Page 63 of Resisting Isaac

Isaac smirks. “I think he’s got some big feelings for her.”

Wyatt frowns. “Really? Surely by now he’s realized that she’s…” he inhales deeply, and everyone falls silent.

I wait for him to finish his sentence, curious about whatWillow could be that would make her immune to the irrefutable charm of Eli James.

But the broody rancher says nothing.

I can’t take the suspense. “What? What is she?”

There are very few heterosexual women with a pulse on this planet who wouldn’t want to go out with Eli. I probably would’ve been more interested myself if I hadn’t gotten derailed, and well,actually railed, by the cocky cowboy sitting next to me.The one currently teasing the edge of my panties with his pinky finger.

Ivy nibbles her lower lip. “Willow had a bad past relationship. Like, worse than mine. She doesn’t really date or go out much.”

Isaac stiffens beside me. “Asshole she dated in high school did a real number on her and he did it publicly,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Eli James is definitely not her speed,” Wyatt offers. “No offense,” he says to me, before adding, “but dating someone in the public eye would be her worst nightmare.”

“I get it,” I admit. “Dating became a lot harder once I got actual roles and I’m nowhere near the realm of fame that Eli is. His following is insane. I wouldn’t want those women coming after me online.”

Though I suspect they might when this show airs.

Ironically, it’s that moment that Eli James and Willow come into view as they step through the door of the bar.

Isaac makes a chuffing sound. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

As if we conjured them with our words, they grab a private corner table and hunker down with menus.

Ivy waves and they wave back but neither of them makes a move to head our way.

There’s a definite familiarity between them and I can’thelp but wonder, not for the first time, if people can see the same dynamic between Isaac and me.

The four of us exchange glances, then Isaac laughs. “He told me this morning that he’s staying in town during the break as well—for additional training with Willow. I told him I suspected he was a glutton for punishment. Turns out I was right.”

“First time for everything,” Wyatt deadpans.

Ivy watches Willow and Eli for a moment then I feel her gaze on Isaac and me as we eat. Or maybe I’m paranoid.

“Wonders never cease, I suppose,” she says quietly.

Isaac gives my thigh another squeeze under the table.

Boy, isn’t that the truth.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

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Cowboy training camp ends with little fanfare. Though Ivy does make each of the participants cute little certificates of completion.

I should be relieved. There’s a large payout coming, and I’ve been able to get back to my actual responsibilities on the ranch.

But not having an excuse to see Elena as often is killing me.

I work all day, and she works half the night. Since she and Eli are staying in town during the break before filming, the production crew decided to keep blocking scenes and shooting promotional footage.

It’s been days since I was inside her in the tack room and I’m jonesing like an addict needing a fix.

I’m not supposed to be here.