*Nathaniel *I couldn’t believe Willow.I mean she thought I was jealous of Jude? I had no reason to be! Sure, he was very successful and rich in an industry I desperately wanted to be a part of but odds are he didn’t even earn that position. It was handed to him! I was actually working hard to get somewhere. And I wasn’t jealous that she was his favorite. I was actually very proud of her. She was my girlfriend and I wanted the absolute best for her. But was I jealous? No matter how much I cared for Willow, I still had that competition ingrained in me. So maybe I was kind of envious that I wasn’t a favorite. But would I turn that into something sinister on Jude’s part?I wasn’t even sure. What I did know was that no matter what, I was mad at Willow for a good reason. She acted like I was just some crazy jealous boyfriend who was acting out of anger.That wasn’t the case at all. The worst part is I knew she wouldn’t apologize.--“Morning, Nathaniel.”“Hello Willow,” I replied, pur
*Willow*“V-Vance. What are you um…what are you doing here?”“You know I love to drink and dance. You um…look good, babe.” He looked me up and down.“Thank you. You too…how’s the family?”“Maybe it’s best we don’t talk about that.”“Maybe it’s best if we don't talk at all.”I turned around, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. “I really hate when you get like this, Willow. It comes across as childish. You’re too smart to act like a whiny brat.”“Five seconds in and here comes the beratement. I’m glad I blocked your number, you really haven’t changed.”“Hey get the fuck off my girlfriend!” Nathaniel shouted before pushing Vance away. “Vance? What the fuck are you doing here?”“Girlfriend?” Vance chuckled. “No wonder you’re acting so immaturely, Willow. This is the company you’re keeping.”“Just because I’m not pushing forty-five doesn’t make me immature.”“Willow, can you lose the kid and talk to me?”It was like I was still under his thumb. I felt the need to do everything he t
*Nathaniel*“Do you want me to kick her ass?” Willow asked.“No, it’s okay.”“You sure? I can take her. I know I don’t look strong, but I am.”“Oh I know. You kicked my ass in that elevator, but I will handle Shauna, I promise.”“You don’t mean sexually right?” Willow raised her eyebrows.“The only person that I’m handling sexually is you.” I kissed her. “You’re my chauffeur until I get new tires though.”“Oh you’re gonna have to pay.”“In what?”“Kisses.” Willow kissed me hard. I rolled on top of her and grinded against her. Willow moaned in my mouth and slid her warm hands up my shirt. “Hey Will?” I breathed. “Yeah, babe?”“I love…when you do that. Keep going.”What the hell was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just say it? Maybe I wasn’t ready yet. That was okay right? I mean it’s not like she was jumping to say it either. I could just leave it alone for now.There was no reason to rush it. Willow wasn’t going anywhere.--“Are you done now?”“Done with what?” Shauna asked. “With
*Willow*“This is a weird summer.”“What do you mean?” I asked Joy.“I mean everyone is all separated and weird. When did that happen?” She sighed.“We’re all growing up, Joy. I mean four of us are graduating business school next year and then we’ll really be all over the place. But that’s not a horrible thing.”“Maybe not to you. You’re thriving this summer. You’ve got your boyfriend and Jude clearly wants you to win the internship.”“You think so?”“Come on, Willow, you are so obviously the favorite. If I didn’t know you better I would say you’re sleeping with him…though he is your usual type.”“I’m not sleeping with Jude at all, I promise. I guess he just sees something in me.”“So when are you going to start bringing your boyfriend around? I mean it’s serious right?”“Yeah, but I just like having him to myself at the moment.” I smiled. “Chicken.”“I’m not a chicken! When are you going to tell everyone you’re dating Levi?”Joy’s mouth opened and then closed. “When the time is righ
