Page 11 of Only His Girl
Eliza squeals with excitement. “Oh my gosh, can you imagine if you and Heath end up together? We could be sisters-in-law!”
I giggle at the thought, but then it hits me—Eliza is dating Drew Donovan, one of Heath’s triplet brothers. And it makes total sense for her and Drew to get married someday. They both come from wealthy, prominent families. Eliza fits right into Drew’s glamorous world.
But me? I’m just a regular girl from Cooper Hills who works as a park ranger. My life couldn’t be more different from the Donovans’.
Melanie must sense the shift in my demeanor because her brow furrows with concern. “Hey, is everything okay? What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
I hesitate, not wanting to dampen the mood with my insecurities.
“I don’t know. I really like Heath. But sometimes I worry that we’re just too different, you know? He’s this successful, sophisticated businessman and I’m, well, me. Why would he want to be with a girl like me when he could have anyone he wants?”
Eliza reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Willow, are you kidding me right now? You’re amazing! You’re beautiful, you’re kind, you’re smart, you’re fun... Any guy would be lucky to have you! Especially Heath.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so!” Eliza insists. “Heath is clearly crazy about you. He wouldn’t be pulling out all the stops like this if he didn’t think you were special. Don’t sell yourself short, okay?”
I nod, trying to absorb her words. “I’m just so new at this whole relationship thing. I mean, I’ve never even had a real boyfriend before. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to dating a guy as experienced as Heath...”
Eliza laughs and gives me a mischievous wink. “Girl, something tells me that dating a take-charge kind of guy like Heath has its perks, if you know what I mean. He can probably teach you a thing or two!”
My cheeks flush. “Eliza!”
“Hey, I’m just looking out for my bestie!” Eliza giggles. “Seriously, though, don’t stress about the experience thing. Just relax and let Heath take the lead. I have a feeling he knows exactly what he’s doing.”
A smile spreads across my face as I let Eliza’s advice sink in. “You’re right. I need to stop overthinking everything and just enjoy getting to know Heath better. He really is one of the good ones.”
“That’s my girl!” Eliza reaches over to pull me into a tight hug. “You deserve all the happiness in the world. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Thanks, girlie,” I murmur into her shoulder, feeling truly blessed to have a friend like her in my corner. “Love you.”
Just then, I hear the screen door of the ranger’s office swing open. “Willow?” My boss, George, pokes his head out. “Your shift starts in five. Wrap it up, okay?”
“Be right there!” I call back. Eliza, Melanie and I gather up our lunch trash and toss it before exchanging one more quick hug. “Thanks for the pep talk. I needed that.”
“Anytime, babe. Now go get ’em!” Melanie smacks my butt playfully as I head toward the office.
Shaking my head and chuckling, I wave goodbye over my shoulder.
A few hours later, I’m back at my apartment, getting ready for my date with Heath.
He offered to bring over pizza from our favorite local place, Sunnyside, so we could just hang out and relax together. I love that he suggested something so chill and low-key. He gets that I’m not into anything too fancy.
Standing in front of my closet mirror, I do one last outfit check. I’ve got on my favorite pair of leggings—the black ones that hug my curves in all the right places. Up top, I went with a flowy white tank that shows a hint of cleavage. Casual, but still sexy. I hope Heath likes it.
Ugh, I can’t believe how nervous I am.
I mean, it’s not like this is our first date. But something about Heath sets my heart racing in the best possible way. When I’m with him, everything else fades away. He makes me feel desired, cherished... seen.
As I fluff my hair one more time, I try to push down the butterflies in my stomach. The knock at the door makes me jump.
He’s here.
Taking a deep breath, I cross the living room and open the door with a bright smile. And nearly combust on the spot.
Heath is standing there looking like sex on a stick in dark jeans and a fitted gray tee that hugs his muscular chest. His hair is artfully tousled, his eyes sparkling with warmth as they meet mine. “Hey, beautiful.”
“H-hi,” I manage, my mouth suddenly dry. How does he do that? Leave me tongue-tied with just a look? Reminder to self: Don’t drool on the hot mountain man.