“When I set my mind on something, I rarely notice anything else going on around me. It was that way in school, in college and when I took over the clinic here.”
“Don’t buy into that,” Hope said with firm insistence. “Ivey is wonderful.”
“I agree.” Corbin rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “But the same goes for you, Hope. I mean, anyone who can take over bug duty with my son is okay in my book.”
Tension easing, she laughed. “Anytime.”
When they reached the driveway of the guesthouse, Ivey stepped away from him, saying to Hope, “I’ll walk up with you.”
“You don’t need to.” Hope shot a guilty look at Corbin.
The house was dark, none of the outside lights on, and the night seemed to envelope them. To Corbin, it felt like great ambience, but to Hope? He doubted she felt the same way. She had a very fragile air about her.
“I don’t mind,” Corbin said, encouraging them. “Justin is with Lang, so I’ll wait. Take your time.”
Gratitude sparkled in Ivey’s pretty green eyes. “Thank you.” Once Hope unlocked and opened the side door for the garage, Ivey took the lead.
He had the feeling she’d been doing that with Hope from the start, protecting her when necessary, supporting her where she could and caring for her with her whole heart.
To him, that made Ivey a truly remarkable woman.
* * *
Hope and Ivey both kept mum as they went up the stairs, but Ivey felt her excitement crackling until it popped the second they had privacy.
Grabbing Hope’s hands, she gushed, “Oh my God, isn’t Corbin incredible?”
Hope laughed. “Yes, he is.”
“And his brother?” Ivey searched Hope’s face, saw her try to look away, but she didn’t let go. “Hope? C’mon, don’t be coy. Admit it. You actually liked him, didn’t you?”
The smile came slowly, then bloomed into a beautiful grin. “It was the oddest thing, but... I felt different with him.”
“Oh, honey.” Feeling like a proud mama, she drew Hope in for a warm embrace, happier with her news than she was with her own feelings for Corbin. “That is so wonderful.”
Hope laughed it off with obvious embarrassment. “It doesn’t mean he’s interested, too. No, don’t say he is because then I might be disappointed if he isn’t.”
Pressing her lips together, Ivey accepted that Hope had a point. “So,” she said carefully, “it’s true that some guys flirt and it only means that he finds you attractive.”
Automatically, Hope’s hand lifted to smooth her hair.
Her friend was not used to worrying about her appearance at all. She was neat, but far from styled. That suited Ivey, because she wasn’t all that styled, either. But where Ivey had crazy hair, Hope’s dark hair was sleek and shiny, a beautiful contrast to her blue eyes. Add in flawless skin, a gentle smile, and any man would be lucky to catch her attention.
Ivey held her at arm’s length. “You have to trust me on this, okay? You are so damn cute, of course Lang flirted. Other men would, too, if you gave them half a chance.”
“I never wanted to give them a chance,” Hope fretted. “You know how I panic. It’s awful and embarrassing, and sometimes I hate myself for it.”
Ivey’s heart turned over. “Please don’t. You have every right to your feelings, whatever they might be.” She tipped her head. “And I think with how handsome and humorous Lang is, you have a right to react to him.”
Impatient, Hope shook her head. “I shouldn’t even be considering it, because. I’m not sure I could do anything about it anyway. If I give him the wrong impression, it could be so awkward.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she turned away, her voice dropping to an agonized whisper. “Can you imagine how Lang would react? He probably thinks I’m a normal girl...and I’m not.”
Ivey saw her shudder at just the thought of causing herself that much embarrassment. She stepped closer and kept her voice low as well. “If he doesn’t understand what you’ve been through, it could be awkward, but probably not in the way you’re thinking.” From what she knew of Corbin so far, he was a conscientious man, so she had to assume his brother was the same. They might be worried and unsure of the situation—but in no way would either of them consider Hope abnormal.
Hope swallowed heavily. “Maybe...if a man knew what to expect up front, he wouldn’t be disappointed.”
“If he knew the situation, I’m sure it would help,” Ivey agreed.
Hope spun around. “You would tell him?”
“If you want me to but, Hope, real men, good men, would understand.”
As if afraid to believe, Hope said softly, “And they’re good men?”
“I think so.” Ivey considered the repercussions, but she felt she had to press Hope just a tiny bit. Her unheard-of interest in Lang could be an opening, a careful start for so much more. Hope had a well of affection and caring to give, but she needed the right man, and if that wasn’t Lang, Ivey would warn him off right now. “So. What do you think?”
“You probably should. If you don’t, Lang might just think I’m a weirdo.”
Ivey tried a reassuring smile. “Not the impression I got.”
“No, I know. But he...well, he got too close outside and...well, you know me. I bolted away like a scared rabbit. He gave me this long, curious look that kept me frozen to the spot, and then he just acted like nothing had happened, but he kept his distance.” She covered her face. “He might think I don’t like him.”
Imagining how that had played out, Ivey nearly winced. She was fairly certain it had taken Lang off guard. As much as she loved Hope, she wanted to be fair to him, too. Catching Hope’s wrists, Ivey gently lowered her hands. “But you do like him?”
“I barely know him.”
“Doesn’t matter. Go with your instincts. I knew I was into Corbin right off. And from what I could see, you seemed to like Lang?”
“I really do. Don’t you? Don’t you think he’s funny? And he’s already so determined to be a great uncle, and...”
Ivey laughed. “I’m convinced, yes, and I’m thrilled that you’re seeing things as they are.”
Hope bit her lip. “Because I see him as a nice man who probably wouldn’t hurt a woman?”
Oh now, see, that shattered her heart. “Only disgusting creeps would. I can almost guarantee that if Corbin would have been around, he’d have taken your side.” He might have even shown the bastard the error of his ways. A girl could hope. “And since Lang is his brother, I’m betting he’s the same.”