Page 30 of Willow
“I’m sorry, Willow. I’d love to spend another night with you, but I really need to get back home.”
“Are you married?” That was one of those speaking things before engaging brain.
“No, I’m not married. I just have responsibilities that need tending to, is all.” Which breaks down to end of story. No more questions tonight. I’m feeling like a spoiled child who is angry because she didn’t get her own way.
We eat the rest of our meal in silence. The mood’s broken and I wish I had stayed in my room. Not for the reason you might think. It’s not the first time it feels like he’s not telling me something. And maybe it’s none of my business. Let sleeping dogs lie. Yada, yada, yada.
Once I’m done eating, I hop out of bed and put my plate on the tray. Asking myself if I’m going or staying. Going seems like the right thing to do. “I’m now in a food coma, so I think I’m going to sleep in my room tonight.”
“We’ve had a long day. We’re both exhausted. Stay. Let me hold you tonight.” It’s tempting and as much as I’d love to, I can’t. Having sex with Caleb was a mistake. As much as we have in common, we are worlds apart.
I point to the door. “I need to go. Thanks for dinner, Boss Man.” My feet move of their own accord since my heart wants to stay. I’m already invested and that’s all kinds of wrong. Caleb being secretive is just too much for me to handle.
Closing the door softly behind me, I jump in bed and bury my face in my pillow to stifle my cries. Sometimes I feel like I’m out of control. Chasing a ghost. Wishing with all of my heart that I could see him one more time. I’ve been a wreck since he’s been gone and I don’t know how to move on. He’s dead because of me and no matter how many years go by I still live with the guilt.
My hand reaches for the locket that I’ve never taken off, and never will. Brodie put it there all those years ago and it will stay there forever.
I fall into a fitful sleep, and somewhere between darkness and light there’s a pair of strong arms holding me. My back to his front. Caleb. He came into my room.
“Don’t be angry, love. You were having a nightmare and I just wanted to comfort you.” Ah, yes. Now it’s all coming back to me. Bloodcurdling screams that are as vivid today as the day it happened.
“What time is it?” I roll onto my back, trying to keep my distance.
“Almost seven. We have a few hours to get ready before we need to leave. Are you hungry?”
Am I? Truthfully, I don’t know what I am anymore.
* * *
CALEB
Willow shutmedown when I told her I couldn’t stay another night. It’s my fault that she won’t accept my reasoning and I understand. That’s why she asked if I was married. Like I had a wife waiting at home and she was only my mistress. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
My wealth is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand I can get the best medical help that money can buy for Cadence. On the other, it’s my choice not to let too many people into my inner circle. Our relationship is too new and fragile for me to confide in her just yet. The last thing I want to do is introduce her to my daughter and then things fall apart. Cadence needs a stable environment and a daily routine.
I was so preoccupied with my own thoughts, I hadn’t realized Willow was crying. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong.” I can’t not touch her, so I invade her space by rolling onto my back, taking her with me. Her small hands are fisted against my chest as I hold her in a tight embrace.
Running my hands up and down her back, I wait for her response. It doesn’t come. Willow bottles everything up inside of her. Painting on a fake smile and pretending everything is all right. When deep down inside, she’s crying out for help. I’ve no idea what happened to this sweet girl, but I have every intention of finding out. I might not get all of the answers today. One day I will.
“Caleb…”
“I’m right here, love. Anything you want, just ask.” I’ll do anything at this point to take her mind off of that dream if that’s the demon she’s fighting with right now.
“Make love to me.” For a beat, I think my mind’s playing tricks on me. Until she raises her head and whispers, “Please.”
When I slide to the edge of the bed and stand up with her in my arms, she wraps her legs around my waist and holds on tight. No condoms in this room, but I have them in mine.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Her only answer is a sultry kiss to my neck, which has my cock saluting the memory of her lips wrapped around it.
Placing her on the edge of my bed, I kiss her damp cheeks and neck before lifting her shirt off her body. Exposing her ample breasts for my pleasure. Lowering my head I draw one of her taut nipples into my mouth and swirl my tongue around the stiff bud. Teasing the other with my fingertips until it’s hard and demanding my attention.
“Mm, that feels so good.”
I continue pinching and working her nipples into a frenzy as I kiss, lick, and nip my way down her body. Her arousal is the sweet nectar of the gods, and as much as I want to taste her, she needs me to fill the void inside of her. Pulling off her shorts, I spread her long legs and with the flat of my tongue I swipe up in one delectable taste. One is never enough, so I dive in for a few more when she grinds against my face. Fuck, I want this girl so damn much.
“Caleb, fuck me now!” Her wish is my command.
My boxers are around my ankles and my cock is sheathed as I grab her by the ankles and enter her wet hole. Pure heaven. I feel untamed and want to fuck her hard, but she asked me to make love, not fuck. Using her elbows, she moves to the middle of the bed and spreads her legs wide. When she reaches for me, I’m fucked.