“You’ve been in such a good mood recently. Then you go to Texas, and come back as a grumpy asshole again. What happened?” he asks, chuckling.
IvyDelilahBennett, happened.
It’s been a little over two weeks since we got back from Texas, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened. I’ve replayed her moans in my head on loop every single day. I thought about her soft but tight body every single day. Thought about her plush lips, and big, green eyes to the point of fucking insanity.
IvyDelilahBennett
How am I supposed to move on from that?
I’ve done my best to keep my distance and try to work through what’s going on in my head. Does she even want a relationship? Being with someone with a childis a big responsibility, and who knows if that’s something she would even want long term.
Ivy’s been acting a little off recently, but I’m blaming that on my own hot-and-cold behavior. One night of weakness, and I bolted from her room like an awkward teenager. The next day, I pretended nothing happened. I tried to play it cool…be polite. And then I just completely shut down when she dropped the biggest sign from the universe.
Not just a sign, a billboard. I wouldn’t be shocked if a neon arrow had lit up behind her flashingthis one. Am I still making her breakfast every morning? Yes. I’m all over the fucking place.
I finish up with my last client, then do some work in the office, posting new pictures to the website, and responding to some emails. I say goodbye to Leo who closes the shop for me, and head home. Thankfully we’re eating dinner at my parents house tonight, so I don’t have to cook right when I get home..
When my house comes into view, I see a familiar group of people standing and chatting in my driveway. I search for Delilah first, seeing her hold both my mom and dad’s hands. Then I spot Soph, Maverick and Lincoln. Where the hell is Ivy? As I pull in, they all see me coming and move out of the way, allowing me to park.
When the crowd breaks up, I finally get a glimpse of Ivy moving to the side with some man I don’t recognize. He has dark, styled hair, and is probably as tall as me and my brothers who are all around six-foot-two or more. Ivy stumbles walking backwards to getout of the way, and he catches her around her waist before she has a chance to fall.
Who the fuck is this guy? I focus on him, scanning him from head to toe. He’s polished, and looks too fucking preppy. I watch his mannerisms for a minute, then it hits me.
It’s Beau.
Relief washes over me when I figure out who the man that had his hands on Ivy is, then it’s quickly replaced with agitation when I see him make Ivy laugh. Loudly.
I throw my truck into park, open my door, and catch Delilah mid-jump just as I step out. I hoist her up and kiss her cheek, stealing another sidelong glance at Ivy and Beau talking.
He’s not that funny.
“Hey, honey,” my mom calls out as her and my dad wave me over.
I greet my parents, then ask them what the hell everyone is doing in my driveway.
“Oh, nothing. Beau just got in, and your dad and I brought him down here to see Delilah and meet Ivy. Then your brothers and sister joined us when they were on their way up to the house for dinner.”
I nod, then turn to Lilah.
“Lilah Mae, how was your day?” I ask her in a growly voice, only because it makes her laugh.
She giggles and speed talks through a lengthy story about her and Ivy’s day. From what I gathered, the highlight would be she and Ivy went to the park in town and fed the ducks frozen peas.
Delilah wiggles out of my hold to go back to her grandparents while I glance over at Ivy and Beau again. I clench my jaw, focusing on her body language. Is she into him? I think of Beau as a brother, and I’m excited he’s here. I haven’t seen him in a long time—not since Delilah was a baby. That doesn’t mean I’m cool with him getting all buddy-buddy with Ivy.
Speaking of, I whip my head around to Sophie and see her and Maverick huddled, talking amongst themselves. Sophie looks tense. I see her glance at Beau, then Ivy, then me. When she and I lock eyes, I raise my eyebrows in silent question. She uses her middle finger to scratch her nose, then focuses back on Maverick. I roll my eyes and finally approach Ivy and Beau.
“Beau, how’s it goin’ man?” I ask him.
He pulls me in for a quick hug. “Not too much. Good to see you, Wes.”
“Not sure taking over your parents’ practice isnot too much,” Lincoln says from beside me.
I look at Beau. “No shit?”
“No shit,” he agrees, with a light chuckle.
Beau’s a doctor, and so are his parents. Well, his dad was before he passed, but his mom is still practicing, and has been since I’ve been alive. After college he moved away for medical school and has worked in the city since. I know he hasn’t been back in a while due to his busy schedule. Now I guess he’s taking over for his mom.
