Page 52 of Writing On The Wall

“Breathing?”

I shake my head, hoping to convey the feelings I’m still too chicken to verbalize. “You were putting yourself in harm’s way. And yeah, okay, at the restaurant I was annoyed about having to listen to you gush over another guy. But since the day I met you, seeing you in danger kind of freaks me out.”

Her head rears back ever so slightly, and she frowns while her eyes bounce between mine. Her feet haven’t moved, and we’re still close enough that I’m mesmerized by the different shades of green surrounding her pupils.

It’s like my brain and my body have taken her babbling confession a few minutes ago as a green light, and I’m involuntarilymoving full-steam ahead. Other than her sort of hating me—there’s nothing stopping me from pursuing her now. And I can work with that.

For years I’ve been worried that my fear of missing out would inevitably ruin any romantic relationship I might have. But until now, I’ve never experienced even a fraction of the fulfillment I get from caring about this woman, not in any of my craziest adventures. I’ve taken so many physical challenges and financial risks, but after experiencing the tiniest connection with Ivy, I’m finally willing to take an emotional risk. The alternative just seems soul crushing.

“But—” she begins, bringing me back from my epiphany.

“Ivy—”

“You’re always growling?—”

“Ivy—”

Her eyes finally trace back to mine. I’m still cupping her jaw while one hand slides to the back of her neck. Traces of confusion are etched on her face, but her gaze falls to my lips. Her palms return to my chest, and this time, her fingertips curl in to grip my shirt. When her lips part with a breath, I move closer, my mouth aching to taste hers.

Her eyes flutter closed before flinging open again, wide and startled when my phone rings and ruptures the building tension.

I cringe and bring the phone to my ear. Ivy steps away as I answer. She’s got her arms folded now, defenses freshly reinforced.

I’m learning this pursuit may be a ‘one step forward, two steps back’ kind of thing. Not that I’m deterred, only more determined.

“Ethan, hi!” I wince at the high-pitched voice coming through the phone. “I know we planned to meet at Capelli’s, but my car is acting up. Could you pick me up?”

“Sandra?” I furrow my brow in confusion.

“Of course, silly. So can you pick me up for our drink?”

Ivy’s got a fresh storm brewing in her eyes. There’s no doubt she can hear Sandra’s squawking. I’m flipping through files in my brain, searching for any memory of committing to a date with Sandra.

It’s not easy, since I’m distracted and trying to read every micro-expression flashing across Ivy’s face. I’m dying to know what she’s thinking and wondering whether she would have let me kiss her had we not been interrupted.

My eyes pinch closed as I realize I have a mess to clean up. I know I come across as an ass, but I can’t just ditch Sandra when I apparently committed to going out with her.

“Sandra…can you give me a minute? I’ll call you back.”

I hang up, not overly concerned about being polite when I need to explain to Ivy that it’s not what it looks like. Has any man ever made a comeback after that statement?

“Ivy—”

Our heads swing to the door as we hear the click on the other side. Colton’s face is apprehensive as he pushes it open.

“Why do you look so scared?” I ask him.

“Wasn’t sure what I’d find in here.” He shrugs.

Ivy bolts past me, rushing out the door. “Thanks Colton, um, I’ve gotta go.” She pauses to swap her Crocs for wedges and my gut twists when she avoids looking even remotely in my direction.

My jaw slackens, and my eyes flicker to Colton. He’s standing with his lips pursed and his hands in his pockets. There’s a look of brotherly empathy in his eyes, but it’s like a punch to the gut, because I’ve only seen that look on him when I’ve really screwed up.

By the time I bring my gaze back to Ivy, she’s throwing another “thank you” over her shoulder, and then she’s gone.

I hear her as the car drives away, and my head falls back with a groan.

“I know, okay. I’ll fix it.”

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