Page 82 of What About Us

“I know.” I take a breath. “I don’t have to do anything. But it’s just a casual meal, and it’s nice out here. If you want to join us, you should.”

Ivy’s grinning at me, and I reach out to push a lock of her hair behind her ear.

“I’d like that,” Indie finally says. “But only if you really think it’s okay.”

“It’s more than okay.”

“What can I bring? I have a shit ton of ice cream.”

I laugh and shake my head, even though she can’t see me. “Just bring yourself. I think Darby is bringing a dessert. Tucker’s doing the grilling because he’s the best chef in the family. Just come enjoy it.”

I give her the time and directions to the house, and when I push my phone back in my pocket, Ivy nods.

“You did well with that.”

“It’s not her fault,” I reply. I still don’t love it, but it is what it is. And if I learned nothing else from my father, it’s that everyone deserves a chance.

“I’m proud of you.”

Ivy turns to keep cutting carrots, and fuck.

I think I just fell in love with her.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

IVY

It’s been one hell of a week.

Lucky’s burned down.

My mom is officially the worst person in the world and destroyed my house and all my paintings.

I moved in with Xander, who is completely amazing and gives the best damn orgasms in the history of the world. He took me shopping so I could replace my clothes, but I wouldn’t let him buy them. No way, that’s too much. I can buy my own jeans and tops and underwear. Scrubs. Workout gear.

I needed just about everything.

And he wasn’t pleased that I wouldn’t let him spring for it. So, he spoiled the shit out of my cat. He went full-on cat dad on me and bought Cally the coolest cat tower, tunnels to run through outside without her being able to get lost, new beds and toys, and an extra litter pan because this house is big, and we have multiple bathrooms, so why shouldn’t she?

He’s ridiculous, and adorable, and so damn sexy that I can hardly stand it.

And now, his family is here, and I might be about to have a panic attack.

“Oh my God, we’re so happy to see you,” Darby says as she rushes over to give me a hug, and suddenly the panic seems to be . . . gone.

Ava wiggles in between us.

“We were so worried after we heard about the fire,” Ava adds.

“Hey! No fair, you’re hugging without me,” I hear Harper say, and then I’m being squeezed tighter, and wow.

This is a really physically affectionate family.

Now I see why Xander never stops touching me.

“We didn’t have your number,” Darby says. “And we rectify that today. Are you okay? Do you need anything?”

The chatter around the house has intensified since more people have shown up, and it kind of reminds me of working at the bar, and with this warm welcome, my nervous system levels out.