Jared + Ivy

Chapter 1

    “Why do we have to go to this awful housewarming party, Dad?” I complained.

    “Because I said so. Go get dressed NOW!” He yelled.

    I dragged my feet up the stairs to my room. He told us is was business casual, but wanted me in a nicer dress. I opted for a white and blue floral silky dress. It had spaghetti straps, a heart neckline and reached just above the knees. Pleating at the true waist. It was gorgeous, but still fun and flouncy. I opted for a pair of white flats. I wasn’t going to be caught treading grass in heels. 

    Dad had gotten a new boss at work a few weeks ago. His wife wanted to host a house warming party. I didn’t really understand why we were going. My Dad hated this guy. I heard they have some kids around my sister and I’s age. I didn’t know if they were boys or girls. I was obviously hoping for the later. Making friends is a difficult department for me.

    I quickly did my makeup and let my hair fall naturally. Everyone was always super jealous of my gorgeous platinum blonde hair. No fake blonde here. It was a short style right now. Longer in the front and shorter in the back. I thought it looked super business professional, sexy. It keeps the folks that lack confidence away. Not that I was trying to be a b***h, but I didn’t like people. I enjoyed my alone time. 

    The 4 of us hopped in my Dad’s fancy car and headed to the open house. Who knew this party would change my life forever.

~~~~~~

    “Glad you could make it, Bob.” A very attractive older man said, as he grasped my dad’s hand and shook it. 

    “Ray, good to see you.”

    “Well who is this ravishing women?” Bob said, grabbing my mother’s hand and kissing the back of it. What a charmer. My dad rolled his eye’s. He had told us Bob was a man w***e. 

    “This is my wife, Lara, and our daughter’s, Ivy and Josie.” Dad huffed out. 

    “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Bob. My husband has said nothing but wonderful things about you. Thank you for inviting us to your home.” Who was this women and what did they do with my mother? Such a kiss ass.

    Bob’s eyes fell on Josie and I. “Well, you’ve got some lookers here, Ray. You should lock them up before the boys find them.” He chuckled. 

    “Boys?” My dad looked pale. 

    “Carol, my wife, and I, have 2 boys. Jared, who’s on his way to Harvard this coming fall and Cal, who is a junior in high school.” Bob beamed. As did Josie. Josie was always so boy crazy. 

    “What a coincidence.” Mom smiled. “Same ages as the girls!” My dad looked green now. We weren’t allowed to date. 

    “Jack, my man.” Bob raised his hand towards a gentleman behind us. “Please excuse me, won’t you? Make yourselves at home. Refreshments and drinks are out back. The BBQ is just getting fired up!” He slapped the back of my dad’s shoulder and jutted off the greet the man named Jack.

    “What a lousy piece of shit.” My dad mumbled.

    “I thought he was charming.” My my touted. 

    “And two male offspring. Girls. Absolutely no dating those boys.” He growled. 

    “Whatever you say, Daddy-o.” My sister said and saluted him. She was so full of s**t. The rebel child. She’d be be in bed with one of them by the end of the week. 

    We made our way to the back yard. It was of course immaculate in every way. I’m sure they’d hired a landscaping company to come in and build it professionally. There was a large covered porch hanging off the back of the house. An outdoor BBQ and pizza oven in an outdoor kitchen. It was all beautifully sculpted with stone that matched the exterior of the house. My father had been bitching about this for the last week. About Bob bragging about his new outdoor kitchen. There was a small in-ground pool, with a hot tub built into the side. They actually had a tent, with tables and chairs. Everything as decorated in a pastel flowery fashion. Like a damn wedding. 

    I told my mom I was going in the house to use the bathroom. Mostly I just wanted scope out the house. It looked huge from the outside. Much larger than ours. 

    I headed to the screened sliding glass door and slipped in. I think I actually opened my mouth in aww. The kitchen was just to the right when you walked in. It was huge and spacious. All the appliances were stainless steel and the countertops were sparkly black granite. Just to the left was a ginormous 12 person dining table, that looked like it was made from a slab of wood. The chars were wrought iron and wood slabs. It was the most unique table I had ever seen. The room was open with vault ceilings and on the other side of the house was a cozy living room, with plenty of seating. There were ginormous tropical looking plants all over the house. The rooms were modernly decorated with tones of gray, black and white. It was gorgeous. 

    Behind the kitchen was a long hallway. I assumed the bathroom was this way, but which door? I saw a staircase to the left and there were 4 other doors. I stood there trying to figure out how a bathroom might fit into this layout. Just then the door to my right burst open and the most gorgeous man I have ever seen, stood before. 

    “Can I help you?” He asked. His voice was silky smooth and deep. He had dark brown hair, that was messy, and bright, green eyes. A strong jaw line, a flashy white smile. Tan skin. He was wearing kakis and blue shortsleeved button up shirt. 

    “B-bathroom?” I manage to squeaked. That was unusual for even me. I never clammed up around anyone. 

    “Strait ahead, end of the hall.” He pointed. 

    “Thanks.” 

    He walked passed me. He even smelled amazing. Wait, Ivy, what are you doing? We aren’t getting caught up with stupid boys. Damn inner voice. Ugh. 

    I headed to the bathroom. It was a most unique setup. The bathroom had two stalls at the very back. Then two doors, which I’m assuming lead to bedrooms. The center had a 4 person hot tub. Off to the right were double sinks and to the left was a massive walk in shower. 

    “What an excessive bathroom.” I mumbled to myself. I did my business and walked back out. 

    I quickly noticed this gorgeous mystery man standing at the top of what looked to be basement stairs, with that same door open. 

    “Care to join me?” He asked, reaching out his hand. I nodded sure, taking his hand. It’s not like I was going to be doing anything else, other than holding down a chair, in the heat of the mid June day.