Page 8 of Admittedly For Me

"I swear you've never ordered another flavor other than that one.” Savannah links her arm with mine and Hallie’s as we walk toward to hut.

“Well, when something is perfect, there’s no need for change.” My stomach jolts with nerves as a familiar truck heads toward us.

“So, we meet again.” Ian’s truck pulls up to the curb as we are about to cross the street for the ice cream hut. “You look more revitalized than hungover today.”

“Oh, nice!” Hallie’s eyes dart back and forth.“Did you guys have a good catchup?”

“We didn’t chat long. He’s doing some additions to my house.” I slip my hands into my back pockets because I find him staring at them again. “Though, someone could brush up on their manners.” Sass kicks into gear as I shut down the way he makes my body feel.

“Excuse me? I entered the place with permission.” Ian’s voice drops, but it’s edged with amusement. “I believe someone needs their attitude checked, Miss Davis.”

My heart beats against my chest, and I swear they can all hear it. My lower region should not light up and clench in response to his gaze. I’m sure if he pinned me against the truck door right now, I’d succumb to whatever he does, no matter who watches. Even after all these years, my body craves his touch. There was something so alluring about his dominance.

Before I can rationalize a proper thought, I test the waters. “Anyone who treats a client with disrespect and doesn’t let herleave the roomneeds to have their manners assessed.” Being the shortest of the group, I hold my stance.

Hallie and Savannah share a look I can’t quite read. Their eyes flicking between Ian and I as an uneasy feeling dances through me.

“To be fair…” He smirks as his forearm vein bulge from gripping the wheel. “You aren’t my client. Quinn is signing my paycheck.” I freeze as his eyes narrow, his grip adjusting on his steering wheel. “I didn’t expect to see you back in town this early, Daisy Girl.”

“Well, I’m known to do the unexpected.” I raise my eyebrows, hinting at a moment only he and I remember. He holds my glare a little longer before turning to our friends.

“Have you girls hugged her yet? This attitude needs to be loved away.”

“I have no idea what happened between you two.” Hallie bumps my shoulder. “I told Ian the other day, and you at the bar…” Hallie trails off, pursing her lips. “Maybe you were too drunk, but I appointed you both to work together and plan the joint bachelor and bachelorette party.” I definitely missed that, but I smile through my stomach dropping.

“Oh, my goodness,” I say with as much excitement as I can muster up. “Of course, I can do that for you.” More time with Ian isn’t what I had planned, but my time back here is about Hallie.

“Something low key at Rhett’s farm.” Ian nods my way. “We can go over everything this weekend.”

“I’d love to have a photographer there too.” Hallie glows just thinking about it. “Let me know the costs of everything.”

“Hallie, I’ve got you covered. You don’t need to pay a damn thing.” It’s the least I could do for her special moment.

“Emery, just because you have a lot of money––”

“Don’t,” I cut Hallie off, knowing where she is going with this. “That’s not mine.” Spending my parents’ life insurance for personal use has never felt right. “Ian and I can split the cost.”

“I’m fine pitching in too,” Savannah pipes up.

“So, Saturday at my office?” Ian points to me. “One in the afternoon work?”

“Makes more sense than one in the morning,” I toss out, and he rubs his hand over his jaw.

“Where’s the old Emery?” Ian asks the girls.

“I was hoping you’d be the one to find her.” Hallie laughs, checking her watch.

“Hello, I’m right here.” I look between them, stunned. I know I’ve been a bit hostile, but this keeps coming up and it’s only been two days. “I didn’t realize you two stayed this close over the years.”

“I stopped bringing his name up because you’d immediately change the subject,” Hallie throws at me in the kindest way possible. “You know Ian and Justin are friends.”

“Well, you two broke up…” I think out loud as Savannah picks at her nails, watching how this all plays out.

“I wouldn’t say we were a hundred percent together.” Hallie laughs as Ian chuckles.

What the hell am I missing?

“It worked out in the end for you.” Ian winks toward Hallie. “Justin is a better fit for you than I was.”

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