“Where is the ice bath? My knee and arm are aching.”
Fuck. Of course.
“Come on.”
I set her bag on the table and guided her toward the backyard. It wasn’t the best setup, but we had a large tub for this exact reason. It took more trips than I thought to get ice in there, but it was set up right in the sun, so it wouldn’t be too painful for her. “I even have a speaker, so we can listen to comedy while you ice.”
“Hey, thank you.” She leaned into me, pressing her body against mine for a beat. “This is so sweet. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
I breathed her in, an unfamiliar sensation filling my gut. She smelled so good. I wanted to bury my nose in the crook of her neck to see how she smelled. “Do you want a T-shirt to put on, so you don’t ruin your outfit?”
“Wait. Am I not just doing my legs?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
She chewed her lip. “I’ve never…I’ve only done isolated ice baths.”
“Do I need to quote facts at you about this?” I teased, tugging the end of her hair. Instead of going full weirdo, I let go after asecond. “I think it’ll help since you use your entire body at this internship. It’s more physical than you’re used to, and you can do it and kick ass. You are kicking ass. But, as your friend, it’s my job to make sure you take care of yourself. Now, I will give you two minutes if you want to change, or I’m throwing you in.”
She swallowed and gave me a soft smile. I handed her one of my T-shirts, and she ran inside. Once she was stuck in the ice bath for fifteen minutes, I’d have her clarify theslowing downcomment.
I sure as fuck didn’t want to step back from her. I missed the shit out of her. Didn’t she? She seemed content we were friends again. More than content. I knew no one took care of her, and I wanted to fill that void so badly. But why step back? Even thinking about having a lesser version of her hurt me. She needed to clarify the comment before I lost my mind trying to figure it out. Because one thing I did super well? Spiral.
Ivy and I weren’t changing a thing, that was for sure.
My phone buzzed, and Lorelei’s face popped up.
I answered the video call. “What up, girl?”
“Just wanted proof of life.” Lo grinned. “Missed your dumb face.”
“The ladies always do.” I winked. “Everything okay? You never video call me.”
“Well, two things. First, are you coming to girls’ night tomorrow? You missed the last two weeks, and if you skip three in a row, you’re kicked out.”
“Shit. Sorry.” I ran a hand over my face. Lorelei and Mack, along with the girls soccer team, started a Tuesday night meeting at a bar with a set agenda. It began last summer and had been a routine for all of us minus holidays. They were ridiculous and amazing, and I only went to piss Luca off at first, but then I grew to love them. “I’ll be there.”
“Good. We have a bet going on we need to tell you about. Second thing though. Luca said Ivy is at the football house? I need details.”
“You called forgossipbecause of Luca? This is juicy as fuck.” I laughed. “But you’ll have to wait for tomorrow.”
“You monster.”
“You love me anyway.”
The back door opened, and I glanced up, a smile still on my face from Lo as I froze. There was a flaw in my plan. A detail I’d severely overlooked. Ivy wore only my T-shirt.
My throat closed up. My blood hummed. A white-hot bolt of lust exploded from my chest as she walked toward me. My shirt hung three inches over her knees, her long ass legs on display. The fabric hugged her tits, and I fisted my hands at my sides. Her hair hung on either side of her shoulders, and the sun made her eyes look as green as the grass, and holy fuck. Ivy was stunning. She was delicious. Perfect.Mine.
“Callum? What just happened? Why do you look like that?” Lo’s voice seemed distorted.
My brain short-circuited at seeing Ivy in my shirt. Why did I give her a gray one? What the hell was I thinking?
“Gotta go. See you tomorrow.” I hung up on Lorelei, damn well knowing she’d grill me later.
I needed all my focus on Ivy right now. She held her clothes tight against her chest as she neared me, a nervous expression on her face. I wanted to say something, anything, but no words came out.
