14. Reid
14
REID
[ T wo weeks later]
I pace back and forth in the hospital lobby, my hands shoved deep in my pockets.
"Get it together, Reid," I mutter under my breath. "It's just Willow."
But that's the thing - it's not just Willow anymore. She's become so much more to me in such a short time.
I glance at my watch for the tenth time in as many minutes. She should be here any second. My heart races with anticipation, and I can't help but wonder if she's as nervous as I am.
The elevator dings, and I snap to attention. The doors slide open, and there she is. Willow sits in a wheelchair, her leg propped up in a cast. She looks up, and our eyes meet. A smile spreads across her face, and I feel an answering grin tugging at my own lips.
"Hey there, mountain savior," she says as she wheels herself towards me. "Ready to break me out of this joint?"
I chuckle, shaking my head. "I think they're releasing you willingly, Willow. No breaking out required."
She shrugs, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Where's the fun in that?"
I step forward, reaching for the handles of her wheelchair. But Willow bats my hands away. "I've got this," she insists. "I need to do it myself."
I hold up my hands in surrender, admiring her determination. It's one of the things I've come to love about her. Love. The word echoes in my mind, and I realize with a start that it's true. Somewhere along the way, amidst the fear and the adrenaline and the long night in that snow shelter, I've fallen for Willow Jones.
We make our way out of the hospital, the silence between us charged with unspoken emotions. I help her into my truck, my hands lingering a moment longer than necessary as I make sure she's comfortable.
As I slide into the driver's seat, Willow takes my hand. "Thank you," she says softly. "For everything."
I squeeze her hand, marveling at how perfectly it fits in mine. "Anytime, Willow. Anytime."
We pull out of the hospital parking lot, the truck's engine rumbling beneath us. As I navigate the familiar roads, Willow leans back in her seat, her eyes drifting to the passing scenery.
"So," I begin, glancing over at her, "how's the recovery going?"
She sighs, a wry smile on her lips. "Slowly but surely. The doctors say I'm making good progress, but it's frustrating, you know? I'm used to being on the move, not stuck in a hospital bed."
I nod in understanding. "I can only imagine. But you're tough, Willow. You'll be back on those slopes in no time."
She's quiet for a moment, her gaze distant. "Actually, I've been thinking about that. About what comes next."
I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh?"
"I think I want to stay in Hope Peak," she says softly. "At least for a while. It feels right, somehow."
My heart skips a beat at her words. The thought of having her near, of exploring this thing between us, sends a thrill through me.
"I think that's a great idea," I say, trying to keep my tone casual. "And, uh, I booked some time off work. Two weeks, starting today. I thought maybe we could, you know, spend some time together. If you want."
Willow turns to me, her eyes wide with surprise and something else - something warm and tender. "Reid, I'd love that."
We lapse into a comfortable silence, the only sound the hum of the engine and the occasional click of the turn signal. The mountains loom ahead of us, their snow-capped peaks glinting in the sun. The road winds through forests of pine and aspen, the trees a blur of green and gold.
Before I know it, I'm pulling up to my cabin, my heart pounding. I glance over at Willow, trying to gauge her reaction. "It's not much," I say, my voice gruff with nerves, "but it's home."
I help her out of the truck, my hands gentle as I support her weight. We make our way up the path, Willow leaning on me heavily. I can feel the warmth of her body through her coat, and it sends sparks shooting through my veins.
I open the door, ushering her inside. The cabin is warm and inviting, the fireplace crackling merrily in the corner. I've spent the last few days since she agreed to stay with me, preparing for her arrival. I want everything to be perfect.
I lead her to the guest bedroom I've got ready for her, my anxiety mounting with each step. As I push open the door, I hold my breath, watching her face for any sign of disappointment.
But Willow's eyes widen with delight as she takes in the space. The bed is piled high with soft blankets and pillows, a cozy haven just for her. A vase of fresh wildflowers on the nightstand adds a splash of color. And in the middle of the bed is a heart-shaped box of chocolates - a belated Valentine's gift.
