Love You Better (Better Love 1)

“Yeah. I’ve just about finished all of the free study materials, so I’m going to move on to practice tests next.”

I pull a fry out of the bag and hand it to her.

“You’re ready. You could probably take it tomorrow and score a 180.” I mean it, too. Ivy is smart as hell, and she’s one of the hardest working people I know. There’s no way she won’t blow the LSAT out of the fucking water.

“I’m not ready yet, but I’m almost there. I’ll be ready in four weeks.” I don’t even have to look at her to know her face is set with an expression of determination and focus.

Ivy Rivenbark is a fucking force.

“I’m here if you need any help, you know. Study buddy. Accountability partner.”

She smiles. “I’m good, but I appreciate it.”

“You’re gonna crush it, Ivy. Seriously.”

“Thanks, Kell,” she says with a smile, and when she looks up at me, we have a moment of eye contact that gives me chills. The kind that stretches out and fills with something deeper, something more, and makes my heart fucking pound into my ribcage.

If she was anyone else, I’d read into it. I’d reach up and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and let my fingers trail down her jaw in a caress.

But she’s not someone else.

She’s my best friend.

So, when Ivy blinks and breaks eye contact, giving her head a little shake, I change the subject. Because she doesn’t feel that way about me, and there’s no point in trying to see something that isn’t there.

“What are your plans for tonight? J is supposed to be home. Wanna come hang out?”

“I’m going to pass,” she says, and my heart sinks a bit. Because I’m a fucking idiot. “Bailey is off tonight, and I haven’t seen much of her lately. I’m going to stay in and see how she’s been.”

“Girl code for pillow fights in your underwear?” I tease, and she raises her eyebrow mischievously.

“Pillow fights naked, Kelley,” Ivy says with a laugh, and I change the subject. The thought of Ivy naked is sure to get my dick hard, and that’s not a situation I want to deal with right now.

“How’s your ma and Jacob?”

“Fine. The same. Mom’s working too hard as usual, and Bug had some little weasels at school giving him a hard time, but I called the principal and I think I got it straightened out. He sounded better when I talked to him this morning.”

“Are these the same little shits from last time?” I’m ready to kick some sixth grader ass. Ivy’s younger brother Jacob is awesome, but he’s got some learning struggles and kids can be dicks, so he gets picked on for being different.

I hate it for him. He’s honestly the kindest and coolest kid. He’s funny and clever, and he doesn’t deserve the shit these little punks keep putting him through. On top of that, I know it kills Ivy. She feels helpless, and she can’t stand seeing him upset. She’s taken care of him since he was born, so not being able to take care of him now is troubling her deeply.

“Yeah, it is,” she says with a sigh. “They were stealing his homework and making fun of his handwriting. Calling him Blind Bat Boy. Stupid immature stuff, but it hurts him, you know?”

Hearing the despair in her voice crushes me. I throw my arm around her shoulder again and draw her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. This time, she doesn’t shove me away.

“You’re a good sister, Ives. He knows you love him, and he knows you’ll fight for hi

m. He’s strong because you’ve shown him how to be strong. Try not to worry too much about it.”

She stops walking and wraps her arms around my waist, so I gather her into a tight hug. She buries her face into my chest, and I can feel her deep breaths through my shirt, counting her inhales and exhales, so I close my eyes and wait, trying my best to provide the comfort she needs from me.

With a final deep breath, Ivy releases my waist and takes a step back, my arm dropping down to my side. I miss her immediately.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m okay,” she states firmly, and that same look of determination is on her face.

“I could always hire another little punk to mess with them,” I tease. “Itching powder in their underwear. Tampons in their lockers. Whatever other shit will embarrass those little middle school asshats.”

She barks out a laugh. “I’ll consider it and get back to you.”