Page 9 of Big Nick Energy

“Hey, Blanca!” Candace called out, and I turned around. “You sure you don’t want me to walk you to your car?”

“Then who is going to walk you back?” I playfully rolled my eyes.

“I can walk?—"

“So can I,” I countered, and she stuck her tongue out. “I’m good! I promise. If not, I’ll scream for Zeke.” Zeke was the night guard who patrolled the parking lot. He was also about seventy years old and hard of hearing.

“Okay. Just be safe and text me you got home okay!”

“Promise.” I waved. Candace was a good boss and friend. I walked out and breathed in the crisp almost winter air.

My phone buzzed with a text, and I looked at a picture my sister sent. It was of her, my mom, best friend, and olderbrother. All of them together around a table full of food I knew would taste amazing.

Griselda: Come over for second dinner after work!

My stomach growled, but I still wasn’t going to stop by.

Me: I’ll be over tomorrow for leftovers after my shift. I promise! I’m just tired. It was a busy night.

Immediately, the text bubbles popped up, letting me know she was typing away.

Griselda: Fine. I get it. Be safe getting home. Love you!

Me: Love you, too!

I quickly replied before pulling my keys out of the front pocket of my wide-leg jeans.

The night was cool, and while I looked around, from what I could tell the lot was empty. I could make out Zeke’s patrol car down by the video game store with his little blinking lights. I walked down the lot to the far end. My car was parked under one of the lights a little further away than I usually liked to park. But with it being the holiday, the movie theater had been extra busy when I arrived to start my shift.

About ten feet away, I noticed him, and my footsteps slowed.

A big shadow of a man resting his body against the truck next to my car. My steps slowed further. I glanced behind me wondering for a moment if I should have taken Candace up on her offer to walk me out. I should have just asked her to watchme from the exit. My heart started to pick up speed when I saw him clearly. He moved into the light until his face became clear under the lamppost and moonlight, and my feet stopped dead in their tracks.

“Mr. Marsh?” I blinked once, twice, still not believing my eyes. A truck, which I assumed was his, was parked next to me. I hadn’t talked to him since that day in the mall, but I had seen him about plenty. Sometimes I was even surprised to see him at the little coffee shop where I liked to study.

“Nick,” he corrected with a shy smile. He moved closer, and I looked around.

“Were you waiting for someone?”Is he dating Candace? Or Haley? She is still inside with Candace.That would suck! Nick wasn’t mine. I had no claim on the older man. But I hated the idea of him seeing anyone, much less any of the girls I worked with.

“You,” he announced quietly. My brain was having the hardest time processing a three-lettered word.

“Me?” I repeated, slightly breathless. I tipped my head back and met his gaze the moment he stood in front of me. “You’re waiting for me?” I asked like an idiot.

“Yeah.” His soft brown, almost caramel-colored eyes seemed to warm up and turn melty. I watched him swallow. The movement was captivating. Alluring. “I was wondering…” He made a face, and then I watched as he stuffed his large paw-like hands into the front pockets of his dress slacks.

Was he always dressed up?

Did he own a pair of jeans or joggers?

Ohmygod! The idea of Nick Marsh in gray joggers––

“Blanca?” His deep voice snapped me out of my head.

“I’m sorry.” I pressed my lips together and realized I’d totally spaced out. My eyes connected with his, and suddenly, it was likeall the tension and anxiety started to slowly melt away. All from just looking into his eyes.

“How was your Thanksgiving?” he asked, and I shrugged.

“It was okay. I worked all day.” I pointed behind me without looking away from him. I couldn’t. He was too beautiful to look anywhere else.

---