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

Chapter 36

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

IVY

“So you haven’t seen it anywhere in the house?” Ross inquires with an air of urgency through the phone while I walk to my car. No ‘hello,’ ‘hi,’ or even a ‘hey, how are you, Ivy?’ I answer the phone to nothing more than an impatient interrogation about Gran’s music box. Which is now my music box.

“No, Ross.” My tired response drags out while I walk to my car. “Why do you suddenly care about that old music box, anyway?”

Of course, I’m well aware of his motives, but for once I want some honesty from him. Any redemptive act would alleviate the sting from the slashes he continues to inflict on my heart.

“You wouldn’t understand, Vee. Look, I gotta go, but if you find it, let me know. It would save both our asses.”

And then he hangs up, leaving me growling loudly at the empty parking lot. Everyone else left hours ago, but it took me longer than I thought to organize the information the parents have been sending through for the school production volunteer signup. So long, in fact, that I had to cancel my plans to get a drink with Stef.

I shift my hefty tote bag onto my shoulder, its weight tugging at my muscles, and reach for the handle of my car door. A flicker of annoyance crosses my mind as I realize the interior lights aren’t illuminating as they usually do. The sun will soon bid farewell, darkness enveloping everything, save for the lone floodlight I carelessly parked away from.

I twist the key in the ignition, a futile attempt to start my car’s stubborn engine. This feels like the beginning of every horror movie. The thought makes me shiver as I reach for the door locks. A pang of uncertainty hits me as I secure the doors, and I offer a silent prayer that this simple mechanism isn’t as defunct as the rest of the car’s powerless features.

The locks thankfully engage, but I still tug on the handle to make sure. I slide my phone out of my pocket, staring at it, hoping for a solution to magically appear. I consider calling Toby, but he’d be useless in this situation. I doubt he knows anything about car mechanics. With a heavy sigh, I tap Ethan’s name.

“Hey,” he answers with a smile in his voice. “I was about to call you. Did you have fun with Stef?”

“I, uh, actually didn’t end up going. I wasn’t done with this schedule thing.” My eyes pan the empty parking lot while I muster up the balls to confess my current situation.

“You’re still at school?”

“Yeah. About that…I was going to leave, but my car won’t start. I think my battery’s dead or something.”

“Marsh, are you currently alone in an empty parking lot?” There’s a gravelly tone to his voice that causes another shiver to run down my back.

“That would be correct. ”

Then he growls as I hear his signal light ticking. “Stay in the car. Lock the doors.”

“Yes, sir.”

“There’s no security guard on duty?”

“Gus goes home at five.” I answer.

“Right. Stay on the line. I’m only a couple minutes away.”

A delicious warmth melts over me. I’m not used to being taken care of like this. Ethan may be a grump when he’s being protective, but being important enough to him to warrant his concern in this way—it’s invigorating and encouraging, all at once. I was never neglected, but I worked hard to blend into the walls and not to cause a fuss. Yet Ethan seems to have made a hobby out of fussing over me whenever he can.

I hang up the phone as the welcoming beams from his truck pierce the incoming darkness. Relief loosens my muscles, prompting a long exhale. Ethan pulls up beside me, sporting a furrowed brow as he steps out of his vehicle. His expression darkens when he surveys the dimly lit surroundings of the parking lot.

I slide out of my car, tilting my head up and batting my eyelashes playfully when he and his scowl approach. “I already know what you’re going to say, so just save it and kiss me instead,” I offer.

His mouth tilts up on one side, and he hooks an arm around my waist, pulling me close while he plants a kiss on my lips. Although, he pulls away a little sooner than I prefer to deliver his lecture, anyway.

“I’m talking to CJ on Monday about putting up more lights. Also, call me next time you plan on working till you’re the only one here,” he adds, frowning again.

“CJ’ll do anything for you. But don’t mention your reasoning for the lights. We’re still a secret, remember?”

“I guess I can be your hot secret for a little while longer.” He smirks then leans down, placing a kiss on my neck this time and lingering afterward with a deep inhale.

“Did you just sniff me?”

“I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he mumbles against my skin, causing my toes to curl. That’s it. I’ve died and gone to sexy boyfriend heaven.

He straightens with a short grunt, shaking his head like he’s emerging from a trance. I place a hand on the side of my car, steadying myself before my knees buckle due to swooniness exposure.

He presses a kiss to the back of my hand before walking to the front of my car. “Let’s see what’s going on under here.”

