Decked Out with Ivy (Red Maple Falls #13)

Chapter 10

An hour later, she kissed Cody’s nose lightly and pressed her hands into his chest. “Get up!” she exclaimed as she attempted to jump away from him. He reached out, snaking a hand around her waist and drawing her warm body to his. He nuzzled into her neck and kissed a line toward her collarbone.

“No,” he said against her skin.

She sighed, untangling from his hold. He tried to stop her, but she was too quick and energized. He felt like he could crawl into a cave and hibernate for the rest of winter.

“What are you doing?” he asked as she scanned the area around the bed before bending and swiping up her bra. “Don’t you dare put that back on.”

“Sorry, buddy, but we have plans, and if you don’t get out of that bed, we’re going to be late.”

“The only plans I have are staying in this bed and making you come at least three more times.”

She gasped, but he was getting used to it, so he didn’t even flinch. “That’s vulgar,” she said with a playful grin curving her lips.

“Yup, and you love it. I bet you're even wet again.”

His pants flew across the room and slammed into his face. “Get dressed, Romeo. Though Romeo was much more eloquent and didn’t say things like—”

“Say things like what?” He bit back the laugh that was simmering beneath the surface as her face contorted.

“Nevermind. We have to go.”

“You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”

“Another Christmas activity that will make you fall in love with the holiday.”

“We already went to the North Pole, and I have a pole right here.” He flung the blankets off him, revealing his erection.

Her gaze darted to him, her teeth sliding over that pouty bottom lip. Desire pooled in the light brown of her eyes, and victory was so close he could taste it. He tossed his pants aside, kicked his feet over the side of the bed, and stormed toward her with determined strides.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. He was disappointed she’d managed to get her bra on. Her tits were works of art, and he wasn’t done admiring them. His finger pressed into her chin, tilting her head toward his. Her eyes glazed over, her eyelids heavy with the same desire as her gaze. He bent, brushing his lips against hers, and moaned into her mouth when her hand wrapped tightly around his cock.

She stroked him once, twice, three times, mouth moving in sync with her hand. Her hand trailed up the shaft to the tip, and… she patted him. Then broke loose of his hold. “Get dressed.”

He gasped. A noise so unlike anything that had ever come out of him. “What the hell?”

“I told you to get dressed, but you wanted to try to manipulate me with your devilishly good looks and expert kissing skills.”

“I did not try to manipulate you.”

“You did, and honestly, it would have worked if we didn’t have to go.” She raised her toes and kissed his cheek. “So… to be continued. Get dressed.”

“Trying to love Christmas is exhausting,” he said.

“And we’re just getting started.”

He didn’t know whether to be scared or optimistic about the humor in her tone. But the faster he got dressed, and they did whatever it was she had planned, the faster they would be back in her bed. He swiped his pants from where he had tossed them and stepped into them, yanking them into place on his hips.

Once they were both fully dressed—unfortunately—he followed Ivy outside to the car. He’d hoped whatever activity she had planned next didn’t involve leaving her property, but luck was not on his side. He got into the passenger seat and watched the house disappear in the distance.

“Where are we going?” he asked, watching the long line of trees put even more space between him and Ivy’s bedroom.

“You’ll see.”

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up in front of a nursing home.

“Visiting someone?’ he asked.

“Something like that.” She reached into her bag and retrieved something, smacking it into his chest. “Here, put this on.”

He held up the red Santa hat with white fur trim and a big ol’ pompom on the tip.

“No.” He had been doing a lot, but he drew the line at Santa hats.

“Put it on, or you’ll be going to your place tonight. Alone. Very, very alone.” Her voice dipped into a sultry purr, and he tugged the Santa hat on his head.

“Ho, ho, ho,” he said.

“Men.” Ivy laughed before putting on her own Santa hat and slipping out of the car. Cody followed her to the front doors and inside the lobby. A large, decorated tree sat to the left, a stack of presents arranged beneath the branches. An angel sat on the top, casting a glow on the wall. The faint sound of Christmas music played in the background.

Ivy waved at a well-dressed man who sat behind the front receptionist’s desk. “Hi, Troy.”

