She leans closer and turns her head, challenging, "Are you scared to go inside?"
I scoff. "Of course not. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"Why would I get hurt?"
"There's a few spots in the floor that are rotting. And that's what I remember from several years ago when I was here last. Who knows what additional damage there is."
She touches my upper thigh, teasing, "Don't worry, Wyatt. I'll protect you from the floorboards."
"Cute."
"Come on," she urges, and flings open her door, sliding out of the SUV.
I follow suit, then step beside her on the porch, where a board snaps.
I jump back, pulling her with me. "Whoa!"
She curls into me and looks up. "Whoops."
"Willow, is there a reason we have to go in here? I can't guarantee you it's safe," I caution.
"Do you want your gift?" She widens her eyes and pretends to pout.
I sigh. "Of course. But I don't want you to get hurt."
"I won't. Come on. We just have to be careful," she insists, and takes a step forward, pulling my hand.
"Let me go first." I step in front of her and cautiously test each board, putting my weight on it before I allow her to. When we reach the door, I open it and step inside the dark room, ordering, "Don't come in yet."
"Why?"
"I need to make sure it's safe."
She scoffs. "I was here last week, silly. It's fine. The bad boards are marked, remember?"
I glance inside. It's so dark, I can barely see the red X marks on the wood. "Why were you here by yourself?"
"For your present."
"You shouldn't be out here by yourself," I scold.
She shuts the door, and the darkness surrounds us. She slides her arms around my waist and tilts her chin up. "Wyatt. Chill out."
"You could have gotten hurt. You?—"
She puts her finger over my lips. "Stop freaking out. Now, tell me you want your gift."
I sigh, trying to relax. I have no idea what her gift is, but she obviously put a lot of thought into it. And no one's ever surprised me like this before, so as worried as I am, I'm also digging it.
She adds, "Please go back to being my cool boyfriend."
I chuckle, slide my arms around her, and cup her ass. "Okay, sugar. I'll be cool since I love you."
She gapes at me.
My heart pounds wildly in my chest and sweat beads on my forehead.
Did I just say that out loud?
