“Yeah,” I agree, but my body doesn’t want to let him leave.
With visible effort, he steps back. Pulls my skirt down and puts space between us. I watch him struggle to control his breathing, to master the Alpha instincts that are clearly screaming at him to stay.
“Goodnight, Willa.”
“Goodnight, Beau.”
I watch him walk back to his truck, every movement tense with restraint. When he looks back at me, I’m still standing here with one hand pressed to my lips, tasting him, remembering.
And I know—with a certainty that terrifies me—that this is never going to work.
I was lying to myself from the beginning. Lying when I said I could keep my heart out of this. Lying when I agreed to two months with a clean break.
Instead, I just stand here and watch his taillights disappear, my body still humming with pleasure, my heart aching with want, and the absolute certainty that two months will never be enough.
Because I’m already falling for Beau McCrea, and all it took was one date.
FIFTEEN
willa
Baby: So… how was the date?
Josie: Baby! Let her wake up first!
Baby: It’s 7 a.m. If she’s not awake yet, she had a VERY good night.
Willa: I hate you both.
Josie: That’s not an answer! Did you have fun?
Willa: …yes.
Baby: AND???
Willa: And nothing. It was nice. We had dinner and danced.
Baby: Girl, I already know that part. If you don’t give me details, I’m coming over there.
Josie: Did he kiss you goodnight?
Willa: …maybe.
Baby: WILLA MARIE JAMES
Willa: Fine. Yes. Happy?
Baby: VERY. Now about Denver…
Willa: What about Denver?
Josie: You’re going with them, right? For the championship?
Willa: I have to. Part of the arrangement.
Baby: Mmhmm. And where are you staying?
Willa: I’m getting my own room.
