Don't Want To Share You Tonight

I spotted a piece of paper on the bed as I grabbed for his pillow to inhale his now-familiar scent—a blend of soap, sandalwood, and warmth.

[Good morning, sweetie.

I'm sorry to leave you in bed alone this morning, but know that I will be daydreaming about you throughout the day.

Please keep in mind that at noon, your personal shopper will arrive. Try to have a good time and spend a lot of money today!

My family dinner will be held at eight o'clock, so I'll be home by six thirty. If you need something or if you miss me, call me.

Yours,
Nicholas.]

At his note, I sighed. When we arrived back and my items were moved to his closet, he had been horrified by my wardrobe—or lack thereof. His closet was easily bigger than my whole house at Atkins. The sight of my meager belongings hanging beside his extensive collection made me feel sour.

He assisted me in sorting through the boxes that had been shipped from Atkins while we were away, and the entire night, he berated me for owning only books.

He didn't seem to comprehend that I valued my books more highly than fancy clothing. He made an urgent call to Sandra, his personal assistant, who gave him suggested a person to help me get my outfits in line.

I got to know Courtney Lamb in this way.

At precisely noon, the doorbell rang, and Laura answered it immediately with me in tow. From her sleek hair to her stiletto shoes, the woman on the other side of the door looked stunning.

She extended her hand.

"Willow, my name is Courtney." My cotton t-shirt, slacks, and tennis shoes caught her attention. "I understand why Mr. Rowe demanded immediate intervention," she said.

She conveyed her comments with a joke and a wink, so I didn't take it personally. I gave Laura a quick hug before grabbing my bag and leaving with Courtney in another chauffeured vehicle. The driver was Nicholas' go-to person, whose name I later learned to be John.

As we sat down, she remarked, "I could get accustomed to this. Mr. Rowe had someone pick me up early from my residence. Do you always commute in this manner?"

"Oh, I think."

Ever since I first met Nicholas, this had been the case.

John cut her off before she could ask me another question.

"Mrs. Rowe, what is our destination for the day?"

I sat still for a while before I noticed he was speaking to me. It would take some time to get used to my new title in the world.

"Uh…" I fixed my gaze on Courtney.

After responding, Courtney turned to face me. "I believe we can at least grab some essentials and pick a dress for you for this evening."

I bit my lip. "Nicholas told me to buy a lot of things."

She chuckled. "Stop worrying. We'll take care of you. However, it will take more time than a single day to get your wardrobe into shape."

I let out a loud groan.

I couldn't help but notice her wicked grin. "We're going to have fun, but I heard you are not the most enthusiastic shopper."

"Do you serve a sizable clientele?" I asked, trying to make conversation.

"No, you're the only one." She cast a scowl in the direction of her phone. "Actually, this is the first time I've ever done something like that. Having earned a graduate degree in business and getting a job in the industry... I didn't do this initially. Unfortunately, my last firm downsized. My aunt, Sandra, helped me get this job."

She being in the same boat as me in this situation appealed to me. It seems more relaxed that way. I would feel out of depth if someone with a lot of experience was sitting in front of me... almost judging me for my lack of understanding.

She furrowed her eyebrows when I didn't instantly respond."

"I swear we'll find you the ideal wardrobe. I didn't mean to worry you in the beginning when I told you that I was new to this. I simply wanted to be truthful."

She was concerned that I might get angry.

I shook my head. "Courtney, I don't have a problem with you being a rookie. In fact, it makes me feel better. I would rather that we just think of this as shopping with friends than under a reputable professional. I find that to be excessively formal and not to my taste."

She grinned while exhaling a burst of air. "I was terrified that you would not like me and call Mr. Rowe to get me fired immediately."

My mouth opened in surprise. "No way. I'll get you a raise so long as we have a halfway decent time."

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. His lips parted slightly.

"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.