Page 37 of Sparks Fly

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I SMILE DOWN at my little brother Theo. His little fingers are gripping mine as he takesunsteady steps around the living room. I’ve been here for two weeks and, thankfully, I haven’t heard from Conrad once. I wish it was that easy to stop thinking about him–especially at night.

I’ve lost count of the nights I’ve woken up in a pool of sweat with dreams of blue eyes, blonde curls and that cocky smirk. My own fingers aren’t enough to satisfy the flames coursing through my body. To say I’m frustrated would be an understatement.

I startle from my thoughts when Theo lets out a little giggle. He somehow slipped from my grasp and crawled over to the window where he’s now pulled himself up to bang on the glass.

Tarshia waddles into the room with a laugh. “Cheeky little thing. He’s really going to keep us on our toes when this little one arrives.” She lowers herself onto the couch with a groan.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask, scooping Theo up and putting him inside his playpen.

“I wouldn’t say no to a cup of tea.”

“Sure thing.” I cross to the kitchen and begin to make two cups. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a beached whale. I am more than ready for this little one to grace us with their presence.”

A wave of excitement washes over me. Tarshia’s due date was three days ago, so we know it could be any day now. “Are you nervous?” I ask. The thought of pushing something the size of a bowling ball out of my vajayjay has me crossing my legs.

“A little,” Tarshia admits with a soft smile. “Theo was in such a hurry to join us, and they said there’s a chance this little treasure could be the same. We really appreciate you being here to help out.”

“Of course.” I finish off the tea, adding a splash of milk to mine before carrying them to the couch. I pass one to Tarshia before taking a seat cross-legged next to her. “I’m happy to spend some time with him. I can’t wait to meet my new little brother or sister.”

“So, tell me…” Tarshia begins, blowing on her tea. “Your dad and I have been so busy setting up the nursery and getting all the last-minute jobs done since you’ve been here, what’s been happening with you?”

I stare down into my mug when I feel my cheeks flush. “Nothing much.”

She raises her eyebrows and gives me a sly grin. “Ivy, are you blushing?”

“No!”

“Who is he?”

“No one.” My stomach churns. This is ridiculous. I’m not having this conversation with my dad’s girlfriend–even if she is closer to my age. Although… She doesn’t know Conrad. Maybe it would be helpful to get some outside advice on how I can get him out of my system. I breathe out a sigh. “Okay, so there might be a guy.”

“Got it. A hypothetical guy.”

I lift my eyes to meet hers. “But you need to promise me this stays between us. I don’t want Brady to find out.”

“Ooh, is it Harley?”

“What?! No!” I fake gag, making Tarshia laugh. “My god, why do people think Harley and I…” I shake my head. “No, it’s not Harley.”

“Sorry! I just thought with all the secrecy…” She lifts her free hand in a shrug. “Okay, so not Harley. Tell me about this mystery guy.”

“He’s infuriating. An arrogant, self-assured asshole who drives me freaking insane. But I just can’t seem to stay away from him, even though I know I should.”

Tarshia simply stares at me. “That’s… a lot.”

“I know.” I groan as I place my mug on the coffee table. “I don’t even like him, but every time he’s near me I lose all common sense and I end up… Oh God, maybe you weren’t the right person to tell.” I bury my head in my hands. My face is on fire and I can’t bring myself to look at Tarshia anymore. “Forget I said anything. It’s fine. It’s nothing.”

“It’s clearly not nothing. I’m not too sure what to tell you, Ivy. But I guess there’s a fine line between love and hate.”

I grimace. “Idon’tlove him.”

“I never said you did. But your body might.”

Truer words have never been spoken.If only they weren’t coming from my dad’s girlfriend. I shiver. “Okay, I’m calling an end to this conversation now. It’s too weird.”

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