Nicholas had the money to spare.
We both smiled and the atmosphere lightened.
“Where are you taking me, then?”
“The world’s best shopping district.”
I reclined in my seat and gazed out the window at the passing city.
“May I ask a question of you?”
I nodded as I turned around to face Courtney.
“What’s your age?”
I swallowed. “Nearly twenty.”
In a few more months.
“Hey, I didn’t want to offend you. I’m only twenty-five. I just wanted to know.” She cocked her head to the side. “Nicholas is great, in my opinion. Although Sandra has been his coworker for eight years, I don’t know him well. He is known as a tyrant in the industry, but I don’t personally believe it. He has gone above and beyond to be nice to me whenever we met, and Sandra simply adores him. I hope the two of you will have a blissful life. The flash marriage is so romantic.”
Really, I didn’t know what to say. People would undoubtedly perceive it as romantic. With the exception of the entire contract thing, I figured it was.
“Also,” she added with a smile, “shopping can be thought of as therapeutic. Therefore, I promise to keep anything you share with me in confidence a secret, and I wish the same for you. We can help each other with our problems.”
She started laughing, so I laughed along with her and relaxed. The day would be more enjoyable than I anticipated, I had a gut feeling.
After spending the day with Courtney, I knew three things for sure:
When you had unlimited money, shopping was much more exciting.
She garnered more male attention than I had noticed with Lory. Moreover, people seemed to notice me more.
I made my first friend in Quentin just that fast.
While we balanced the numerous bags of things I had purchased, we maintained a continual stream of conversation. She provided me with a crash course on Quentin survival after I offered her the updated story of how Nicholas and I had first met. She recounted her college life to me as I informed her of the classes I had enrolled in at QCU for the upcoming fall semester. I wanted to send Sandra a gift basket or something since I was so grateful that Courtney had come to my rescue.
I felt prepared to handle the family gathering after completing my first Quentin shopping excursion and Courtney’s company, which gave me a boost in confidence. I returned home by five, giving me plenty of time to get ready.
I made an effort to hold back my hysterics as I stepped out the door in my little black dress and heels-my attire cost about seven thousand bucks. I drew my straightened hair back and secured it with a jeweled clip in a low ponytail. I used minimal makeup, just some gloss, and eye shadow to deepen my eyes.
After I was done, I took a few photos of myself and texted them to Lory.
She was envious that she wasn’t here yet to go on the shopping escapades, but I assured her that as soon as she got here in a few days, we would go everywhere.
I nearly immediately received a response.
[Hot mama! They’re going to be amazed.]
I smiled as I stuffed my new bag with necessities and went down the stairs after reading her message. When Nicholas rushed in just after seven, I was waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
He came to a standstill when his eyes fell upon me. His eyes swept down and then back up, taking me in thoroughly.
“I’m fucked.”
His stunned expression made me giggle. It meant that he approved of my outfit.
“Do I look okay?”
I twirled around to make sure he saw the backless dress and wasn’t taken aback by his snarl or the fact that he appeared at my side in an instant. Before I could even turn around, his hands landed on my hips and drew my body to him.
“I believe I should take a rain check and call my parents. I do not wish to share you tonight.” His breath brushed against my exposed neck. With each word he whispered in my ear, my knees grew weaker. “I would prefer to take you back upstairs and fuck you all night.”
Oh, that idea had potential. But I resisted giving in.
“Let go, Mr. Rowe. I’m not going to waste all the effort because of your wandering hands.” I slapped away his roaming hands and took a few steps back.
His eyes blazed, yet his lips curled into a smile. I moved backward as he took a step forward. It made me think of a predator pursuing his food. He would approach, and I would move away.
Up until I ran into the wall.
He edged closer, placing his hands on the wall on either side of my head, and my heart hammered against my ribcage. I’d never say it out loud, but I enjoyed the pursuit.
“There is nowhere to go, Willow. I have you now.” He leaned closer but avoided touching me.
“Go change,” I said.
My statement didn’t sound particularly convincing. When his lips touched my neck, I fought back my groan.
“You shouldn’t be this attractive. When we go out for dinner, I’m going to struggle all night to figure out how to get you out of this outfit,” he spoke softly in my ear.
I yearned to reach out and check as to whether Cocky Junior was as eager to play as Nicholas claimed.
But I was aware that we’d never leave if I did.
“You better get dressed for the night if you wish to see what’s under this dress.”
He backed away and grinned. “Only if you are certain.”
I smiled. I wanted to get the family gathering over with, even though it could have been more enjoyable to stay home.
Nicholas then winked and sprinted up the stairs after giving me a quick kiss. His departing figure made me grin and shake my head as I pondered where he must have gotten all of his energy.