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“Seriously, who are you?”
“Apparently, this is what happy Jesse looks like.”
“Quite a contrast to the guy I just watched slamming grown men into the wall.”
Now it’s my turn to chuckle. “There’s definitely two of me.”
“And I happen to like them both,” she says, wrapping her arms around me before running her fingers through the hair at the base of my neck, making me shiver. “What happens now?”
I almost say bed, because I’m wrecked, and just the sight of her has my pants tightening, but I promised her New York, so I’m going to deliver.
“We'll drop off my bags and then I’m taking you to a late dinner.”
“Don’t you need sleep?”
“We’ll get there. I’ve got plans for you before then.”
Her eyes darken as she bites her lips, and I have to close my eyes to block it out.Dinner, Jesse. She needs a New York meal.
Willow giggles, undoubtedly sensing my inner musings, and I give up. “What about a quick dinner? We can play tourist tomorrow.”
“Deal.”
As we walk away, her eyes flash back to the players still hovering behind us before she looks around in all directions, her brow furrowing.
“Is everything okay?” I ask, pulling her gaze back to mine, concern settling in my chest.
“Yeah. Yes. It’s just Pippa. I’ll tell you about it another time.”
I nod in understanding. It’s time to focus on us right now. Still, I make a note to check in later.
After being wined and dined at one of New York's famous Italian restaurants, I’m not in as much of a rush to get to the room as I thought I’d be. “Do you want to walk back? We could detour through Times Square.”
Willow’s face lights up and I know the answer before the breathless “yes” leaves her lips.
After linking our fingers, I stare down at the connection, huffing out a small laugh. It wasn’t long ago that this would have made my skin crawl, but now it gives me a different feeling, a feeling of warmth.
“Is this okay?” Willow asks, when she notices my gaze.
I lift our joined hand to my lips and kiss her fingers, smiling against her skin. “With you it is. It’s better than okay.”
“Do you think…” she trails off, nibbling her lip, hesitating.
“What? You can say anything. No holding back, remember?” She stares up at me with wide eyes and my chest tightens. “What is it?”
“I…I was just going to ask about the touch thing.”
A nervous chuckle escapes me. For some reason I expected worse. For as good as this all feels, I’m still expecting something to fuck it up. I can’t be this lucky after everything I’ve done.
“Go ahead. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
“I know now why you don't like it. But I guess, I’m wondering…are you cured?” She shakes her head with a grimace. “No, that’s not the right word. God, I’m sorry.” She disconnects our hands and covers her face, trying to hide away.
“Willow,” I say, pulling her hands from her face. “I know what you’re asking. It’s okay.” She smiles but it’s forced. “Nope, you’re not allowed fake smiles anymore, remember?”
“Yeah, about that…” she trails off and I raise an eyebrow. “Don’t worry, I’m not about to tell you I’ve been faking this whole time.”
“Oh, I know.” I chuckle. “I’ve always known the difference.”
