“The setting?” There was something very relaxing about being near the water. It was like your problems got sucked away. “Yeah.”
With a twist of his mouth, Lang said, “I meant this.” He gestured between them. “Brothers talking. Sharing concerns and shit.”
Corbin laughed. “Yeah, that’s nice, too.”
“Hope never had that.” Showing his frustration, Lang rubbed the back of his neck. “She went through everything and her sister wasn’t there for her. What the hell kind of family is that?”
“Not our kind, that’s for sure.”
“If Hope ever really opens up, she’ll like us. As a family, I mean. I get the feeling she could use that foundation, you know? Not that Ivey isn’t great because she is. Hope thinks of her as a sister. That’s obvious. But her own sister should have backed her up, too, even if her parents didn’t.”
“No argument from me.” There’d been many times in his life when Corbin had relied heavily on his mother and brother, and vice versa. He couldn’t really imagine life without them. “Maybe someday they’ll come around, but until then, she’s got Ivey.” Taking in Lang’s determined expression, he added softly, “And now us.”
“Yeah.” Tiredly, Lang got to his feet, then clapped a hand to Corbin’s shoulder. “The squirt will be up early. You should get some sleep.”
“I’ll head in soon.” Corbin waited until Lang had closed the sliding doors behind him, then he sat forward, his hands held loosely between his knees. His head dropped wearily. It was a disturbing realization that for the first time in his life, he was actually terrified of things out of his control.
He loved his son. He would do everything in his power to make a good life for him. But he couldn’t predict if Darcie would come back, or if she did, that she’d have Justin’s best interests at heart.
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?”