The day couldn't go by fast enough until I can see Willows face again.

She scared me this morning when she wanted to talk to me. I thought she was going to say she didn't want to see me again. I know there is a lot on the line here but she's worth it.

We load the trees on my truck and head back to the lot to place them and I had to go in the office and run some numbers for dad and then I'm taking off early to plan a dinner at the apartment for Willow.

I finish up and drop Ben off then head home. Noah helps me to get things sorted and then I cook the only dish I know... Spaghetti and garlic bread.

I get the food made and then head to rustic noel to pick her up. She's smiling when I walk in to get her and so is her mom and Edward.

"Hey, it looks different in here. I like it." I smile.

"I did that today with Mom's permission," Willow said.

"You ready? I kinda cooked for you." I smirk.

"You did? Yep, I'm ready let's go." She smiled and hooked her arm in mine.

I helped her in the truck and we head to my apartment. I put the food in the oven to stay warm. I let her walk in first and I head to the kitchen.

"It smells good in here Jace." She said.

"I hope you like spaghetti and garlic bread," I said.

"It's one of my favorites. I'm going to use the bathroom and I'll be back." She said.

I watched her walk out of the room. She always did have a nice ass. Then I grab our food and pour a couple glasses of wine.

When she returns I'm sitting at the table. I lit a candle and had our plates fixed and the wine.

"Wow, this is nice Jace." She smiled.

"It's all for you Willow and I thought maybe coming here we could talk without being interrupted and worried someone would overhear. Noah is at his friends for the night." I said.

"Well thank you." She smiled.

"I'm sorry I'm rambling I'm nervous." I sigh.

"No need to be nervous. This spaghetti is good too. Did your mom teach you to cook?" She asked.

"Yeah, when we were young. I would beg for her to make this and she said if you want to eat your favorite dish you need to learn to cook it." I laugh.

"I can see your mom saying that and pointing." She giggles.

I love to hear her giggle. It's such a beautiful sound. "So umm what made your mom want to change the store?" I ask.

"I'm not sure she came in and said she wanted to change things and I told her she had to let me do it my way and surprisingly she agreed." She said.

"So what's on that new shelf then?" I ask.

"Mostly stuff that hasn't sold. She's hoping it will catch people's eyes." she shrugged.

I know we are putting off what we need to talk about and filling it with small talk because we are nervous. We both have been so guarded with our hearts that it's hard for us.

She helps me clean the kitchen and then we head to the couch. She sits on one end and pulls her legs up and places her hands on her knees.

"So you want to talk now Willow?" I ask.

"You sure you don't want to go first?" She asked.

"Just let your heart talk to mine," I said.

"Then I need to be close to you." She said getting up and walking over and she sits sideways on my lap.

I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss the side of her head and wait for her to say something.

"Jace when I left all those years ago I was running from my feelings. I have never been happy with any guy I've ever been with. I always compare them to you." She said picking at her nail.

"Willow I've been the same way. No one compares to you. My heart wants you as does my body."

"Jace I."...

There was a loud knock on the door. "Who the fuck." I said with us both getting up.

I walk over and open the door and it was Jackie. "Hi, Jace! I found out where you live and I wanted to stop by."

"What the hell Jackie? You can leave now," I said.

"Can't I come in? I want to see your tree." She whined.

Willow walked over to the door behind me. "We were in the middle of something if you don't mind."

"What are you doing here Willow?" Jackie scoffed.

"The real question is what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be home with your husband and children?" Willow said.

Before Jackie could respond I shut the door in her face and locked it.

"God, why does her voice sound like that woman on the tv show The Nanny," Willow said.

I chuckle... "Yeah, she does sound like Fran Drescher. Let's go to my room so if she knocks again we can't hear her." I said.

We sit on the bed side by side. "You know Willow this doesn't have to be awkward. We have always liked each other. But what made you tell me?" I ask.

"My dad told me I needed to talk to you." She smiled.

"That's funny my dad told me to go get my girl." I laugh.

"Your girl huh?" She smiled at me.

"Well yeah and it seems I have your dad and brother's permission," I said.

"But what happens when I leave Jace? I will be ripping our hearts out." She said.

"Why don't we cross that bridge when we get to it and just enjoy our time together," I said leaning over to capture her lips.