Page 9 of Evergreen Desires (Wildheart Chronicles #1)

BEAU

Good—I managed to beat Will to the nursery this morning.

I needed a moment of peace before the barrage of questions began.

As I took up my usual mindless task of watering the new plants, a surge of unexpected sensations washed over me.

The water droplets splashing against the leaves sent shivers down my spine, and the rhythmic sound of the water hitting the soil created a sensual symphony.

My mind inevitably drifted to Jake, his casually tousled brown hair and those captivating brown eyes framed by his glasses.

I imagined his gaze fixed upon me, his lips slightly parted with anticipation.

The simple act of watering suddenly took on a whole new meaning, igniting a fire within me.

The sensation of the hose in my hand became an extension of my desire, and as I tightened my grip on it, I felt a surge of anticipation building within me.

But my reverie was abruptly shattered by Will's arrival, his smile betraying the fact that he’d caught me in a compromising moment. Damn it, Will, you've ruined my little daydream. I quickly released my grip on the hose, my face flushing with embarrassment as I attempted to regain my composure.

"Morning," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, despite the lingering tingling in my fingertips.

"So, how was your night?" Will asked, his tone filled with amusement as he walked around the nursery, inspecting the plants.

I cleared my throat, still feeling the remnants of my arousal lingering in the air. "Fine…just had some trouble falling asleep, that's all."

Will raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Trouble falling asleep, huh?

Well, I slept better than the night before, but I was on high alert all night.

Every little sound woke me up, and I found myself coming downstairs just to check if everything was calm.

I averted my gaze, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"It was nothing, just some restless thoughts keeping me awake. You know how it is."

Will chuckled, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"Ah, yes, restless thoughts. Happens to the best of us.

You know… I can't remember the last time you had a man sleeping at your house, if ever. You like him, don’t you?

Even though you just met? It was pretty obvious yesterday and during dinner that you have it bad for him.

I've never seen you like this with anyone. You're not exactly a socializing type."

"No, that hasn't changed.” I've never been one for socializing, preferring solitude over crowded gatherings.

“Yet, with Jake, it's different.” The connection I feel with him transcends the limitations of being a 'people person.

' There's a magnetic pull drawing me to him, a yearning to unravel the layers of his being and bask in the warmth of his presence.

Will looked at me innocently and asked, " So what's stopping you from going after him?"

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and apprehension. "I don't know the whole story. He was recently hurt and has trust issues. He told me that his ex had drained his bank account. Chief Mateo even asked him about it, making sure I'm not the ex."

"Oh, you saw Mateo? Did you get the queer vibe off him?," Will said with a mischievous grin.

"Maybe? But back to Jake. He mentioned at breakfast that honesty is crucial to him, so I'm guessing there were lies, cheating, or something along those lines.

I want to be truthful with him, but I also know that I need to take it slow, to let him be ready.

Or at least try to go slow, as frustrating as it may be. "

"Good luck, dude," Will said, his tone filled with both humor and genuine support.

"Are you still planning to look at his car after we finish our work?" I asked, shifting the conversation to a more practical matter.

"Yeah, that's the plan," Will confirmed.

"Okay, while you do that, I'll walk the perimeter fence and check on the trees in the south groves.

Let me know what parts you need, and I'll go into Alder Falls with Jake to get them.

We can also pick up some clothes for him and anything else he might need.

He mentioned this morning that he's sensitive about it, that he’s worried I might want something from him in return, but I told him he can snoop around the house while we're there.

Hopefully, he'll realize that I'm just a normal guy, nothing to fear. "

Will burst into laughter. "A normal guy who can shift into a Sasquatch. Let's see how that honesty plays out."

I chuckled, though my heart carried a hint of concern.

"Well, nothing in my house gives away that secret.

I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

For now, only you and my family know, and there's no need to scare him off with that revelation.

He seems open to me at the moment, so let's not push it. "

"He might be anxious about having no money and a car that doesn't work, but he also seems willing to trust you. Don't mess it up," Will advised, his tone serious.

I nodded, grateful for Will's insight and support. "I'll do my best, Will. I don't want to lose this chance with him."

But I needed to tread carefully. I knew that Jake carried his own baggage, his trust wounded and his heart scarred. He'd been hurt before, and I didn’t want to rush him into anything he wasn’t ready for. Patience, I reminded myself. Patience was key.

With the tasks set for the day, we immersed ourselves in our respective duties, the greenhouse filled with the fragrance of plants and the promise of new beginnings.

The balance between desire and caution weighed heavily on my mind, but I was determined to navigate this uncharted territory with grace and sensitivity.

For the connection I felt with Jake was unlike anything I'd experienced before, and I wanted nothing more than to protect him, to cherish him, and to explore the depths and dimensions of Jake.

Oh, Jake.