Page 47 of Big Nick Energy

“You didn’t respond to my text,” he said as he wrapped his arms around me.

I slid my hands up his arms and then locked them behind his neck. “Here’s my response.” I pushed myself up on my toes andlet my lips brush against his. “Take me up to your room so I can thoroughly respond.”

“I like thorough.”

“Oh, you’re going toreally likehow thorough I plan on being.” I smiled against his lips.

“We should get started on this.”

He kissed me again and then draped his arm around my shoulders so we could make a beeline to the exit. Unfortunately, we only got a few steps before we encountered a familiar face.

“Damn Nick! You got her in a headlock?” Jason bellowed, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked at me. “Blink twice if you need me to get this Neanderthal off of you.”

“Cut that shit,” Nick groaned, rolling his head back in exasperation.

I laughed, resting my hand on Nick’s chest. “He’s good.”

“Ah.” Jason nodded with a sympathetic look. “Stockholm syndrome.”

The three of us cracked up.

“So, every time I look, you two are together,” Jason pointed out. “Asha must be cool because you act like you don’t fuck with new people.”

“What can I say?” Nick looked down at me. “I like her.”

Gazing into his eyes, I smiled. “I like you, too.”

“I can tell,” Jason interjected. “I ain’t seen this many of Nick’s teeth in a minute. You got this man smiling so hard, I can see his molars.”

Amused, Nick shook his head. “Mannnnnn…”

“Look at his ass! Can’t even deny it,” Jason teased. He gave me a pointed look. “He would’ve showed up to the kickback ten minutes before the meeting. He would’ve left this party right after that homecoming court bullshit. Y’all out here holding hands and shit.” He shifted his eyes between us. “Y’all done inspired me to go make a love connection.”

“Are you going to say something to Leslie?” Nick asked him.

He sucked his teeth. “I tried to say something to her on Friday and I ain’t gonna say shit else.” He pointed at someone behind us. “I’m going to see what’s up with Anissa Fletcher over there.”

“Aight, see what’s up man.” Nick dapped him up. “We’re about to head out.”

“Okay I see you! I see you!”

They did their secret SONs handshake and then we headed toward the door.

“Jason is funny,” I commented as we entered the much quieter lobby.

“Yeah, he’s a fool.” Nick shook his head and then kissed me on the top of mine. “You just gotta roll with his bullshit.” He paused. “But on some real shit, I hope you know I didn’t mean to hurt you yesterday. I really didn’t see you and?—”

“Nick,” I interrupted, realizing he was serious. I stopped in my tracks, pulling him to a stop as well. “I laughed at what Jason said because it was funny—not because it was true.” I pushed myself up on my toes and kissed him. “I know it was an accident.”

He took my face in his hands. “I would never hurt you.”

Between his whispered words and the sincerity in his eyes, my heart thumped in my chest. “That’s good to know.”

His thumb grazed my cheek. “I’m sorry it happened, but I’m really glad we ran into each other.”

“Well actually…” I brought my lips to his. “You ran into me.”

His jaw dropped before he let out a short chuckle. “Wowwwwwwww.”

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