Page 15 of Willow
“Willow, you’re just in time. Everyone’s picking on me and I need you to play interference!” Abby screams with glee and I can’t help smiling. She’s happy and I’m happy for her. I truly am.
“Sorry, Abby, there’s nothing I can do. You’re just too damn ticklish. If you want pretty toes for your wedding, you need to suck it up.”
She strolls over, wraps me in her arms and whispers, “You can relax. Beth won’t be coming today and I’ve already warned her about tomorrow. I’ve made it quite clear that I won’t tolerate her behavior. If it ever happens again, our friendship is over.” Tears threaten to fall. I’ve never had any girlfriends, so for her to choose me over Beth, well that’s huge in my eyes.
* * *
CALEB
I’ve been talkingit up with all the men for the last thirty minutes or so. When all I really want is for Willow to walk through that door. Sick, I know. Just the thought of her holding onto my arm as we walk down the aisle, even if it’s just practice, fills my heart. I just want to be close to her. She’s all I’ve been able to think about, and I’m hoping she decides to do the auditions with me. I won’t push for more than what she’s willing to give. I’d be a very happy man just spending time with her for now.
My breath hitches when she walks through the door in a vintage floral print dress with colorful toes to match. Her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, bouncing with every step. I’m elated that she’s smiling. She must have had a good day with the girls. A second glance assures me that Beth is nowhere to be found. No wonder she’s smiling.
“So tell me why all of a sudden you’re interested in my cousin, Caleb.” Ah, Trevor’s figured out that I’m attracted to Willow outside of the band. Kudos to him. That’s fine, I have all night to spend with her.
“I was thinking of hosting another Battle of the Bands and I asked Willow to be one of the judges.” Yeah, he’s very protective of her by the look on his face.
“Did she tell you yes?” His eyes bounce back and forth between Willow and me, waiting for me to answer. I wish she had given me her answer already. I’d love to rub that smug look right off of his face.
“No, not yet. I’ll give her until after the wedding to decide.” He nods and doesn’t say another word. I do have a gut feeling he’ll try talking her out of it. Which means he feels threatened by me. I could use that to my advantage.
The instructions are pretty simple. If you’ve been to one wedding, you’ve been to them all. Lucas and Jet at the head while the rest of us walk down the aisle and wait for the bride and her father. My heart constricts, wondering if Cadence will find a good man and settle down one day. Of course he’ll need to be vetted by me first. Christ, why my mind goes there is beyond me.
The whole rehearsal takes longer than I anticipated, and now I’m worried that my surprise will be thwarted. We need to leave soon so we’ll have enough time to enjoy the night. I suppose I could call ahead to let them know we’ll be late. It’s what I’d normally do under the circumstances, but since they work for me it isn’t necessary. My wealth is best if not flaunted, and I wouldn’t want to offend anyone.
“Let’s get going then. There’s champagne waiting for us in the limo, and we can sit back and enjoy.” Lucas walks over and slaps me on the back.
“You’ve thought of everything, Caleb. You’ve gone above and beyond, and Abby and I really appreciate all that you’ve done for us.”
“It’s my pleasure and you’re welcome. Now, let’s get going so we’re not late. We have a great night ahead and you two need to be at your best for the wedding.”
I know the both of them forfeited their bachelor and bachelorette parties for a reason. The paparazzi can be brutal, and one misstep could ruin their budding career. So, I have a bit of a surprise for all of them and I hope they enjoy it. And, while they are preoccupied, I want to steal Willow and spend some quality time with her.
When the limo pulls up and the rich scent of the sea greets us, surprise flits across their faces. Taking them aback. I open my door and they all follow. “Welcome toDiamond PointYacht Club. Tonight, you’ll be my guests onThe Cadence.”
“Are you kidding me?” Lucas and Abby are beaming. It makes me happy to be able to give back.
This was all planned beforehand. Their families arrived earlier and have been waiting on us. It will be a fun-filled night.
Hours tick by, the drinks are flowing, and everyone’s in good spirits. This is my opportunity to grab Willow and head outside. She’s been by my side all night, and I’ve even had the pleasure of a few dances. “Would you like to go out on the deck for some fresh air?”
“Yes, that sounds perfect.” With my hand firmly on the small of her back, I guide her through the hall and up the stairs. The cool ocean breeze is a welcomed change from the oppressive dining room. It’s a beautiful October night with a harvest moon to guide the way.
“It’s so quiet and serene out here, don’t you think?” She shivers and I tug off my jacket to wrap around her shoulders. “Thank you. There’s quite a temperature change from inside.”
“I agree. If I had my way, I’d live onThe Cadenceand just go into port for supplies. There’s something so freeing about floating on open water.” When she peeks up at me with those full, sensuous lips, I can’t describe what comes over me. It’s as if someone else possesses my body when I attack her mouth with such carnal lust that I fear she’ll reject me.
I kiss her with an urgency unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Dragging my tongue against hers. She fists my shirt, pulling me in closer to where I feel every beat of her heart. It’s tapping out a staccato beat that could be played on my baby grand.
Hot passionate kisses turn into slow seductive ones. The kind that are soft and fast, the ones that make you dizzy as fuck. The ones that fill you with lust, longing, and in desperate need of a slow fuck. I’m a man and I can only endure so much. My cock’s straining to join her wet heat, and I’m sure she can feel every inch of my need for her.
The logical part of my brain wants to end this, but I know once I do, the spell will be broken. I fear I’ll never get it back again. That decision is made for me when she breaks the kiss and leans her head against my chest. Our erratic breathing just intensifies the mood and I want to go at it again. I fist my hands in her hair so she looks up at me.
“Caleb, what are we doing? You’re my boss.”
Yes. Yes, I am.
Actions speak louder than words. So, I crush her mouth with mine and give her the only answer that makes sense in this moment.