Chapter 16

Willow

"I didn't wake you, did I?" Clutching my phone to my ear, I grab my cup of coffee and quietly shut the front door behind me. I lean against the railing on my front porch, staring out at the ocean as I pull my robe tighter to my body.

"I have a newborn, Willow. I've been up for two hours already."

"Aw. How is my sweet little nephew?" Shauna had her baby boy two weeks ago after going a week past her due date, and I promised her once the house was done, I'd be flying straight out to visit. I offered to be there for the birth, but she assured me that between Forrest's family and her own, she'd have too many people to worry about, and wanted our visit to be just about us spending time together.

"He's perfect. Doesn't understand the concept of sleep yet, but we're getting there."

"I'm sorry I haven't called in a while—"

"Nonsense," she says, cutting me off, "I've been busy, Willow, and I knew you'd call when you needed me. So, to what do I owe the honor of this phone call?"

Sighing, I stare down into my cup of coffee. "Shauna, I think I've done something bad…"

"Oh God. What?"

"But it felt sooooo good," I whine.

Her laughter fills the line. "Quoting Taylor Swift? I like where this is going already." She grows quiet, and then says, "You slept with the restaurant owner, didn't you?"

"I did. But that's not the problem."

"First of all, having sex with whomever you want isn't even a problem to begin with. You're a grown ass woman and deserve to get off when and with whom you see fit."

"Thanks for the pep talk."

"No problem. Now, what's the issue you're concocting in your head?"

"I'm not just speculating, Shauna. This is serious."

I hear the baby cry in the background. Shauna tells her husband to bring her their son, Hudson, so he can eat. I wait for her to get situated and then she replies, "Sorry. Mom duty calls."

"You don't have to apologize to me."

"I'm just a human milk factory now." She chuckles, sighing in contentment. "Anyway, please continue."

"Well, remember that the man that left me this house said he knew my parents?"

"Yes."

"Well, it turns out that man was Dallas's dad."

"And Dallas is?"

"The restaurant owner, Shauna!" I hiss, lowering my voice instantly because I don't want to wake up the man in question. I left him sleeping alone in my bed when I opened my eyes far earlier than I wanted to, especially because he kept me up until almost two in the morning, giving me some of the best sex I've ever had. It's been years since I've stayed up that late, but I guess when you're sleeping with someone whose business doesn't close until midnight, late nights are par for the course.

"Please tell me you're joking."

"I wish I were. Believe me. He came over earlier this week to keep me calm during a crazy storm that blew through, and then some stuff happened that night, which led to him asking me out."

"Holy crap."

"And last night he took me out and we ended up back at my house."

"And he has no idea about the connection?"

"No. The worst part is, he wants this house, Shauna, and his dad owned it the entire time, saving it for me." I yank on my hair. "What am I supposed to do about all this?"

Shauna blows out a breath. "This is a lot. But why is it a problem if you're just gonna leave and sell it to him anyway?"

"I…I don't know if I want to sell anymore."

There. I said it—the thought that's been on my mind for the past week.

"Are you serious?" she asks through a whisper.

I set my coffee cup on the railing and brush my hair behind my ear. "Being here for the past six weeks has made me realize that my life has been so lonely. And I don't know what it is about this town—"

"Small towns will suck you in and never let you go, Willow. Hence why I'm back in Newberry Springs," she cuts me off, saying out loud what I've been afraid of.

"My mind is a mess, Shauna. And now my heart is involved too, even though that's the last thing I wanted."

"You can't avoid feelings, Willow. You can try, and lord knows that you have for years, but eventually they'll catch up to you. Trust me on that."

"But this isn't just my feelings, Shauna. This is my life. My business is in D.C., my apartment is there. But down here, I feel…"

"Like someone new?"

"Like me," I whisper, afraid to say it louder because it scares me how true those words are.

For most of my adult life, I feel like I've had to be strong because that's what people expected of me, especially once they heard my story—the two-year-old girl who lost both of her parents, had no other family to speak of so was taken in by their best friends, and still managed to turn into a successful businesswoman, building a multimillion-dollar advertising business from the ground up.

I wasn't allowed to fall apart, to be angry about the fact that I was robbed of a life I could have had if my parents hadn't died. I was still so fortunate, grew up in a loving home, never went without, and experienced financial success on a level that most people only dream of.

