Page 18 of Playing for Keeps
“Me too, Ivy.” I stare at her a beat too long before moving back. “I’ll call you next week about dinner.” She nods. “Drive safe.”
She smiles. “You too.”
I watch as she gets into her car, lifting a hand in a wave as she drives off. I’d been dreading last night and the upcoming charity dinner, but after spending the evening with Ivy, I’m actually looking forward to it. More than I’ve looked forward to anything in a long time, and I’m not sure what to make of that.
CHAPTER SIX
Ivy
It’s Monday night, and Ashlyn’s invited me to dinner at Ben’s. We spoke briefly after I got back from Wyatt’s yesterday, and of course, she had a million questions. I kept my answers vague. I know exactly what she’s up to, and I’m not playing along. The more I tell her about Saturday night, the more she’ll overanalyze and start plotting some matchmaking scheme. But that’s not happening. Wyatt and I are friends, and no matter how much Ash tries to meddle, that’s all we’ll ever be. I’m not even sure I’d want anything more. Yes, he’s undeniably attractive, but I need more than just good looks. I need a real connection.
I pull into Ben’s driveway, cut the engine, and climb out of the car. I’ve been here a few times before, mostly right after Ash got out of the hospital and stayed with him for a while. Ben’s place is impressive, with a large driveway and sweeping frontlawn. Just as I’m about to head toward the house, the front door swings open, and Ashlyn steps out.
“Hey, you made it! Come in,” she says, hurrying down the porch steps and reaching for my hand.
“Hey, Ash.” I pull her into a hug. “You okay?”
“I’m good. You?”
I nod as she pulls me inside and shuts the door behind us.
“Ben and Laney are in the living room,” she says, leading me through the entryway.
“Ivy!” Laney jumps up from the sofa and hurries over, her eyes wide with excitement. “Ash told me all about your date with Wyatt. I need every detail.”
I shoot Ash a glare, but she just grins and settles onto the sofa beside Ben like she’s completely innocent.
“Hi, Laney. It wasn’t a date.”
Laney’s brows knit. “But Ash said he took you out after the auction.”
I sigh. “He did. But that doesn’t make it a date.”
She smirks. “Sounds like one to me. So, where’d he take you?”
“Maybe let Ivy sit down before the interrogation starts,” Ben says as he gets up and walks over to me. “Hey, Ivy,” he adds, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“Hi, Ben.” I give him a grateful smile.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Yes, please.”
“Wine?” he offers.
“Do you have any soda? I drank enough on Saturday night to last me the rest of the month.”
He chuckles. “Coming right up.”
I catch the giddy exchange of looks between Laney and Ash and groan under my breath as I sit down.
“Ash, Laney, anything to drink?” Ben asks as he heads toward the kitchen.
“I’m good, babe,” Ash calls.
“Me too, Dad,” Laney adds.
The second he’s out of earshot, Laney turns back to me. “So, where’d he take you?”
