Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“It’s complicated. We’re testing the waters, but there’s a lot at stake with our connection.”
“Bullshit again.”
His eyebrows draw together. “What’s bullshit about being cautious? I have a kid.”
“Any other woman, I’d say it’s smart. But with Bex, you had your mind set before making the first move. She is Willow’s best friend, and by extension, family. You don’t play games with that. It takes a man who knows the risks and isn’t willing to back down because his woman is worth it.”
“Kinda like you pursuing Lo with all her hang-ups?”
“Knew she was worth it.”
He holds my stare, blowing out a breath. “Bex is worth it.”
“When will you stop hiding and make it official?”
“When Bex is convinced Wyatt is okay with her being in our lives full-time. Which happened forever ago, considering she’s been around since he was born.”
“None of my business, man, but what happened to his mom?”
“Woman I dated in residency who freaked out when she got pregnant. Her life plan didn’t include having children until after she established herself. We knew we weren’t long term.”
“She gave up her child?”
“It sounds selfish on the surface, but in truth, it was selfless. She didn’t have any family and worked herself to the bone for everything she accomplished. I was a little older, had endless family support, and was well-established. She agreed to have the baby and give me custody. Never once did I struggle. Grandma, my mom, and Willow stepped in. My boy has the best maternal figures in his little life.”
“Your mom, too?”
“She wasn’t always this misguided. But as soon as shit with Rylee came to light, I had to make decisions.”
“Where’s the birth mother now?”
“She’s moved to Denver, doing well for herself. Dating a new guy.”
“You keep in touch?”
“Yes, she’s not a part of Wyatt’s daily, but that was my deal. Keep her informed of his well-being. She gave me the best gift anyone ever could. I can’t complain.”
“Quite a story.”
“Bex was around for all of it. She knows the gritty details, which is why she’s wary. Add in anxiety about Willow’s reaction, and I’m stuck at snail's pace. I’d prefer to be much further along.”
“Can’t fault a woman for wanting the best for your son.”
“Which is one of the many reasons I’m a lucky man.”
I swallow the rest of my beer. “As enlightening as this conversation is, I get the feeling you had something else?”
“Outside of the incident today, you know what happened to Willow?”
“Yes.”
“My sister will internalize this incident. She has a way of twisting things in her head. Joseph fucked up. I didn’t like the asshole, but I was prepared to suck up personal feelings and support my sister. It took me less than a day to know she wasn’t upset about the permanent loss of him. It stung because of the way it played out. She automatically blamed herself, and the humiliation set in.”
“She won’t go down that road again. Rylee and whoever-the-fuck may have gotten the best of her, but that was before she was mine.”
He studies me closer, his quizzical eyes so similar to Willow’s it’s like reading into his mind. "You got something else?”
“Willow has driven herself hard all her life toward her goals. Being a physical therapist has been on her radar for as long as I can remember.”
“I’m aware.”
“She’s also a dreamer. She didn’t talk much about it, but in moments when she’d let it slip. Husband, kids, big house, animals… the full package. Joseph seemed stable and she settled for ordinary. With you, it’s different. I can see the hope blooming.”
“Willow is taken care of.”
“Talon, if you aren’t in this—”
“Respect, Chase, but don’t finish that sentence. In case you haven’t noticed the kinda man I am, you can have a hint. This thing with us is new, but it’s real. I gave her the time to get used to it. My patience ended the day I found her unconscious. I’m not going anywhere. Willow can chase those dreams, and I’ll be right next to her. She is mine.”
He waits a beat then reaches into the cabinet. He pours a generous shot, then swallows in one gulp. “As the only doctor she’ll see today, I have to inform you that sex is off the table for forty-eight hours. Nothing that will increase her adrenaline or spike her blood pressure. And if I live a century, I hope I never have to say those words about my sister again.”
“Noted.” I openly grin at his scowl.
“Now I’m calling my woman to get her food order and convince her to stay at my place tonight.”
“Have faith you have practice in that area.”
I take the glasses he poured for Willow and Rosie, walking back to the living room. I stop dead at the sight of Willow and Wyatt reading a book, curled into the corner of her sofa. He’s mesmerized as she reads each word with vigor and purpose, bringing the scene to life.