There's another quick round of introductions so that Willow can put a name to everyone's face once again. The girls head off to the kitchen area to do their thing and the guys gather in the living room where we can still watch our girls but have a separate conversation.
We begin by planning a group hunting trip. It’ll be the first time we do something like this. Normally, each of us hunts for ourselves and at our own speed. But I do like the idea of going out in a group and having a little interaction with each other. It also appeals to me because we can get to know each other better and possibly to learn something from each of the other men. Everybody hunts differently, and up here it's never a bad thing to have too many skills or too many ways to do something.
As they talk, I'm watching Willow interact with the other girls. Though I can tell she's a little shy, but she’s smiling and talking, which is a good thing. I can't always pick up on what she's saying, but she does appear hesitant like she's holding back. Which makes me wonder if it's just because of the way we met or if she's trying to make sure that she doesn't say too much or, for all I know, it could be something else.
"You're watching her, trying to figure something out." Cash says which turns the other guy's attention to me as well.
"Even though I know moving here is a huge change for her, I just can’t shake this feeling like she's holding something back," I tell them as honestly as I can.
"How did you two meet?" Phoenix asks.
"Online. Emelie actually recommended a few online dating places that I checked out. I found her on one of them and we kind of clicked. Almost instantly from seeing her, I knew that she was the one. For me, it was something I felt in my gut."
"And you said she's your wife at the store a couple of weeks ago?" Axel asks because I did say that.
"She’s going to be. We're not married yet. I wanted her to come to the mountain to make sure this is what she truly wants. If it is, we will be married and soon. Cole, we might even beat you to the altar." I joke with him, but he just grins and shakes his head, looking over at his bride to be, Jana. Though he doesn't even try to hide the smile that covers his face.
When Cash's fiancé, Hope was kidnapped by her mother, he got Cole who is his neighbor, to help get her back. But Hope's mother had also kidnapped her best friend, Jana.
Cole had the same reaction to Jana as I did when I saw Willow the first time. We both had undeniable feelings that these women were ours. Jana had been hurt, so Cole took her back to his place to take care of her and the two have been inseparable ever since.
"What do you think she is holding back?" Axel asks.
"I honestly have no idea. Really, there wasn’t anyone to leave behind in Chicago as her father had died. Even though she had no desire to stay there, I get this feeling that she's running from something. I need her to trust me enough for her to open up about it."
"Well, if you need us, let us know," Cole says.
I know he means more than just in a friendly way as he's one of the best trackers I've ever seen. Also, there’s Cash who knows a lot to do with security. Plus, the rest of guys will help protect my cabin if need be.
Watching Willow interact as the night goes on, she slowly relaxes and begins to enjoy herself. After we eat, the girls separate to play some card games and while us men take over doing the dishes since the ladies cooked.
By the time we get ready to head home, Willow is all smiles.
"Your friends are really great. It makes me miss my friend, Aspen back home," she says her smile faltering.
"You know you can call her and talk anytime that you want, right?" I tell her because this is her home now.
"She was in the middle of... a few things. Maybe I can shoot her an e-mail with the phone number, and she can call when she gets the chance?"
"Of course, next time we're in town we will stop by Jack's shop. There's a computer that he lets me use and you can send her an e-mail."
Once we're back inside, she’s all smiles again.
"I had a really good time tonight," I tell her as I reach for her. Does she realize that she’s leaning into me? I wonder.
"I did too. After a few questions, the girls pretty much accepted me as one of their own. It was really nice."
When I take another step towards her, she wraps her arms around my waist. Standing there, looking at each other for a moment, we’re waiting to see what the other is going to do.
This time when I lean in and kiss her, it's not hesitant or soft. I have been dying to taste her lips again all day and I don't want to deny myself anymore.
She is addicting and she alone could pull me to heaven or hell with a just promise of a taste of her lips.
Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her into me. I'm hard as nails and I want to her feel me, to know what she does to me. She stands on her tiptoes as if trying to get closer even though there is no space between us.
Needing more and wanting all of her, I back her up and press her against the door before gripping her ass and hoisting her up. She wraps her legs around my waist and holds on without breaking our kiss.
When my tongue brushes hers for the first time, tingles races over my body. I want her more than my next breath, but I want her to know I will always do right by her too. I need her to trust me.