*Nathaniel*Great. My perfect, romantic weekend was ruined for some fucking mixers. Not that I wasn’t thrilled and excited, but I wanted to spend time with just Willow. I was worried with how this last week had gone that she was losing interest in me. Sure she had fucked my brains out the night before, but I still felt insecure. I needed to confirm that we were still on the same page about our relationship.“This really blows,” I commented. “I know, but this is a great opportunity for both of us. We’re going to be the top two people at that dinner.” Willow grinned. “We’re gonna have no real time together this weekend.”“So we’ll do it next weekend.”I smiled. “Yeah you’re right. I gotta get my game face on. And let’s make it interesting.”“How?” Willow asked. “Whoever gets the most over the weekend gets to pick every single sexual position for the whole week.”Willow’s eyes lit up. “Oh you’re on. I’m gonna have fun telling you how to fuck me.”“I don’t need you to tell me, I kno
*Nathaniel*I couldn't believe it!“Nathaniel actually did what no one else did,” Jude stated. “He got the most important business card of the night.” He held up the gold card. “What does that mean? '' I questioned. “That you are automatically invited to the dinner on Sunday. Someone very important saw something very special in you. Congratulations.”“Oh wow. Thank you.”“So there’s only one slot open then?” Willow asked. “No, there will still be two. You’ll really need to show your personality tomorrow night, it’s going to be a whole new group of people. Nathaniel, still come tomorrow. It’ll be good practice for Sunday.”Everyone stared jealously at me. Except for Willow.There was something else in her eyes. She was…turned on. Me being the winner of the night was sexy to her. She was gonna devour me tonight. I couldn’t wait.--“Yes! Nathaniel! Oh yes!” Willow gasped.We were on round four and showing no signs of stopping. Willow had never wanted me more. Any insecurities I had
*Nathaniel*“How much do you usually drink babe?” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Like weekly, how much do you drink? Like how many days?”“I guess everyday. But not like a lot. Why?”“I just worry, Nathaniel. I know you keep a bottle of whiskey here and I feel like it’s been replaced multiple times since we started seeing each other.” Willow stated. “I’m twenty-one years old. It’s not uncommon for me to drink a lot, Will. I mean you can knock back quite a lot of alcohol too.”“I know, but there’s a difference with you Nathaniel. Your family history. Scott says it all the time. Addiction is-”“In my blood, I know. I promise I don’t have a problem, Willow. I just enjoy drinking and that’s it. Tonight I will keep it to just wine.” I assured her.“Good. I want to make sure that you really shine tonight.” Willow smiled. “Wow, you really do care about me huh?” I asked“Of course I do babe. I want the best for you. And like I said before I want to compete with you when you’re at your best
*Willow*“So what should I get Levi for his birthday?” Joy asked. “I have no idea, girl. I am horrible at gifts for boyfriends. What did he say he wanted?”“Nothing. He said that he has everything that he wants.”“Then maybe a nice card will do?” I suggested absently. My focus was Nathaniel across the room. He and Julian were playing chess. There was something so sexy about Nathaniel being strategic. I was finding new things to love about him every day.That had to mean something pretty fucking intense.“Willow! A card?” Joy questioned. “Where is your head at?”“On my boyfriend, honestly.” I winced. “When are you going to introduce him to the family?”“When the time is right. I just want him to myself. And the last time I brought a guy home, it didn’t go well.”“Well Vance was a grown man in his forties, so that’s different I would say…unless this one is forty too?”“No, this one is my age.”Down to the very last second.“Good. You seem really happy.”“Yeah, I am,” I smiled. “No on
