Page 5 of Big Nick Energy

I could see it clear as day. I’d start to slowly make my way to the fitting rooms in the back, my hips intentionally swaying with a little moreumphI wouldn’t have to look behind me to know he was watching my every step. Even so, curiosity would get the better of me, and I would look over my shoulder when I’d reach the dressing room. His eyes would be burning with passion as they skimmed up and down my body.

He’d give me a sexy head tilt, wordlessly encouraging me to go in and try on the dress while he waited outside. I’d go in and leave the door slightly open on purpose. Just a sliver. Not enough for him to see everything but some. Slowly, I’d undress, piece by piece, until I stood in front of the full-length mirror in nothing but tiny panties. My skin would prickle with awareness as I pretended not to notice him watching me. Anticipation and excitement would swirl and pool with need between my thighs. I’d slip into the dress and call out Nick’s name in hopes he would come in and help me with the zipper. The big, beautiful, brawny man would appear behind me in the mirror. His beautiful eyes would darken and his big pawlike hand would touch my shoulder before pulling my back flush against his front.

“Are you trying to tempt daddy, little girl?” His voice would growl against the shell of my ear and…

“Blanca?” he called, snapping me out of my thoughts. I blinked a couple of times trying to wrack my brain what we had been talking about.

“I’m sorry! What did you say?” I licked my lips.

“I was asking if you wanted to try on the dress.” His thumb stroked the top of my palm, and my eyes dropped to his touch.

He hadn’t let go. His hand, big and strong, slightly calloused, felt good in mine.

Reliable.

Safe.

“Oh no, umm…” My mouth felt dry, and my voice sounded hoarse. My hormones were like a fire tornado inside of me, all with from innocent handhold. God, I was a nerd! “I’m sure it will fit.” I couldn’t shake off the breathy tone.

“Okay, then.” He smiled gently. “Let’s go get that yellow one and check out.” That’s when he surprised me. Instead of dropping my hand, he took it into his completely and squeezed. I loved how good it felt. Warm. Cozy.

Before I knew it, he had led me through the store and we were checking out. The cashier smiled at the two of us before she handed me the bag. And the unexpected moment I knew I’d never forget was over all too quickly.

Outside the store, I watched as Nick glanced down at me and winked. “You hungry? Would you like to have some lunch with me?”

My heart flipped around, making a somersault around the flock of butterflies swimming in my belly.He wants to have lunch with me?

“I wish I could.” Even if he thought I was agreat kid,having lunch with the man of my dreams would have been fun. But I couldn’t. The sparkle in his blue-green gaze dimmed a little, and I didn’t like it. “I have to go home and get ready for my shift,” I shared.

“You’re working?”

“Yeah. At the movie theater. The one off Van Buren” I had no idea why I was being so specific and telling him so much, but I couldn’t help it. Especially with the way he looked at me. “It’s fun. I get to watch all the movies I want on my days off.”

“That’s cool,” he noted. Our eyes connected, and I wanted nothing more than to float in the pools of his beautiful eyes. “Okay, then,” he sighed, almost like he didn’t want the momentto end as much as I didn’t. “It was nice seeing you again, Blanca.” His hand squeezed mine before he let it go. I felt the loss so deeply it was hard to take a whole breath.

“Right,” I whispered, wishing I could call off or sayscrew the job. But I couldn’t. My job at the movie theater this summer would help me save up so I could move out come the new year. “Thank you for the dress.”

“I bet you’ll look beautiful,” he noted quietly. My eyes dropped to the ground and the tops of his shiny shoes. I tried to smile, but it was hard.

“Thanks.” I swallowed and took a step back. I forced myself to keep moving.

Every step I took felt wrong, but I powered through, Nick Marsh never far from my mind.

2

Blanca

One year later

I endedthe call and smiled.

My best friend was going on a date. I sighed and glanced at the small closet in front of me. The beautiful blue dress I’d yet to wear hung there. I sighed wistfully before dropping down on my bed, and I groaned.

“Why am I such an idiot? I mumbled to myself.

I’d moved out and into an off-campus apartment close to my childhood home. I shared the place with four other girls, and my room was the size of a storage closet, but it was mine and I loved it. I reached for the black bear plushie next to me and hugged it. I looked up at the ceiling. The fan whirled up above. It was a sweltering summer. Record-breaking heat. The girls and I decided not to use the air conditioner during the day to try to keep our electric bill a little lower after last month’s bill had been so high that each of us had to pick up an extra shift just to make up for it.

But even with the heat and small space, it didn’t take away from me thinking about the one man who was never far from my thoughts. I hadn’t seen Nick Marsh since I’d bumped into him at the mall almost a year ago to the date. Sort of. I’d seen him here and there. At the theatre from a far usually. Or at the cashier next to mine when I worked concessions. I’d even noticed him at my gym.

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