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I can only nod. Forever. It makes so much sense.
How did I not see that this man was who I wanted and needed all along?
And to think I almost screwed this up.
I am definitely not going to do that again.
CHAPTER 15
Liam
“Welcome to South Carolina,”I tell Ivy as we pass the big sign on the side of the highway.
“Thank fucking God,” she declares.
That makes me laugh. “What, you’re not having fun driving endlessly in your ridiculously small car with me?”
I’m driving and it’s late afternoon. Most of today has been an oxymoron of both the amazing haze of intoxicating pheromones hovering between us and then just endless fucking pavement stretching out in front of us.
“I love spending time with you,” she says, her knees up on the glove box of the passenger seat. “It’s using public toilets that I object to. I’m ready to be in the same hotel for multiple nights, too.”
I’m a little worried about how we’re going to pay for this extended stay but I am not leaving Ivy alone to handle getting the house listed for sale. Now that we’re officially together, I don’t want to spend even one day away from her and I need to help her clean up Brad’s mess.
“Me too. It will be a good opportunity to plan what comes next, too.”
She has her phone in her hand and she waggles it at me as I drive. “I’m already looking at job postings in L.A. Even if I hadn’t quitSouthern Charm, I wouldn’t be able to work with Brad, anyway. That’s so gross and awkward. And why would I stay in South Carolina when I never wanted to move here in the first place?” She gives me a smile. “Especially with you back home.”
I smile back. “WhydidBrad want to move? I never understood that.”
“Honestly? I have no idea. He said it was to help his mom now that she’s older, but they never struck me as all that close and she doesn’t have any health issues that I’m aware of. Also, she’s all of sixty-five. Now I have to wonder if he has a secret girlfriend in L.A. or something.”
That’s my fear too. “On set?” That would definitely make sense, but what a painful revelation for Ivy. “Have I mentioned today that Brad is a total prick?”
“That’s actually the first time today. You’re slipping.”
“And here I thought my rage would never abate. Turns out there is one thing that makes me feel better.”
“Tacos?” she asks with a grin, referencing our lunch choice.
“Yes. Obviously tacos. But more importantly, you,” I say simply.
“Aw, you’re so cute when you’re being romantic.”
“Was that romantic to you? Damn, the bar is set low. I can work with this.”
She smacks my thigh. “Hey!”
I laugh. I glance over at her. She’s back on her phone, typing. “Any promising job leads?”
Ivy makes a face. “I actually just texted Ford. I wanted to make sure he and Harrison got home safely. Is that weird?”
“No.” My own thoughts have been jumbled and confused surrounding Harrison and his sudden departure with Ford. “Idon’t like the way all of that went down. It doesn’t take away from you and me to feel bad about that.”
She sighs in relief. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you feel that way. I can’t stop thinking about Ford and yet feeling guilty that I am.”
“It’s unfinished business.” I wish I wasn’t driving so I could be looking directly at her while we’re having this conversation because I want to be able to reassure her with eye contact, but we’re already in it, so I have to just roll with it. “I’m attracted to Harrison. You’re attracted to Ford.”
Ivy sighs again. “Yes, I am. What do we do about that?”