Okay. Maybe it wasn’t just a simple touch.
“You have a nice time in Togan?”
“I did, yes. How did you know?” Struggling to keep her suddenly heavy eyelids open, she took in his appearance. He had on an untucked button-up blue-on-white flannel that was partially open to reveal a dark blue shirt underneath. The material stretched over his shoulders yet fell loose at his abs. The fit of his jeans was a little loose as well and his hair was tousled, as if he’d repeatedly run a hand through it.
She wanted to run her hands through the thick strands and down over the strong cords in his neck. Squeeze those broad shoulders and explore his muscled chest. Then follow it all up with her mouth. And tongue. Mmmmm. And teeth.
His eyes glinted with heat, as if knowing the erotic images that danced in her head, and was more than willing to be her play toy. Mentally shaking off the NC-17 display, she focused on his answer. “Went to see you after work. Rome told me where you were.”
Though not as pronounced as her mother’s famous tone, Willow nonetheless recognized the censor in his voice, and it made no sense. Could he possibly be upset she’d gone somewhere and not told him? And if so, what on Earth for? It wasn’t as if they were dating or anything.
Of course the fact he’d come to see her excited the pants off her. Or would have, if she didn’t currently need them on to keep the icy bench from freezing her butt solid. She did, however, cross her ankles and tuck them under the bench, pressing her legs together to combat against the rush of arousal.
“You could do worse.” This from Henry, who, instead of looking at Willow, frowned over at Tess as she came out of the cafe, a large plastic bag swinging in her hand. “‘Bout time.”
“Food’s not for you, Henry.” Tess said.
The lines on Henry’s forehead only deepened. “Not the food. The getting married.” He shook his head in disapproval. “Not right, all this living together before.”
Free hand on her hip, Tess glowered. “You really going there?”
From above Willow’s head, Ben, his amusement apparent, said, “What did you expect, Tess?”
“Back in my day,” Henry continued, “you stayed true.”
“What?” Tess gawked. “I’ve stayed true.” She turned to Willow in earnest. “I’ve never cheated on Caleb. Ever.”
Willow pressed her lips together, holding back a grin as Ben chuckled. “Don’t think that’s what he meant.” His hand at her neck squeezed gently, as if letting her in on the joke.
“Well. What did you mean?” Tess narrowed her eyes on Henry.
“You waited ‘till marriage.”
The plastic bag bumped Tess’s hip as she crossed her arms. “Really? You’ve never been married, have you, Henry? Don’t suppose you’re a virgin.”
Willow’s gasp at the blunt comment was drowned out by Ben’s muffled snort.
“No? Guess you subscribe to the double-standard lifestyle then, huh?”
Henry scowled up at Ben, who was clearly having difficulty holding back his laughter. “Don’t know what you find so funny, boy. Wouldn’t you like your mate to be untouched?”
Ben choked at the question and Willow froze, suddenly finding the far horizon the most important thing in her life. She didn’t think her heart was even beating, as it was now in her throat as she waited for his response.
“I’d simply be thrilled to find her.” Ben’s soft response mirrored the gentle kneading of her neck. Too chicken to see what might be reflected in his face, she laid a hand on her knee, rubbing at the ache that wasn’t really there, but in her chest.
Henry harrumphed, muttering, “And the man always took care of his woman.”
“Caleb takes care of me.”
“Not you. Always think it’s about you.”
Toss closed her eyes and gave a small shake of her head. “I give up.”
“Sore joints need heat.” Henry nodded at Willow’s flexing fingers.
A soft curse from Ben. “I was getting there, old man. I was going to ask Will if she wanted to go to the pool.”
At that Willow perked up, and looked up. “You have a pool?”
Her eyes dropped to Ben’s mouth when he smiled. It was a damn fine mouth. “Not me personally, but there is one at the school. I thought you might like to go tomorrow evening.”
“Oh.” Her nose wrinkled. And wade through a bunch of kids?
“They close it at six on Mondays and Thursdays for cleaning, but I can ask them to hold off for an hour or so. No one will be around if you don’t want them to be.”
She would love to go swimming. For her, it was akin to the joy of dancing she once felt. And her body, not as agile as it used to be, once again found the grace to move with weightless effort.