‘That’s OK,’ she said, trying to sound casual.
Lucas walked closer to her. Willow could smell his woody aftershave. Their arms were so close, they were practically touching, and a buzz of electricity rippled through her body.
What the hell was going on?
‘You didn’t tell me what had upset you,’ he said. ‘Although, I’m thinking I can guess.’
‘I wanted to come and see her place, but it’s harder than I thought it would be,’ she said quietly. ‘I hear a new guy owns it now.’
‘Yeah. He’s called Adam or something. I think he’s ournew vet. I’ve met him a few times. Nice enough, I suppose. He comes to The Diner sometimes.’
She shifted a little and smiled uneasily. ‘I guess times change.’
‘They sure do.’ Lucas was staring intently at the house. She could see the softening in his gaze; his dark eyes were now like warm liquid. She wanted to dive right in.
‘We were so happy hanging out there, weren’t we?’ he said finally.
She nodded. ‘We were.’
‘And Martha – she was one of the best. I keep thinking I can still walk over here and have her mac and cheese. Nobody makes it like she did …’
Willow nodded again. She couldn’t speak. Her eyes were filling up again.
Lucas was suddenly there. His hands gently pressed her arms; his worried gaze was now locked onto hers. It was hard to look into those eyes. It felt like she was being drawn into something delicious but dangerous.
‘Will, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you,’ he whispered.
‘It’s OK …’ She hated the wobble in her voice but forced herself to continue. ‘I just thought I would be able to deal with this, you know? But she’s not there, is she? She’s not coming back.’
Lucas drew her towards him, pulling her into a hug. His chest was firm and warm, and despite her doubts, she melted against it. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been properly held like this. She breathed in the scent of him, and it was instantly comforting.
‘It’s never easy letting go,’ he whispered. ‘But I think they are still here, in the Springs. Martha and my mom. It mightbe crazy, but I still feel them around us. I think the Springs holds them close.’
‘It’s not crazy. It’s beautiful.’
His hand stroked her head slowly. With every touch, electricity fizzled through her again. She quickly pulled away. What was she even doing? This wasn’t right.
She had Jake.
She had a boyfriend in Seattle!
Lucas stepped back quickly as if stung. ‘I’m sorry—’
‘It’s fine, but I should be getting back. I need to call Jake soon, let him know how I’m doing.’
‘Jake.’ Lucas nodded; his face had gone back to the moody, dark mode. ‘Yeah, of course.’
‘Thank you for being kind and everything just now, but I am alright. Honestly.’
Lucas’s hands were back in his pockets. ‘If you say so.’
‘I do.’ She forced a grin. ‘And now I better go. I have so much to do.’
She left Lucas standing there, feeling his burning stare on her back with every step.
On the way back to Jenn’s cabin, Willow’s phone rang. She was surprised to see it was Jake. He didn’t usually call her at this time. He was normally far too busy.
‘Hey,’ she said brightly.