His eyes remained on the screen in front of him, finger tapping on the mouse. “Good evening, Ivy. Everyone is waiting for you and very excited.” Troy smiled.

“Thanks, even if I don’t believe you. There is no way Freida is excited about this.”

“Ethel and Albert are, so I think secretly she is, too.”

Cody had no idea who any of these people were, and he was more surprised by how many people Ivy knew.

“You’re going to join in the festivities? We could use you up there.”

“I’ll be up as soon as I can,” the man said, then his eyes drifted from his computer screen and landed on Cody. The man stuttered out some sounds. “Y-You… You’re—”

“Oh right!” Ivy exclaimed. “Troy, this is Cody. Cody, this is Troy.”

“I know,” Troy said. “Everyone knows.”

Cody playfully nudged Ivy. “Apparently not everyone.”

Ivy shrugged. “He’s famous. Or so I’ve heard.”

Cody loved how unbothered she was by his fame. It was a nice contrast to the people who felt like they knew him just because they’d seen him in a movie or in the tabloids.

“Or so you’ve heard? Girl, what is wrong with you? This man is not just famous, he is famous famous. Not to mention super talented and doesn’t get enough credit when it comes to his acting skills.”

Cody was starting to like this gentleman. “Thank you. I really appreciate that.”

“And I appreciate you, which is why I must apologize in advance now.”

“Apologize for what?”

“There’s a long list, but I’ll start with Freida, Ethel, and Albert and wish you luck. Don’t get too close to Ethel. She likes to pinch butts.”

Cody’s eyebrows shot toward his hairline. “What the hell are you getting me into?” he asked, but Ivy didn’t answer. She looped her arm through his, threw a wave at Troy, and dragged him toward the elevators.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside. Once the doors closed, he turned to her. It had been close to thirty minutes since the last time he tasted her and felt the round curves of her ass beneath his hand. She held her palms up, stopping his advances.

“We are not getting it on in a nursing home elevator.”

“Why not? Maybe that’s the answer to me liking Christmas.”

“Sex in an elevator where there is nothing remotely Christmas in here?”

“There’s music.”

“You can barely hear it.”

“And there’s…” He pointed to a flyer and his words cut off as his eyes took in the words.

Join us for our Annual Christmas Caroling in the Cafeteria Today at 6PM.

He glanced at his Rolex. It was ten-to. Then his gaze swung to the little Christmas vixen beside him. “Christmas caroling? Please tell me we are here to watch.”

“Watch?” she snorted. “Where’s the fun in that?” She patted his chest, mischief bouncing around in those light brown eyes.

“I don’t know many Christmas carols, so I guess I’ll have to sit this one out.” Relief flooded through him. Not that he wasn’t used to performing in front of people, but Christmas caroling sounded like the worst kind of hell.

Her lips pressed together. “Nope. We have printouts with the words, so you won’t miss a beat.”

“Oh joy.”

“That’s the spirit!” The elevator doors opened, and Cody was assaulted by the blinking-colored lights that lined the doors to what he assumed was the cafeteria. Another Christmas tree was decorated just beyond the doors and surrounded with beautifully wrapped gifts. He wondered if they were just for decoration or if they actually held presents.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he fished it out. Ronnie’s name and a text flashed on his screen. He tapped into the message.

Ronnie: Great photo op at the Christmas tree farm. Social media is eating it up!

God, that had felt like a lifetime ago. But it had only been this morning.

Ronnie: Get more photo ops !

Cody glanced over at Ivy who was approaching a woman in scrubs. Her brown hair was tossed into a bun, and she had a red scarf wrapped around her neck. It was the perfect festive complement to her green scrubs.

Did he really just think that? Ugh. Maybe Ivy was wearing off on him.

Ronnie: You got that?

Cody sighed and typed back.

Cody: Sure.

The pictures of him and Ivy walking down Main Street must not have come out yet. So at least he had time before Ronnie got on his ass. He only hoped the pictures didn’t create a narrative that turned them into the bad guys.

He didn’t want to think about photo ops or any of that nonsense. All he cared about was the smile on Ivy’s face.

“Cody.” Ivy waved him over. “I’d like you to meet Layla. She’s Bex’s sister-in-law.”

