Page 85 of Unravel Me

He laughs as he walks up to me and threads his hand through my hair, tilting my head back.

“I loved seeing you work today. You seemed so happy. That’s all I want for you.”

“It was amazing. The atmosphere there is incredible, the energy, the staff. Sawyer, I really, really loved it.”

“I’m glad, baby. Now, c’mon, your bath awaits.”

He drags me to the bathroom and slowly undresses me from my clothes that reek of olive oil, garlic, and seafood, before picking me up and setting me into the huge clawfoot tub. He sits on the floor next to me, his arm draped over the edge, fingers running through my hair. I settle down into the water and let myself relax, something I hope to get used to being able to do again.

Chapter 35

BROOKS

Ireturned to Seattle after watching Ivy leave with Sawyer the night of the beach party. Sawyer Hayes. Eldest son of Craig and Amy Hayes, the family that owns and operates Aspen Ridge Distillery. Also, Ivy’s ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, they have a family member in every single department of their business, so infiltrating it with my family name wasn’t a smart move in case Ivy got wind of it. Fucking with their business is out, so I went with plan B. This plan happened to fall right in my lap. Ivy didn’t run back home to live. No. She ran back home to sell her parents’ house. Luckily for me, my family has multiple LLCs to use topurchase the house without Ivy ever knowing it was me. Until I’m ready for her to know, anyway.

My lawyer put in the offer this morning. We made it one she can’t say no to.

I couldn’t have planned this better myself.

Not much longer now, Ivy.

Chapter 36

SAWYER

Ivy’s birthday is coming up quickly and I know exactly what I want to do to celebrate her. Last night I watched her enter her passcode to unlock her phone, and I know that’s a huge invasion of privacy, but she’ll forgive me. I wait for her to get in the shower, and I power on her phone, enter the passcode, and open up Zoe’s contact info before plugging it into my phone. I click out of it quickly and turn her phone back off, putting it exactly where she left it. No harm, no foul. Didn’t even feel the urge to snoop.

I open my texts to send Zoe a message, hoping that I’m giving her plenty of notice to plan.

Me: Hey Zoe, this is Sawyer. Ivy doesn’t know that I’m reaching out to you but I was hoping we could connect to get you over here for her birthday. I’m planning a little surprise party for her for Saturday and I really want you to be here. Not much would make her happier. Let me know.

A reply comes in immediately.

Zoe: I wouldn’t miss it. Send me the details and I’ll be there.

Thank fuck.

Me: Saturday starting at 8. Ivy will be home by 9. But show up whenever you can and we’ll make it work. You can stay here with Ivy and I’ll crash at a friend’s so you two can have time together. Thanks Zoe.

Next, I pull up my sibling group chat to finish the plans.

Me: Having a surprise party for Ivy at my place this Saturday at 8. Don’t miss it fuckers.

Liam: You sure that’s a good idea? She seems a little skittish still.

Carter: Yep. Like a baby fawn.

Dallas: Will you two shut the fuck up? We’ll be there shithead. Need anything?

Me: She’ll be fine. She wants to be here and she wants family. She just needs to continue to feel accepted and she’ll feel more solid.

Kinsey: I think it’s a great idea. She’ll love it.

Me: Liam can you get with Hannah and see if she can make a few dozen apple cinnamon muffins?

Liam: Yeah but who the hell wants muffins on their birthday?

Me: Ivy does. They’re her favorite. Can you get them for me?

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