Only His Girl (Fit Mountain Instaloves Vol. 2 #6)

1. Heath

Chapter One

HEATH

I walk into the Fit Mountain Opera House, smoothing the lapel of my tuxedo jacket as I scan the crowd.

It’s Saturday night, and I’ve just arrived for a charity performance of The Sound of Music .

To be honest, I’m not exactly in the mood for it. Unlike my brothers, fancy suits and cocktail parties aren’t my thing. But I have my own reason for being here.

Now, I just need to figure out where she is.

Before I can take another step, my mother’s busybody friend, Eleanor, spots me from across the lobby.

“Heath, darling!” She waddles over in her glittering evening gown. “So glad you could make it. We are always so thankful for your family’s generous support.”

I force a smile. “Happy to contribute, Ms. Beaumont.”

“Will anyone else be joining you this evening?” Her eyes gleam with curiosity behind her tortoiseshell glasses. “I can get an usher to help escort them to your private booth, if you would like.”

Classic Eleanor, always fishing for gossip. I smirk. If only she knew.

“Just one person. And I’ll be escorting her upstairs myself. Thank you.”

“Marvelous! Well, I believe I saw your brother arrive a few minutes ago. He’s such a dear. Do enjoy the show, Heath!”

With that, she toddles off, no doubt eager to corner her next victim. I stride farther into the lobby, my eyes flitting over the clusters of people near the grand staircase.

Then I spot her—the only reason I hauled my ass out here tonight.

She’s chatting with my brother, Drew, and his girlfriend, Eliza. My pulse kicks up a notch as I head their way, anticipation thrumming in my veins.

It’s time to make my move.

I walk up to the group and clap Drew on the shoulder. “Evening, brother.”

Drew raises an eyebrow, confusion and surprise flitting across his face. "Evening. Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

I chuckle. “I was in the area and thought I’d swing by.” I turn and give Eliza a friendly smile. “And you must be the lovely Eliza my brother won’t shut up about. I’m Drew’s brother, Heath. It’s great to finally meet you in person.”

Eliza smiles warmly as she shakes my hand. "It’s wonderful to meet you too, Heath. Drew has told me so much about you and your family." Then she gestures to the gorgeous woman beside her. "And this is my roommate, Willow. We’ve been best friends since college.”

Willow's gaze locks with mine. And just like that, I'm drowning in the most stunning pair of honey brown eyes I've ever seen.

Fuck. She's even more beautiful up close.

Glossy curls frame her heart-shaped face, setting off her high cheekbones, and the most luscious pair of lips I've ever seen. She’s also on the shorter side, barely coming up to my shoulder even in her high heels. Her figure is plus-sized and curvy, her cocktail dress hugging her tempting hourglass shape like a second skin.

She looks like a goddamn dream come to life.

I take her small hand in mine, electricity zinging through me at the contact. "Pleasure," I murmur.

A rosy blush blooms across her flawless cinnamon skin. Then she licks her plump lips. "N-nice to meet you.”

I know Willow probably thinks I had no clue who she was before tonight. But nothing could be further from the truth.

I’ve been obsessed with her for the last week.

When my brother started dating his secretary, Eliza, I felt it was my duty as COO and Chief of Security to do an unofficial background check. Her family is well known in this town, but you can never be too careful.

I went by Eliza’s apartment to scope things out for myself. Except Eliza wasn't home that day.

But Willow was.

She was walking out to her car, arms loaded down with an oversized tote bag, a yoga mat, and a huge jug of water. Her glossy curls were pulled up in a messy bun on top of her head, a few wispy tendrils escaping to frame her face. She had on a pair of skintight leggings that lovingly hugged every inch of her thick thighs and a strappy sports bra that showed off her smooth stomach and the tops of her full breasts.

My heart stopped in my chest. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.

And I haven't been able to get her out of my head since.

Call it love at first sight, call it insanity, call it whatever the hell you want. All I know is, from the second I laid eyes on her, I knew I had to have her. Had to make her mine.

For the last week, I’ve been keeping tabs on my girl and scheming up ways to orchestrate a meeting. When I found out she'd be attending the opera tonight, I knew it was my chance.

People are always saying there must be something in the water in this town that makes people fall in love. Ever since the Walker brothers built their fancy resort on the mountain a few years back, it seems like everyone is getting hitched right and left. I used to think that was a bunch of bullshit.

But now, looking into Willow’s eyes, I'm starting to believe.

The chime of a bell rings out, signaling it’s time to take our seats for the show.

Eliza glances at Drew. “We should head upstairs.” Then she turns to Willow. “Did you want to come with us?”

“You too go ahead,” I quickly interject before Willow can respond. “I’ll keep Willow company.”

Willow blinks up at me in surprise. “Are you sure?”

I give her a warm smile. “Of course. No trouble at all.”

Drew shoots me a look, one eyebrow raised. He can clearly see I’m up to something. “Alright, then... Guess we’ll see you two after the show. Enjoy!” He winks at me as he and Eliza turn to go.

As the crowd files into the theater, I gently place my hand on the small of Willow’s back. “Shall we?” I tilt my head toward the stairs leading up to the private booths.

She nods. “Lead the way.”

As we make our way up, I can’t help but notice Willow’s heavy-looking purse. It’s one of those oversized tote bags—nice quality but doesn’t exactly go with her sleek cocktail dress.

