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Something that sounded like a howl echoed through the parking lot, and Willow jumped.
“Wow, sounds like my pack is here already!” Ben slipped his wolf head back over his face. “Are you coming?”
Whatever this is, this is definitely not for me.
“I don’t think so.” Her eyes followed two people in cat costumes as they began to drape themselves in glow sticks. “This isn’t what I thought it was. I’m sorry.”
“Okay.” Ben shrugged, and despite the awkwardness, Willow wanted to laugh.I’m having a conversation with a guy in a wolf costume.“Do you think you might want to go out again? Somewhere different?”
“Uh…I think we might have different interests.”If he gets in touch, I’ll definitely be saying no.“I hope I haven’t ruined the day.”
“No, not at all. I have a lot of friends here. I’m going to have a great time.”
“Okay.”He doesn’t sound upset. I wish I could see his face.“Thank you, Ben. Thanks for the invite. I am sorry this didn’t work out.”
Sliding back into her car, she shut the door and watched Ben walk away, his furry tail swinging. Closing her eyes, she whacked her head back against the car seat.
This is what Asher was trying to tell me. This is why he had that tiny smile on his lips when I drove away. I should have listened to him.
Opening her eyes, Willow pulled at her cellphone and began to search. A minute later, she closed them again, letting out a long, low groan.At least now I know what a furry is.
Keeping her eyes closed, Willow remembered how Asher had tried to grab her arm. Goosebumps brushed across her skin, and her heart slammed hard in her chest.He really was trying to help. He’s always been so caring. Outside of my family, I don’t think I know anyone else who cares about me as much as Asher.
Her eyes opened, and she swallowed hard, a lump in her throat. Tears fought to escape from the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back furiously.I am not going to cry about this.Another sigh rippled out from her.Why can’t I find a decent, attractive guy who’s not going to steal my car or deliberately embarrass me or take me to a furry convention? I just want a kind, considerate guy that I’m attracted to and can fall in love with.
A vision of Asher chopping wood suddenly slammed back into her mind, and Willow’s mouth went dry as a burning heat ran from her head to her toes. Shaking her head, she stuck the key in the ignition and started the engine.I absolutely cannot start thinking of Asher that way. He is my best friend. If he learned what I was thinking, then I can’t imagine what his reaction would be.
The drive back to Windy Lake was going to take a while, and Willow’s stomach was already rumbling. She’d stop at a grocery store and grab food for dinner. She’d make something for Asher, too. She’d have to apologize for not listening to him.
* * *
“Wow.”
Willow stopped dead, one hand still clutching the grocery bag. Asher was dressed in a crisp white shirt with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of black pants. His shirt was open necked with no tie, his brown hair was neatly styled, and the huge grin on his face lit up his blue eyes.
“What does ‘wow’ mean?” He spread his hands, turning around on the spot. “I’m hoping you’re going to say I look good!”
For whatever reason, Willow’s mouth was so dry that she could barely speak. A sudden vision of Asher cutting wood shot back into her mind, and it took her a few seconds to push it away.
“He… I… You look great, Asher. Sorry.” Shaking her head, Willow tried to laugh, but it came out as a scratchy croak. “I totally forgot you had a date.”
“Sure do. Made a reservation at a great restaurant. Hope she likes it.” Clearing his throat, he dropped one hand from his shoulder to his waist. “Do you think this is okay? I haven’t worn anything like this in ages.” Laughing, he lifted his hand to his hair as if he was going to shove his fingers through it, then thought better of it.
Swallowing against the tightness in her throat, Willow just smiled.He needs to dress up more often.
“Willow?”
“You really do look great.” Shifting her bag of groceries against her hip, she nodded her head in the direction of the kitchen. “I’d better take this in. I bought dinner for us both, but like I said, I forgot about your date.”
As she edged her way past him, Willow caught his swift intake of breath.
“Oh, Willow. I’m so sorry.” Throwing him a quick glance over her shoulder, she saw him slap the palm of his hand against his forehead, like he was somehow responsible for her bad date. “You’re back way too early. I’m guessing things didn’t go well with Ben.”
“Ben was nice. The festival was not.” Setting down the brown paper bag on the counter, she threw him a glance and tried to smile, but it faltered right away. “I think I’m the one who should be apologizing to you, though. You tried to tell me, but I didn’t listen.”
Why had all of her dates gone so badly?
Is something wrong with me?she wondered.
