Jasper frowned and peered at Willow. “I can take the tent beside yours.” Hah, so he’s bothered. I knew it. Willow frowned. “No. I’m scared of the dark. What if there are snakes? Who’s going to save me if I’m alone?”
Winston coughed. “Willow, the tents are anti- snake, so the snakes won’t be a bother.” “No. We’re right out here in the wilds. What if there are ghosts?” Willow made up another excuse. Fortunately, all the other members had gone away, so only the bodyguards and a few people remained.
“Take the biggest tent, then. It should be easier to sleep in.” Winston finally realized that Willow would not stop until she could share a tent with Jasper. There was no way to stop her now. Jasper heaved a sigh and nodded in silence. Only then did Willow smile. When Winston walked past Jasper, he whispered, “Take care of her, Mr. Wyatt.” He’s so lucky.
Speechless, the bodyguards quickly exchanged tents with the other team members who had chosen tents near Willow so they could be as near to Willow as possible. It was as if they didn’t trust Jasper. Either way, their only job for this trip was to make sure Willow was safe.
The days were long on this island. Even though it was already eight, the sky hadn’t fully darkened yet. Everyone had their dinner and happily chatted. Some even strolled around and took a few photos.
Willow too was captivated by the island’s scenery. Holding Jasper’s arm, she asked, “Care to stroll with me?” Jasper pulled his hand back, much to Willow’s surprise. He doesn’t want me holding his arm?
Then, he held her hand. He wanted to hold hands, and that realization doused Willow’s consternation. She and Jasper made their way to the beach. There wasn’t anyone there, so silence was their company. Stars shone in the sky, the moon smiling gently at the sands. The sea was peaceful as well. All seemed right.
Willow was at peace too. Nothing needed to be said. An exchange of silent looks was enough to tell them what they were feeling. Then, Willow noticed a shooting star hurtling through the sky. “Is that a shooting star?” She let go of Jasper’s hand.
Surprised, Jasper looked back and saw Willow holding her hands together in prayer as she made her wish. Her chin was resting on the tip of her fingers, and silvery moonlight shone on her face. Her hair tumbled down to her waist. She looked like a devout believer praying to the goddess of the moon. Jasper’s heart was captivated.
Willow quickly made a silent wish and opened her eyes. She looked at the disappearing shooting star and turned to Jasper, then she laughed. Jasper narrowed his eyes. “So, what kind of wish did you make?”
“Can’t say it, or it won’t come true.” Willow arched her eyebrow. She could tell anyone else about the wish, but not Jasper. The wish she made was about him, after all. She wished for a life of peace, health, and serenity for him. He was in a dangerous line of work, so that was the wish she made the moment she closed her eyes.
“Oh, the tide’s rising. Time to go back.” Jasper held her hand and went back to the tents. Everyone had gone to sleep as they were exhausted. Of course, some were still awake, and they saw Willow and Jasper together. They didn’t say anything. Those two looked like a perfect couple, after all.
Willow was gorgeous, but the lads on the team would never dare to court her. They didn’t want to cross the Presgraves, after all. There was no way the Presgraves would marry their princess off to a commoner, and with Jasper around, there was no way the lads could gain her attention. He had the looks, physique, and charisma to woo any woman he wanted. Besides, the lads admired Jasper too.
