Page 102 of Forever Player

“What’s with the ’tude?” she clarifies.

“Well.” I tap my chin with my fingers. “Let’s see, I come to surprise my girlfriend at work with flowers and chocolate, only to find you cozied up to your boss. He didn’t know you were seeing someone, and you sure as hell didn’t clarify that for him. Why is that, Willow?”

Now I’ve raised my voice a few notches and I am not proud of it, but I am fuming. I’m jealous and angry and not used to feeling this way about anyone. I don’t know if I am handling this well, but I am following my feelings on this.

“Are you freaking kidding me, Brett? I was not cozied up with Silas,” she says in a way that tells me she is mocking my voice. “He is my boss, for goodness sakes, and I know he’s a bit of a flirt, but it’s harmless.”

“No, it fucking isn’t. He didn’t know you had a boyfriend,” I retort.

“Because that is my professional life. I don’t see a reason to tell people I work with about my personal life. I mean, I’m friends with Devney, she’s a trainer, and I told her, but I didn’t see a reason for Silas to have that kind of information.”

What she says makes sense.

“Why didn’t you introduce me as your boyfriend then?” I ask.

She’s driving so she can’t look at me but if she did, she’d realize she hurt my feelings.

“I was caught off guard. I’ve never dated anyone seriously before. I’m out of my element, Brett.”

“Oh, that’s fucking good to know because you know I am a professional at this relationship stuff.”

“Would you relax?” she says as we reach a red light.

“I’d really like to, but I’m pissed right now. This is new for me too, and I thought I was doing something nice. I missed you and Maylee, and I thought flowers and chocolates were a nice gesture.”

“It was very sweet of you. I love that you’re being so attentive, but you know me, Brett. I’m very protective of my inner circle. I don’t share a lot of myself, but I’m grateful for you. More than you know.”

Her words cause my anger to melt somewhat.

“Your boss wants you. I don’t like it.” I grind my jaw.

She laughs. “I really don’t care what he wants because I don’t want him. It takes two to tango, you know?”

I contemplate her words.

“You were jealous, huh?” she questions with a victorious smile.

“I was an ugly green monster. I wanted to punch him out.” I snicker as I hold the handrail above my head.

“That’s kinda sexy.” She giggles.

“You can’t be serious. I’m pissed at you right now,” I snap.

She frowns. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel insignificant. This is how I’ve always been. I compartmentalize my life.”

“You need to make it known that I’m not just your boyfriend. I am here to stay and I am your baby daddy.”

“You’re here to stay, huh?” she repeats. “I like the sound of that. A month ago, I was scared shitless of coming to town with you and now look at what you made me do.”

“What’s that?” I ask.

“I’m in serious like with you,” she declares.

“I’m in serious like with you too, and it’s clearly made me lose my mind.”

Her laughter bellows throughout the car, and I take a deep breath because I know exactly what is happening here. I’m falling in love with this woman.

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