“Why not?”

Because she didn’t want to be his friend. Couldn’t go on pretending she thought of him as a buddy. It was too hard. Too confusing. She knew how this scenario would play out. He’d eventually go out with some other girl or get back with Kennedy, leaving Gracie feeling like a fool for hoping he’d fall for her.

For waiting for him.

“I don’t think we should hang out anymore,” she said, almost wishing she was the type of person who could lie easily and well.

His eyes narrowed. “I said I was sorry, Gracie.”

“That has nothing to do with—”

“Is this some game? Because I had enough of those with Kennedy.”

“This isn’t a game.” She was proud of how calm she sounded. How mature. “I’ve just realized that it’s not in my best interest to be your friend.”

“Look, I screwed up,” he said. “It won’t happen again.”

“It’s not that. It’s everything. We’re too different.” Hadn’t she known that from the beginning? She should have listened to her instincts. “And you’re going through a lot of...stuff right now...with the breakup and everything—”

“Which is exactly why I could use a good friend,” he said taking her hand.

With tears clogging her throat, she tugged herself free. “I understand that. I do. But I...I just can’t be that person for you. I’m sorry.”

He studied her, his mouth flat, his gaze hooded. Then he shook his head. “Whatever.” He turned and walked away but stopped in the hall, his voice soft. “I thought you were different.”

She wanted to call him back. To explain all her doubts and fears. But in order to do that, she’d have to tell him her doubts. Her fears. She’d have to lay her soul bare and tell him how she really felt.

And she wasn’t brave enough to do that. Not after what Andrew had done to her.

Maybe not ever again.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

SO FAR, SO GOOD.

It had been over three weeks since the weekend Ivy had asked Clinton to help her with the crib and told him about feeling the baby move. He came to Shady Grove every Friday night, stayed until Sunday evening. And while it was impossible to spend every moment together—she did have to work—they managed to have plenty of time together. More, certainly, than she’d ever spent with any other man.

And still, she never got tired of him. Always looked forward to seeing him again. To talking to him every night when he was in Houston. Getting to know each other while living in two different states took a hell of a lot of effort, but it had been worth it. She hadn’t thought it possible, given the initial mistrust between her and Clinton, but things were now going well. Really, really well.

And they hadn’t even slept together again.

Wiping down the kitchen counters at Bradford House, Ivy found herself humming. Good Lord, she was happy. The baby moved, a rolling sensation that never ceased to thrill and amaze her, and she rubbed her swollen stomach. “Yeah, I know. You’re happy, too. I’m glad.”

Things were going so well, she knew it was only a matter of time before it ended. At some point it was all going to come crashing down. Such was life. But until that moment, she would enjoy this. Enjoy spending time with a handsome, smart, interesting man. Enjoy the illusion that, for the first time in her life, she wasn’t alone.

She turned to rinse the dishcloth and saw Gracie standing in the doorway. Ivy jumped and slapped her hand over her heart. “You scared the crap out of me!”

“Sorry,” Gracie said, her small smile a pale imitation of her usual sunny grin. “I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked so happy. Though I’m not sure you should ever hum like that or, God forbid, sing out loud to the baby. It could scar the poor thing for life. Unless, of course, you meant to sound flat and out of key?”

“Why would anyone try to sound bad?”

“Beats me. I just didn’t want to assume you’re really that horrible at something as simple as humming. No offense.”

Ivy set the dishcloth aside to be put in the laundry later. “Saying no offense doesn’t actually stop someone from being offended after they’ve been insulted. You know that, right?”

“Is it really an insult if it’s the truth?”

“You bet.” But Ivy wasn’t really upset. She already knew she couldn’t carry a tune. Even her grade school music teacher had asked her to please lip sync along to their songs so as not to upset the rest of the kids. “Was there a reason you’re sneaking up on me, besides trying to send me to an early grave?”

“I finished the housekeeping. Could you tell Fay I’m leaving a little early today? I’m going to Pittsburgh to see a Pirates game.”

“I hadn’t realized you were a baseball fan.”

“I’m not, but my brothers are, and Dad and Molly need all the help they can get, taking five kids to the ballpark.”

“Just five?”

“My grandma’s watching the baby.”

“You should ask Luke to go with you.”

Gracie stiffened, her smile now seeming forced. “Why would I do that?”

“Because he’s hot,” Ivy said, ticking the reasons off on her fingers, “he’s sweet and funny, and you’re into him.”

“I have no idea what that’s supposed to mean.”

“No need for the snooty tone, kiddo. I have eyes. And yours follow him whenever you’re in the same room.”

“It’s purely physical,” Gracie said, her face red. “He’s very good-looking, so of course I look. But I don’t want to...to date him or anything.”

“Why not?” Ivy had worked with Luke quite a few times this summer. The teen was smart, polite and reliable. Gracie could do much worse. And Luke would be lucky to be with a girl like her.

Gracie rubbed her thumbnail along the edge of the counter. “I’m just...not interested in him that way. That’s all.”

“Okay,” Ivy said, drawing the word out. Not for the first time, she thought something was off about Gracie. There had been for the past few weeks or so, but every time Ivy broached the subject, the teen clammed up. “Did something happen between you and Luke?”

“No.”

And that had been said too quickly, too loudly for Ivy to believe it. “Are you sure? Because when he first started working here, it seemed as if you two were friends. Now you barely speak to him.”

“Nothing happened,” Gracie snapped, which was so unlike her that Ivy could only stare. “Could you please just tell Fay I’m leaving?”

“Sure. But I doubt she’ll care. She’s gone already.” Fay and the boys were spending a week in the Caribbean with her parents, her older brother, Neil Pettit, his fiancée, Maddie Montesano, and their thirteen-year-old daughter, Bree. Neil, a professional hockey player and Bradford House’s owner, was footing the entire bill.

Ivy might consider being envious that Fay had a relative ready, willing and able to provide luxurious vacations if she weren’t in a relationship with a man wealthy enough to buy his own island.

She frowned. No. She and Clinton weren’t in a relationship. They were seeing where things went between them. Taking things one day at a time. That was all. No labels. No promises.

From either of them.

“They left already?” Gracie asked. “I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye.”

“Fay was a bit frazzled trying to get the boys to cooperate and pack for all three of them. I’m sure she meant to see you before she left but just ran out of time.”

Gracie gave an irritable shrug. “Whatever.”

Ivy did a double take. “Did you just whatever me?”

“Of course not.” Gracie frowned thoughtfully. “Did I?”

“I’m afraid so.” She wished Gracie would open up to her, but maybe that wasn’t her place. “Look, whatever’s bothering you—”

“Nothing’s bothering me.”

“Whatever it is,” Ivy repeated, crossing to take Gracie’s hands, “I just want to let you know that if you ever want someone to talk to, I’m here for you. You just... You haven’t been yourself lately,” she continued quietly. “I’m worried about you.”