Ivy steps back just as quickly, perfectly composed, reaching for the cutting board as if nothing had happened.
“In the drawer by the fridge,” she says brightly.
Drew nods, already distracted again.
I stay exactly where I am, staring at the counter like it personally betrayed me.
Ivy glances over her shoulder and winks at me.
My pulse bangs against my skin.
A shiver of fear rolls through me as my earlier rule about dating blasts through my brain, waving a red flag in warning.
But when I catch her eye, the tension eases.
For now.
39
SEBASTIAN
“I think you’re making a mistake.” I cross my arms and level him with a look. “Your ex is up to something. She’s manipulative like mom.”
Drew cringes but keeps throwing things into an overnight bag. “Her mom’s in the hospital. She’s hurting.”
I shake my head, spotting the impending heartache a mile away. Drew and I are opposites. He’s desperate for love, and I’m terrified of it.
Since I’m older, I shielded him from the destruction of our parents’ marriage.
And he was spending the night with a friend when?—
“Look, I know you think I’m crazy. And maybe I am.” Drew glances up at me but doesn’t stop packing.
I just stare at him.
Who am I to say anything?I stalked my stalker, then brought her home with me.
“She has no one else. And she’s hurting.”
I snort. “Are you forgetting the pain she caused you when she cheated on you?”
He straightens and sighs. “I’m well aware of what my wife did.”
“So you’re giving her a pass? She hurt you. But the first time she’s in pain, she calls and you go running.”
“That’s not what this is.” He lowers his tone. “I’m not getting back together with her.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Anger blooms on his face, turning it scarlet. “From someone who moved his stalker in with him.”
I deserve that.
“I didn’t move her in. She’s just… staying here.”
Drew snorts, lifting his bag. “Just admit she’s your girlfriend.” He levels me with a look. “I’ll be back in three days.”
I ignore his comment.