We go through the motions of Ethan jump-starting my car before he follows me home. As soon as I park, he’s already rushing out of his truck to open my door for me. “What time do you need to be at school tomorrow?” he asks.

“Seven-thirty,” I say as he takes my hand, like I’m emerging from a chariot. There’s a very addictive boyish glint in his smiling eyes.

“If I promise to have you there on time, are you up for an adventure?”

A spike of fear pierces my chest, as I wonder if this beautiful yearning in him will be our downfall, if his desire to see the world will outlast his desire for me. But I shove those thoughts away for now, choosing to embrace the delight I see on his face.

“I’m in,” I say with a smile.

An eye-crinkling grin shines back at me. “Good. Wear something warm. And pack whatever you’ll need for the night.”

Ten minutes later, I’m sitting cross-legged in Ethan’s truck, enjoying the view as street lights wash over his rugged profile.

“How was your day?” I ask after a warm stretch of silence.

“Good. The usual stuff at the office. I had another phone meeting with The Home Network. They liked the pilot episode. It was mainly feedback of what they think worked and how they’d spin the show to make it unique.”

He glances at me for a second while he drives, an excited curl to his mouth. I plaster on the most genuine smile I can. I never want him to think I’m not incredibly proud and overjoyed for him. That little niggle of doubt pokes its head up again, but I whack-a-mole the rabid thought away. There’s no use borrowing worries. We’ll take it as it comes. Ethan asked me to trust him with my heart, so that’s what I’m doing.

“Then I went to your place,” he continues. “Marco and I patched up the remaining walls. We should be able to paint soon.”

I let out a squeal, clapping my hands. “Thank you, Eth. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

“You would’ve figured it out.” He lays a palm on my leg, eliciting a yelp when he squeezes the spot above my knee. “You’re capable of more than you think.”

“Maybe,” I whisper while peering out the window.

The roads have turned to gravel as we continue driving toward the outskirts of town. We’re only ten minutes out, but the properties begin to stretch farther apart, as if they need more room to breathe out here.

“Your house is so beautiful,” I sigh as the wheels crunch onto Ethan’s road. Soft lights illuminate the brick-paved driveway, and the whole house seems to glow invitingly among the dark surroundings.

“You’ve been here?” he asks, slightly confused.

Crap . I forgot Ethan doesn’t know about Ember and I sneaking into his Halloween party last year dressed like a pair of psychotic ninjas so no one could tell who we were. We had to be incognito so that Ember could spy on Colton and figure out whether he was in a relationship with a coworker. Turns out, said coworker had made the whole thing up, and the rest is history.

“Oh, um. I just figured this is your house.” I reply vaguely.

He pulls his truck into a double garage, grinning over at me. “Yeah. I’ve been working on this one for about a year.”

I want to ask what he means by this one, but he jumps out, running around to open my door before I can. And then his hands are on my hips as he turns me to face him. We’re eye to eye, giving me a whole new perspective of his handsome face and his eyes that seem to swallow me up. Even through the thick hoodie I’m wearing, his hands on my sides send a wave of heat all the way up to my cheeks.

“Your shoes are pretty cool,” he remarks, giving a playful wiggle of his eyebrows. I glance down at my purple Croc-covered feet and feel a surge of pride at how far I’ve come. Ever since hitting thirteen and realizing just how much my peers were towering over me, I’ve been too self-conscious to wear anything other than heels or platforms in public. But it’s another fear Ethan’s been determined to help me tackle.

“Fishing for compliments, Mr. King?”

“Never. The way you’re looking at me is compliment enough,” he jokes, giving me a quick kiss before sliding me out of his truck. “You hungry?”

I refrain from giving him the satisfaction of knowing just how correct he is.

“I could eat.”

“How does steak salad sound?” he asks, leading me through the garage into the kitchen.

“Amazing. I haven’t eaten since lunch. Okay if I use the restroom first?”

“Sure, it’s just down the hall. Last door on the left.”

“Thanks.” I smile, doing my best to hide the fact that I already know where the restroom is. I head back after freshening up, but a slightly ajar door catches my eye, making me pause. I push it open a little wider with my finger, and the sight inside makes my jaw drop. Without thinking, my feet carry me farther into the room, and I do a slow spin, taking it all in. Both walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves and filled with books, framed maps, and photos. Ethan is a total closet book nerd! The discovery makes me grin with delight. I hear his footsteps just before he appears in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame, looking irresistibly handsome, as always.

