Page 29 of Small Town Best Friend

“I’m sure we could have another private session anytime you like.” Jimmy wriggled his eyebrows, and Willow glared at him, hearing some of the other guests chuckle.We’re not going to be doing anything like that together ever again.Sticking her hand to her hip, she tilted her head and flashed him a brief smile.

“Thanks, that’s very kind of you, but I think I’ve got what I need. I won’t be joining you again.” Waving a hand in the direction of the small crowd, she tried to laugh. “I’m sure you’ve got a ton of admirers here, though. Maybe one of them would like to join you for your next private yoga session. After all, I wouldn’t want to be the only one who experienced it. That would make me pretty selfish. It really is a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Hearing Asher chuckle, Willow lifted her chin a notch, feeling a little more confident now.

“You know, that’s not a bad idea!” A broad grin settled across Jimmy’s face. Clearly, he wasn’t the least bit insulted and didn’t seem to care at all that she was rebuffing him. “I think that is a great suggestion. Thanks, Willow! I’m only here for a few more days, but I’m booking another private session tomorrow, and if anyone want to join me, please let me know. I’d be more than happy to show as many of you as possiblemyyoga technique.”

Willow didn’t hang around to hear what else Jimmy had to say. It was clear that he loved the attention more than he wanted to get to know her. Walking over to Asher, she grabbed his arm and headed off in the direction of the dining hall.

“What about the yoga guy? You’re just going to leave him standing there after he gave you a private yoga session…that everyone could hear?” Wiggling his eyebrows, Asher let out a bark of laughter when Willow dropped her head into her hands.

“I didn’t know he was going to do that, okay? That was actually really embarrassing!” Lifting her head, she scowled as he grinned at her.

“Yeah, but it was funny.”

Willow stuck out her tongue at him. “What were you doing there, anyway? I thought you had stuff to do.”

“I had a meeting, but it only lasted ten minutes. I saw the guests gathering around the yoga studio, and I figured I should check it out. I was worried something was wrong.” His eyes danced, and from the slight curl at the edge of his mouth, Willow saw that another joke was coming. “Turns out the only thing wrong were the sounds Jimmy was making. If that’s how he sounds at yoga, I can’t imagine what he sounds like when—”

“Okay, okay!” Willow interrupted hastily. “The last thing I need is to have that sort of mental image in my head.” Shuddering, she squeezed her eyes closed for a second. Shooting him a glance, she saw that his grin hadn’t faded even a little bit and felt her heart sink.He must think I’m a complete idiot.“I just hope I’ve not let you down here.”

In a second, his eyes had widened, and his grin had disappeared completely.

“Let me down?” he repeated, looking at her wide-eyed. “What do you mean?”

“As a photographer, I mean. I know you have a good reputation, and I wouldn’t want to do anything to damage it. I meant to be professional, and I swear I really didn’t know he was going to do that.”

“You absolutely did not let me down in any way. You didn’t let anyone down.” Pausing for a second, he put one arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his chest. Willow leaned against him, her eyes fluttering closed as gratitude rose in her heart.He has always been so supportive.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to tease you so hard. I didn’t realize you were that upset.”

“Not upset, more embarrassed.” A long breath of relief escaped, and she let herself bury her head in his chest for a few seconds longer.

“You’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about, Willow.” Asher’s chest rumbled as he spoke, and Willow smiled, tilting her head up toward him. “Don’t worry about it for another second, okay?” His lips touched the top of her head, and Willow tensed, her smile suddenly freezing in place.

A strange heat began to fill her, going from the tips of her toes all the way up to the top of her head. It wasn’t the first time that Asher had kissed her like that—in that familiar, friendly way—but it was the first time she hadeverreacted this way. If she gave in to what she was feeling, then she’d slung her arm around his neck, tilt her head back, and look up into his face to see what he would do.

Chances are, he’d probably laugh at you and ask you what you were doing.Her face was incredibly hot, and Willow dropped her head, praying that Asher wouldn’t be able to see her flushed cheeks.

“Want to head home?”

Taking a deep breath. Willow nodded and pushed herself away from him. “Sure, and thank you, Asher. I really am grateful.”

His hand tightened around her shoulders. “It’s no problem. That’s what best friends are for, right?”

Inwardly dousing the lingering heat, Willow smiled up into his face. “Exactly what I was thinking.”

10

“Asher?”

Walking into the living room, Asher threw himself down on the couch. “I hope you’ve got some dinner left. I’m absolutely starving.”

Willow giggled, one hand going to her mouth.

“What?”

“Do that again."

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