Page 24 of Willow

Her whimpered moan vibrating against my chest sets me ablaze. I become a beast, a savage, a man possessed by carnal need. It spreads throughout every fiber of my being and courses through my veins. I’m on fire and she’s the only one who can douse out the flames.

“Caleb, I want you—”

I feel her hesitate and that’s when I realize she was going to finish that sentence with a “but”. I didn’t let her complete that sentence. I know just because I’m ready doesn’t make it right. No matter how many times she tells me she doesn’t need love to have sex, I beg to differ. It’s clear she’s been hurt and doesn’t want to make that kind of commitment. It was different with Jet. They could both walk away after and remain friends. Another man, like me, well, I wouldn’t let her go.

Her eyes drift open when I pull away. I love the look of red swollen lips on this girl. Knowing I was the one who did this to her. I was selfish. I’m the one who tossed her on my lap and didn’t give her a choice. I was wrong.

The words “It’s your turn” rush past my lips as I place her back where she belongs. By my side. It’s my way of giving her an out so she doesn’t need to make excuses. I need to be patient with this girl. There’s no doubt in my mind that when she comes to me, she’ll be well worth the wait.

We spend the next few hours drinking wine, playing the piano, and enjoying each other’s company. I must admit, it flies by way too fast. Before I know it, it’s time to drive her home. A promise is a promise and I’m a man of my word.

If and when she decides to take this relationship to the next level, we need to be discreet. As the owner ofMorris Music, every final decision is mine to make. With that said, I have a Board of Directors who demand respect and discretion. So, I’d be walking a fine line if I get involved with Willow. Nonetheless, she’s worth the risk.

She gets fidgety when I pull into the driveway. I’ve no doubt it’s because she’s afraid I’ll walk her to the door and kiss her goodnight. It doesn’t matter. All her mother needs to do is take one look at her tender lips and she’ll know. And I couldn’t give two fucks what her mother thinks. Willow’s old enough to know what she wants, and I’m hoping that’s me.

15

WILLOW

I wakeup out of a sound sleep to screaming. My heart’s pounding as I throw off the covers and run down the stairs. The last time my mother screamed like that, well, let’s just say it wasn’t good.

“Mom, what the hell’s wrong? Where are you?” She doesn’t answer and that has me freaking out! “Mom!” I come to a screeching halt in the kitchen doorway. Not knowing what to expect. She’s standing with the back door open, peering out. My chest hurts, my legs won’t move, and my mind’s screaming at me to run.

This can’t be happening again! “Mom, what is it?”

When she glances over her shoulder, she doesn’t look scared. Just confused. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. If you had told me or left me a note that you bought a car, I wouldn’t have thought you had an overnight guest.”

What? I didn’t buy a car, and I sure as hell wouldn’t have an overnight under her roof. My feet finally start moving and now we’re both baffled by the car that’s parked in the drive. “Must be a mistake. I didn’t buy a car.”

“Should I call the police and have it towed? Maybe one of the neighbors was drunk and parked in the wrong driveway?” She could be right. “Can you handle it since I need to get to work? I don’t want to be late.”

“Sure. I’ll grab my phone from upstairs. Have a good day.” Thank goodness her car’s parked in the front driveway. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be going anywhere.

Now that my heart has quieted down, I run upstairs to grab my phone. After swiping, I notice seven missed calls and a few messages. Strange, who would call this early in the morning? Caleb. Something must be wrong.

Caleb:Good morning, love. Do you like your new car?

My what? Oh no, he didn’t! An expensive bracelet is one thing, a car, I don’t think so, Boss Man. I quickly shoot him a text.

Me:Thanks to you, my mother almost had a heart attack. She thought you slept over!! I can’t accept this gift. Remind me never to mention anything to you again about wanting or needing something. Send someone to pick it up please.

Caleb:No can do. I’ll tell you what, why don’t you meet me for lunch atCrossroads? My treat.

Me:Stop being so damn stubborn. Send your driver or whoever to come pick it up. Better yet. I’ll drive it to the penthouse and I’ll take an Uber home.

Caleb:Willow, I’m warning you. Do not, under any circumstances, bring me that car. It’s registered in your name, your address, so it’s too late. Go for a drive, you deserve it.

You see, that’s the thing. I don’t deserve it. His kindness, his affection, or his gifts. I’m just a rocker in a band trying to enjoy her newfound fame and fortune I can buy my own car! One way or another, I’ll find a way to pay him back. And he best accept the damn check!

Me:I’ll take it for a test drive, but we need to discuss this in person. What will people think?

Caleb:Everyone will think you have wonderful taste in cars. Now, meet me for lunch at 1:30. I can’t wait to see how sexy you look behind that wheel. I won’t take no for an answer.

There’s no sense in arguing. I won’t win. I’ll go to lunch with this mercurial man who thinks he can buy me expensive gifts. Now, let’s go outside to look and see what kind of car I have. Would be nice in case someone asks.

Closing the door, I walk down the drive and stop dead in my tracks. I don’t know much about cars. As long as they get me back and forth where I need to go, I’m fine. Upon further inspection, I’d know that logo anywhere. Who wouldn’t? It’s the same brand he drives. Well, one of them. He bought me a fucking Benz! A Mercedes. How am I going to explain that to the gang? I’m a Toyota girl and they know I’d never spend that kind of crazy money.

I try the door, it’s open. Is he crazy? Christ, if he left the keys in the car I’m surprised it wasn’t stolen already. We don’t live in the nicest neighborhood, and this is New York.

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