Chapter Thirteen
Ihave the car delivered, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, the next day. With her consent, I have Willa’s name put on the contract as well, so she can drive it too.
I was so amped that she liked my idea from the start. I guess I expected her to, but you never know.
Though I am finding more and more that she’s a lot like me. It seems we’re usually always on the same page.
I love that.
It makes me like her even more.
We are definitely already becoming friends, but damn, my attraction to her also continues to grow.
I’m afraid to act on it, though.
What if I ruin a really fucking good thing?
So, no, I won’t make a move.
The same day the car arrives, we take it out for a spin and head into town to pick up some things that weren’t already supplied. For instance, even though there are steaks in the freezer, I prefer a better cut of meat.
My plan is to grill sometime this week.
Unfortunately, that idea is put on hold when it rains throughout the next few days. The heavy downpours also keep us from more island exploring.
Guess that lighthouse will have to wait.
Due to the rain, there’s no beach or pool time either. That sucks a lot, because I love seeing Willa in that sexy-as-hell bikini. I can’t wait till she wears it again.
The only good thing about the crappy weather is that we have a lot of time to get to know each other. Being stuck indoors for the most part, we watch some TV and listen to music. We even find an old board game, Scrabble, and settle in to play.
She promptly kicks my ass.
I don’t like to lose, but I’m a good sport.
Despite how much fun all these activities are, my favorite times are when we just sit around and chat.
That’s what we’re doing tonight.
I just plopped down on the sofa across from where Willa is leaned back in the crook of the love seat. She looks cute in her black leggings and off-the-shoulder emerald sweater.
Don’t think I haven’t noticed how that bright green knit really brings out the color of her eyes.
Damn, she’s so pretty.
Stop.
I need to quit thinking this way.
Though, to be honest, I don’t believe that is ever going to happen. I am way too attracted to her. I’ve just accepted it. And though I’m still committed to not acting on it, Miss Willa Avery stars in many of my fantasies.
“Hey,” she says, stirring me from my thoughts. “What are you thinking about over there?”
Okay, we may be becoming friends, but I’m not telling her that.
Hell no.
So, shrugging, I say, “Oh, nothing, really. Just wondering if this rain is ever going to stop.”
Good recovery, right?
“Tomorrow,” she replies.
My mood perks up as I blurt out, “No way.”
Chuckling, she says, “Yes way. I checked the weather app, and there is nothing but sunshine and warmth on the way.”
“Finally,” I declare. “That is fucking awesome.”
Willa laughs. “Right?”
“Maybe we can go check out that old lighthouse now,” I say.
“Definitely,” she replies. “I’m really looking forward to that.”
“Then let’s go tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Sighing, she adds, “We better go see it soon anyway. If we like it over there, we can explore a few more times. You know, before I have to leave. Time’s going so fast, two weeks will be gone before we know it.”
She’s right. I can’t believe a week has already gone by. Even with the rain and being stuck indoors a lot, the time has really flown.
I think it’s due to the company.
No, I know it is.
That’s why I say softly, “Willa, you don’t have to leave. I have this rental till the beginning of August. You can stay as long as you like.”
Her eyes instantly light up, but then her face falls.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
She sighs. “It’s just that I don’t want to take advantage. I feel like I should pay you or something if I stay.”
“Okay, first of all.” I hold up my hand.
“Stop with this paying stuff. We already went over that our first day.” I lower my hand and hold her gaze.
“If you do stay, I don’t want any money.
This place is already paid for anyway. Not to mention, I want you to stay. It will suck around here if you go.”
Her eyes soften, and fuck, I wish I could go over and wrap her up in my arms.
What would it feel like to hold her, kiss her—
“All right,” she says at last, breaking me from my reverie.
“Are you saying that you’ll stay?” I double-check.
Nodding, she smiles. “Yes, I’m staying.”
Fuck yeah!