36. Chapter 36
Chapter thirty-six
Maddox
Ivy is stiff as a pair of starched jeans the entire drive to The Mayson Jar. We both pick up our orders and then continue to the hospital in silence. She’s brewing. Processing and I understand what my lie did to her. On top of that, the barn sex, along with the way we just about devoured each other in my kitchen has both of us trying to sort out the situation. I’m still trying to figure out how something so fucking perfect can be wrong. How me wanting her and her wanting me is not in the cards. I’d never felt anything like I felt when I touched her. Nothing compares. But just because I told her the truth, doesn’t make it any easier.
I was hoping it would at least help her understand what I feel. For her. That I’ve tried so hard to keep myself in check but her being here is killing me. Slowly breaking me down, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold on.
I flicker my eyes over to Ivy. Her hair is piled on top of her head in some sort of elaborate bun. A few stray stands frame her sun kissed face and it makes me want to rip out my own heart. The one that hasn’t stopped beating for her in four fucking years.
“I’ll just be a minute,” she says as we park.
“I think I’ll come along.”
What had me opting to go inside again to the one place I’ve avoided is something I’ll never understand.
I push open the door as she mutters. “Of course you will.”
I stride behind her, sure to keep my eyes peeled around the parking lot. I don’t like her walking in this lot alone and I’ve told her that multiple times over the last few days. It’s not quite dark yet, but it’s getting there. I follow her quietly up to the third floor and out of the elevator. I’m checking a text from a stock contractor I work with regularly when I almost plow into Ivy’s back. She’s frozen halfway across the waiting room, the white sack of food dangling dangerously from her fingertips. My eyes move to where she’s staring, then back to her.
“Why are you here?” Ivy’s voice is strained, an undertone of aggravation resting beneath it.
“Ivy.” Jamie, Aiden’s wife stands, her eyes bouncing between us. “Aiden wanted to come visit Emmett.”
I notice the way Ivy’s breathing has increased. Her cheeks are a rose red, and her hands begin to tremble.
“You need to leave.” Ivy lifts her chin.
Jamie rolls her lips, her eyes veering to the hallway. “Aiden will be back any minute and we wi….”
“I said leave!” Ivy grits out, her whole body beginning to shake.
What the fuck is going on?
“ Ok.” Jamie reaches down to pick up her purse, her eyes growing wet as she faces Ivy. “I’m so sorry, Ivy.”
She scurries off as Ivy keeps her vacant gaze on her empty seat. I let my hand land on the small of her back, which jolts her out of her funk.
“Here.” She shoves the food at me. “Please drop these off for me. I’m going to the bathroom.”
Before I can ask what just transpired, she’s down the hall and around the corner. Meanwhile, I’m left reeling with a bag of chicken fried steaks and a million questions.