"Reid," she breathes, her voice thick with emotion. "You did all this for me?"
I nod, suddenly feeling shy. "I want you to be comfortable here. I know it's not much, but-"
She cuts me off with a kiss, her lips soft and insistent against mine. I wrap my arms around her, careful of her injured leg, and pull her close. The kiss deepens, and I pour all of my unspoken feelings into it - the fear, the longing, the hope.
When we finally break apart, Willow's eyes are shining with tears. "It's perfect," she whispers. "You're perfect. I just have one question…"
"Shoot," I say, wondering instantly what I've got wrong.
Willow tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. "If you've decked out this room for me, where will you sleep?"
The question catches me off guard, and I feel heat rising in my cheeks. "I, uh... I thought you might want your own space. To heal and all."
She arches an eyebrow. "Reid, we spent a night huddled together in a snow shelter. I think we're past the point of separate beds."
I rub the back of my neck, suddenly feeling awkward. "I know, but that was different. We were in survival mode. This is... well, this is real life."
Willow reaches out, taking my hand in hers. "And in real life, I want to be close to you. Don't you want that too?"
"Of course, I do," I say, my voice rough with emotion. "I just... I want to do this right, Willow. I don't want to rush into anything."
She smiles softly. "I appreciate that, Reid. I really do. But I'm not some delicate flower. I know what I want, and what I want is you."
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "I want you too, Willow. More than I've ever wanted anything. But I also want to take care of you. To be there for you while you heal."
She squeezes my hand. "And you will be. But taking care of me doesn't mean keeping me at arm's length. It means being by my side every step of the way."
I nod slowly, understanding dawning. "You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just... I'm not used to this. To feeling this way about someone."
Willow leans in, her forehead resting against mine. "I'm not either. But I'm willing to figure it out together if you are."
"I am," I whisper, closing the distance between us.
I lean in, capturing Willow's lips with mine. The kiss deepens, becoming more urgent, more passionate. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer. I can feel her heart racing, matching the pounding in my own chest.
"Reid," she whispers against my mouth, her voice breathy and full of desire. "I want you. All of you."
I pull back slightly, searching her eyes. "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you."
She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm sure. I trust you, Reid."
Carefully, I help her down onto the bed, mindful of her injured leg. I prop it up gently on a cushion, making sure she's comfortable. Her eyes never leave mine, filled with a mix of anticipation and trust.
I start to undress her, my hands shaking slightly with nerves and excitement. She lifts her hips, helping me slide off her pants. I toss them aside, my eyes drinking in the sight of her. She's beautiful, her skin flushed with desire, her breath coming in quick gasps.
"You're stunning, Willow," I murmur.
She smiles, her eyes shining. "And you're overdressed," she teases, her fingers reaching for the hem of my shirt.
I chuckle, quickly shedding my clothes. Her eyes widen as she takes me in, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. I can see the desire in her gaze, and it sends a surge of heat through me.
I join her on the bed, my body covering hers. Her heartbeat thuds loudly against my chest, and I’m entranced by the softness of her skin against mine. I capture her lips in another passionate kiss, my hands exploring her body.
I trail kisses down her neck, her collarbone, her stomach. She squirms beneath me, her breath hitching as I move lower. I glance up at her, a silent question in my eyes. She nods, her lips parted, her eyes dark.
I move lower, my hands gently spreading her thighs. I can feel her tension, her anticipation. I press a soft kiss to her inner thigh, then another, and another, moving closer to her center.
"Reid," she gasps, her fingers tangling in my hair. "Please..."
I don't make her wait any longer. I dip my head, tasting her, teasing her. She moans, her hips arching off the bed. I can feel her pleasure, her desire, and it fuels my own. I continue to explore her, my tongue and lips driving her higher and higher.
"Reid," she pants, her voice breathy and desperate. "That feels... fuck… amazing..."
I smile against her, my hands gripping her hips, holding her steady as I continue to pleasure her. Her moans fill the room, her body writhing beneath me. I can feel her tension building, her pleasure growing. I want to take her to the edge, make her feel as good as she makes me feel.
