Whereas Smoky calls 911, we hop on our bikes and take off to the ranch.

I do know I’ll have to speak to Dad about this finally, however proper now there’s only one particular person I need to discuss to. So, I rush into the bunkhouse and clear myself up earlier than going to The Barn Door. May use a voice of purpose proper about now.

There she is, hustling behind the bar, shaking up drinks like no one’s enterprise. Ivy’s grin stretches ear to ear as she works that cocktail shaker, flashing me a glimpse of her pearly whites.

I sidle as much as the bar and lean in opposition to it to observe her work together with a pair who can’t hold their fingers to themselves. She pours the liquid into two tall shot glasses. “Two Buttery Nipples.”

The person pays for the drinks, hardly paying Ivy any thoughts as he growls on the lady. “I can’t wait to lick this off your cunt.”

“Me neither,” the girl sighs, main him away by a leather-based leash connected to a steel ring on the collar round his neck.

I flip, and my gaze collides with Ivy’s. She takes within the bruise beginning to kind on my jaw, and her eyes flash broad. I’m grateful she solely asks, “Beer or one thing stronger?”

“Sure.”

She laughs and rolls her eyes as she pours a shot of tequila. “Except you need one thing fruitier?”

I toss my head again and snicker. “I gotta inform you, Ivy, these California jokes won’t ever get outdated.”

“We’ll see about that.” She units a shot and a beer in entrance of me. “Are you all proper, Stone?”

I nod. “I’m good. I promise.” The promise is how I all the time let her know that I is likely to be damage or banged up, nevertheless it was nothing severe.

Ivy sighs in aid. “Good. What’s up?”

“I want to speak to you.” It’s time to clear the air and possibly apologize for the laundry listing of errors I’ve made.

Ivy nods, her thick darkish curls brushing in opposition to her shoulder as she appears across the bar. There’s a wariness in her blue eyes that troubles me. The very last thing I would like is for Ivy to be guarded round me.

“If now isn’t an excellent time?”

“It’s,” she assures me shortly. “Hazel goes to take over the remainder of my shift. She and Saint have one thing deliberate, and that’s all I must know.”

I snicker and work on my drinks whereas she finishes wiping the bar and cleansing the glasses. Hazel approaches, and so they chat for a couple of minutes earlier than Ivy rounds the bar and heads my means. She’s carrying a denim gown that hits mid-thigh, displaying off toned legs and arms, oblivious to all the eye she attracts.

“Prepared?” Her smile comes simpler at the moment, giving me hope for getting our friendship again heading in the right direction.

“Yeah, I’m prepared.” The second we go away the membership, Ivy shivers within the chilly evening air. With out considering, I drape an arm round her to share my heat. It’s second nature.

She smiles. “What number of instances have we executed this?”

“Extra instances than I can recall since you’re horrible at anticipating the climate.” I bump her hip with mine. “Do you even personal a jacket?”

Her head falls again, and a low snicker escapes. “I’m positive I’ve one…someplace.”

We bypass my bike in favor of her automobile. “I’ll drive.”

“I’ll drive,” she emphasizes. “And I’ve the keys.” Ivy dangles the keys from her fingers, and a triumphant smile lights up her face. I transfer as if I’m going to grab the keys, and Ivy shrieks earlier than taking off to her automobile.

It’s like outdated instances, and I’m nonetheless smiling after I slide into the passenger’s seat. “This rattling factor is supposed for a midget.”

“Simply slide the seat again, you massive oaf.”

“Oaf?” I snicker as I grip the deal with beneath the seat and launch it to provide myself extra legroom. “I believe you imply Viking. It’s what all of the Outdated Women in California referred to as me.”

Her gaze slides to mine, and he or she research me for a protracted second. “Yeah, I assume I can see it. However Lord is aware of your ego doesn’t want me so as to add to the fireplace.” The automobile begins simply, and he or she drives down the darkish highway resulting in the freeway.

The silence is bizarre at first, however the longer it lasts, the extra excruciating it turns into. There’s by no means been a second of silence between me and Ivy, not like this, and I can’t fucking deal with it.

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