*Nathaniel* I was kind of nervous for Willow to come with me to counseling. I hoped it wouldn’t change the way she saw me. I knew I wasn’t a finished product just yet, but I was getting there and I wanted her to see that. “Thank you for being with us today, Willow,” Joel smiled. “Thanks for having me. I’ve never been to therapy before.” Willow smiled. “It’s not therapy.” We chorused. “Right, sorry.” She laughed. “So, what happens in…counseling?” “Well we talk about my issues and how I plan to fix them.” I informed her. “What do you got for me today Joel?” “Well, you’re back in a relationship, how does that feel?” Joel asked. “Honestly? Pretty fucking great!” “You’re allowed to say ‘fuck’ here?” Willow asked “Yeah, there’s like no rules here.” I grinned. “Um, I feel great about being back with Willow.” “Do you feel mentally ready?” “I think so.” “Why wouldn’t he be?” Willow asked. “Well, previously in your relationship, Nathaniel used you as a crutch. Almost like a
*Nathaniel*Being back in Willow’s room was amazing. Nothing was different. She even still had the photos of us up.“I missed being in here.” I kissed Willow as I reached around to unzip her dress. “Espcially your bed.”“Oh my bed missed you too, baby.” Willow smiled. “No, call me my special name.”“Stud muffin.”“Oh sweetheart, I love you.” I grinned. Willow’s dress fell to the floor and she stepped out of it before removing my clothes. I closed my eyes and just reveled in feeling her hands on me again. Finally I was just in my briefs and Willow was in her bra and underwear. I kissed her again as I lowered her down on the bed. “I missed you so much,” I murmured. “I know. Now make love to me, Nathaniel.” Willow smiled up at me. The rest of our clothes came off and landed on the floor. I was breathing heavily as I kissed down Willow’s body. I think anticipation was making me breathless. Her fingers ran through my hair as I hooked her legs over my shoulder, ready to blow her min
*Willow*I never thought Nathaniel and I could be together again.He had done too much. He drank too much, lied, and ruined my relationship with my mother. And now he didn’t really drink, was incredibly honest and he had fixed things between me and Mom.Mom and I spent hours at that restaurant, laughing and talking. Not about my accomplishments or beating Nathaniel. Just about any and everything. Sure, she was still a nut, but she was my nut and I was so happy to have her back. I had Nathaniel to thank for that.I couldn’t lie, I was starting to think that maybe it could work. But did he feel that way? Had I pushed him away too many times now and he was done trying?I wanted to know so desperately, but the wedding was actually happening and I had to focus on that. It felt like kind of a miracle that Lee was actually getting married today.“Where is your mind girl?” Joy asked. “Nowhere,” She raised her eyebrows. “Nathaniel.”“What happened?”“Nothing, but I might want it to again. H
*Willow*I had no idea what to expect for this lunch.I wasn't sure what to wear at all, but Nathaniel assured me a nice summer dress would do. I trusted him even though this was super weird. “Do you know what Nathaniel has planned for me tomorrow?” I asked Julian.“Maybe.”“Well what is it?”“A surprise. Sorry Willow, I am sworn to secrecy.” Julian stated. “It's a good thing though right?” I asked. “Of course. I think Nathaniel is way past hurting you at this point. He got tired of himself too, but he’s doing so much better.”“I can really see that.”“You like what you see?” Julian raised his eyebrows. “You still crushing on him?”I forced a laugh. “What? No, no. I mean…why? Does he talk about me like that still?”“Not sure. He’s really trying to focus on being a good person and not just for you, but himself.”“That’s good. It’s what he should be doing. He shouldn’t be thinking about me.”“You’re right,” Julian smiled. “But he definitely still does.”--I got to the restaurant ear
*Willow*I was so disgusted with Jude.I thought he was different. I thought he would actually help me out of the kindness of his heart and because he believed I was something great. But no, he wanted to fuck me.“What a creep,” Levi shook his head. “I’m sorry that was happening all summer.”“I didn’t even realize it. I was so oblivious and I just wanted to succeed.”“I completely understand. I mean I didn’t see how awful Mark was.”“True enough. I just hope I still get to prove myself to other people.” I sighed. “Hey, you’re going to. The great part is he really did introduce you to important people. Your name is still on their minds, you just don’t have to deal with that jerk.” I smiled. “Hm, you're right about that.”“I have been known to be very smart.”We pulled into Katherine’s driveway and rang the bellMiranda answered with a smile on her face. “Hi guys!” We hugged before entering the house. “Willow, I’m so glad you’re here, I need your help.”“With what?”“Well remember th