But I always felt like some part of me was missing—real roots, a foundation—a place where I belong. Sometimes I feel like the life I'm living isn't the one I was supposed to have.

"That's a good thing, Willow."

"It is, but it's also complicated. This man, Shauna…" I groan out loud. "He's stubborn and cocky, but he sees me, he's thoughtful even when I've given him plenty of reasons not to be, and he makes me feel safe. He listens, doesn't shy away from the fact that I'm successful, and the way he touches my body..." I shudder at the memory. "In fact, he overheard me on a call last night and told me the way I handled the situation was a turn on."

"Sounds like he doesn't mind a woman in control."

"That's the thing…in bed though? He's the one in control, and it's so fucking hot."

Shauna laughs. "Sounds about right."

"What do I do? I'm completely out of my depth here."

"Honestly, Willow, it depends on what you want for the long term. Do you see a future with this guy? If this is just a vacation fling, then there's no reason to bring up the past and rattle his life with unspoken secrets if you plan on leaving. But if you want to stay, is it for you or him?"

"I don't know. Part of me gave into him because I thought this would be temporary, but after last night…"

"You want more."

"I think I might." Biting my lip, I lift my coffee cup and take another sip. "Oh, shit. I can't believe I forgot to tell you the worst part."

"Jesus, there's more?"

"The night I found out about the connection between Dallas and his dad was the night of the veterans' dinner."

"I remember you telling me about that."

"Yeah. Well, later that night after I left in a hurry, I had a visitor. And you're never going to believe who it was…"

"There you are."

I spin around so fast, I nearly fall over as Dallas walks out the front door, shirtless and in nothing but his boxer briefs. The muscles of his torso glisten in the sunlight, highlighting the scar on his ribs I noticed last night, sending a flood of heat right between my legs.

We had sex three times last night, but apparently that wasn't enough for my greedy vagina, and she's ready for round four.

"Hey. I didn't want to wake you so I came out here to make a call," I say, still awestruck by the mouthwatering specimen of a man standing in front of me.

He runs a hand through his messy hair—his sex hair—and damn him, it makes him look even more appealing. "I appreciate that. Is there more coffee, though?"

"Yeah. Let me end this call and I'll be right in."

He takes a few steps toward me, tilting my chin up before gently pressing his lips to mine. "Take your time, Goose."

I wait for him to go back in the house before remembering that I'm on the phone with Shauna.

"Hello? Earth to Willow. Are you still there?" her voice calls out to me.

"Uh, yeah. I'm here." I clear my throat and continue, "Look, I've got to go."

"You're going to leave me hanging like that? Who showed up at the house? And why did he call you Goose?"

I lower my voice and turn my back to the house again. "I can't have this conversation with Dallas around, okay?"

"Willow, you need to decide what you want to do."

"I know…"

"And honestly, I say go for it."

"I don't know if I can."

"You can do whatever you want, Willow. It's your life. The question is, do you have the guts to make a choice for yourself? One that isn't tied to your job or what you think people expect from you?"

"Get right to the point, why don't you?" I reply sarcastically, even though I know she's right.

"That's what I'm here for. But I will tell you this, coming from my own experience—secrets will come out eventually, so the most important thing is that he hears the truth from you and not someone else. Trust me. If you want to explore this relationship with him further, you need to be prepared to tell him everything."

"What if he can't look past it?"

Shauna sighs audibly. "That's just a chance you're going to have to take, but trust me, you can't have a relationship built on half-truths."

I close my eyes. "Okay."

"In the meantime, enjoy the sex, and keep me posted."

Chuckling, I say, "I will. And you'd better keep sending me pictures of my nephew."

"I have about five hundred I could send to you right now."

"I expect them all within the hour."

She laughs, making me feel slightly better. "I love you, Willow. You'll figure this out. I know you will."

"Thank you. Talk to you soon."

As I end the call, Dallas comes back outside, holding his own cup of coffee. "Everything okay?"

I turn to face him again, admiring how attractive he is, remembering how his body felt on top of mine, and the fact that those darkened eyes were focused on me last night. And then I think about how he makes me feel beyond physically—like I'm worth his attention, like he wants me here, like what I have to say is important. I've shared more of myself with this man than any man before him, that's for sure.

Doesn't that tell you something, Willow?

"Yeah. I was just talking to my best friend, Shauna. She lives in Texas."

