Ivy: I MADE A 4.0!
Hadleigh: Oh my goodness! Congrats! We’re totally going to have to celebrate.
Ivy: Thank you! I’m shocked. Math kicked my ass.
Hadleigh: You’re smart! I had no doubts.
Ivy: At least one of us was confident. How’re things going today? Do you need anything?
I watch her text bubble pop up and disappear a few times, then finally, the message arrives.
Hadleigh: Only if you were planning to come visit…
Ivy: How did you know I was going to ask to see my gorgeous little nephew today?
I laugh at how well my sister knows me.
Hadleigh: Just a hunch. You can say no, but I would love it if you could pretty please pick me up some food from the B&B. Maize texted me today’s menu. She made chicken fried chicken, and it’s one of my favorites. Knox had to go to the office, and they’re busy, so I don’t want to bother him.
Ivy: I’ll be happy to stop by there on the way. Do you want dessert too?
Hadleigh: Who passes up triple chocolate cake?
Ivy: You’re right. Probably a dumb question. :)
Hadleigh: Thank you. You’re the best sister in the world! Hendrix can’t wait to see his favorite auntie.
Ivy: I’m gonna give him all the chubby cheek kisses when I get there.
Hadleigh: See you soon. I’m so proud of you!
Ivy: Thanks so much!
I check the time and then pull my curly hair into a high ponytail. Of course I’m wearing a bookish T-shirt and some jean shorts, but ‘I’m not like other girls’ is my style. Hopefully, the stop at the B&B will be quick, and no one will want to chat. Though, I’m already mentally preparing myself to have to socialize.
When I walk out of my room, I pass my mom, who’s knitting on the couch. “Oh, new project?”
“I’m working on a blanket for Hendrix for Christmas,” she explains.
“Starting early.” I give her a grin and compliment the gray and blue yarn she chose.
“With how busy things are at work, it might take me the whole seven months to finish it.” Mom chuckles. “Headin’ out?”
“Yep, I’m gonna take Hadleigh some lunch and see Hendrix,” I explain, slipping on my sandals.
“Send my love.”
“I will,” I tell her, then go to my car. As soon as I get inside, I connect my audiobook app so I can listen to my book on the way there. While I love fantasy romance, I’m listening to an erotic werewolf romance right now, and it’s so damn hot. I wouldn’t be surprised if my car caught on fire.
When I pull into the B&B, the parking lot is full. Visiting during the lunch rush probably wasn’t the best idea. I walk up the steps and say a little prayer that there’s no line. I don’t visit the B&B often, and I never stay and eat unless Harper or Hadleigh are with me.
As I enter, I hear chatter in the dining area and know it’s packed. I stop at the end of the line and wait. When I turn and look over my shoulder, I see the man I’ve had a crush on since I was twelve years old. The electricity streaming between us is like an inferno ready to swallow me whole. The intense eye contact causes my temperature to rise, but I can’t stop staring. He walks toward me with a sexy as sin smirk and falls in line behind me.
“Hey, Ivy,” he says, and right now he has my full attention. Kane is much taller than me, and I can just imagine what it’s like to be wrapped in his muscular arms. Listening to that sexy audiobook on my way over probably wasn’t the best idea.
“Hi,” I finally say, heat meeting my cheeks as I try not to care. But damn, he’s mesmerizing as he confidently stares at me. When he licks his lips, I nearly melt into a puddle on the floor. The line moves forward, and before I pick up a to-go box, Kane speaks up. “You stayin’ to eat?”
“I was gonna grab something for Hadleigh, then head over.”
“You’re missin’ out on one of the best meals on the ranch. Stay and eat with me.”
Unable to resist the opportunity to spend time with him after our hospital chat was cut short, I agree. “You talked me into it.”
“Didn’t take much convincing. I like that,” he admits, and we fill our plates full, then each take a glass of sweet tea.
Kane walks to a table by the large window, and I follow him. My heart flutters when I realize there’s only enough room for two. Feeling self-conscious, I look around, but no one is paying any attention to us. He sets down his tray, then pulls out the chair for me. No man has ever done that before.
“Thank you.”
He shoots me a wink and then sits in front of me.