Page 22 of Willow

Is it wrong that I’m smiling like the cat who ate the canary when Bill walks through the door?

“I haven’t seen you smile like that since you landed the Brecken deal. I thought for sure you’d be scowling since we didn’t acquire the contract forLaid Barethis time around. So why the smile?” Oh, if he only knew I was chasing one of my employee’s, I’d be in serious trouble. Bill doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure. Neither did I before Willow came along.

“I’m not going to worry aboutLaid Bareright now. I know when the time comes, we won’t have a problem with them signing on the dotted line. As for the smile, just a funny text I received is all. So, is everything in place for this weekend?”

“Luke’s been in touch with the venue, and they assured us everything would be ready. We’ve spread the word on social media and invited a handful of bands that you suggested. Hotel accommodations have been made for you and the other judges. Did you plan on using your jet, or should we buy them first-class tickets?”

“Since they’re scattered around, purchase them tickets. I’ll be able to drive Willow to the venue since she lives in the city.” Trying to keep my face blank is harder than I could imagine.

“Okay, I’ll send my secretary a text and have her do that right now. That was the only loose end we needed to wrap up. Now, tell me how things are going withRebel Riot. Are we signed and sealed with that deal?”

“They signed a five-year contract with us and there are a few clauses we added in. I think they will be a great addition to the label and may even have sold out concerts. It’s a win for both parties. We assured them there wouldn’t be any surprises—we don’t bullshit, we hit between the eyes. If they can behave and stay out of trouble we’ll all be very rich from this merger.” Not that I need more of what I already have, it’s protection for Cadence if anything happens to me.

“That’s the kind of business deal I like to hear. Well, if that’s it, I’m going to get going. I have another meeting in an hour.” We shake hands, say our goodbyes, and off he goes.

Now that my meeting is over, I can go home and spend a few hours with Cadence before picking up Willow.

Traffic’s light on the drive home and I’m feeling guilty about leaving Cadence again tonight. In my defense, the only reason I’m making this exception is because mom is staying with me this week while her renovations are being done. Finally, after fifteen years, she’s getting her dream kitchen. I gifted it for her birthday.

As I walk through the door, the pitter-patter of little feet come charging. It’s one of my favorite times of the day. The rest of the week I’ll be working from home. Unless a last-minute meeting should arise.

“How’s my favorite girl?” I sweep Cadence off her feet and she giggles, pointing to herself. It’s the same game we play day after day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“Me, I favorite?” Oh yes, baby girl. Always daddy’s little girl.

14

WILLOW

Wouldn’t you know,Mom came home ten minutes before Caleb is scheduled to pick me up! I’m not sure how she’s going to react when I open that door. I haven’t had the courage to tell her I’m going away with him for the weekend. I know what you’re all thinking. I’m an adult and I can make my own decisions. And you’re absolutely right. I’ve told her many times: it’s my life and I live it the way I want. But she’s my mother and I respect her.

I’d say I’m saved by the bell, but I’d be so wrong in this situation. “I’ll get it.”

I pull the door open at the same time she walks in the room. “Caleb, come on in.” If I’d been alone, I would have run out to the car to meet him. With her car in the drive, I knew this stubborn man would want to come get me.

“Willow—” he looks over my shoulder at my scowling mother. “Mrs. Adams, so nice to see you again. You missed a lovely wedding the other day.” Oh dear god he didn’t just go there.

“Mm, yes, I had other plans. Willow filled me in when she came home.”

I’ve never felt so awkward and out of place as I do right now. Walking over to Mom, I give her a peck on the cheek. “Have a great night. See you in the morning.”

“You’re coming home tonight?” She asked it in the form of a question but we both know it was more of a statement.

“I’ll gladly drive her home when she’s ready to leave. Have a wonderful night, Mrs. Adams.”

Thank god he doesn’t grab my hand once he closes the door. We walk side by side and I don’t say a word until he opens the car door and I slide in. “I’m so sorry. She came home early tonight and if I had…”

He places his index finger across my lips, peering in at me. “Willow, I’m the one who is supposed to be apologizing, not you. Your mom feels threatened by me and she should. I want her daughter and she’s furious.” When he replaces his finger with a brush of his lips, I sigh. “Now, let’s go play the baby grand.”

I’m not sure if that kiss was for me or if he was hoping my mom was peering out the window. I don’t even care because I know inside of my soul that he really does care for me in his own way.

I wait for him to start the car, and when he doesn’t I glance over to see him watching me. He rakes a hand through his thick hair before grabbing my hand. “Please accept my apology for acting the way I did the other day. I was angry because the feelings I have for you are not reciprocated. I said some horrible things.”

“Caleb, I do have feelings for you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. It’s just that I’ll be leaving in a few weeks and the timing is off. I’m afraid to start something that we can’t finish.” Crap, that last part was supposed to be an afterthought.

“What makes you think we can’t finish? You’re only leaving for a few months and then you’ll be home. We just pick up where we left off, it’s as simple as that.” Letting go of my hand, he starts the car and pulls out of the drive.

“Now you’re angry,” I say. He reaches over, gently running his knuckles over my cheek. It’s endearing and I suddenly want to cry. What is it about this man?

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