Alder

I ’m practically bouncing as I walk into the lodge. My not date with Ivy went better than I could have hoped. I felt like we were really getting somewhere.

When I take in the full scope of my surroundings, I’m a little taken aback by how good it looks in here. The Edgemont has been transformed into a holiday magazine spread. The trees that have been here since Ivy’s first week are still up, but now, instead of the traditional red and green, it's all golden. The bows and wreaths, the silverware laid out on the tables, the banisters leading up to the balcony that's been set up with outdoor heaters and sparkling lights; it all looks amazing. I follow them all the way up to the top, and then I see her.

She’s so beautiful. Wearing a dark-green dress that looks so soft, I want to reach out and run my hands over it, just to see what it feels like on her body. A body that looks just like it was made for studying, worshiping. The plunging neckline of her dress highlights her delicate neck that I want to lick, that I want to bite. It’s given me and everyone here a stunning view of her cleavage.

Her hair reminds me of an old Hollywood film. It's down, and one side is pulled back with a gold clip above her ear, where a small red earring hangs. Her green eyes sparkle like emeralds, and her lips—God, her lips. They’re a deep shade of red that I want to stain my skin. I want that color all over me.

She starts down the stairs, and I remember that tonight she’s with me. She’s mine. If she wants me to play the part of the doting boyfriend, then that’s what I’ll do. Happily. I won’t be letting her out of my sight. I don’t think I’m capable. I lift my arm when she reaches the last step, and she tucks her slender hand into the crook of my elbow, giving my bicep a squeeze. She meets my eyes, and she already looks annoyed with me. Game on, baby.

“Is this arm of yours real, or is it actually carved from marble?” Her question makes me laugh. Then she teases me further, “Are you flexing for me, Lover Boy?” Her voice is taunting as she arches her eyebrow and gives me a flirty grin. So we’re flirting then? This I can do. This I’m good at. I’ve got charm in spades. She slides her free hand up my chest, and the small action is in danger of having a bigger reaction.

She stops at the base of my neck and smoothes my tie, leaning into me, pressing her toned body flush against me, whispering low so only I can hear, “I really appreciate you helping me. And please don’t misunderstand me when I say this.” She meets my eyes again, hand still on my chest, the other tucked in between us. She’s stealing up all the air just like a fire does to stay alive. “You’re really pretty, . A literal Adonis.” She looks at my mouth, and I want to kiss those red lips until we’re both a mess of crimson “But you’re really not my type.” She smiles sadly, like she isn’t the one who’s just rejected me. “You do look really nice in a suit though,” she adds wistfully.

I’m unsure what thoughts have her deciding this. I can honestly say I’ve never had a woman tell me I’m not their type, but more importantly, I don’t like that look on her face. I want to have fun with her tonight. I’m here to make this night easier for her. To be what she needs me to be, and if what she needs is to pretend because she thinks she doesn’t feel anything close to what I’m starting to, then I won’t push it…yet.

“You look nice too, princess,” I tell her, although nice is such a gross understatement that I immediately want to correct myself, but I bite my tongue. I’m not ready to show my hand just yet. Especially not coming off the heels of her letting me down easy—compliment sandwich. She snorts, and instead of letting her volley back, I decide to ask what the expectations are tonight. “So how do you want me to behave tonight?” I ask, lifting the arm she isn’t holding onto to move her hair from her shoulder.

It feels like silk in my fingers. “So soft…” I say before I can catch myself. She shivers, and I see goose bumps appear. So she isn’t completely unaffected by me then. She may not think she wants to date me, but I have a feeling she would be willing to do other things with me. She swallows, and I track the movement. Looking back at her eyes, I have to stop myself from pulling her into a dark corner when I notice they’re glassy and her cheeks are flushed.

“Like you’re obsessed with me,” she rasps.

Looking away from me, her eyes clear as she surveys the room before turning back to me and smiling sweetly. “So, how you would normally act around me,” she throws at me with a smirk before a voice comes over the speakers announcing the silent auction is about to begin.

We walk over toward the entrance, and Ivy greets almost every guest walking in. She’s good at this. I shouldn’t be surprised. She’s told me time and time again that she’s capable. Before tonight, I would have believed that but in a way of her being capable of commanding an army, of bringing an army to their knees before her. This, though, this version of her, it’s commanding in a different way. A more subtle one. It feels dangerous. It’s charming and endearing. Another piece of the puzzle for me to file away for later when my thoughts are consumed by her. Just like they have been since the moment I met her.

“Thank you so much for coming out and supporting our event tonight. Please let me know if there’s anything you need tonight, and enjoy your evening,” she tells Mrs. Anderson, the town gossip, as Sue enters the main room in the lodge.

I bend slightly and whisper into her ear, “Sue will be talking about this event for weeks, possibly until next year.” She smiles at my words.

“I know,” she tells me. “She’s on the town's event committee that you put me in touch with, and I was advised to make sure she would be in attendance.” She’s pleased with herself, and I like the way it looks on her. I want to see how she would look if she was pleased by me.

“Lucky for you then that you have me,” I say, willing it to be true. She laughs at that.

“Oh yes, lucky me.” She bats those long lashes at me. “What would I do without a big, strong man to help little old me?” she asks me in an exaggerated Southern drawl. That could be something I think about later as well. Why is everything this woman does so freaking sexy?

“You don’t have to find out, sugar,” I say back, doing my best cowboy impression. I even tip my fake hat to her. She laughs loudly, head tilted back, mouth wide open. With that laugh, any chance I had at pretending I’m not half in love with her is out the window. I’m screwed. A waiter walks by and offers us each a flute of champagne. I grab two glasses and hand her one.

“Thank you,” she says quietly before taking a sip.

