Page 35 of Midnight Lessons
Owen
As I drive Willow to work the next morning, I can’t shake the image of her face as she told me about Matthew, her green eyes wide with a mix of fear and frustration. My woman has a way of projecting strength even when she’s scared, but nobody should have to deal with a creep like that. Especially not Willow.
We called Sheriff Midnight once we got back to her place last night. He explained that he could write a report and take our statements, but unless we had proof that Matthew was behind the betting pool or he physically harmed Willow, there wasn’t much he could do. Still, he promisedto have one of his deputies talk to Matthew, who is still in town.
I also called Mark, but he didn’t pick up, so I left a message. Hopefully, he’ll get back to me soon with something we can use.
Willow and I ate our burgers but only watched half ofThe Bionic Womanbefore other needs took over—needs that led to fast, frantic, and very satisfying sex on Low’s living room floor. Then I carried her to bed and made slow, sweet love to her until we were both spent.
After dropping Willow atThe Bewitched Bakery,I head off to work, promising to return for lunch. I take a moment to watch her through the glass as she moves with her usual grace, arranging the fresh pastries in the display case. She throws me a soft smile when she catches me lingering, her expression warm. It soothes some of the anxiety roiling in my gut, but not enough to keep me from feeling on edge. I promised her I’d be back for lunch, but the truth is, I don’t like leaving her alone for even a minute, not with Matthew lurking like some goddamn specter.
With a last wave, I head to school, my thoughts still tangled up in how to handle Matthew. There was something off about him, even back in high school.
My hands clench on the wheel. I can’t help but think that part of this is my fault because,damn, I should’ve fought harder for Willow back then. I gave up too easily once I heard she was dating Matthew. I was hurt and angry because she moved on so quickly and froze me out. But he never should’ve been able to weasel his way into her life because of my mistakes.
I spend the morning going through the motions—taking my classes through the ecosystem project and explaining food chains and predator-prey relationships. I smile and joke with the students, but my head’s not fully in it. It’s on Willow, on her safety. Every time I think about her being targeted, I see red.
I finish my third class and hand out a pop quiz, and as soon as fourth period lets out, I grab my jacket, lock my classroom, and head back to town.
The drive toThe Bewitched Bakerytakes less than ten minutes, but it feels like an hour. As I pull intoa parking space across the street, I spot him almost immediately, and every muscle in my body tenses.
“Motherfucker,” I curse under my breath.
The guy is brazen, leaning casually against a lamppost near the bakery entrance. To anyone else, he looks like he’s waiting for a friend, but I know better. He’s loitering, his gaze too focused on the bakery’s door.
Rage surges, hot and fierce, threatening to consume me. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down before I do something reckless. But I can’t let him stand there, watching her.
I get out of my truck quietly and cross the street, keeping my movements controlled. Matthew doesn’t notice me until I’m right in front of him. I step into his line of sight, blocking his view of the bakery, and his head jerks up, surprise flickering in his eyes.
“Owen. Long time no see,” he says, trying to sound casual.
“Matthew,” I reply, my voice low and dangerous. “What the hell are you doing here?”
His smile widens. “Can’t a guy get a coffee in town without being interrogated?”
“Funny because I don’t see you holding a coffee. What I see is you standing here, staring at Willow’s bakery like a creep.”
Matthew sighs. “Look, I’ve already had one of Sheriff Midnight’s deputies breathing down my neck this morning for no reason. I suppose I have you to thank for that. Not that I’ve done anything wrong. An innocent man can’t be charged for a crime he didn’t commit.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Answer my question. What the hell are you doing here?”
Matthew’s smile tightens, his gaze flicking toward the bakery before settling back on me. “Relax. I just wanted to see an old friend. Say hello. We spent years together, remember? I think that entitles me to at least a quick coffee.”
“Old friend?” I step closer, lowering my voice. “Don’t bullshit me, Matthew. You and Willow haven’t spoken in nearly a year. You’re not entitled to anything. Not her time, not her attention, anddefinitely not her goddamn coffee.” I lean in, making sure he sees the cold fury in my eyes. “If I catch you anywhere near her again, we’re going to have a problem.”
His jaw twitches, the smile vanishing from his face. “Big talk, Callahan. You think you can waltz back into town and play hero? That you can pick up where you left off? I was there for her when you broke her heart and fucked off to the city.”
My fists clench, but I keep my voice calm. “You were a convenient distraction, Matthew, that’s all.”
His eyes darken, the smug mask slipping. “You have no idea what she confided in me, Owen. All those nights we spent together, all the times she turned tomebecause you were a cruel, arrogant asshole.”
“You’re right. I was arrogant. My words were cruel and unwarranted. I allowed myself to be led by the crowd. But I’m not that person anymore, Matthew. I’ve grown up. I’ve loved and lost, not only Willow, but my parents. Experiences like that have a way of making you realize what’s important.And no one is more important to me than Willow. I’m lucky because she’s given me a second chance to earn her love, and I’ll be damned if I stand by and let you fuck everything up because you’re still clinging to some childish high school grudge.”
I step closer still. “I’m prepared to be the bigger man here, but listen up because I’m only going to say this once. Willow made you no promises. She was never in love with you. However, you were there for her when I wasn’t. You helped her save face during a difficult time, and for that, I thank you.”
I’d laugh at the shock on his face if I weren’t so mad. It galls me to offer my gratitude to this man, but it’s the right thing to do.
Matthew’s eyelids flicker, and for a second, I think he’s also going to do the right thing—shake hands like a man and fuck off.