"And what were you two talking about?" He crowds me against the railing, pushing his hips into mine. I feel him grow hard the second we touch.

"You."

He smirks before taking a sip of his coffee. "What about me?"

"How horrible the sex was and I wasn't sure how to break things off with you this morning."

He narrows his eyes at me. "You may be able to pull off a bullshit statement like that with someone else, Willow, but I know for certain that you couldn't have faked all eight of the orgasms I gave you last night. So, care to try again?"

I swallow hard as my body screams for him to make the total nine. "You counted?"

"No need to, babe." He taps his temple. "The sight of you coming undone each and every time will be seared into my brain for all eternity."

With one hand still holding my coffee and phone, I wrap the other around his neck, drawing his face closer to mine. "I've always strived to leave a lasting impression on people."

"Oh, you're leaving one on me for sure, Willow." The taste of coffee on his lips melds with my own as he kisses me softly, giving me just the tip of his tongue. When he draws back, he says, "I guess the question is, what do you want to do about it?"

That's what I've been debating since before he took me out last night, and what I was trying to explain to Shauna.

But I think she's right. Until I know exactly what I want to do, there's no use in stirring up the past and baring truths that may never need to be revealed, especially since my visitor cautioned me with the same sentiment.

For the time being, why can't I just enjoy this man, this town, and my time here? Because ultimately, when I look back on my adventure in Carrington Cove, I want to do so with fond memories, not a list of regrets—although at this point, I feel like that might just be impossible.

"I think you should take me back to bed before I have to do some work," I answer honestly and my libido jumps at the idea as well.

His grin is borderline lethal. "Good answer."

***

"Hey, stranger." Astrid bumps her shoulder against mine just as I find my footing next to her. Cheers erupt from the sideline of the field across from us as the other team scores a goal. "Damn it."

"What's the score?"

"Three to one now. We're losing."

I cast a glance over to Penn and Dallas, their heads stuck together talking strategy. "There's still time left, right?"

"Yeah, we just started the third quarter." Astrid blows out a breath and then turns to face me. "So, where have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you since the veterans' dinner."

It's true, but everything that has happened since that night has taken me by surprise and even now, I'm not sure where it's leading me.

Only time will tell, I guess.

"Work and stuff with the house have kept me busy."

She eyes me curiously. "And has Dallas been keeping you busy too?"

I fight to hide my smile but fail miserably. "Maybe."

She shoves my shoulder again. "I knew it. You dropped me for a man."

I reach for her hand and she lets me take it. "I did not drop you."

"I know, I'm just giving you crap," she says with a wink.

"Good. It's just been a crazy week, and now…" My eyes find Dallas again as he finishes talking to a player on the field. Our eyes meet and then he tips his chin up at me, flashing me his panty-melting smirk before focusing back on the game.

"Now you're dating my boss and can't remember your own name?"

"Huh?" I ask, my eyes still locked on Dallas's before dropping down to his ass.

Astrid waves a hand in front of my face. "Hello? Is anyone home over there?"

Blinking, I focus back on her. "Sorry. What did you say?"

"Jesus, should I go ahead and mark my calendar for the wedding?" she teases.

"God, no. Look, I have no idea what is happening between us, but whatever it is, it's fun and good…really good." I bounce my eyebrows at her.

"Lucky." She sighs. "It's been years since I've had a good time, if you catch my drift."

I wrap my arm around her. "That's understandable, Astrid."

"I know, but hey, I'm happy for you." And then something dawns on her. "What does this mean about the house then? Are you still planning on leaving?"

"I—" My response is cut off as Bentley kicks the ball into the goal, scoring for his team.

"Yes! Great shot, Bentley!" Astrid screams, clapping and jumping up and down beside me.

"Heck yeah!" Dallas clenches his fist in front of him, running up the sideline to high five Bentley as he runs past us. But before he heads back to his post, he comes over to me, places a quick kiss on my lips, and squeezes my hip. "Hey, Goose."

Astrid and I both watch him walk back to Penn, whose knowing smile indicates he's privy to the developments between Dallas and me as well.

"Um, that didn't look casual, Willow," she mumbles in my ear. "In fact, I'm pretty sure he just called you Goose. That's quite the nickname. Care to explain?"

Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms over my chest. "It's nothing."

She stands in front of me as the ref blows the whistle and the game starts back up. "It's okay to like him, Willow. Hell, I saw the sparks fly between the two of you the moment you stepped foot in Catch Release."

