The Road That Leads to Us (Us 1)

She’d always been my friend and now…now I thought of her in ways I most definitely shouldn’t.

This trip was definitely going to test the limits of my self-control.

I glanced over at her, noting the peaceful smile on her lips.

She sensed my eyes on her and turned to look at me. “What?”

“Nothing,” I said, my gaze drifting back to the road.

“You’re a liar.” She turned and blew a big ass bubble beside my head, trying to get a rise out of me. “Come on, spill it, Dean. You made me talk about college, now it’s your turn.”

Panic like I’d never felt before seized me.

There was no way I could tell Willow I thought I had feelings for her. Especially when I still wasn’t certain exactly what those feelings were. I didn’t want to speak too soon and ruin our relationship. I’d never forgive myself.

“There’s nothing to tell.” I stared straight ahead at the road even though the pressure of her eyes on the side of my face was begging me to glance at her.

“Fine.” She snapped her gum. “You’ll tell me eventually.” She turned to look out the side at the passing trees and farms. “One cow. Two cow. Three cow.” She began to count, in an effort to irritate me enough to tell her what was on my mind.

“Not gonna work, Will.”

“You can be such a moody little pansy.” She huffed and pulled her journal out once more and began to doodle what looked like a bird. “Stop looking at my journal and drive!” She scolded, hiding the pages against her chest.

I grinned even though I knew she was slightly miffed with me. I also knew Willow could never stay mad with me for long.

I turned the volume on the radio back up and in no time she was moving her head to the beat and singing along. Music was in Willow’s blood. It was in mine too. Both of my parents could sing, and my dad played guitar, but they’d never pursued music like Willow’s dad. He was the real deal.

Willow began to sing the lyrics, her voice going from a whisper to a full on shout.

She swayed her arms in the air, really getting into it.

Her enthusiasm was contagious and I began

to sing too.

She grinned at me and I knew I was forgiven.

The song ended and she collapsed against me, wrapping her arms around my neck. Her body vibrated against mine with her silent laughter.

I took a moment to soak up the feel of her arms around me and the scent of her shampoo tickling my nose.

She pulled away after a moment and blew another big ass bubble, her gum nearly falling out of her mouth when it popped.

In a lightning fast move, my hand shot out and I snatched her gum.

“Dean!” She cried as I stuck it in my mouth. “That’s gross!”

I shrugged. “Not that gross.”

She sighed and dug around on the floor until she found the bag of lollipops. A moment later she’d popped one in her mouth.

“At least you can’t try to irritate me with that,” I said.

She then waved it around beside my face before poking my cheek with the end of it.

“I stand corrected,” I muttered, chewing on her gum.

She giggled and reached for the map. “I think we need to exit soon,” she said more to herself than me.