AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I take a deep breath and force my feet to stay rooted in place.
"What's going on? Can I help?"
Ha! Why should I hand him an opportunity to reject me? I don't need his help.
Goddamn it. What's wrong with my heart, and why is it skittering inside my chest?
7
WHEELS & DOLL BABY
Easton
I haven't been able to think straight since Ivy and I parted. She was listening to music with her eyes closed when I boarded and didn't notice me sitting at the rear.
The flight was torture. I spent the entire time poring over the contract I signed with Camelot Security, which would bind me to work with them for the next five years, keeping my stomach in knots.
I’ll find a lawyer as soon as possible, but I checked it line by line, searching for a loophole or any way to rescind. But I agreed not to bring dependents into such a dangerous role. I could break the contract, but it means returning the advance. I used it to help pay for my brother’s wedding, but I’ll just need to figure out another way.
My attention was drawn to Ivy when I noticed she was among those whose luggage was mistakenly rerouted. It was killing me to stay away from her when I wanted to swoop in and fix everything.
Ivy doesn't belong to me. I forfeited the right to win her heart by treating her like I did.
She must think I'm an asshole. By rejecting her twice, I am not a regular asshole. I have a place of my own in the Asshole Hall of Fame. If only I could explain why I cannot get involved, she would understand I’m being protective and rejecting her.
Ivy is desperately holding back from shouting at the attendant. I can tell from the flush in her cheeks and the threatening look in her eyes that she's ready to blow up at the next person who dares to cross her path.
But I cannot stand by and watch her suffer. There must be something I can do.
"Ivy."
The moment our eyes meet, something significant transfers between us. Ivy gasps, and electricity shoots up my spine. Her cheeks flush, and it’s obvious she feels the sizzling chemistry between us; it’s more than attraction.
“Hi, again."
Her eyes dart around nervously, and I can sense there's something she wants to say. It's on the tip of her tongue, but she’s holding herself back. I stifle a groan when the tip of her pink tongue darts out to wet her lips.
"What's happening? Can I help?"
"Can you believe the airline lost my luggage? And I can't get my hands on a rental car for days—" She glances at the ground and blows out a breath. "What am I telling you for?"
Seeing me is making things worse. "Ivy, you can take it all out on me. Let me help."
I stuff my hands into my pockets, and when I look at her, she's staring at me thoughtfully. Her eyes blaze. Her breath hitches, and every part of my being aches with need.
"Sorry." She shakes her head mournfully. "None of this is your fault."
"This might not be my fault, but other things are."
Her lips twist into a wry smile, and her discomfort stabs my heart. Now isn't the time to launch into why I had to walk away, but if things go well, we may talk about it soon. "I hired an SUV. Why don't you ride with me?"
She turns her nose up with a curt, "No thanks."
"Why not?"
Ivy responds by giving me a skeptical look.
"I don't blame you for thinking I'm an asshole. We didn't talk much this morning but believe me, I didn't mean to hurt you."
