I need to get into the big leagues. There's nothing else for me, and I can't live off the Cartwrights forever.
Willow puts her hand on my bicep. She softly says, "You did awesome. Don't worry. You'll be on Whiplash soon."
I meet her gaze, seeing nothing but understanding there. She's the only one who truly gets me.
"Listen to the little lady. Besides, nine times out of ten, sisters are right, and brothers are wrong," Jax claims.
I cringe inside, wanting to correct him about our relationship, but I know I can't. Over the last seven months, Willow and I have been all over each other. But I still haven't taken her virginity. I don't know why. I want to. Maybe it's the thought of what Jacob, or her brothers, will do to me if he finds out. But something keeps making me take my time with her.
It's getting harder, though. Every time we get close, I back off, but I have to force myself not to talk her into it.
Willow's lips twitch. "You're a very smart man, Coach. I'll remind Wyatt of that when he forgets." She smirks at me, and my cock hardens.
My sassy girl's going to see who's in charge.
"You're close," Jax reiterates, then nods toward my Bronco. "Go on and get out of here. It's Christmas Eve. Enjoy your holiday."
"Merry Christmas," Willow offers.
"You too, little lady. Please keep him in line for me over the next few days. Don't let him party too hard. I don't need him coming back here with a hangover," he says.
She grins. "Don't worry. I'll make sure my brothers don't corrupt him."
"You do that," Jax states.
I groan. "Come on, Willow. Let's get going. Merry Christmas, Coach." I shake his hand.
He holds on to it longer than I expect, and tells me, "You did good, kid. A few more times, and you'll get your ride on Whiplash."
"Yes, sir," I reply, still not pleased he isn't my next ride but able to appreciate the eight seconds I stayed on Blackvein.
Jax adds, "You're close, Wyatt. Real close."
Excitement floods my veins. I try to stay cool, and nod. "Enjoy your holiday. Let's go, Willow." I hold myself back from touching her as I walk her to the passenger side. I open her door. Any gentleman would do it for a lady, so it's one thing I never worry about.
She bats her lashes and slides inside, and her face beams with happiness.
I feel the same. It's hard not to when I'm around her. We've figured out how to act around others and hide our affection for each other, but she makes me so happy. Every moment I spend with her, whether alone or with others, makes me feel giddy.
I get into the Bronco, start the engine, pull out of the gates, and slide my hand on her thigh. I turn toward her and waggle my eyebrows, stating, "Told you today was the day!"
She claps, chirping, "Yay!"
"I'm glad you were here to see it," I admit, and warmth fills my chest.
She beams brighter. "Me too."
I pick up her hand, kiss the back of it, then lace my fingers through hers. With one hand on the wheel, I refocus on the road. "Where do you want to go for shopping?"
"Oh, I had some other plans," she says.
I glance over at her.
She shoots me a coy smile.
A fluttery weightlessness dances under my skin. The space near my zipper disappears. I lean closer, lowering my voice. "Want to fill me in?"
She smirks. "Not really. You can return to the ranch but enter from the backside."
