Page 2 of Only His Girl

I went by Eliza’s apartment to scope things out for myself. Except Eliza wasn't home that day.

But Willow was.

She was walking out to her car, arms loaded down with an oversized tote bag, a yoga mat, and a huge jug of water. Her glossy curls were pulled up in a messy bun on top of her head, a few wispy tendrils escaping to frame her face. She had on a pair of skintight leggings that lovingly hugged every inch of her thick thighs and a strappy sports bra that showed off her smooth stomach and the tops of her full breasts.

My heart stopped in my chest. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

And I haven't been able to get her out of my head since.

Call it love at first sight, call it insanity, call it whatever the hell you want. All I know is, from the second I laid eyes on her, I knew I had to have her. Had to make her mine.

For the last week, I’ve been keeping tabs on my girl and scheming up ways to orchestrate a meeting. When I found out she'd be attending the opera tonight, I knew it was my chance.

People are always saying there must be something in the water in this town that makes people fall in love. Ever since the Walker brothers built their fancy resort on the mountain a few years back, it seems like everyone is getting hitched right and left. I used to think that was a bunch of bullshit.

But now, looking into Willow’s eyes, I'm starting to believe.

The chime of a bell rings out, signaling it’s time to take our seats for the show.

Eliza glances at Drew. “We should head upstairs.” Then she turns to Willow. “Did you want to come with us?”

“You too go ahead,” I quickly interject before Willow can respond. “I’ll keep Willow company.”

Willow blinks up at me in surprise. “Are you sure?”

I give her a warm smile. “Of course. No trouble at all.”

Drew shoots me a look, one eyebrow raised. He can clearly see I’m up to something. “Alright, then... Guess we’ll see you two after the show. Enjoy!” He winks at me as he and Eliza turn to go.

As the crowd files into the theater, I gently place my hand on the small of Willow’s back. “Shall we?” I tilt my head toward the stairs leading up to the private booths.

She nods. “Lead the way.”

As we make our way up, I can’t help but notice Willow’s heavy-looking purse. It’s one of those oversized tote bags—nice quality but doesn’t exactly go with her sleek cocktail dress.

“That’s quite the bag you have there, sweetheart.”

“Oh, thanks.” Willow hefts the straps up higher on her shoulder. “I know it’s a bit much for tonight, but Eliza invited me at the last minute and I didn’t have time to get a clutch. This purse is all I have.”

“Do you want me to hold it for you?” I ask, holding the booth door open for her. “It looks pretty heavy.”

“No, it’s fine, I’ve got it.” She hugs the tote to her side. “But thank you for the offer.”

After we step inside, an usher closes the door behind us, and I make a mental note to send Willow a dozen designer clutches first thing tomorrow. A woman as classy and gorgeous as her should never be without the perfect purse.

And if I have my way, she’ll never want for anything ever again.

The look on Willow’s face as she takes in our private balcony is priceless. Her lush lips form a soft “O” of surprise, her eyes widening appreciatively at the plush seats and the bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket.

I can’t suppress a satisfied smirk. Damn right, baby. Only the best for my woman.

“Wow, this is incredible,” she breathes, trailing a hand along the velvet back of a chair. “Do you entertain clients here often, Mr. Donovan?”

The formal address catches me off guard for a second.

“Heath, please,” I correct her gently. “Mr. Donovan is my father. And no, I don’t really do much entertaining. That’s more my brother’s department.” I shrug out of my jacket and loosen my tie a notch, never taking my eyes off her. “I prefer to stay behind the scenes.”

Willow nods, moving to take a seat. I chuckle when I notice she picks the chair farthest from mine, leaving an empty spot between us as a buffer. Then she sets that enormous handbag of hers on the chair in the middle like a sentry on guard. It’s so damn cute I can hardly stand it.

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