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That's not Easton.
He is an ogre, and every filthy thing he wants to do to me is written all over his face.
He better have a damn good reason why he walked out, or there will be hell to pay.
8
ROAD TRIP
Ivy
I follow Easton to his car but stop beside the passenger door when we arrive.
"What are you doing?" he asks, confused, seeing as I have no luggage, only the carry-on bag I took on the flight.
Easton pulls his winter coat tight, bracing against the cold, blustery wind as a light dusting of snow begins to fall.
I pause, refusing to get in until he explains his actions. "What's the story? Why are you hot one minute and cold the next?"
"Can we talk about it on the drive?" he pleads.
I dig my heels in, remaining rooted in place. My fingers and toes are beginning to turn numb, but I'm determined to get some answers.
"I'm not getting into your car until you give me a straight answer." It's the ballsiest thing I've ever said, and I can't believe I'm saying it while stabbing a perfectly polished pointer finger into his chest.
Easton scans my face and realizes I am not budging. "There are things I can't talk about, but I never lied to you. What do you want to know? Just ask."
"Are you married?"
"No." He visibly shudders, so I take that as a good sign.
"Are you pining for your high school sweetheart or something?"
Easton glares at me; his nostrils flare, and his lips pull into a thin line. He must feel like he's under interrogation, and he is, in a way.
"No wife, or sweetheart, or girlfriend."
"What is it then?" I ask, genuinely needing to know.
"It's complicated." He clamps his jaw shut.
I can see how hard he’s thinking. His actions show he has feelings for me, so what is holding him back?"Well, you better make it simple, or we're not moving."
He flashes a grin as though he’s proud of me for being stubborn but then returns to grinding his teeth."There's only you, Ivy. No-one else. You're the one."
I’m satisfied with his response and believe him when he says he’s not involved with anyone else.
The vulnerability in his voice makes my heart ache, but I have more questions.We need time to hash out the issues, but we have many miles of ground to cover. I'll get the answer out of him once he finds the words to explain himself.
A plume of mist pours out of my mouth. I’m officially freezing. "Could you please unlock the car? We can talk about it while we drive."
"Thanks. I could hear my teeth chattering." Relieved, Easton circles the front of the car and jumps into the driver's seat.
It's a long drive from here to Lawton. The distance is too great to cover in a day, so I’ll need to spend the night in Riley's Ridge. We have plenty of time to talk.
The car floods with warm air when he turns on the engine. Easton grips the steering wheel; his knuckles are almost white and he stares into the distance. His jaw is set with grim determination as he begins driving along the snow-covered road.
"How do you feel about starting your new job?" Easton asks.