"We're just two single adults having fun." Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Willow.

"Doesn't look like just fun to me." She arches a brow and I do the same, telling her with my eyes to end the conversation.

"I think it's time we turn the discussion to you. What's new? Anything exciting?"

She yells something at the boys on the field and then looks back at me. "Actually, yes. Greg and Jenny, the owners of the Sunshine Bakery, are looking to retire. And I think I might try to buy the store."

"Oh my God, that's incredible! You'd be amazing at running that place, Astrid."

She laughs me off. "Thanks, but it's not the business side I'm worried about. It's qualifying for the loan. We live off the death benefit from when Brandon died, plus my tips from the restaurant and my part-time paychecks from the bakery, which aren't much."

Without any hesitation, I say, "I'll invest in you."

Astrid nearly falls over as she spins to face me. "What?"

Shrugging like it's no big deal, I say, "Let me be your investor. You can pay me back on whatever timeline works for you. Let me help you, Astrid." Money is no object, but that's not why I want to do this.

"I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not asking, I'm offering." I grab her hands. "You're the only one who made an effort to be my friend here, and even if I don't plan on staying, I believe in you, and you deserve this. You deserve something of your own."

God, it's like speaking to myself all those years ago, taking the leap of faith to start Marshall Advertising.

She worries her bottom lip between her teeth. "I can't."

"You can, and you will. Let me know when you want to go to the bank, and I'll be there."

"Willow…" Her eyes brim with tears until she throws herself at me, wrapping me in her arms. I reciprocate her hug. "Thank you."

Feelings—so many feelings rush through me—contentment, gratitude, and purpose.

If I hadn't come to Carrington Cove, I never would have met this woman. I never would have gotten the chance to know someone that is a true survivor. I know Shauna says that I am, but I haven't endured the same loss that Astrid has.

She deserves this—a chance to stand on her own two feet, to show her children how to be independent, and to have something of her own, a business that can change her life.

Just like she's changed mine.

The thought of leaving her nearly knocks me back as we release each other.

If I leave Carrington Cove, I'm not just leaving Dallas, I'm leaving her too.

"Let me talk to Greg and Jenny this week, and I'll get back to you." She wipes away tears from under her eyes just as the ref blows the whistle, signaling something happened on the field.

"I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."

She grabs my hand again and squeezes it. "I wish you wouldn't go anywhere at all."

After the game is over and I've said my goodbyes to Astrid and her kids, Dallas finds me waiting for him under a tree, shading myself from the sun.

"This was a nice surprise," he says in greeting.

I take his aviators off so I can see his eyes. "Good job today, Coach."

He leans down and plants his lips on mine. For a moment, I worry about people seeing us, but then his tongue touches mine, and my reservations fade away. "If you want, I can show you some of my moves from my other playbook."

"Don't you have a restaurant to run?" I ask as he presses his erection into me.

"I could play hooky…for you."

No man has ever offered to skip work to spend time with me.

Dallas isn't like the other men that have momentarily popped in and out of your life, Willow.

"I can't ask you to do that. Plus, it's a Saturday night. You know the place will be crazy." His lips dance all over my neck before he groans.

"You're right. What if I come over after?"

"I'll be asleep. Someone kept me up the past two nights and I'm exhausted."

"You should file a formal complaint with his manager." He nibbles on my earlobe before moving his teeth to my collarbone.

"I would, but he's the boss."

Dallas lifts his head to meet my eyes. "Yes, he is. And you like it that way."

A shiver runs down my spine. "Yeah, I kind of do."

He kisses me once more, rendering me speechless. "So, what about tomorrow night? I want to hear you scream my name again, and soon." His fingers tighten on my hips.

"Penn is coming by the house tonight and tomorrow, but I'm free at night."

"Then come to the restaurant. I close earlier on Sundays. I can feed you and then maybe you can stay with me this time?" The lack of confidence in his voice has me fighting back a grin.

Was he nervous to ask me that?

"I think that might work."

A triumphant smile graces his lips. "Then it's settled. I'll see you tomorrow night."

***

After a long day of painting and sanding cupboards, Penn comes up to me, wiping sweat from his brow. We both look like a mess, but the house is coming along nicely.