“Another Marshall,” Cody said, holding out his hand.

“There are a few of us. Not as many as the Hayes’ or the Parkers, but enough.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise. My sister-in-law says the verdict is still out on you, but since you’ve been seen around with Ivy, Red Maple Falls’s very beloved Christmas Queen, I hope the tabloids are not to be believed.”

“Most of it is bullshit.” He had no idea what the tabloids were saying today. Ronnie didn’t send him any pictures or articles, but she seemed to be happy.

“I figured. The stories they’ve come up with about my entire family have been ludicrous. I can’t believe once upon a time I believed them.”

“Sometimes there’s a nugget of truth,” Cody admitted. “But most of the time, they’ll manipulate a headline to make a sale or get a click.”

Layla closed her eyes and shook her head. “Freida, I swear if that is a candy bar you’re pulling out of your wheelchair, we are going to have a problem.”

Cody’s head turned to where Layla had directed her threat. An elderly woman covered from her neck down in tattoos sat with her arms crossed in a wheelchair. It was a sight a person didn’t see every day, and he imagined the woman had been a total badass in her prime.

Another elderly woman in a wheelchair with large, black-framed glasses and more bracelets than a Taylor Swift concert rolled up alongside her. “It’s a Snickers. I saw her steal it from the nurses’ station.” The woman gestured toward the station in the middle of the floor, her arm of bracelets clacking together.

“Ethel, you traitor,” Freida grumbled.

“She’s a friend. A good one,” Layla said. “You know you can’t have sugar.”

“How many years is it going to take off my life? I’m practically knocking at death's door. Just let me enjoy what time I have left,” Freida said.

“Even if it adds another day, we’ll take it!” An elderly gentleman shuffled up behind Freida’s wheelchair.

Freida waved her hand in the air. “Don’t start with that ooey gooey nonsense.”

“Albert is right, Freida.” Layla extended her arm, palm up. “Now give me the chocolate bar.”

“Or what?”

“Or I won’t let you listen to the caroling.”

“You’ll be doing me a favor,” she scoffed.

Cody stepped forward. It wasn’t his place to intervene, but he could amp up his charm and help Layla out. “But I was so hoping to sing for you,” he said, taking Freida’s hand in his and placing a kiss on her knuckles.

“If you weren’t so handsome, I’d tell you to screw off.”

Cody smirked. “You think I’m handsome?”

“Hey, hey!” Albert’s eyes locked on Cody’s. “Back off from my woman.”

“I am not your property, Albert.” Freida rolled her eyes. “Besides he’s clearly taken. Ivy looks like she wants to climb him like a tree.”

Ivy gasped, and he glanced over at her. Her eyes widened, her lips parted, and all he could think about was going back to her bed.

“Dear, it’s all over your face,” Ethel agreed, and Cody bit back a laugh.

The elevator dinged, and Bex and her husband stepped out. Her husband had a rugged air about him with his broad shoulders and stature that towered over Bex, despite her high heels. His open black coat displayed the Red Maple Falls Fire Department logo.

“Did the party get moved to the hallway?” she asked as she approached. She and her husband were wearing sweaters that were clearly Ivy creations. Bex had a reindeer on hers, and Chase had a snowman. Behind them followed a burly man with a prominent scar down his face.

He walked up to Layla, his motorcycle boots clicking against the tiles, and kissed her before eyeing Frieda. “Let me guess. You’re stealing chocolate bars again,” the man said in a deep baritone.

“I don’t need your shit, too,” Freida said.

“I thought I was your favorite,” he said with a smile that transformed his entire face, making him go from dark and deadly to effortlessly charming.

“I told you I will fight you, Declan,” Albert chimed in.

Freida barked out a laugh. “You can’t even walk without hobbling.”

Layla glanced at her watch. “We should be starting in five minutes, so let’s get out of the hallway and into the cafeteria.” Layla began ushering people, and Freida tried to sneak by, but Layla’s hand flung out in her path. “Candy bar.”

Freida grumbled and smacked it into her palm before Albert pushed her past Layla. Declan wrapped his arm around Layla and pulled her in, kissing her head and saying something in her ear that made her laugh.

