“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.”