I shake my head. “He’s staying with Sebastian. Recently divorced. Seems nice enough, though very different from his brother.” A giggle escapes as I remember our first meeting. “He was a bit shocked when I appeared from behind the bush.”
Dad chuckles. “He’ll get used to it.” He shrugs. “Elizabeth and Sebastian did.”
My dad takes another drink, then adds, “The two of you will end up good friends, I’m sure. You have a delightful personality. Who can resist your charms?”
“No one.”
I frown slightly as a thought rolls through. Even though Sebastian likes me watching him, he’s never taken me out for coffee or dinner.
Not yet.
I need to step up my game.
“We’re both too charming to resist.” I pat my dad’s arm. “I’m heading upstairs to shower. See you later.”
“Bye, sweetheart. Have fun tonight.”
I grin as I head upstairs. “Always.”
It’s time Sebastian speeds things up.
Waiting is boring.
I’m done being patient.
He just needs a little help from me.
12
SEBASTIAN
The patio door handle doesn’t give when I test it, the resistance subtle but unmistakable. Andrew must have locked it while I was in the shower. Like locks are preventive measures meant to keep Ivy out.
I unlock it without hesitation, already knowing I’m not telling Drew. He’s nervous enough. No need to make it worse.
My brother’s door is shut. I don’t check on him. He’s wound tight enough to sleep through anything tonight. Exhaustion does that—wraps you in false security.
I move through my room, tugging off my shirt, then my pants, letting them fall where they land. Right on the floor where Ivy hates them.
The thought pulls a smirk from me.
She’ll fix it later.
I crawl into bed wearing only my boxers and reach over to switch off the lamp. Darkness settles in, familiar and heavy. I stare at the ceiling, hands folded loosely over my stomach, listening to the quiet of the house.
Waiting.
I tell myself it’s a habit. A regular nightly routine to lie awake like this.
But it’s a lie.
I didn’t start this behavior until a little over a month ago.
Until Ivy.
Hell, I’m not even bothered by her stalking me. I’m used to it.
Like earlier today. I had just finished a meeting downtown. One of those lunches where everyone talks too much and says nothing of value. Men with expensive watches and fragile egos, paying me to identify problems they don’t want to admit exist.