After the game on Saturday, he followed me home and helped me take the doors off the kitchen cupboards, preparing them for paint, and all day today we've been working around each other, trying to knock out the first coat on the doors and the frame of the cupboards in the kitchen before he starts on the hardwood floors this week.

"The cupboards are turning out great." He eyes the slabs of wood lying on the floor I've covered with sheets.

"Thanks. I really like the navy blue. I think it was the right color choice."

"I agree. And once the white marble countertops get here, the color contrast will be perfect for the house."

"I think so too." Pushing my hair out of my face, I stare up at him. "Any word on the roofing materials?"

"They should be delivered this coming weekend, so I can get that done next week. Dallas will probably come over and help me."

It was only a matter of time before one of us brought him up. "Oh, good."

Penn chuckles. "That's all you have to say?"

"Was I supposed to say something else?"

He crosses his arms over his chest, staring at me intently. "I don't know. How about you tell me what's going on with my brother?"

"What has he said to you?" I mimic his stance.

"Nope. I asked you first."

Sighing, I drop my hands and busy myself with cleaning up my mess for the day. The paint needs to dry before I can do my second coat, and I can't look at Penn or he might see right through me. "Nothing is going on. We're adults. We're having fun." I sneak a peek at him as his brow furrows. "What?"

"What about the house?"

I turn my back to him. "What about it?"

"You know what, Willow. He wants it, still does. But now?"

I spin back to face him. "He's the one that pursued me, Penn. And for once, I gave into the moment. Do I regret it? No. But…"

Penn shakes his head. "It makes this complicated."

"You have no idea," I mutter under my breath as I stare out the front window at the ocean.

"If you're going to leave, you have to sell this house to him, Willow. At least give him that."

My eyes snap to his. "I haven't decided anything yet, okay? And don't you think Dallas would be pissed if he knew you were talking to me about this?"

"I don't give a shit about what my brother thinks, but I am going to look out for him."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Penn drops his arms now, his expression softening. "He's different now, Willow, and it started when you walked into town. My brother has been through some shit. Hell, my entire family has. But since we were kids, he's wanted this house, and when he finally gets the chance, you show up. Dallas doesn't let people in. Trust me, I know. I've watched him keep blinders on for years, until you made him drop them." He runs a hand through his hair. "I guess I'm just asking you not to hurt him."

Swallowing down the lump in my throat that formed from his admission, I say, "What makes you think I'm the one that will hurt him?"

"Because I see the way he looks at you, and I know that look all too well."

I tilt my head at him. "You mean the same way you look at Astrid?"

Penn freezes. "That's irrelevant."

"No it's not. It's very much the same."

"Regardless," he says, his jaw clenched, "this is about you and Dallas, which brings me to my next point." He waves his hand out to the side. "I'm starting on these floors on Tuesday, and it would be a lot easier to knock them out if you weren't here."

"Are you kicking me out of my house?"

Penn chuckles. "Kind of, but I happen to have a brother that I'm sure wouldn't mind you staying with him." He winks over his shoulder as he heads toward the kitchen.

"Did you already speak to him about this?" I call after him.

"Nope. I thought it'd be better coming from you." When he comes back to the living room, he says, "And I'd probably say something soon, you know, before you change your mind and chicken out."

"I wouldn't chicken out."

Penn bobs his head from side to side. "I guess that's debatable, huh?"

"God, you're just as infuriating as your brother."

"Nah, he's still got me beat, but at least I gave you the courtesy of asking before he thinks I'd offer for you to stay at my place."

"Do you have a death wish?"

Penn laughs. "Nope, and the fact you know what his reaction would be tells me all I need to know about how you feel about him too."

***

I walk into Catch Release just after eight o'clock, freshly showered and dressed in clothes that don't have paint all over them.

Astrid flags me down as soon as our eyes meet. "What are you doing in here?"

"She's here to eat," Dallas answers for me as I take a seat at the bar.

Astrid casts him a knowing glance. "Are you sure that's the only thing she's here for?"

"Don't you have tables to take care of?" he fires back, ignoring her question.

"I see how it is. You two are playing it close to the vest." She mimics zipping her lips. "I understand." Grabbing a tray full of drinks, she hoists it up on her shoulder and then saunters off.

After she's out of earshot, I turn to Dallas. "Sorry about her, but she does know about us. I hope that's okay."

