Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Because that’s what she did.
My phone pings with a text, and I see that it’s Ivy.
Red: Sorry, I was in the shower!
I don’t type out a reply, I hit video call, and when she comes on the screen with wet hair and a clean face, my heart finally settles down.
“Hey,” she says softly.
“When are you coming back?” My voice is rough, and I sound needy as fuck, but I don’t care.
“I have to take care of some things tomorrow,” she says carefully. “But I’ll text you when I have the return flight booked.”
I narrow my eyes. “What do you mean? The flights were canceled today, so they should have rebooked you automatically on a flight tomorrow.”
She nods and nibbles her lip. “I know, but I need to take care of some things.”
“You said that.”
Calm down.
I take a deep breath.
“Just tell me if you’re not planning to come back, Ivy.”
She frowns and shakes her head. “I’m coming back. I told you I was. I just needed the extra day, that’s all. I want to talk to you in person. Xander, I’m coming back to Denver.”
I nod, believing her. She’s not lying to me. And fuck if it doesn’t feel good to look at her.
“Okay, Red.”
“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice softer.
“Are you okay?”
“Not really.” Her smile is sad. “But we will be.”
We. Not I.
“I hope so, baby.”
She swallows hard, and then Cally’s in her face, vying for Ivy’s attention, making me smile.
“She hasn’t let me out of her sight,” Ivy says as she kisses the feline’s cheek. “She’s been lonely. But she loves that huge cat tree you got her. She sits up there and watches it snow.”
I miss them both so much that I ache with it.
“I saw your dad today,” she continues, and I settle back, ready to just hear her sweet voice. “He made me breakfast. He looks great, so you don’t need to worry.”
“Thanks for going to see him.”
She smiles again. “He’s really such a good guy.”
“I know.”
We’re quiet, uncomfortably so, for the first time since she and I started working together, and I fucking hate it.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” she asks me.
“Children’s hospital in the morning. Then I have a photoshoot at the arena in the afternoon.”
She nods and bites her lip.
“What about you?”
“Oh, just a bunch of errands.”
This whole conversation is torture.
“I’ll text you tomorrow,” she says.
“I’ll answer.”
She nods, and I wish with all my might I could reach through the phone and brush my thumb over her freckles.
“I’ll see you soon,” she says.
“Sleep well, wildcat.”
She nods and then ends the call.
Fuck.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
IVY
“Iknow, this is going to leave you shorthanded, and I’m sorry, Sara.”
My now-former boss shakes her head.
“I figured it was only a matter of time. This is what you’ve always wanted to do, Ivy. You’ll be so great at it.”
“But what are you going to do? You were already down one therapist.”
“I just hired someone yesterday afternoon. So, it’ll still be tight, but not dire.”
My shoulders sag in relief.
Thank goodness.
“Just stay in touch. And if you’re ever back here full time and need a job, come see me.”
“You’re the best, Sara.”
“I know.” She winks at me. “Good luck, Ivy.”
I’m so relieved as I leave her office and walk out to my truck. Since I left Greg’s place yesterday, I’ve been setting everything in motion. I’ve already spoken with Dr. Walker and accepted the position with the team. I have some of Cally’s things packed up and ready to get on a flight with me because we probably won’t be back until Christmas.
I’m not leaving my girl behind anymore.
I originally booked a flight for tomorrow morning, but with everything ready to go, I don’t want to wait to see Xander anymore, so when I get to the house, I log in and change the flight to one leaving in just three hours, then video call Ava.
“Hi, friend,” she says. She sounds . . . sad.
“Hi. Are you okay, Aves?”
“Of course.” She smiles at me. “Just making more wedding decisions. What’s up with you?”
“I need a favor. Can you take Cally and me to the airport in like an hour and a half? I know it’s late notice, but—”
“I can take you,” she says. “No problem. I’m glad you’re taking her with you. She’s been lonely, and I can’t be there all the time. I thought about taking her home with me.”
“You’re the best Aunt Ava ever.”
“I know. If she were human, I’d take her to concerts.”
That makes me laugh, and it feels so good. “Thanks, Ava.”
“See you soon.”
I hurry up and empty out the fridge, tidy the kitchen, then run upstairs and make the bed I used and clean the primary bathroom. It’ll feel good to come home to a clean house when we’re here next time.
Whenever that is.
It doesn’t matter, because as long as I’m with Xander, I’m home.