Page 92 of Three Grumpy Groomsmen

Ivy glances over and catches me staring at her. The corner of her mouth lifts up. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she says lightly. “But I meant the water.” She breathes deeply. “God, there’s nothing like that ocean breeze. I could never live away from the ocean.”

Good thing we have an ocean.

I don’t say it though, because I don’t know where Ivy’s head is and I don’t want to pressure her or come on too strong.

I’m trying to live in the moment and as far as moments go, this is an incredible one. Liam and Harrison are back at the house and I’m savoring the opportunity to have Ivy to myself.

I don’t mind when the guys are around—hell, I enjoy it—and all of us together in the bedroom is actually really damn hot, but Ivy is the draw for me. Her pleasure, her happiness, gives me pleasure. I want to enjoy having a few minutes with her by myself without the constant banter with the other two guys.

“What’s your favorite thing about California?” I ask, because I want to get to know Ivy better, hear her story, but also there’s nothing wrong with trying to replicateherewhat she loves aboutthere.

“Oh, wow, that’s a broad question.” She bends down and slips her shoes off to carry them in one hand. “I don’t know—California is special. I’ve never lived anywhere else, so it’s home, but it’s also a vibe. Sure, there’s traffic and it’s expensive, but it’s sunny and beautiful and I love that so much of life can happen both inside and outdoors. Whether it’s dining alfresco or taking a hike in the hills, you’re experiencing being outside. There’s also a hope and optimism that people have. Dreams can come true. I love that.”

Ivy shrugs. “I don’t know if any of that makes sense. I’m not sure anyone has ever asked me that before.”

“It does. Loving where you live is important.”

Ivy stretches her free hand out and slips her fingers through mine. “What do you love about Honeysuckle Harbor? Could you imagine living anywhere else?”

My chest tightens a little but I need to be honest with her. “No,” I admit. “Not really. I love that my family and friends are here. Community is important. Continuing traditions, helping out your neighbors. That matters to me.”

Even now, seeing various other people on the beach, families and couples, and one man throwing a stick to his dog, I probably know half of them. From childhood, or high school, or through my family, or because they dine at Raw. I’m invested here.

But I’m also invested in Ivy, even if most people would find it too soon to even contemplate a future together. I’ve been crazy about her since the minute I laid eyes on her and I want this to work, in whatever form it takes.

“That’s because you’re a good man.” She squeezes my hand tighter. “Do you know what I love about Honeysuckle Harbor?”

“Tell me.”

She dips her toe into the water and grins. “The water is warmer.”

I laugh, even though I’m a little disappointed by her answer. “It is.”

But then she leans in, bumping her shoulder against mine. “Andyou’rehere. I like seeing you in your world.”

“I like seeing you in my world,” I tell her.

“I like being here.”

She drops a light kiss on my shoulder, which makes my heart just about jump out of my chest. God, this woman. I want so much to have her with me like this every single day.

Ivy stops walking and stares up at me. “Ford, I want you to know that I’ve loved this week with you.”

That sounds like a breakup line. I clear my throat a little, trying not to tense up. “I’ve loved it too.”

“I can’t just go back to California and not see you again,” she says in a rush, biting her lip. “I need…I want…” She sighs and glances down at the sand. “I don’t know right now how any of this will work. I just want you. Is that selfish?”

I’m so relieved that I cup her cheeks and kiss her softly on the lips. “I want you too. I want you to be happy. I’m here for whatever this is going to be. Let’s just have fun and get to know each other even better. I want to know everything about you.”

Ivy wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me, her lips trembling and I draw her closer, wanting to inhale her scent, her essence, her pureIvy-ness.

She breaks off the soft kiss and smiles up at me. “You know what’s fun?”

“Me getting you naked?”

She laughs. “Well, yes. But guess again.”

“Road trips?” I joke.

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