Pushing myself up, I lift my hands above my head and stretch. I stand and grab my phone, realizing it’s just past seven, which means Kane is already at work. A tinge of disappointment hits me until I notice a note on the coffee table along with my car keys. I immediately grin when I pick it up.
Ivy,
Good morning. I left early this morning while you were still asleep and changed the battery in your car. It’s parked outside, so you won’t have to walk all the way back to the warehouse. If you need anything else, I left my number at the bottom. Next time you’re in a jam, I’ll be happy to help. No need to be alone in the dark. I’ll come rescue you. Anyway, I hope you have a good day. Don’t work too hard today.
-Kane
PS—Feel free to keep my shirt. It looks better on you anyway :)
I blink hard as my excitement bubbles. I’m almost tempted to pinch myself to make sure this is really happening. The fact he’s letting me keep his shirt has me walking on cloud nine. I lift it to my nose and inhale his scent again, grinning like a teenager in love. In a way, I guess I am. I set the letter down and immediately program his number into my phone, overjoyed that he willingly gave it to me. My shyness would’ve never allowed me to ask him for it, so thankfully, I don’t have to. There are a million different things I want to text him, but I’m trying not to scare him away by sounding too eager.
Ivy: Thanks for everything. I really appreciate it.
His text bubble immediately pops up.
Kane: Anytime.
Ivy: I owe you!
Kane: Nah. But it’d be nice to have lunch with you again.
My cheeks immediately heat.
Ivy: I’d like that. Oh, also, do you mind if I use your shower?
Kane: Feel free. Make yourself at home.
Damn, I wish I could.
Ivy: You’re too kind.
Kane: :)
There’s an extra toothbrush in my car, so I walk out and grab it, then I head inside. Thankfully, Kane’s house is not off a main road on the property, so I’m not concerned about anyone seeing me here. I’m sure if my sister caught wind of my car being at her best friend’s house, who’s ten years older than me, she’d ask a million questions, even if it’s harmless.
I go into the bathroom and look around for any signs of Raelyn. But there’s no sign of her existence in his entire house. Trust me, I looked. There are no pictures, makeup, or hair care products—nothing. It makes me wonder what kind of relationship they have if none of her things are here.
His cologne sits on the counter next to his razor. I’m tempted to pick it up and inhale it, but don’t. Instead, I take off my clothes, then hop in the shower. As I stand under the hot stream, I think about everything that’s led me here.
Sure, I could’ve called Hadleigh last night, and she’d have willingly picked me up. But it was around nine, and I knew she’d be in bed, so I felt too guilty to ask. For once, I didn’t want my sister to rescue me. When my car wouldn’t start, I went through all the options. I selfishly allowed my heart to decide and started walking toward Kane’s. He actually lives closer to the warehouse than anyone else, so it conveniently worked out.
Once I was close, I realized it was a stupid idea because he had a girlfriend. Raelyn could’ve been staying over, and that would’ve been extremely awkward. I contemplated turning around, but when I saw the glow of his porch light, I was committed.
It took me a few minutes to work up the nerve to knock. I’d talked myself out of it a handful of times, then just went for it. When he didn’t open the door immediately, I somewhat started to panic, but then he did. As he stood in front of me like a Greek god—shirtless with chiseled muscles—I drank him in without apology. At that moment, I knew I’d made the right damn decision. The sexual tension between us was so sharp it sliced through the air, and I wanted nothing more than to taste his lips.
After I wash my hair and body, I step out and wrap myself in one of his large towels. Then I walk to the living room to check the time on my phone and grab my clothes. While I wish I had something else to wear, I’m sure no one will notice. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what Harper was wearing yesterday, and I’m sure she didn’t pay any attention to me.
Once I’m changed, I look at the T-shirt Kane gave me and smirk, smelling it one last time before leaving. Right now, the thoughts of him overpower me, even if he has a girlfriend, and I wish he didn’t.