*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*Lord, what was Shauna going to do to me next?She had been torturing me all week. Tacks on my chair, locking me in the supply closet, spilling coffee on me. She was insane!“Aren't you tired yet?” I asked. “I don’t know, are you?” Shauna questioned. “This is insane Shauna! You realize you are angry at me because I care about my girlfriend?”“You think I’m stupid, don’t you Nathaniel? You only asked me out because you thought it would get rid of me.”I sighed. “Okay, that’s true, but-”“But nothing. I don’t like being played. So you can fix this one of two ways.”“And those are?”“Fuck me again or…fuck me again.” She smirked. “You’re out of your mind.”“Just one time and then I’ll leave you alone.”I couldn't even consider it. That would absolutely crush Willow and I couldn’t stand that. I never wanted to hurt her. I guess I would have to take this harassment instead. It was somehow better.“I can’t do that, Shauna. I’m completely committed to Willow.” I said. “Too bad
*Nathaniel*There were flashing lights. They were blurry and though I knew they were close, they still sounded so far away. I could feel the cool asphalt under me and I could hear someone crying. I tried to turn to see who it was. “Please be okay.” A voice sobbed. I knew that voice. It was her. The woman I cared for more than anything that I used to hate severely. I wanted to comfort her and let her know that I would be okay, but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t believe what I had done. Maybe things would be better if we had never slept together. Maybe we weren’t meant to be…--My eyes shot open. I was in my room. I sighed with relief. It had just been a dream. I had not crashed my car with Willow in it. We were going on our date tonight. Maybe I would choose a different place. Just in case Shauna and Orlando really would be there. I hurried down to the kitchen, eager to see Willow.She was sitting at the table, eating a bagel.“Good morning,” I smiled.“Um hey.”“You excited for t
*Willow*Hitting an airbag hurts like hell. Something built in for our safety shouldn’t be that painful. I groaned as my head slammed back against the headrest. It took a moment for me to truly process what happened. I looked over at Nathaniel who was slumped over the steering wheel. His head was bleeding so badly. Oh fuck!My mind was racing a mile a minute. We crashed because Nathaniel had been drinking. No way he would pass a breathalyzer test right now. He would get charged with a DUI and possibly reckless endangerment for driving with me in the car for this. This could absolutely wreck his entire future. Getting kicked out of the internship, incredibly bad press for the Wrenfords, possible expulsion from school, jail time. I had to do something.I undid my seatbelt and opened my door grateful that it hadn’t been smashed shut. As I stood up I realized my head was bleeding too, but I didn’t have time to address that. I limped around the car to Nathaniel’s side. His door wouldn’
*Nathaniel*“Why do you keep smiling like that?” Gerald asked. “What do you mean?”“You have this dopey grin on your face right now while I’m telling you about my crisis!”“Sorry, man. I’m just…I’m in love.” I sighed. “Really?” Gerald questioned. “Yes. I have my perfect match. She’s everything, Gerald. Smart, sexy, funny…caring.”“How hard did you hit your head in that accident?”“Pretty hard, but I swear, it knocked some sense into me.”“I’m really happy for you, but can we focus on me again?”“Sure, sorry.”“Thank you,” Gerald sighed. “I have a list.”“Well let’s hear it.”“A massage therapist.”“Yeah?” I asked. “Does that sound stupid?” Gerald whispered. “It is a few steps below a doctor, that’s for sure.”“Okay um…paleontologist?”“Very limited job market.” I informed him. “Construction worker?” Gerald asked. “Dude.”“This is hopeless. Just tell me about your girlfriend. I need some good news.”“Well she’s-”“Hello,” Willow strode into the room. “What’s up Gerald?”“Nathani
*Nathaniel*“Thank you for picking me up, Nathaniel.”“No problem at all sir, it’s my pleasure.” I smiled. “So will Jude be joining us?”“No, he has a prior engagement. Some other business dinner.” Russell stated. “I see. Um, is Jude married?”Russell laughed. “No, unfortunately not. He likes to play the field. He gets that from me.”“Interesting. I like to play the field myself.” I lied.“I knew I saw myself in you.”“Yeah…Jude said he saw himself in Willow.”“Yes, he does. He has a very deep interest in her and her career.” Russell informed me. “Well, Willow sure is something special.” I commented. “Yes, I suppose she is. I’m sure Jude will be able to help her. He likes taking people under his wing and doing all he can for them.”“How nice of him.”--Seeing Jude’s shocked face was so thrilling to me. He thought he was going to get away with wining and dining my girlfriend? He had another thing coming.“Nathaniel!” Willow said. “Hi…um and hello Mr. Howe.”“You can call me Russel
*Nathaniel*I was becoming obsessive about Willow. It’s like I had to be around her all the time and if I couldn’t, I had to know where she’d be. That made it hard when I had no idea what she and Levi did together. Willow promised it wasn’t anything romantic, but I didn’t understand why those two had a secret that me and Joy didn’t get to know. I would bring it up to Joy, but I wasn’t supposed to know about her and Levi. I didn’t want to make issues between Joy and Willow.But that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to meddle a little bit.“Hey, does Levi seem weird to you?”Joy looked relieved I had asked. “I thought I was the only one who noticed it! He’s been so strange right?”“Yeah, it looks like he’s hiding something. But what could it be?” I asked. “I wish I knew. He barely talks to me anymore. I feel like something is driving a wedge between us and our friendship.”“Maybe Willow knows something.”“Why would she know something?”“I don’t know, Skyler and Avery seem to think they spe
*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