Page 27 of Griffin

“You’re coming to her dance lesson on Saturday?” I ask, loading the dishwasher. “It’s at one in the afternoon. Do you think you’ll be awake?”

Ivy laughs.

“Of course, I can handle it.”

I stiffen, my eyes meeting hers before my following words slip out.

“I bet you can.”

Ivy stares at me, and I shake my head, forcing a smile.

“Where are you going, anyway?”

Ivy blinks, turning back to her plate before shrugging.

“Probably Bill’s.”

Bill’s is the biggest bar in town, but that’s not saying much. If you want a good night, you’d better go to one of the bigger towns. Still, I’m sure Ivy knows what she’s doing. I hum in acknowledgment, then turn to see Ivy look away from me quickly.

I glance down, realizing I need to shower. I probably smell disgusting.

“I’ll go and shower; you can get off whenever you want.”

Ivy shrugs, glancing back at Melody.

“I’ll finish the movie and see who Melody wants to put her to bed.” Ivy winks at me, and I roll my eyes.

“We both know it’s going to be you.”

“Then stop trying to get rid of me, Griffin.” Ivy smirks, heading to the sofa to cuddle up with Melody.

I may be imagining things, but I’m sure Ivy just flirted with me.

10

IVY

“So I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll meet you at the dance studio?” I check, glancing up at Griffin.

“Don’t you want us to pick you up? I’m not sure if you’ll be able to drive in that hungover state.” A smile plays on Griffin’s lips, but I shake my head.

“I’m a good girl. I drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep. So I’ll be there.”

Griffin’s eyes hold mine as he drags his eyes over me.

“A good girl, huh?”

“Excuse me?” I laugh, rising to my feet.

“Yeah, like all girls are good when they’re out partying.” Griffin lifts Melody into his arms. “I think all good girls are bad, sometimes.”

His words make the spot between my thighs ache. I could be bad with Griffin if he weren’t my father’s best friend and he wasremotelyinterested in me.

God, what am I thinking?

“I’m not,” Melody says with a frown, her little face scrunching up. “I’m goodallof the time.”

I can’t help but laugh.

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