by Brooks, Abby
Even still, he found himself checking the time again, extra eager to be on his way.
Get a hold of yourself, Moore.
He brought the engine to life with a self-deprecating laugh.
If heading over to rescue his slightly tipsy, soon-to-be-sister-in-law had him that wound up, maybe his life wasn’t as full as he thought it was.
Chapter Three
Willow
As Willow contemplated her non-existent love life, Juliet watched her thoughtfully. “Do you think ACB will cast you as Juliet?”
Willow’s heart surged with excitement and anxiety. She wanted—no, she needed—to get the part. Romeo and Juliet was her absolute favorite ballet ever.
Of all time.
Period.
The end.
The second she recognized the melody, she would freeze, chills blooming across her skin. Her eyes would close of their own accord while she breathed in the music, wondering how anyone could not appreciate the masterpiece that brought her to tears. And the movement? The choreography was sublime.
Sure, the story itself was ridiculous.
Did anyone actually believe it was possible to fall head over heels in love with someone in less than a week?
Willow shrugged, playing it cool as she answered the question. “I hope so.”
Juliet’s jaw hit the floor. “You hope so? Come on, Willie. When we met, you told me we were destined to be friends because of my name. You actually believed that me having the same name as the main character in your favorite ballet was the biggest sign ever. You declared me your instant best friend based on that information alone.”
Willow giggled. “I wasn’t wrong, was I? Look at us now.” She snapped an end off a green bean and threw it at Julz. “Signs are everywhere. You just have to be open and pay attention to see them.”
“So you keep trying to convince me.” Juliet rolled her eyes and folded her arms on the counter. “Anyway, let’s try my question again. This time, you can skip all the bullshit.” She arched an eyebrow. “Do you think you’ll be cast as Juliet?”
“Oh, Julz, I really fucking hope so,” she said, letting out a long breath. “I’ve been working so hard. Showing up early. Staying late. I’m in the best shape of my career. I’ve done all I can, short of begging the director or, I don’t know, sleeping with him or something.”
Or sleeping with anyone, for that matter.
With a sigh of exasperation, Juliet tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I’ll say you’ve done everything you can. Tell me again. Why am I getting married on December second?” She tapped a finger against her chin and pursed her lips. “There was a reason…I just can’t quite remember it…”
Willow dropped a bean in the strainer and leaned forward, her elbows digging into the counter. “You know I can’t miss work. Even when I’m not trying to get the most important role of my career, taking a week off class and rehearsal is a no go.” She took Juliet’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “But, in case I haven’t said it before, I’m really super, uber thankful you planned your wedding during my break so I can be your maid of honor. Besides, since I’m the one who actually got you and Ian together, I’d be righteously offended if you left me out.”
“How in the world do you think you get credit for bringing us together? If anything, I’d give that credit to Lulu.” At the mention of her name, the dog’s ears perked up and she cocked her head as if to say, ‘yep, I’m definitely the reason for your happily-ever-after.’
“No offense to the pup, but who did you call when you weren’t sure if you should go out with Ian or not?”
Juliet hopped off her stool and peered into the oven, checking on the chicken. “You.”
“And what did I tell you to do?” Willow refilled her wineglass, making herself a promise to slow down after that one. The last thing she needed was to end up on the wrong side of tipsy and embarrass herself in front of Juliet’s new family.
“If I remember correctly, you said something along the lines of ‘Fuck it. Sleep with him.’”
“Exactly!” Willow flared her hands and looked around the large kitchen with its view of the private beach. “So, as you can see, this house and the way that man puts his hands on you is totally because of my stellar advice.”
When they finished de-stringing green beans, Juliet threw them into a pan with some butter and got them started on the stove. “Have you had anyone putting their hands on you lately?” she asked over her shoulder.
Willow swirled her wine, then took a sip before putting it down with the light clink of glass on granite. “Every day,” she said with a sly grin. “Many hands. All over me. For hours at a time.”
Juliet’s eyes widened in shock and then understanding set her laughing. “I’m not talking about work, you goof. I get it. You get touched by a lot of men at American City Ballet. But you know damn well that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Eh.” Willow dropped her gaze to her hands. “ACB is my boyfriend, you know that.”
Not that she wouldn’t like to have an honest to goodness boyfriend. She wouldn’t mind that at all. The simple fact of the matter was there just wasn’t time, with rehearsals, and classes, and performing, and…you know…sleep. Although Willow would be the first to admit if they ever figured out how to do away with sleep, she’d be all over that shit.
Juliet shook her head, smiling sadly. “How many times have I heard that? American City Ballet, this, ACB, that...”
“Well, then, you really didn’t need to ask, did you?”
“Can’t help it if I worry about you.”
That last comment was out of character. Julz had always been understanding of the sacrifices Willow made for her career.
She has to be thinking about Ian again, she thought. And that’s probably why she’s worrying about my love life.
“There’s no need to worry. I love what I do. And I won’t be able to do it forever. There’ll be time for real love after my career is over,” she said, as Juliet’s face went mushy.
“In my experience, when it’s time for love, you don’t really have a choice in the matter.”
