Chapter Two #4
‘You’re really going to wear those?’ Ethan nodded incredulously at her stilettoed boots when it became apparent she wasn’t going to change into any of the wellingtons lined up along the wall.
She was so used to wearing heels, she often joked she could run a marathon in them.
She felt overdressed for the outdoors, but she needed her suit of armour, more than ever now, to get through this ordeal.
‘Yes,’ she said, then hesitated at the door.
She’d been ultra careful getting to WillowGlen unseen and had checked last night and again this morning to ensure there was nothing factual in the press, regarding her current whereabouts.
Still, her hard-learnt instinct for being on high alert whenever she went outdoors kicked in.
Especially here. Until she reminded herself that history wouldn’t repeat itself, she’d made sure of that.
‘You ready?’ he asked.
In response she stepped outside and the air stung her cheeks. She pulled the belt tighter and plunged her hands deep into the coat’s pockets. Boots crunching over the gravel, they headed to the little stone bridge running over the stream.
Stopping in the middle, she leant on the railing as water trickled beneath them. The tightness in Ivy’s shoulders eased, the fresh air working its magic like Ruby had always attested.
‘I’d forgotten how peaceful it is here,’ Ivy said almost to herself. Right then and there, she knew there was only one answer to Ruby’s request. She turned to Ethan and found him looking at her, not the view. ‘Even though I’ll never understand her reasoning, I’m going to stay like she asked.’
Ethan inhaled sharply. ‘Really?’
That one word shattered any illusions as to what he’d thought she’d do.
‘Did you think I wouldn’t honour her wishes?’ She tried and failed to hide the hurt. It shouldn’t matter that he thought so little of her, especially as that’s what she’d wanted. She fisted her hands in her pockets. But it did.
‘Your track record’s hardly exemplary.’
‘You don’t know me, Ethan. Don’t try and think you do.
’ She wasn’t the same woman he’d met years ago—who in a momentary, unforgivable lapse had forgotten what she’d done.
Had let herself imagine, for a split second, that love at first sight was possible for her.
Just like it had happened for her parents.
But she’d never have that right, and she wouldn’t let her guard down again. Not that it would be an issue. She’d had it, straight from Ethan, that he’d rather cut off his hands than ever touch her again. ‘And you’ve failed to mention your plans.’
He scoffed. ‘There was no question of me not doing as she wished.’ His insult hit its mark and she stiffened.
‘She knew what I do for a living, what we both do, and what this would mean for us. But let me be clear, I won’t stand for this turning into some kind of public relations exercise for you.
There are to be no photographers, reporters, publicists, hangers-on or entourage of any description.
No social media. Any movie star demands from you, or your boyfriend, will not be tolerated. ’
Her boyfriend? He believed the press? Her heart hitched, until she reminded herself it didn’t matter what he thought of her.
‘You’re in no position to dictate to me.’ Even though she’d do everything in her power to keep this private, she wasn’t going to stand for Ethan ordering her around. ‘Nor will you question my intentions. But—the very last thing I want is any publicity around this.’
Mentally she went through how she could make this work—especially with a brooding six-foot-three presence. The property was big. They didn’t have to see much of each other. Either way they’d work it out. They’d have to.
‘I doubt it, but to be sure I’m setting some ground rules,’ he said.
‘Good luck.’ Although she had a healthy respect for rules, defiance coloured her voice, which was better than revealing how much his attitude towards her stung.
His gaze bored into hers, and despite the cold, something fizzled deep inside her. ‘You have an issue being held accountable for your actions?’
Her breath rushed out so quickly she was momentarily light-headed as she thought of her parents.
But he didn’t know anything about that, no-one did.
As much as Ruby may have trusted her, Ethan certainly didn’t, and she couldn’t keep letting that get to her.
He was just going to have to deal with it. With her.
Ivy shivered as a gust of wind hit their exposed spot and Ethan pulled up his collar, then jammed his hands back into his pockets.
‘Not at all, but I’m not going to be made accountable for yours. Nor your prejudices against me.’
‘I deal with facts, so let’s stick to them. We’re both going to be living here, so we’ll have areas of the house we each keep exclusively to ourselves and off limits to the other—including any visitors.’
Despite his imperious tone, he made sense.
‘Let’s keep moving before we turn into icicles,’ she said, barely able to feel her toes. ‘I agree, although I won’t be having any visitors.’
He stopped abruptly and turned to her. Surprise, amazement and suspicion raced across his face. ‘What? Not even your boyfriend?’