“You thought I’d be angry?” he asks, still smiling.
“It was a moment of vulnerability. Youshouldfeel violated and angry.”
“Thanks for the consideration.” He huffs a short laugh. “Obviously seeing me naked made a lasting impression, or you wouldn’t still be thinking about it.”
My jaw drops, heat crawling up my throat. He’s actually joking while I’m over here dying inside. “Wait—you’re fine with this?”
“Ivy, I’m more than fine; I’m flattered.”
I throw my hands up in exasperation, unable to stop the reluctant laugh that bubbles out of me. “You’re impossible.”
“Maybe, but unforgettable.”
Groaning, I cover my face with my hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be.” He reaches out, brushing my knee, giving it a tight squeeze. “You’ve taken care of me when I couldn’t even stand. You’ve seen me cry, freak out, walk into furniture…and now you’ve seen my dick. No big deal.”
“Oh my God,” I mumble behind my palms. “You’re making this weird.”
“I’m not, but I could, ifyou want me to.”
“Teddy!” I throw a pillow at him.
He laughs, catching it clumsily. “Look, Ivy. I trust you. If it was an accident, then we can move on. But if it wasn’t completely an accident…”
“Don’t finish that sentence, Theodore Bancroft Seaborn the Fourth,” I warn, cheeks flaming.
“Whoa, pulling out the government name,” he raises both hands in surrender. “For the record, I appreciate your honesty and the compliment.”
“What compliment?”
He grins like the cocky winger he is. “I bet you enjoyed seeing me naked more than you’re willing to admit.”
“You’re such a menace.”
“And you’re still thinking about my dick, so I guess we’re even.”
Blushing, and so damn glad he can’t see me, I stand and gather the empty containers. “I should go.”
“Thanks for visiting and bringing me food.”
“Anytime.”
As I reach the door, he calls after me. “Ivy?” I hum in response. “Next time, schedule a late-night breakfast date. I loved the surprise, but knowing you were coming would’ve made my entire day.”
“Careful, Seaborn. That sounds dangerously close to flirting.”
He flashes a charming smile. “Must be the syrup.”
19
TEDDY
DECEMBER 24
The morning drags by, each sound and movement predictable as clockwork. I’ve grown used to the routine, but for some reason, the monotony gnaws at me today. The only real breaks come with Ivy’s check-ins, her voice cutting through the boredom.
She’s just finished explaining the latest adjustments to my meds when I hear the smile in her voice. “You have company.”
