My eyes shot to her blue-green ones that looked more blue than green tonight. She looked like she might burst out laughing. And while I was a fan of the dress—hell, of the entire thing she had going on here—her relaxed and happy smile did it for me. My heartbeat sped up, and I reached forward to link my hand with hers. I had to touch her.
“What?” she began to say, but then looked at where our hands joined. I brushed my thumb over hers, soaking in the sensation of touching her. It was overwhelming, and I needed more at the same time. I wanted to drown in her. It was like seeing her daily over the week had woken up something inside that was screaming that this person was what I needed. What I had been waiting for.
“You look incredible, Ivy.”
“Thanks.” She looked down at her dress and back to me.
“Addie good?”
Her face lightened, and she visibly relaxed. “Oh yes. She’s overjoyed to have a teen over to show her all her treasures.”
I chuckled, thinking of the fairy garden she had outside. Even in the rapidly approaching winter, she had little secret spots in the landscaping around the house. I’d put money on her giving the sitter a quick tour before a night of coloring and cartoons.
I tugged her closer to me so I could lower my lips to her ear, hoping to keep our conversation between the two of us. “Have you given more thought to the proposal to purchase Pages?”
I stepped back a breath and watched Ivy’s smile quirk. “Lots of alliteration there, Jake.”
“Avoiding the topic, Ivy?”
Her face drew serious as she lowered her voice. “No. I mean, I have thought about it. I wondered if you could look over some stuff with me after this weekend was over. Maybe see something I’m missing?”
She looked so vulnerable. I knew it took a lot for her to ask for help, and I didn’t take that lightly. “I’d be glad to.”
She exhaled, seeming to relieve a weight she was carrying. Her blond waves cascaded over her shoulders as she took in the brewery before meeting my gaze again. “Jake, look at what you and Sully have brought together tonight.”
I felt a lightness, a joy, that was almost foreign to me. “Yeah.” I glanced around. “This came together better than I anticipated.”
Ivy watched me. “It feels magical here.”
I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as her eyes widened, then warmed. “I think you’re magical, Ivy.”
Her lips opened as she tugged the lower one in and bit it. Holy hell. What was the protocol? Could I kiss her here? What were we doing?
“So.” She gave me a mischievous smile as she changed the subject. “I’m taking it that you like the dress.”
I shook my head at her, grateful for the reprieve. “Damn, babe. It’s incredible. You’re incredible.” I looked back to my hand, still joined with hers, when I heard a throat being cleared.
I looked over my shoulder to where my parents and siblings stood, watching with wide grins on their faces. Because of course they did.
Mom spoke first. “So, I’m guessing you’re Ivy?”
I groaned, turning to drop my head on top of Ivy’s as she peeked over my shoulder and whispered, “Is that your parents?”
Shit.
15
Quiet Approval
Ivy
Over Jake’s shoulder I saw Drew and Steph, both laughing and not even remotely trying to hide it. Between the two of them stood an older couple. The man was easily six foot two, and while not as trim and muscular as his sons, the resemblance was uncanny. Jake’s dad wore jeans with a button-down shirt and sport coat. Next to him, wearing a ginormous grin and a kick-ass navy wrap dress, stood his mom. Margot had a cropped haircut that was somewhere between gray and blond. Her eyes were the same as Jake’s, ice blue. And if I wasn’t mistaken, they were dancing with amusement.
Margot moved in our direction, grabbed Jake by the biceps, and shoved him out of the way. Drew pretended to wipe away tears of laughter as Margot held her arms out to me. “Come here, dear girl. We were hoping to meet you at dinner last night.”
Margot pulled me toward her, and I looked at Jake in confusion. Was I supposed to have gone to dinner? Jake shook his head. Glancing at Steph, I couldn’t help but notice that she was now bent at the waist, hooting with laughter. Clearly Drew and Steph were all in for my introduction to the family. Margot pulled back and looked me up and down.
“Your dress is positively darling, Ivy. Now, is Addie here?” She looked around like Addie would be appearing from behind me or something.
