3. Lennox
Chapter 3
Lennox
Stepping into my home, it’s hard for me to ignore the way Willow’s presence lights up the place, turning the atmosphere into something charged with potential. My ranch-style house isn’t anything extraordinary on the outside, but inside, it's surprisingly well put-together with dark wood floors, leather furniture, and walls adorned with bits of my Texan heritage .
As we enter, I can't help but steal a glance at her, wanting to see her reaction. Her eyes scan the room, taking in the earthy tones and the abundant sunlight cast through the windows across the open space. It's been a long time since I cared about someone else's opinion of my place, but with her, it matters more than I'd like to admit. Her presence is like a sweet, slow burn I just can’t shake, one that’s been simmering under the surface since the first time I laid eyes on her.
“Your home is gorgeous,” she says, her voice cutting through my reverie. Her tone sounds genuine and makes me want to show her more, to lay out the parts of myself I usually tuck away.
“Glad you think so,” I reply. “I bought it when I moved to town a few months ago, so I’m still getting everything the way I want it.”
She glances over her shoulder at me. “Where did you live before?”
“Up until six months ago, I was a Texas Ranger down in Houston. I got tired of the hustle and bustle of the huge city and decided to switch gears a little bit. When a position with the FBI office here in town opened up, I jumped on it.”
“I can see why.” She smiles at me. “I fell in love with Silver Spoon Falls the first time I visited. I really think that’s why I overlooked all the warning flags and took the job with Cavani Investments.”
“Sometimes the worst things turn out for the best.” It wasn’t the most romantic way for us to meet, but I’ll take it. Needing to lighten the mood a little, I gesture to the wide-open living area. "Make yourself at home.”
She laughs softly, that wicked smile of hers making my damn heart do a little flip inside my chest. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”
After I double-check all the locks and set the alarm, we wander through the connected dining area to the modern kitchen. It’s a place built for comfort rather than show. My fingers twitch with the urge to reach out and touch her, guide her through by the small of her back, but I keep my hands firmly in my pockets and remind myself to take things slow with her.
Down the hallway, I pause in front of the bedroom right across the hall from mine. “This is all yours while you’re here,” I say, pushing the door open to reveal a sunlit retreat with a soft, quilted bedspread and expansive views. “I’m right across the hall if you need anything.”
She smiles and steps into the room with Chewy following close on her heels. I lean against the doorframe, watching as she moves around, taking in her new surroundings. I'm entirely too fascinated by the sight of her in my space, setting her things down, making herself at home. I’d kill to have her unpacking her things in my room, but I tell myself to be patient. We’ll get there .
“Thank you,” she says, briefly meeting my eyes with sincerity. “Now that Oscar’s been arrested, I should feel relief, but I’m actually terrified. From what I saw, my former boss isn’t too smart, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who turned them in.”
For a beat, I’m caught off guard. The admission that she’s worried about her safety hits me like a two-by-four between the eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.”
She nods, her eyes still scanning the room, half-hidden thoughts flicking across her face. I leave her to it, striding through the house with Chewy on my heels. The moment I open the back door, he’s off like a shot, bounding across the back yard. It’s easy to see the little shit has the typical Shih Tzu unpredictable energy combined with a nose for trouble.
Out back, the sun hangs low in the early evening sky, casting a golden hue over my manicured lawn. Chewy is a ball of fluff and determination as he sniffs every goddamn blade of grass, fully immersed in his canine quest for the “perfect spot.” I watch him with an indulgent grin, arms crossed over my chest, letting the peace of the place seep into my skin.
It’s damn near impossible to lose myself in the moment though. All I can think about is Willow unpacking in the room across from mine. I’ve spent years ignoring distractions, staying focused on the mission, but my priorities changed the second I laid eyes on my little spitfire. First, I’m going to make sure she’s free of this fucking mess her boss caused, then I’m going to make her mine forever.
The moon hangs high in the Texas sky, casting a silver glow through my window as I lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling wide awake. It’s too goddamn late, and I should be asleep, particularly since the day’s adrenaline rush has faded, but I’m still wired as hell. Willow’s only been here for a few hours, but she’s already turned my entire world on its ear.
I hear her giggling in the guest room next door, and it twists something inside me. The warm, comforting sound, mixed with an occasional soft bark from Chewy makes my chest feel tight in a way I never expected to feel. The little guy had made himself at home, probably claiming the entire bed for himself, and it’s almost endearing how she fusses over him. But all I can think about is how Willow’s laughter, sass, and unfiltered confidence radiate from her.
“Get a grip, Lennox,” I mutter to myself, turning onto my side, but it doesn’t help. My mind pulls me back to the way her hair flicked over her shoulder earlier when she rolled her eyes at my lame excuse about my cooking skills. God, just looking at her makes my insides feel like they’re being put through a damn washing machine.
With a low growl of frustration, I kick the covers off, needing something to occupy my restless energy. I find myself wandering the house a little bit before heading to the kitchen. I open the refrigerator and pull out a beer.
I can’t stop thinking about the way she looked when she laughed, and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes as she teased me about my lack of culinary skills. At some point today, she reached right into my chest and stole my goddamn heart.
Eventually, I plop down onto the couch, my mind still swirling with images of Willow. Picturing the way she rolled her eyes at me, the sound of her voice curling around me like smoke… Fuck. I’m in so goddamn much trouble. I’ve always heard the stories about the “magical” Silver Spoon Falls water and its ability to find soulmates for even the most steadfast bachelors, but I thought it was all bullshit. I guess the universe decided it’s my turn to experience the water’s power.
I let out a long sigh. Fuck. I’m losing my mind. I stare out the picture window, resigned to the fact it’s going to be a goddamn long night.
It’s around two in the morning when I finally drift off, still sitting on the sofa, the oppressive quiet of the house fading into a hazy dreamscape. The first flickers of sleep are punctuated by visions of Willow, but they’re not the wholesome kind. Nope, it’s something darker, fueled by my desire for her.
In my dream, she’s right there next to me. Her hair flows like molten chocolate, cascading down her shoulders and framing her face in waves. The inviting hint of her soft curves beckons to me, and I can feel a primal and heady magnetic pull. We’re outside and the night is warm with stars twinkling brightly, but all I can focus on is her.
“Come here, Lennox.” She stares into my eyes, her voice sultry and filled with promise. I can’t resist her, my body responding before my mind has time to catch up. I take a step closer, every instinct within me screaming to touch, to feel.
In true dream fashion, she somehow manages to wear a skintight black outfit that leaves nothing to the imagination. It clings to her curves, hugging her body like it was made specifically for her. And lord, is it working. That mix of playful and sultry ignites something deep inside me, raising my heart rate like I’ve just chased down a fugitive.
“Willow,” I breathe, and in this dream world, it feels like velvet brushing against my tongue. I reach for her, fingers brushing against her skin as electrifying sparks shoot up my arm. She arches into my touch with a sultry smile curling her lips, and it sends me spinning .
“Is this what you wanted?” she whispers, her breath hot against my neck as she pulls closer, the heat radiating off her body making my pulse race. I can’t fight it; I pull her against me. Our bodies fit together like a goddamn puzzle.
As her soft hand slowly slides down the front of my body, my eyes pop open to find my empty living room filled with early morning sunlight. I sit up, wincing as my neck protests me sleeping in a crazy goddamn position. Fucking hell. Having her right across the hall might cause me to lose my goddamn mind.