11
Willow
Waking on Cody’s chest wasn’t what Willow found strange. Throughout their uni years, they’d fallen asleep numerous times in the same bed, so seeing each other first thing, even at their worst, wasn’t anything new, so why was she suddenly feeling a tad awkward?
She rolled her head up to study his face, taking in his soft cheeks and slightly chiselled jaw. His long lashes were to die for, and his closed mouth was a place her lips would have to meet soon on the stage.
The thought made her smile. Kissing her best friend was going to be the weirdest adventure ever, she was sure, but it shouldn’t be too difficult, she hoped.
Carefully, she brushed a strand of his blond hair away from his eyebrow, not really knowing why. She had to stop looking at him and get up. It was bad enough she’d dribbled on his top, he didn’t need to wake to see her acting odd.
You really are a beautiful man, Cody Sullivan .
Smiling once more, Willow slipped away from the comfort of his arm and turned on her side to check the time on his phone. It was early, and there was lots to do, but before she had a chance to get out of bed, Cody groaned and tightened his arm around her as he flipped over to spoon her body.
‘Oh God, sorry, Wills,’ he said, all huskiness and remorse as he jumped back. He blinked hard as she glanced over her shoulder. ‘I think I was dreaming.’
Dreaming? This definitely feels surreal .
‘Don’t sweat it, Sully. Come on, it’s time to get up.’ She sat up, not wanting to peer back at him until she felt the heat in her face was under control. Rubbing the base of her neck, she took a silent breath and stood.
Cody stretched as he yawned, causing the quilt to slip further off his body, revealing the smallest bit of flesh on his stomach, which Willow’s wandering eyes managed to catch a glimpse of. He quietly laughed as he spotted the damp patch on his tee-shirt. ‘You drooled on me again.’
‘Sorry,’ she mumbled, then cleared her throat.
‘No worries.’ Cody sat up and whipped off his top, then stretched once more, and Willow gazed at his toned abs.
‘You all right, Wills? You look like you’re daydreaming.’
‘Hmm? Oh, yeah.’ She blinked hard and headed for the door. ‘I’m still half asleep.’
Cody gestured at the bed. ‘Get back in here, and we’ll steal ten more minutes.’
As tempting as that sounded, and unsure why she wanted to do exactly that, she shook her head. ‘Best not. Work. What you got planned today?’
‘Fixing up the hut with your dad, which I’m looking forward to.’
‘Great. I’m off for a shower. See you in the kitchen.’
Willow hoped she didn’t look stupid trying to flee his room. As far as she was concerned she had handled the situation perfectly, using all the acting tips she’d recently picked up. The only issue she had was why she felt awkward in the first place.
Breakfast was a quiet affair, as not many showed up, and Fran was over at the B&B, arranging the kitchen to be more practical. She wanted to get things ready, seeing how she’d volunteered herself to cook breakfast for guests.
Cody smiled at Willow over his cereal a few times, but mostly they sat and ate in silence, which wasn’t unusual, as they often sat comfortably with each other without speaking.
‘Do you want me to drive you over to the Boat Hut?’ she asked, washing their dishes.
‘No, ta. I like the walk. I take all the shortcuts, so it’s not so bad. Plus, I’ve got the hang of these things now.’ He gestured at the crutches. ‘Weather looks nice today.’
Willow glanced out the window. ‘Yep. Lovely September day.’ As she turned back, Cody pecked her cheek to say goodbye, but his lips came close to hers, and they both quickly pulled away. ‘I’ll see you later,’ she added, trying for casual as he hobbled out the door.
What the hell!
Shaking her head, she headed for the garden centre to open up for the staff.
The cool air inside the shop always seemed to hold the same temperature, and the fresh smell of flowery diffusers strategically placed around gave the store a cheerful vibe.
Willow turned the radio on low, then sorted the till floats before heading outside to unlock the shed. She connected all the hoses and pulled out a couple of wheelbarrows, then rounded up any stray trolleys.
