a quick thought. “You know I’m not big on faking things, right? I’m all about tossing it out there and seeing how it lands.”
“Right.” Hope snorted. “You weren’t that way with Geoff.”
“No, because Geoff wasn’t the right one. I couldn’t be myself with him. Corbin is different, and I’m positive Lang is, too.”
“Agreed. I’m just not sure how to proceed.”
“Next time he’s kissing you, if he starts to pull away, don’t let him.”
“I hardly think I’m strong enough to manhandle him.”
Laughing, Ivey said, “Definitely not. The brothers are both fine specimens, right? But what I meant is that when he starts to end things, keep them going. I promise, he’ll catch on real quick, and I’d be willing to bet he’ll let you set the pace. If you start to get tense, ease up. If, though, you like what’s happening, let him know.”
Wide-eyed with fascination, Hope whispered, “You mean by moaning or something?”
“Ha! That’s not generally something you can control anyway, not if the guy knows what he’s doing. So feel free to tell him, if not with words, then with enthusiasm. Or just tell him not to stop. As long as you’re enjoying things, keep telling him that.”
Hope considered the advice, which to her sounded pretty daring, but then, she knew she was totally out of her depth when it came to sexual matters. “What if...” Her voice sounded scratchy with misgivings. She cleared her throat and tried again. “What if things get too far along and then I want to stop, and he can’t?”
“Pfft. That’s a huge myth. There is no point where a man can’t stop. They’re not animals.” Ivey paused, her expression going grave. “At least most of them aren’t.”
Hope knew they were both thinking of the animal who had mistreated her. Lang had nothing in common with him, though, and she knew it.
Taking her hands, Ivey lowered her voice in understanding, but the smile remained on her face. “Lang is a really good guy, hon. If you’re not into it, he won’t be, either. I promise.”
Biting her lip, Hope considered that and finally agreed. “Pretty sure I’ll see him tonight.”
“You’ve seen him every night, haven’t you?”
“Yes.” He still visited her, he just didn’t bring her home. “You really don’t think it’s over?”
“If it was, Lang would say so. He’s not a jerk.”
“Definitely not.” Since it was Saturday, she hoped they’d get to visit more over the rest of the weekend, but given how he’d switched up their routine, she just wasn’t sure. “This might be my best chance.”
That made Ivey laugh. “Pretty sure you could call him in the middle of night and he’d rush over, but by all means, let’s make tonight the night.” She sat back in her chair. “I’ve got it. Why not invite him up to your place? That ought to be a big indicator for him, and that way, it’ll be easy to keep things going.” She wrinkled her nose. “If you were at the main house with the rest of us, privacy would be hard to come by.”
“Speaking as someone who knows?”
“I shouldn’t complain. I get that Vesta is excited now that she’s a grandmother.” Ivey took another drink of her cola. “She and Hagan finally found an RV park they like, and it’s forty-five minutes away. That means I won’t run into them when I leave for work, and they won’t still be there when I’m falling asleep. I had actually considered moving back to my own house, just to cut back on the commotion, but Justin is so used to me being there now, I’d hate to do that.”
“Besides,” Hope said, finally finding some interest in her sandwich, “it’s not like you to give up.”
“Who said anything about giving up?”
“You didn’t have to.” Hope imagined it was extremely difficult for Ivey. She’d admitted to loving Corbin, and yet she knew he hadn’t returned the sentiment. If he had, Ivey would have already told her about it.
“Well, I might be a bit discouraged, but I’m not throwing in the towel. Honestly, Hope, I love him enough that I can’t see ever giving up on him. If two years from now we’re in the same place, I wouldn’t end things like I did with Geoff.”
Hope smiled. “At least with Corbin, you’re having a really good time.” She couldn’t recall ever seeing Ivey so content. Even when she had concerns, optimism ruled her day.
“Life is very full, you know?” Ivey gathered up the trash from her lunch and deposited it