“Ivy, why am I not surprised to find you with a full glass in your hand? How many has that been tonight?” Ivy’s face turns to stone. She slips back into her mask so seamlessly that you never would have believed she was just having a good time with me.

“Noah,” she addresses him. “Where’s Margot? Don’t tell me she’s already figured out that you aren’t worth the zeros.” Her tone is innocent, but it eats at him like she’s just thrown acid his way.

Noah hums, then gives Ivy a sneer. “I see you’re still the same bitch you’ve?—”

“If you finish that sentence, I will not hesitate to ensure you won’t be speaking to anyone for the foreseeable future,” I cut in. I’m not typically a man to threaten someone. I don’t like to ruffle feathers, and I can let a lot of things roll off my back, but this asshole will not disrespect Ivy ever again if I can help it. I lower my voice, “And I’m sure you’re used to men making threats and not following through, but let me be clear: I’m a man of my word. You need to be gone by tomorrow, or I’ll escort you from the property myself. The choice is yours, but the second option won’t end well for you.” His eyes widen at my words. I can see the fear behind them even as his face remains stoic. “Are we clear?” I ask, and he nods. “Good.”

I feel Ivy’s hand slip into mine and give it a reassuring squeeze. “Okay, action hero, I think that’s enough,” she says a little shakily as she tugs on my arm and pulls us from the entrance. I give Noah one last glance as we make our way back into the main room. Jack’s voice comes over the speaker again, letting us know it’s almost time to eat, and everyone makes their way to their tables. I spot Rhett over by the snack table with Hazel. He’s sneaking her a cookie while Knox is on the phone over in the corner of the room. He’s got another thing coming if he thinks he’s coming for the best uncle title.

“I need to go over to the stage now, but thank you. I’ll add white knight to your list of attributes,” she teases.

“There’s a list, huh? And I thought I was the only one making those.”

She smiles at me. “I’ll be back in a few,” she tells me, releasing my arm and walking off in the direction of the stage. I take this opportunity to say hello to the Holloway clan. By the looks of it, the whole town has turned up.

“Hey guys, you all look great, but especially you, Hazey baby.” She smiles at my compliment and holds up the edge of her dress, showing me the lace trim. “Oh, it’s so beautiful. Did you pick it out?” I ask her.

She shakes her head at me, “Uh uh. Andy Lo did.” I know one day, she’ll stop calling us Muncle and Andy, and I already hate that day so much.

“I love it, baby girl.” She beams at me.

“Thank you, Muncle Aldie,” she says sweetly, then she shoves the cookie she’s been holding behind Rhett’s back into her mouth, and we both laugh .

“Baby brother, how’s it going at the school?” I ask. When Rhett hurt his knee, I didn’t know if making the transition to high school hockey coach would be an easy one, but he’s surprised us all by being happier than I’ve ever seen him. Winnie is probably the magic ingredient there. Speaking of which. “And where’s Win?”

“The team is great. They’re working hard, and we’re on a nice winning streak that I’m hoping will continue for the rest of the season. I’m feeling really good about it.” And I can tell by his genuine excitement that he means it. “Winnie is around here somewhere. She just went to answer a call from Marigold.”

“Is Marigold coming tonight, or is she working?” I ask. Being a surgeon is something I respect and admire. I’ve had to pass on a patient to a surgeon a handful of times, so I know the things they see day in and day out can be a bit intense. Mare takes it all in stride though. I know she’s been there for Winnie in the past, and she’s always ready to step in and help at all the town events.

“She’s coming,” he says with a huffed laugh.

“Are you upset with her about something?”

“No, I’m not upset with her. She’s the one who’s upset. I guess her car got a flat, and she didn’t have a spare, so she had to get a ride with Colt.” He grabs another treat from the table and hands it to Hazel. Knox is going to have a fit later.

“Ah, one day, I think we need to lock those two in a room until they can get along.” As I finish that sentence, Winnie comes into view beside my brother.

“I fear that would be putting both of their lives at risk, and since I love them both, I can’t sign off on it. No matter how crazy they both make me sometimes,” she tells us. “ Hi, Hazey baby. Is Muncle Rhett giving you too much sugar?” she croons to Hazel. God, I don’t know if this girl has a shot at not being spoiled. We’re all her puppets.

“Yes!” Hazel shouts.

“Hello.” A loud, raspy voice floods the room. I look to the stage and see Ivy there, looking too beautiful for words. “Firstly, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who’s made time in their busy holiday schedules to be here with us tonight. It means so much.” She speaks so eloquently. “I would like to let everyone know that all the proceeds from tonight's silent auction will be going to our EMS workers’ charity. They work incredibly hard and extremely long hours to ensure the safety of the public; their bravery is unmatched. Some even lead dangerous rescue missions by helicopter…” Her eyes briefly catch mine before continuing, “To bring loved ones back to safety. They are truly pillars of strength and serve a pivotal role in this community and every other around the country.” When she finishes, everyone in the room claps and mumbles their agreement. Her words hit me right in the chest. I’m not sure if she knows what that means to me.

“I’ll be back up here throughout the night, but for now, I would like to invite you all to have a seat at your tables so we can get dinner served. Please enjoy yourselves, and let me know if there’s anything you need. Thank you,” she finishes, and I let out a whistle. She gives me a look, but I can tell she likes it. Ivy Rutherford is an absolute conundrum. I know she wants attention, demands it, but the more I give her, the more she tells me I shouldn’t.

“I’ll see you guys in a bit. I’m going to head over to my table.”

“Oh, yeah? With Ivy?” Rhett asks .

“Yes. With Ivy. And the rest of the staff,” I tell him. As I’m walking over, I see Marigold and Colt walk in and give them a wave. Colt smiles big and waves back at me. Mare waves a hand halfheartedly but stalks off to the bar. I shake my head. One day.