She’d seen online that some of the garden centres had already decorated for Christmas, but she wanted to bring out the autumn displays first, so she got busy setting up fake pumpkins and the Halloween accessories, which always went down well with the shoppers.
Before the first staff members started trickling in, Willow had the shopfront covered in orange and brown leaf garlands, secured the five-foot scarecrow next to the large wooden cart housing wicker baskets and small, hand-carved ornaments, and had filled pretty flower pots with bags of sweets over on a stall inside the main doors.
She went to the office to check the Christmas tree orders, as they came in early, especially ones for local businesses like hotels and restaurants.
All in all, Willow had a productive morning and had stopped overthinking and worrying about her life with Cody. However, when making her way along the riverbank to take some pastries and juice to him and her dad, it all came flooding back.
What if we’ve outgrown each other? I guess we can’t act like teenagers anymore. Everything changes. That’s okay, isn’t it? Is it?
Willow didn’t want her friendship with Cody to change. He’d been her best mate since nursery. It broke her heart when he had to move to London, and even though they became the best of pen pals before texts and calls and video chats took over, it was never enough. She missed him terribly and was so excited when they both got in the same university. How could life be so cruel to them after everything they’d been through? Surely Cody wouldn’t slip away like her other friends she’d grown up with.
She stopped on the bridge to gaze over at Cody painting the old kiosk. It didn’t look so old any longer, but Cody did. He wasn’t a boy or a teen. Somewhere along their journey together, he’d grown into a young man. One with a toned body and sharp mind. Oh, how she loved his intelligence, wishing she could match him on his level.
Willow had never viewed Cody as boyfriend material before, but seeing as it seemed to be the day for studying him, she figured he’d make someone a wonderful partner. He was kind and thoughtful, loyal and personable. He was way too good for the likes of her. He needed someone clever like him, all computers and business modules, not that he seemed to enjoy anything that wasn’t creative.
I hope you fall in love, Sully, and I hope she deserves you .
Willow smiled down into the dark calm water as her thoughts drifted to Kip. She needed to figure him out some more so decided to call him, but as luck would have it, he appeared at the end of the bridge.
There was no way the universe didn’t intervene. Why else would Kip randomly show up? It was a sign, she was sure.
Happily waving, she called him towards her. ‘What are you doing here?’ She beamed his way, pleased to see him smiling back.
‘Looking for you.’
Willow wanted to hold his hand or hug him or something touchy-feely but held off, not wanting to act like she was already his girlfriend. ‘You want to hang out?’
Kip stepped closer, lowering his head to hers. ‘Love to,’ he said, using a low, sultry tone. ‘But I have bad news from Lance.’
‘Oh, what’s happened? Is he all right?’
‘Not really. He got a call this morning. The play is off.’
Willow wasn’t expecting that. ‘Why?’
‘Inspectors or whoever spotted a crack in the ceiling of the dome, so they said no one’s allowed on the stage until it gets fixed, and as there’s not enough money in the budget just yet, the show can’t go on there.’
‘What about the town hall?’
‘Fully booked till next year. Lance is having a meltdown.’
Willow placed a hand on his chest. ‘Oh no. I was really looking forward to the play as well.’
Kip placed his hand over hers. ‘So was I, and it means more to me than the others because I needed some outdoor theatre to add to my showreel I’m making. I was relying on this. It’s the only reason I signed up. I’m off to Hollywood soon, and my agent won’t be best pleased if I’m lacking in areas, and I never lack.’
Willow swallowed hard as he pulled her closer. ‘I’m sure Lance will think of something,’ she said quietly, finding words quite the struggle.
‘Maybe I’m not thinking about him anymore. Perhaps spending time with my soulmate is all I need right now.’
Willow smiled softly. ‘That’s what they say about soulmates, isn’t it? They help soothe each other.’
Kip rested his nose against hers. ‘I could do with some soothing, Willow.’
She dropped her basket and went to speak but his lips came crashing down upon hers, taking away all words and breath. His tongue entered her mouth straight away, leaving her slightly taken aback by his sloppy kissing method. For an actor, she figured he’d be on point come the epic snog scene, but maybe he was lacking after all, or perhaps he was just a little excited about finally getting to kiss his soulmate. She had to let it slide.