“I see you found my secret project,” he says, tucking his hands into his pockets. His eyes soften, a hint of pride dancing in them as they sweep across the room before settling back on me.

“Are you kidding me? I’m having a total Beauty and the Beast moment here. All you need is the rolling ladder! This room is amazing!”

He pushes off the doorway, still wearing that irresistibly warm smile, and takes my hand. For the next twenty minutes, he guides me around the room, pointing out his favorite books, sharing where he found them, and telling stories about the photos and maps on display. They’re an ode to his adventurous spirit, a constant reminder—like an echo drifting over a chasm—that this man wasn’t meant to be tied down. I both love and hate that fact. Shame swirls within me at the selfishness of the thought, but I swallow it down and push it away. I refuse to resent this beautiful quality in him.

Back in the kitchen, Ethan busies himself, washing his hands and taking steaks out of the fridge while I appreciate all the work he’s done since the last time I was in here. Of course, I can’t tell him that.

During my last visit, the kitchen was nothing but bare bones, but now it radiates modern colonial charm with its wooden panels and exposed brick. A stunning smeared-stone backsplash perfectly complements the house’s country setting, while the navy blue cabinets are straight out of a dream.

I’m perched at the massive island, its surface reminiscent of an old dining table, but this one seems sturdy and custom built, and it commands attention. Across from me, Ethan bustles about, sprinkling salt and pepper onto the meat.

“Why were you stuck at school so late?” His expression knits with concern. I find my hands suddenly restless, hesitant to delve into the embarrassing reasons behind my regular prolonged stay in the classroom.

“Just class prep, student work to check. Administrative things to get done.” I shrug.

That frown is still hovering on his face when he flips the steaks, seasoning the other side. He washes his hands and pauses, seeming unsure. “Is it…typical to spend that long on those tasks?”

His sweet hesitancy to offend me brings a smile to my face. “No,” I admit, letting out a self-deprecating laugh. How does this man keep pulling secrets out of me that I’d normally fight to the death to hide? He makes me want to verbalize my struggles, for the first time ever. The gentle way his eyes sweep over me is so encouraging, I might just be brave enough to do it.

“I have a form of dyslexia called dyscalculia. I struggle with math calculation skills and understanding numbers and math facts. It takes me a lot longer to figure out some things which most people breeze through. Plus, I have some of the typical dyslexic struggles, as well.”

He releases a weighty sigh then rounds the island, bringing his large form near. He turns my legs to face him, stepping in closer, and he closes his eyes as he leans his forehead against mine. “I’m sorry you’ve had to struggle with that.”

His words gently twist open that lid, causing a tear to spill over my lashes without permission. No one has ever acknowledged how hard it’s been for me.

I pull away and choke out a laugh, determined to have a fun evening. “Are those steaks gonna cook themselves?” I joke, sniffling.

He doesn’t say anything, but one of his hands palms my neck and holds me still while he kisses my temple. Then he steps back, allowing me to change the subject while he fills the kitchen with the sounds and aroma of sizzling steak.

I devour my food, still amazed that he had a salad in his fridge like a responsible grown-up.

We wash up as I continue to ask him about the houses he’s flipped and what he’s hoping for with the show.

The Show. He’s unsure what the network is thinking, location wise, and I push down the anxiety that starts to rise at the thought of him relocating. There’s an ugly feeling of guilt as I despise my desire to keep him tethered to this town.

“What now?” I ask, swinging my arms awkwardly after we finish the dishes.

“We gather supplies,” he answers cryptically.

He plops a chunky blanket in my arms, instructing me to wait while he continues gathering things which he won’t give me any answers about.

He’s determined to be mysterious, and I kind of love it. It’s like an adventure within the safest boundaries ever, because I’ve learned he’s constantly considering how something might affect me.

With a lantern, some chocolate, another blanket, two water bottles, and a smirk, Ethan finally gives me the signal to follow him outside.

He leads me past the pool that was sporting floating Halloween decor the last time I’d seen it. We round a hedge that I assumed lined the end of his property, and I pull up short, my mouth agape at the sudden change in scenery. Wide-open fields that roll into low mountains are dimly lit by an unobstructed full moon. Oak trees sprinkle the wild grassy land. A wooden platform deck fills the space between two mighty oaks, creating a peaceful little oasis amidst the natural beauty. Fairy lights strung high throughout the branches create an inviting glow.