Willow's body trembles beneath me, her orgasm ripping through her like a force of nature. I can taste her pleasure, sweet and intoxicating, and it drives me wild. I look up at her, our eyes locking, and I see the satisfaction glazing her emerald greens, the flush on her cheeks. She's never looked more beautiful.
Her gaze drifts down, and she notices the effect she's having on me. A small, wicked smile plays on her lips. "Reid," she murmurs, her voice husky with desire. "I want to fuck you. But... my leg..."
I press a gentle kiss to her inner thigh, then another, trailing up to her hip. "Don't worry, Willow. I've got you."
Carefully, I help her turn onto her side, making sure her injured leg is comfortable. I spoon up behind her, my body fitting perfectly against hers. I can feel her heartbeat, the rise and fall of her chest. I press a soft kiss to her shoulder, my hands exploring her body, tracing the curves I've come to know so well.
She shivers, pressing back against me. I can feel her desire, her need, matching my own. I slip a hand between her thighs, feeling her heat, her wetness. She moans, her hips moving in sync with my touch.
"Reid," she whispers, her voice filled with urgency. "Fuck me..."
I don't make her wait any longer. I guide myself into her, slowly, gently. She gasps, her body tensing for a moment before melting back into me. I wrap an arm around her, holding her close, my lips pressed against her neck.
We move together in a slow, sensual dance. I can feel every inch of her, every curve, every quake. Her body fits perfectly against mine. We're like two puzzle pieces clicking into place. I can feel her pleasure building, her breath coming in quick gasps, her heart racing.
I match her rhythm, my own desire growing with each thrust. I feel the tension building, the pressure intensifying. I'm close, so close. But I want to feel her come again, to feel her body convulse around me.
I slip a hand between her thighs, finding that sensitive spot. She gasps, her body arching against mine.
"Reid," she moans, her voice breathy and desperate. "I'm... I'm close..."
I increase the pressure, my fingers moving in sync with my thrusts. I feel her body tensing, her breath hitching. She's on the edge, ready to fall.
And then she does. Her body convulses, her orgasm ripping through her. She cries out, her voice filled with pleasure and release. Her body pulses around me. Her heat, her wetness; it's both too much and not enough.
I thrust deeper, harder, chasing my own release. And then it hits me, a wave of pleasure crashing over me. I groan, my body shuddering, my heart pounding. I hold her close, my arms wrapped around her, our bodies joined, our pleasure intertwined.
Willow turns her head, her emerald eyes meeting mine."Well, Mountain Man," she teases, her voice husky and sated, "I have to say, you sure know how to make a girl feel welcome."
I chuckle, nuzzling into her neck. "You're not so bad yourself. Though I think we might need to work on your stamina. That was barely a warm-up for me."
She gasps in mock outrage, swatting at my arm. "Excuse me? I'll have you know I'm an Olympic athlete. I could outlast you any day."
"Is that a challenge?" I grin, my fingers tracing patterns on her hip.
"Maybe," she smirks, her hand reaching back to cup my cheek. "But let's save the rematch for later. Right now, I just want to enjoy this. Enjoy us."
My heart swells at her words. "Us," I repeat softly, savoring the sound of the word. "I like the sound of that."
Willow turns in my arms, wincing slightly as she adjusts her leg. I'm instantly concerned. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
She shakes her head, a soft smile on her lips. "No, Reid. You could never hurt me. In fact, you make me feel safer and more cared for than I have in a long time."
I brush a strand of hair from her face, my thumb caressing her cheek. "I want to be that for you, Willow. I want to be your safe place, your partner, your... everything. If you'll have me."
Her eyes shine with unshed tears. "I want that too, Reid. More than anything. I know we've got a lot to figure out, but I'm all in if you are."
"I'm all in," I promise, sealing it with a kiss. "No matter what comes our way, we'll face it together."
Willow smiles against my lips. "Together," she agrees, her arms wrapping around my neck, pulling me closer.
We kiss again, slow and deep, a promise of all that's to come.