Writing On The Wall (The King Brothers Duology #2)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

ETHAN

I increase the speed on the treadmill, aiming to raise my heart rate with a sprint before the end of my run. Sparring with Colton is usually my preferred form of cardio, but he’s understandably busier than usual since getting engaged. My mouth curls with a smile as I think about how happy my brother is.

The machine’s whirring slows after I hit stop, and I wipe the sweat from my face and neck as I catch my breath. Then I turn at the high-pitched whispers from two college-aged women nearby.

“See, I told you it’s him!” I overhear as they cycle leisurely on their stationary bikes, unaware that I can see their reflections in the mirror. A series of arm swatting and elbowing ensues after they catch me glancing their way.

I guess I should get used to this happening more often if I plan on moving forward with the reality TV show thing. It’s a weird feeling, though, being recognized by strangers. I’m wiping down my treadmill when they walk over, each of them nudging the other forward .

“Hi…I’m Layla, this is Chloe…” The taller one nods her head to her friend and clears her throat. “We were wondering…are you…that guy from the morning show? The one that went viral ‘cause you made the hosts practically fall in love with you?”

I let out a small laugh, my chin dipping to my chest. But when I look up, ready to deliver my flirty response, I’m distracted by a flighty blonde speed walking into the gym. Layla and Chloe turn, noticing my attention has strayed, and Layla angles her body to block my view. “Is it true you might get your own show? You’re really hot, so you’d be a hit.” She smiles with a coy lift of her brow.

Yikes . Is this what’s in store for me? Women coming on to me purely because of my looks? That’s what men do ninety-nine percent of the time, dumb ass.

Right. I guess that’s true. And kind of sad. I frown, pouting my lips as I stare off to the side. I may be guilty of the same thing. This is turning into a wonderful moment of self-reflection.

My eyes return to the restrooms where Ivy’s disappeared. “Yup, that’s me. I’m not sure on the TV show part, though. Sorry ladies, I’ve gotta make a call.” I grimace, leaving Layla and Chloe looking a little confused. I’ll need to figure out a smoother way to get out of these situations when all I want to do is get in a quiet workout.

I’d actually planned on weight training today, too, but I don’t think I fancy working out with Ivy Marsh around, especially since it’s only a matter of time before I find her staring and willing my head to spontaneously combust. It’s best I steer clear of the sea witch, especially so early in the morning. And if the day goes well, I’ll avoid seeing her at school, too. I’ve had enough communication mishaps at The Adventure Project this week, dealing with suppliers who don’t speak the same language as I do. I don’t need another round of that when Ivy inevitably chooses to misinterpret something I say.

The other problem is that even when a conversation starts off civil, I can’t seem to help pushing her buttons.

I don’t even want to explore the reason for that.

Like she said, it’s best if Ivy and I keep our interactions to a minimum.

My phone rings as I’m preparing to walk out of the building, and I pause, only answering once I realize it’s the agent from the TV network.

“Hey, Glenn.”

“Ethan, you got a minute to chat?”

“Yeah, shoot.”

“Great. So I’ve been putting my feelers out, and even though there are plenty of renovation shows with couples, single ladies, moms and daughters—that kind of thing, if you can present a unique angle, I think we’ve got a good chance of you being picked up. We’ve gotta pitch you as a single guy, dripping with all that Southern charm.”

“Oh-kay…”

Glenn laughs at my hesitation. “Don’t stress. It’s not something you need to come up with, rather something that you’ve already got. We need to show everyone that charisma on the screen. I’ve seen it, and I think America is gonna love you.”

He continues to rattle off terms I’ve never heard before, but he also promises to email everything he’s telling me. By the time we hang up, I’m pinching the bridge of my nose, wondering if I even want to do this anymore.

You did want more adventure , I remind myself.

I’d pictured that being a three-day hike through the Texas panhandle. But even though the TV opportunity was unexpected, it’s undoubtedly going to be an adventure .

I slide my phone into my pocket as I realize I’ve been staring at the ladies’ restroom doors the whole time. It’s been over ten minutes, and Ivy still hasn’t emerged.

That’s weird, right?

Go home, King. She’s trouble.

Yeah, yeah. I’m going home.

With my mind made up, I toss my towel over my shoulder, just as Ivy steps out, now changed from the sweatpants and tank top she was wearing before. She doesn’t see me as she hurries toward the exit, already dressed and ready for the day. But as I move toward the automatic door, she looks up and flinches, noticing me scowling at her.

“Why are you showering at the gym?”

“Good morning, Ethan. I’m just peachy, thanks for asking. How’re you?” she retorts.

“Ivy.” I’m unable to hold back the growl through my clenched jaw.

“You must not have heard, considering your pungent odor, but people actually shower here. I highly recommend it.”

I huff, feeling the frustration percolating in my veins. “Don’t be smart.” My blood pressure goes up just being near this woman.

“Goodness, I’m flattered you think I’m even capable of such a thing,” she flutters her eyelashes, pressing her lips into a flat smile. Then she rolls her eyes and shifts her bag up her arm as she walks past me. But for some reason, I can’t let this go.

She’s once again speed walking in those senseless wedges. I shake my head, my lips rolling in as she narrowly avoids tripping on the uneven gravel where she’s parked. My legs are almost double the length of hers, so it doesn’t take much effort to reach her car at the same time she does. The car that still looks like someone’s living in it.

My eyes snap up, a deep groove forming between my brows as I stare at her, piecing things together. The muscle in my jaw begins to ache.

“Wait… tell me you’re not living in your car?”

She opens the door, plopping her duffle bag on top of…so many things, then she pivots, folding her arms with another tight smile. “Okay. I’m not living in my car.”

“Ivy—for the love! Why?” I grunt, rubbing a hand roughly down my face. Her chest rises with a heavy sigh, arms still crossed while she looks off to the side. “Look, it’s temporary, okay? I’m moving and…I’m between places while I’m waiting to get the keys to my new apartment.” She turns to glare menacingly at me. “Please don’t say anything to anyone. Seriously, Ethan. This isn’t a big deal. I don’t want Ember stressing over me. She has enough to worry about.”

I purse my lips, narrowing my eyes as I consider her plea. She really shouldn’t be living out of her car. Once again, this infuriating woman is putting herself in danger.

“Ethan…”

“Promise me you won’t sleep in your car tonight, and I’ll drop it.” It seems like no matter how hard I try to get this little pixie off my radar, her obnoxiously bright light keeps blinking its way back across the screen, triggering alarms in my head every time.

“I’ll crash with Opal and Gail if I have to. Are you happy?” she asks disdainfully.

“Elated.”

There’s a stretch of silence as we continue staring at one other, like this weird energy between us is somehow too intense to ignore. “But if you’re still,” I pause to motion to the catastrophe behind her, “between places by tomorrow, I’m telling Ember . ”

“Fine,” she snaps, sinking into her car and slamming the door. Then she rolls down the window to add, “And I hope the movie adaptation of your favorite book has a terrible cast.”

She drives away after that, her sunshine yellow hair ribbon blowing in the wind. She’s a beautiful disaster, this one, the most dangerous kind.

Yup. Going to steer very clear of this human tornado.

Starting tomorrow.