Pulling back whilst pressing his groin into her, he whispered, ‘Come back to mine. Soothe me.’
It wasn’t the best line she’d heard. In fact, probably the worst, and she’d dated Bradley Pickle, who was cheese on cheese. Still, she refused to judge her other half. She didn’t know what moves to make with him, so how could she expect him to have it all figured out already?
‘You want to watch a film and snuggle?’ she asked, reaching for confirmation on what she hoped he meant.
He pressed himself further into her, and the bridge wall started to hurt Willow’s back. ‘I was thinking more along the lines of joining our souls.’
‘Oh.’
He went in for another slurpy kiss, but Willow swerved, so he drooled down her neck instead.
‘Erm, my dad’s just over there,’ she said, pointing him out, hoping he wasn’t witnessing Kip’s display of affection.
‘He won’t mind,’ mumbled Kip on her neck. ‘He probably did this to your mum right here.’
That line took first place in the worst thing to say, and if he were to carry on, she was sure she would hand him Bradley’s sleaze trophy as well.
Kip’s hand slid up her top, stroking softly along the bottom of her bra. ‘Willow, I really need my soulmate right now. Come back with me. Please.’
Willow felt the flush of embarrassment of having her top half hitched up in public. Kip wasn’t showing much respect, and she wasn’t sure how to respond. ‘Erm, sorry.’ She pushed him backwards a touch, smiling awkwardly. ‘I’m not ready for that step.’
Kip grinned and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘I’ll do all the work.’
‘It’s not about who does what. I’m not having sex until I’m married.’
Kip breathed out a laugh, stepped back, then frowned. ‘You’re a virgin?’
‘Don’t say it like it’s a bad thing. I’m saving myself for the right person. I only want to have one partner my whole life, and he’s the one I’ll marry, have children with, and all the rest.’
Kip sniffed, cuffing his nose with his index finger. ‘Well, it’s a nice thought, but what if you’re not sexually compatible? Don’t you think it would be wise to play the field first? At least then you’ll know what you like.’
‘I like my soulmate. I know I’ll be happy with him.’
Kip flashed her his money smile. ‘We can get started before the wedding then, seeing how that’s me.’ He placed his finger to his lips and winked. ‘I won’t tell.’
‘Be serious. This is important to me. I haven’t come this far to fall at the last hurdle.’
‘But what if I don’t want to get married yet? I do have a career to think of, you know.’
Willow knew. She’d thought about it often, wondering how it would work with him so far away. ‘If we’re truly the other half of each other, we’ll manage just fine without sex until our wedding day.’
Kip scoffed. ‘You’re actually serious?’ She nodded, and he gathered her up in his arms once more. ‘But, babe, I want you. Surely it doesn’t matter now we’ve found each other.’
‘It matters to me,’ she said softly. ‘Sorry,’ she added, feeling really bad for letting him down. Perhaps she could let her rule slide if he was The One . It was worth considering, as she didn’t want to lose him.
Kip quirked an eyebrow as he lowered one hand to the inside of her thigh. ‘Can we do other things?’
Willow wriggled free of his hold, not wishing to be groped. She felt cheap and confused about how she should respond without hurting his feelings. ‘I’d rather we slowed things down. We’ve only just met, and I’d like to get to know you better.’
‘Well, what better way to get to know someone than sex?’
‘There are other ways. I don’t want a relationship based on that activity alone.’
‘But it’s the best activity. Look, Willow, I know you don’t know what it’s like yet, but I’m willing to break you in slowly.’
‘Break me in? You make me sound like a horse.’
Kip laughed and started caressing her neck again. ‘I want us to ride now.’
‘Kip, please. Someone could walk by.’
‘Who cares. I’m just making out with my girl.’ He pulled back and gave her a pointed look. ‘You are my girl, right?’
Was she? She couldn’t be sure.
