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“Shit.” I tried to push by him, but he held me tight as he tugged up my top, and my hot breast was instantly cooled by my wet suit.
“This isn’t over.” He kissed my neck then grabbed me by the hips and lifted me effortlessly out of the water and placed me up on the dock in one fluid motion. My legs were mush as my head tried to calm down.
I grabbed the first piece of clothing I saw and tugged it on. I was totally frazzled as I hurried up the path. I could hear Ty just behind me.
“Hey, Ty,” Mark called from the firepit and held up a phone, “someone named Demi has called several times, and there’s a text.”
“Okay,” he called. “Thanks for monitoring my phone.” Ty laughed sarcastically as he snatched it from Mark.
“Glad to be of help.” Mark grinned.
That was all I needed to know. Ty was indeed taken, or at least was entertaining someone else. Clearly, it wasn’t too serious because of our moment in the lake, but regardless, I needed to take a step back. Lust could be a real bitch sometimes. To say I was disappointed was an understatement, but we were grownups and that was life. I totally understood. The man had been away a long time and had needs. I knew he was attracted to me, but I certainly didn’t want to be up against someone else.
“Savi! Hi, were you looking for me?”
“Yeah!” She kissed her son, who had fallen asleep on her lap, and handed him to Abby. “I just wondered where you’d gotten to. Are you enjoying yourself?” She joined me while I dried my hair with a towel. I could see Ty on his phone and tried to ignore the ping in my chest. In fairness, we never asked one another if we were dating anyone else. I knew he was aware I was single from our previous conversation. “I was wondering if you were tired, or—”
“I’ll go on a date with Patrick.” Where did that come from?
“Yeah?” She grinned.
“You’re dating?” My uncle shot off his chair and looked at me in surprise, “I’m shocked to hear that, but I’m pleased to know you’re getting some normal back in your life.”
Yes, see? All is fine in the world. I’m being normal and going on a date.
“I’m pretty sure I can handle a date with a yoga instructor.”
“Just sneeze and he’ll fall over,” Mark teased.
“You just seem to be everywhere, don’t you?” I tossed my towel at him, and he laughed.
“Consider it taken care of.” Savi grinned as she rubbed her hands together.
I had to laugh at her matchmaking then rushed off toward the house so I couldn’t change my mind. I caught a glimpse of a woman walking out of the woods with her hands around her midsection. I waited for her to get closer before I spoke.
“You must be Lexi.” I kept myself natural. “I was wondering when we’d meet.”
“Ah, yes,” she seemed almost annoyed, “you’re the new doctor.”
“I am.” I offered a wave. “Ivy Knight. It’s a pleasure to put a face to the name.”
“Is it?” She checked her watch. “Because I’m guessing you’ve heard a ton of shit about me.” Her defenses were on high.
Wow, okay. I changed tactics.
“If you’re so worried about that, why don’t you have a session with me, then I can form my own thoughts about you,” I challenged. She let out a heavy huff and dropped her arms.
“Got any openings soon?”
“Yeah, but if you don’t show, I won’t give you another chance.” I held my ground, knowing how people like Lexi worked. The more time they had to think about things, the more chance they’d talk themselves out of it. “Thursday, five p.m. sharp.” She shook her head but then nodded.
“Fine.” She rushed off, and I headed toward the house. My first impression was she had an edge to her. I just wondered if it had always been there. I hoped the second impression would give me a clearer picture of what was going on with this woman.
Once inside, I saw John and Mike and their wives sitting in the living room enjoying a nightcap before bed. I waved and rushed up the stairs. I needed a moment to process what Ty had awoken inside me. Once I was alone in the hallway, I sagged against the wall by my door. God, I felt like a tightly wound toy ready to go but never released. I leaned my head back against the cool wall and pressed my legs together as tight as I could and shut my eyes. Memories of Ty flickered before me, and I groaned as I wished his hands were still on me. His mouth on my skin, my breast, his…
“I don’t think I’ve been jealous of a hoodie before.” His raspy tone nearly had me in tears.
What? I glanced down at what I was wearing and remembered I’d grabbed something to put on at the dock. I had on his zipper hoodie. I let go a chuckle. Smooth, Ivy.
