Midnight Lessons (Midnight Falls, Texas)

12. Owen

Chapter 12

Owen

As I drive Willow to work the next morning, I can’t shake the image of her face as she told me about Matthew, her green eyes wide with a mix of fear and frustration. My woman has a way of projecting strength even when she’s scared, but nobody should have to deal with a creep like that. Especially not Willow.

We called Sheriff Midnight once we got back to her place last night. He explained that he could write a report and take our statements, but unless we had proof that Matthew was behind the betting pool or he physically harmed Willow, there wasn’t much he could do. Still, he promised to have one of his deputies talk to Matthew, who is still in town.

I also called Mark, but he didn’t pick up, so I left a message. Hopefully, he’ll get back to me soon with something we can use.

Willow and I ate our burgers but only watched half of The Bionic Woman before other needs took over—needs that led to fast, frantic, and very satisfying sex on Low’s living room floor. Then I carried her to bed and made slow, sweet love to her until we were both spent.

After dropping Willow at The Bewitched Bakery, I head off to work, promising to return for lunch. I take a moment to watch her through the glass as she moves with her usual grace, arranging the fresh pastries in the display case. She throws me a soft smile when she catches me lingering, her expression warm. It soothes some of the anxiety roiling in my gut, but not enough to keep me from feeling on edge. I promised her I’d be back for lunch, but the truth is, I don’t like leaving her alone for even a minute, not with Matthew lurking like some goddamn specter .

With a last wave, I head to school, my thoughts still tangled up in how to handle Matthew. There was something off about him, even back in high school.

My hands clench on the wheel. I can’t help but think that part of this is my fault because, damn , I should’ve fought harder for Willow back then. I gave up too easily once I heard she was dating Matthew. I was hurt and angry because she moved on so quickly and froze me out. But he never should’ve been able to weasel his way into her life because of my mistakes.

I spend the morning going through the motions—taking my classes through the ecosystem project and explaining food chains and predator-prey relationships. I smile and joke with the students, but my head’s not fully in it. It’s on Willow, on her safety. Every time I think about her being targeted, I see red.

I finish my third class and hand out a pop quiz, and as soon as fourth period lets out, I grab my jacket, lock my classroom, and head back to town.

The drive to The Bewitched Bakery takes less than ten minutes, but it feels like an hour. As I pull into a parking space across the street, I spot him almost immediately, and every muscle in my body tenses.

“Motherfucker,” I curse under my breath.

The guy is brazen, leaning casually against a lamppost near the bakery entrance. To anyone else, he looks like he’s waiting for a friend, but I know better. He’s loitering, his gaze too focused on the bakery’s door.

Rage surges, hot and fierce, threatening to consume me. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down before I do something reckless. But I can’t let him stand there, watching her.

I get out of my truck quietly and cross the street, keeping my movements controlled. Matthew doesn’t notice me until I’m right in front of him. I step into his line of sight, blocking his view of the bakery, and his head jerks up, surprise flickering in his eyes.

“Owen. Long time no see,” he says, trying to sound casual.

“Matthew,” I reply, my voice low and dangerous. “What the hell are you doing here? ”

His smile widens. “Can’t a guy get a coffee in town without being interrogated?”

“Funny because I don’t see you holding a coffee. What I see is you standing here, staring at Willow’s bakery like a creep.”

Matthew sighs. “Look, I’ve already had one of Sheriff Midnight’s deputies breathing down my neck this morning for no reason. I suppose I have you to thank for that. Not that I’ve done anything wrong. An innocent man can’t be charged for a crime he didn’t commit.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Answer my question. What the hell are you doing here?”

Matthew’s smile tightens, his gaze flicking toward the bakery before settling back on me. “Relax. I just wanted to see an old friend. Say hello. We spent years together, remember? I think that entitles me to at least a quick coffee.”

“Old friend?” I step closer, lowering my voice. “Don’t bullshit me, Matthew. You and Willow haven’t spoken in nearly a year. You’re not entitled to anything. Not her time, not her attention, and definitely not her goddamn coffee.” I lean in, making sure he sees the cold fury in my eyes. “If I catch you anywhere near her again, we’re going to have a problem.”

His jaw twitches, the smile vanishing from his face. “Big talk, Callahan. You think you can waltz back into town and play hero? That you can pick up where you left off? I was there for her when you broke her heart and fucked off to the city.”