That spring, Juliet had moved to Bliss, South Carolina, where she immediately stumbled upon Ian Moore, and fell madly, head over heels, crazy in love with the guy. Apparently the feeling had been mutual, because the proposal came a few months later. Not as fast as the real Romeo and Juliet, but pretty damn fast given they were talking about real life.
“I’m really glad things worked out for you, Julz,” Willow said. “I’ve never seen you happier. And this house!” She made a sweeping motion with her hand. “Ian really is the best thing that ever happened to you.”
“The second-best thing that ever happened to me. You’re number one.”
“And don’t you forget it!” Willow gathered veggies for a salad while Juliet checked on the chicken.
Nerves jangled in her belly as she realized how many new-to-her people would be filling the house in a few hours. Large crowds were never her thing, but a lifetime of performing had taught her some coping skills. First things first, she needed to arm herself with knowledge.
“Okay, so help me out here. What kind of craziness am I in for once Ian’s family arrives? There are what? Six Moores, plus a girlfriend?” She surveyed the ingredients in front of her. “I’m gonna need a bigger salad, aren’t I?”
“You’re fine, Will. They’re going to love you.”
“Of course, I’ll be fine. Socializing is what I do best.” Willow rolled her eyes at her own sarcasm. She was much better at listening than talking. “Just give me the basics so I have a starting place for conversation.”
“Oh, don’t worry, there won’t be any awkward silences at the table tonight.”
“Okay, vivacious bunch. Check. What else?”
Juliet leaned against the counter beside her friend. “Well, there’s James—Ian’s younger brother—and his girlfriend Ellie who’s just recovered from a really awful car accident. A broken arm, concuss
ion, and a bunch of lacerations. Plus, she’s pregnant. Double plus, and probably irrelevant, but possibly helpful background info—she runs her own café, in town. So between all that, James more than has his hands full right now, which is why Ian chose Harry, the youngest brother, to be his best man.”
Willow grimaced. “Yikes! All those injuries and pregnant to boot? Sounds like dating one of the Moore brothers isn’t always like winning the lottery.”
“Just wait until you see them together.” Juliet ducked her chin toward her shoulder. “You’ll rescind that statement.”
“I’m just saying, you got the house, the ring, and the happily ever after. She got the morning sickness and what? Six to eight weeks without the use of her arm?” Willow shook her head. “Poor thing.”
Her greatest fear was getting hurt. Even the smallest injury could derail her career.
“Like I said, just wait. You’ll see. Ellie got her happily ever after, just like me.”
Willow glanced at Lulu, whose tongue lolled out as if to say she agreed with Juliet’s assessment. “If you two say so.” She eyed her wine, trying to gauge her level of tipsiness. Could she handle another glass before dinner? “What about this Harry? What’s the dish on him?”
“Funny you should say that.” Juliet laughed. “He’s a chef and owns a restaurant, which means he’s pretty much married to his job. Like you.”
“Is this, like, the most perfect family in the whole world? That’s really creepy, Julz. Because it’s not actually possible.” Even the best-meaning people had skeletons in their closet.
“Oh, don’t worry…” Juliet widened her eyes. “We haven’t gotten to Lilah, yet.”
“Aha!” Willow went ahead and took another drink of wine. “Now we’re getting somewhere!”
“Lilah is very sure of everything she does. Very. Very. Sure.” The doorbell rang, cutting off the conversation. Juliet pursed her eyebrows and checked the time. “I don’t know who that could be. They’re not supposed to show up for at least another hour.”
A sense of expectation settled over Willow.
A feeling, an urge, a gentle tug at the back of her consciousness.
Something is about to happen, it whispered. Something big.
Shaking her head at the thought, she chalked it up to nerves and took another drink of wine.
Chapter Four
Willow
Tipsy or not, Willow wanted to wow the Moores. They were sure to have questions about her life as a professional ballerina, but experience had taught her that normal, non-ballet people didn’t understand the devotion and sacrifice her career demanded. Going into detail inevitably ended in glazed eyes and dismissive nods, so she tended to keep her replies simple, then toss the conversation back to them. All she had to do was field a few questions with her practiced answers and then ask a handful of her own.
Keep the focus on them and…boom.
She’d be both interesting and interested, ensuring she’d survive the night without anyone thinking she was more unusual than she was.
Footsteps and low conversation in the hallway broke through Willow’s thoughts. Goose bumps shivered down her spine and her belly executed a near perfect summersault. Pushing away her wineglass, she sat up straight and squared her shoulders, then leaned forward and placed her elbows on the table, cupping her chin in her hands.
“Allow me to introduce my soon to be brother-in-law, Harrison Moore.” Juliet swept into the kitchen, followed closely by a tall man wearing a white button-down and dark gray slacks, his sandy hair swept off his face.
The guy had the most amazing eyes Willow had ever seen.
Like, old soul eyes.
Intelligent, quick, and illuminated by a breathtaking smile and chiseled cheekbones—and, oddly enough, staring into them made her feel like she’d stumbled on an old friend.
