Page 28 of Playing for Keeps
To distract myself, I ask about the charity, realizing I should probably know more in case someone asks. He explains it supports getting disadvantaged kids into sports, and knowing he’s involved with a children’s charity makes the whole thing feel worth it, nerves and all.
“You ready to head out?” Wyatt asks once we’ve both finished our drinks and the champagne bottle’s empty.
“Yeah,” I say, standing with him. “Are you calling an Uber?”
“I’ll walk you home first and grab one from there,” he replies, resting his hand lightly on the small of my back as we weave through Eden.
“You don’t have to do that, Wy,” I say, glancing over at him. “You could just get your car from here.”
He shakes his head. “No way I’m letting you walk home alone. It’s late.”
“I’ll be fine,” I assure him.
“I know you will. But I’d feel better seeing you home.”
I smile. “Okay. Thanks.”
The air’s still warm when we step outside, and I’m silently grateful as I didn’t bring a jacket.
“Are you coming to Eden on Saturday? I ask him. “I think Ash is trying to get everyone together.”
“Sure. Count me in,” he says with a smile.
We fall into an easy conversation during the short walk to my place, and when we arrive, I invite Wyatt in while he waits for his car. I love my house. It’s small, but it suits me perfectly. It’s been a true labor of love since I bought it a year and a half ago. It was pretty rundown at first. I couldn’t afford anything move-in ready, but I’ve worked hard to fix it up. It might not be a Phoenix penthouse, but it’s everything I need.
“This place is awesome, Ivy,” Wyatt says, taking it all in. “I really like the open-plan layout.”
“Thanks,” I reply, smiling. “It was a total wreck when I bought it, nothing like this. I tore all the walls down. I always dreamed of having an open space, so my dad and I just grabbed a sledgehammer and went for it.”
He chuckles. “That actually sounds like a blast.”
I flash him a grin. “It was. If you ever need walls knocked down in your new place, I’m your girl,” I tease with a wink. “Just say the word.”
He smiles, his voice softer now. “I might just take you up on that,” he says, his eyes locked on mine.
The air between us changes, charged with something I can’t explain. For a moment, I swear I see heat in Wyatt’s eyes, his gaze locked on mine, but that can’t be right. Maybe the champagne’s just gone to my head.
His phone rings, cutting through the tension and snapping us both back to reality.
“That’ll be the Uber,” he says, finally looking away.
He steps closer and presses a light kiss to my cheek. “I had a great time tonight, Ivy.”
“Me too,” I say. Even if we mostly talked about real estate, it was fun.
“I’ll see you on Saturday then?”
I nod. “Saturday.”
“Night, Ivy.”
“Night, Wyatt.”
I follow him to the door, watching as he jogs down the porch steps and waves before climbing into the car. Once the door shuts behind me, I lean against it, my heart racing.
What just happened?
I shake my head, brushing it off. It was probably nothing, just too much champagne and a little harmless chemistry. That has to be it. This opportunity is too big to screw up. I need to stay focused on the job and nothing else.