“Ethan…this is breathtaking,” I whisper in awe.

“It’s even better at sunset. But at least we’ve got the stars on display.” He grins.

I stroll onto the deck as he carefully arranges the cozy blankets inside a hammock suspended between the two sturdy trees, perfectly positioned over the center of the deck. It’s the fanciest hammock I’ve ever seen. It’s wide, with a sleek mosquito net hanging beside it.

“This isn’t your average hammock,” I remark, watching it swing after I nudge it with a finger. Ethan huffs out a chuckle. “Yeah. I’m not exactly short, so I got the deluxe edition.”

“Why’s this all hidden back here?” I frown, gesturing to the openness around us.

Ethan straightens, the shadows on his chiseled jaw distracting me in the moonlight. “The hedges were here when I bought the place. I just need to rent a machine to pull them out. It’s on my list.” He says with a curl of his mouth.

“You have another list? How dare you. My list will be jealous.”

“I’d burn my list in a heartbeat if it meant sharing your list.”

“Did list just become a euphemism for something else…” I snort.

Ethan grabs me around the waist, pulling me closer. His voice is muffled as he laughs into my neck. “The point is I like you, Marsh. And you’re my priority.”

My face is leaking again. I wipe a stray tear with my hand that’s wrapped around his back. “Okay. What’s the plan here? I’m ready to get cozy.”

He draws in a deep breath against the curve of my skin, the bristle of his short beard grazing my neck. He steps back and arranges our supplies on the hammock, then sweeps his hand theatrically. “After you, m’lady.”

Like a newborn fawn finding its footing, I gingerly make my way up. “Try not to ogle my butt while I struggle.”

“Too late,” he says, joining me in the swaying embrace of the hammock.

He uses his phone to switch off the fairy lights, and it takes a few moments of awkward shifting and shared laughter before we settle into a comfortable position, nestled together beneath the expanse of twinkling stars.

“This is beautiful, Eth.”

“Thank you,” he replies, his smile radiant in the moonlight, though his jest earns him a playful swat on the chest from me.

I rest my head on his shoulder as the breeze and crickets create a soundtrack around us. “Babe?” he begins, running a hand up and down my arm.

“You’ve gotta come up with a better nickname than that.” I poke him in the side. He grabs my wandering hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss.

“Venusaur.”

“Ethan King, did you just call me a Pokemon?”

“Ivysaur evolves into Venusaur.” He flutters his eyes dramatically.

“Don’t you dare make this a thing,” I point a threatening finger his way. “I will not be nicknamed after a Pokemon!”

“Noted.” He laughs, pulling me back down beside him. After another stretch of silence, he clears his throat before speaking. “Can I ask you something about your dyslexia?”

“You’re the only person I don’t mind asking about it. ”

“Have you told anyone at school?”

I turn to the stars, a heavy sigh leaving me as I gather my thoughts. “No. I kind of just get on with it. Toby’s probably figured it out. But I think I’ve been scared that my teaching abilities will be questioned if I admit to how much extra effort I have to put in just to keep up.”

This is the first time I’ve verbally processed that fear. It’s been a tormenting motivator in the back of my mind for the past few years. Saying it out loud is like dropping some of the weight of that burden.

“I hate seeing you struggle more than you need to. I’m trying to learn everything I can about it, but I know it’s nothing to be ashamed of. And CJ would be devastated to know you’ve been hiding this and how big of a hurdle it is for you.”

“Yeah,” I breathe, not fully convinced of CJ’s understanding. I respect her and love her, but she’s got board members and parents to answer to. I’m sure there’d need to be some kind of official investigation of my abilities and techniques if this big secret got out. The thought of that kind of scrutiny makes me want to hurl.

He turns his head, pressing a warm kiss to my temple. “Would you consider talking to her?”

Considering something and planning to do something are two different things. I nod yes, because considering something is non-threatening. It only happens in my head.

“Feed me chocolate while we stare at the stars?”

“Can I do this first, though?” He shifts, cupping my jaw with a hand as he brings his mouth to mine. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be making out with my hot boyfriend in a hammock at ten PM on a school night.

But here we are, wrapped up in each other’s arms while I get thoroughly kissed. Eventually, we come up to somewhat untangle ourselves. I fall asleep, gazing up at the stars, feeling lighter than I have in a long time.