“The hell he didn’t…” He mumbled it so softly Ivy wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “Tell me this,” he challenged. “Did you two ever kiss?”
Ivy shook her head, a smile pulling at her lips. “Barely,” she admitted. “We were little.”
“And he’s never stopped thinking about you,” Easton said in a dramatic, TV host type of voice. He lifted a hand and spanned it before him. “He’s gone out, made a name for himself, all so he could impress Ivy Ingles from Tanglewood Lane. Andyouweren’t even there.”
“That’s enough.” She giggled some more, nudging him in return before setting her gaze back on the screen. “Oh, look, pictures!” Thank heavens. This whole topic of Samuel was making her blush. Although, she’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy the jealous tone of his response.
“That’s everyone,” she said, pausing for him to take in the group.
Easton leaned in and squinted, a pleased expression on his face. “This is the whole group? Everyone but you?”
“Everyone but me.” Ivy pointed out who was who, all the way down to her nephews, nieces, and their grumpy cat, Doug.
“What kind of name is Doug for a cat?” Easton asked.
But Ivy only shook her head. “I liked a guy named Doug at the time.”
“People really do that?” He scrunched his face.
“Twelve-year-old girls do. At least, this one did.”
Enlightenment crossed his features. “Thatexplains it.”
“Explains what?”
He shrugged dismissively. “Oh, all the girls atmymiddle school had pets named Easton. Cats, dogs, birds, goldfish…”
Ivy chuckled. “I bet they did.” Boy, was that the truth. No doubt Easton had been breaking hearts since he could flash that grin of his.
She quickly skimmed past the part where Ronny bugged her about the bachelor she’d be snuggling up to all night to stay warm. Ivy was certain she’d gotten away with it until he spoke up.
“Wait, wait, I think you missed a few.”
“I’ll read them later,” she assured.
“Aw, you’re no fun. Let me see it.” Easton held out his hand expectantly.
Ivy nearly gasped at his boldness and tucked it behind her back. “Like I would ever hand this to you.”
“You might if I do this.” He gave her waist a testing poke with his finger.
A squeal snuck out of her lips as she twisted away.
“Ooh, what do we have here?” Easton gave the other side of her waist a playful squeeze, earning a giggle and another squeal.
Ivy released the phone behind her back and reached for his hands, trying to stop them from tickling her any further.
A small wrestle ensued—Ivy squirming beyond his grasp while Easton made up the distance, and soon he was hovered over her, the two in a whirl of laughter and jagged breaths.
“Ilovethat you’re ticklish,” Easton said, buffering her from his full weight as he inspected her in the fire’s glow. Her arms were pinned at her sides now, which was a problem, since a stray lock of hair rested on her cheek. Ivy attempted to blow if off.
“You’re going to have to release my hands,” she said breathlessly, “or get my hair out of my face for me.”
Easton held her gaze inquisitively. “IfIget the stray strand, I’ll have to releaseyourhands and I’m not willing to do that just yet.”
Ivy shook her head as the piece started to itch her face. “Hurry, hurry, it feelsawful!”
“Alright then.” He lowered his head then, bringing his face to hers. Her heart sputtered out of beat. She was just about to ask him what he was doing when she felt his lips part slightly at her cheek. He pinned the strand between his lips, then lifted himself away from her and released it with a small push of air.
