Page 76 of Meet Me in Ivy Falls

‘No one knew. Not even Tessa.’ I sank back into a chair on the aisle, the weight of the day finally taking its toll. ‘When my mother said the words to me, it felt like a final wish. That’s why I was so angry when you outbid me. After the video, Huckleberry Lane was the last thing I could do to make things right. And when I lost it to you, it was like I was letting her down all over again.’

He moved in and took the seat next to me. ‘I’m proud of what you did for Ivy Falls, for her, and for us, today.’

‘It felt good to get the truth out. To let people know that I mean every word about helping this town.’

‘I think they all know, they’re just too stubborn to admit it. At least you won over Old Mrs Vanderpool. She was sniffling up a storm in the back row.’

‘I’ll take it,’ I laughed. ‘She’s the toughest nut to crack in town.’

His eyes darted to my mouth and then moved ever so slowly to hold my gaze. There was so much I wanted to say. That after we’d spent that night together, I’d allowed fear to take over and I’d pushed him away. But through it all he’d stayed firm. Honored what I’d asked and moved at my slow pace.

I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. The warmth of his mouth, the press of his firm hand against my back, released all the tension in my body.

I wanted him.

Wanted this.

With the permit issue behind us, and the house almost finished, I was ready to let him in. Allow myself to finally be happy again.

Chapter Thirty-Three

BECK

Homestyle Biscuits Better Than Your Grandmama’s.

The crashing sounds of my ringtone, the Cal Berkeley fight song, tore through the quiet office. I rushed toward it hoping it was Piper. I’d called her twice this morning, and once yesterday, and still couldn’t reach her. I’d been so busy with the permit mess in Ivy Falls, I’d neglected her in the final days before she returned to New York.

Before she got out of my car at the airport, she insisted she was fine. That she had a lot to do back in New York. Even so, it didn’t assuage my guilt or the fact that I’d bought the house in hopes she’d live in Ivy Falls. That I’d never spilled that truth to her.

The growing thrum of a headache built in the back of my head.

‘Holy shit, Beck. The whole office can hear that!’ Pete stood in the doorway; arms crossed over his chest.

‘Potential Spam’ flashed across the screen and I silenced the noise. When I turned back to Pete, I double-blinked. Instead of his regular uniform of a button-down and slacks, he wore a full three-piece suit, complete with a silver-and-black-striped tie. His hair was slicked back, and holy crap, were those cufflinks? I’d told him how important today was, but unless there was a funeral, Pete refused to wear a suit.

My own starched khakis and dark purple dress shirt felt too casual. I was the one who usually wore a suit to these meetings, but Teddy Ray was a no-bullshit kind of guy and I wanted it to seem like I wasn’t trying too hard.

Pete caught me staring at his tie. ‘Don’t worry. The suit’s not for the presentation. I’ve got a meeting with the bank later.’

He stepped inside my office, Bogie trotting up beside him.

‘What’s going on? You look like you haven’t slept in days.’

I stayed quiet, not wanting to tell him about all the issues in Ivy Falls which would only prove I wasn’t keeping my word. Giving one hundred percent of my time to this pitch.

He picked up Bogie and sat in the chair near my desk. ‘Is it Piper? Are you worried she’s using again?’

I eased down onto the edge of my desk. ‘No. We had a good visit while she was here. It’s just that I keep calling her and she’s not picking up.’

Pete ran his hand over Bogie’s head and the dog gave a little snort. ‘At some point you have to stop being her protector. She’s a grown woman. You can’t make choices for her.’

‘It’s different with Piper though. One bad night and…’ I broke off, not being able to finish that horrific thought.

‘I get it. I’ve had my own issues with my little brother, but we can’t live their life for them, Beck. That’s something you have to accept.’

Deep in my gut I knew he was right. It was what my therapist said to me on repeat. But I was her only family, and it was my responsibility to keep her safe. To protect her from the cruelty of the world even if she didn’t want me to.

‘About today.’ His mouth went firm. He knew I hadn’t put in the time. ‘I’ve seen the entire pitch. Twice.’ His lips formed into a slow smile. ‘I was worried a few weeks ago about whether you had this under control, but it all looks good. The jingle alone is amazing. The last few months have been rough, but I feel like today is a turning point.’ He stood and crossed to the window, Bogie tucked under his arm. ‘Looks like our guest has arrived.’