Saying Yes: Stormy Love: Book 1

by Ella Sparkle

  I felt a warm glow start in my chest and spread throughout my entire body. I looked into Nick’s deep, brown eyes and saw nothing but warmth and understanding. I stood on my tiptoes and he lowered his head so I could place a soft kiss on his lips. “Thank you. For everything. I am so happy you came into my life.”

  “Stay with me tonight, Jenna. We can move as fast or as slow as you want, but I don’t want tonight to end. I want to hold you and wake up with you here tomorrow morning.”

  My heart fluttered as I pressed my body more firmly against Nick’s. Everything felt so right and I didn't want the night to end either. I had been thinking about that moment ever since the first time I laid eyes on him, and I was ready. “Yes, Nick.”

  “You'll stay the night?” he asked, a smile overtaking his already handsome face.

  “Yes,” I said confidently as I smiled back at him. “I want nothing more than to stay here with you tonight. I am saying yes to everything. I want all of you, Nick. Tonight.”

  Chapter 28

  Nick

  I woke up the next morning tangled in my sheets with my arms wrapped around Jenna’s deliciously warm and soft body. Jenna’s back was pressed up against my front and it felt so damn good. I smiled as memories of the previous night filled my head. It was... well, it was amazing. Far beyond my wildest fantasies about what being with Jenna would actually be like, and trust me, there were many to choose from.

  It was exactly how I wanted to wake up this morning. I could feel Jenna start to stir as she wiggled a little to snuggle up closer to me. I obliged and wrapped my arms around her tighter as I gave her a soft kiss on her neck. “Good morning, beautiful,” I whispered to her.

  “Good morning,” she mumbled back, her voice still heavy with sleep.

  “God it feels amazing to wake up with you here in my arms. A man could get used to this.”

  Jenna rolled over on her side facing me. I rolled onto my back so she could lay her head on my chest. I wrapped my arm around her as she cuddled up close and pressed her body to mine. I don’t think I had ever actually 'cuddled' with someone, but holy fuck, if that was what it was like... well, I might have to consider it more often. I had never been a touchy-feely type of person, but Jenna was bringing out a whole other side of me that I had no idea even existed. I liked the person I was becoming around her. I liked doing things for her, spending time with her... fuck, I even liked lying in bed and cuddling with her. I gave her a little squeeze as I felt my heart swell just being here with her.

  Jenna was lazily rubbing her fingers up and down my chest as she traced the outlines of my tattoos. “There is a woman in this bed that could get pretty used to this as well.” She looked up at me. “You're extra cute with that sleepy look on your face.”

  I chuckled. “You kind of wore me out last night. And that other time last night. Oh and early this morning. Can’t forget about that one.”

  “Well, all three of those times were pretty amazing and unforgettable. You do good work, sir.” Jenna patted me on the chest and looked up at me playfully.

  I grinned. “Well, just be sure to leave me a five-star review on Yelp and recommend me to all of your friends and family.”

  “Not a chance! I'm keeping you all to myself!” Jenna declared, laughing.

  My heart skipped a beat at the idea of Jenna keeping me all to herself. Before I could get too lost in my thoughts about it I rolled over and started tickling her. Jenna let out a little shriek and started laughing hysterically. “Alright! Alright!” she gasped after a few minutes. Things between us were just so easy when we were together. I liked that we could share in playful banter after a night of hot and steamy sex. I never had anything like that before and well... it was the best of everything.

  “Ha! Ha! Winner again! Now I shall collect my prize!” I leaned down and gave Jenna a kiss that started out slow and chaste but quickly turned hot and passionate.

  “Man, if that is what happens when I lose, I'm just going to go on record now and say you can win every time,” Jenna said with a hint of playfulness still in her voice.

  “It's a mutually beneficial prize.” I smiled at her and kissed her again. I didn’t know how I could ever grow tired of kissing Jenna Morgan. I quickly reminded myself that I couldn't think like that... this... whatever it was... had an expiration date on it and we both had very specific plans after that date.

  “Nick, I hate to even ask this question, but what time is it? Today is game day and I can’t let all of my baseball studying go to waste.”

  I rolled over to grab my phone from the nightstand. “Looks like we slept in a little. Gates open in about two hours.”

  “I better get home so I can get showered and changed. Got to be ready for my first game! Big day!” Jenna made no attempt to move and instead stayed with her head laying on my chest with my arm around her. I really didn’t want her to get up and even though I was excited to take Jenna to her first baseball game, I was cursing the fact it was that same day.

  “Alright, how about I make you a deal?” I said as I absentmindedly twirled her hair around my fingers.

  “I'm listening...”

  “You can go home to shower and change then I will pick you up at one o’clock to head to the baseball field...”

  “So far your terms seem to be agreeable, sir.” Jenna was trying to act serious but she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. The fact that I may have even played a small part in putting that smile on her face warmed my heart. Apparently, I had gone from ‘Nick Blaine, guy with no feelings’ to ‘Nick Blaine, guy who has all the feelings at one time when it comes to Jenna.’

