41. Chapter 41
Chapter forty-one
Ivy
Seven.
That’s how many more I gave him last night and as I lay here staring at the ceiling, my body is feeling it. A blush breaks out over my skin when I glance over to Maddox, who’s sleeping soundly on his stomach. His broad back is on full display, the sheet resting right at the curve of his ass. Which I know is covered in a pair of joggers because he refused to let me return any favors.
My heart warms at the thought. The fact he spent all night making up for the first time. But the unwelcome thoughts of how that night ended come hurling forward and a slight jolt of fear imbeds itself inside of my stomach. What if he regrets it? Again? Sliding the covers off of my legs, I swing them around in attempt to go to the bathroom and get something to eat when a hand catches my wrist. I peer over my shoulder, to see Maddox’s sleepy eyes blink open.
“You sneaking out on me?” He asks, his voice husky from sleep.
“No.” My answer is quick. A little too quick because he lifts a brow. I sigh, maneuvering around to bring my legs back up onto the bed. “No, I’m not sneaking out. I was just going to give you some space.”
“Space.” He says the word with distain. “I think we’ve had plenty of space , Ivy.”
His fingers flex, and he drags me forward until I fall down next to him. His strong arm snakes around my waist before he’s nuzzling my neck.
“Fucking space," he mutters under his breath.
Chuckling, I smooth my hand down his bare back, when a sudden pounding on the door has his head whipping up.
“Expecting anyone?” I ask.
“Not that I know of.” He presses his palms into the mattress, lifting himself up.
“Shep! Open up!” The fist pounds again, followed by Cooper’s voice.
Jumping into action, I bolt off the bed, my initial thoughts going to my dad. That something is wrong. Maddox follows, his feet thudding behind me as I jog to the door, unlock the deadbolt, and wretch it open. Cooper stands with his hands on his hips, his face serious. I can physically feel my soul fly out of my body when I notice the man standing right behind him.
Brady.
Cooper looks to Maddox before he’s looking back at me. “We have a problem.”
He brushes past me, and I motion my hand for Brady to enter. It’s not like I could leave him standing on the porch. Which right now sounds better considering I was riding his brother’s face at two this morning. When I close the door, Maddox is staring at me. He clears his throat, subtly gesturing a hand to my shirt. I glance down, my eyes widening. “Be right back.”
I hadn’t even realized I was wearing Maddox’s t-shirt. I don’t think Brady even noticed. He's already sitting down at the table. I make a quick exit, changing into some shorts and a tank top before brushing my teeth. When I’m back in the kitchen, all three have a cup of coffee in hand, patiently waiting on my attendance.
“Ok.” I lean back against the counter. “What’s going on?”
“Warren finished his report.” Cooper shifts his eyes to Brady.
“And?” I press.
“He’s ruling it an arson.”
“What?” Maddox and I voice at the same time.
Cooper waves his hand in Brady’s direction. “Tell them.”
Brady braces his forearms on the table. “After my shift I hit the showers before I left. I was one of the last ones out, and when I was passing the chief’s office, I heard him and Warren talking.” He pauses, his hand scrubbing over his jaw. “He was telling chief about his findings. I heard the word arson and investigation.”
“And you’re sure it’s about the ranch?” I question.
“Yeah. He said he was going to have to deliver the news to Emmett and Ruthie later today,” Brady adds. “Look, I shouldn’t be telling you any of this but if I was in your shoes, I’d want to know.”
“Thank you, Brady.” I reach forward and slightly squeeze his shoulder. “We appreciate it. Your name will not be mentioned.”
He gives me a genuine smile, and I move my attention back to Cooper.
“Dad is supposed to go home today.” I groan in frustration. “They don’t even have a home." My head shakes as I hiss. "Apparently some asshole burned it down.”
“They’re going to stay with Penelope. I talked to mom this morning before Brady showed up.” Cooper stands. “I want to be there when they give the news.”
“Me too,” I voice just as Maddox steps up next to me.
I can feel the subtle brush of his fingers against my back and it's shocking the sense of comfort it brings me. “Who the hell would burn down the ranch?”
Cooper levels me with a look. “Who do you think?”
“Oh, fuck,” Maddox sighs.
Realization dawns on me. The only man who would benefit from our demise.
Rocky Bernard.