Page 12

HUXLEY

T he next few days are a happy blur of dinner dates, long walks around town, and a little trip to West Stoneburg to pick up some supplies for Desire.

Although I'm sure that Willa would be happy to stay over at my place again, I don't ask. Things are going really quickly, and I feel we should take a step back.

Especially since the next step I'm suggesting is going to be a big one.

Finally, I invite her to my place for dinner, where instead of actually cooking a meal, we put together a huge charcuterie board and settle in front of the fire with a bottle of red wine.

"Sometimes snacks are better than meals," Willa laughs. "As a contractor, do you appreciate things more when they're deconstructed?” she asks, gesturing at the platter.

"Hey, any time I can make my own mini sandwiches, I'm happy." I arrange a piece of cheese and a rolled-up salami slice between two crackers and pop the whole thing in my mouth.

Willa jumps slightly when my phone pings loudly from my pocket.

"Sorry, Angel. I almost always keep it on silent, but I’ve been expecting an important email."

I skim the message while Willa munches on some grapes, olives, and a weird cheese with nuts in it. After a few moments, she asks, "What are you grinning about?”

I hand her the phone. She brushes off her fingers on a napkin, then takes it and reads. I watch in delight as her eyes grow huger and huger.

"Hux?" Her voice is unsteady. "Why is this lawyer preparing paperwork to purchase this house…and talking about putting my name on the deed as well as yours down the road?"

I reach out to snag the phone back, then take her hands in mine.

"I'm normally anti-paperwork. That’s one of the reasons why it rubs me the wrong way that your parents are so fixated on you getting a diploma you don’t even want.

My mother is also hell bent on having me come back to the family business.

She doesn't care that I want to buy this house, plus she swears that without ‘a woman's touch’, it's going to fall to pieces and lose its value.

" I roll my eyes. “She swears that only women pay attention to lighting and finishes, the sort of thing.”

Leaning down, I kiss Willa's forehead gently. "So, I wanted to be sure that when we get engaged…which will be very soon, I hope…I can have you officially added as a co-owner of this house. The official lady of the house at the Turner residence on Cedar Lake. How does that sound?"

Her eyes are wide, her bottom lip falling open as she stares at me. When she finally breathes, her head shakes slightly. "I didn't…I mean, I'm not sure…"

"You can at least think about it though, right? I just wanted to make sure that it was doable."

Her eyes close for a moment. "Just think about it? Okay. I guess I can do that."

"And as for your own paperwork…" My hands squeeze hers. "I did some research. There are a bunch of different programs for jewelry making and metalwork that provide certifications, all in cities less than a two hour drive from here."

"Those courses are expensive," Willa blurts, her spine stiffening. "And they expect you to work in gold and silver, not copper wire."

"I could get you all the tools – maybe we call it a birthday gift? And if you're not paying rent, all your salary from the café could go to materials. You can even use my garage as a workspace – it’s huge."

I’d been hoping for a smile. Instead, her pretty face has gone pale. "Could you excuse me for a moment?" she whispers.

"Of course, Angel."

She rushes out the front door without saying another word.

Damn .

Every instinct screams at me to chase after her. But she left her purse and coat. She can't be going far. Maybe she just needs a moment to get her bearings. Or maybe… My blood runs as cold as the water at the center of the lake.

Maybe I’m just a learning experience, like her self-directed summer school. Maybe Willa didn't really see our relationship extending past this summer.

No, that’s not possible. I know that she wants me. She just needs a little time to get used to the idea.

I hope.