Page 10 of Battle of the Exes

My entire body bristles as Beau leans in, whispering in my ear. “Nowthatis how to make an entrance.”

Chapter Eight

Beau

The audience is in stitches as Ivy extracts herself from my grasp, mumbling something I choose to interpret as a thank you for saving her gorgeous face from hitting the wood floor. Her cheeks are a shade of red I’ve only seen on overripe tomatoes.

The nervous anticipation of seeing my ex-wife after all this time evaporated the moment she went sailing across Jasper’s desk, offering a public view of her pink lacy underthings. Not that I was looking all that closely.

As the bedlam subsides, Rue hurries over, carefully rearranging the books. She gives Ivy a sympathetic look. “You okay?” she mouths.

Ivy groans, brushing herself off, readjusting her glasses. Her auburn hair is sticking out like static electricity took residence on her head. Jasper appears shell-shocked. We need to get this show on the road before he blows.

Rue gestures for him to begin and like the chameleon he is, Jasper realigns his features into a light-hearted grin. “I was going to introduce the topic of dramatic timing, but we’ve already had a perfect demonstration.”

The crowd laughs, then quiets.

I see Ivy regrouping in the corner of the room, running her fingers through her hair styled longer than it used to be. I allow myself a few moments to observe the woman I once promised to have and to hold. She wears glasses now and there are fine lines around her mouth and along her forehead. But she’s aged extremely well. I bet she’s suppressing the urge to sneak out the back. But from what I know of my ex, she flew out here to help her family and she’ll sooner swallow the shame than leave, especially if she thinks I’m watching. Which of course, I am.

I’m half-listening to Jasper’s spiel when Ivy walks over, sidling up to me. “What in heaven’s name are you doing here?” she hisses.

I forgo my usual witty comeback and go with, “Nice to see you too, darling.”

I guess I was louder than expected because Jasper flicks a stern gaze our way sending Ivy retreating back to her corner.

By the look on her face, she’ll be back in the ring with me very soon.

Chapter Nine

Ivy

My brain is short-circuiting.

Jasper Kensington, the world-famous author, just witnessed my public humiliation. Along with half of Silver Pine.

Oh, and my ex is back.

This is the worst day of my life. Okay, the second worst. It is no coincidence that Beau has been present for both.

I clench my teeth, wanting nothing more than to wipe the smirk right off Beau Carter’s chiseled face. A face now showing little crinkles at the corners of his eyes and streaks of silver at his temples.

Rue is gesturing for me to come over to the checkout desk. Noting her guilty demeanor, I realize she knew he’dbe here. I’ve just arrived and already have a bone to pick with a growing list of people.

I make my way over, Darcy at my side as if to apologize. I pat her furry head, trying hard to quash my agitation and pull a treat from the bowl next to the credit card reader “Fine, you’re forgiven.”

Darcy gobbles her biscuit and goes off to find another human in need of consolation.

There’s a line of people waiting to pay for Jasper’s book. My confrontation with Rue will need to wait just a little longer.

Chapter Ten

Beau

“Who’s that? She’s a looker.”

Jasper’s voice is low, bordering on a growl, his gaze flicking to the checkout desk, landing on Ivy. He hands a signed book to the middle-aged woman looking at him with unabashed ardor. “Can you make it out to Sheryl with an S?”

He scribbles something indecipherable. He smiles brightly. “AreyouSheryl?”

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