Like Father Like Son

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.

We didn't take long to find ourselves in the back of the car being, being taken to the restaurant. Freshly bathed and dressed in his dark suit, Nicholas smelled and looked fantastic. I had the undeterred urge to crawl to him and sit on his lap.

I managed to control my urge.

"How was your day?"

I grinned as he slid closer toward me, not comfortable until our thighs touched. While he waited for me to respond, he twisted my ponytail around his fingers.

"I had fun. I like Courtney a lot."

"That's fantastic. Glad to hear you guys got on well."

"Did you know she received her degree from a renowned university? It's unfortunate that she can't find employment in the field for which she has studied and trained."

I wondered why his mouth lowered into a small frown as his brows furrowed.

"Sandra assured me she was eager to take on this role."

I patted the hand he had on my knee, trying to reassure him. "Yes, she is quite thankful and amazing. It simply appears a waste of resources and talent to work as a personal shopper for someone with her credentials."

"Do you want me to employ someone else, then?"

I shook my head, and he turned to face me. "No, I'm not suggesting that. I'm a big fan of Courtney and her style. She's awesome. I'm suggesting that you consider using her in another position. I'm sure you have better use for her talents other than shopping with me."

His fingers dug into my knee.

"Did she want you to mediate for a position at RHI on her behalf?"

The irritation and mistrust in his voice made me sigh. I should not have spoken up.

"No, Nicholas. Do you typically assume the worst about people? If you believe that everyone is out to get you, I can't wrap my head around how you were so trusting with me.

His scowl vanished as he drew nearer, running his nose along the side of my jaw before kissing my neck.

"Because you are my Willow. You're different in comparison to everyone else."

I gently pushed him away and removed his hand from my thigh. He frowned again, so I chuckled before lightly caressing his lips.

"I just inquired about Courtney's employment because I admire her and want her to succeed. She is a friend now."

He kept my wrist in his hands and nibbled on the tip of my finger. I enjoyed seeing his antics and the way his smile made his face glow.

"In any case, I'll see what I can do. I will do anything to make you happy."

I brought his face to mine and wrapped my other hand around his neck before giving him a passionate kiss. I didn't slap away the wandering fingers he'd placed on my thigh.

I said, "Thank you," in between kisses.

As the car came to a stop, he moaned into my mouth. I snickered as I turned away from him, adjusting my dress and letting my hair fall back into place.

I took Nicholas' arm as we entered the restaurant after he assisted me in getting out of the car. As we were taken to our table, the hostess blatantly drooled over my husband. I wanted to flaunt my wedding ring to her. I was unprepared for the jealousy I suddenly felt.

From where did that come?

Nicholas didn't even appear to notice her or the cause for my scowl.

When we arrived at our table and I saw the other guests were seated and waiting for us. I completely forgot about the hostess. I forced myself to calm down and inhaled deeply. Nicholas released his hold on my arm and rubbed my lower back gently with his thumb. I was able to offer his family a genuine smile rather than a fake one because of his consoling touch.

As we got closer, I saw two men who I presumed to be his father and brother standing.

"I want you to meet Willow, Father. This is my father Jefferson."

"Willow, it's a pleasure to meet you." He gave me a light handshake.

He had silvery blond hair and was as tall as Nicholas. The blue eyes on him were the only difference between his son and him. I knew just how Nicholas would look when he aged.

"Nice to meet you, too," I responded.

Nicholas' mother gathered me into an embrace before I could finish my sentence. She was either not as old as I had believed or she must have had some incredible beauty routine since she was breathtaking and ageless.

She shared Nicholas's bright eyes and had hair that was the same rich tone. I exhaled deeply in relief at how thrilled she appeared to meet me.

"Oh Willow, you are so pretty." She stepped back and grinned as she surveyed me. "Please just call me 'Mom' or 'Clara'. I have a lot to discuss with you, starting with a party in your honor."

Her statement caused my eyes to widen, and I turned to face Nicholas. He smiled, kissed her on the cheek, and gently tugged me away from her.

"Mother, you're scaring her already."

He led me to his brother, who extended his hand to shake mine. He gave it a little kiss instead of shaking it and winked. Nicholas' muttered threats to hurt his sibling physically made me chuckle.

"Hello there, lovely Willow. My name is Geoffrey."

Despite being a little bit shorter, Geoffrey was just as attractive as his brother. The Rowe gene pool was undoubtedly fortunate. He was quite the brat, as I had been warned, and I could tell by the wicked glitter in his eyes that he liked to stir things up.

Once everyone was seated, I sat between Nicholas and his mother. Champagne was poured around the table and I tried to remember that I shouldn't drink too much and ruin my first impression.

"To Willow and Nicholas. Congratulations on your marriage!"

We all clinked our champagne glasses and I bit my lip to contain my laughter during Geoffrey's toast.

"Tell me everything, please. How did the two of you meet? Nicholas has been really evasive."

In order to calm me down after Clara's question, Nicholas put his hand on my knee underneath the table. I let him tell the story because he seemed to enjoy it immensely.

"Willow is from Atkins, actually."

Around the table, eyebrows raised as I sipped more champagne.

"You recall the scholarship I established there approximately five years ago? Well, there was a misunderstanding about Willow receiving it this year, so we got together to set things straight. It goes without saying that she bewitched me as soon as I saw her, and we instantly fell in love."

I nodded in agreement as he softly massaged my knee.

Jefferson's face turned distant in front of our eyes as he turned from Nicholas to me. "You recently completed high school, right?"

I pursed my lips and turned my head around to scowl at Geoffrey, who had started laughing. Nicholas spoke to his father once again.

"Yes, she did, and she's starting this fall at QCU. Is that objectionable in any way?"

The severity of Nicholas' voice was a bit startling for me, and I saw Clara stroke Jefferson's arm and mumble something in his ear. There appeared to be some friction between Nicholas and his father.

In between laughter, Geoffrey added, "Like father, like son."

"What does that mean, exactly?" I couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.