Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 73(@200wpm)___ 58(@250wpm)___ 49(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 73(@200wpm)___ 58(@250wpm)___ 49(@300wpm)
I swallow the boulder-sized lump in my throat because he’s right and we both know it. Breast cancer wasn’t the first cancer my mom was diagnosed with. It was just the one that killed her. Then there’s my aunt who died from ovarian cancer, and my uncle who died from brain cancer…
“I’m not letting you push me away,” Jax says, his voice filled with conviction. “You’re going to live here as long as you need to, and I’m going to be your friend. When you need someone to lean on, I’ll be here. Got it?”
My head is telling me to run. Run far and run fast. But my heart, the organ that’s craving a connection I’ve denied myself for too long, is begging me to stay, and like the fool I am, I go with my heart. “Got it.”
We head back upstairs, but before I can enter my own room, Jax’s hand lands on my shoulder. “You’ve been alone long enough, Willow. Why don’t you come sleep in my bed with me?”
Wordlessly, I allow him to take my hand in his and guide me down the hall to his room. We both climb into his bed and shuffle under the covers. At first, it’s awkward, especially since not even a few hours ago we were very close to fucking. But then Jax lifts his arms and scoops up my body, dragging me closer to him. My arm drapes across his torso and my face snuggles into the curve of his shoulder. His fingers run up and down my spine and my eyelids begin to flutter closed. For the first time in too long, I not only feel connected to someone, but I feel safe.
CHAPTER FIVE
JAX
What kind of fucking man kicks a woman out when she’s already at her lowest point? When she’s just found out she has cancer and is scared for her life? A selfish piece of shit, that’s who. I never met Willow’s ex, but if I ever find out who he is and see him somewhere, you better fucking believe I’ll beat the shit out of him.
I hate that Willow went through having cancer, having surgery, and then all of the treatments alone. Looking back at the past year, it all makes sense now. So many times, I would find her at the shop early in the morning. She was given a key for early appointments, and I would bet she’s used the bathroom to rinse off and brush her teeth. After she came back from her vacation, she didn’t look well rested at all. Not like you should look when you’ve just spent weeks relaxing and enjoying your time off. She looked tired, but I didn’t even think to ask questions. She’s always kept to herself. Sure, we all get along. She’s one of us. But looking back, she’s always kept everyone at a safe distance. Close enough for us all to know she’s a good person, but far enough away that we never really got to know the parts she chose to keep hidden.
Tonight, at the club, she laughed and joked with everyone. They all knew her name, and it was clear she got along with everyone, but she never actually conversed with anyone. She uses them to have a good time. To have a connection without actually connecting. She’s so scared of dying, she won’t let anyone in.
“When I told him that kids were no longer in my plan, and neither was marriage, he dumped me.”
Any smart person can see that Willow was pushing him away in hopes that he would pull her closer. She needed someone strong to hold her tight when she felt like she was drifting away, but instead he cut the rope and let her go. Because he’s weak and doesn’t deserve her.
My alarm buzzes letting me know it’s time to get up. I have an appointment coming in first thing this morning. Willow’s side of the bed is empty, so she must have gotten up earlier.
After showering and getting dressed, I head downstairs. The aroma of coffee wafts in the air, and when I reach the kitchen, I find Willow standing in front of the machine with two cups of coffee in her hands.
“Morning,” she says, handing me one of the cups. “Black, just like you like it.”
“Thank you.” I take a much-needed sip.
While we drink our coffees in silence, I take a moment to check out Willow. She looks the same as she did yesterday before she changed into her club clothes. She’s wearing a black Forbidden Ink T-shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of Converse. On the outside, she looks like she’s always looked.
But after everything she’s told me, it feels like I’m seeing her in a new light. She’s no longer the sweet, delicate woman I always assumed her to be. She’s strong and determined and kind of badass. She hides her insecurities and only allows the world to see what she wants them to see.