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“Yes, much better.” Without giving him another glance, she headed down the stairs. “Want some coffee?”
“Sure, sounds good.” Following after her, Asher couldn’t help but let his gaze linger on her gentle curves. On the Fourth of July fireworks, he’d loved the whole evening, snuggling up with her, breathing her in. It had been hard not to act on his feelings, but the encouragement she’d given him to keep going withNow and Foreverhad told him exactly how she felt.
“So, what’s happening with your mom’s birthday?” Leaning against the counter, Asher folded his arms and grinned. “I still remember last year asking her why she never celebrated her birthday, and boy, did I get an earful back!”
Willow laughed and shook her head. “Yeah, that’s Mom, all right. The only reason she wants to have a party this year is because it falls on the full moon…and because my dad spent the whole year trying to convince her.”
Asher’s eyes flared, surprised knotting in his chest. “She’s having a party?”
“She is. Tomorrow night, at my parents’ place. She has some strange things planned—meditation, drum circles, crystal healing, midnight yoga...” Chewing on her lip, Willow turned to face him. “You know my mom. You know my family. You get that things are a bit…weird sometimes, right?”
“That’s not something you need to be embarrassed about, especially not with me. I’ve known your family since I was a kid, and they’re amazing—all of them.” Seeing the way Willow dropped her eyes, Asher moved away from the counter and touched her arm. She didn’t look at him. “If I’m honest, I think that weirdness you talk about is what makes them evenmoreloveable.”
Finally, Willow lifted her head and stopped biting her lip, but her eyes were still a little hooded. “Thank you. And thanks for accepting my weird family. They’re strange, but they’re mine, and I love them.”
Asher chuckled, reaching out to brush her blonde hair back over her shoulder. It was supposed to be a gesture of comfort, but fire shot through his veins, and his smile seemed to stick.
“You know how much my mom loves you, so obviously, you’re invited. I know it’s a bit last minute.” She shrugged. “Your mom is coming too, by the way. Any chance you’ll be able to make it?”
Oh, no.
“My mom wouldn’t miss your mom’s party for the world.” Trying to keep his voice light, Asher fought inwardly to come up with a way that he could make the party. “This last year, she’s really gotten into your mom’s crystals and stuff.” His laugh sounded forced. “Will there be dances around the fire and sage cleansings?”
Willow grinned, and her blue eyes lightened a little more. “Yes, those are on the itinerary, also. Oh, and everyone also gets to make their own succulent terrarium.” Her smile became crooked. “My mom wants everyone to go home with a gift. So, you get to make your own!”
“With absolutely zero sarcasm—and I mean that, really—I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it.” Taking a deep breath, Asher’s heart was lanced with pain and guilt at the disappointment that shot into her expression. Clouds filled her eyes, and her shoulders dropped. “Your mom is something else. I’m sure it’s going to be an amazing night. I wish it didn’t have to miss it, but I can’t skip out on Gabby a second time.”
Willow pressed her lips together tightly, to the point that they went white. “Your date with Gabby. I totally forgot that you had rescheduled it. I didn’t know it was going to be tomorrow night.”
“Yeah, we’re going to go out for dinner.” Willow nodded but still didn’t look at him. “I’m really sorry I can’t come. I do want to. I just can’t cancel on Gabby again; I don’t think it would be fair.”
“No, you’re absolutely right. I don’t want to pressure you. I guess I just hoped you’d be there.” She laughed, but no light shone in her eyes. “I really hope you have fun with Gabby. She’s the belly dancer, right?”
“Right.”Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that.“I might make it back for the last hour or two, depending on how late the party goes.”
Willow flashed him a smile, then turned away. “Don’t worry about it! You need to enjoy your date with Gabby without feeling pressured to come to something else. I hope it goes really well.” Her voice floated back toward him, but Asher bit his lip, not completely convinced. His gut told him that, despite her protests, Willow was pretty desperate for him to be there, and if he was honest, he wanted to be at the party way more than he wanted to go out on a date with Gabby.
But there’s nothing I can do. I have to be fair to Gabby, even if it means missing out on Meredith’s party.
* * *
“I’ve really enjoyed myself tonight.”
Asher smiled back at Gabby, trying not to shift in his chair. “It’s been fun.”
He had to hand it to her, she was easy to talk to, and there hadn’t been much ice to break. Gabby was a slim, leggy brunette with flashing green eyes, but she was nothing compared to Willow.
“Thanks for getting the check.”
“It’s no trouble.”
“How about I pay for the next one?” Gabby’s eyebrows lifted gently as she spoke, but Asher’s lips curved into an awkward smile.
Gabby was great, but it wasn’t fair to keep pursuing her when all he thought about was his best friend.
“Thanks, but I—”
“How about we go get ice cream?” Smiling, Gabby got out of her chair, leaving Asher with very little opportunity to protest. “It’s not too late, and I think I’d really like something sweet after our amazing dinner.”
