Hunter’s jaw wasaching from gnashing his teeth by the time he stopped in front of Willow’s house.It was late Saturday afternoon.He’d suffered glares from Willow’s brothers all day, tried to answer everyone’s questions as near the truth as he could while trying to play the role of the loving fiancé.
Willow was wearing his ring.He wasn’t even sure how he felt about that.If her oldest brother hadn’t asked about it, he’d probably would never have thought about buying one.But here they were, engaged, talking about getting married, lying to everyone.
Neither one of them had spoken a word since leaving town.He didn’t know whether she was angry or irritated or upset, but she wasn’t talking.
Without saying a word, he got out and walked around the truck to open her door.She was, of course, already outside.Irritated and not sure why, he turned around and marched toward her front door.It was no use asking her for the key, she’d probably bite off his head.The one time he’d dared to offer to saddle her horse for her, she’d just about scorched him with a mere look.The lady did everything herself.
He waited until she’d opened the door.“I’ll pick you up for lunch for tomorrow.”
Without looking back at him, she nodded and closed the door behind her.
Exhaling slowly, he turned around to leave.As he stepped down the last step, he heard a sound.His head whipped around.Frowning, he moved back to the door and listened.She was crying, but it couldn’t be, could it?Willow Weston didn’t cry, everyone knew that.
He knocked softly.The crying didn’t stop.Damn it, he couldn’t stand it.Turning the knob, he pushed the door open.Willow had dropped her coat and was sitting on the floor, her head resting on her knees, her whole body shaking as she continued crying.
“Willow, babe, please don’t cry.”Within seconds, he had her in his arms and was walking to the nearest couch.As he sat down, his arms holding her gently, she sniffed.“If you continue, I’m also going to burst into tears.I cry easily and about everything.”
Wiping her tears away, she stared at him.“Really?You’re a man.And cowboys aren’t supposed to cry.”
“This cowboy does.”
At least she’d stopped crying.“Why are you here?”
“You’re crying.”
“I don’t cry!”she wailed.
Combing her hair from her eyes, he wiped her tears with his thumb before bringing it to his lips to taste.“It’s salty.Tears would be my guess.”
“I’m not sure why I’m crying,” She wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
“Probably the same reason why I’m irritated.”
“And why is that?”
His chest was suddenly way too tight.“I don’t know how to feel about this whole fake engagement.I hate lies.”
Pulling on the ring, she jumped up.“I agree.It’s too much, I know.I should’ve told my mom immediately we weren’t discussing marriage.At the time, with everyone looking at us, it seemed like the easiest way to escape.And then on our way here, we spoke about feelings, and you had the idea I should practice on you.You were joking, I knew that, but for some or other strange reason, I persuaded you to continue this fake engagement until next week.And now everyone wants to organize our wedding.I’m sorry.”
Sighing, she dropped her hand.“I’m going to need soap to get this off.Please excuse me for a minute, you’ll have your ring back in no time.”Turning around, she quickly left.
Hunter’s head was spinning.She was on her way to take off his ring.
It was the quickest solution to end the whole mess, she was right.So, why did he hate the idea?
*
Willow couldn’t getthe damn ring off her finger.She’d used soap, she’d pulled and pulled but it wouldn’t budge.To make matters worse, tears were rolling down her cheeks and she was crying.Again.Damn it, she never cried.
A movement to her left caught her eye.Hunter was standing in the door.
When they’d left here this morning, he was fine, happy even, but all the talk about weddings and flowers had left him confused and irritated.Obviously, he was regretting the whole stupid fake engagement silliness.She didn’t need her sixth sense to know he was unsettled.He’d made no secret of his irritation.
“I can’t get it off,” she cried out.Grabbing the soap, she tried again as tears continued to fall.“I’ve tried everything.”
A big hand covered both of hers.“Leave it.”
Sniffing, she looked at him.
