The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

Chapter Eight

The busy day had prevented their usual chitchat, but Ivey could tell by Hope’s breezy attitude that all was still well between her and Lang. She couldn’t wait to get details, and to share a few of her own.

She’d spent Monday and Tuesday with Corbin at his house, and to her surprise, Maurice enjoyed the trips. Initially, he’d been a little suspicious of the new location, but he was a smart kitty and recognized Justin right away, and he was beside himself with joy at seeing Daisy again.

Maurice loved to snuggle with the dog. Around her, he seemed younger, friskier and all around happier. Maybe Ivey had been the old grump and just projected that on her poor cat. What a dismal thought.

Things were better now, though. Corbin had even set up a litter box for Maurice. So far he’d turned his nose up at it, but thankfully hadn’t had any accidents. Or actually, with Maurice, it would have been an “on purpose,” because he did tend to go outside the box whenever something irked him. The cat used ingenious methods to make his discontent known to her.

Tonight Ivey had some of her monster collectibles ready to gift to Justin, so she was doubly anxious to wrap up her day. More and more, she wanted to hand the entire assortment over to him, knowing he’d get a lot more enjoyment from it all than she would just by keeping everything stored. Of course, she’d have to discuss that with Corbin first. It would be a rather extravagant gift.

“Whew.” Stepping through the door, Hope slumped back against the wall and used a file folder to fan her face. “What a day. I don’t think we slowed down once.”

Ivey looked her over. Hope’s inky bangs were stuck to one side and heat flushed her cheeks. Perspiration dotted her temples and her shirt clung to her in select places. On top of their busy schedule they’d had two emergency surgeries—which had thankfully gone well—and the air-conditioning had gone on the fritz. It was a very lucky thing that she worked with even-tempered women who persevered.

Smiling, Ivey stripped off her soiled lab coat, dropped it into the bin and then washed her hands in the sink. “You look frazzled. Why don’t you head on home and relax?” When Hope bit her lip, Ivey’s smile widened. “Or maybe you have something else to do?”

Hope’s gaze darted around, making sure Karen and the other tech weren’t near, then whispered, “Lang and I are going out on the boat in an hour.”

That sounded wonderful. An easy ride as the evening cooled down. “That’ll be fun.” It thrilled her that Hope had agreed to be alone with Lang. They’d be on the lake, so not really anywhere private, but still, it was another step forward.

“Yes, but...” Hope crowded close and her voice dropped even more. “I bought a bathing suit.”

Ivey’s jaw loosened before she caught herself and grinned hugely. “Good for you!” Talk about a big step, this one was a leap. Hope didn’t even wear low-cut tops. In fact, she used clothes like a suit of armor, hiding everything she could. “I’m sure you’ll look terrific.”

“I had thought about shopping around here, but I just couldn’t do it, so I ordered it online. It’s cute. A black one-piece with a little skirt.”

The “little skirt” part tickled Ivey. It sounded just like Hope. “Now you know I want to see it.”

Hope quickly dug out her phone and opened her photo app. “Thank you,” she said with relief. “I took a picture of myself in the mirror and I’m dying to know if it looks okay.” She held the phone to her chest. “But first, you have to swear to me that you’ll tell me the truth.”

“Oh, honey, I will never, ever lie to you.”

“Right, I know that. But some lies are meant to be kind, and the thing is, I want your one hundred percent honest opinion so that I don’t make a fool of myself in front of Lang.”

Unable to believe she was having this conversation with Hope, that her friend was actually that interested in a man, Ivey crossed her heart. “I swear. Now stop teasing and lemme see!”

With her bottom lip back in her teeth, Hope turned the phone.

Slowly, Ivey took it from her. Holy smokes, even with the suit having a high, round neck and the little skirt that skimmed the tops of her thighs, Hope looked amazing. She had more curves than Ivey had ever realized. Delicate, yes, but so very sexy. “Girl, you’re going to rock that man’s world.”

