Timid (Lark Cove, #2)

by Devney Perry

I needed more of that hair and the woman who grew it. If she wouldn’t agree to a date, I’d have to learn more about her in other ways.

The right retort would come eventually. I’d be sitting at home, stewing, and think of exactly what to say and how to say it. My comebacks were witty and hilarious. They were crafted with the perfect amount of sarcasm and bite. They just came too late.

“Putting in some effort is funny to you? I know women normally just fall at your feet, but you’ll have to excuse me for not stripping off my clothes and falling naked into your bed. Really, I’m so sorry to disappoint you.” For once, my sarcastic comeback came at the right moment. Yes! I mentally high-fived myself.

I’d known Willa for years. I’d seen her face. Yet still, I’d missed her. How had I missed her? “You weren’t paying attention.”

I’d seen it all before except it wasn’t from my dream. A night I’d forgotten came rushing back, fast, sending me rocking backward on my heels. I caught my breath and scowled down at Willa. “When were you going to tell me that we’ve kissed before?”

“I’m not bold. Or daring. But you . . . you were my risk. I put myself out there for you and it didn’t work. So yeah, I didn’t tell you about the kiss.”

“I think what’s important is finding a person who makes you better. And someone you can trust with your heart. And, Jackson? I trust you with mine.” Even after our rocky start, I trusted him. “Can I tell you a secret?” He leaned down and whispered, “I have a crush on you.” I smiled. “It’s about time.”

“Me too, babe.” Babe. He’d called me babe earlier, right before I’d come. Maybe it wasn’t so bad. Maybe it was actually kind of perfect. “That one. Babe. I think I like it now.” “Thank god.” He laughed. “I was running out of options.”

I was glad I’d been able to give her this dream. Some other man—a man who believed in love—would get her others. But at least I’d gotten this one.

His gaze held a strange mix of wonder and pain. It had taken me a while to read the look, but I’d finally put my finger on it. He stared at me like he was trying to memorize my face. Like he was already preparing for me to walk away.

“Was that who called you?” she asked. “Dakota? I thought I heard you on the phone before you left.” I looked her right in the eye, hoping like hell this was the one lie I could pull off today. “It was no one. Just a wrong number.”

“Yes, but dealing with the bullshit is how you know it’s real.” Betty smiled. “It’s easy to love someone when times are good. Real love is about holding on to one another when times aren’t.”

“Willa Doon.” I held the ring between my thumb and index finger, then dropped to a knee. “I love you. You’re the reason I smile every day. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. You’re my everything. And I want to be yours. I want to make every dream you’ve ever had come true. Will you marry me?”