He swallows hard. "Everything."
Too many minutes pass. Wyatt's gaze locks on mine. Holy. Dark. Spinning with the past that's no longer ours.
"Too much time has passed," I claim, with my insides screaming it's not true.
His face falls. "So that's it? We're not going to discuss anything?"
A soft, sarcastic laugh flies out of my mouth. "What did you expect? You'd come here, and I'd run back into your arms?"
"No. Nothing of the sort," he claims.
"Really? Because I think you did. I think you remember the girl I used to be, and you know nothing about the woman I am now," I assert.
"You're right. So let me get to know you," he softly replies without hesitation.
But I don't consider his proposal. "Why? So you can run away when it gets tough? Then pick the next girl who's shinier than me?" Tears fill my eyes again.
"Willow—"
"Don't you sit there all denim and drawl like you own the sunset, then deny it. You no longer know me, but I know you. So let's be honest. The only reason you're here right now is because it's convenient for you," I accuse.
His head jerks backward.
Another tear falls down my cheek, and I scoff. "Go on. Admit it. I'll respect you more for your honesty."
He stares at me with dangerous, coiled-up hunger.
The quiver strengthens in my belly. I add in a lower voice, "We had our time. It was fun. But it was long ago. There's nothing left." I spin, take two steps, and he lunges at me.
He moves me against the wall, leaning over me, reeking of the scent that haunts me. His hand cups my cheek, rough, steady, and another reminder of all we were.
My breath hitches.
His words roll out of his mouth, dragging along my spine. "That's a lie, sugar." His gaze drifts to my lips.
My heart beats hard against my chest.
"Everything's still there. You just have to want it to be," he claims, his dark gaze challenging me once more.
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
He flicks his thumb over my chin, and I shudder. He murmurs, "I don't remember Willow Cartwright being dishonest."
"I'm not."
He arches his eyebrows like he caught me in a lie. "No?" He hovers closer, his breath beating into my lips so hot, I feel it in my thighs.
I stay silent, my pulse out of control.
"I wasn't the man you needed. I know that. But I can be better," he declares, and I almost believe him.
Almost.
It's just another one of his cowboy promises wrapped in barbed-wire heat,I tell myself.
I take a deep breath, lift my chin, and drag my finger down his cheek.
He presses closer, his body singing against mine.
