25. Chapter 25
Chapter twenty-five
Maddox
Warren Nixon tucks his clipboard under his arm, then extends his hand to me. “Maddox.”
I take it, before he moves his eyes to Ivy. “Good to see you, Ivy.” He opens an arm as she steps up to him for a side hug that’s completely innocent.
But that innocence doesn't stop the wave of possessiveness crawling inside of my skin when his hand brushes against her back. You got some nerve, Shep.
“Hey Warren. Thanks for coming out.” She keeps her gaze averted from mine, and I’m even more convinced now that everything she said the other night was a lie. She wants to seem indifferent, but she was jealous in the office. It was written all over her pretty face and it had me feeling some sort of way.
“It would probably be easier for you to take the side by side. Getting through with a truck will be a bitch.” Cooper leans against the door of his pickup.
“That’s fine.” Warren pulls his clipboard out. “It might take me a while given the amount that was damaged. But I’ll find the source. It’ll take me a couple of days to do my official report, but I’ll have something by at least tomorrow or the next day.”
Cooper nods, tossing him the keys before he steps over to Ivy. “You look tired.”
“Is that code for you look like shit?” She rolls her eyes.
“No. It’s code for you’re spending too much time in dad’s office.” Cooper drapes an arm over her shoulder. “Why don’t you get some fresh air.”
“I don’t need fresh air. I need all of this to be settled so I can go back to my normal life.”
I feel a sharp pinch in my chest at her words.
“Well fuck me, Ivy.” Cooper removes his arm. “I’m sorry this is so inconvenient for you.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” She crosses her arms. “I just meant I want everyone healthy, and the ranch to be in the green. Just normal.”
He sighs and runs a hand over his jaw. “I know.” He glances at me. “Sorry. All this shit is getting to me too.” He looks back to Ivy. “Why don’t you take Sugarfoot out?”
The look on her face could ice out the bravest of warriors. “Cooper. You know I don’t ride anymore.”
“Why not?” He presses.
“You know why.” She tosses her hands up.
“You know how many times I’ve been bucked off of a horse?” He questions.
“Twelve,” I insert casually.
He glares at me. “Eleven.”
“Man up, Cooper. That pony bucked your ass off.” I chuckle.
“Tater Tot?” Ivy gapes.
“The one and only.” I grin.
“Both of you can kiss my ass.” Cooper rips open his door. “Now if you will excuse me, I’ve got to go pick up Dakota.”
“What happened?” Ivy asks, her face growing serious.
“Her dad called her last night.”
We fall silent, all knowing what that means.
“Tell her to call me if she needs me.” Ivy softens. “I hate that he still gets to her.”
“Yeah. Fucking piece of shit.” Cooper spits. “He better be glad he’s behind bars.”
Cooper climbs in his truck before hollering out the open window. “I mean it, Ivy. We can’t do anything until the report comes back. Relax. Enjoy being home.”
Ivy waves a hand dismissively, but since going the easy route and ignoring her isn't something I'm capable of, an idea is already forming in my head. I know exactly what she needs.