Dallas leans over the bar, bringing his head closer to mine and planting a swift kiss to my lips. "I don't care who knows about us, Willow, but Astrid likes to give me shit just as much as Penn. It's what we do." He shrugs before standing tall again.

My shoulders drop with relief. "I can tell. Speaking of Penn," I say, getting to the point of why I'm here. "He wants to start on the floors on Tuesday and says I should vacate the house. Says it will be easier if I'm not there."

"Okay…" His brow furrows as he waits for me to continue.

"I think I'm going to head back to D.C. for a few days."

Dallas's shoulders tense up. "Oh."

We stare at each other for a few moments before I finally clear my throat. "I've been gone for weeks, and honestly, I should really check in on my company." Toying with the coaster in front of me, I focus on the distraction instead of meeting his eyes.

Dallas pushes himself off the bar and reaches for a towel, wiping off the bar. "Makes sense."

"I'll be back by Thursday, Friday at the latest…"

Our eyes finally meet. "It's okay, Willow. I get it. Your life is up there. The choice is logical." One of his employees calls him over, halting our conversation. Dallas holds a finger up to him, and then says to me before he leaves, "I've got to get back to work. We can talk more about this after we close."

"Okay," I mumble as he walks away, just as Astrid comes back behind the bar.

"Everything all right?"

I groan, dropping my head in my hands. "I have no idea what I'm doing."

And after seeing Dallas's reaction to my leaving, I seriously wonder if I'm making the right decision about a lot of things. I know Penn suggested I stay with Dallas, but that would only make it that much harder to leave when my time here is over. Besides the floors, the only things left are the roof and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, a decision we came to before he left today. If I'm going to put a new roof on the place, might as well spruce up the rest of the house, right?

With only those projects left, the timeline for renovations ended up being shorter than we anticipated, which means my time here in this magical town is coming to an end soon.

Going back to D.C. is inevitable, and even though every moment I spend here makes me fantasize about a life in Carrington Cove—with Dallas, Astrid, and those muffins—it's just not possible.

My business is six hours away.

My life has been there for the past ten years.

I still don't know what to think about my surprise visitor.

And I'm keeping a secret from this man that could destroy him.

I can't be responsible for doing that to another person.

"What's going on?" Astrid asks, pulling me from my inner turmoil.

"I have to go back home for a few days."

"Okay…" She glances over at where Dallas is standing, smiling and talking to a few customers, and then it hits her. "Oh."

"Yeah."

"Well, you'll be back, right?"

I lean back in the chair. "Yes, but not for much longer."

Astrid takes a deep breath. "I hate to ask this, but does your offer to invest in the bakery still stand even though you're leaving?"

"Of course, Astrid. I wouldn't go back on that promise," I assure her.

She sighs in relief. "Okay. Well, Greg and Jenny agreed to sell to me, and the bank said I wouldn't qualify for the loan on my own. So, maybe when you get back this week we can meet up at the bank? You know, before the chaos of the Carrington Cove Games starts?"

"Oh, crap. That's this coming weekend, huh?"

"Yes. And you can't miss that." She tilts her head at me. "Don't worry about Dallas, Willow. He's a big boy and I'm pretty sure he knew the score before he started whatever it is y'all have going on."

"I know, but it still doesn't make me feel great. I guess part of me feels like I'm leading him on."

She tips her shoulder up, smiling. "Well, is there any chance that you might consider staying? And I'm not just asking for my own selfish reasons."

"I—"

But I don't get a chance to answer before another server comes over and places a club sandwich in front of me, along with a dirty martini with three olives.

"Oh, uh…I didn't order this."

The server tips her head in Dallas's direction. "Dallas ordered it for you."

Our eyes meet and in that moment, I try to answer Astrid's question for the hundredth time.

Do I want to stay in Carrington Cove?

Yes.

But can I stay without dire consequences?

Part of me already knows the answer to that too.

Astrid leaves me to tend to her customers. I keep my seat at the bar, finishing my meal and drink as the night winds down. Sunday nights aren't as busy as a Friday or Saturday, which is why Dallas closes the restaurant at nine.

When the last customer leaves, he locks the door and stands there for a minute with his back to me. He hasn't said a word to me since I told him my plans, and I'm dying to know where his head is at.

Timidly, I ask him, "Everything okay?"

He turns to face me, and there's a determination in his eyes. "Yes and no."

"Care to elaborate?"