The second the words left her mouth, she regretted it. What if Hope didn’t want to rock Lang’s world? What if that notion frightened her?

Ivey looked up...and caught Hope’s blinding smile.

Glowing in pleasure, Hope asked, “You really think so?”

So pleased she could barely contain it, Ivey gave her a big grin. “I think you’re ready to advance things a smidge. Am I right?”

“Actually...yes.” Hope hugged herself. “I want to kiss him, Ivey. I think about it all the time.” With a soft laugh, she said, “I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Perfect.“I’m sure he’s thinking about it, too.” Ivey looked at the image again. Hope had slim, shapely legs, gently rounded hips and a tiny waist. The neckline of the suit barely displayed her modest cleavage. “You are such an enticing little package. Lang is going to drool.”

“I wish I had bigger boobs.”

That got a surprised laugh out of Ivey. “Don’t be silly. Big boobs would look absurd on your petite frame.” With confidence, Ivey said, “You’re perfect as is.”

Fretting again, Hope whispered, “What if he misunderstands and thinks I want more than a kiss?”

In many ways, Hope was like a schoolgirl going through her first crush, cautiously seeking new experiences. “Wearing a bathing suit is not an invitation, honey.” Ivey handed the phone back to her. “Everyone wears them and it only means you’re comfortable enough with him to relax. Lang isn’t a dummy, so I trust he’ll get it. But you know I’m all about being up front. Why not just tell him you want a kiss, only a kiss? That way, there are no misunderstandings.”

Karen stuck her head in. “I’m heading out, ladies. I’m in desperate need of a dip in the pool and a margarita.”

Laughing, Ivey shooed her away. “You’ve earned it, Karen. Thank you so much for being with us through thick and thin.”

“Thank you. If you weren’t such an incredible vet, we probably would have lost that dog today and my entire week would have been ruined.”

The dog had been hit by a car and for an hour or more it had been touch and go. A grueling experience for all of them. “He’ll still need time to mend, but he’s from a good family and they’ll baby him.”

“Thank God,” Karen said, already slipping away. “Everything is locked up except the back door. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

As usual, Ivey and Hope gathered their purses together. So often, they were in perfect sync. They each slipped on sunglasses as they stepped outside, and Hope waited as Ivey locked the door. They turned, and together, tripped to a halt.

Geoff was outside his car, leaning against a fender and smiling in welcome.

“Ah, hell,” Ivey muttered low. Other than a few texts, she hadn’t heard from him in weeks. There had been that one moment at the grocery store where they’d run into each other, but Ivey had greeted him like a mere acquaintance and hurried on her way.

It was totally different to step out of the clinic and find him waiting in the lot.

“Should I stay?” Hope asked in a whisper.

“Absolutely not. Go wow Lang in that bathing suit so you can give me all the juicy details later. And, hon, as always, if you need me for anything, don’t hesitate.”

Hope cast a quick glance at Geoff. “Same to you, okay?”

“Thanks.” With a lagging step, Ivey walked over to Geoff and tried to work up a smile. “Hey.”

Geoff reached out to touch a damp curl clinging to her temple. “Rough day?”

Damn it, Geoff had never before been concerned about her days, rough or otherwise. Most evenings he’d made a beeline to the fridge for a beer, then sprawled on her couch to watch television or play on his phone.

She managed a thin smile. “Air wouldn’t stay on. The maintenance guy finally got it fixed a bit ago, but it was the end of the day, so...still hot when we left. Should be cooled down by the morning.” She’d been looking forward to seeing Corbin, and a delay was just annoying. “What are you doing here, Geoff?”

“I need to talk to you.” He straightened away from the car.

Automatically, Ivey backed up a step to put a measured distance between them. Geoff looked stressed, and now that she bothered to notice, he appeared leaner, especially around his face.

Staring up at him, she felt a twinge of concern. “Are you okay?”

