She worries her bottom lip between her teeth. I have to physically restrain myself from leaning in to taste that spot.
"Just trust me," I add quietly. "I want to show you something."
Her eyes meet mine, searching. Whatever she finds must satisfy her because she steps back from the door.
"Give me twenty minutes."
"Take your time." I settle against the wall, sipping my coffee. "I'll be right here."
She disappears inside, leaving the door cracked. I hear water running, drawers opening and closing, the soft sounds of her moving through her space. It's oddly intimate, standing here listening to her morning routine.
My phone buzzes.
Riley:
It’s six a.m. and you’re not at home. You're doing something stupid, aren't you?
I type back.
Declan:
Define stupid.
Riley:
Anything involving Ivy that you haven't thought through.
Declan:
I've thought it through.
Riley:
For how long?
Declan:
Three hours.
Riley:
Declan! THREE HOURS is not thinking it through. That's impulse with anxiety.
I'm about to respond when another text comes through, this time from Rowan.
Rowan:
Riley just told me you're doing something reckless. Please tell me you're not about to spectacularly self-sabotage.
Declan:
I'm picking Ivy up for a day trip. It's not reckless.
Rowan:
A day trip. Alone. With Marcus's sister. While you're still texting her as King and Gregory is actively looking for reasons to destroy you. Yeah, that's the opposite of reckless. My mistake.
I shove my phone in my pocket without responding because they're both right, and I don't want to admit it.
