Page 15

Fifteen

Dash

Sunday dinner is always a crap shoot as far as what’s going to happen.

Usually, it centers around what Briar cooks and what Frankie wants to do. Sometimes it’s games, other times she wants to show us what she’s learned to play on the guitar or something she’s made at school.

Once in a while, someone else gets to hold the reins, and we talk about Jade’s upcoming tour or something to do with Banks and Aspen’s baby. Hockey. Atlas’s latest business deal.

Today, it’s a mish mash. Frankie is inducting Willow into our family’s Connect Four Hall of Fame—by annihilating her.

It’s particularly amusing because Willow has never played before.

She never even heard of it, which breaks my heart a little.

Frankie let her win the first game and then the gloves came off.

Luckily, Willow is a good sport.

Now that dinner’s over and Frankie’s immersed in her millionth viewing of “Frozen,” the ladies are in the kitchen doing whatever it is women do when they want an excuse to talk without us guys, and we’re outside having a drink.

“Am I going to be the one who addresses the elephant in the room?” Royal says after a moment. “I mean absolutely no disrespect to the lady—but come on. Are you sleeping with Willow fucking St. Claire?”

I give him a dirty look. “Fuck all the way off.”

“Dude, come on.” Atlas cocks his head. “This is us. What’s going on?”

“There’s nothing going on!” I snap. “I’m helping her. That’s it.”

“Oh, now it makes sense.” Banks’ eyes twinkle. “You’re upset because nothing is happening. You’re into her.”

“I’m not—” I cut myself off because what I was about to say feels idiotic.

Of course, I’m into her.

What living, breathing, red-blooded male who isn’t already emotionally attached wouldn’t be into Willow St. Claire?

“You’re not…?” Royal makes a hurry up motion with his hand.

I scowl. “She’s a client. She asked me for help. How inappropriate would it be if I made a move? Jesus, think with your big heads and not your little ones.”

“But she likes you,” Banks says, confusion on his face.

“You don’t know that,” I mutter.

“Are you worried about being rejected?” Atlas stares at me like he’s never seen me before.

“Keep your voice down!” I snap. “Jesus, you guys are like teenagers sometimes.”

Royal snorts with laughter. “More like horny teenagers, but sure. Whatever you say.”

Willow’s laughter filters out from inside and an unfamiliar feeling of longing washes over me. I love the sound of her laugh and how relaxed she is with my family. Like she belongs.

Except she’s not mine.

No matter how much I’m starting to want her.

I have to be cognizant of the fact that this is a stepping stone for her. Once we get her away from Dylan and she’s able to access her money, she’s going back to her world.

And I’ll be left here in mine.

“It’s a business arrangement,” I say. “Yes, there were extenuating circumstances since I met her in the hospital, but she’s scared and vulnerable. I would never take advantage of that.”

The three of them don’t say anything, merely watch me patiently.

Like they’re waiting for me to continue.

I have no idea what they expect me to say.

“What?” I ask after a beat. “What the fuck are you fuckers doing?”

“Just trying to ascertain how long it’s going to take you to get your head out of your ass,” Atlas says, shrugging.

“It’s obvious you like her,” Royal says.

“And she likes you,” Banks adds.

“We’re friends,” I say through gritted teeth. “And yes, of course I like her. What’s not to like? She’s obviously grateful that I’m helping her and?—”

“Come on, man.” Royal shakes his head impatiently. “What kind of bullshit are you spouting right now? If anyone recognizes that shit, it’s me. I was spouting the same type of crap, trying to pretend I wasn’t in love with Jade. I mean, why would she want a grumpy old sourpuss like me?”

“We’re still trying to figure that out,” I mutter.

“Shut up and listen.” Royal points a finger at me. “Of all of us, you’re the most closed off.” He glances at Atlas. “Control freak boy over there is a close second, but at least he likes sex. You… you’re like a monk in a cape.”

Banks snorts, trying to hold back laughter, and Atlas is muttering something about not being controlling.

“Just because I don’t flaunt it doesn’t mean I don’t have sex,” I protest. “Not everyone is ready for the white picket fence.”

“So you’re going to sit there with a straight face and tell us if Willow flat-out said she was interested, you’d turn her down?”

Christ on a fucking cracker.

Why do they have to bust my balls like this?

I love them but sometimes they’re a pain in my ass.

Well, a lot of the time.

“Look, it’s not black and white like that.”