My fists clench, but I keep my voice calm. “You were a convenient distraction, Matthew, that’s all.”

His eyes darken, the smug mask slipping. “You have no idea what she confided in me, Owen. All those nights we spent together, all the times she turned to me because you were a cruel, arrogant asshole.”

“You’re right. I was arrogant. My words were cruel and unwarranted. I allowed myself to be led by the crowd. But I’m not that person anymore, Matthew. I’ve grown up. I’ve loved and lost, not only Willow, but my parents. Experiences like that have a way of making you realize what’s important. And no one is more important to me than Willow. I’m lucky because she’s given me a second chance to earn her love, and I’ll be damned if I stand by and let you fuck everything up because you’re still clinging to some childish high school grudge.”

I step closer still. “I’m prepared to be the bigger man here, but listen up because I’m only going to say this once. Willow made you no promises. She was never in love with you. However, you were there for her when I wasn’t. You helped her save face during a difficult time, and for that, I thank you.”

I’d laugh at the shock on his face if I weren’t so mad. It galls me to offer my gratitude to this man, but it’s the right thing to do.

Matthew’s eyelids flicker, and for a second, I think he’s also going to do the right thing—shake hands like a man and fuck off.

But no. This is Matthew Crane I’m dealing with, and his dented ego won’t allow for a mature resolution .

He smirks, looking so damned sure of himself. “You think you’re the big love of her life?” He grabs his crotch. “Maybe you should ask her why she stayed with me for so long.

I see red. I tried the moral high ground, and it didn’t work. Time to talk to him in a language he understands.

Grabbing his arm, I drag him behind the nearby jewelry store, out of sight from the street and, more importantly, out of Willow’s line of vision. I slam him against the rough brick wall, my grip tight enough to bruise. “I did ask her, fuckwit. She stayed with you to keep me at arm’s length. She used you to push me away when I fucked up. But trust me, she doesn’t need you. She never did. You’re pissed because she dumped your sorry ass when you wanted more than she could give you, and it gets right up your entitled crack to see her happy with someone else.”

I know I’ve hit a nerve when his face flushes a deep, angry red. Good. Let him feel a fraction of what he’s put Willow through.

“You always were a hothead, Owen. But you’ve got it wrong. I’m not the bad guy here. ”

“Not the bad guy, huh? I know you’re behind that disgusting betting pool,” I growl. “And if you think for one second I’m going to let you hurt her, you’re even dumber than I thought.”

Matthew’s eyes flash with something unhinged before he schools his expression. He glances around, clearly looking for an escape as he works through his options.

“Get out of here. Leave town, and don’t come back,” I bite out. I release him and step back, my fists clenching at my sides to keep from decking him.

“Fine. You win. But then, people like you always do,” he says bitterly.

I sigh heavily. “That’s just it, Matthew. It’s not about winning. It’s about letting go of the past and doing what’s right. So grow the fuck up and put a stop to this betting pool.” I hold up a hand as he opens his mouth to deny his involvement again. “Don’t insult me or yourself. Pull your head out of your ass and move on with your life.”

A muscle in his jaw ticks as he glares at me for a moment before he finally turns sharply and stalks away. I watch him until he rounds the corner, my chest heaving with the effort it takes not to go after him.

When I’m sure he’s gone, I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I make my way around the building and glance inside the bakery, ensuring Willow’s still inside and hasn’t seen any of this. The last thing she needs is more stress.

Satisfied that she’s safe, I consider the next steps. Mark’s close to getting proof, but I don’t need proof to know the truth. I saw it in Matthew Crane’s eyes.

If he’s got any sense left in his thick skull after our little chat, he’ll give Willow the peace she deserves. If he doesn’t, well, let’s just say I’m not above getting my hands dirty.

Willow is all about handling things her way, with that sassy confidence and a smile that could disarm the grumpiest old-timer in town. Willow’s world is sugar-dusted cookies and laughter that rings clear as a bell, not whispered threats behind an appliance store. She’s not one to shy away from standing up for herself, but sometimes, the world works on a different level. A darker, uglier level where guys like Matthew only get the message when it’s spelled out with fists instead of words.

Still, I’d do it in a heartbeat because when it comes to Willow, there’s no battle I won’t fight.