Page 23 of Willow

“No, I could never be angry with you, love. I’m frustrated because I know we’d be so good together and you won’t give us a chance.”

He just called me “love”. That’s what gets me into so much trouble, because when I fall for someone, I fall hard. My heart rules my head and I can’t let that happen again. I won’t survive. How can I explain to him that I’ve already been in love and it was viciously snatched away from me in the blink of an eye? Everything was such a dirty little secret. All swept under the carpet in a tidy little pile so no one was the wiser. Or so she thought. Mom has no idea that I told Lucas, Jet, and Trevor the truth. And being the loyal friends that they are, they never breathed a word. That’s why they are more than just my friends. They’re my lifeline.

“Caleb, you’re so intense and used to getting what you want. I guess I’m afraid while I’m on the road you’ll easily find someone to replace me.” I sound like such a child. Didn’t I just complain that’s exactly how my mother treats me?

“You’re overthinking instead of just letting it happen naturally. It’s normal for two people who have this electrifying chemistry to want to take it to the next level. However, I promise no more pressure. Let’s just take it one day at a time and see where it leads.”

I know he has the best intentions, but what happens when I walk into the penthouse tonight and we’re all alone? Will he be able to keep his hands to himself or will we give in to temptation?

We’re both lost in our own thoughts as he pulls inside the parking garage. The silence isn’t uncomfortable and that’s why it feels right. Like coming home to an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Picking up right where you left off. As if no time has passed.

Just like a gentleman, he opens my door and escorts me to the elevator. When the doors open to his penthouse, flowers of all kinds adorn a path to the baby grand. All colors, shapes, and sizes! It’s a breathtaking rainbow. I’m overcome with emotion that he’d even think to do something like this for me.

“Caleb, this is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you!” Covering my face with my hands I try to stop the tears from falling. Immediately, I’m wrapped in his arms. He places a kiss to my crown as his hands gently rub my back. How long has it been since I’ve felt safe? Contented? Too long! Do I deserve happiness just like everyone else? Absolutely.

“Those flowers don’t even come close to your beauty, love. You are a treasure. Let’s have a drink before we play the piano. Yes?”

“Okay, Boss Man. Be prepared to lose your shirt!” A soft chuckle rumbles through his chest as he guides me to the bar.

* * *

CALEB

Lose my shirt? Oh, Willow, if you only knew I normally play in the nude. Would you still have come? Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen tonight since I have a guest. A thought suddenly hits me so hard I almost stumble back. Does she think I’m too old for a relationship? Now it’s the burning question I need answered. “Can I ask you something?”

“Are we playing twenty questions tonight?” She tucks her legs under as she settles on the sofa.

“No, not twenty. Just this one.” I sit beside her, giving her space. “Is my age the reason you don’t want to enter into a relationship?” My heart thunders inside my chest waiting for her answer.

“Your age? Wait, how old are you?” Is she fucking with me? She has that mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I’m thirty-nine and I know I’m almost old enough to be your father—”

“Whoa, stop right there. Before you open mouth and insert foot, I like older men. Always have and always will.” It’s not lost on me that she touches her locket while admitting this. “And, before you ask, no I don’t have any daddy issues.”

She likes older men? Well, that’s a win for me. “Good to know. I thought perhaps you didn’t want to hurt my feelings. Just trying to let me down gently.”

“This conversation is getting too deep for me. I’m here to play the piano. Did you chicken out, Boss Man?”

It’s evident the more time I spend with her, the more I get to know her. When she gets nervous, she makes a joke and calls me “Boss Man.” Distancing herself from me. Less personal that way. My belief is she does this when she doesn’t want the conversation to continue in the same direction. Food for thought. I’ll keep that in the forefront.

“I’ve been looking forward to this ever since the night you left.”

“Let’s get cracking then. You first.” It’s going to be difficult to concentrate with her so close to me. My god she smells sweeter than the flowers that are scattered about the room.

Willow’s expecting me to play a classical piece of music like she did the other night. Not happening. I’m playing something that comes from my heart, for her. I chooseNothing ElseMattersby Metallica. The words call to me.

Closing my eyes, my head bent, I feel the music flow through my fingertips while my body sways to the music. I silently sing the words that I know by rote. While playing in E-flat minor, including both keys. It’s a much darker version. That’s how I’m feeling tonight.

Dark and dangerous!

Once the last note is played, I wait. Steadying my breath…

“Caleb that was a beautiful piece. I loved it.” My body’s trembling as I turn my head in her direction. I should have known better than to bring her here. Knowing how I feel every time I play the piano. It’s my salvation, my undying passion.

Now that the song has ended, I want nothing more than to rip off her clothes. Sit her on this piano and spread her legs. I’m hot and hungry and my cock is straining to break free of my trousers. Wanting to be buried deep inside her. When she glides her fingers through my hair, it’s too much! I come undone.

In one swift move, I have her straddling my lap while my fingers tangle in her hair. Her back is secured against the piano and she has nowhere to run. Her chest heaves with every inhale and I just can’t wait any longer. My mouth crashes into hers with a false crescendo while my tongue seeks the seam of her lips.

---