Page 14 of Willow

I laugh, pointing at myself like she’s blaming me. “I didn’t say a word. Look, all joking aside, no explanation is necessary. How you choose to live your life is no one’s business but your own.”

“You’re right, my bad. So, what’s your favorite color?” Ah, the getting-to-know-you game. I’m in if she is.

“Blue. It represents the sea, the sky, and your eyes. It also represents truth, intelligence, and trust. What’s yours?”

“Black. It might sound boring but I believe it represents strength, power, and elegance. The reason all the girls own a little black dress. Men take notice when they walk into a room wearing one. Don’t you agree?” My cock certainly does because he’s straining to break free.

“It’s not boring at all. And, I do agree. Every women should own a little black dress.”

“Okay, that was just a random question to throw you off track. Now I’m getting to the nitty gritty. Why music, and where did you go to school?” I find it intriguing she wants to know more about me.

“I come from a musical background, so it just made sense for me to do something I knew and loved. I studied music at Julliard. As did my father before me. He’s since passed but it was ingrained in me before I could even walk. Music is universal, and it speaks to me. I play several different instruments, too.” I hope it didn’t sound like I was bragging.

“I’m very impressed and a little jealous.” She gets a little fidgety with that comment and looks at her phone. “Oh gosh. Look at the time! I really should get going. I’ll call an Uber.”

“Nonsense. I drove you here so I’ll be the one to take you home.” She’s quiet in the elevator and it takes all of my willpower not to push her against the wall and kiss the fuck out of her. It would also scare her off from another visit. “What’s the address?” She rattles it off as we get in the car, and I don’t have the balls to tell her I already know where she lives.

“I had a great time, Caleb. Thanks for lunch and letting me play the Steinway. It’s a beautiful instrument. I can’t wait to hear you play next time.”

“It was my pleasure. You’re a very gifted pianist. It was breathtaking, watching you play.”

“Thanks. It was like visiting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a very long time.”

I pull into her drive and when she leans in to kiss my cheek, I frame her face and my lips collide with hers. Her hands circle around my neck, diving into my hair. Deepening the kiss. There’s an energy simmering between us. An undeniable force. I know she can feel it, too. It’s electrifying. It’s raw, passionate, and downright sinful.

Her skin beneath my fingertips is soft, arousing, and it only sparks the flame. I nip her bottom lip, swipe the hurt and dive into her parted lips. I’m on a quest to find her tongue, and when I do it tangles with mine. When I swallow her moan, it takes all of the self-control I possess not to drive her back to my penthouse.

9

WILLOW

All I can thinkabout is that kiss. It was def worth waiting for. My god, that man knows how to use his mouth because he had my toes curling inside of my shoes. I hate to admit that I had a wonderful time with Caleb yesterday. He’s easy to talk to and it was nice to find out we have something in common. Our love for the piano.

Once I was settled in for the night, I touched myself while fantasizing about him sitting at that piano. Wearing nothing but his boxer briefs. Back straight, legs stretched out in front of him. Hands floating over the keys. A full moon outlining his bulky frame, lighting up the small space. His head thrown back, exposing his corded neck. Yep, I came as hard as a freight train.

There’s no doubt I’m attracted to him. When and how all this came about, I’ve no idea. I think it might have happened long before he gave me my bracelet. He has a presence about him that makes a normal person sit up and take notice. Which I’ve done since we signed on the dotted line. Back then, I chalked it up to being in awe of the great Mr. Morris and what he could do for our career. Now, it’s clear that I’ve been physically attracted to him. That’s the scary part. All this flirting that’s been going on needs to stop. I refuse to be in a committed relationship. One and done!

And that will be today since it’s a mani-pedi, followed by the wedding rehearsal and ending on a high note with dinner afterward. I’m leery since I’m not sure if Beth is going to be there. I could have asked Abby or Lucas but didn’t want to bother them. Yeah, I finally read all the texts and told everyone I was good. Everyone knows she’s a bitch, end of. I can’t waste all my time and energy being angry at someone who is jealous of their friend’s relationships. Caleb was kind enough to point that out. Beth isn’t angry at me, she’s upset with herself that she can’t hold a man and took it out on me. I know, it’s deep, but Caleb’s very observant and it all made sense.

I’ll just be glad when all of this is over and I’ll have two weeks to relax before touring begins. I might take a mini vacation and go away for a few days. Just to unwind and get my bearings back.

I also have something else to think about. Caleb wants me to be one of the judges for the Battle of the Bands. Going to Brooklyn, just the two of us could be very dangerous. I know we’d have separate rooms. He’s a gentleman in that sense. My worry is would we use them? I still don’t know him as well as I’d like and I sure as hell know myself. Since I haven’t been laid in months, I’d most likely jump the man if he looked at me a certain way. Sex is sex. Right? You scratch an itch and then it’s over. You both go your separate ways. Unfortunately, in our case, we still need to see each other since he’s my boss. That’s where lines can get blurred. Would he look at me like his employee, or the woman he fucked? Scary, I know. And, I’m sure once I’ve seen the man naked, I’d be hard-pressed to unsee it as he strutted around the office. Jeez, if my attention span was nil before, I can’t imagine what it would be like after the fact.

I need to get my mind out of the gutter. Just because he’s flirtatious and we shared one kiss doesn’t mean he wants to jump in bed with me. Might be my overloaded libido getting the best of me. Who knows at this point? Enough of that. I need to put that all aside and get ready before I’m late. Mom’s dropping me off and I’ll call an Uber for a ride home. I’ll need to change before going to the rehearsal. Even if I don’t want to impress someone, I won’t be going in my damn yoga pants.

“Willow, are you almost ready? I’m going to be late.” I def need to get that damn car fixed in the next two weeks. Depending on people to take me places is getting old.

“I’m coming. Just need to slip on my shoes.” Mom means well, but I don’t know why she needs to get there twenty minutes early. That’s why I think she has a man on the side.

“Thanks, Mom. And I promise I’ll get my car fixed soon.” She chuckles and I don’t know what that means.

“Willow, give it to the junkyard and get a new one. I’m sure you have enough money after the last tour.” Damn!

“I hate getting a car just to let it sit in the driveway for months at a time. Maybe when I get back this time around. It would be nice to have something dependable.”

Butterflies are in my stomach when she drops me off. I don’t know what to expect after yesterday and I’m kind of nervous to face the others. Funny, since I’ve done nothing wrong, but I don’t want a pity party.

Walking into the shop is intimidating. I hate when all eyes are on me. This time is no different. Until I hear the laughter and know that no matter what, Abby and Quinn have my back. They’re my girls, and no matter what happens, I can handle it. I’ve been through much worse than Beth’s tirade and I survived.

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