The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

35 - Break up

Everything changed in one weekend, but so much stayed the same. Ivy was still going to classes and waiting to hear if she would have a job. Meanwhile, Baxter Kane loved her.

It might be hard to believe, but she saw him or talked to him every day. They spent more time together in his office at Kane Properties than they had working together on the union negotiation. They didn't just work, but they never made love.

Arriving at Tate's apartment together to watch Kasper's show, they faced his sibling's teasing.

Doyle kept calling them cute. When they sat next to each other, Baxter put his arm around her shoulders and whispered in her ear. Ivy wished they still weren't touching, because she desperately wanted him with no place for privacy.

Kasper blushed as he flirted his way into a trust relationship with a half naked female contestant named Juniper.

"Be careful or you'll have a target on your back." Dani warned.

There were money wagers on how soon they would kick him off the island. Ivy stayed out of it. Baxter whispered, "I'll front you."

She shook her head. "I don't want to bet against your brother."

Kasper smiled. "Ivy's on my side. I like her. Maybe I should have fought Jimmy."

"You were too late. Thirty minutes after Silly broke up with him, Baxter and Ivy were alone in his office."

"Danielle. Trust." Baxter warned as she clamped her mouth.

Tate said, "They were working."

Ivy giggled. "Not really."

"Bax, you're a dog." Doyle patted him on the back.

"Shhh. I'm watching Kasper's show."

Ivy whispered in his ear. "It's okay. They're just teasing."

Kasper made it through another episode and Ivy didn't argue about a ride. She wanted to be alone with Baxter. As soon as they were both in the backseat, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I missed you."

He laughed. "We've been together all evening."

"I miss this." She captured his lips, and he responded as she pressed herself into him. "Mac, drive around."

"Yes, Miss." With a hum the privacy shield went up between the front and back seat.

Baxter groaned. "We can't. I don't have anything."

"Maybe you should or even better you should trust me. I'm on birth control. We love each other. Trust is part of it."

"I know, but I can't take the chance."

"You do with condoms. They can break."

"Then your pills are a backup. Sweetheart, I practically signed a contract in blood when I hit puberty."

"You did not."

"My mother harped on us every day."

"I can't believe the woman I met talks about sex every day."

"She did for years. I'm not sure she even has sex anymore, but she knows her kids do."

"Why are you frowning?" Ivy kissed his pensive face on his cheek and then his lips.

"My father is out a lot. Maybe I'm just more aware. Do you think he's with the mystery Ellie?"

"She's not my mother." It was Ivy's turn to frown.

Baxter kissed her pout. "What's wrong?"

"I told my mother we're together."

"And?"