CHAPTER NINE
WILLOW
“Figured I’d find you here.” A familiar voice calls from the end of the famous Suitor’s Crossing bridge.
It’s Valentine’s Day, which means it’s decked out to the max with sparkly fairy lights and hearts galore, but the thunderstorm above thankfully prevents the mass of people who’d usually congregate here from visiting.
Instead, they moved everything indoors at the community center.
Somewhere I should be to man the boutique’s booth, but after explaining my head space, Hannah offered to cover for me.
Thank god for good friends. Because being surrounded by happy couples on a dreary day that perfectly matches my mood makes my stomach twist in knots, which is why I drove to the bridge, to be alone.
Yet Rhys still found me.
“What are you doing here?” I shout to be heard over the pounding rain bouncing off the wooden roof covering the bridge.
He’s soaked from the storm—hair plastered to his head, droplets dripping down his beard.
He should look like a drowned cat—a drowned mountain lion more like—instead of the attractive giant hired to model outdoor gear.
“I came to find you. We need to talk.”
“Everything that needed to be said was spoken the day I went to your forge. You made yourself abundantly clear. You’ll fuck me, but you won’t love me.”
He flinches at my harsh words. “I was an idiot.” Rhys nears where I’m leaning on the sturdy rail of the bridge and mirrors my bent position, elbows resting on the wood, gaze staring out at the rain dappling the creek beneath us.
“I’m sorry for what I said. I’m sorry for pushing you away.” A sigh of regret hovers in the air, and I force my heartbeat to remain steady instead of galloping headfirst into hope. Rhys hasn’t mentioned his views on love changing. This could just be an apology, so things aren’t awkward between us.
Shrugging in feigned nonchalance, I mumble into the scarf wrapped around my neck and chin, “You did what you thought best. Yeah, it sucked, but it’s what you believe. I knew that going into your forge. From the beginning, you were upfront about your feelings.”
“Yes, but I was wrong. Afraid of becoming like my dad—pining after a woman who deserted him and their child. Worried I wouldn’t be able to discern real love from fake.
” He turns to face me, and I hold my breath, too scared to trust what I think he’s trying to tell me.
“But I can’t live my life that way. Can’t live in fear.
Especially when all I want is you—a beautiful, kindhearted woman with a cat who already loves me. ”
A watery laugh bursts free at his mention of Carrot, my heart swelling with hope. “Does this mean you believe in heart sparks? In love?”
He cups my cheek, a tender smile shining back at me. “I believe I could fall in love with you. I believe you could be my heart spark.”
And that’s enough for now.
After all, we’ve got time to build a relationship. My mouth may have run unchecked the day at the forge, and love may already fill my heart for him, but I can wait for him to catch up. Because now he’s willing to try.
“I accept your apology, and I’m sorry, too. I didn’t mean to make you feel cornered, like I expected something from you that you weren’t ready for. Blame the great sex that happened beforehand for short-circuiting my brain.”
A sly grin overtakes the seriousness tightening Rhys’s expression. “Great sex, huh? I’m curious to see what else you say when you’re overcome by my cock.”
“Oh, lord.” Rolling my eyes, my fingers tug at the belt loops of his jeans. “You’re gonna be a handful, aren’t you?”
“Kitten, I’m twice your size. What do you think?” He doesn’t let me answer before his amused chuckle is muffled behind our lips meeting in a final sign of forgiveness.
This kiss feels different than our others. I’m not sure if it’s because I know he’s open to loving me or if it’s due to him finally allowing himself to be vulnerable, freely offering himself to me. Either way, it’s magical and full of promise.
One I know will live forever branded on my heart as the perfect Valentine’s Day kiss.
A kiss from my heart spark.