Page 62 of Resisting Isaac

Her words land low and warm in my chest. “I appreciate that. Very much. And I appreciate you allowing my input. That isn’t always the case. The last set I was on, no one wanted my opinion.”

“I found my family on this ranch,” she says softly. “I didn’t have much of one before. And I wanted to give your character a chance to bond with everyone the way I did, but I want to make sure it’s in the right way.”

I press my lips together and nod slowly, a lump forming in my throat. “The fact that you care either way means a lot,” I tell her. “And I know you’re not the type that will ever be part of the problem. I’m extremely grateful to have been brought on to this project and I know you fought for me. This scene looks great to me.” I hand her the phone back.

“If you ever have input on any scenes or dialogue, or if there’s a change you think fits better—please feel free to speak up. This isn’t about me getting it right on my own. It’s about all of us on this project getting it right together.”

I smile, and it feels a little shaky around the edges.

I get it so much right now, how this woman found a home here. Next to Isaac in this booth, having dinner together, it feels like…family. In a way my family never has. My family dinners were typically shrouded in judgment, disappointment, and tension. My father wanted a son, he’d hoped for several sons, and my mother wanted, well, anyone but me.

Our food arrives and just as we dig in, Ivy smiles up at me again. “I meant to ask, are you excited to go home during the break between training camp and filming? Any big plans?”

My insides deflate. I try not to let it show. “Um, actually, I was going to talk to you and Wyatt about that.”

I chew the inside of my cheek and glance at where Isaac and Wyatt are cutting into steaks while continuing their conversation about an older rancher they’re concerned about.

Ivy waits. I move the grilled chicken and vegetables around on my plate. My appetite has been weird lately. I’m either aggressively hungry or grossed out by food entirely. Probably nerves from filming and the secret forbidden workplace affair I didn’t mean to have.

“So, I’m thinking I’d like to stay in town during the break. Get a feel for the area and stay in character.”

She tilts her head, nodding gently. “Yeah, okay. Works for me if you’re sure.”

I nod. “I’m sure. I wasn’t sure if it was okay to remain in the cabin or if I needed to grab a hotel room or rent?—”

“Laurel Logan would lose her mind if you stayed somewhere else,” Ivy informs me. “The cabin is one hundred percent yours as long as you like.”

I exhale in relief just as Isaac’s hand lands casually on my inner thigh, causing me to suck in a breath. Glancing over, I see he’s still deep in conversation with Wyatt. But when I go to move his hand, he gives me a little squeeze.

Ivy doesn’t seem to notice and continues chatting while eating chicken alfredo that looks amazing. I should’ve ordered that instead.

“This might be the least subtle segue ever, but me, Willow, and Sutton have a girls’ night at the end of the month.”

“Sounds fun.”

“Yeah. Junk food, bad movies, and highly competitive games of Spoons and Uno. You should come.”

I laugh. “Highly competitive Uno?”

“I’m legally obligated to tell you Willow once flipped a table. So… prepare yourself.”

A warmth spreads through my chest, unexpected but welcome. The kind that makes my shoulders loosen and my pulse settle.

“Okay,” I say. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Ivy grins and raises her glass. “To arroz rojo, women supporting women, and violently competitive card games.”

“¡Salud!,” I say, clinking my wine glass against hers.

“What are we celebrating,” Isaac asks as he and Wyatt tune back in. I could swear I just heard them say something about putting a go-pro on Jasper, who I think is a donkey.

“Girls’ night,” Ivy answers. “Elena is going to hang out on the ranch during the two-week hiatus between camp and filming. So, she’s joining us for girls’ night this month.”

Wyatt smirks. “I hope she warned you about Willow.”

I grin back. “She did, in fact. I honestly want to know more about this Willow. Eli limps around like a wounded puppy after training with her in the mornings.”

Wyatt shakes his head. “That poor guy. Inflicting Willow on him was just mean.” He glances at Ivy. “The fact that he hasn’t run screaming is a miracle.”