Willow knew she should say something.
Maybe offer her hand and give the obligatory nice to meet you.
But she couldn’t.
She was utterly, completely, one hundred percent frozen in place.
The air in the room suddenly seemed thick, leaving her unable to catch a decent breath.
Her heart clattered in her chest.
Not only was he gorgeous, but Harrison…? His name was Harrison…? Like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom…? The one where he fell madly in love with a woman whose nickname was Willie…? Just like hers…?
Even Juliet would have to concede that was a sign!
“Hey, Willow.” Harry nodded his greeting, his gray eyes dancing across her face. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Juliet sidled up and nudged her with her elbow, which was best friend code for get your shit together. “Harry decided to show up early and offer us his expertise in the kitchen.”
Finally gaining control over herself, Willow hopped off her stool. With a broad smile, she extended a hand. “It’s very nice to meet you and thank you for coming to our rescue…”
When Harry took her hand, his rough skin pressing against hers, his touch gentle yet firm, warm yet possessive, Willow lost all ability to think, let alone be charming.
She disappeared into his eyes, her lips slightly parted, and it was as if the rest of the world dimmed around them.
As if they were onstage, standing in a spotlight.
As if it was just the two of them alone in the kitchen, their soul-defining, lust-inducing connection sizzling through the air.
“It’s not a big deal at all.” His eyes locked onto hers and Willow couldn’t breathe until he released her hand and gave his attention back to Juliet. “Looks like you guys have it mostly under control here. I’d still like to help if I can, though. Just point me in a direction and I’m your guy.”
Juliet said something in return, and Harry laughed at whatever it was. If Willow’s life depended on it, she wouldn’t have been able to repeat what was said. She couldn’t hear over the rush of blood in her veins and the death throes of her melting heart.
Never in all her life had she been so completely taken off guard by someone. Sure, she wasn’t always the most articulate in social settings. And yeah, she often needed to prep herself to meet new people. But she always had the grace to at least say ‘hello!’ Standing in front of a person with her jaw hanging open was a new experience.
Could anything have prepared her for the force of meeting Harrison Moore?
She didn’t think so.
The three of them danced around the kitchen, an intricate ballet of movement and work, filling bowls and taking things out of the oven, reaching for silverware and lining the counter with food. Wine flowed and laughter warmed Willow’s still recovering heart.
She couldn’t keep her eyes off Harry and every time she glanced up, she found him watching her. His stormy gray eyes, quick and sultry, tracked her movements. She felt like she did in rehearsal, when the director stood at the front of the studio, taking notes on her performance. Like every one of her actions was being studied and analyzed.
And just as he studied her, she studied him, constantly aware of the space between them. Of the way he moved as he worked, so easy and confident. His quick laughter at Juliet’s gentle jokes. His hesitance to speak before he had a moment to think over what he wanted to say.
Before long, the house filled with Moores. As Juliet introduced Willow to each new family member, she did her best to keep her focus off Harry’s broad shoulders. She failed. Miserably. The man had her attention so firmly gripped in his strong hands, the world could have ended and Willow wouldn’t notice.
“A ballerina, huh?” asked Juliet’s soon to be father-in-law as everyone sat down to dinner. With his salt and pepper hair and distinguished face, Frank Moore had a comforting air that put Willow at ease. “That’s a very disciplined calling.” He infused a heavy dose of respect into his words.
“It is.” She smiled and picked at her salad. “I like it, though. It challenges me.”
“I’m surprised you’ve managed
to take an entire week off. Isn’t that close to career suicide for you?”
Frank’s question surprised Willow. Not many people understood the blind dedication ballet required. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Harry studying her and for some reason, it sent a shiver of heat racing up her spine while her stomach did pirouettes.
“We get the last couple weeks of November off. Juliet was awesome enough to schedule her wedding around my break.” Willow set down her fork. “Had she pushed it any later I probably wouldn’t have been able to be here. Next week, we start rehearsal for The Nutcracker, and right after that show closes, we start setting the next ballet.”
Ian lifted his glass. “To The Nutcracker then, if that’s the reason I get to make this woman my wife so quickly.” He took Juliet’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
“To The Nutcracker,” echoed Harry, holding up his glass as he met Willow’s eyes.
A wide smile stretched across her face as she lifted her glass in return.
Hell yeah, to The Nutcracker. If that means I’ll be spending a week getting to know Harrison Moore, I’ll toast The Nutcracker all night long.
Chapter Five
Willow
As the Moores toasted The Nutcracker, the still healing lacerations on Ellie’s face caught Willow’s attention. “Are you still in a lot of pain?”
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that once again, Harry’s attention was locked on her.
Why was he watching her so closely?
Was he as interested in her as she was him?
Or had he caught her staring so many times that she’d made him uncomfortable?
Willow wrenched her focus back to Ellie, who shook her head and shrugged, her dark curls bouncing around her shoulders. “Not like I was. I’m just glad to be able to do things for myself again. I was beginning to think the doctor would never let me off bedrest.”
James chuckled. “Ellie’s not very good at accepting help or admitting weakness.”
