Chapter Thirty-One WILLOW

“Please, I’m begging you. Whatever you end up doing with Rhett, don’t do it in here,” Iris says as we enter her bedroom and she turns on the lamp on her dresser.

I head straight for my bed, flopping on top of the mattress so hard, I swear I bounce. “Like I would. We haven’t even kissed yet.” “That’s coming, you know. And once that happens, forget it.” Iris mimics me, draping her body across her bed.

Rolling over on my side to face her, I prop my elbow on the bed and rest my head on my fist. “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean when you guys finally kiss, and it’s so good your toes curl and you’re scared you might come on the spot just from his freaking lips, watch out. It’s all you’re going to want to do. And you won’t want to stop. He’ll touch your boobs and you’ll let him. He’ll slip his fingers under your clothes and you won’t deny him. He’ll push his fingers inside your panties and you’ll beg for more.” Iris sounds like she’s speaking from experience while I’m over here blushing just from her words.

“I don’t know … that sounds awfully fast.” The idea of any of that used to scare me, but now?

I can’t help but find it exciting because it’s with Rhett.

“You won’t even care. He’ll take your virginity and you won’t even realize it’s happening until he pushes inside of you.”

“Iris!” I sit up, staring at her. “What are you trying to tell me?”

A sigh leaves her as she sits up too, tossing her head back to stare up at the intricate crown molding on the ceiling, her hands braced on the mattress. “I suppose I’m saying I’m not a virgin anymore.”

“When did this happen?” My brain scrambles to come up with the scenario, but I don’t know. I’ve been holed up in my room nightly this past week. Either doing homework or studying or staring at the wall thinking about Rhett.

“A few nights ago, in my room.”

“In your room? You snuck Brooks into your room?” How did I miss this?

“How do you know I lost it to Brooks?”

I gape at her, unable to speak. She leaves me hanging for seconds that feel like hours until she finally bursts out laughing, grabbing a pillow and rolling around on top of her bed like an evil little gremlin.

“You’re the worst,” I mutter, shaking my head.

“You know who’s not?” She doesn’t give me enough time to answer. “Brooks. That boy is too good. He knows exactly what he’s doing.”

“Are you finally going to put him out of his misery and make your relationship public?” I ask, already knowing what her answer is.

“It’s not a relationship, so there’s nothing to make public. I’m still leaning heavily into the illicit affair label.”

“Iris …”

“What?” She sits up again, pushing her hair out of her face. “You can’t judge me, Willow, because you don’t know what it’s like. You’re in the early stages with Rhett while I’m over here thinking about how I can get Brooks back into my bed.”

I remain quiet, mulling over what she’s saying. Knowing she doesn’t want my opinion. She just wants to get her feelings out.

“How does he feel about it?” I finally ask.

“He’s getting free pussy and blow jobs. How do you think he feels?”

Her casual words shock me, how she describes what’s happening between her and Brooks, when maybe it’s more than that to him. Or even her. She has to like him somewhat. Otherwise, she wouldn’t let this happen. So why is she keeping him at arm’s length? Why won’t she acknowledge him and their relationship?

It’s wild to me.

But I’m also the one who thought about sneaking around with Rhett because I can’t acknowledge our relationship, thanks to Westscott. I’m grateful that Rhett is here right now at my family’s estate with his brother. No one is around—specifically the headmaster. No one will see us together.

“Iris.” I rise from my bed and go to hers, settling in right beside her and wrapping my arm around her shoulders. “I want you to think about this over the weekend. About what you’re doing with Brooks and how it might affect him. He probably thinks you’re playing games and just using him.”

With a sigh, Iris rests her head on my shoulder, quiet for a moment as I snuggle her closer. “What if he’s just using me?”

It’s almost a relief, getting this glimmer of vulnerability from her. Something she rarely allows anyone to see. “I don’t think so. He’s going along with your wishes every step of the way.”

“Maybe those are his wishes too. Maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know we’re together.” She turns into me, hooking her hand around the back of my neck, her arm draped across my chest. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Do you like him?”

“I think so.” Her voice is muffled against my chest.

“You should give him a chance then.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“You’re right. It’s not. But you’ll never know if you don’t give him a chance.”

“Maybe …” Her voice drifts, and she lifts away from me, her eyes actually shining with unshed tears. “What about you and Rhett? Are you willing to give him a chance?”

“Yes,” I say without thinking. Without any hesitation either. “I’ve wasted enough time.”

Iris actually starts laughing. “It’s only been a few weeks since school started.”

“It feels like it’s been years.” And it does. The time has both flown and dragged, and I don’t know how that’s possible.

“You should go meet him. Right now.”

My mouth goes dry. “What? No. I couldn’t.”

“Why not?” Iris leaps from the bed and goes to the window, pushing the curtains back to stare outside. “There’s a full moon.”

“So?”

“That’s so romantic.” She turns to face me. “Text him and ask if he’ll meet you out on the back terrace right now. I’m sure he will.”

“What if he’s asleep already?”

“Come on. Even if he’s in bed, I’m sure he’d rather see you than sleep.” She waves a hand at me. “Go on. Text him.”

“I don’t have his number,” I admit.

“Oh my God.” Iris stomps over to where she left her phone and grabs it, tapping away at the screen. Within minutes, she’s rattling off Rhett’s phone number to me while I hurriedly add it to my contacts, nerves making my skin buzz. “There. Text him.”

“Who did you ask for his number?”

“Your brother.” Iris’s smile is smug.

“You didn’t tell him I was the one who wanted it, did you?”

“If you think Row isn’t aware of what’s going on between you and Rhett, then you’re blind.” Iris tosses her phone on the bed. “But no. I didn’t tell him. You have nothing to worry about.”

I open up a new text thread with Rhett’s number and stare at the screen, unsure. What do I say to him? Will he even realize it’s me? I suppose I should lead with that.

Me: Hey, it’s Willow.

I send just that text first to test the conversation out. He responds almost immediately.

Rhett: How’d you get my number?

My cheeks are hot from embarrassment. Thank God he’s not here to witness it.

Me: Row gave it to Iris.

Rhett: Sneaky.

Rhett: Are you with her right now?

Me: Yes.

Rhett: Want to meet up? It’s still early.

It’s almost eleven o’clock and normally I’d be tired. I’m not though. Even if I tried to go to bed, I’d be too excited to sleep.

Me: Okay. Where do you want to meet?

Rhett: You tell me. This is your family’s house.

He has no idea where to go. A person could easily get lost in this giant house. I get lost in it sometimes and I’ve been coming here since I can remember.

Me: Meet me at the base of the stairs in fifteen minutes.

Rhett: Fifteen minutes? Why so long?

Me: I need to get ready.

Rhett: You don’t need to do anything. You’re beautiful. Meet me right now.

I smile at his impatience.

Me: I want to change my outfit.

Rhett: Don’t bother getting fancy for me, Will. This house is intimidating enough. I don’t need you trying to impress me.

Me: But I want to wear something more comfortable.

Rhett: Don’t let me stop you then. Meet in five?

Me: Ten.

Rhett: Seven?

He’s making me giggle.

Me: Ten.

Rhett: See you soon, princess.