Page 25 of Willow

I slide right in and the seats give me a great big hug. Not kidding. They mold to my body like it was made for me. Wow! I might be a little impressed. I open the glove box and search high and low. No keys. What the hell? I pull down my visor and they fall into my lap. Okay, cool. I seriously could get high on the new car smell. It’s divine. I’m starting to get excited when I stick the key in the ignition. Purrs like a kitten.

I feel a squeal coming on like I’m a little girl on Christmas morning. Focused on the big present under the tree. I recall the conversation I had with Caleb the other night about having my car repaired. I hinted that I didn’t want to go alone, and he bested me. He did all the leg work for me. Along with the registration. How did he get all of my information? If I had to guess, I’d say it’s all locked inside his computer since he’s the Boss Man.

I’d like to take it for a spin, but I’ll get cleaned up first and then I’ll leave early and drive around. I can’t believe I have a reliable car that I can depend on. I’ve already thought about what I’m going to tell everyone. Caleb was kind enough to pick it out, and I just paid him for it. It might work. It has to. Checking to make sure the doors are locked, I walk back inside.

Once inside, I pop in a pod and make a coffee. While that’s brewing, I grab my overnight oats out of the fridge and spend a few minutes flipping through the owner’s manual. Yeah, I need to pinch myself to make sure this is real. I own a Benz. Well, I will once Caleb takes the payment. Oh, and he will. Otherwise, he’ll get the car back in the blink of an eye. No matter how attached I get to it.

Within an hour’s time, I’m driving down the highway with the windows down and my hair blowing in the breeze.

* * *

CALEB

It’sone twenty-eightwhen I see my girl pull into the parking lot. She looks damn sexy behind that wheel like I knew she would. I’m bracing for a shit storm but it will all be worth it. Knowing she’s not driving around in that death trap ever again. That car was falling apart. Now I’m prepared for the worst, hoping for the best.

She’s walking with a purpose, her head bent and a smile on her face. It won’t last long. “How’s it handle?”

Her head jerks up and I’m surprised the smile remains. “Like a virgin.” Well, I didn’t expect that so I can’t contain my laughter. “Tight and with the right driver, she’ll be broken in before you know it.” God, this woman just slays me. Her sense of humor is fluent and charming. I wouldn’t change a thing.

I glance around to see if anyone’s listening when Willow grabs me by my lapels and pulls me in for a kiss. I’m actually taken aback by her public display but not opposed to it. Her kisses are far and few in between, so I match her ardor stroke for stroke.

“Thank you. I know you had the best of intentions, but I’m paying you back. I won’t take no for an answer.” I won’t argue, not today. If it makes her happy, I’ll let her go on thinking she can reimburse me for the car until the end of time.

“You’re most welcome. If you had asked, I would have gone car shopping with you. When you didn’t, I did the next best thing. I purchased one for you.” She gives me a small shove before threading her fingers with mine. Am I afraid we’ll be seen? Yes. Today, I don’t care. She’s happy and that’s all that matters.

“Reservations for Morris.” The hostess glances between Willow and me. Yep, the age thing.

“Right this way.” She sways her hips as she guides us to our table. No doubt trying to impress me. It doesn’t do a thing. My cock doesn’t give her the time of day. “Your waitress will be with you shortly.”

I don’t bother acknowledging her as she briskly walks away. Sliding in across from Willow, I grab both of her hands. “Are you all set for this weekend?”

She hesitates. For a brief moment I’m afraid she’s going to try getting out of going. “Are you sure you want me as a judge? I haven’t been in the music business that long.”

“Nonsense. You don’t need to be in the biz to know what good music sounds like. You have a one-up, too, since you tried out last year and won the whole damn thing. This year, you’ll be on the other end and can make someone else’s dreams come true.”

“I really do like that idea. Now that I have a new car, I can drive myself. No need for you to pick me up.” Is she serious?

“I’ve told you time and time again, I enjoy your company. Call me old-fashioned. I want to drive you to the venue. Say yes.” I thought Cadence was bad with having me wrapped around her finger, this girl is in close second.

Just our luck, we’re interrupted by the waitress and Willow can’t answer. I place our drink and lunch order so she won’t keep interrupting. Then I wait patiently as she leaves.

“I’ve already told you I would, and I keep my word.” Ah, the damn locket again. She’s nervous. Maybe it’s best if I clear the air.

“All of the judges have their own rooms. The only difference is our rooms connect.” I see her wheels turning. “I’ve already decided, my door will remain unlocked. If you choose to keep yours locked, I understand. Just know you have that choice.”

“This is all happening so fast. One minute you’re my boss and the next you want to jump my bones. It’s all very confusing. I haven’t had that kind of relationship before. It’s terrifying.”

“No pressure, Willow. There are times, although not many, where I don’t always get what I want.” I stop right there while the waitress brings our drinks, then pick up where I left off once she leaves. “If last year was any indication, we were all so crazy busy that we didn’t have much time to spare. We might be exhausted by the end of day and crash until the next morning.” Little does she know that I don’t sleep more than a few hours a night anyway.

Once the food arrives, I drop the topic and we just have a leisurely lunch. She informs me of what she’s going to tell everyone about the car. And, I promised I’d go along with whatever she decided. Whatever makes her comfortable is fine with me. The last thing I want to do is cause her any more stress.

“Once the tour’s over, I’ll be looking for my own apartment. It’s high time I live on my own and let my mom have the house all to herself. I think she’s dating someone but is afraid to tell me. Which is really sad because I’d be happy for her.”

I know her father’s in jail for murder. And, if my memory serves me correctly, it was around five years ago. Might be the reason she keeps touching that necklace. Was it a gift from him? Perhaps. I can’t be sure, and I’m not going to inquire. When and if she wants to tell me, she will.

After I pay the bill, I walk Willow out to her car. God, I’ll never be able to concentrate on work after spending time with her. She hesitates when I open her door. “I never asked. Did you bring me the car this morning?”

I gently run my hands up and down her arms. It’s gotten chilly since we went inside. “I sure did. I had my driver pick me up.”

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