My head snaps in her direction, shocked she brought it up. She looks at my frazzled expression, and bursts out laughing, tossing her head back.
Damn. I missed that.
The corner of my lips tip up at her unparalleled ability to break the ice. That, and her laugh. She has a good laugh.
Delilah tugs on our hands to swing her again, so we do.
“Happy to be of service,” I respond quietly.
————
I’m cutting up Lilah’s chicken at the dinner table when Maverick leans in and whispers, “Beau and Ivy would look good together, don’t you think?”
I look to my right and scowl.
“Fuck off,” I growl back. “First, Chase. Now this?”
“It’s not my fault you won’t pull the trigger,” he whispers in my ear, “Chase said she doesn’t seem interested, but maybe Beau is more her type.”
My nostrils flare, and I’m about to reply, when my dad cuts in.
“Actually Mav, that’s not a bad idea,” my dad adds, just for me and my brother to hear.
Maverick nudges my arm, and raises his eyebrows like he’s saying “see?”
“Beau, my boy. You single?” my dad bellows down the table to where Beau is sitting, halting all other conversations.
Fuck.
Beau wipes his mouth with his napkin, then looks around at everyone staring at him, before he very obviously reluctantly answers. “Yes,” he starts slowly. “Long hours at the hospital didn’t really allow for much else.”
I’m doing everything in my power not to look at Ivy over Delilah’s head. I know where my dad is going with this, and I don’t fucking like it. Ivy needs someone who will worship her. Someone who will give her passion, and their undivided attention. Someone who will appreciate her quirks and clever, quick-witted, beautiful mind.
Someone like you?
Shut up, Sarah.
“Well once you get settled, why don’t you take Ivy here out on the town,” my dad suggests, gesturing toward Ivy, then fuckingwinksat me.
Son of a bitch.
I chance a look at Ivy to gauge her reaction, and see her blushing bright red, giving Beau her awkward smile I’m incredibly familiar with. Then I peek at Sophie, who’s suddenly looking very invested in the food on her plate. Yeah, I’m sure she’d love for her best friend and her ex to go out. Of course, if our father knew Beau and Sophie’s history, he would never make this suggestion. He’s just a shit-disturber.
“Oh.No.” Beau huffs a laugh. “No. Nope.” He’s shaking his head vehemently, and Ivy’s eyes widen, blushes even harder, and dips her head in embarrassment.
Sophie’s head snaps up and looks to Ivy, then to her side at Beau, frowning in concern. What the fuck is his problem? He should be so lucky to go out with Ivy.
I’ll fucking kill him.
Beau realizes how rude his comment came off and starts to back track. “Oh! That’s not what I meant, I’m sorry. I’m just not in a place for dating right now. Nothing against you, Ivy. You seem lovely.” He’s stumbling over his words, recognizing how impolite he was.
I look over at my dad, who’s looking very uncomfortable now. Maybe this will teach him to mind his own damn business.
“No worries,” Ivy replies with a forced laugh.
“Sorry, Ivy. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way,” Beau continues.
She waves him off, “It’s fine, really. That tracks, actually.” She starts to laugh, almost unhinged, before getting herself under control and looking pointedly at my dad. “Buck, please change the subject since this is all your doing.”
