Page 34 of Small Town Best Friend

“Maybe I will.”

Willow beamed at him. “That’s great. Don’t let one bad date put you off trying again.” She dropped her gaze to her hands for a minute. “At least that’s what I’m trying to do.”

“Absolutely, you’re not about to let two bad dates get the better of you.” The minute he said it, Asher realized he’d made a mistake. Willows cheeks flared red, and she dropped her head.Not like she wasn’t self-conscious enough already.“But if we’re talking about bad dates, then there’s something I should tell you.”

There’s no way I can let her go to a furry convention without explaining what exactly she’s going to be walking into.

“I think you said enough, okay?” Picking up her dinner tray, Willow gave him a small smile that didn’t flash any brightness into her eyes. “I’m tired, I’m going to head back to the house. I’m sure you’ve got a couple more things you need to do here.”

Asher opened his mouth to protest, but Willow was already gone.

Closing his eyes, he slammed one curled fist down on the table.Why did I have to go and say that?He’d upset her, and he hadn’t meant to.

Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk to her tomorrow.Closing his eyes, Asher shoved one hand through his hair. He didn’t really want to go on a date while Willow went on hers. The only reason he’d agreed was because the message had come through when he’d been sitting with Willow.

On top of that, Willow seemed delighted to be going out on another date, reminding him of just how desperate she was to find someone before she hit thirty. The reason she’s not giving up on her dates is because she can’t stand the idea of marrying me.That thought hit him like a train, and Asher swayed back in his seat. Patty’s advice about telling Willow that he loved her suddenly sounded like the worst idea in the world.I couldn’t bear the rejection.

Taking a deep breath, Asher tried to concentrate on eating his dinner, but the food tasted like ash in his mouth. He didn’t know what he wanted. He didn’t know where to go.I don’t think I can go home tonight.His head was too full, his heart was too broken.

“Everything okay? You don’t look too good, honey.”

Patty’s hand squeezed his shoulder gently.

“I don’t know.” Asher shook his head, mortified when his voice cracked. “I think I just need to go be alone for a while.”

Her fingers pressed his shoulder again. “Honey, you need to go tell that girl how you feel, and then I promise you’ll be right back here, grinning like a possum that’s eaten a sweet potato.”

Asher’s lips tugged upwards for a second with Patty’s southern advice, but his heart dropped to the floor. “I don’t think that’s going to work, Patty. She wants to find someone else.” Getting up from the table, he paused for a second to drop a kiss to her cheek. “But thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.” Leaving most of his food uneaten, Asher set his tray down on the counter and then headed out the door. He didn’t think his heart had ever felt so broken.

11

“Listen, I’ll talk to you about the date when I get back, okay?”

Asher tried to grab her arm, but Willow dodged him easily.Whatever is going on with him?

“Willow, this is not what you think it is. I’m doing my best to try and—”

“This is not the first costume party I’ve gone to! I’ve got my cat ears and tail from the Halloween party last year. I’ll be fine.”

“Why won’t you listen to me?” Asher tried to glare at her, but she merely sent him a sweet smile.

“Because you’re making a fuss about nothing.” Opening her car door, Willow gave him a wave, but Asher’s eyes only narrowed further. “I’ll see you when I get back. I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about.” The corner of Asher’s mouth flicked upwards, and something came into his eyes that made them dance just a little.

“Yeah, I’m sure we will.” He waved at her, then turned around and stomped back into the house.

I don’t get what he’s so upset about. It’s just a costume party—or festival—and who hasn’t been to a costume party?

* * *

“Ben, hi.”

Ben was waiting for her the minute she stepped out of the car. He was tall and wiry, but with a kind smile that made her relax.

“Hi, Willow. It’s great to meet you.” He came around the front of her car and stuck out one hand. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Yeah, me too. I haven’t had the best luck so far withNow and Forever, so I’m hoping I’m onto a winner with you!”

Ben’s eyes lit up as he grinned. “Thanks, I hope so, too.” Patting her car with one hand, he lifted an eyebrow. “You’re welcome to drive with me if you want, save on fuel. Save the planet, too, I guess.”

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