Page 76 of Wasted On You

“Well,” she said softly, walking past the man, “he told me that he has a brother.” She grabbed a mug from the cupboard and filled it before turning to face the couple. “But other than that, I honestly don’t know much about you guys.” She took a sip. “You do something in finance, don’t you? A bank or something?”

“Not quite.” Duke’s smile didn’t quite meet his eyes. “Wall Street. It’s in New York.”

No shit.

“Is that where it is?” she replied before turning to Keely. “I hear you’re newlyweds.”

“They are,” Kip said, sliding his arm around Ivy’s shoulders. “Still on their honeymoon, from what I understand.”

Duke’s expression faltered for just a second, and Ivy wondered if Kip noticed.

“So, where have you been?” Keely asked. “You’re too pretty to be allowed to stay out all night, and from what I remember, Kip is a tad possessive.”

Duke’s face darkened, and Kip set his gaze on something interesting across the room.

“I’m not Kip’s pet,” Ivy replied. “There’s no leash around my neck.”

“No,” Keely replied. “Just a red scarf.”

Ivy faltered and fought the urge to yank up the scarf. She counted to five and forced herself to relax. There was no way the woman could see all sex evidence on her neck. She’d have to have X-ray vision.

“I had a girl’s night with some friends, and we drank more than we should have. I spent the night at Millie’s.”

“I thought this was Millie’s place.” Keely frowned.

“It is. It’s her old place. She’s letting me stay here while I’m in Montana.”

“You don’t own your own home?”

“No.”

“That’s so, I don’t know.” She raised an imperious eyebrow. “Vagabond.”

Was this woman serious? Vagabond?

“I travel a lot, so it makes sense.” Where was Kip? She needed help.

“It’s too early for an interrogation, Keels.” Kip gave his former flame a warning look. “Who wants eggs?”

“God, not me,” Keely replied, making a face. She moved toward her husband. “I think we’re going to find a hotel in Big Bend. It’s cramped here, and the bed is too small.” She ran her hands down her lower back. “The mattress isn’t close to what I’m used to.” She paused. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Ivy refilled her cup, relieved they weren’t staying. “There’s a Bed & Breakfast in Big Bend, but this close to Christmas, I’m pretty sure they’re full up.” Total bull, but they didn’t have to know it. “Your best bet is probably Bozeman.”

Crap, she should have suggested Billings. It was farther away.

“Bozeman is good,” Duke said. “You’ll look after our grandfather?”

Kip nodded. “Yeah. He’s fine with us.”

The men shook hands awkwardly, and Ivy said nothing as Keely and Duke gathered their overnight bags. They got into their winter gear and were almost out the door when Keely paused.

“You’ll text us the address for the Christmas open house tomorrow afternoon?”

“Will do.”

“And let Mom and Dad know we’ve headed to the city.” Duke closed the door behind them and Ivy let out a long breath.

“That was fun,” Ivy said, sliding onto the sofa. She scrunched her nose. “What open house?”

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