Page 20 of Only His Girl
There’s something in her tone that suggests there’s more to the story, but before anyone can press further, Julie glances down at her watch. “I’m so sorry, but I really need to get going. Maddie’s due for a nap, and I have a million things to take care of.”
She shifts Maddie in her arms, offering us a polite smile. “It was nice meeting you all. I’ll be in touch about the repairs.”
With that, Julie turns and heads for the door, Maddie babbling softly in her arms. I watch them go, my mind swirling with questions and a strange sense of unease.
Drew and Eliza exchange a glance, and I can tell they’re thinking the same thing I am.
There’s something going on with Julie, but now’s not the time to dwell on it.
“We should probably get going too,” Eliza says, gesturing toward the door. “Give you two some space to figure things out.”
Drew nods in agreement, clapping me on the shoulder. “Let us know if you need anything, bro. We’re here for you.”
I nod gratefully, watching as they make their way out of the apartment. After the door closes behind them, I turn to face Willow, my heart pounding in my chest.
She looks up at me, her dark eyes filled with a mix of emotions. Uncertainty, gratitude, and something else I can’t quite name.
I take a step toward her, reaching out to take her hands in mine. “Willow, I know this is all happening so fast, but I wanted to ask you something.”
She nods. “What is it?”
I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I want you to move in with me.”
Her eyes widen, her mouth falling open in surprise. “Heath, are you serious?”
I nod, squeezing her hands gently. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. I know we just met, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. And I can’t stand the thought of you being alone, dealing with all of this by yourself.”
She bites her lip, her eyes searching mine. “But we barely know each other. What if it doesn’t work out?”
I shake my head, pulling her closer to me. “It will work out. I promise. I’m not going anywhere, Willow. I’m in this for the long haul.”
She’s silent for a moment, her eyes filled with a swirl of emotions. And then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face. “Okay,” she whispers. “Let’s do it.”
My heart soars, and I can’t help but grin like an idiot. “Really? You mean it?”
She nods, her smile growing wider. “I mean it. Let’s move in together.”
Chapter Eight
WILLOW
We arrive at Heath’s cabin, arms loaded with grocery bags. After spending a few hours salvaging what we could from my waterlogged apartment, Heath insisted we stop for food on the way here.
We deposit the groceries in the kitchen, and I start putting things away, falling into an easy rhythm with Heath.
It feels so natural, as if we’ve done this a hundred times.
“Are you sure your brother won’t mind me crashing here? I don’t want to impose.”
“You’re not imposing.” Heath wraps his arms around me from behind, nuzzling my neck. “This is my penthouse, not Blake’s. He was just staying here while he looked for his own place.”
“Oh.” I relax into his embrace. “Did he find a place, then?”
“He closed on a house yesterday.” Heath turns me in his arms, gazing down at me with a smile that makes my heart skip. “It’s just you and me now, baby. Come one. I’ll give you the grand tour.”
He takes my hand and leads me through an open-concept living room and kitchen with sleek metal appliances and dark wood cabinets. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the city skyline.
“The balcony wraps around the whole penthouse,” Heath says. “We’ll have to have breakfast out there one morning.”