“I had no idea nursing homes were this rambunctious,” Cody said as Ivy walked up beside him.

“You should have seen them at the Halloween costume contest. Someone wore the same outfit as Freida and she ‘accidentally’ dropped her drink on the poor woman. All hell broke loose.”

“Is this high school?” Cody asked.

“Pretty much.” Ivy looped her arm through his. “Let’s get in there before we miss any drama.”

“We wouldn’t want that to happen.” He let Ivy pull him into the cafeteria. Silver garland hung from all the windows that were covered in Christmas themed clings.

He’d had no desire to get out of her bed, but now that he was here, he was rather enjoying himself.

“Do you visit here a lot?”

“Often enough. It started when Layla asked me to help organize a Christmas event for the residents. From there, I fell in love with the people, and the events grew. Caroling has been a big hit, so that one continues to find a spot on the calendar. But we went from just Christmas to doing something for every holiday. It keeps morale up. A lot of the people here have been forgotten by their families, which is terribly sad. I want to give them joy and show them people do care about them. They’re not forgotten, and they’re still very much wanted in society.” She patted his chest. “We should make sure to get a picture. People will love this for you.”

He stared at her, completely in awe of her selfless nature.

“What?” she asked, tucking a blonde strand behind her ear. A pretty blush spread across the tip of her nose and her cheeks.

“You own your own store, you knit, you have all these friends, yet you still make time to help others. I’m just in awe of you.”

“Stop it.” She swatted at his chest. “I’m not doing anything different from others.”

“That’s not true. Ronnie tried to get me to do a nursing home visit once, and I came up with an excuse to get out of it.”

She gasped.

“I didn’t think much of it, but in retrospect… I feel horrible. I should have shown up. It seemed such a waste of my time, but it wasn’t about me, was it? It was about people searching for a little joy in their day, and I denied them.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself,” Ivy said. “Sometimes it just takes a little Christmas spirit to open your eyes.” She winked. “I’ll be right back. I need to set up the music.”

His eyes followed her across the cafeteria. Her smile didn’t only light her face, it lit the entire room. The lights from the Christmas tree added to her glow. And the ridiculous hat on her head was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. He wondered if she’d model it for him later with nothing else on.

“Nice sweater,” he said to Bex as she came to a stop beside him, but she didn’t snap his attention away from Little Miss Christmas. Santa himself couldn’t pull his gaze away from the classic beauty.

“Thanks. Ivy is very talented. She even made my sweater for the upcoming ugly sweater party at Declan’s. Though, I think it’s more cute than ugly, but we’ll see.” She nudged his shoulder. “You should come. Ivy will be there.”

“Maybe.” He imagined Ivy already had that in the works.

“I thought you hated Christmas.” She flicked the white pompom dangling by his ear. “What’s with the hat?”

A smile spread across his face, a wave of warmth and ease washing over him. “I’m starting to see things differently.”

Ivy handed out sheet music to everyone. Freida rolled her eyes and let the paper fall to her lap. Arthur cleared his throat and warmed his voice. Ethel tapped a finger in beat, her bracelets rattling with the motion.

Others had joined, and the cafeteria was filled with residents. Some wore festive sweaters that looked like Ivy’s handiwork, and others had Santa hats and Christmas headbands on. An elderly woman with a walker had two bouncy dreidels attached to her headband.

They all smiled and hugged Ivy as she made her way around the room, making it obvious that this wasn’t a onetime thing. Ivy cared about these people, despite the holiday season.

She approached him, pompom bouncing with her steps. “I’m one short. You okay to share?” she asked.

“That just means I get to stand close to you.”

Her lips pressed together then curled up. “Corny, but sweet.”

An older gentleman sat behind a piano and raised his hand. When he dropped his hand, the room grew quiet, and the melodic sounds of the keys filled the room.

Within a few more notes, the room broke out with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas . Cody didn’t need the sheet music. Some things just became a part of him, despite how hard he tried to fight it. Christmas hadn’t always been merry for him, but this year?

This year, with Ivy at his side, singing completely off-key, he had a feeling he was going to have himself a very merry little Christmas.