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She sighs, and I feel all the tension leave her body as she melts against me. “You don’t know how glad I am that you said that.”
Slipping my hand beneath her chin, I tilt her face up, see the tears shimmering in her pretty hazel eyes. They’re more green than brown at the moment and I kiss away the tear that drops on her cheek, my heart aching at seeing that physical display of emotion coming from her. “I’m falling in love with you, Ivy.” I’ve already fallen. And there I went, fucking admitting it. What is wrong with me?
I’m in love with Ivy. That’s what’s wrong with me.
“Oh.” She presses her lips together and closes her eyes, but another tear falls onto her cheek. I kiss that one away too. “God, Archer, I—I’m falling for you too.”
She didn’t say love, not that I’m going to hold it against her. For once, I’m laying it all on the line for a woman. For this woman—the woman I love. The woman I think I’ve always loved, I just never knew it until this very moment.
“We need to go, baby.” I kiss her again, because after making such a confession from the deepest, darkest part of your soul, you have to be reassured your woman is on the same page.
The responsive way she kisses me, clings to me, tells me that yes, indeed, she is more than on the same page. We’re writing the same damn book. Together.
“Can we talk later? Tomorrow? About... us?” she asks when I finally, reluctantly pull away from her.
“Whatever you want.” I cup her cheek, staring into her eyes. Feeling myself fall more and more in love with her.
“ICAN’T BELIEVEhow much you transformed this place.” Matt glances around the lobby, his eyes wide as he drinks it all in. “It looks incredible, Archer. You should be proud, man.”
I am. So damn proud, I feel like I’m going to burst. “Yeah, you saw it in its barest, ugliest, pared-down state, didn’t you?”
It had been a dilapidated, falling-down-around-my-ears building that had once housed a premiere spa. Before the recession came along and took down the previous owner’s business with a mighty, ugly fall. The building stood empty for about four years, allowing looters and whatever other bums came through to completely trash the place and gut it of anything valuable.
But I’d known from the moment I walked inside, it had potential. I’d purchased the building and land for pennies on the dollar. Best decision I ever made. Not only did I have a new business to be proud of, but creating this resort brought Ivy and me together.
“I sure did and I thought the place looked like something out of a horror movie. Might’ve tried to discourage you from buying it too, not that you would have listened to me. But you’re the one with the vision, not me.” Matt shook his head, his gaze still sweeping the interior. “And Ivy helped you with it all, huh?”
“Yeah, more like she chose everything. The furniture, the art that covers the walls, the light fixtures, the accessories, all of it is Ivy’s vision, which complements mine, thank God. I just signed off on all the invoices and didn’t bother arguing with her. Everything she chose totally works, don’t you agree?” I want to hear him praise her. I need someone to join in with me, since I sound like an overeager boyfriend too proud of his woman.
Which I sort of am.
“I do agree. The place is gorgeous. And there was no arguing between you two, huh? That’s rather unlike you and Ivy,” Matt jokes.
“I know. We uh, work well together.” Understatement of the year. Ivy and I do everything well together.
“I’m sure,” Matt said wryly. “You got something going with her and hoping to hide it from us? Is that it?”
“Of course not,” I retort, nerves eating at my gut. Ivy’s close by but out of earshot, and the last thing I want is for her to walk in on this conversation.
“You two looked pretty cozy to me when you first arrived.”
We’d run a little late but still arrived before the start time of the party, so we hadn’t expected any of our guests to be there yet.
It was just like Matt to screw it all up and actually show early. And witness Ivy and me walking into the lobby with my arm around her waist. Making her blush and giggle when I whisper how fucking sexy she looks.
Though Matt greeted each of us with an easy smile and a friendly hug, I felt the nerves radiating off Ivy. I wonder if she could feel the nerves vibrating off me.
Most likely. We haven’t been caught by the outside world yet. Well, not to her knowledge. I never told her about the picture Gage called me about.
“I’m not going to deny we’ve become closer,” I finally say when I realize Matt is waiting for an explanation. “But we’re just friends. There’s nothing going on between us.” Now why the hell did I say that?
“Really.” Matt’s voice is flat and clear of emotion. Meaning he doesn’t believe a word I say.
“Really,” I agree with a nod. “She’s so damn talented,though. You should consider hiring her when you redesign the winery’s interior.”
“Who said I was redesigning it?” Matt asked, looking slightly taken aback.
“Have you taken a look around the place? It could use some sprucing up. Bring in a more modern feel.” The winery he recently purchased was dark and dreary, the furnishings in good condition but old. He needs a new look if he wants to make a splash amongst the many wineries in this area.
