Page 65 of Tempest

“It’s not just possible. It’s almost guaranteed. We are both hard workers, and if we put half the effort into us that we put into our careers, we’re going to be freaking amazing.”

The only thing she could do was kiss him, because her emotions were too close to the surface. The thing he was describing was what she wanted most in the world. Someone to love and someone to count on. The fact that it might actually be possible scared the crap out of her and made her want to run screaming from the room. Maybe that’s what happened when you were presented with the very thing you dreamed about.

***

Ivy stood in the kitchen of her father’s McMansion and dug through the cabinets. It was well-stocked, and all the appliances and pans looked new. Maybe he never spent much time here. It was strange being in his home and thinking about what kind of life he had. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been inside of one his houses with him. It must’ve been the house in Fort Worth, and that was close to ten years ago. They always seemed to see one another in restaurants. Neutral ground. Shaking off the gloomy thoughts that started to invade her mind, she dug out the griddle. Pancakes would be perfect for the large crowd. They had seven people staying here, and Ken was expected at some point this morning to discuss securing the wells.

Grace walked in with a smile and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Morning, girl.”

“Have I thanked you enough for agreeing to come down here and help me out with this mess?” Ivy asked as she pulled out a bowl.

“A thousand times,” Grace replied as she sipped her coffee. “I’m happy to run human resources for you until you decide what to do. Ever since I got laid off from the school district, it’s been hard to find anything. The fact that you’re paying me an obscene amount of money is a blessing.”

“I’m paying you slightly above the national average for a person in a similar position.” She glanced over and noticed that Grace wasn’t paying attention and staring out the window. Turning around, she saw Mac working with his dog. The dreamy smile on her friend’s face told her what was occupying her mind. A studly SEAL had her drooling. “See anything you like?”

Grace’s face flushed. She slid her eyes away and drank her coffee. “I think he’s so handsome, and he’s one of the nicest men I’ve met in ages. We sat up and talked last night for a long time.” Straightening her top, she frowned. “He’d never be interested in me. I should just get over it and not embarrass myself.”

“Hogwash!” Ivy said loudly. She looked over at Mac again and couldn’t see exactly what Grace was talking about. But she figured that’s how attraction worked. The things she knew for sure were that Mac was a good man, he seemed kind and, if she wasn’t mistaken, he was a little taken with her friend. Maybe she could play Cupid and help the two of them along. “I saw the way he looked at you last night. He practically knocked Rick over so he could sit with you at dinner.”

Flapping her hands, Grace dismissed the idea. “No way.”

“Yes way.” Sliding her hands on her hips, Ivy grinned. “Go on out there and ask him if he likes pancakes.”

Fluffing her russet curls, Grace slid off the chair. “All right. But you’ll see that he isn’t the slightest bit interested. He could have any woman he wants.”

“I’m looking at the one he was making googly eyes at when he thought she wasn’t looking.” Laughing, Ivy shoved a coffee cup at Grace. “Take him a cup of coffee while you’re at it.”

“Fine. I’m only proving you wrong.”

Ivy watched her friend pour coffee into the mug and straighten her shorts before walking out onto the patio. When she crossed the threshold, Mac’s face lit up like he was a damn Christmas tree. “Operation Love Boat can commence immediately,” Ivy said to herself.

Ryan walked in, slid his hands around her waist, and startled her. “You scared me,” she said.

He leaned his head on top of hers and looked out at the patio. “Who were you talking to?”

“Myself. I’m going to play Cupid between Grace and Mac. She has a little crush on him, so I’m going to help them along.”

Ryan laughed and hugged her closer. “Yesterday in the helo, Mac said that he couldn’t ever imagine making an idiot out of himself over a woman. This could be his chance. Rick predicted it, and it seems he was right.”

“Any time you make a big prediction, God answers with one of his own,” Ivy said, as she studied the couple. “Grace thinks he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.”

“That’s what you want from the woman in your life,” Ryan responded.

“It’s not the thing I like best about you. Sure, you’re super handsome, but I like your mind and heart more.”

He lifted her up, set her on the counter, and held her face in his hands. “Tell me more.”

Kissing him, she laughed. “I like what you do behind closed doors too.” She felt her face heat and tried to look away.

He tipped his head against hers. “Honey, we’ve only gotten started. Give us some time to get our rhythm down and we’re going to light the house on fire.”

“We have enough fire in our lives. Let’s not add more.”

Rick strolled in and let out a loud whistle. “Cordell, are you accosting the chef?”

“As often as I can,” he responded and smacked his lips against Ivy’s. After he was done, he lifted her off the counter and pulled down her shirt. “Give us a little time and we’ll have some pancakes ready.”

“Coffee is ready,” Ivy said and tried to pretend that she wasn’t embarrassed. “How did you sleep, Rick?”

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