Libido Of A Teenager
I finally understood what Nicholas meant when he cautioned me that his mother may be overbearing.
"Oh my!" Lory chuckled.
I beamed at her and Courtney, who were both delighted by the thought of a party. Before I knew it, the conversation had changed to include what each of us would be wearing.
Nicholas caught my attention and I leaned in so that we could talk privately.
"I promised you that I would tell you before anything else happened. So, you should know that the announcement of our wedding will be in the newspapers soon."
I wasn't surprised but glad that he thought of telling me. He was a quick learner in this aspect.
"I only hope I'm not attacked for stealing the man every woman in Quentin dreams about," I teased.
He looked serious as he shook his head. "There will be gossip about our age difference but don't let it get to you, okay?"
I focused on him as I worked to control the butterflies in my tummy. "I won't."
There was little I could do to change what people thought; they were free to think whatever they pleased.
After enjoying some food, beverages, and laughter, Geoffrey drove Courtney home while Nicholas, Lory, and I left for the townhouse by car. As the two of them walked away, I raised my eyebrows at Nicholas, but he merely smiled and nodded his head.
That night, while I lay in bed awake, I watched him drift off to sleep. I removed a stray hair from his forehead as I admired how serene he appeared. It was growing harder to deny that I was falling in love with him. The kindness and gentleness with which he treated me left me with little to hide behind.
I didn't know how long I could hide my feelings from coming to light.
.
The remainder of the weekend passed quickly and without incident.
Except for the minor meltdown I had on Sunday morning.
Despite having slept for only a few hours, I was startled up at five and immediately went to the restroom. My stomach cramps were a dead giveaway that something was wrong.
I'd just started my period.
I was aware that I was overreacting, yet I was unable to control my tears. Although it was foolish of me to believe I would get pregnant right away, I yet felt somewhat of a failure because I wasn't.
Dumb.
I was being such a fool.
As I turned on the warm shower, I let out a half-sob and criticized myself. I dried off, put on my clothes, and went past Nicholas who was still sleeping to go downstairs.
I made a big pot of coffee and sipped on my first cup by myself. Soon after, around six, Laura entered with a surprised expression on her face.
She was aware that I wasn't exactly an early riser.
"Good morning, Willow."
"Morning." I pretended to do the crossword puzzle as I fiddled with the piece of paper I had taken from the front door.
Nicholas had announced the wedding, which I looked at with a smile. We appeared to be in love in the picture.
Thank goodness Laura didn't ask me why I had gotten up so early. She left me alone while rushing about the kitchen. The smell of breakfast was hard to miss so I had to pull myself together before Nicholas came down and saw me.
He came down shortly after, sporting unkempt hair, a t-shirt, and pajama trousers. He preferred to sleep naked so it took him some time. He approached me directly and sat down with a scowl.
He took a sip of the coffee Laura had placed in front of him and inquired, "Everything okay?"
I blinked. "Yes, I couldn't sleep anymore." I bit the end of the pen I was holding and then looked back down at the page.
He raised my chin so that he could see me clearly. "What are you hiding from me?"
Damn him for seeing through me.
I turned to find that Laura had conveniently left. I exhaled and held his gaze.
"It really isn't much. I don't feel too good. It's just cramps."
I kept an eye on his expression for any indications of dissatisfaction.
Up until the moment that he realized what was happening, he seemed more worried than anything. I swear I saw the light bulb in his head light up. He withdrew his hand from my face and cast a glance toward the table below.
It felt like someone punched me in the gut.
I instantly got to my feet and proceeded to get more coffee. I could not bear to witness his dissatisfaction. He gave me a lot, and all he asked in return was something simple.
Already, I had failed in that task.
I sensed his presence behind me. I kept my eyes on the coffee machine, my fists clenched on the counter as I tried to calm myself.
"Hey." He rubbed my arm, making the tension slowly leave my body. "You're upset. I know you are. Please talk to me."
I gave a headshake. "You'll think I'm foolish."
"I would never do that."
Simply put, "I'm hormonal and grumpy."
He nibbled on my earlobe. "Your hormones are nice. I like them"
I laughed a little bit. Even though he wasn't aware of it, he was actually improving my mood. Maybe I was imagining his disappointment and putting my emotions of inadequacy onto him.
When I turned to face him and his lips unexpectedly touched mine, I gasped in shock. His abrasive lips almost made me forget all I had been worrying about.
His breath finally struck my face as his forehead brushed against mine. "I better stop or I'd spread you out on the counter and take your clothes off."
"We'd make quite the mess," I added, making him laugh more.
He remained silent for a moment before speaking once more. "Willow, did you really think I'd be furious with you for not being pregnant yet?"
Though it made my stomach turn, I had to be truthful.
"Yes." I swallowed.
He moaned and gave me another kiss. "I wished you had spoken to me. You could have avoided a great deal of anxiety. And I can tell that you've been concerned about this." He gave my nose a quick kiss before locking his eyes with mine. "Do I want to get you pregnant? Yes. I eagerly anticipate that happening. But I didn't think that it would happen right away. When it happens, it will happen. If a year goes by and there is still no news, we can think about our next steps."
"We will think about it together?"
"Yes. Together." He kissed me. "You and me." Kiss. "Have I not made myself clear how much I want you? If it eases you, I will tell you every day."
Although it wasn't a declaration of love, I couldn't help but be comforted by his words.
I no longer felt as though I was dangling in the air. His assurances that we would face the future together, no matter what it held, gave me such a sense of relief that I was unable to contain my smile.
.
Nicholas put a cap on my head. "We're going to have some fun today."
This morning after our conversation, Nicholas ate his breakfast and went upstairs. He became very covert with me when I eventually located him. He had just showered and was wearing trousers and a t-shirt. His face held a broad grin.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.
"We are going out." He kept struggling with the cap until I slapped his hand away and straightened it myself.
"And where are we going?"
He gave my nose a tap. "I am going to keep it a surprise." He merely laughed at my mock glare. "Take your shades, pretty girl. I'm taking you out for a drive."
I looked down at the shorts and tank top I had on. "Do I need to change or is this alright for the occasion?"
He lowered his hands to my hips. "Anything more and you will feel hot." He grabbed my bottom as he whispered, "Have I mentioned that you have the most beautiful ass in the world?"
I pushed him away with a laugh. "You have the libido of a teenager."
He took my hand and led the way, grinning. "You love it."
I did love it, but no way was I going to tell him that.
His phone pinged and his smile widened. "Now that, is perfect timing."
He took me outside without giving me a chance to question him. Nicholas grabbed the keys John tossed his way and opened the passenger door for me. I stared at the shiny convertible in front of me.
I took a seat beside Nicholas, who had slipped into the driver's seat. This would be the first time we would go out alone without a chauffeur.
"Your driving?"