AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She loves me. She’s just protective of you. I get it. I feel the same.”
With her lips pursed to hide her smile, Willow nods before turning away. “Which way toThe Lion Kingthen, tour guide?” she asks, pointing in all directions.
“This way,” I chuckle, directing her down the street. “It’s just around the corner.”
As we walk, Willow frowns and I wonder if she’s thinking about Pippa. She hasn’t mentioned it again, but I can tell something’s wrong. “Is everything okay with your sister?” I ask, hesitantly.
Willow’s eyes narrow before she huffs out a laugh. “Are you reading minds now?”
“Only yours.” I chuckle. “Want to talk about it?”
“She’s worried about her relationship. For no reason. She always runs when things get tough, preferring to be on the front foot. And no one’s ever stopped her. Even my parents shipped her off to boarding school when she started to rebel. They basically taught her that running away from your problems was the right thing to do. But she won’t talk to Ryan about it. And I’m at a loss with how to help her.”
“I know that feeling,” I say and Willow laughs.
“You’re doing okay, Jesse.I’mdoing okay. Plus, you fought for me. You knew what I needed.”
That may be half true but it wasn’t easy.
“Do you think Ryan realizes?” I ask, trying to think back to the times I’ve seen them together.
“He definitely senses something,” Willow says, “but I doubt he knows what exactly.”
“You never know. Not all the Sanders sisters are good at hiding their feelings.”
Willow laughs. “You’re right. I’ll try and talk to her again.”
And maybe I’ll talk to Ryan.
It’s late by the time the show ends, so when Willow yawns, I abandon my idea to go out for dinner, and grab something on the way back to the hotel instead. We have to be up early for our flights.
“Thank you for today,” Willow says, trying to undress herself when were getting ready for bed, looking so tired I almost laugh.
“Here, let me.” I rush over and remove her hands, pulling her top over her head slowly, before unclasping her bra. She doesn’t protest or thank me; she just watches as I guide her arms into one of my tees, careful not to bump her bruise, before dropping to my knees and removing her shoes and socks, sliding her leggings down her smooth legs.
When I’m done, I pull back the sheets and straighten the pillows before lifting her in my arms and settling her on her side of the bed, tucking her in.
“Well, that was romantic,” she says with a grin, her head resting on her hands as she watches me undress.
“You look exhausted. I couldn’t very well let you do it yourself. Knowing you, you’d probably fall over and bruise your other arm.”
Willow laughs sarcastically as she flicks back the covers, rolling onto my side, making herself comfortable on my pillow.
“I think I might sleep here after that comment,” she sasses. “I’ve noticed you always put me on the same side. Does it help you sleep? Is me being here a deal breaker?”
“It is. But you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t have a side; you do. We just haven’t stayed in enough beds for you to notice.”
Willow’s brow furrows as she stares at me in confusion. “I don’t have a side.”
“Yeah. You do. Your side will always be farthest from the door.That’swhat helps me sleep.”
Knowing she’s safe.
With glistening eyes, Willow shuffles back to her side and pats the now empty space next to her. When I crawl in, she curls her body around mine, resting her head on my chest. “I love you, Jesse. Every version of you.”
I shake my head, because I know I’m over-the-top sometimes, but Willow stops me, grabbing my chin until my eyes find hers.
“I love that you want to protect me. But I need you to know that I’m also stronger because of you. You’d be surprised what I can do.”
