Page 83 of Fall for You
He finally let himself smile. “Okay.”
Tucking a clump of loose hair behind her ear, she glanced around his room and stiffened, hoping it was tidy enough for her. Was she judging his taste in decor? Did she?—?
“So, um…” She shifted from one bare foot to the other, hugging herself. “How exactly did I get here?”
He cleared his throat and then launched into a recap, trying and failing not to smile at her reactions.
“Oy,” she muttered when he finished.
And he was pretty sure he just fell in love with that sweet look of embarrassment on her face. She had so many expressions, somany little facets that made her the person she was, and every time she exposed another layer—opened another window to her soul—his resolve weakened, along with his knees and chest and heart.
They stood there in silence for a moment, him desperately trying not to drink her in—but failing miserably.
She scratched her nose and gave him an apologetic wince. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” His response was automatic, but he meant it. He didn’t want her to apologize.
“No, seriously, I’m so sorry I put you out and?—”
“Willow.” He waited until she met his gaze. “It was no trouble.” When she gave him a doubtful frown, he added, “You livened up my Saturday night.”
She let out a little huff of amusement, and the knot in his chest loosened. But her little smile was there and gone in a flash. “How am I going to get back?”
He watched as new worries washed over her like a tidal wave.
“How am I going to get off this property without anyone seeing me?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “And what about my family? They must be worried that I’m not back yet.” She spread her arms wide. “I don’t even know where my phone is, and I can’t call them to tell them I’m okay.” Her eyes widened as her diatribe continued. “I’m supposed to be coming from Margot’s friend’s house downtown.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Shoot. What if they’re worried about me?”
“I imagine they have worries of their own this morning.” His tone was dry, but he couldn’t help it. Leave it to Willow to be more worried about everyone else rather than herself.
“What do you mean?” She started rubbing her forehead.
“From what I saw the bartender preparing last night, there were a lot of pink and blue shots going into that back room.” Hewinced. “I’m guessing it’s Hangover Central at her place.” His tone dropped to a soft lilt. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a train.” She answered so quickly, his lips twitched.
“Then…” He moved toward her slowly, giving her every chance to back away. “What do you say we focus on you first?”
She frowned like he was speaking Greek. “What?”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gently guided her toward the door. “Your phone is charging downstairs, and I have a full pot of coffee.” Giving her a side glance, he also added, “And believe it or not, I am fully capable of making some toast and scrambled eggs.”
She made a sort of choking, sputtering sound.
“I realize my efforts in the kitchen pale in comparison to yours, but if you can handle it, so can I.”
She was quiet so long, he looked down. She’d tilted her head back to look up at him, and her eyes were full of…confusion, yes. But also something sweet and warm he couldn’t name. Maybe it was just gratitude…
But he liked to think it was something else.
Something more.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Willow nibbled on her toast. Kinda burnt, but she wasn’t about to complain. Then she took a sip of her coffee and sighed with relief.
Coffee was exactly what she’d needed.
Well, that and the large glass of water and the aspirin Eric had insisted she take.
