Page 20 of Playing for Keeps
“Itisa big deal,” she cuts in.
I shake my head. “He already feels bad that I got dragged into helping him. I don’t want him feeling worse for hijacking my birthday too.”
“He should still know.”
“Ash. No.”
She doesn’t say anything, and I know I’m fighting a losing battle. She’ll tell him; I know she will.
Ben stands before leaning down and brushing a kiss on Ash’s lips. “I’m just going to check on dinner. Be right back.”
Ash smiles at him and nods.
“So, back to Ricky,” Laney says eagerly. “Has he called yet? Are you going to go out with him?”
“He hasn’t called,” I say slowly. “But that’s probably because I gave him a fake number.”
“What?” she shrieks. “Why would you do that?”
“Ha!” Ash bursts out. “Youdolike Wyatt!”
I groan. “No. I didn’t give him my actual number because I figured he was only asking to get a rise out of Wyatt.”
“And was he?” Ash presses.
I let out a sigh. “Wyatt said he wasn’t, but I’m not totally convinced.”
“I’m sure Wyatt would pass your number along if you wanted him to,” Laney suggests with a grin.
“He isn’t my type,” I say, taking a sip of my soda. Then I turn to Ash, eager to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Did you know Wyatt’s thinking about selling his apartment?”
“What? Seriously?” she asks, looking surprised. “I love that place.”
“It’s gorgeous. The views are unreal, and that tub in the guest room… I spent an hour in there on Sunday morning,” I admit.
Ash laughs. “Yeah, it’s pretty incredible.”
“He’s thinking about buying a place in Hope Creek and renting something smaller in Phoenix.”
“Did he ask you to be his realtor?” she asks, her eyes lighting up.
I laugh and shake my head. “No. Why would he? He’ll need someone local in Phoenix to sell his apartment. I’m small fry. He’s not going to hire me.”
She frowns. “Ivy, you’re amazing at what you do. You’re only twenty-five and already building your own business. You could totally handle this.”
I wave off the compliment. “He should go with a firm that specializes in high-end listings. I’ve never handled anything close to what his place is worth.”
“That doesn’t mean you couldn’t. You should at least ask him.”
“Absolutely not. That would be totally unprofessional.”
She sees the look on my face and throws her hands up. “Okay, okay. I’m just saying, you’d crush it.”
My expression softens. “And I love how much faith you have in me, Ash. I really do. But I’m not going to throw myself at Wyatt for a listing.”
Ben appears in the doorway. “Dinner’s ready, guys.”
We all get up, and I trail behind Ash and Laney into the dining room.
