against her, combined with the tiniest amount of pressure as his fingers contracted slightly, instantly flooded her panties.
He leaned forward, his lips barely a breath above hers. She could tell he was giving her time to move away, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. This would be the last time she’d see him, and she wanted to be fully cognizant of his mouth on hers.
Tightening his fingers around her nape, he tilted her head back as he crushed his lips against hers. She opened beneath him, and he swept inside, stroking and tasting. On a groan she felt all the way to her bones, he pulled her forward, dragging her against him.
Her hands clutched at his waist, his taut muscles warming her palms. She wanted to tear away the fabric between them. She wanted his skin beneath he
rs.
Her breath caught as his cock hardened between them. It was impossible not to wish he’d hoist her up against the nearest wall and plow into her. She snaked a hand up and drove her fingers into his hair, fisting the soft strands and pressing closer to him as she returned his kiss.
Breathless, they finally broke apart, and he rested his forehead against hers.
“I’m about to be incredibly direct.”
“Yeah?” she asked, more than a little afraid of whatever he was about to say. But she was more fearful of not knowing.
“I won’t tell you that I’ve spent the last twelve years pining after you, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought of you often or fondly. And I’ve always wondered what would have happened if you hadn’t run off the next morning.”
“My guess is that I would have lost my best friend after she’d found out that I deflowered her teenage brother in a closet.”
He laid his hand over her mouth—his touch gentle but firm. “Still talking, love.”
Her knees turned to water, and she slumped against him, her pussy spasming at the memory of the last time he’d covered her mouth. She met his gaze, silently willing him to tighten his grip on her face.
“I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the next twelve years wondering what it would have been like if you’d stuck around this time.”
She parted her lips behind his palm, but he pressed it more firmly against her, and her eyes nearly rolled back in her head as shudders of need coursed through her.
“I’m not looking for forever. I’m not even looking for a commitment. I just think we’d be foolish not to see where this attraction between us goes.”
He paused and stared into her eyes, and she was sure he could see every thought she’d ever had about him.
“I know that you’d prefer to believe that there’s nothing between us but past history. You might even try to tell me that once I take my hand off your mouth. But you should know that I can feel your nipples poking against my chest. And it’s impossible not to notice the way you’re clenching your thighs together.”
Her breath left her body in a damp, trembling rush against his skin.
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