“That’s quite the bag you have there, sweetheart.”

“Oh, thanks.” Willow hefts the straps up higher on her shoulder. “I know it’s a bit much for tonight, but Eliza invited me at the last minute and I didn’t have time to get a clutch. This purse is all I have.”

“Do you want me to hold it for you?” I ask, holding the booth door open for her. “It looks pretty heavy.”

“No, it’s fine, I’ve got it.” She hugs the tote to her side. “But thank you for the offer.”

After we step inside, an usher closes the door behind us, and I make a mental note to send Willow a dozen designer clutches first thing tomorrow. A woman as classy and gorgeous as her should never be without the perfect purse.

And if I have my way, she’ll never want for anything ever again.

The look on Willow’s face as she takes in our private balcony is priceless. Her lush lips form a soft “O” of surprise, her eyes widening appreciatively at the plush seats and the bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket.

I can’t suppress a satisfied smirk. Damn right, baby. Only the best for my woman.

“Wow, this is incredible,” she breathes, trailing a hand along the velvet back of a chair. “Do you entertain clients here often, Mr. Donovan?”

The formal address catches me off guard for a second.

“Heath, please,” I correct her gently. “Mr. Donovan is my father. And no, I don’t really do much entertaining. That’s more my brother’s department.” I shrug out of my jacket and loosen my tie a notch, never taking my eyes off her. “I prefer to stay behind the scenes.”

Willow nods, moving to take a seat. I chuckle when I notice she picks the chair farthest from mine, leaving an empty spot between us as a buffer. Then she sets that enormous handbag of hers on the chair in the middle like a sentry on guard. It’s so damn cute I can hardly stand it.

Strolling over casually, I lift her tote off the chair, enjoying the startled flutter of her long lashes as I lean in close.

“Here, let me get that out of your way.” Ignoring her flustered protests, I hang the bag on a hook, then sit down right next to her. Close enough that her bare knee is just barely brushing my thigh. I drape an arm across the back of her chair and shoot her a lazy grin. “So tell me, butterfly, what’ve you got in there that’s so heavy?”

“Oh! Um, you know...” Willow laughs self-consciously as color rises in her smooth brown cheeks. “Girl stuff. Safety supplies. I guess I’m just used to being prepared for anything.”

“Anything, huh?” I raise an intrigued eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“I’m a park ranger,” she explains, tucking a wayward curl behind her ear. “I spend a lot of time out in the wilderness. Since I spend a lot of time alone in the ranger station, I’ve learned to always be ready for whatever comes up. Take care of myself, you know?”

Reaching out, I gently cup her chin, tipping her face up to mine. Her breath hitches softly, and her lips part.

“Well, you’re not alone tonight, sweetheart. You’re with me. And as long as I’m around, you never have to worry about taking care of yourself. That’s my job now.”

Willow blinks at me, her eyes widening in surprise. "Your job? What do you mean?"

I just smile, brushing my thumb tenderly across her plump bottom lip. "You'll see, butterfly. You'll see."

The performance passes in a blur, the soaring melodies and lush orchestrations barely registering.

All I can focus on is Willow beside me.

I watch her out of the corner of my eye, drinking in every tiny reaction, every shift in her expressive face. The way her eyes shine as Maria twirls across the stage. The musical sound of her laughter at Uncle Max’s antics. The dreamy sigh that escapes her lips during Edelweiss.

As the cast takes their final bows to thunderous applause, Willow leaps to her feet, clapping enthusiastically.

“Wasn’t that amazing?” she gushes as the lights come up, turning to me with a radiant smile. “The Sound of Music was my absolute favorite growing up. I used to sing all the songs into my hairbrush, twirling around my bedroom. Tonight just brought back so many happy memories.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her excitement. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, sweetheart.” I stand and offer her my arm.

This time, Willow takes it without hesitation, her fingers curling around my bicep. Then we stroll out of the building and across the parking lot to where her little blue hatchback is parked.

Willow turns to me, her eyes soft and sparkling under the streetlights. “Well, this is me. Thanks again for tonight,” she says. “I had a feeling Drew wouldn’t want me third-wheeling in his booth with Eliza.”

Right on cue, a woman’s playful squeal rings out. Willow and I swing around just in time to see my knucklehead brother hoisting a giggling Eliza over his shoulder and tossing her into a waiting limo.

Willow shakes her head and sighs. “Can you believe those two? Talk about a whirlwind romance.”

I quirk a brow at her. “What, you don’t believe in love at first sight?”

She snorts. “No. Why, do you?”

I shrug, holding her gaze with a small, crooked smile. “Sometimes you just know.”

A gorgeous blush stains her cheeks. “Um, well, it’s getting late, so I better...”

“Hang on a second, sweetheart.”

I reach out and pluck her phone from her hand. After flashing the screen at her face to unlock it, I smoothly enter my number, hit call, and feel my own phone buzz to life in my pocket.

“There,” I say, handing her phone back with a grin. “Now you’ve got my number. And I’ve got yours. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Willow bites her lip, obviously flustered but clearly fighting a smile. “Okay. Um, good night, then.”

After she climbs into her car, she shoots me one last dazed look. I wink at her as she pulls out of the space.

Oh yeah, sweetheart. This is happening.

Just you wait...