Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Ivy
I’m having a lazy Saturday afternoon, curled up on the couch with a romcom playing and a can of soda in my hand. Just as I’m settling into the storyline, my phone buzzes beside me. Ash’s name lights up the screen, and I smile.
I answer and lift the phone to my ear.
“Hey, Ash. How are you feeling?” I ask, pausing the movie with the remote.
It might have been a couple of months since the terrifying incident at school, when that unhinged janitor attacked her, and she’s doing her best to seem okay, but I’ve known her too long not to see the cracks beneath the surface. It’s really affected her.
“I’m okay,” she says. “Ben’s been taking good care of me.”
Relief washes over me. After everything they’ve been through, it’s good to know they’re in a better place now. She deserves a little peace.
“I’m really glad to hear that.”
“What are you up to?” she asks, but there’s something off in her voice. A slight wobble, like she’s hesitating.
“Not much. Just watching a movie. Why?”
“I hate to ask,” she says quietly. “But I need a favor.”
“You know the answer will be yes,” I say without missing a beat. “What do you need?”
“I’m supposed to be meeting Wyatt at a charity auction in Phoenix,” she says. “He’s one of the bachelors being auctioned off, and I promised I’d go and bid on him, just to make sure he doesn’t end up with some crazed fan. I offered months ago, before…” She trails off, unable to finish the sentence.
I close my eyes and sigh. The last thing I want to do is drive two hours to Phoenix for half an hour with Wyatt, to then drive two hours home, but how can I say no?
“Ben and I were staying over in Wyatt’s guest room,” she adds quickly. “You won’t have to drive home tonight.”
“And Wyatt’s okay with me coming?” I ask.
“Of course he is,” she assures me before laughing. “He just wants someone he knows to bid on him.”
“What would I wear?” I ask, nerves fluttering in my stomach. Going to an event like this is not in my comfort zone. I love a night out with Ash and a few close friends, but I’m not one for big social events.
“What about the long sequin dress you wore to the awards ceremony with work?” she suggests. “You looked incredible in that.”
I frown. “You don’t think that’s too much?”
“No, it’s perfect. The event is at the Fairmont. It’s a nice hotel, so it’ll be dressy.”
I sigh. “Okay. What time do I need to be there?”
“Seven.”
My eyes widen. “Ash, it’s almost four now.”
“I know, I know,” she rushes out. “It’s a lot to ask. I’m sorry, Ivy.”
“I’d better get in the shower,” I say. “You owe me, Ashlyn Brookes. You and Wyatt!”
“I swear I’ll make it up to you, and you never know... you might end up having fun.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, maybe. I’d better go.”
“Thanks, Ivy. You don’t know how much this means to me,” Ash says, her voice soft.
“Oh, wait!” I say quickly before she ends the call. “What’s Wyatt’s budget for the bids?”
“Unlimited,” she says, laughing. “Go wild.”
I laugh too before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone. Sighing, I turn off the TV and drag myself off the sofa. I really can’t be bothered, but I know Ash would do the same for me, and maybe she’s right. Maybe I will have fun.
It’s over an hour before I finally leave Hope Creek. I’m not going to make it to Phoenix, change into my dress, and be at the auction by seven. I could’ve worn the dress from home, but driving all that way in a floor-length ballgown probably isn’t the best idea.
Realizing I don’t have Wyatt’s number, I pull over and quickly text Ash, asking her to send it. I’m guessing the event is packed, and I’ll need a way to find him once I arrive.
Luckily, traffic is on my side, and about thirty minutes from Phoenix, I stop at a rest area to change. I could’ve waited until I got to the hotel, but walking into one of the swankiest places in the city in yoga pants and a hoodie? Probably not the best look.
By the time I step out of the rest stop bathroom, I catch a few curious stares, but I don’t care. I love this dress. It fits like it was made for me, and Ash was right; it’s perfect for tonight.
Half an hour later, I’m pulling up outside the Fairmont Hotel. A valet approaches as I kill the engine, and I hand over my keys, my eyes drawn to the grand entrance. Ash wasn’t kidding; this place is stunning. I’m suddenly grateful I took the time to get dressed up.
Clutching my purse a little tighter, I step inside. My nerves intensify as I take in the opulent interior, with its vaulted ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and floral arrangements that look like something out of a magazine. I head straight to the reception desk.
“Hi,” I say to the smiling blonde behind the counter.
“Good evening! Your dress is gorgeous,” she says warmly. “How can I help you?”
