Page 50 of Head Over Heels

In Wade’s mouth was an unlit cigarette.

Ivy’s eyes narrowed slightly on that couch, but then she pulled her gaze down to the ground.

“Almost done with the downstairs?” I asked them.

“Just about,” Ian said. “Feel free to come get the rest of the heavy shit, though, since you decided to sleep in this morning.”

I laughed. “Please, I was up before dawn, and you know it.”

“You talk to Mom about the roof?” he asked. He and Wade set the couch down.

I sighed. “I’ll fix it after dinner. You’re welcome to help.”

“Sure thing. I’ll hold the ladder as you climb up. I’d hate for you to fall and injure yourself because then I’d have to take over all the stuff you’re responsible for.”

If Ivy hadn’t been sitting next to me, I might’ve told him to fuck off.

Instead, I just glared in his direction, and he hid his smile by taking a swig from his water jug.

“Ian being friendlier today?” I asked quietly.

She exhaled a short laugh. “Ian is about as friendly as an ice pick.”

“Well, it’s good to know you two are getting along. I’d wager he’d say the same thing about you.”

It took a moment for what I’d said to sink in.

“You have some nerve,” she said under her breath.

I stood from the hood of the car. “Just calling a spade a spade, Ivy. You don’t want to be here. We all get it. But they aren’t the ones you’re mad at,” I said, pointing at the crew. “Remember that.”

Her lips tightened, her eyes locked on the house, and a deeper flush crawled up her neck into her face.

“Wanna come inside and see the downstairs now that it’s empty? We’ll probably do the rest tomorrow.”

She didn’t answer at first, simply stared at the house like it would answer for her.

I wondered what would happen if I laid a hand on her shoulder. How tight her muscles would feel under my hands.

She’d bolt if I tried.

Sit still, I reminded myself. Be patient.

“No thank you,” she answered, all smooth and polite and fuck off, will you?

I nodded. “There’s a chair in the back of my truck if you want to sit somewhere more comfortable.”

She straightened, swiping her hands down the front of her dress. “I’m heading back to my hotel. Your sister sent me a list of things I’ll need to finalize this week.”

“Yeah, she has an annoying tendency to send everyone lists of what they need to do.”

Her gaze locked onto mine, and for one stupid moment, I found myself holding my breath to see if she’d smile.

She didn’t.

But her eyes searched mine, then her brows lowered a fraction of an inch.

What was she trying to figure out?

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