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Nothing but silence followed. Willow stared at Hadley, absolutely overwhelmed at the fierceness that had come from her sister’s mouth.But she was right. There was no denying it. Everything Hadley had said was true. Willow had no real idea about what Asher really thought; she was basing everything on the fact that he had wanted to join the dating app and that he was still going on dates. But then again, so was she.
Seconds passed by, and Hadley held her gaze, as if she were trying to convince Willow to do the right thing: to find enough courage to tell Asher how she felt.
“When did you start getting so wise?” Mumbling, Willow scrubbed one hand down her face. “You’re only twenty-one, Hadley. It should be the other way around.”
A little laugh came from Hadley as she shifted back in her chair. “I guess I just have a lot of feelings on the subject. I care about you, Willow. I care about you a lot, and I’m sorry if I came off a little strong there.”
“You did, but it’s what I needed to hear.” Hadley’s eyes brightened, and the corner of her lips lifted in a hopeful smile.
“Then you’ll call him? Why don’t you invite him to Mom’s birthday party?”
Willow shook her head, a bubble of laughter growing in her chest. “Sure, I’ll invite him to what’s probably going to be the craziest party Windy Lake has ever seen, and then ask him if he’d like to be more than friends.”
“Funny.” Hadley lifted one eyebrow, waiting for Willow’srealresponse.
Willow laughed. “Look, in all honesty, this has all been a huge revelation. Iwilltalk to him, I’m just not sure when. This is a big deal, and I don’t know if I’m ready for it just yet.”
“I understand.” Getting up, Hadley crossed the room, her arms open to envelop Willow in a hug. “And by the way, Asher already knows just how crazy this family is. But he loves us all, and I’m pretty sure he loves you.”
Willow’s heart flung itself toward the stars, letting herself hope for just a second that Asher felt the same way she did. “I hope you’re right.”
Her sister squeezed her tighter. “I’m sure I am.”
14
“Asher? Are you home?”
Funny how my heart jumps every time I hear her voice.“Upstairs.”
Hearing Willow’s footsteps coming up the stairs, Asher shot a quick look at his reflection in the mirror.
“Where exactly are you?”
Pushing open the door, Asher grinned at her. “Right here.” Seeing her jump and her eyes dart away, he couldn’t help but laugh, clutching at the towel around his waist.
“I was just taking a shower.” Letting out a low groan, Willow shoved one hand over her eyes and turned away.
“Give me a heads-up next time!”
“But then I wouldn’t have any fun jumping out at you.” Trying to squeeze past her to get to his room, he frowned as she jerked visibly and turned even more sharply away.
“Willow? You okay?”
She dropped her hand, and Asher caught a glimpse of her red face.
“I’m fine, butpleaseget some clothes on before we carry on with the rest of this conversation. I can’t talk to you when you’re walking around in a towel.” Her eyes refused to catch his, and Asher’s frown grew.
Something is going on. This isn’t like her.
“Sure, no problem. Give me a second.” Walking into his room, Asher shoved the door closed with his foot. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” Willow’s reply was muffled by the closed door. “I wanted to tell you about my mom’s birthday.”
Pulling open the door, Asher stuck his head through the gap. Willow was leaning back against the wall next to the door. She didn’t look at him. “Your mom’s birthday?” he repeated, and Willow threw him a glance. “What about it?”
Willow rolled her eyes at him, then turned her head away so that she was staring at the wall across the hallway.
“Let me just grab some clothes.” Pulling a clean pair of shorts and a t-shirt out of his drawer, Asher quickly got dressed and walked back out the bedroom door. “And now, am I acceptable?” The smirk he gave her was met with a lift of her eyebrow.
