Page 8 of Only His Girl

Hand in hand, I lead her into the diner, opening the door for her. As we step inside, triumph surges through me that she hasn’t pulled away.

Progress.

The hostess leads us to a corner booth and I slide in across from Willow. She shrugs out of her ranger jacket, revealing the khaki uniform underneath. It should be boring as hell. But on Willow, with her lush curves, it's sexy as sin. I feel my body tighten, my mind conjuring all the filthy things I want to do to her.

I force my eyes to the menu. "So what's good here?"

"Everything." She grins at me over her menu, dark eyes sparkling. "But I usually go for the chocolate chip pancakes. Breakfast for dinner is the best."

"A woman after my own heart." I wink at her. "I do love a good pancake. Among other things."

Her cheeks flush and she looks quickly back at her menu. So goddamn adorable. I just want to–

The waitress appears, breaking my train of thought. We place our orders and I lean back, letting my eyes drink Willow in. "So, I gotta ask. What made you want to become a park ranger? I mean, besides the irresistible allure of hanging out with mountain lions."

Willow's eyes cloud over for a moment. "My mom," she says softly. "She was a ranger here too, when I was a kid. Single mom, raised me and my brother Beau on her own. I really looked up to her, you know?"

I nod, sensing there's more to the story.

"Every summer, she'd bring us to work with her. Let us help out, learn the ropes. I just fell in love with it - being outside, taking care of the park, the animals. I knew right then I wanted to follow in her footsteps." A wistful smile touches her lips.

"She sounds like an amazing woman," I murmur.

"She was." Willow swallows hard. "We lost her last year. It's been tough but...being here, doing this job, it makes me feel close to her still. Like I'm honoring her memory."

My heart clenches. I reach across the table and take her hand, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. "I'm so sorry, baby. I can't imagine how hard that must be. Your mom would be so proud of you though. Look at the incredible woman you've become."

She blinks back tears and squeezes my fingers. "Thank you, Heath. That means a lot."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, hands still intertwined. I'm in awe of her resilience, her grace in the face of loss. A fierce protectiveness surges through me. I want to wrap her in my arms, shield her from anymore pain.

Willow clears her throat. "Sorry, didn't mean to bring down the mood. I just...I don't usually talk about my mom much."

"Don't apologize. I'm honored you shared that with me. And hey, for what it's worth...I think you'd make an incredible mom yourself someday."

Shit. The words are out before I can stop them.

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Oh. Um, thanks. I do want that, you know? To be a mom."

I swallow hard.Images begin flashing through my mind - Willow, glowing and rounded with my child. Chasing giggling toddlers with her smile and dark curls. Cuddling a baby, our baby, in the soft lamplight.

It's a dangerous line of thinking. This is only our first date. But looking at her now, so open and vulnerable and perfect...I know without a doubt that I want that future. With her.

Quickly, Willow adds, "But I could never do it alone like she did. I'm in awe of single parents."

I force myself to keep my reply casual. "Well, when you do become a mom someday, you'll be fantastic at it. And definitely not alone.Your kids will be the luckiest in the world."

She blushes prettily and looks down. "I hope so. But that's a long way off yet. Let's just focus on getting through this dinner in one piece first, shall we?"

"Deal." I grin at her as the waitress arrives with our food. "But I meant what I said. Any guy would be beyond lucky to build a life and family with you."

And that lucky guy is going to be me.

The rest of the meal passes in a flirty, lighthearted blur. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed someone’s company this much. Willow is whip smart, with a dry sense of humor that keeps me on my toes.

Before I know it, we’ve settled the check and are heading out to the parking lot. I’m not ready for this night to end, so as we reach her car, I catch her hand in mine. Her skin is soft and warm.

“I had a really great time tonight, baby,” I say, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles.

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