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WILLA

W ow. I've apparently stepped out of my ordinary life and into some magical alternate reality where I date incredible men.

Betty's Bistro is kitchy and fabulous and every bit as fun as I’ve heard, if not more.

I've seen Betty herself around town – she's impossible to miss with her fifties pinup hairdo and fondness for rocking a leopard print scarf, pants, or purse.

She's kept the same sort of vibe going in her casually chic retro restaurant.

Huxley and I are out on the patio, sipping peach and blue fizzy drinks while making great progress on the traditional "getting to know you" conversation about our favorite TV shows, movies, and books.

"Have you lived in Cedarville your entire life?" I ask.

I'm surprised when he hesitates. "I lived here until I was nineteen. Then I joined the family business, which involves moving around a lot."

I catch his eye, feeling like I'm melting every time we stare at each other for more than a quick glance. "Are you an international spy or something?" I giggle. "Bouncing around the planet so that nobody can catch you?"

Hux laughs, reaching out to give my hand a quick squeeze and inadvertently sending a rush of tingles all the way up my arm in the process.

"Nothing that interesting, sorry. Most of my family – me, my parents, younger brother, and two uncles – are all house flippers.

Desire is the only one who opened a business and stayed put.

" He chuckles. "Of course, that was after she travelled the world for a couple of years following her 'inner tune' or whatever. "

"I think I saw a couple of TV shows about house flipping, but I wasn’t really paying attention. What does it entail?"

"You identify an up-and-coming neighborhood where housing prices are starting to rise, then find an old house that is in terrible shape but has great bone structure.

We buy it cheap, move in while it's a complete shambles, and update the entire house.

Then we live in it like kings for a month or so and take a well-deserved break before selling it and moving onto the next one.

" He sighs. “Mom has a knack for finding the right neighborhoods, so we’ve been following along.”

"Wow." I stare down into my drink, shaking my head. "I'm glad you're saving houses from becoming unlivable, but that sounds exhausting."

His index finger taps my wrist. "Frankly, it is. Which is why I'm taking an extended vacation at our grandfather's house for the summer. Hopefully longer."

"That sounds amazing."

"What about you? How did you end up in Cedarville?"

My long, low drawn-out exhalation makes his eyebrows shoot up. "My parents are both doctors. My older sister, too. Everyone expected me to follow suit, but?—"

He nods sympathetically. "Say no more. You'd rather be a lawyer or an investment broker."

I love how easily he can make me laugh. I also love how we gradually keep shifting closer together until our knees are touching.

"They gave up on the idea of me being a doctor when I was sixteen and still shrieking every time I saw a drop of blood.

Now they're just fixated on me ending up with any kind of certification.” I swallow around the lump of annoyance in my throat.

“They want something to hang on the wall next to my sister's diplomas. "

"Gotcha. Any progress there?"

"Not really. How do I know what I want to do with my entire life if I haven't been out on my own yet?" I take a sip of peach fizz. "They wanted me to go to university and take general arts or something, but that seems like a huge waste of money when I have no direction yet."

Hux nods. It actually feels really good to vent to him. "So I downloaded the reading lists for a couple of general arts programs, figured out which were the most popular books, bought them all, and now I'm doing my own personal summer school while staying with my Aunt Carlie. Tada!"

This time Hux grabs my hand for real as he beams at me. "Your education, your way. I love it."

By the time we’ve finished our fiesta burgers and shared a slice of maple pecan pie, I feel both grounded from the food and completely uplifted by Huxley's deep laughter.

When I come back from using the restroom, Betty is picking up the check holder and laughing with Hux as she examines the back of his neck. "Hey, did you get a new tattoo?"

He smirks. "Not yet. Crow was just drawing it with markers today to get a feel for it before we start. It’s going to be a massive piece."

Betty laughs. "Well, good luck getting all the marker off." She flashes me a grin, then flits off to another table.

Hux looks at me, his mouth suddenly pursed. "Damn. I didn't think of that. I figured it would mostly come off in the shower?"

"No way. You're going to need makeup remover and a good scrub," I say. "Trust me, I know. I used to draw bracelets on my wrist when I got bored in high school."

"I can't just splash some remover on it?"

I laugh sympathetically. "No. Sorry."

He looks crestfallen as he slumps slightly in his chair. It does nothing to camouflage his height and bulk. "I have a doctor's appointment in West Stoneburg tomorrow. Way overdue for a stupid physical. The guy is a bit uptight. Is he going to think I'm a maniac with marker all over me?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe?"

A pressure starts just below my heart, then spreads both up to my throat and down to the lowest part of my belly.

I want any excuse to be close to this gorgeous man.

This sounds perfect. I take a deep breath before blurting, "I have a brand-new bottle of makeup remover.

Want to come to my place? My aunt is out at her book club tonight. "

There's something in his easy smile. The way he looks at me so intently. His large hand takes hold of mine, lifting it slowly as he leans down to kiss the center of my wrist.

"Thank you, Angel. That would be a huge help."