Page 38 of Frozen Hearts

“Okay. But is that what you want? Or are you agreeing because that’s what I want?”

“I want it, too. And I want it with you. I didn’t expect to feel this way about anyone after what happened with Amy. But I want everything with you, Mel.” Mel could hear the genuineness inside Willow’s words. She reached up to brush a hand against Willow’s cheek.

Willow leaned down to kiss Mel on the lips. Mel could feel the moment etching itself in her memory. She would always remember this feeling. This moment would always be important.

Chapter 16

Willow wasn’t quite sure how to describe what she was feeling. She’d never been prone to whirlwind romances. But that was the only way to describe her time with Mel. They had spent the better part of two weeks together. But tonight was a big night. Tonight, Mel was going to meet all of Willow’s friends for a dinner party.

They had only recently put a label on themselves. Willow knew exactly how she felt about Mel by the pounding of her heart when her name was mentioned. She knew by the electric current that ran through her anytime Mel touched her.

Willow gave her reflection an appraising glance in the mirror. Her white t-shirt hugged snuggly over her breasts. She also wore her favorite black shorts along with white canvas shoes. Willow knew she looked great. She heard a tap on her bathroom door and opened it. Her Mom stepped inside and gave her a once over. Angela’s expression shifted slightly to one of disapproval.

“What?” Willow asked, a note of accusation clear in her tone.

“Nothing. You look great,” Angela said with a smile.

“Mom. Whatever it is you want to say, just say it. It’ll save us both time.”

“I just don’t understand why you’re spending so much time on this new girl. You should be finding Amy and trying to work things out with her. Two years is a long time. Don’t you think it warrants trying to fix things?”

“Amy left me, Mom. I didn’t leave. I’m in the same exact place I was when she left me. If she wanted to work something out, she could easily find me. But, to answer your question, no, I don’t think it warrants trying to fix things. If she had wanted to work things out Amy would have stayed. Clearly, she doesn’t want to work it out. Mel is the first woman I’ve dated since Amy. Things with her are going really well.”

Angela scrunched up her face. She was clearly not at peace with Willow’s answer. But Willow couldn’t concern herself with that now. Mel would be here any minute. From his dog bed Sushi watched her. There was a knock on her door, signaling Mel’s arrival. From his dog bed Sushi gave a tiny bark.

“Wish me luck, buddy,” Willow said with a chuckle. Sushi gave a wag of his tail.

“Mom, try to be nice to Mel. I’m hoping to keep her around for a long time.”

Angela plastered a smile on her face that wasn’t completely genuine. Willow supposed she was willing to accept the gesture. At least her mom was trying to make a good faith gesture. That’s more than she was expecting.

Willow opened the door and greeted Mel with a large smile. Willow caught Mel’s eyes sliding from her eyes to her breasts. The glance made Willow’s core heat, a preamble of what she hoped would come later that night.

“You look fantastic,” Mel said, trapping her lower lip between her teeth.

“You, too,” Willow smiled. She allowed her eyes to travel down Mel’s body and then back up again, meeting her eyes. Willow’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

Mel glanced past Willow and saw Angela. Willow noticed Mel straighten and widen her smile.

“I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Mel.” Mel offered an extended hand to Angela who took it.

““Yes, it’s very nice to meet you finally,” Angela said. She shot Willow an unmistakable look that questioned why Mel hadn’t come around to Willow’s place more. The truth was thatWillow had enjoyed spending the bulk of her nights with Mel at her place. There was no way around the awkwardness of having her Angela living with her. Going over to Mel’s had just been easier.

“Absolutely,” Mel smiled.

“Mel what do you do for a living?” Angela asked still smiling.

“I manage a cafe in town,” Mel answered.

“That sounds fun,” Angela replied. Her tone was perfectly sweet, but Willow could read the subtext of her response. She didn’t consider Mel’s job to be serious enough.

“Well, we have to run,” Willow smiled.

“Of course. Will you be back home tonight?” Angela asked. Something about the question put Willow on edge.

“Sure. I’ll be home tonight.” Willow gave her mom a nod of the head before pushing Mel through the door and closing it behind her.

“Willow, your mom is going to think I’m so rude.”

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