“Oh, wow, you know everyone, don’t you?” she asked.

She took the plate from him, and before he even got chance to sit down, she moaned.

“Oh, my, this is so good.”

He watched her as she closed her eyes, and he loved to see her enjoying her food. Carson relaxed, taking a bite of his own food. This had been one of the many things he’d wanted—to enjoy her company and relax. They ate in silence, but he didn’t mind that today. He was more than happy to just enjoy the moment.

“Will you be joining me tomorrow?” Willow asked.

“I don’t know. I might be busy with my own work.”

She chuckled. “It was nice to have you at the shop today. It’s made me realize that I might need an assistant.”

“An assistant?”

“Yeah. Before I lost my grandma, it was me and her. Now it’s just me, and it is a pretty successful shop. Grandma knew what she wanted it to become, her plans, and I’m hoping to continue them.”

“Don’t forget to add your flare to the mix.”

She smiled. “I won’t. How do I go about employing someone?”

“Let me handle it.”

“You’ll find someone to work at the shop?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty good with that kind of thing. I reckon I can find you someone.”

She nodded. “Okay, then.”

“What are you looking for?”

“Someone who likes to sew, would help. Someone who loves fabric, who wants to work at a fabric shop.”

“I’ll find someone.” He would make sure it was someone who could protect his woman as well.

He wasn’t sure whether to choose a man or woman for the job. He had a few candidates in mind, as they had also helped him when it came to designing Willow’s sewing room. They helped Lauren get the room just right for her.

Willow reached out and cupped his cheek. “I want to kiss you,” she said.

“Okay.” He wasn’t going to complain about her wanting to kiss him. “My lips are yours.”

She leaned forward and Carson kept his hands to himself, even though it was hard. All he wanted to do was touch her, but he’d promised himself to go slow, to give her time to get used to his touch.

Willow brushed her lips across his, and he couldn’t help but reach out and kiss her back. She released a little moan. It was so subtle. His hand twitched as he wanted to reach out and sink his fingers into her hair, grab her ass, and pull her against him. He wanted to feel her soft body next to his.

“Touch me,” she said.

Carson didn’t need her to repeat that instruction. He grabbed her ass and then hauled her over his body so that she straddled his waist. She dropped her hands to his shoulders, and it broke the kiss. She giggled, and then he moved her into position so she felt the hard ridge of his dick pressing against her core.

Willow gasped.

“That’s what you do to me.”

“I, er, I’m not…”

“I know,” he said. He leaned up and pressed his lips to hers. “I know you’re not ready, and I’m not going to force you. I’ll never do that to you. I’m happy to wait until you’re ready, Willow. Always.”

He pulled her down and brushed his lips against hers. “All I need from you is a kiss. Kiss me, baby.”