Chapter 28

Chad only spoke up when Willow was done painting. "I'm willing to compete with Joseph—fair and square." She spun around, eyes full of disbelief. "Compete fair and square?" She almost burst out laughing as she added, "Since when did you learn to say such things, Chad?" This wasn't something Chad would've said in the past. He gulped as he looked at Willow, eyes burning passionately. "I know I've messed up many things, but I'm being serious this time." She let out a sigh and said, "Do what you want." … The days that followed turned somewhat absurd. No matter where Willow went to sketch, two men always trailed after her. Chad would trail behind her quietly from afar, while Joseph would show up on time to hand her a cup of hot coffee or an umbrella. Willow sat at the open bar below her hotel, sipping a glass of martini in the evening. Chad and Joseph flanked her on each side, occupying adjacent tables as they subtly competed against each other by ordering increasingly expensive dr