Page 12 of Willow

Today, I’m driving the Bentley. I open her door, guiding her in. Her scent is intoxicating and I get the urge to bury my face in her neck. My fantasies are getting the better of me and I need to keep myself in check.

We don’t speak as I drive down the highway. Toward my penthouse. I hope she doesn’t get offended when I make her lunch instead of taking her to a fancy restaurant. It’s too noisy, and after what just happened, I think she’d like some peace and quiet. Besides, I’d love to continue our conversation so we can get to know each other better.

When I pull into the private parking garage, she looks at me quizzically. “A burger would have been fine, Caleb. This is too ritzy for me.”

“Nonsense. You deserve the best that money can buy. Besides, we’re not eating in one of the restaurants. We’ll save that for another time. Today, I’m making you lunch.”

Oh fuck, I want to kiss her mouth when her lips suddenly form in the shape of an O. I slide out, then walk around to her side. She’s sitting quietly, with her hands folded in her lap. Did I overstep?

Opening her door, I hesitantly reach for her hand. “If you’re uncomfortable, I can callThe Harvestand make us reservations. They’ll make an exception for me. We shouldn’t have to wait too long.”

She tucks her warm hand in mine and when she swings her legs and steps out, our chests are a hairbreadth away. I should give her a wide berth. Not confine her but god I want to. I’d love to wrap my hand around her slender neck and part her lips with my tongue.

“Caleb?” Thank fuck she can’t feel my cock rising to greet her. Instead, she touches my day-old stubble. I had a rough night with Cadence and shaving wasn’t my first priority. “You don’t need to come to my rescue every time something goes wrong.” Ah, she thinks I’m scowling because I saved her? If she only knew.

“You certainly don’t need saving. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Let’s go eat.” Grabbing her hand, I link our fingers together. I’m thrilled when she doesn’t pull away. Allowing me to guide her into the elevator.

Inserting my keycard, I press number twenty-seven and we’re off. My chest feels tight since this penthouse is where I normally bring my one-night stands. Believe me, Willow’s not one of them nor will she ever be. She’s like a fine wine; she needs to be savored over a long period of time. Somehow, I still feel guilty! It’s the chase, anticipation, and the conquest that has me buzzing with need.

When the elevator doors open, she gasps. My penthouse is spacious and comfortable, but I own so many more that are way more impressive than this one.

“This place is huge! Do you live here all alone?” Technically, I don’t live here. A fact that I don’t plan on sharing with her at this time. Perhaps another time.

“I own four homes in New York, one in Los Angeles, so I’m closer to the studio. Let’s see, one in the Maldives and one in Paris.” Was that bragging? Fuck, that’s not what I intended.

“Maldives? Is that where Lucas and Abby are going on their honeymoon?” Double fuck. We’re supposed to be leaving all of that behind.

“Yes. In fact, I offered them to stay at my place for those two weeks. So, any requests for lunch?” She kicks off her shoes and spins around in the middle of the room. Listening to her echo as she speaks. It reminds me of Cadence. Chills run along my spine as I rush into the kitchen. Hoping she’ll follow.

My head’s stuck in the fridge when she does. “You have amazing acoustics in this place.”

“Maybe you can play for me while I make lunch.” I grin, but she can’t see me. I didn’t give her the grand tour, but there’s a Steinway in the alcove that overlooks the city. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, where I’ve fantasized about pressing her up against the glass and fucking her senseless.

“Play? I didn’t see a piano when we walked in. Wait, do you play?” This time I pop my head out of the fridge. She’s grinning from ear-to-ear and damn if it isn’t contagious. Now I want to sit her atop my baby grand and bury my face between her thighs! Oh, we could make sweet music together, this girl and me.

“Go have a look. It’s to the left of the entryway.” I chuckle when she takes flight. Her bare feet beating a rhythm as she goes. I’m so fucked with this girl. I want her like the air I breathe. God, if she only knew my intentions weren’t honorable in the least.

“Are you fucking kidding me! There’s a Steinway baby grand in your penthouse!” I contain my smile at her enthusiasm.

“Play for me while I make us something to eat.” I hear the slap of her feet once more as she rounds the corner.

“You want me to play for you?” Oh, how I want to divulge she can play with me or for me. The choice is hers.

She shakes her head in disbelief then disappears. What comes next just about brings me to my knees. Beethoven’sFür Elise. One of the hardest pieces to master and she does it flawlessly. I want to abandon lunch just so I can watch her. Does she look like she’s in the throes of passion while she’s playing? Oh, I’d be willing to bet a million dollars she does, and it would be the best million I ever spent.

Once that piece is over she begins another. This time it’sClair De Luneby Debussy. Breathtaking and emotional. She’s speaking to me without words and it’s one of the most breathtaking moments of my life. There’s no doubt in my mind she took professional piano lessons, because I’ve never met anyone who could play that well who was self-taught.

8

WILLOW

My fingersflitover the keys like I’m touching a long-lost lover. Maybe I am, since it’s been so long that I’ve played on a piano as beautiful and in tune as this one. I’m consumed in Beethoven, Bach, and Chopin so much so that time doesn’t exist. Day could have turned into night and I wouldn’t know and wouldn’t care. All that exists is me, the Steinway, and the way my foot taps the pedals and my hands caress the ivories.

With my eyes closed and my spine straight, one song melds into the next and everything else is irrelevant. The only sound I hear is the whispering of the keys as I glide over them. Playing by rote. I don’t need sheet music when something has been instilled in me since I was five.

Although we’ve just met, this piano feels like an old friend. A trusted companion. And I’m grateful to be reacquainted with it once again. Crap, speaking of companion, I was so enraptured, I’d forgotten about my host.

When I slowly open my eyes, I’m met with a steely gaze from the man sitting in the far corner of the room. Legs crossed, fingers steepled against his lips. Perusing me much like a lion watches its prey before mealtime. Good lord if the music didn’t make my panties wet, his gaze surely did.

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