Chapter 9 Ivy
IVY
The cool air hits me as I stroll through Sebastian’s backyard. Snow falls gently around me—small flakes that will only amount to a dusting.
As I round the corner of his house, I spot his car turning into the driveway. Another vehicle follows close behind.
I duck behind the hedges bordering the front walk, crouching so my knees are tucked to my chest, chin resting on them as Sebastian steps out of his car.
He moves with that same controlled confidence—unhurried, composed—like nothing in his life has ever truly surprised him.
Well, except for me.
Another car stops behind Sebastian’s, and that immediately becomes my business.
Another man gets out. Dark hair. Thinner. Slightly slouched posture, like someone who spends most of his time behind a desk but compensates with long runs.
He’s not built like Sebastian, but the resemblance is there.
Focus, Ivy.
The man opens the trunk and pulls out a large box.
It’s a coffee machine.
A fancy one.
With a huge red bow.
Sebastian doesn’t even make good coffee.
“That’s an extravagant gift, Drew.”
Drew. Short for Andrew. Sebastian’s brother.
I overheard Sebastian on the phone with Marcus last week while I was standing on the balcony outside his bedroom. Drew’s wife filed for divorce. Emotional upheaval followed. Sebastian reluctantly agreed to let him stay.
I straighten as they head toward the house.
Time to move.
I slip out of the hedges and circle the house. I swing my legs over the back deck railing and duck behind the fake potted tree just beside the door, peering through the window.
“Sorry I didn’t get this to you sooner,” Drew says as they step inside. “Belated housewarming gift.”
Sebastian exhales. “I barely know how to make regular coffee, Drew. I definitely don’t know how to use that thing.”
“You’ll learn,” Drew says. “It’s intuitive.”
“I don’t do intuitive.”
Drew studies him. “You don’t do intuitive. Change. Relationships.”
Sebastian stiffens.
“You need to take a chance,” Drew says. “Date someone. Expand your horizons.”
“I don’t date. There’s no need to expand—”
Drew snorts. “I fall in love too quickly. Married the first girl I ever dated. And you avoid it like the plague.”
Sebastian shifts, runs a hand through his hair, and scratches the back of his neck.
“We’re different,” he says tightly.
“Yes,” Drew agrees. “But it’s more than that.”
“Don’t.” Sebastian holds up his hand. “Don’t start on the unresolved childhood trauma.”
He turns abruptly and heads for the door, muttering about grabbing the rest of Drew’s luggage.
Drew sighs and steps into the living room.
He looks tired. Recently divorced tired.
Well, that was awkward.
Time to introduce myself. Smooth the tension.
I pop out from behind the plant and tap lightly on the glass with a bright, welcoming smile.
Drew screams.
Like—full, high-pitched, horror-movie final girl scream.
I tap the glass again, just in case he didn’t see me clearly the first time.
The coffee machine slips from his hands and crashes to the floor with a catastrophic clatter.
“Oh my God!” he yells, backing up. “What—who—WHY—”
Sebastian comes running in from outside. “What the hell—”
He stops short when he sees me.
I step inside, waving.
“Ivy,” Sebastian says evenly. Dangerously calm. “What are you doing here?”
I ignore Sebastian’s rudeness.
Turning to his brother, I stick out my hand. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
Drew presses a hand to his chest. “Jesus Christ. I thought you were—” He stops. “Who are you?”
“Ivy Hart,” I say brightly, my hand still extended. “I live three doors down. Welcome to the neighborhood.”
He shakes it automatically, still pale. “I’m Drew. Sebastian’s brother.”
“I know.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightens.
Drew blinks. “You… know?”
“Oh, yes. You’re going to be staying here for a bit.”
Sebastian closes his eyes.
Drew looks between us. “Are you… his girlfriend?”
Sebastian makes a choking sound.
I giggle. “Oh no. Sebastian doesn’t do the girlfriend thing.”
Sebastian opens his mouth.
Drew’s ears turn pink. “So you’re his…?”
“Booty call,” I reply cheerfully. “You could say that.”
Sebastian exhales sharply. “No. She’s not anything like that.” He runs a hand through his hair. “She’s… Ivy.”
I blink at him. Then smile wider. “What would you call us?”
There’s a warning tone in his voice. “Ivy—”
“Grinding buddies?”
“Jesus.” Sebastian looks at the ceiling like it holds the answers.
“Hand job enthusiast? Cum swallower?”
“Ivy!” Sebastian says sharply.
Drew rubs his face, looking appalled. “My life is messed up. First, my wife files for divorce—"
“I’m really sorry. After being married for three years, I’m sure that was quite a shock.” My voice softens. “At least you guys didn’t have kids.”
Sebastian’s head snaps toward me.
Drew’s eyes widen. “How do you know that?” He looks at his brother. “How does she know that?”
Sebastian pinches the bridge of his nose. “She’s Ivy.”
“I am.” I stand there with my hands clasped in front of me.
“Does that make her psychic?” Drew asks.
Sebastian ignores him. “What do you want?”
“To see you,” I say. “Obviously.” I step closer and adjust the collar of his coat like it’s second nature. His body goes completely still.
Drew makes a strangled sound.
“She came in through the patio door,” he says weakly. “She just… appeared. Like a ghost.”
“It’s unlocked,” I say, gesturing to it.
Drew stares at him. “You leave your patio door unlocked?”
“For me,” I add helpfully.
Silence. Deep, concerned, judgmental silence.
Drew gestures wildly. “You don’t lock your doors?”
“He locks the front, back, and garage,” I say. “Just not the patio.”
I glance at Sebastian.
“Or his balcony.”
Sebastian sighs.
Drew shakes his head like he’s at a loss for words. He looks down at the dropped coffee machine, then back at us. “I brought a gift.”
“It’s lovely,” I say. “Your brother won’t be able to use it. But don’t worry. I’ll learn.”
Sebastian shoots me a look.
Drew looks doubtful.
“I bring groceries sometimes,” I add, then gesturing to Sebastian. “He forgets to eat when he’s stressed.”
“I eat,” Sebastian says.
“Coffee doesn’t count.”
“It does when it’s black.”
Drew presses his lips together, trying not to smile. He loses the fight.
“Okay,” he says slowly. “I’m just going to accept that this is my life now.”
I clap once. “Adaptable. I like you.”
Sebastian looks at him. “Don’t encourage her.”
“I’m not,” Drew says. “I’m surviving.”
“Survival skills are a necessity in today’s changing world.”
“Are you staying for dinner?” Drew asks me.
Sebastian turns sharply. “She is not—”
“I can,” I say easily. “If you want me to.”
The room goes quiet.
Sebastian blinks at me.
He doesn’t say yes, but he sighs and steps aside, which I take as a victory.
Drew exhales like a man witnessing history.
“I’ll start dinner.” I head to the kitchen, glancing over my shoulder at Sebastian.
He didn’t stop me.
Victory, I silently cheer.
He wants me here.