His legs carry him over to me, his strides purposeful and deliberate. His shoulders are pressed back, his dark eyes locked on mine, and when he finally stands before me, he frames my face in his hands and crushes his lips to mine.

The kiss takes me by surprise, but it only takes me a second to fall right into step with him, sliding my tongue against his, pressing my breasts to his chest, trying to get as close to him as possible.

I never want to get this close to anyone.

"Fuck, I missed this mouth," Dallas mumbles against my lips, dragging my bottom lip between his teeth before licking the sting away and pulling me closer to him again.

"I'm right here."

"Yes, you are. For tonight, you're still here and my goal is to remind you of what will be waiting for you when you return."

Goosebumps scatter all over my skin. "That sounds promising."

"Oh, I always keep my promises, Willow." The gravel of his voice makes heat pool between my legs. "Now strip."

"What?"

"You heard me, Goose. Get naked so I can play." He smacks my ass and walks away from me, going behind the bar as I stand there bewildered. When he casts a glance at me over his shoulder, he says, "I mean it, Willow. We're running out of time."

Yes, we are.

My hesitation only lasts for one more second before I begin to unbutton my blouse and drape it across the back of the barstool. I pop the button on my shorts, and then shimmy those down my legs as well.

Dallas wipes the bar clean in front of me as he watches me lose my clothes. "Everything, Willow. I want you naked."

Drawing in a long breath because I feel like I'm forgetting how to breathe in this moment, I reach behind me and pop the clasp on my bra, pulling it down my arms and adding it to the pile of my clothes as my nipples pebble when the cool air in the room hits my skin. And then I slide my thong down my legs and kick my shoes off, waiting for his next instruction.

Dallas's jaw clenches as he taps the bar with his fingers. "Hop on."

"You want me to get up there?"

"Now, Willow."

Normally, I'd fight back, but the power behind his voice has my vagina driving instead of my brain, and I attempt to gracefully use one of the stools to climb on top of the bar where I just ate my dinner, along with numerous other people. Then, I slowly lie back, attempting to make myself look as sexy as possible because I have a feeling the sight of me climbing up here was not in the least.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to get through work tonight, knowing that you're leaving?" His words are harsh and laced with hurt.

Shaking, I try not to tremble too hard. "I wouldn't know, seeing as you ignored me all night."

He pinches my nipple, making me squirm. "Don't sass me right now."

"But that's what we do," I counter as Dallas trails his fingers up the inside of my thigh, stopping before he reaches where I ache for him.

"Not right now. Tonight, I'm going to make sure you feel me between your legs for days. I want you thinking of me and my cock, of what my hands feel like on your skin." He swipes a finger through my slit. "What my fingers and tongue feel like on your pussy, and how my fingerprints mark you." He pushes my legs open, bending my knees, and then drags his tongue through my slit, making my back arch off the bar. "And then I want you to promise me that I get to do this to you again when you return."

"Dallas…"

"Promise me," he commands.

On a shaky breath, I say, "I promise."

"Good girl. Now, hold on, baby."

"But Dallas," I retort, wanting to get more words out of him, something that tells me we haven't made a mistake by crossing this line.

"I'm busy," he growls before he lifts one of my legs over his shoulder, spins me ninety degrees so he has the perfect access to me over the bar, and then devours me, exploring my pussy with his mouth as the cool air from the vent above us blows on my naked body.

And then I forget what I was going to say.

All I do is feel him everywhere.

My body takes over my mind, letting me experience every sensation that Dallas elicits as he moves his hands over my breasts, pinching my nipples, biting the inside of my thighs, and bringing noises out of me that I've never made before.

"This is my pussy, Willow," he mumbles against my clit before sucking it back between his lips. "I've gone two days without tasting it and now you're making me go even longer."

"I—I have to work."

"I understand"—he licks me from bottom to top—"but I don't have to like it."

Burying my hands in his hair, I admit, "I don't like it either."

"At least we're on the same page about something." Dallas runs his tongue over every inch of me, sucking my clit between his lips, pushing two fingers inside of me, slowly rubbing them in and out, caressing every inch of my core. He eats me slowly, purposefully, and intensely until my orgasm starts to bloom.

I can feel myself getting closer to the precipice, but then he abruptly stops touching me.

"Dallas…"

He stands up, wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, but his beard still glistens with my arousal. Cradling my head and my hip, he spins me back so my entire body can lie on the bar again, and then he reaches beneath the counter and grabs a bottle of tequila.

