Page 6 of My Bossy Valentine

“What does that mean?” I can’t stop touching her. From the moment I broke down and grazed her warm skin, I have crossed a line that is impossible to return to. I’m cradling her face now, even though I shouldn’t be.

I can’t be smart about this, not when I’m seeing the woman of my dreams all torn up on something she can’t control. Fuck, if I’m standing in her way of finding happiness, then all I’m being is a greedy asshole for not wanting to move.

Even now, I want her to look at me and see me as a potential candidate. She wants a husband and a baby? I can give her both without hesitation. Hell, I’d jump to fill in the position.

I’ve always avoided being tied down, because I knew the chance of finding love was slim for me. Even a large sum of money couldn’t convince a woman to stay while I overworked myself by always staying late at the office.

But Willow… She’s the reason I put extra work on my plate. She’s never cared about money, not in a gold-digger sort of way. I’d come home early if it meant returning to her as my wife. As a mother to our children…

Right now isn’t the time to throw the suggestion in the air. She’s fighting off tears, and I feel like I’d be taking advantage of her poor state.

All this time, she’s never shown me such weaknesses. Even with my poor attitude at times, her eyes have never grown this wet. I don’t like it one bit. Now that cracks are showing, I’m seeing everything beneath.

Just like her, I’m cracking. I can’t hide my feelings through some false persona. Soon, she’s going to realize that the love I feel for her is real.

She looks into my eyes, and the only thought running through my mind is that I want to kiss her. To ease her pain and solve all of her problems.

Instead of caving, I move my hands away from her face. Sliding my arms around her, I pull her flush against my chest. Now this is a hug I’m willing to welcome any time of the day.

“Chris, no one is watching–” Her words are muffled against my shirt, the warmth soaking straight into my skin. When I shush her, she soon loses the stiffness in her limbs. Slowly melting against my chest, we stand there for what feels like an eternity. All I can do is wish time would stand still so this will never have to end.

Unfortunately, she has to pull away, eventually. She swipes at her eyes and presses a smile to her lips.

I want to kiss her. So fucking badly.

“I’m sorry you witnessed that.” Wiping her eyes, she looks away. “Given all the stress of returning here and hearing that, I think I became a bit overwhelmed.”

Trying to explain her actions, she drifts over to the bed and takes a seat. Pressing her palm against her forehead, her eyes close momentarily. As exhaustion starts to seep in, her eyes suddenly snap open before she’s looking at the full-size mattress. In short, it’s the one we’re meant to be sharing through the weekend. It seems she’s just realized.

“If it helps you, I can sleep somewhere else,” I suggest as her face turns pale. I can’t recall the last time I had to sleep on the floor—possibly during one of those shifts when I stayed too late. Even then, I would choose my chair over a dirty carpet any day.

“No, no need for that.” Shaking her head, she looks back at me. It doesn’t take long for the color to return to her cheeks. “We should get lots of rest. Tomorrow is the big day, after all.”

Right, the renewal of her parents’ vows. I believe they’re not throwing some huge wedding, just something small for her family.

As much as I want to fuel this “act” of ours, I’d rather take her back home. She’s happier in the office and more bubbly. No sisters in sight to ruin it.

“Right.” I nod in agreement and move toward our luggage crammed into the corner of the room. I unzip my bag and take out the clothes I’ll wear to sleep. Standing upright, I hesitate. “It feels odd to change in another room. If we’re lovers, I mean.”

Her eyes grow big at the realization. She could leave the room and find an excuse to avoid seeing something she shouldn’t. Hell, I’m not sure I’ll have the strength to look away once it’s her turn to change.

I’d be willing to cut off a finger to see what creamy skin she’s hiding beneath those jeans and shirt.

Instead of getting up, she grabs one pillow from the bed and presses it to her face. Through muffled words, she’s quick to reassure me. “I’m not looking.”

I want her to look. If she does, she’ll see how wound-tight I am. How I’m not just acting a part for her family. In truth, I’m acting a part toward her as well. I’m pretending she doesn’t drive me wild.

Giving her my back, I quickly get dressed so she can do the same.

Once we’re both lying on the bed, both staring up at the ceiling, Willow’s the first to turn her head to look at me. “I’ll warn you, I snore. Plus, I usually have a body pillow to snuggle. I might accidentally–”

“It’s fine.” I’m quick to reassure her. If I wake up and her limbs are all over me, then I think I’ll never want to leave the bed. As for snoring, I’m a light sleeper. In regards to that, being kept awake is a cost I’m willing to pay without a single complaint. “As you said, we should get our rest.”

Rolling over, I turn off the lamp next to me. Thanks to the time difference, the sun hasn’t completely dipped past the horizon. There’s just enough light to let me stare at her without getting caught. I hope, anyway.

“Goodnight, Willow.”

She hugs her blanket tighter against her chest. “Goodnight, Chris.”

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