Chapter 38
Jayden Allen
“ D on’t touch those,” I say, slapping Trent’s hand away.
The kitchen is loud, every teammate pattering in and out, hoping that Hayes has cooked up a perfect breakfast. Usually, this would be me, however, today I’m bringing Willow breakfast in bed.
We have been cramming for exams over the past few weeks, so there hasn’t been time for me to take her out on a proper date.
I’m jumping this obstacle by bringing the date to us. The boys have helped me keep Willow away from the backyard for the last two days, which has been difficult to say the least, because she knew something was up.
Aiden tsks. “He is very protective of blueberry pancakes, best to stay clear.”
“But I’m hungry,”
I shrug my shoulders while drizzling maple syrup over the pancakes. “Not my problem.”
Groans fill the kitchen until Hayes pulls out the bacon and eggs.
I don’t linger, carrying the plate of blueberry pancakes to Willow’s bedroom. The two of us have practically moved into this room, as it is bigger and has an ensuite.
Willow is leaning against the headboard, my Lakewood jersey clinging to her skin. Fuck me. The plate nearly slips from my hands at the sight.
She is fucking beautiful. I could never look away from her. Red hair cascades, strands hitting her collarbone while her hazel eyes brighten when our gazes meet. I stride toward Willow, capturing her lips.
She pulls back, eyes flicking to the breakfast in my hand.
“Is that for me?”
I place it on her lap. “Of course, Sweetheart. I hate blueberries,”
She smiles, pink splattering on her cheeks. “Thank you. You didn’t need to do this.”
I slide back under the covers, on the left side of the bed. “And you need to accept that I want to do these things for you, okay?”
Willow’s lips curve, despite her obvious attempt to hide it. “Fine. I’m just not used to it,”
Scooting closer, I wrap my arm behind her neck and plant a kiss of her forehead. “I know, besides, today is a special day.”
Willow glares at me. “You’re not one of those people that celebrate one-month anniversaries, are you? Because if you are, I’m afraid–”
I bite her ear lobe, eliciting a gasp. “Eat your pancakes, Red. What I mean is I’m taking you on a date.”
She pauses with the fork still in her mouth. She swallows, her gaze remaining on me. “Really?”
“Yes, our exams are nearly finished, so I figured now was the best time.”
Willow flashes me a bright smile, and I feel on top of the fucking world.
“That sounds nice,”
I lean closer, nipping at her neck. “Oh, it will be better than nice, Sweetheart.”
***
T he backyard of the Hockey House is lit with fairy lights, running along the fences and porch. They cast an orange glow around the yard, while in the middle of the grass, I built a fort out of any materials I could find–a tent, fluffy blankets, and chairs from the outdoor set.
I can’t take all the credit for the structure, with Toby helping me set it up.
Who knew he was a big camper growing up?
“No peaking,” I whisper into her ear.
Willow groans. “How do you make that sound so sexy?”
I hum, planting a kiss on her neck. This night is going to be fucking perfect. It took a lot of work, but she is worth it.
I guide her forward, my palms still covering her eyes. Every little detail carries importance, even if she doesn’t realise it.
We stop before the entrance of the fort. “Okay, Sweetheart. You can look now.” I drop my hands and Willow gasps.
“Holy…” She trails off, spinning to face me. “This is incredible.”
Willow pounces on me, locking our lips until I’ve forgotten how to breath. I groan into her lips, tasting her strawberry chapstick. My hands skate down her body, squeezing her waist and hips before landing on her ass.
Reluctantly, I pull back. “As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, let me show you our fort.”
Willow laughs, intertwining our hands. She lets me lead her under the entrance, which is made from chairs and a blanket covering the top like a roof. Then, it’s into the tent, where too many pillows and fluffy blankets are waiting for us.
She sits next to me, legs crossed. Her eyes wander through the space, and they light up with recognition. “This is like the fort we made with Daisy and the ones Jaz and I would make when we were ten.”
I nod. “I wanted to recreate some of my favourite moments with you. When we were in the fort with Daisy, all I was thinking about was devouring your lips and asking you if you felt the same thing I did.”
Willow swallows, tucking a wild curl behind her ears. “And the other one? I swear you were an absolute terror and trying to destroy me and Jaz’ hard work.”
I chuckle, pulling her closer to me. I don’t say anything as she climbs between my legs and sits in front of me. She leans back into my torso, and I rest my head in the crook of her neck.
“I was a terror because I wanted your attention. Plus, I was a little jealous that my twin didn’t want to hang out with me anymore.”
Willow chokes out a laugh. “You’re a fucking menace.”
I kiss her cheek. “But you wouldn’t have it any other way,”
She hums, turning to face me. There are inches of space between us, and right now, I want to close that gap.
“You’re not wrong,” she whispers, hot breath grazing my face. “Thank you for doing this. I’m still learning to accept that you do things for me out of love and not obligation.”
I grip her chin, fingers hooking underneath so Willow has to hold my gaze. “You are never an obligation. I know the two of us aren’t the best communicators, so promise me something?”
She nods. “If you are ever having doubts about yourself or me? Tell me, please? I never want you to think that I’m not hopelessly in love with you.”
I wipe the stray tear from her cheek and wait for her to move first. Willow breaks my hold on her chin, reaching her arms around my chest. She slides closer to my body heat, pressing into my torso. My heart jumps in my fucking chest every time she sighs.
“I feel like I need to do something for you,” she mutters into my chest.
“No need, Sweetheart. You’re giving me the chance to love again, and that’s all I want.”
We stay like this for minutes. Or maybe it was hours? I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter to me. Willow can stay in my arms for eternity if it means she is safe and loved.