You Have To Trust Me

I called Courtney and asked her to meet us here in an hour after Lory enthusiastically nodded. The three of us opted against going shopping again and instead chose to unwind by the pool. While Lory was still experiencing jet lag, I needed a break from all the shopping.

A few hours later, Lory was holding a chilly beverage in her hand and floating around the pool in a tube. "This is the life," she sighed.

Courtney and I were laughing as we dried off in the sun after our swim. Sunscreen, bikinis, girl talk, and sunshine made for the ideal day.

"Willow, you're a lucky girl," Courtney said.

I shook my head and put my sunglasses back on. It was nice to have all of that, but it was hard to believe how much had changed in my life in the past few weeks. But I hadn't sought it out myself. I had never lavished myself with things, only working hard to take care of myself. It wasn't my fault that Nicholas swooped in and handed me everything on a silver platter.

"It was more likely fate than pure luck, in my opinion. It was destined for Nicholas and Willow to run into one another."

I grinned at Lory because, for once, she made me feel warm with her fantastical talk.

Our day in the sun was only interrupted by a call from Clara. She told me with excitement that she had found a location for a wedding reception. She was sending out invitations as we spoke, so I didn't have much of a choice. I agreed to the idea since I didn't want to let her or Nicholas down. We also promised to meet for lunch on Monday to confirm the specifics.

I made an effort to prevent my nervousness from ruining our day together. Although I didn't enjoy being the center of attention, it was important for the Rowe family and Nicholas to celebrate our wedding publicly. I was not going to let Nicholas down by taking away his big day from him. Soon, Lory, Courtney, and I were surprised by the music being shut off.

"This is a crime waiting to happen."

I turned around to see Nicholas and Geoffrey leaving the house together. When I saw him, my heart began to race, and I wondered whether it would ever stop doing so in his presence.

Having joined Courtney and I on dry land by this point, Lory got up from her chair to greet the other Rowe brother. Nicholas approached my chair and sat down on the side. He was the center of my attention, not Geoffrey or the girls.

I shuddered from the coolness of his touch as he traced his finger along the warm skin of my leg.

"I'm just checking your temperature. I don't want you sunburnt," he teased with a smirk.

After our conversation last night, I was relieved to find that he was in good spirits. "I have a lot of sunscreen on."

He gave me a nod before leaning in and whispering in my ear. "Do you realise how difficult it is for me to refrain from touching you right now? We need to inaugurate the swimming pool, too."

He ran his fingers over the spot where the strings of my bikini bottom were fastened close to my hips. I had half a mine to make everyone leave so I could attack my husband while I waited with bated breath as to what he would do next.

We were unfortunately stopped.

I yanked off my sunglasses and gave Geoffrey a glare.

"We're all filthy and sweaty being out all day. Let us girls at least shower before we go anywhere," Courtney interjected.

"How about I join you?" Geoffrey asked with a grin.

I turned back to Nicholas while they continued to flirt with one other. "Would you like to leave?"

He took my hand before shrugging.

"Anything you like is alright with me." I squeezed his hand while keeping a close eye on his face. He appeared worried and worn out. Finally, I got up, arranged for Lory and Courtney to dress in various rooms, and led Nicholas into our bedroom so I could question him further.

He pouted because I didn't let him shower with me.

"You don't have to leave, Nicholas. You are welcome to stay in and rest."

He shook his head. "Only if you stay in, as well."

I rolled my eyes, relieved that he couldn't see the action through the steam. He was a ball of contradiction.

He was stronger, haughtier, and more conceited than I could have ever imagined.

More apprehensive than anyone I've ever met, too.

"I won't see Lory much during the week for about a month. Her orientation course starts on Monday."

"I have nothing against her being here or you wanting to be with her, Willow. At all. I'm glad your best friend is here to support you."

I dried myself off and wrapped myself in a towel before walking out.

"You are okay with her visiting during the weekend? She agreed to stay over tonight but she has to sort out her dorm tomorrow."

He extended his hand to draw me nearer to him. I moved forward and took a position between his legs. His fingers played with the towel's edge as they moved down my back until they eventually rested on my butt.

"Sure. I'll give you two a ride on the subway." He laughed as he touched my neck.

"Oh, I get it. As long as you are there, using the subway is permitted." I rolled my eyes and made an effort to leave. He only held me tighter.

"Exactly," he murmured in between kisses.

"You are so weird. I hope you know that."

I raised my hands and stroked his scruffy jaw before. Even though I wanted to remain angry with him for his controlling ways, I was eager to make him happier. It overshadowed everything else. I knew it was difficult for him to tell me about his relationship with Rosemary. I was uneasy that I hadn't told him about my conversation with Lory. Even after he had been open and honest with me.

He waited for me to speak while he lifted an inquiring eyebrow.

"Lory knows."

He took a breath, then stared at the floor. "What does Lory know?"

"About the contract." I waited for him to speak, but when he didn't, so I carried on. "I apologize. I warned you about how difficult it would be for me to conceal it from her. Please don't be upset with me. "

He sighed and hugged me tighter. "I'm not angry. I'm aware of how important Lory is to you. Did you tell her about our conversation last night?"

"No." He nodded as I ran my fingers through his hair.

Before he resumed speaking, there was a brief period of silence. "What did she say?" He was uneasy and hesitant.

He looked worried about what Lory thought. Or was he worried that her opinion would change my decision.

"She felt quite strongly about it. She got me to reflect on a few things, primarily my reasons for consenting. However, nothing has changed. I have no plans to leave."

He exhaled before grinning. He had been worried I would not want to be with him! "Sorry. I keep worrying that one morning I'll wake up and discover you gone."

I sighed, trying to think of the proper words. "You know, we have to trust one other for this to work out. You have to trust me. I know it is hard..."

"I am really trying."

That's where we left it. Although telling Nicholas about Lory made me feel better, it only served to highlight how fragile our relationship remained.

If only the comfort we found with one another physically would translate into emotional strength.

.

Geoffrey was entertaining the five of us at the steakhouse table. He impersonated other celebrities and he was good at it! Nicholas made eyes at me every time our knees or hands touched under the table.

Geoffrey pointed his fork in my direction and remarked, "The wedding reception party is next weekend, right?"

I cast an embarrassed glance at Nicholas. "Yes, I forgot to tell you that your mother called and informed me about it. There was a cancellation at a location she likes, so she booked it immediately for the reception."

"Are you okay with that? I can tell her to cancel if it's too close."

I shook my head and put on a smile to reassure him. "It's fine. I am sure it will be great."