Thanks for tuning in as I post chapters of my new novel When Ivy Met Adam: A second chance, forced proximity, sexy, queer love-triangle romance. Your feedback is everything. Please post comments here or email me. I love hearing what you think.

Prologue (old) Prologue (new) Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapters 8&9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 (old) Chapter 15 (new) Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapters 22&23 Chapter 26* Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30

*No chapters are missing. They just got renumbered! 🤓

Chapter 31 - Ivy

His touch sends shivers up my arm and down my spine. My wall is weakening. I feel my heart trying to turn a blind eye to memories of tears and heartache. “I don’t know, Adam.”

He steps even closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “I know I messed up. I am so sorry I hurt you,” he says, his voice filled with emotion I can’t identify. “Give me one evening to prove it to you.”

I take a deep breath, looking up into Adam's eyes. The determination there is one hundred percent Adam. I can see our entire past—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And the naked. With a sigh, I relent. “Okay.”

“No, don’t, please.” He’s arguing even though I agreed. Typical. “Wait.” His eyes twinkle. “Okay?” 

“One date. All I’m agreeing to is a single evening. This evening.” 

Adam’s face lights up with relief. Then with panic. He wasn’t expecting me to say tonight. He takes my hand, brings it to his lips for a soft kiss. “Thank you, Ivy. I won’t let you down.”

I usher him back into my office building. This feels risky, like putting my heart on the line. But if I’m not willing to take that risk, what am I teaching my mentees? 

Arriving at Sheila’s desk, I silently ask her for a pen and a card. She hands me both. “Here’s my new number,” I say, writing my cell number without looking up at Adam. 

“You changed your number?” He looks stricken.  

“It’s a work phone,” I dodge. Because, yes, I eventually changed my number. For self-preservation, I had to cut off all contact. This reminder hits me square in the chest—did he ever try to reach out? Did I make it impossible? But no. He’s completely surprised to find out I don’t have the same phone number I did in college. 

“You didn’t just block me. You changed your phone number.” He’s shaking his head. “Ivy,” he says, his voice low and husky. “I am so sorry I hurt you. I love you.” His face—this look isn’t something I’ve seen before. Remorse? Contrition? I feel a warm glow of empathy thaw my heart. 

“I know.” I hand him the business card. “See you at seven.” 

He finally hands me the exquisitely beautiful bright orange roses. “Seven sharp. I’ll pick you up here.” 

“No.” It feels a little too good to say that word. I’m mad at myself for caving so quickly. “I’ll meet you there.” Pointing to the business card where I’ve written an address as well as my new number, I keep my defenses up.

He looks at it. Looks up at me. A tiny smile lifts his mouth. “Yeah.” He nods. “I’ll see you there.” Then he leans in to kiss my cheek. Sheila sighs. I have to bite my tongue not to laugh. Adam doesn’t hold back. He laughs against my cheek. Then, in the flirtatious style to which I have become accustomed, he moves over to her desk, offers her a hand to shake. “Sheila,” he pulls her hand to his lips and presses a kiss to her knuckles, “you have been a true delight.” He gives her a devastatingly handsome smile, turns on his heel, and walks out of the building. 

I turn to Sheila and we dissolve into giggles.