“Without you?” His smile was sad. “Not really.”

“Geoff,” she cautioned gently. “Whatever was between us was long gone before I ended things. You need to move on.”

He nodded without much conviction. “I screwed up. I know that now. I got too comfortable, turned into a slug.” He blew out a breath. “I didn’t take care of you like I should have.”

“I don’t need anyone to take care of me, but interest would have been nice.”

Mouth firming, Geoff looked away. “I was a selfish bastard. I took you and your love for granted.”

Sympathy welled up, especially since Ivey was no longer convinced that she’d loved him. “It wasn’t all your fault. It takes two to let a relationship sink.” Far too often, she’d let things slide, because it hadn’t mattered enough.

Totally different story with Corbin.

Very different situation, too, because Corbin had some serious priorities above and beyond a romantic relationship. He put Justin first, rightfully so. To her, that only made him more loveable.

And yet, he was always very aware of her, too.

“You were great, Ivey. Too nice, maybe. But I wanted you to know, I’m going back to the gym now, getting off my butt.” Geoff’s earnest gaze held hers, and he whispered, “I’ll do better.”

Oh Lord. An obnoxious Geoff she could deal with. But a contrite Geoff? A humble and sincere Geoff? She scrambled for the right way to respond. Finally, with him waiting expectantly, she managed a tender smile. “That’s all wonderful, Geoff, and I’m sure whoever you’re with next will appreciate it.”

“Ivey—”

“But that woman won’t be me.” For both their sakes, she had to be firm. “Please understand. Even if you haven’t moved on, I have. I’m happy.” On impulse, she took his right hand in both of hers. “I want you to be happy, too, but you weren’t happy with me.”

“I was happier than I’ve ever been.”

“You know that’s not true.” She squeezed his hand, but when she started to release him, he held on. “We were convenient at first, then just in a rut. Don’t you see that?”

“I love you, Ivey. I think I always will.”

Inside, she grimaced.

Lifting her hand, Geoff pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “But I meant what I said, if we can only be friends, then I’ll accept that.”

Tugging her hand free, she said, “Of course we are.” She did care about Geoff, and she meant it when she said she wanted him to be happy. He just couldn’t be happy with her.

“Then maybe we could get together some time?”

She wanted to deny him, but she didn’t have the heart to do that. “Maybe.” To keep from giving him false hope, she added, “But you know my hours, and I’m seeing someone else now. I don’t have a lot of free time.”

“The guy with the kid?”

“Yes.”

“Does he love you?”

The question gave her pause. “I don’t really know.” She hoped Corbin was as emotionally invested as her, but she wasn’t about to press him. “We haven’t been together that long.”

Long enough, though, that she’d miss Justin horribly if she and Corbin weren’t seeing each other. Huh. Funny that she hadn’t considered that before now. She didn’t just love Corbin. She also loved Justin.

And she especially loved being together with them—the animals included.

“Ivey?” Geoff tipped up her face. “Honey, is something wrong?”

Yes, damn it. All kinds of things were wrong. She really needed to find out if Corbin was headed in the same direction as her, otherwise she was setting herself up for devastating disappointment.

None of that was Geoff’s business, so she lifted her chin away from his touch and forced a smile. “Sorry. It’s been a long, hot, frustrating day and I really do need to get going.”

“To see him?”

Her smile tightened. “Yes, as a matter of fact.” Geoff really needed to face the facts.

“All right, I won’t keep you. But, honey, please know that if things don’t work out with him, I’m here. In whatever way you want me.” He bent to press a lingering kiss to her cheek, gave her a thankfully brief hug and turned to get into his car.

With alacrity, Ivey hustled to her own car, glad that she didn’t have to come up with a reply. She used to sleep with Geoff, but now, even a peck made her want to smack him.

It took her another hour to get home to Maurice, shower and change and get on her way to Corbin’s. Deep down, she was troubled. Despite her resolve, she felt incredibly bad for Geoff. Had she misjudged him? It seemed so.

