He Loves You

"God, modern cable television is so dull. Nothing worth watching is on."

"Our business is attempting to get away from that model for a reason. Variety stories have clearly made way for more stereotype-based content, but as I've already mentioned, I'm not really as connected with that network. You must discuss this with Francis. He excels at conducting market research." Nicholas smiled while raising his hands.

I just sat back and saw my closest friend and husband conversing with great happiness during and after dinner. Not only did Lory seem to like him right away, but they had a steady stream of divergent viewpoints on everything was fascinating to watch as an outsider. Their conversation was almost sibling-like, each one trying to get the last word.

At one point, I made an attempt to conceal my laughter at their antics.

"What are you laughing about? Huh?" I was pulled onto Nicholas' lap and engulfed in his arms as he tickled my sides.

After my cries for help subsided, Lory drew my attention, and I was astounded by her joyful, wistful grin and tiniest gesture of acceptance. I knew she approved of Nicholas, therefore her attitude meant more to me than anything she could have said.

When she described the harsh receptionist at her apartment complex and how they nearly exchanged blows over one of her housing papers, the hilarity erupted once again. Nicholas was able to witness the antics of a furious Lory up close. But this also reminded me of Nicholas' assistant.

After exhaling, I turned to face him in his lap. "Speaking of impolite reception... Who is the woman working outside your office?"

He scowled and had a perplexed expression. "Julia treated you badly?"

"Yes. She was awfully rude When Courtney and I arrived there yesterday. Didn't you let her know we were coming?"

He swallowed a couple of times, then gave me a little smile. "Baby, I'm sorry. I didn't consider that. I anticipated that by the time you get there, the meeting would have ended."

I cast a glare his way. "She is aware that you are married, correct?"

He nodded and replied, "Yes, without a doubt." Once more, his fingers touched my waist, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, she was extremely rude and bitchy. She glared at me!" I pouted. "Wait. Her name is Julia? Like Julia Reyes?"

"That is her name, indeed."

Lory laughed as I snarled. A puzzled expression was plastered on Nicholas' face.

"She is the one who initially botched the scholarship email. She called me, and I'd be willing to wager that she also deleted all the emails and letters I wrote you afterward."

"You know you shouldn't be angry. Think about it. She truly did you a favor," Lory said. "She played a key role in bringing the two of you together."

Despite my rage, I grinned as Nicholas' arms tightened around me.

"I guess you're right." I returned to Nicholas. "It seems like her plot failed. You know, she's envious."

He shook his head and frowned. "She's been at the company for a few months. I thought she had a small crush on me, but I immediately let her know that our interactions would only be professional."

Poor, stupid man. His secretary was madly in love with him and obviously hated my guts for snatching her dream man away.

I temporarily absolved him of responsibility. Perhaps I should just confirm for myself that Julia understood Nicholas was taken.

When Lory eventually got to her feet, she yawned and raised her arms above her head.

"I'm going to go sleep if it's okay with you two. I've been awake for what seems like days."

Nicholas helped me off his knee. "I will walk you up," I told her. "And I will see you soon," I told Nicholas pointedly.

He kissed my palm and nodded. "It was an honor meeting you, Lory. I would love to continue our debate another time. You should know that you are welcome to our house at any time."

"Thanks. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well," she said.

I followed her upstairs, keeping our conversation light until we reached the bedroom and closed the door.

"Willow!" She hugged me and rocked back and forth. "I totally agree. Meeting him and seeing how observing his gaze on you She withdrew and put her hand over her heart. "Even if he hasn't said it yet, I'm very confident he loves you."

I took a seat on the bed's edge. "How does he look at me?"

"Like you are the most precious thing in the world and if he blinks, you will vanish."

A few minutes later, as I made my way toward the master bedroom down the hall, her comments stayed with me.

Did Nicholas already love me?

.

Nicholas was just leaving the bathroom when I walked into our bedroom. As I watched him make his way over to the bed, my blood began to race. He leaned back against the headboard and put his hands on his toned stomach and grinned knowingly at me.

He was fully aware of the effect he had on me. I should have been annoyed that he took such pleasure in it, but I was preoccupied with admiring his body.

After waking up from my Nicholas-induced coma, I determined that two could play at that game. I had to properly thank him for doing so much for me.

I closed the door, took off my shirt and shorts, and went to take a shower. I sensed his eyes ravaging me as I stripped down. I quickly brushed my teeth and took a light shower before flipping the light off and walking to the bed.

As I approached, wearing only my bra and panties, his attention was still fixed on me.

His eyebrow raised when I stood at the edge of the bed. He must have wondered what I was doing, I could tell. I chewed my lip as I considered the most effective method to become off as seductive.

I slowly slid the strap of my bra and unclasped it. It gave me more self-assurance. We were both silent, adding to the tension in the room.

I carefully climbed onto the bed to straddle him. I stopped him when he meant to touch me and pinned his hand down on the sheets.

In the bedroom, he was in complete control. My turn had come. I wanted to drive him crazy with need.

I gave him a gentle kiss on the lips before moving down his body. During our honeymoon, I had been concerned about how to touch him. Uncertain of his preferences. Any time I touched him, he said that it felt good. Learning how my fingers, lips, and tongue could make his muscles ache or cause him to sigh in pleasure was hardly considered hard labor.

I took my time, giving each inch of his flesh the attention it deserved as I stroked, kissed, and teased my way down his chest and belly. When my lips touched the sprinkle of hair leading underneath his boxers, I felt his cock twitch under me.

I suppressed a smile.

He raised his hips after I inserted my fingers inside his waistband, allowing me to remove his boxers. I soon picked up where I'd left off, straddling his legs while holding his cock in my hand. When I took him in my mouth and twirled the tip of my tongue, he stopped being silent.

"Oh, fuck."

Although he was putty in my hands or lips, I had other plans for the evening. I popped him out of my lips and sat up straight again. He appeared a little letdown, but I knew it would pass quickly.

He enjoyed observing me, so I was going to put on a show for him.

Before reaching to cup my breasts, my hands dragged along the sides of my hips, waist, and thighs. As I ran my fingers over my nipples, his jaw clenched. Aligning our hips, I stepped hovered over him while raising one hand to run through my hair.

He fisted the covers to refrain from touching me, and his breathing calmed as I continued my act. When one of my hands slid into my underwear and the other stayed on my breast, he exhaled loudly.

As I caressed myself, my head fell back. I remembered all the ways I had liked having his hands on me. I stroked myself and held back a groan as my orgasm approached.