  “... and when you are home getting ready, you should also pack an overnight bag.” Now that I had Jenna in my bed, there was no way I wanted to spend the night without her. Plus, I happened to know she had asked for the whole day off of work to go to the baseball game.

  Jenna sat up in bed and held the sheet up so it was barely covering her. Her hair was wild and her cheeks were flushed. She looked so fucking sexy I was seriously considering ditching the baseball game altogether. “The plot thickens. Where exactly do you think I am going with my overnight bag, Mr. Blaine?”

  I almost lost my train of thought as I laid there staring at how beautiful she was. Fuck, Nick, focus on the conversation, not on how Jenna is biting her bottom lip and how the sheet is about slip off her left breast... I had to tear my eyes away from her before I completely lost my ability to speak. “Back here to my place after the game. Since you aren't working tonight, you should stay here again.”

  “Your deal is very interesting...” Jenna tapped her chin and tried to pretend like she was deep in thought considering my offer.

  I decided to sweeten the deal a little more. “Did I mention the part where you won't need to pack any pajamas? You won't need to be wearing anything tonight for what I have planned.” I gave Jenna a little half-cocked grin just so there was absolutely no question as to what my plans were.

  “Yes! Yes! Yes! I am saying yes and accepting the terms of your deal in full. You are an excellent negotiator, sir.” Jenna pounced on me and started kissing me as she giggled. “I need to stop kissing you or I am never going to leave and we're going to miss the game,” Jenna said in between kisses.

  “Missing the game could be an option…” I slid my hand under the sheet and started to brush my fingers up her leg.

  “Nope!” Jenna shouted as she jumped out of bed and started putting her clothes on. “You have been looking forward to this for weeks and it's my first game. I will see you at one o’clock. Until then, you might want to take a nap and drink some Gatorade so you're rested and ready for tonight. I have a few of my own plans for you, Nick Blaine.” Jenna winked at me and blew me a kiss as she walked out of the bedroom.

  I was left sitting on the bed grinning ear to ear. I heard Jenna laughing down the hallway before I heard the front door click shut.

  I flopped back down on my bed. How do you stop yourself from falling for someone? I needed
to find out and I needed to find out fast.

  Chapter 29

  Jenna

  At exactly one o’clock. there was a knock at my door. I was freshly showered, and dressed in a tank top and shorts ready to go. My super pale skin was completely lathered up with sunscreen. No way I was going to risk a sunburn when there were plans to be back in Nick’s bed. Nothing was going to keep me from a repeat of the night before. I could feel myself blush just thinking about it. It was beyond amazing. The only other person I had ever been with was Brett and well... let’s just say I had no idea until last night that sex could be so incredible. After one night with Nick, I finally understood why everyone made such a big deal about it.

  I swung the door open and was momentarily stunned by Nick standing there leaning against my door frame. You would think by that point I would have been used to it, but every time I saw him I got butterflies in my stomach and my heart started racing.

  He took his sunglasses off and smiled at me. “You look incredible. I'm going to have a hard time keeping my eyes off of you and on the game.”

  I could feel myself blush, just like I did every time he gave me a compliment. Which was a lot. I was starting to think that sometimes he said or did things just to make me blush. “Thank you. I wasn't really sure what to wear. Is this okay?” I spun around for him to get the full view.

  “Well, you're missing something.” It was then that I noticed Nick had one of his hands behind his back. He pulled it forward and handed me what he had been hiding. “If you are going to go to the game, you've got to wear a jersey for the home team.”

  “Nick! This is so thoughtful! I'm even more excited for the game now, thank you!” I quickly pulled the jersey on over my tank top and threw my arms around Nick, giving him a big hug and a quick kiss.

  “I don’t think I've ever seen a jersey look so good. Now I know I'm not going to be able to keep my eyes on the game.”

  I ran my finger down his chest and looked up at him through my lashes. “Maybe later tonight I could wear the jersey for you... and nothing else.” Nick’s eyes grew big and I am pretty sure his cheeks flushed a little. I even kind of surprised myself with that one. It was not something I'd normally say, but around Nick... well, I felt sexy and playful. Like a much better, more confident version of me. Being with him just made me feel really, really good.

  Nick let out a low growl. “Now I'm not even sure we're going to make it to the game...” Nick dropped his lips onto mine and after a few seconds deepened the kiss and pulled me tighter to his body.

  “We're going to be late,” I murmured as the kiss started to intensify.

  “Nothing good ever happens in the first inning...” Nick mumbled in between kisses.

  I laughed and broke the kiss. “Let’s go, stud! I said yes to my first baseball game and I don’t want to miss any of it!”

  “Alright, you win. Did you pack a bag?”

  “It's sitting by the front door.” I smiled and nodded my head towards the overnight bag.

  “Perfect. It's so nice out I brought the Harley without really thinking about the fact you would have a bag. Do you mind swinging back here to pick it up after the game?”

  “No problem! Now, take me out to the ball game and buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.” I patted Nick on the chest.

  “Yes, ma’am! Your wish is my command.” Nick bowed towards me with a grand sweep of his arms.