She didn’t regret breaking things off. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t be with Corbin now. But could she have been nicer about it? Yup.

By the time she knocked on Corbin’s door, she wasn’t feeling very good about herself. It was Justin who let her in, and his bright smile buoyed her. Already talking a mile a minute about things the pups had done, ways that Daisy had warmed up and about a cat toy they’d picked up for Maurice, he took her hand and tugged her inside.

Ears up, Daisy came trotting around the corner. When she saw Ivey, she yapped in glee and turned a few circles. Hearing her, Maurice gave a demanding, impatient meow from his carrier.

“They want to visit, huh?” Justin said.

“It seems so.” Ivey knelt down and opened the small metal door. Like a regal prince, Maurice sauntered out to the adulation of Daisy. “So aloof,” she teased. “You know you’re anxious to play.”

As the animals turned the corner, Justin followed.

Alone again, Ivey closed the carrier and set it aside. With guilt nagging her, she stood to go to the kitchen where she assumed she’d find Corbin. She’d taken only two steps when he appeared, a cold drink in his hand.

He looked at her, his brows gathering in concern. “Hi.”

“Sorry I’m running late.”

“You’re here now.” He bent down and took her mouth in a warm, possessive kiss that did a lot to obliterate her dark thoughts.

She didn’t mean to get carried away, but he felt so good she just naturally moved closer. Fingers spread, she slid her hands up his chest to his neck. Around the house, Corbin always wore soft T-shirts that felt so good against her palms and were a treat for her eyes with the way they hugged his muscles.

She, on the other hand, felt rather dumpy in her oversize T-shirt and jean shorts with flip-flops...but she didn’t care. Never, not once, had Corbin given her a negative look or comment about her casual duds.

“Mmm,” he said in approval of her touch, tipping his head a little and deepening the kiss. His free hand flattened on the small of her back, bringing her into closer contact.

Oh, how she’d love to lose herself in him, Ivey thought. To have an entire day and night to touch and taste him in all the ways she wanted.

In the other room, they heard Justin laugh, and it effectively pulled them apart.

Corbin stayed close, his gaze searching. “What’s wrong, Ivey?”

She let her head drop to his chest. “It was an awful day.”

“I’m sorry.” He pressed another kiss to her temple, nuzzling gently. “You smell good.”

That made her smile. “It’s my new shampoo.”

“No, it’s you.” He stepped back and handed her the icy drink, then put his arm around her and steered her toward the kitchen. “Dinner is almost done. I had a late start myself with a meeting that went over. Lang headed off with Hope just a few minutes ago.”

That reminded her and she asked, “Did you see her in her bathing suit?”

He shook his head and pulled out a chair for her. “No. Lang went to her place and from there, out on the boat.”

Dropping into the seat, Ivey whispered, “Oh, Corbin, she looked so good. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that she’s coming out of her shell. It does my heart good.”

Wearing a crooked smile, he stroked two fingers along her cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Ivey.”

She didn’t understand his mood. “I’m glad to be here.” Blinking up at him, she asked, “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He kissed her once more, then turned away to the stove. “Breaded pork chops with cheese noodles and salad, coming up in ten.”

“Justin’s request?”

“He’s a bottomless pit.” He deftly turned the chops. “You look exhausted. Tell me about your day.”

So nice that he always asked, and that he seemed to pick up on her moods. Sipping her drink, she detailed the surgeries, the failure of the air-conditioning and then, finally, Geoff’s surprise visit.

Up to that point, Corbin had given appropriate replies and shown real interest, but now he slowly turned, a fork in hand and a piercing expression in his eyes. “Geoff? Your ex?”

“Yes. He’s called and texted a few times, but I rarely acknowledge him.” She wrinkled her nose. “He knows my schedule, though, so he was in the parking lot waiting when I came out.”

