Page 40 of What About Us

“Let us check with the others, and we’ll call you to set a time, okay?”

“Thanks.” She tries to smile, but it doesn’t quite land, and I don’t want to push her.

We don’t really know her that well. She’s always been a fixture here at the ice cream store, since she was just a little kid. But it’s not like any of us are close friends with her.

Easton and I both give her a reassuring nod before we return to the others.

“I’ll peel off from here,” Ivy says when we step onto the sidewalk, and I frown. I don’t want her to go. “My car is at the bar, and I should check in⁠—”

“Don’t,” I interrupt, shaking my head. “Just let her figure it out, wildcat.”

She sighs and nods. “You’re right. Oh!”

She starts to wiggle out of my hoodie, but I reach out and stop her.

“Keep it.”

Ivy nibbles her bottom lip and then nods.

“Thanks, I am chilly. I’ll bring it with me tomorrow.”

The others have walked away, and it’s just the two of us now.

“Just keep it. I’ll see you at the house in the morning. Don’t have breakfast, you can eat with us.”

“Xander, I appreciate you wanting to include me, but this is my job. I’m not⁠—”

I brush her hair behind her ear and she stops talking.

“You’re not what, Red?”

“I’m not one of you.”

Oh, I think you are.

“It’s just breakfast.” I shrug and step back. “So, come a little early.”

I nod and walk away before I yank her against me and kiss the fuck out of her here on Main Street.

Fuck, I want to kiss her.

Easton: Indigo wants a meeting with the siblings ASAP. Mornings are best for her. What works for you guys?

I’m just having coffee, watching the sun come up over the pond in my backyard, when my brother’s text comes through.

Me: I can make anything work.

Ava: Same goes. Wednesday is out for me because I have an early meeting, but otherwise, I’m good.

Harper: I have Tuesday off and Blake can keep the baby.

Me: I want baby time.

Harper: Focus, X.

Tucker: Tuesday morning at 8, here at the farmhouse?

Me: