Page 61 of Lost in the Moonlight

She was right. Willow would hate it. “There’s no need for you to come home. I don’t plan on letting her out of my sight while you’re gone.”

And maybe that would have raised some parents’ hackles, but I swore I heard a smile in Erica’s voice as she said, “Good. When I get home, I expect to have dinner together.”

If she thought to scare me off, it didn’t work. The idea of embedding myself further into both their lives was exactly what I wanted. “I’d like that.”

“Well. Okay, then,” she said before clearing her throat. “Lincoln?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.” Her voice went soft, tucked full of emotions. “Not just for taking care of her when Poco confronted her at the cemetery or even when he’s obviously upset her today. Thank you for seeing her for the smart, courageous, brave woman she is and giving her some beautiful memories. You are going to do that, right?”

For the first time since I’d picked up the phone, a spike of panic welled. It wasn’t because of her words or because of what was blooming between Willow and me. It was much more because my world could easily shatter theirs.

Still, I kept my voice steady and sure when I responded, “I’m hoping to give her more than just a few.”

Erica laughed again. It was light and lyrical, just like her daughter’s. I handed the phone back to Willow, and they said goodbye with warm I love yous that reminded me of my family. Living through trauma either bonded people together with a cement-like glue, or it tore them apart. My family had only grown closer. Not just because of the traumatic events of my life, but because of Dad’s career choice and the hate that got tossed our way.

Willow bit her lip and wouldn’t meet my gaze. “I’m sorry…she just—”

“Loves you. Wants you safe and happy.”

She ran a hand up and down her arm before tugging on the ring at her neck. She cleared her throat. “I don’t know what to do now.”

I had plenty of ideas of what I wanted to do with her, starting with taking off every article of clothing and exploring every sweet-smelling inch of her. But I wouldn’t. Not yet. I’d spoken the truth when I said I wouldn’t take our first kiss and turn it into something she wished she’d stopped.

I could take her to the gallery with me, but if I did, I’d get lost in my paintings like I always did, and I couldn’t guarantee I’d know if something or someone showed up at my door when I was lost in my art. But thoughts of the gallery reminded me of the way I’d all but shoved Trinity out of the shop with barely a word while I’d chased after Willow.

“Crap. Hold on. I need to text Trinity—the artist at the gallery. I left her in a bit of a hurry.”

Willow grimaced again, as if she was upset that she’d messed with my day.

I jotted off a text to Trinity.

ME: I’m sorry I had to rush out like I did. Your work is truly incredible, and it will be an honor to show it, if you’re still interested.

TRINITY: You’ve got to be kidding, right? I’d be a moron not to be interested. Besides, I knew you’d get back to me. You have three of my pieces sitting in your gallery.

I couldn’t help the smile that curled my lips. Ihadbasically stolen her work, but at least she wasn’t upset about it.

ME: I don’t have a date for the opening yet. Send me pictures of everything you have completed and are willing to part with as well as what you’re working on. We can decide where to go from there.

TRINITY: Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ll send you everything once I get home from class.

When I put my phone back in my pocket and raised my eyes, Willow’s were hooded, taking in my grin. She was jealous, just like she’d been when she’d seen Trinity and me at the gallery. It shouldn’t have, but it made me happy to know she was. That somehow, what we already felt for each other was enough for her to not want to share me.

Lord knew I didn’t want to share her.

“What were your plans for the day?” I asked.

Her gaze flicked to my lips and away, and once again, I had to fight off the urge to pick her up, take her upstairs, and finish what we’d started.

“I was going to work on ideas for a new dessert piece, and you?”

“I need groceries. I’ve been putting it off for too long. I’d planned on shopping after I met with Trinity.” The silence that settled wasn’t awkward so much as expectant. “Come with me?”

She shifted, looking away, and I had a moment to wonder if it was smart, leaving the house in the daylight with her. But before I could take it back, she responded, “Okay.”

I patted my pockets. I needed my wallet and keys. Where had I put them? “I think my keys are in the study.”

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