My cheeks flush. “Thank you. I’m here for the charity auction, but I’m not sure where to go.”
“It’s in the Hampton Suite. Just through those doors down the hall.” She points to a set of elegant double doors. “Enjoy your evening.”
“Thanks,” I say, my pace quickening.
I dig my phone out of my purse. 7:28. I’m late. Hopefully not too late. My stomach tightens when I see that Ash never replied. I don’t have Wyatt’s number. I hope I can find him.
I push open the doors and freeze. Wyatt’s standing on the stage, a spotlight casting him in a golden light.
I’m just in time.
“Twelve thousand dollars, going once,” the auctioneer calls out. “Going twice–”
“Fifteen thousand dollars!” I call out, my voice cutting through the buzz of the room. A ripple of gasps follows, and heads turn at the nearby tables, eyes scanning to see who placed the bid.
My gaze locks on Wyatt standing under the blinding stage lights. From this far back, there’s no way he can see me, but I see him. And I hope he knows it’s me.
"Fifteen thousand!" the auctioneer exclaims, her voice bubbling with excitement. She glances toward a table near the stage. “Would you like to make it sixteen?” she asks someone seated there.
I can’t see their reply, but when the auctioneer presses on, I assume they’ve backed down.
“Ladies and gentlemen, fifteen thousand dollars, going once... going twice... sold to the lady in the back!” she announces brightly. “Come on up and claim your prize!”
A flush creeps up my cheeks. I hadn’t expected to be called up, but with every eye in the room on me, I don’t have much of a choice. Dragging in a breath, I cross the room toward the stage, silently praying I don’t trip in the absurdly high heels I’m suddenly regretting.
I keep my head down as I climb the steps, hoping to get this over with as quickly as possible.
When I finally lift my gaze, my eyes lock with Wyatt’s, and the surprise on his face is unmistakable.
Ash promised me he knew I was coming, but by the look he’s giving me, she lied.
She totally set me up. And I’m willing to bet it has everything to do with the confession I made months ago about my teenage crush on him.
I’m going to strangle her the next time I see her.
I offer Wyatt a small, sheepish smile as I approach. After a beat, he returns it with one of his own. Damn, he looks good in a tux. I’ve never seen him this dressed up before, and he wears it well.
“What are you doing here?” he murmurs, dipping his head to whisper in my ear.
“It’s a long story,” I whisper back.
“You look incredible, Ivy.”
Warmth rushes to my cheeks, and I quickly lower my gaze, almost relieved when the auctioneer turns her attention to me.
“Welcome to the stage,” the auctioneer says brightly. “What’s your name?”
“Ivy,” I reply, my voice soft and my cheeks burning.
Her smile widens. “That was quite the bid, Ivy. You must be a big fan.”
I nod, unsure what else to say.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer continues, “I think we can all agree, Wyatt and Ivy make a stunning couple. I can’t wait to see the pictures!”
The audience erupts into applause, and that’s our cue to get off the stage.
One glance at Wyatt tells me he’s just as ready to bolt as I am.
Once we’re back on the ground, he places a hand on the small of my back and guides me toward the bar just outside the ballroom, both of us eager to escape the spotlight.
“I don’t know about you,” Wyatt says, close to my ear. “But I could seriously use a drink after that.”
I nod, still reeling from the whirlwind on stage, the auctioneer’s voice echoing in my mind. Can’t wait to see the pictures. What pictures?
“What do you want to drink?” he asks as his hand drops.
“Vodka soda, please.”
He gives a quick nod and places the order with the bartender.
Moments later, he hands me the drink and grabs a beer for himself, then gestures toward a sofa tucked away in a quieter corner of the room.
I follow him, gratefully sinking into the soft cushions, more than ready to get off my feet and out of everyone’s view.
“Thanks for rescuing me back there,” Wyatt says, taking a long drink. “You showed up just in time. I was definitely not looking forward to dinner with a stranger. I was surprised to see you, though. Where’s Ash?”
I exhale and shake my head. “She told me you knew I was coming.”
His brows knit. “I’ve been trying to get hold of her all night. As far as I knew, she and Ben were driving down. I was starting to worry something had happened.”
I explain how she called last minute, asking me to take her place. I leave out the part where I’m convinced she planned this little ambush to force us together.
Wyatt frowns. “Is she okay?”
“Yeah, I think so.” I place my still-full drink on the table. “I should probably get going. I’ve got a long drive back.”
His eyebrows lift in surprise. “You’re going to drive home? Tonight?”
“Well...” I trail off, not wanting to make things awkward.
