Page 4 of A Reaper’s Devotion (The Reapers #2)

She leaned forward just a bit. “I’ve never been on a date before.

I don’t have a lot of hobbies. I’ve spent a lot of time taking care of my mom, and just getting through each day.

I’m not an exciting person.” She was not about to tell him that to help with the cost of the medical bills, she wrote erotic fiction.

That had to be the most exciting thing about her, and it also made her quite nervous.

Her mother had always been proud of her, and demanded she be allowed to read the books. At first that had been hard, allowing anyone to read the work she wrote, but after a few of the books and her mother demanding more, it got easier.

Willow made a good living. She didn’t need to have a second job, and could just write, but she wanted to help in town and contribute.

Also, it wasn’t exactly hard work either.

Admittedly, it was just her first day, but she enjoyed it.

It felt like she was helping the town, keeping an eye in case of any threat.

“Babe, I’m an electrician and gas man. There is nothing exciting in my life,” he said. “Besides, I kind of think this is exciting.”

“This?”

“You and me, going on a date, finally.”

Her stomach had little butterflies going off inside. She looked toward him. “Finally?”

Cyrus put down his menu and looked across at her.

“Your mother knew I wanted to ask you out on a date, but she also knew you’d be in a place that meant you and I wouldn’t work.

I’ve waited to ask you, Willow. I’ve been wanting to ask you for quite some time.

This, to me, is exciting. Being around you excites me.

Don’t worry about anything or everyone else. This is between you and me.”

She couldn’t look away. She was totally enraptured by him.

Then, Penelope came to their table. Cyrus didn’t let her hand go.

“Hey, gorgeous people,” she said. “Are you guys ready to order?”

“I’ll have the steak, potatoes, and that peppercorn sauce. For dessert, the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream,” Cyrus said.

“You know, that sounds amazing. I’ll have the same.”

“Good to hear it. How are the two of you?” Penelope asked.

Willow smiled at Penelope. She was a nice woman.

She’d been there at the funeral, and had brought her several trays of lasagna afterward as well.

It was all delicious, and she had no choice but to put some in the freezer as there was a lot of food that came her way.

She didn’t have to worry about cooking for a couple of months afterward.

“Penelope, I know you’re being your sweet and charming self, but fuck off, and I say this politely,” Cyrus said.

She gasped but Penelope gave him a wink and left.

“You can’t talk to people that way.”

“Oh, I know, trust me, I do know, but the thing is, with Penelope, you have to be firm. It’s a kindness, really.”

She chuckled.

“I don’t think I could curse to anyone and make it seem like a nice thing.”

“That’s why I’m lovely, because I can.”

They had small talk. They talked about random stuff, like the café and the new refurbishment. The proposal of a beauty salon in one of the vacant business lots. Cyrus wasn’t sure they needed a beauty salon, but she was all for it, as she really needed to get her hair done.

Penelope brought out their food, and she delved in with relish.

The food was amazing. She and Cyrus had their steaks well done.

She loved the crispy edges around her steak.

The peppercorn sauce was to die for. After their meal, they enjoyed the sticky toffee pudding, and along with the ice cream, everything was amazing.

Willow was having so much fun, she hadn’t even realized it was approaching nine o’clock. However, it was time to go, and she didn’t want her date to end.

It seemed Cyrus was of the same mindset as they made their way around town square, talking about the people in town, and what seemed like everything and nothing at the same time.

When she saw it was nearing midnight, Willow knew it was time to call it a night, and Cyrus walked her to her front door. She pulled out her key and slid it into the lock. Cyrus put her hand on his, stopping her.

“I had a great time tonight,” Cyrus said. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Do you want to go dancing at the bar?”

“Really?” Willow asked.

“Yeah, really. I mean, we could go and eat again, but I can’t guarantee a table.”

“I’d love to go dancing,” she said.

Cyrus cupped her cheek, tilting her head back, and she couldn’t look away, nor did she want to. He was so close. She felt his breath against her skin.

And then, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She had wanted him to kiss her lips. “Until tomorrow night.” He stepped away and waited.

Willow stepped into her house, wished him a good night, and then closed the door, locking it behind her.

She placed a couple of fingers against her cheek. He’d kissed her. Well, he had kissed her cheek.

Her mind was racing, and she quickly rushed upstairs and went straight to her laptop to start writing. She had so much she needed to get out, and as she typed, she felt a little like a crazy person as she tried to get it all written.