Page 50 of Playing for Keeps
Cleo’s voice cuts back in, clipped and cold. “So, what are you saying?”
“I’m saying he’s not available for any dating shows. He’s taken. And I don’t share.”
Wyatt’s smile grows, but there’s something unreadable in his expression, and I wish I knew exactly what he was thinking.
Cleo laughs, but there’s no humor. “I think you’ll find he belongs to the Arizona Cardinals, sweetheart. And this is his career you’re screwing with.”
My heart pounds, but I keep my voice steady. “No, Cleo. Hiscareeris football. Not some cheesy TV stunt. If you think he’d ever go along with that, then you don’t know him at all.”
There’s a pause. “I’m not paid to know him. I’m paid to do what’s best for his career. Tell Wyatt I’ll call tomorrow, hopefully when his cheerleader isn’t in the room.” She hangs up.
I drop the phone on the sofa, my hands trembling.
“Hey,” Wyatt says, stepping closer. “You okay?” He takes my hand in his, concern in his voice. “Ivy?”
“I can’t believe I just did that. She said I’m screwing with your career. Am I?”
He sits beside me, still holding my hand. “No, Ivy. You were amazing. Not many people stand up to Cleo like that.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know if ‘amazing’ is the word I’d use. Thank God I don’t have to face her in person.”
Wyatt winces. “Uh… about that. She’ll be at the dinner tomorrow.”
“Of course she will.” I groan and drop my head into my hand. Wyatt laughs beside me.
“Don’t worry. She won’t start anything with the press around. She’ll be all smiles.”
I look up at him. “You’re not angry?”
“Angry?” He grins. “You just saved me from weeks of dodging her calls.”
I exhale a laugh. “So I guess we’ll need to act like a couple tomorrow, huh?”
His gaze flicks to my mouth. “Yeah. I guess so. Think we can pull it off?”
My eyes meet his. “We’ve been friends forever. I think we can pretend to be more, for one night.”
I don’t doubt we can pull off pretending for one night. But even though this whole thing was my idea, I can’t shake the feeling that I might have just started something I’m not ready todeal with. I never planned on faking a relationship in front of the press. I figured it would just be Cleo, not an entire room full of people with cameras and opinions. Maybe I didn’t think this all the way through. But it’s too late now. The story’s out there, and there’s no taking it back. Ash is going to lose her mind when she finds out.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Wyatt
Iwake the next morning after a restless night, the weight of Ivy’s suggestion still sitting heavily on my chest. Pretending to date her might keep Cleo off my back, but it feels like I’ve wandered into dangerous territory. I want to touch Ivy for real, and I know the second I do, there’ll be no going back. When this whole act ends, how the hell am I supposed to just walk away?
Then I remember it’s Ivy’s birthday. Not that I could ever forget.
I slip out of bed and head to the bathroom, already deciding I want to make her breakfast. She made mine last week, so it’s only fair I return the favor. Once I’m done, I pad quietly into the kitchen, careful not to wake her. Pancakes feel like a safe bet; I know she likes them.
I make a stack for both of us, then grab the small pack of birthday candles I picked up earlier in the week. After drizzlinggolden syrup over the top, I press a single candle into the pancakes and light it.
I cross the apartment and hesitate before giving her door a light knock. I probably shouldn’t be barging into her room, but I want to wake her up with pancakes. When there’s no answer, I pause, then push it open. My stomach does an involuntary flip at the sight of her still fast asleep, the comforter half-draped over her. Her tank has ridden up slightly, revealing a glimpse of her flat, toned stomach, and despite knowing I shouldn’t, I can’t tear my gaze away.
I sit carefully on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to look at her. Her dark hair is spread across the pillow, and she looks stunning, her long lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks. She looks so content, I almost feel guilty waking her. But the candle won’t last much longer, and I want her to make that wish.
Reaching out, I rest my hand lightly on her shoulder, her skin warm beneath my fingers. “Ivy,” I say quietly, brushing my fingertips over her arm. “Wake up, birthday girl.”
She stirs, a sleepy smile pulling on her lips as she stretches her arms overhead. My gaze dips to where her tank lifts with the motion, revealing more of her body, and yeah, I’m only human, so I can’t help but stare.