“Ivy,” he says, prompting me to meet his eyes.
I sigh. “Ash said I could stay in your guest room, but it’s fine. I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not putting me out. Of course you can stay. I’m not letting you make that drive again tonight.”
Relief floods through me.
“Thanks, Wyatt. Are you sure?”
He smiles. “I’m sure. Now, drink up so we can get out of here. This scene’s not really my thing. I’ve got a much better spot in mind.”
I grin and lift my glass. “You had me at ‘get out of here.’”
Just as we finish our drinks, a striking redhead appears, hurrying toward us. She’s dressed in a strapless blue gown that shimmers under the bar’s bright lights.
“There you are,” she says, breathless. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.” Her eyes flick from Wyatt to me. “Hi, I’m Cleo, Wyatt’s publicist. Congratulations on your winning bid. Unfortunately, Wyatt has a few people he needs to speak with, so I’m going to have to steal him for a bit.”
I glance over at Wyatt, my eyebrows raised. He gives a subtle shake of his head.
“No, Cleo,” he says firmly. “Whatever it is, it can wait. I’m done for the night. I'm leaving with Ivy.”
Cleo looks between the two of us, her lips parting in surprise. “At least let the paparazzi get a photo. She paid enough.”
“Cleo,” Wyatt snaps, shooting me an apologetic glance. “Ivy didn’t pay anything. She placed the bid for me.”
Cleo blinks. “Wait, I thought your sister was coming to bid on you?”
“She was,” Wyatt says with a sigh. “But she asked Ivy to come in her place.”
He rises from his seat and offers me his hand. I take it, letting him help me to my feet.
“I’m not talking to anyone else tonight,” he says to Cleo. “I’ve done my part.” He turns to me, squeezing my hand. “Ready?”
I nod, but as we pass Cleo, she steps forward again.
“Wyatt, you’re the face of the charity. You can’t just walk out.”
“I’ve done my part by showing up,” he replies coolly. “There are plenty of people here to mingle with. I think they’ll survive without me.” She opens her mouth to argue, but Wyatt lifts his free hand to cut her off. “We’re leaving, Cleo. I’ll catch up with you next week.”
I offer her a polite smile as we pass, but she doesn’t return it. Guilt tugs at me as we walk away, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s only leaving because of me.
Once we reach the hotel foyer, I stop and tug Wyatt’s hand to get his attention. He turns toward me, his eyebrows lifting.
“Wyatt, if you need to stay… I don’t want you leaving because of me.”
He gives a small smile and shakes his head. “Trust me, Ivy. I can’t wait to get out of here.”
I smile and nod, then glance up at him. “Wyatt… what exactly did Cleo mean about the paparazzi? What has Ash signed me up for?”
He groans. “She didn’t tell you?”
“No,” I laugh. “Should I be worried?”
“It’s just dinner, for the auction winners,” he says. “But there’ll be press there and paparazzi, maybe a couple of interviews. It’s all to raise the charity’s profile. They’ll want photos of us together and might ask a few questions.” He meets my eyes. “Is that okay with you?”
A flutter of nerves twists in my stomach. I’m not exactly a spotlight kind of person. Ash has always been the outgoing one. Now it makes sense why she conveniently left those details out. She knew I’d freak and say no.
But it’s too late to back out now, and the last thing I want to do is leave Wyatt hanging.
“Yeah,” I say with a small nod. “Just… don’t let them corner me alone. I’ll probably blurt out something ridiculous.”
He smiles warmly. “I’ll be right by your side, I promise. The press can be intense, but we’ll get through it together.”
“When is it, anyway?” I ask, realizing I’ve been so caught up in the moment that I never even thought to ask.
“The weekend after next. I was thinking I could drive us back up here and you can crash at my place again if that works for you.” His tone is unsure, and I can tell he’s not any more thrilled about the public attention than I am.
I sigh to myself. It’s my birthday that weekend, not that Wyatt would have any idea, but Ash definitely does. There’s no way she knew the charity dinner would land on that exact date… right? I squeeze his hand and offer a reassuring smile. “That works for me.”
He chuckles. “It doesn’t really, but thanks for going along with it. I seriously owe you, Ivy.”
Even if talking to the press isn’t exactly my idea of fun, there are definitely worse ways to spend my birthday weekend.
I’ve always gotten along well with Wyatt, and he’s ridiculously good-looking, even if he’s only ever seen me as his sister’s friend.
I can live with that. I’ve gotten good at being invisible around guys. Wyatt is no different.