Page 23 of Waggs

“Hi, I’m Bebe. It’s nice to meet you.”

The woman sat down next to her with a smile that had probably launched a thousand ships. She was even more gorgeous up close than from afar, with perfect flawless skin.

Aiden sat down closest to Willow and threaded his fingers through hers in a show of support she appreciated.

“I’m Willow. It’s nice to meet you, too, Bebe.”

“So, Waggs has been pretty tight-lipped. While he makes us a drink, tell me everything.”

Aiden rolled his eyes but got up to do as he was told. “You want anything, Wills?”

Willow shook her head. “No, thanks.”

As soon as he was out of earshot, Bebe grabbed her hands and Willow went stock still.

“Oh my God, do you know how big this is? I’ve known Waggs for three years and I’ve never seen him with a woman. Tell me everything quick, before he comes back.”

Willow was finding it hard to stay aloof in the face of such enthusiasm, and it had been so long since she’d had anyone to talk to. “Not much to say. I was engaged to his brother. I needed help, and Aiden is helping me.”

“Pfft.” Bebe waved her hand. “Bullshit. You being engaged to his brother is history, not what’s happening right now, and if the sparks coming off you two is any indication, then that man is hot for you.”

Willow felt heat fill her cheeks and pulled her hands away to pat the offending skin with her cooler hands. “It’s complicated.”

“Tell me this, do you feel it?”

“Yes.”

“Then go for it. Not many people get a second chance at something important.”

Willow laughed. “You do realise we just met five minutes ago?”

Bebe snorted, making her seem more approachable and human, and Willow realised she liked the straight-talking beauty.

“I don’t believe in beating around the bush. Life is way too short for that shit.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Aiden came back with drinks, and the conversation turned to AJ and her troubles. That night she ended with a long goodnight kiss from the man who filled the empty parts of her heart and soul, and the promise of things to come.

Chapter 9

The weather was dry and balmy for the last week in May and perfect for a day relaxing in beautiful surroundings with people who had filled his life with colour and joy over the previous two weeks. Living with AJ and Willow had been an adjustment but one he’d embraced and now, he couldn’t imagine his life in the quiet, lifeless home he’d previously had.

He and Lopez had uncovered the basics—it mostly involved Ralph and blue-collar fraud. No signs of human trafficking or drugs but people were becoming ever savvier these days and keeping things off any kind of digital device that could be tracked. What he needed was to be close, to investigate and stir things up and see what floated.

Eastnor Castle looked magnificent as he parked beside Mitch and Autumn, Liam and Taamira, and Reid and Callie. Chillifest was something most of the team enjoyed with the chance to sample new foods an added benefit. Live music on the lawn in the evening and a plethora of foods and beer tents selling homemade craft produce. Plus, there were kids’ activities going on all day to keep little ones happy.

“Wow, this is beautiful.” Waggs could hardly keep his eyes off Willow. In the last few weeks, they’d grown closer. The heat that was a constant simmer between them was always ready to burst into flame at the slightest touch. He wanted her but he was enjoying the anticipation. How they had managed to keep themselves from having sex was a miracle. A three foot miracle to be exact, who was the best cockblocker in the world.

Waggs couldn’t regret it though, he loved that boy like a son and slowing things down with Willow felt good. They had a better chance if they didn’t build a foundation on sex. That wouldn’t be an issue, between the sheets there was no disputing they burned like lava. Out of it, they were learning to become more than friends, and for him not to hide how he felt was becoming easier. He still felt self-conscious but being in the UK was different. His friends had never known Aaron so they couldn’t compare.

“You’re beautiful.”

Willow gave him a cute smile that made his heart beat faster, and his jeans feel tighter in the front. “Stop.”

“Stop what?” he asked innocently.

“Making me blush.”