‘Jake, I …’
Willow seemed to be struggling to find the right words, but she wasn’t shutting this down all together. That was all Lucas needed to hear. He moved away. He didn’t want to hear anymore. He couldn’t stand it any longer. Willow could barely look at him. Jake was heady with love and gratitude towards her and as usual, Lucas was on the outside looking in. Jake coming back here for good would be the worst outcome.
He didn’t want to be in this freaking mess. This wasn’t what he asked for.
Why was everything going so desperately wrong?
He leaned against the counter, watching the activity swarm around him. Only an hour or so before, Willow and he had been together. It had been the most wonderful moment, as if in that brief time, they were the only people in the world. They had had sex. It had been beautiful and dangerous and just how he had imagined. Everything he had dreamed of had been in his arms momentarily and now it was gone.
He should regret it, but how could he regret something so good?
It was almost cruel that he had got what he wanted but had it snatched away again.
‘Dude.’
Lucas turned to see Greg standing there. He looked exhausted. Dirt smudges lined his face, and his glasses were cracked. This night had taken its toll on them all.
‘I’m going back to the bar; I need to check out the damage,’ he said quietly. ‘I wanted to make sure you were OK first though?’
‘Me? I’m fine.’ Lucas shrugged. ‘The Diner is still standing, isn’t it? I’ll be alright.’
‘That wasn’t what I meant.’ Greg nodded towards Jake and Willow. Jake had his arm around Willow now as they both watched Eric being placed on a stretcher. ‘I saw you disappear into the backroom with her. You were gone for some time.’
‘You should set up with the Parkers,’ Lucas muttered. ‘You’re getting good at spying on people.’
‘Stop avoiding the question,’ Greg urged gently. ‘Are you alright?’
Lucas could have denied it. He could have brushed him off with some excuse or another, but what would be the point? Greg knew him better than anyone.
And Lucas was so damn tired.
‘No.’ Lucas sighed heavily. ‘No, I’m not OK, and I haven’t been all the time she’s been back in town.’
Because that was the truth. Willow Davis was slowly killing him, and he no longer knew what to do about it.
He watched Willow and Jake standing together by the door of The Diner. Most of the townsfolk had been treated and moved now, so it was quiet inside. Eric had just been loaded onto an ambulance. Lucas felt helpless as he leaned against the counter, wishing he could look away but not being able to.
Instead, he continued to watch as Jake took Willow’s hands in his, as he pulled her into a tight hug. Her head rested against his shoulder so easily, like it belonged there.
He then watched as Jake’s hand gently stroked her hair. As he kissed her forehead.
A deep hollow opened inside him. Lucas felt giddy and sick.
That should be him. Not Jake.
How could this be happening again?
Jake was talking gently to her and Willow raised her head slowly and nodded along. Her eyes were locked on Jake’s; her smile was sweet and true.
Lucas ran a hand through his hair and let his heart finally shatter.
His thoughts were dark but determined. This had to end now.
He had to finally learn to let her go.
Chapter 33
Willow
