Page 20 of Writing On The Wall

“Your boyfriend usually helps you with this stuff?” I’m not exactly sure what ‘this stuff’is, but hell if I’m not desperate to find out.

“Uh…”

“Mr. Jenkins,” I clarify dryly. “He’s your boyfriend, right?”

I don’t know why I think I need the verification, but saying the words makes my stomach roil.

Weird.

“Oh. Yes, yeah. He’s my boyfriend. Yup,” she says, emphasizing the pop at the end of the word.

Well, there it is.

She’s officially off limits. Not that I care.

She watches in silence while I finish copying the grids. When I’m done, I turn to hand her the page. “Hope I got it all down right.”

“I’m sure it’s fine. Thanks.”

I hate seeing the feeling of powerlessness etched on her face. This woman is a wild force of nature whose fire should never be dimmed. But because I’m an ass, I don’t offer to build any bridges. No. Instead, I carry on with my new favorite thrill. I poke the bear.

My eyes flicker to her heels, then back toher eyes. Because I need to see them light up with passion again. If getting mad at me ignites that spark, then poke, I will.

“Still wearing those death traps?”

Her eyes widen as the storm rolls in.

“You’re a butthead, Ethan King.”

There it is.

One side of my mouth turns up in a satisfied smirk, and we’re back to our usual state of mutual disdain. “Guess you’re having dinner with a butthead. See you tonight, Marsh.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ETHAN

The sky is a deep purple, the stars beginning their show as I pull up outside the restaurant to meet Ember, Colton and Ivy. I blow out my cheeks, unsure of what I’m walking into.

Ticking Ivy off again wasn’t the best idea. I know I should be playing nice for Ember and Colton’s sake, but it’s already getting exhausting, especially since it’s proving impossible to avoid her altogether. Ivy and I are like oil and water, which makes it even more amusing when I shake things up just to get a reaction out of her. But I’ll admit, it would make nights like tonight more bearable if we could tolerate each other’s company for more than two minutes.

I walk into the restaurant and immediately find Ivy and Ember with their heads huddled over a magazine while Colton sits across the table, watching them with a soft smile. There’s a faint tightening in my chest at seeing Ivy so at ease beside her friend. I slow my steps, trying to stretch the few seconds before I reach the table. It’s a strange phenomenon, getting to observe her without her scowl directed at me. For some crazy reason, I wonder what it’s like to be the person she’s smiling at for once.

“Fratello.” I clap Colton on the shoulder, unable to prolong the moment any longer.

“Eth. Beer?” Colton asks, already flagging down a waitress.

“Yeah, sounds good. Hey, ladies.” I nod, watching as their shared giggles fade, only to be replaced by Ivy’s stiff smile. The stormy expression she wears contradicts the bright yellow ribbon glistening in her hair. I slide into the empty seat across from her, tapping the toe of her shoe with mine and earning a sharp glare.

“Boyfriend not joining us, Ivy?”

“Boyfriend?” Ember tilts her head, frowning at her friend.

“Oh…um…It’s new. And no.” She flashes those angry eyes in my direction. “Tonight is about Colton and Ember.”

“Okay, but hold up!” Ember raises a palm with a slow blink. “When the heck did you get a boyfriend? Andwhois he?”

“Recently?” Ivy answers like it’s a question. “And…it’s Toby.”

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