“Then explain it.” Royal looks annoyed and I don’t know why.

I don’t reply.

Not to worry, though, these fuckers have plenty to say.

“You spent a lot of time mourning Colt.” Banks holds my gaze.

“So you weren’t in a good place emotionally.

Then we were busy helping Briar with Frankie, which was a different kind of emotional crisis.

Then you were completely immersed in getting your business off the ground, so you didn’t have time.

You also threw yourself into building the Sapphire Room, but at this point, I think you’re out of excuses. I know I was.”

“I don’t have excuses. She’s amazing. I just—” I cut off abruptly as Willow comes outside carrying a small tray with what’s probably dessert.

Saved by the bell.

“Who’s ready for something sweet?” she asks.

I have so many answers to that question, but none of them are appropriate.

She puts the tray down on the table and sinks into the spot next to me.

Right next to me.

So that her thigh is touching mine.

The spark of electricity between us is so strong I almost jump.

But her smile distracts me as she grabs one of the bowls and hands it to me. “Jade says it’s her grandmother’s banana pudding recipe. Dylan never let me have—” She cuts herself off and takes a breath.

There’s an awkward momentary silence.

“Dylan never let you have dessert?” Atlas finally demands incredulously, his eyes narrowing.

I gave him and the guys an overview of what’s been going on when we first came outside, and don’t miss Atlas growing more and more horrified with each new piece of information that comes out about Dylan fucking Durand.

He’s not alone.

But his snapped-out question startles Willow, and she freezes for a moment.

I instinctively reach out to put a gentle hand on her leg, hopefully reminding her that she’s safe here.

Thankfully, my touch seems to ground her, and I can’t lie—I like that.

“No,” she says softly, slowly reaching for one of the little bowls and a spoon. Then she gets a sparkle in her eyes that takes my breath away—strength and perseverance and…a hint of mischief. “But he’s not here now, is he?”

And before any of us can say anything—she takes a bite.

Her eyes close and a faraway smile graces her features as she chews.

“Oh, my God. This is so, so good… it’s just what I imagined.”

“It’s awesome, right?” Jade comes out holding a tray of coffee cups. She sets it down and passes them around before sinking onto Royal’s lap.

The two of them are so damn…cute.

Disgusting, but cute.

And I suddenly have the strangest urge to pull Willow onto my lap, wrap my arms around her lithe body, and hold her. Let her know she’s safe. Wanted. Part of the family.

Part. Of. The. Family.

My family.

The family I protect with my entire being.

The words ricochet through my psyche as I try to come to terms with that.

We don’t invite people into the fold easily.

Hell, before Aspen, there had never been anyone.

The five of us—Colt, Atlas, Banks, Royal, and me—and then Briar. That’s it. That’s always been it. When Banks met Aspen and brought her to dinner, we knew immediately she would be part of the inner circle. The same with Jade.

And now it’s happening with Willow.

Except it’s different this time.

Willow and I aren’t dating.

We’re not even fucking, which is new for me.

Sex is usually all I’m good for when it comes to women.

It’s been the opposite with Willow, and while I can tell myself it’s because it’s business— she needs me, she has nowhere else to go—I know better.

I could have put her in one of our safe houses.

I could have assigned one of my guys to take care of her.

I trust my team implicitly so there’s absolutely no reason for her to be with me.

Unless—

I can’t even wrap my head around words like feelings and… love .

Jesus.

I’m not in love—that would be ridiculous.

But there seems to be a serious case of the likes going on.

I like her.

She likes me.

We like spending time together.

My family likes her.

Frankie likes her.

Well, okay, Frankie adores her, but she’s four. It’s different.

But what the hell does it all mean?

My dick gets hard just thinking about her, so my dick likes her too.

“Hudson?” Her voice penetrates my racing thoughts.

“Yeah, babe?”

Shit!

Did I seriously just call her babe?!

I don’t know if anyone else heard me, but she seems to take it in stride.

“You want to finish this? I’m really full from dinner.” She’s holding out a spoonful of pudding.

My mouth opens of its own volition.

But the sweet cream that touches my tongue isn’t what I’m thinking about as I swallow.

No, I’m sitting here fantasizing about a woman I haven’t even touched yet.

Yet .

As if it’s a foregone conclusion.

Because I want it.

Want her.

More than I’ve wanted anything in a long time.

I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do, because I think I’m… falling?

And I’ve never been more terrified in my life.