TW: This chapter depicts elements of sexual harassment.*Willow*I was frozen in my seat, unsure of what to do. I truly didn’t think that Jude had feelings for me like this or that he thought I had them for him. “Jude, just wait-”“I can give you everything you want Willow. And you can do the same for me.”He kissed me again, wrapping me tightly in his arms. I think this was wrong. He was kind of my boss and I didn’t want to wreck that professional relationship. But I also wasn’t sure how to tell him that.Jude’s lips moved down to my neck as he moaned loudly. I could feel his erection through his pants. What the fuck should I do?I was relieved when my phone rang.I shoved Jude away and answered. “Hello?”“Hey, just wanted to make sure you’re okay. Are you coming home?” Scarlett asked. “Yes, yes! Right now actually see you soon. Bye.” I hung up. “Um, Jude that was my sister and-and she really wants me home.”“You’re an adult, Willow, you don’t have to listen to her.” Jude looked m
*Willow*“You know, you two are much more affectionate than usual.” Katherine pointed out. “We just feel more comfortable around other people, I guess.” Levi smiled. “Yeah, that must be it.” I kissed his cheek. I think I was throwing myself into my relationship with Levi a bit. I just didn't want to think about Nathaniel and all that was going on with him. It was easier to focus on me and Levi. “You guys are so good together,” Miranda smiled. “I’m glad Willow has a nice guy.”“You’ll have one when you’re ready too,” I assured her. Miranda already seemed so different. She wasn’t nearly as jumpy or fidgety now that she wasn’t with Mark. While Mark was at work, we went to their home and got all of Miranda’s stuff out. Mark had been constantly calling both Levi and Miranda and they blocked him. They were both done with him and I was so happy about that. “I’ve started reaching out to old friends from when I was in grad school. I’m hoping they’ll forgive me for just ghosting them.” M
*Nathaniel*Therapy was weird. Every day after the internship, I would go to therapy to talk about my feelings and it was strange. I did like that so much attention was on me, but I could tell my therapist didn't think I was digging deep enough. I hadn’t even told him about my relationship with Willow yet. I just told stories of me drinking too much, leaving out that Willow was here for a few of them and saved me. “This isn’t therapy, Nathaniel, it’s counseling.” He reminded me. “Whatever, it still feels weird. Why can’t we just get to the root of the issue and get it over with?” I asked. “Because you don’t want to go deeper.”“It's hard.”“Lucky for you I’m a very patient man and know how to deal with Watson men.”“Maybe that's what it is. It’s weird that you actually know me.”Joel chuckled. “I guess me being your godfather does make things a little strange.”“You think?”Joel was basically my dad’s best friend. He was his sponsor while my mom was pregnant with me and really he
*Willow*God that was so fucking humiliating. Nathaniel sure knew how to cause a scene, didn’t he?“Wait…you two are seeing each other?” Scarlett asked. “Um, kinda.” I muttered. “Willow, is it so hard for you to sleep with someone outside of this house and family?” Mom practically sneered.Even though I was no longer with Nathaniel, Mom still didn’t want to talk to me unless it was something mean being said. This was the woman I was desperate to have back in my life.“It was me, Bianca.” Levi informed her. “I’ve just really always liked Willow.”“Oh I believe you did start it, Levi. My daughter can’t seem to resist a boy when he gets her on her back.”“Mom, come on!” Scarlett snapped. “You’re only defending her because you were the same way.” Mom shook her head. “So I'm not dreaming?” Skyler asked. “You two are together?”Levi smiled. “Yeah, Mom we are. I mean we’re testing the waters anyway.”“Exactly.” I nodded. “Willow, I thought you were a nice girl, but you broke my son,” S