"Are we drinking?" I ask, my body still vibrating with my release that's just out of reach.

He holds the bottle above my stomach, pulling the cork from the top. "I am." Gently, he tips the bottle, and a small amount of alcohol fills my belly button, overflowing down my hips on either side.

"Holy shit," I gasp while watching his every move.

Pleased with the amount, he puts the bottle down and then grabs one wedge of lime, placing it between my breasts before he leans down and swirls his tongue over each one. Then he takes a pinch of salt from the container on the bar and dusts it over both of my nipples.

I'm about to be a human shot glass.

"Do you know why I chose tequila for this, Willow?" he asks as his eyes bounce up and down my body, admiring his work.

Trying not to pant in desperation, I reply, "Why?"

"Because tequila can mess you up if you let it, or it can lend you the courage to do things you wouldn't otherwise." He grips my chin in his hand and turns my head so I can see him when he says, "And that's how you make me feel."

Before I can reply, he lets my chin go, drops his head to my stomach, and sucks the tequila from my belly button, licking the remaining trails of it from my skin. He drags his tongue up my stomach to my nipples, cleaning the salt from the pebbled peaks, and then takes the wedge of lime between his lips, sucking the juice from it.

I watch him with fascination, growing more desperate as the seconds tick by, but Dallas spits the lime out on the floor and then smashes his lips to mine. Swiftly lifting me and cradling me in his arms, he turns away from the bar and heads toward a door in the back.

He opens the door to reveal a small staircase, holding me to his chest as he climbs higher and higher to another door, turning the knob and entering a small apartment before setting me down gently on my feet.

I push his shirt over his head, dragging my nails down his chest and stomach as he tosses it to the side. Then he cups my face in his hands and brings his lips back to mine.

No other man has ever had control over me like this before.

And I'm not sure that another man ever will.

Dallas pops the button on his jeans, shoving them down, along with his briefs, before stepping out of them and kicking them to the side, stroking his cock as he stares at me. "Stay right here."

"Where are you going?" I ask as he walks away from me down a small hallway, but he doesn't respond.

When he comes back, he's holding a strip of condoms, and my body grows warmer and wetter watching his muscular form stalk toward me. He takes one off and tosses the rest on the dining room table before leading me over to one of the cushioned chairs at the table.

I watch him sit down, his cock standing proudly as he covers himself with the rubber, and then motions for me to join him. "Ride me, Willow."

You don't have to tell me twice.

I straddle his thighs as he drags his crown through my wetness, and when he lines himself up, I slowly sink down on him, joining us together as we both moan in unison.

"Fuck."

"God, Dallas."

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I sink down further until he fills me completely. Our bodies are pressed together so tightly that his chest hair is rubbing against my nipples, creating the most glorious friction as I start to bob up and down on his cock.

"That's it, Willow. Take me deep, beautiful."

I lock eyes with his and swivel my hips, hitting that spot deep within me that makes an orgasm start to resurface.

"This is what you'll be missing when you're gone." He buries his fist in my hair, yanking my head back, exposing my neck to him. "And I'll be missing this pussy."

"Yes…"

"But that's not all I'll miss, Willow." He drags his tongue along the column of my throat before wrapping his other hand around my waist. "I'll miss the feel of you next to me, the sound of your voice, the way you let me in like no one else."

He releases my hair and allows me to dip my head back down so our eyes meet. "You make me feel like I can," I admit.

Smoothing away my hair from my face while I continue to move, he says, "I want you to feel that way, Willow, because you make me feel shit I've been avoiding for a long time."

Dallas grips my hips and pushes me to ride him faster as I whisper back the truth, "You make me feel shit too."

But those are the last words we speak as I move quicker and higher, chasing my release as Dallas grows more desperate. He pulls my nipple into his mouth, squeezing my breasts as he lavishes my nipples with his tongue. He moves one hand between us to find my clit, stroking the nub with just enough pressure that I feel my orgasm rush forward. And then I shatter a few thrusts later. Dallas roars out my name and joins me at the end.

"Fuck, Willow." His large hands splay out on my back while I bury my face in his neck.

"I'm coming back, Dallas," I murmur against him, feeling like I just ran a physical and emotional marathon.

"I know." I feel his grip on me tighten. "But I still don't want to let you go."