Willow Aster

“You’re certainly the most opinionated of my besties.”

I stop in mid-sentence. He’s staring at me with such intensity, I start fidgeting.

“I’ve already broken all the rules with you.”

I just want our girl Autumn here to know that I see her and think she is a fine sight,” he says emphatically.

“Damn straight, she is,” Zac says, making my face heat.

Ivy shakes her head no, glaring at my hands as I sign and tension in hers as she presses her lips together and signs back: YOU. ME. HER FRIENDS. HER OUR FAMILY

You want me in your home and bed?

“I’m ruined,” he says, his forehead against mine, eyes suddenly shy.

“I know. It’s so good,” I whisper. “It’s you.”

“It’s us,” he says.

This is actually the best day ever.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” he admits. “It’s never been like this for me before—none of it. From seeing you and pursuing you to the time with you today.” He brings my hand up to his and kisses my knuckles. “All I know is that I want this, I want you.”

And God help me, I want him too.