“I know, and I have a plan.” Levi answers confidently. “I told Ives I was going to wife her up a long time ago.”

A strangled laugh escapes me. I can’t believe he’s leading with this. He glances at me and winks. I freeze up and glare at him. I know I told him I’d back him up on everything, but I didn’t know he was going to throw down all his future plans in one swoop.

“I haven’t proposed or anything.” His eyes cut over to me. “Yet. We could also frame it as you passing the company on to your former stepdaughter, who you have publicly remained close with since divorcing the cunt known as Jennifer.”

“Levi.” Franks eyes cut to me.

“It’s fine.” I wave my hand dismissively. “He’s called her that to my face since we were thirteen. I don’t disagree.”

“Ivy’s a much better fit than me. She’s excited about numbers, finance, and business. I’m not and never have been.” Levi says reaching for my hand again.

“What are you going to do then?” Frank leans back in his seat. He’s more open to this than I thought he’d be.

“I want to teach at the college level, get my PhD in history or political science. I also want to coach football and basketball.”

“You keep your position on the board.” Frank says decisively. “You still come to the office once or twice a month, attend every board meeting.” He looks over at me. “I was going to offer you a position starting after you graduate next spring. Looks like you’ll start at an even higher level than a VP position. For the rest of the summer, you are shadowing me exclusively. I get you on all breaks, too, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your swim schedule.”

“Yes,” I nod, “of course.” This is all happening so fast. I look over at Levi, and he and his dad are smiling identical grins at each other.

“Ives, I want to run some things by Dad privately. Do you mind giving us a few minutes?”

“No problem.” I stand as Frank does too. He walks around the desk and squeezes me in an embrace almost as comforting as a hug from my dad.

“I’m so happy you two are back together. You’ve always belonged with each other.”

“Yep. I’m not going anywhere ever again.” I say against his chest.

“I don’t think Levi would allow that, even if you tried,” he jokes.

“I wouldn’t,” Levi says from his chair. His eyes follow me as I leave the office.

22

LEVI

“Hoodrat!”I yell as I walk into her bedroom with my hands over my eyes. I’ve caught her and Con fucking one too many times over the years of living together. That’s just nasty when it’s your cousin. “You decent?”

Her hands wrap around my wrists and pull my hands down. “Yes. What do you need?”

“Ives wants to show you something.” I’ve been sent to get her in the car.

“Can it wait? I want to get a workout in before I go to bed.” She gives me a look, like she’s sizing me up. “You could use one, too.” She pats my stomach, which is straight muscle thank you very much. “Getting a little soft, Levi.”

“Watch yourself, brat. I’m not afraid of taking you down anymore.” Mainly because she consistently takes me down. In the rare event I see a chance, I take it every single time.

“Please.” She rolls her eyes at me. “That rarely happens, and you know it.”

“I know, you’re a badass.” I grab her hand and start pulling her out behind me. “But I need you to come see what Ives has going on downstairs. Come on.”

“Why are you acting so weird?” She grabs the counter, halting our progress. “Tell me what’s really going on?”

“No, just come on.” I try to pry her loose.

“No.”

We stare each other down for a minute.

“Fuck it.” I bend down and throw her over my shoulder. I pull my phone out and tell Con to meet us in the lobby. I’ll probably end up with a black eye for this.