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“Absolutely…although it sounds like she might have gotten that wrong.” A light began to shine in her eyes as Asher nodded furiously. “So, youdowant to be more than friends?”
“I should go tell her right now.”
“Wait.” Hadley put a staying hand on his arm. “Give yourself a few minutes to think about this.” Her smile had grown into a grin. “There are reasons Willow thinks you just want to be friends, and I’m not going to say I understand or evenknowthem all, but she’s got to be completely convinced this time. She’s got to believe it with every single bit of her heart. Otherwise, this is never going to work.”
Asher took in a deep breath, raking both his hands through his hair one after the other. Every single muscle was tensed, ready for him to rush up the stairs, throw open the door, and tell Willow the truth.
But Hadley was right.
“Do you know why she thought that kiss meant nothing to me? I never said to her that I just wanted to be friends.”
Hadley paused for a second, her gaze drifting away. “Something about what you said to our mom?”
Cold water doused him, and Asher screwed up his eyes.I remember. I know exactly what she’s talking about.“I didn’t mean it that way. I was only doing it to protect us.”
“Protect?” A heavy frown dragged Hadley’s expression down.
“From your mom. That sounds wrong, but it’s not what I mean. I figured that Willow and I needed time to talk about what happened and what that meant. The last thing I wanted was to speak for Willow if she wasn’t ready to tell people.”
Her expression cleared. “That makes sense.”
“Everythingmakes sense now! I’m very grateful. Thank you for telling me.”
Hadley smiled. “No problem. I just want Willow to be happy. I wantbothof you to be happy.”
“And I swear I’m going to try and make that happen.” An idea began to form in his mind, and Asher smiled suddenly. “I might need your help, though.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to help in any way I can.” She leaned forward just a little, her eyes filled with questions. “What do you need me to do?”
* * *
“Asher?”
“I’m in the kitchen.”
Asher turned just as Willow walked in. Wearing a simple red dress with her blonde hair pulled back out of her face, she looked absolutely incredible.
“Wow.”
She smiled, but it disappeared the next second. “Thanks. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going out. Don’t know when I’ll be back.”
Something curled in his stomach, and he fought to hide his smile. “Where are you going?”
“To a restaurant in town. Hadley’s treat.” She wasn’t really looking at him. Her gaze would catch his for a second and then go away again. “We might go catch a movie or something afterward.”
“I hope you have a good time.” He turned away, his heart beating furiously. So much hinged on this one evening.
“Are you…are you going somewhere yourself?”
“Got a date.” A glance over his shoulder caught Willow’s scowl. “I’ll need to leave in the next few minutes. The last thing I want to do is be late.” Setting down his now empty glass of water, Asher turned around and headed for the door. “I hope you have a really great evening.” Their hands brushed, but he didn’t try to reach for her fingers. As much as he might want to, now wasn’t the time. Willow lifted her gaze, and for a second, their eyes met.
I want to tell you. I want to tell you everything.
Tightening his jaw, Asher turned his head away and hurried out of the kitchen.Just a few more minutes. That’s all I need. Just a few more minutes, and then everything will be okay.He smiled to himself as he clattered up the stairs. More than okay.
Pulling open one of his bedside drawers, Asher reached inside, fumbling around for the small gift box.
Grateful to Hadley for helping him with his plan, he pulled out the box and shoved it in his pocket. Taking in a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and looked at his reflection in the mirror.
