Page 14 of Echoes of Us
“Trust me.” He winked, that cocky, irresistible grin tugging at his lips as he started the mower. The roar of the engine drowned out any protest she could think of.
Willow stood there, watching him take off his shirt and lay it across the fence. The afternoon sun shimmered off his bare shoulders. She continued to stand there watching as he started mowing, his muscles flexing with each turn. Damn, he was a handsome man, and he was hers. Pride and well, lust hit her hard as he glanced her way with a wink.
Deciding to head to the house before she embarrassed herself and attacked him, she turned to see her grandfather grinning at her from the porch.
“Put your tongue back in your mouth, girl.” He teased with a knowing smirk on his weathered face.
Willow rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Don’t start.”
“What?” He smirked knowingly, but then turned serious. “You two were meant to be together.”
“Thank you for everything, grandpa.” She stopped and hugged him tightly, realizing how frail he was in her arms. “I don’t say that enough. I love you.”
He hugged her back, then pulled away to look at her. “It’s me who should be thanking you for putting up with my old ass.” Hechuckled, shaking his head. “I know I can be ornery, but you take it like a champ. You’re my favorite granddaughter.”
“I’m your only granddaughter.” Willow laughed, shaking her head. “I’d better go in and get cleaned up. We’re going to a party.”
“Is that so?” Her grandfather said, then glanced away from her. “Then I guess you’d best get going. He’s almost done with the grass.”
Willow looked at him with narrowed eyes, suspicion written all over her face. “Did you know about the party?”
“Huh?” Her grandfather pretended not to hear her, but the twitch of amusement tugging at his mouth gave him away.
Willow arched a brow. “Oh, you think you’re sly, don’t you?” she teased, pointing a playful finger at him.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, far too quickly, flipping open his newspaper again.
“Uh-huh,” she muttered, shaking her head as she turned toward the house. “You’re terrible at lying, you know that?”
“Selective hearing, not lying,” he called after her with a chuckle.
She laughed softly, warmth blooming in her chest. That man knew more than he was letting on. She could see it in the sparkle behind his teasing grin. As she stepped inside, her heart gave a little flutter, a mix of nerves and excitement winding through her.
Smiling to herself, Willow hurried upstairs, her heart beating faster with every step. For the first time in a long while, hope felt real again, bright and fragile but hers to hold.
CHAPTER 8
Talon couldn’t stop glancing at Willow. Hell, he’d already swerved twice and nearly ran off the damn road because of her. But how could he not? She was sitting there in the passenger seat, dressed in a soft blue sundress that clung in all the right places, teasing every ounce of control he had left.
He gripped the steering wheel tighter, trying to focus on the road, but his eyes kept betraying him, sliding back to her bare shoulders, the gentle curve of her legs, and the way the corner of her mouth quirked every time she caught him looking.
“You’re going to wreck us if you keep staring,” Willow said, her voice lilting with amusement as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Can’t help it,” Talon muttered, his throat tight. “Did you pick that dress just to torture me?”
“Maybe,” She teased with a whisper, then laughed when he groaned.
“Fuck it.” Talon’s voice was low, almost a growl, as he turned sharply off the main road onto a narrow dirt path that wound between the trees. The truck bounced over the uneven ground before he brought it to a stop in a small clearing, far enough away that not even the sound of passing cars could reach them. Dust floated through the fading sunlight streaming in from the windshield, and the quiet pressed in around them.
Willow blinked, glancing around in confusion. “Talon, what are you doing?” she asked, her heart already hammering as she turned to look at him.
He didn’t answer right away. He just cut the engine; the sudden silence was deafening. Then he turned to her with a look of intense hunger. “Come here,” he said, his voice rough and quiet, like he’d been holding the words back for too long.
Willow hesitated, her brows furrowing. “We’re going to be late,” she murmured, though even she didn’t sound convinced. “I think. I’m not even sure whose party we’re going to.”
A slow smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Doesn’t matter.” He reached over, his hand finding hers, thumb brushing against her skin in a way that made her pulse skip. “I’ve waited long enough.”
Before she could respond, Talon tugged gently, pulling her across the bench seat until she was pressed against his side. The old truck, his favorite for a reason, had no console between them, just worn leather and years of memories. He’d known exactly what he was doing when he chose it tonight.