He stepped to the other side of the bridge, leaning away with one leg hooked over the other. ‘Way to shoot a guy down, lady.’
Willow approached, reaching for his chest, but he slapped her hand away.
‘I’d rather you didn’t play with me, Willow.’
‘Oh no, that’s not what I’m doing.’
‘Really? Because one minute I’m your soulmate, and the next, you’re rejecting me.’
‘I’m not rejecting you.’
Kip flapped a hand at her. ‘You don’t even want me touching you.’
‘Sorry, I just wasn’t keen on my top rising in public.’
‘There’s no one around, except hop-along over there.’
Willow followed his gaze to see Cody over by the hut, watching her. Her heart flipped along with her stomach. What would he think of her behaviour?
‘You make too much fuss,’ added Kip. ‘It’s not like I’m going to attack you.’
She widened her eyes at his choice of words. She seriously had no idea how to respond to that comment, not that she had a chance.
‘You know, I could have called you, Willow, but I came here to tell you about the play because I needed you, but all you’ve done is make me out to be some sort of sleazebag for just wanting to sleep with you.’
‘I haven’t.’
‘You haven’t exactly made me feel good about myself.’
You lifted my top and pressed your groin into me in a public place .
‘I just wanted to explain about my views on sex, that’s all,’ she said quietly.
Do I have to have this conversation with everyone I date? Seems so .
‘It’s not personal, Kip. I just—’
He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. ‘I thought we were soulmates, that’s all. I got carried away. After you told me about us, well, I can’t stop thinking about you. About us. I want it all, Willow. You, me, the dream. I plan to take you to Hollywood with me. We can rent a place. Fly back and forward from there to here. We can make it work. See, I haven’t just been thinking about getting into your knickers, but sex is important to me. I want that in our relationship as well. Is that so bad?’
‘Of course not. We’ll have that, I promise.’
He pushed her away again. ‘But after you’ve secured yourself a nice diamond, right?’
‘Actually, it’s a wedding band I’d prefer. You’re making it sound bad.’
Kip placed a hand over his heart and lowered his eyes. ‘It feels bad. You told me something wonderful, and now I feel like you’ve snatched it away. I don’t know what to do with this now.’
Willow lightly stroked his arm. ‘I know it’s a bit strange. It is for me too, but if we take it slowly, I’m sure we’ll figure it out.’
He slid a hand over her bum, moving his palm in circles. ‘This is slow. Is this allowed?’
No. You’re making me feel cheap .
‘Erm, I…’ Willow stepped away. Her head was starting to thump, and her instincts were screaming at her to leave, but what if he was right? Was she leading him down paths filled with sunshine and rainbows, then shoving him in a ditch. It hardly felt fair.
Kip ignored her opened mouth and turned to answer his phone instead. ‘Yeah, got it.’ He hung up and turned back. ‘That was Lance. He’s called an emergency meeting tonight at the Scouts hut.’
‘Oh, okay. I’ll be there.’
Kip lowered his head, meeting her cheek with his lips. ‘I feel something for you already, Willow Silver. Please don’t waste this opportunity. I can’t help it if I want you so badly.’
Willow felt torn as he walked away. Never had anyone made her feel so confused before. She figured it must be a soulmate thing. What else could it be? Kip was the man in her psychic reading. She had to compromise so they could both be happy. She couldn’t mess it up. She just couldn’t.
‘Everything all right, Wills?’
She turned to see Cody’s curious expression. ‘Yes, fine,’ she lied, hoping he couldn’t see through her, like he normally did. He went to speak but she cut him off, as she needed some sort of normality to wake her up. ‘Oh, actually, Lance called. There’s a problem with the dome, so we’ve got an emergency meeting tonight to see where we can put on the play, otherwise it’s off.’
‘That’s what Kippers wanted?’
‘He was upset.’
‘Right.’
Willow dipped to pick up her basket. ‘I brought pastries. Come on, let’s get stuck in. Where’s Dad?’ She trotted off before Cody could reply, not wanting to face him or talk about Kip anymore.