For a second or two, Corbin’s jaw worked before he made a visible effort to shutter his frustration. “What did you do?”

“Oh, that was well done. You went from looking pissed to merely curious.” When his eyes narrowed, she laughed and joined him at the stove, taking the fork from him and poking at the chops. “I made it clear that we were over. You don’t ever have to worry about that. Even if things ended between us tomorrow, I wouldn’t go back to Geoff.”

“Things aren’t ending between us.”

“God, I hope not! I was just saying, Geoff is no longer an option, regardless. But...”

He reclaimed the fork, then put it on the stove. “But what?”

It really was funny to see a guy like Corbin acting territorial. Funny and oh-so-flattering. Ivey turned down the burner, then wrapped her arms around him. “How long before Justin joins us?”

Reluctantly, he returned her embrace. “Justin?” he called out.

From the other room, they heard, “Yeah, Dad?”

“Get your hands washed, okay? Dinner is almost ready.”

“Kay.”

Corbin squeezed her closer. “Minutes, so tell me quick what’s going on.”

“Nothing between Geoff and me, I promise.” She looked up at him, and decided why not? “I’m falling hard for you, so you see, you have nothing to worry about. I’m the one who should be worried—”

His kiss stole the rest of her statement, but this time it was firm and fast. “No, Ivey. You have nothing to worry about, not where I’m concerned.”

Okay...awesome. Glad that she’d brought it up, Ivey grinned at him. “Go, me!”

A reluctant smile led to a short laugh. “Sometimes you’re nuts, you know that, right?” He turned her away with a swat on her butt. “But you’re also really good for my ego.”

“Ditto.” Leaning against the counter, Ivey asked, “What can I do to help with dinner?”

“You can quit stalling and tell me what happened with your ex.”

True, he already had the table set and he clearly had the meal in hand. “I suppose I should.”

“Ivey.”

“Geoff is actually misunderstood.” There, having said it out loud, she could finally address it. “I feel badly now for thinking he was such a jerk.” The incredulous look Corbin shot her made her sigh in frustration. “Well, I do. You should have seen him today.”

“No, thank you.”

“Corbin.” She watched as he dumped the cheese noodles from the pan into a bowl and set it on the table. “Feeling sorry for someone is not the same as being attracted to them.”

“But I’m betting that was his plan. He knows how you are—”

“How am I?”

“Big-hearted,” he said with a frown. “Kind and considerate.”

Such sweet compliments. “Most people are.”

“No, many people are not. He’s trying to soften you up, Ivey, and I don’t like the idea of him waiting around to catch you alone. It’s stalkerish.”

“I wasn’t alone. I was with Hope.”

“What if the next time you aren’t?”

That...did give her something to think about. “Geoff isn’t a threat,” she assured him. But it would be horribly uncomfortable to be alone with him.

“Let me guess.” Corbin folded his arms. “He wants to be friends.”

Wow, nailed it. “He, um, did mention that.”

Rolling his eyes, Corbin called out again, “Justin?”

“Be right there.”

“I’ll go check on him,” Ivey said. She needed a minute to think without a guy confusing her.

On her way past him, Corbin caught her arm, drawing her to a halt. He looked frustrated and determined as he stared into her eyes. His gaze dipped to her mouth, and then he was kissing her again. This, she decided, was much easier than debating what to do about Geoff.

“Blech,” Justin said as he headed for the table.

They immediately broke apart. Corbin looked nonplussed, as if he’d forgotten himself.

Flustered, Ivey patted his chest and turned to Justin. “You think kissing me is gross?” She hauled him close and loudly smooched his cheek, enjoying the way he snickered and wiggled.

When she let him go, Justin surprised her by hugging her hard again. That was the second freely given hug she’d gotten from him, and it meant just as much as the first.

Over Justin’s head, she shared a very contented smile with Corbin. “I’m starved and this smells delicious. Let’s eat.”