4. Willow
Chapter Four
WILLOW
The sun filters through the canopy of trees above as I walk over to the picnic table where Eliza and Melanie are already sitting.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say, dropping into the seat across from them.
“Don’t worry about it.” Melanie waves a hand. “I’m just glad we could meet up. How are you holding up?”
Her eyes are full of concern, and it makes warmth bloom in my chest. My friends are the best.
“I’m doing okay. A little overwhelmed, but...” I trail off with a shrug. “You know, the usual.”
Eliza snorts. “The usual? Girl, a mountain lion tried to eat you and then you went on a date with my boyfriend’s brother. That is not the usual.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. She’s not wrong. The past couple of days have been a whirlwind. If it wasn’t for my friends, I’d be totally lost.
“Now spill,” Melanie says. “How was your date with Heath last night?”
A smile tugs at my lips. “It was... nice.” I say.
Melanie snorts. “Just nice? Come on, I need details!”
I feel the blush spreading down my neck. If I tell them the truth, they’ll never let me live it down. But they are my best friends. If I can’t tell them, who can I tell?
“Okay, it was more than nice. We had an amazing time. And he... he kissed me.”
“Ooh, girl, look at you go!” Melanie high-fives me. “Our Willow is growing up! Soon you’ll be picking out china patterns.”
Eliza squeals with excitement. “Oh my gosh, can you imagine if you and Heath end up together? We could be sisters-in-law!”
I giggle at the thought, but then it hits me—Eliza is dating Drew Donovan, one of Heath’s triplet brothers. And it makes total sense for her and Drew to get married someday. They both come from wealthy, prominent families. Eliza fits right into Drew’s glamorous world.
But me? I’m just a regular girl from Cooper Hills who works as a park ranger. My life couldn’t be more different from the Donovans’.
Melanie must sense the shift in my demeanor because her brow furrows with concern. “Hey, is everything okay? What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”
I hesitate, not wanting to dampen the mood with my insecurities.
“I don’t know. I really like Heath. But sometimes I worry that we’re just too different, you know? He’s this successful, sophisticated businessman and I’m, well, me. Why would he want to be with a girl like me when he could have anyone he wants?”
Eliza reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Willow, are you kidding me right now? You’re amazing! You’re beautiful, you’re kind, you’re smart, you’re fun... Any guy would be lucky to have you! Especially Heath.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so!” Eliza insists. “Heath is clearly crazy about you. He wouldn’t be pulling out all the stops like this if he didn’t think you were special. Don’t sell yourself short, okay?”
I nod, trying to absorb her words. “I’m just so new at this whole relationship thing. I mean, I’ve never even had a real boyfriend before. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to dating a guy as experienced as Heath...”
Eliza laughs and gives me a mischievous wink. “Girl, something tells me that dating a take-charge kind of guy like Heath has its perks, if you know what I mean. He can probably teach you a thing or two!”
My cheeks flush. “Eliza!”
“Hey, I’m just looking out for my bestie!” Eliza giggles. “Seriously, though, don’t stress about the experience thing. Just relax and let Heath take the lead. I have a feeling he knows exactly what he’s doing.”
A smile spreads across my face as I let Eliza’s advice sink in. “You’re right. I need to stop overthinking everything and just enjoy getting to know Heath better. He really is one of the good ones.”
“That’s my girl!” Eliza reaches over to pull me into a tight hug. “You deserve all the happiness in the world. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Thanks, girlie,” I murmur into her shoulder, feeling truly blessed to have a friend like her in my corner. “Love you.”
Just then, I hear the screen door of the ranger’s office swing open. “Willow?” My boss, George, pokes his head out. “Your shift starts in five. Wrap it up, okay?”
“Be right there!” I call back. Eliza, Melanie and I gather up our lunch trash and toss it before exchanging one more quick hug. “Thanks for the pep talk. I needed that.”
“Anytime, babe. Now go get ’em!” Melanie smacks my butt playfully as I head toward the office.
Shaking my head and chuckling, I wave goodbye over my shoulder.
A few hours later, I’m back at my apartment, getting ready for my date with Heath.
He offered to bring over pizza from our favorite local place, Sunnyside, so we could just hang out and relax together. I love that he suggested something so chill and low-key. He gets that I’m not into anything too fancy.
