Naturally, I didn't want to add fuel to the fire by strutting around in a gaudy dress.We selected the ideal one that went with my wishes to wear something refined and minimal. It had an off-white color and strapless. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was perfect.Courtney and I stopped for lunch at a local cafe after stowing the bags in the car."Are you looking forward to the party?" she asked.I sighed. "I suppose. I'm a little uneasy around all their acquaintances, but Clara is excited enough for the both of us."Monday afternoon, when Clara and I had lunch, she told me that each and every person she had invited had accepted. Her excitement was contagious and I enjoyed listening to her gush about the arrangements. I was happy that she loved planning for events because I wouldn't know where to start.I knew Clara Rowe didn't like to accept no for an answer. She has the ability to get anything he desired. That's most likely where Nicholas acquired the same talent from. By the time o

Geoffrey was standing there with a sheepish look when we turned in the direction of the noise. He cut in, saying, "I thought I'd interrupt before this went X-rated. Your absence there is standing out more and more. Is everything okay?" Nicholas and I pulled out of our embrace and he took my hand before asking, "Shall we have dinner, then?" Geoffrey promptly left and I nodded, asking Nicholas to follow after. I was really happy to see only friendly people at our table. I sat down between Nicholas and Lory, grinning as I did so. Apart from Francis, his date was also seated at our table. Under the table, Lory grasped my hand and bent close to whisper. "Did anything happen?" I gave her hand a squeeze. "It's okay. I swear." She examined me with a doubtful look but allowed me to lie. Salads were served and I enjoyed the light conversation around the table. Francis introduced me to his date, but she looked utterly bored throughout the meal and didn't speak much. I somewhat felt bad f

He chuckled briefly before returning to seriousness. "When...um... how did you know?" He abruptly ended his sentence, but it was obvious what he wanted to know. "I believe I've known for some time, but I didn't come clean with myself until the evening of our reception party. While I watched you there with all those prominent individuals, you did everything you could to make sure I was comfortable." I chewed my lip as I struggled to find the proper words. "I suppose I now understand how fortunate I am to have you." He kissed me so hard that made my toes curl. Then he spoke against my lips. "I had no idea I could be this happy... I'm the lucky one." I basked in his love, his sentimental words had filled my heart to overflowing. "You will be even happier when I am pregnant." Before his hand slid slowly down to cover my stomach, his kisses ceased. His touch was light. Nearly reverent. His eyes followed the same path before flitting back up to catch my gaze. When his forehead wrinkled

Nicholas POV: "I am graduating from Atkins High School in a week’s time. I was informed that I was the recipient of your yearly scholarship but later it was retracted on the account of an error. The scholarship has been since awarded to someone else. The retraction came after I had accepted a spot at QCU and I have already spent all my savings for room and board. I was dependent on the scholarship to attend college and I believe I deserve it. Mr. Rowe, I want you to fund my education as well.” My mouth gaped. I couldn't have been more surprised if I'd seen John get out and start dancing the cha-cha naked in the middle of the street. "You want me to fund your education?" "Yes. I shouldn't have to suffer because of your employee's mistake." Okay, yes. I was actually capable of being more surprised. This girl had some nerve. Nobody—and I mean nobody—talked to me like this. I was close to hanging up when she started speaking again. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. But I am in d

Nicholas POV: "He's not around much. No criminal record, and seems to be on the road all the time. Willow lives with him on a rental property. The lease is up in a few weeks and the landlord told me it wouldn't be renewed." Was he moving because Willow planned to leave for college or was she leaving because she had nowhere else to go? I hated the thought that she may feel she had no options. "What else? Did you get what I asked for?" He was silent for a moment. "Um… yeah, I got them. I'll go ahead and send them now." I messed with my mouse, waiting for the email to arrive. After clicking on the first image, I knew my dick was definitely still attached. "Holy fuck." She was gorgeous. Beyond gorgeous. I clicked through the photos I'd asked Virgil to get for me, each one better than the last. Walking into school. Coming out from work. Smiling at her friend. She was beautiful. Perfect. 'Mine.' "Boss?" I forgot I was still holding the phone with Virgil on the line. "Yeah?" I croaked