“Yeah, bug. Let’s go. It was just a dream, okay? Everything is fine, you’re safe,” I tell her as I rub small circles on her back. She nods, and continues to burrow into my shoulder.
When we get into Lilah’s darkened room, I lay her down and cover her up. Ivy leans down and tucks the covers tightly around her body.
“This is how my mom and dad used to tuck me in. I loved it,” Ivy whispers, going all the way down her body, then shoving Burrito into her tight cocoon.
“There. How do you like it?”
“I lub it,” Delilah whispers.
“Told ya.”
“Twins.”
Ivy snickers and whispers back, “Twins.”
I look at both of them in confusion, clearly not a part of their inside joke. I kiss Lilah goodnight, and gently stroke the top of her head until she drifts off again. When I sneak out, I notice Ivy waiting for me in the hallway.
“I just wanted to say thank you before bed,” she speaks in a hushed tone, with a thumb hiked over her shoulder, pointing at her room. “You didn’t have to do all that. I feel really bad that you went through all of that trouble. I appreciate it. It’s really sweet.”
Realizing she’s talking about the guest room makeover, I smooth my hair back with a hand then stuff my hands into my pockets and reply, “Don’t. It was no big deal, I needed to spruce it up anyway.”
Lie.
I never would’ve done that if it weren’t for her, but I’m desperately trying not to throw all of my cards on the table.
“Oh, right. Well, thanks anyway.”
I offer her a small smile and nod. “Night, Ivy.”
“Good night, Wes.”
Wesley, I want to correct, but don’t.
12
Ivy
The early morning sun shines through the blinds, and I blink up at the ceiling. I check the time and see it’s still pretty early, so I know Wes and Lilah are probably still asleep. I raise my arms to stretch them over my head and yawn just as last night comes crashing down on me like a tidal wave. I freeze in what could only be described as mortification. I squeeze my eyes shut, cringing at myself. What the fuck was I thinking?
Just one kiss.
He literally just got done telling me how he can’t cross any lines, and needs to keep this professional. Then I ask him tokiss me? I grab one of the deliciously fluffy pillows next to me, throw it over my face, and release a frustrated growl. I know we got a little too cozy on the couch, and that was the both of us, but I just had to go and gun it, full-speed off of the grand canyon.
I can hear my mom full-naming me in my head. I jam the heels of my hands into my eye sockets, and flail my legs, kicking the mattress repeatedly. I want theground to open up and swallow me whole. I want to change my name and move to Canada, where Wes can never, ever find me. Embarrassment like I’ve never felt before engulfs my entire body, setting it aflame.
Okay, you know what? It’s fine. This is fine. I’d like to blame the beer, but I only drank half of it. So that’s out. Be a grown up, apologize, and move on.
Kill me.
That decided, I get out of the bed to shower and get dressed. When I’m ready, and have talked myself off the ledge at least three more times, I gather all of my things and creep out of the guest room. I tiptoe past Delilah’s door, and peek my head in to see her starfished on her bed, mouth open and snoring. A wide grin overtakes my face. She’s so damn cute.
I keep walking softly, making my way toward the living room, noting how many plants he has. Jesus, does he water all these himself? Trees of some kind linger in the corners, and potted plants are on the long tables lining the hallway. Thank god he hasn’t asked me to care for these. I’d kill them in a week.
I start to smell freshly brewed coffee, and that’s when I know I’m not the only one awake. When I finally enter the open floor planned living room, I see Wes sitting at a barstool at the kitchen island, back to me, and shirtless.
His broad, tan, naked back is on full display. The tattoos from his arms go up and onto his shoulders and trailing off onto his shoulder blades. All he’s wearing is what looks like black athletic shorts that stop a few inches above his knee. The slutty kind. I nearly moan just looking at him.
I can’t have another stalking encounter again, so I quickly alert him of my presence.