  I laughed as we walked out the door. It all felt so right and so good. Of course, no matter how good it felt there was still a little nagging part of me that wondered if all of it was too good to be true, and how I was ever going to make it through everything ending when I had to leave for school.

  ***

  “Nick! These seats are incredible! We're practically on the field, we're so close!” My excitement level had been off the charts since we entered the stadium.

  Nick chuckled and put his arm around the back of my seat. “I'm glad you like them. Blaine Construction is a season ticket holder and I usually give the seats out to a different employee each game.”

  “Really? That is so cool of you! I bet the employees really like that.” He was incredibly modest about it, but Nick was so good to all of his employees and incredibly involved in the community. It was no wonder that everyone wanted to work for him and that there was so much support locally for Blaine Construction.

  “It's just a fun way to give recognition to someone who's been working extra hard and going above and beyond, plus it supports the local baseball team. Makes it a win-win.” Nick shrugged his shoulders, as if to minimize what a neat thing it was, and quickly changed the subject. “Do you have enough to eat?”

  I looked down at my lap which was heaped with food and laughed. “I think you literally bought me everything they have here! I have a hot dog, popcorn, a giant pretzel, nachos, soda, a bag of peanuts, and my box of Cracker Jacks. I think I'm all set.”

  “I wasn't sure what you liked so I got a mix of everything. I can help you out with some of that.” Nick winked at me as I smiled and passed him a hot dog.

  The energy in the stadium was contagious. A few innings into the game and I could totally see how people become sports fans. Nick talked about both teams and different players throughout the game. He really did know way more about baseball than I originally thought. I was really glad I prepared for the game by reading some books on baseball so I could follow along. Baseball was clearly something important to Nick and I wanted to be a part of it with him.

  “So what do you think so far?” Nick asked as he tossed a piece of popcorn at me.

  I pulled my eyes away from the field and could not stop smiling. “I am having so much fun! I can see why you are a fan. Thank you for inviting me along.”

  “Thank you for saying yes.” Nick leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

  Soon it was time for the seventh-inning stretch. As we waited for the second half of the seventh inning to start, we watched the different fans in the crowd appear on the Jumbotron screen hanging high above us all.

  “That is so nuts!” I said looking up at the huge screen. “I don’t know how people can do silly dances and act all crazy when they are up there on the screen. I think I'd pass out from nerves if I was in front of the whole stadium like that.”

  Nick started laughing. “Well, then don’t look up now!”

  I looked up and saw me and Nick front and center on the huge screen. Before I could freak out, Nick grabbed me and planted a hair-raising, toe-curling kiss on my lips. I heard the entire stadium clapping and cheering for us.

  Nick broke the kiss and I looked up at him in a daze. “Oh my goodness! I just got kissed on the big screen in front of an entire baseball stadium full of people!”

  “Yes, you just did,” Nick replied with a huge grin on his face.

  “They were all cheering and clapping for us!” I was still stunned by the entire thing.

  “Yes, they were,” Nick said laughing.

  I turned to face him. “Have you ever done anything like that before?”

  Nick shook his head. “Nope. Never. First time for me as well,” he said with a huge grin.

  I smiled back at him. “Good. Just checking. Glad I could be your first.”

  Nick threw his head back and laughed before putting his arm across the back of my seat. He leaned in and kissed me on the top of my head. “Me too, Jenna. Me too.”

  Chapter 30

  Jenna

  A few days after the baseball game with Nick, I found myself at brunch with Cassie.

  “Glad you could finally come up for some air and spend some time with those of us who are not panty-melter Nick.” Cassie raised her eyebrows at me as she looked up from her menu.

  “I'm so sorry! I have been a little wrapped up in spending time with him. I never intended to be one of those awful women who starts seeing someone and then ditches my friends. Please forgive me.” I was feeling really bad about how little I had talked to Cass lately. I was glad she agreed to com
e to brunch with me so we could catch up and I could apologize.

  Cassie waved her hand. “Buy me another mimosa and all shall be forgiven.”

  “Done!”

  “That was super easy. Especially because I was never upset in the first place. I really just wanted another drink,” Cassie said with a smirk.

  I laughed. I felt good to be out with Cassie and to know no matter what, she would always be my best friend.

  Cassie put down her menu and leaned forward. “So speaking of good old pizza guy Nick, how are things going with you two? If your texts and our phone conversations are to be believed, it sounds like you two are pretty hot and heavy.”

  I set my menu down as well. “Let’s talk about you first, then me. I feel like I have been a neglectful friend and have no idea what is going on with you.”

  “Well, unlike other people at this table, I have not been lighting any sheets on fire lately with a wild, hot, passionate lover. Work has been keeping me really busy. I've had some really big sales close recently.”

  “Cass! That's awesome! Congratulations! I'm so proud of you!” I really was excited for Cassie. I knew she worked really hard and was very good at what she did. It had been her goal since the beginning of her career to eventually branch out and open her own real estate agency. I had no doubt that Cassie Charles Real Estate would be happening in the future.

  “I have your Romeo and the houses Blaine Construction has been building to thank. Almost any project they work on is sold before completion. You need to keep Nick happy so he keeps building and I keep racking up the commission checks!” She said happily.