It Took a Rumor Read Online Free

like a country girl once in a while he might have put some truth to those rumors. But then again, no. Even as pleased with himself as he was, Boone still knew that Ivy deserved better than him. “How are you holding up?” he asked.
    She hooked her thumbs in her jeans and glanced out at the sun. “That why you called? See how I’m holding up?”
    “I do kind of feel like this is my fault.”
    She cocked her head. He couldn’t see her eyes through the glasses. “How do you figure?”
    He shrugged. “Molly did use your truck to meet me at the hotel last night. I mean, maybe that’s where this rumor is coming from.”
    Her lips pressed together. “You’re a pig.”
    “Hey, she’s a big girl.”
    Ivy shook her head and looked away. “I don’t know. If that’s where the rumor is coming from, then I’m screwed. I can’t rat her out.”
    “I just want you to know I’m real sorry, and to thank you for, you know, keeping me and Molly’s secret.”
    She turned her face back to him. He assumed she was looking at him, but again, it was hard to tell. “Just do me a favor and if people ask you if you’re fucking me, be honest and tell them no. No more joking around.”
    “Sure. Of course, Ivy. And maybe I can make a statement on Myra’s Facebook page or something.”
    Ivy waved her hand. “Just…answer ‘no’ if anyone asks. Otherwise, leave it alone. Maybe it’ll blow over, soon, and people will quit treating me like the whore of Babylon.”
    Boone hated to hear this. She’d never done anything to deserve that sort of disrespect. Even if she had slept with one of his brothers, she didn’t deserve this. He frowned, this new thought occurring to him.  
    Had she?  
    He hadn’t even entertained the idea since this was Ivy Turner, professional to a T. Suddenly, he couldn’t help cracking a grin. “You know, I assumed this was on me and Molly, but…have you? Did you?”
    Ivy’s cheeks turned red and she lifted her chin. “Have I, did I, what, Boone?”
    “You know what.”
    “I can’t believe you have the nerve to stand there and ask me if I’ve slept with one of your brothers. You’ve known me all your life, and you ask me something like this? Have you no respect?”
    The wicked notion died like a frostbit flower, and Boone lowered his head. “Aw, Ivy, I was just teasing. Don’t take offense, okay?”
    She eased back, her shoulders relaxing. “Sure. I’m just sick of the insult, you know? I had a boyfriend for over two years and no one treated me like a slut for sleeping with him.”
    “Maybe everyone assumed you’d be waiting for marriage.”
    Her eyebrows went up. “Do you think? Do you think that’s what people assume about me?”
    He shrugged. “Yeah, I figure. Because you’re so upstanding, you know.”
    “So if an upstanding woman has a one-night-stand, she’s automatically a whore?”
    He laughed and looked away. “Ain’t my rules, Ivy. Blame society.”
    She grumbled something and turned back to her bike. “Are we done here?” she asked.
    “Yeah, except…”
    She climbed astride the ATV. “Except what?”
    “Except…tomorrow night. Molly wants to meet again, and—”
    “And can she use my truck?” Ivy laughed. “Can I cover for her again? You seriously came here for that, even after you just said that you thought this might be responsible for the rumors ruining my reputation.”
    “I think I’m in love,” he lied.
    She snorted. “You’re so full of shit.” She started up the bike.
    “Ivy? Will you cover for us?”
    She pulled the sunglasses up to the top of her head and hit him with her beautiful, blue eyes. “She’s my best friend.”
    Unfortunately, that was all the answer he would get. Ivy backed her bike up and drove away. He watched after her, hoping she would come through for him. With any luck, this affair could last quite a while. He didn’t think he would tire of Molly very soon.

Pastor Allen had originally been a missionary. He was in Papua New