Standing in front of my closet mirror, I do one last outfit check. I’ve got on my favorite pair of leggings—the black ones that hug my curves in all the right places. Up top, I went with a flowy white tank that shows a hint of cleavage. Casual, but still sexy. I hope Heath likes it.
Ugh, I can’t believe how nervous I am.
I mean, it’s not like this is our first date. But something about Heath sets my heart racing in the best possible way. When I’m with him, everything else fades away. He makes me feel desired, cherished... seen.
As I fluff my hair one more time, I try to push down the butterflies in my stomach. The knock at the door makes me jump.
He’s here.
Taking a deep breath, I cross the living room and open the door with a bright smile. And nearly combust on the spot.
Heath is standing there looking like sex on a stick in dark jeans and a fitted gray tee that hugs his muscular chest. His hair is artfully tousled, his eyes sparkling with warmth as they meet mine. “Hey, beautiful.”
“H-hi,” I manage, my mouth suddenly dry. How does he do that? Leave me tongue-tied with just a look? Reminder to self: Don’t drool on the hot mountain man.
As Heath steps inside, delicious smells wafting from the pizza box. “Damn, something smells good,” he remarks with a crooked grin. “And the pizza’s not bad either.”
I roll my eyes even as a blush heats my cheeks. “Smooth talker.”
“Only stating facts, baby.” Heath sets the food on the coffee table, then surprises me by tugging me into his arms.
Tilting my chin up with one thumb, his green eyes smolder into mine. “I missed you today. Couldn’t stop thinking about your gorgeous face... and your sexy little body. Wanted to text you so bad, but I know you were working.”
Oh my.
Just like that, lust slams into me with the force of a wrecking ball. I feel hypnotized by his penetrating gaze, his deep, rumbly voice. My nipples tighten, sending sparks of need straight to my core.
How does he affect me so intensely, so quickly? It’s both exhilarating and terrifying.
Heath releases me after a moment, then shrugs out of his jacket. “Nice place you got here.” His eyes skim approvingly over my small but cozy living room.
“Thanks,” I mumble, fidgeting as I perch on the edge of the sofa. I can’t seem to formulate complete sentences around this man. He takes a seat beside me, his denim-clad thigh pressing against mine. The heat of his body seems to seep directly into my bloodstream.
Heath smirks like he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “What’s wrong, baby? You look flustered.”
“Nothing,” I lie, my voice breathy.
He laughs, low and deep. “Don’t lie to me, baby.”
Before I can respond, Heath’s hand is on my chin, tilting my face up. Then his lips are on mine, and I’m lost.
I let out an involuntary moan as Heath deepens the kiss. His tongue swipes across mine, sending shockwaves of pleasure through my body. He gently pushes me back onto the couch, his solid weight pressing me into the cushions.
My hands roam over his broad shoulders as we make out. Every brush of his lips, every caress of his tongue sets my skin on fire. I’ve never felt desire like this before.
Heath breaks the kiss, then trails his lips along my jaw to my ear.
“I know what’s wrong,” he whispers, his hot breath making me shiver. “My girl wants to come, doesn’t she?”
My breath catches as he slides his hand between my legs. Even through my leggings, his touch is electric.
“Heath,” I gasp as he starts to stroke my clit. “What are you?—"
“It’s like a told you before, Butterfly. When you’re with me, you never have to worry about taking care of yourself,” he murmurs. “And that includes this needy pussy of yours.”
Heath massages his thumb against the seem of my leggings, apply the perfect amount of pressure to my clit. The sensation is overwhelming. I squirm beneath him, unable to stay still as pleasure builds. I can feel myself getting wetter by the second.
“Fuck, I love the way your pussy drools for me,” Heath growls. “I can feel how soaked you are through your leggings.”
I whimper, beyond words. How does he know exactly what to say to drive me wild?
“I can’t wait to taste you,” he continues, his fingers working magic. “Can’t wait to feel how tight and wet you are around me.”
My hips buck involuntarily. I’m so close, teetering on the edge of something monumental.
“That’s it, Willow,” Heath encourages. “Come for me, baby. Let go.”
The tension inside me snaps, and I cry out as waves of pleasure crash over me. My body trembles uncontrollably as Heath strokes me through my orgasm.
“Good girl,” he praises, his voice rough with desire.
I’m still catching my breath when Heath suddenly moves. In one fluid motion, he scoops me up and throws me over his shoulder.
I let out a surprised squeak. “Heath! What are you doing?”
Heath growls. “Which way is the bed?”