Page 66 of Playing for Keeps
I nod, and keeping Ivy’s hand nestled in mine, we walk away from Margot and across the room.
“Sorry to butt in back there,” Ivy says quietly from my side. “It looked like you needed rescuing.”
I give her hand a grateful squeeze. “I did. Margot spent most of the Miami trip trying to get me to ask her out. I ended up taking her number just to keep the peace. I never intended to use it, but it got awkward, especially since I work so closely with the charity.”
“You were trying to be the nice guy,” Ivy says with a smile.
“Yeah, maybe a little too nice.”
She crinkles her nose, making her look even more beautiful if that’s possible. “Is there such a thing astoo nice?”
I laugh. “I guess there is when it blows up in your face like that.”
She shakes her head. “It wasn’t that bad. She’ll get over it.”
I feign hurt. “You mean, she won’t be pining over me forever?”
She laughs and lightly slaps my chest. “I highly doubt it!”
“You’re ruthless,” I say, clutching my heart with mock offense.
“Just keeping you grounded, Mr. Hot Shot Football Player.” She winks.
“I’m glad you do,” I tell her, my voice more serious now. “I love that none ofthisimpresses you.”
She smiles and then shrugs. “I’ve known you since you were eight, Wyatt. I’ve seen you pick your nose, burp the alphabet, and fart in Ash’s face.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Granted, you’re a little more polished now, but you’ll never be ‘Wyatt Brookes, NFL superstar’ to me. You’re just Wyatt. I might not have been super close to you growing up, but so many of my childhood memories have you and your brothers somewhere in the background. That’s who you’ll always be to me.”
God, how did I not see it before? I could have kicked myself. She’s been right here all along, and somehow, I never truly saw her, never recognized just how incredible she is. Every word she says feels like it’s aimed straight at my heart, but it’s effortlessand unintentional. She doesn’t even realize the effect she’s having on me. And the worst part? I don’t think she ever will. As much as I want her to see me the way I see her, she never has… and maybe she never will.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Ivy
Wyatt’s hand is still wrapped tightly around mine as we wait for the photographer. He’s fully committed to this whole fake relationship act, and he hasn’t stopped touching me since we stepped out of the car. Just little gestures that feel so real it almost hurts. It makes something in me ache, because I know I’m not even close to having anything like this with anyone. And it makes me realize I want that so badly.
After posing for what feels like a hundred photos, we finally make it back to our table. The moment we sit, our food arrives with perfect timing.
“Wow, this looks amazing,” I say, eyeing the beautifully plated sea bass in front of me. “How’s your steak?” I ask, glancing at the ribeye on Wyatt’s plate.
“It’s great. Here, try it.”
He cuts a piece and leans across the table, holding the fork out to me. I grin and lean in, letting him feed me. The flavor hits my tongue, and I let out an involuntary moan.
“Oh my God, that’s good. I definitely should’ve ordered that.”
He laughs. “We can share if you want.”
I shake my head after taking a bite of mine. “No, this is good too. Want to try it?”
I scoop up a forkful and offer it to him. He leans in, his lips brushing the edge of the fork.
“You’re right,” he says, flashing me a grin. “That’s good. Not quite as good as mine, though.”
I roll my eyes and stick out my tongue, making him laugh.
“I think Nash and Paisley are having steak at the wedding,” I say, reaching for my drink.
He leans back in his chair with a shake of his head. “I still can’t believe they’re getting married in a couple of weeks.”
