The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 1996

Ivy and Quinton had been in touch a lot lately and she’d even roped him into doing quite a few favors for her.

Ivy was well aware of Quinton’s knack for getting things done, so having him teach Clara a lesson wouldn’t have been a tall order for

him.

But Ivy wanted to handle this herself.

She was determined to give as good as she got from anyone who had wronged her, convinced that it was the only way she’d ever grow

stronger.

“I can take care of it myself. Besides, Quinton’s been a huge help to me recently. He’s your secretary, not my errand boy. I can’t keep piling work on him.” Ivy pressed her lips together, offering a faint smile.

For some reason, that smile, which revealed a hint of vulnerability, made him ache for her.

forward and casually took her hand, “I’m taking

Ivy could even process what was happening, she found herself being ushered out

tow as if he didn’t hear her at

Looking down at their intertwined hands, her

she started to feel comfortable with Balfour’s touch? Without realizing it, their relationship seemed

it once was.

the passenger door for her. “Hop in,” he

asked. She was suddenly conscious of her free hand

he gently nudged her into the seat, “Where else will

to a nearby diner and ordered from the waiter, “The

understood his meaning immediately, served all the dishes in five minutes, “Mr. Howard,

mix of curiosity and skepticism, “Balfour, are you sure this food was made fresh? How did everything come out so fast

show up, they serve it; if I don’t, it’s their staff meal.” Balfour ladled

was once again struck by the lavishness of the gesture; an entire table’s worth of

here often?” she asked.