Saying Yes: Stormy Love: Book 1

by Ella Sparkle

  I immediately saw the bubbles pop up that showed Cassie was writing a message back. “WTF? That is a serious turn of events. I am sensing a juicy story. TELL ME!”

  “My break is almost over, but I promise to give you the full story after tonight.”

  “Boooooooooooooo! Too long to wait!” Cassie added a bunch of sad face emojis in her text.

  I quickly responded. “Mike can fill you in on part of it.”

  “I don’t want sloppy seconds for this story. You either lived it or I don’t want to hear it.”

  I laughed out loud as I read Cassie’s message. I knew she would make me feel better. I quickly typed out a message back to her. “Mike did live part of it. He is a pretty good guy.”

  All of Cassie’s previous responses had come through quickly, but this time a few minutes passed with no response. I was ready to put my phone back in my purse when it dinged with a new message. “I am even more intrigued. Mike is OK. Most of the time. Maybe even a little more than OK. Now get back to work!”

  I smiled at Cassie’s Mike message. I realized she really liked him and it made me happy.

  I slipped my phone back into my purse. I just had to make it to the end of my shift and go hash things out with Nick. Easy peasy, right?

  Chapter 37

  Jenna

  I pulled up to Nick’s house a little after nine o’clock. I hadn't even bothered to change out of my work uniform and I smelled like pizza.

  I sat in the car for a few minutes before I walked to the front door. I was about halfway up the sidewalk when Nick swung the door open. “Jenna! I am so glad you're here! Part of me was worried you weren’t coming tonight.”

  “I said I would be here. When I say I am going to be somewhere. I am going to be there.” Nick winced. “I'm sorry! I didn’t mean it like that!” Already I was sticking my foot in my mouth. Things were off to a great start. How was it that I always seemed to come up with the exact wrong thing to say?

  “No, I deserve it,” Nick said. We stood there awkwardly before he finally stepped out of the doorway. “Would you like to come in?”

  “Yes. Should we go into the living room?” I tried to force a smile as I spoke, but it felt like I failed miserably. It felt more like a toothy grimace.

  “Yes, that would be good,” Nick replied stiffly, with an equally uncomfortable smile. It was clear we were both nervous. Our greeting seemed weirdly formal and without any trace of our usual playfulness. We walked into the living room. I sat on the sofa and Nick stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. Everything just felt really weird. I shifted nervously on the sofa while Nick just stood there. I knew I could be a really awkward person at times, but it was way too awkward, even for me.

  “Jenna, I am...”

  “Nick, about last night...” We both started speaking at the same time.

  Nick ran his hand through his hair. “God! I am so fucking nervous right now. All day I have been going over what I wanted to tell you, but now that you're here, my mind is totally fucking blank. I also didn’t sleep much last night and in the past twenty-four hours I have experienced just about every damn emotion a human can have— which is way too fucking many, by the way.” Nick paced back and forth as he spoke, finally sitting down in the oversized chair directly across from me.

  “I didn’t sleep much either last night, so at least we are on a level playing field there.” I gave Nick a small smile, attempting to lighten the mood a little.

  When Nick looked up at me, I could see he had dark circles under his eyes. “Can I go first? Let me tell you about what happened and if you want to leave, I will understand.”

  “Okay,” I answered softly, unsure of anything else I could say.

  “So, I want to start by saying how sorry I am, Jenna. This was entirely my fault and I hate that I made you upset. I can tell by your eyes that you've been crying and it breaks my heart that I'm the one who did that to you.” Nick paused for a second as his voice cracked. He took a deep breath and continued. “I really did plan on meeting up with you and your friends for dinner and the movie. I knew how important it was to you and that it had been planned for weeks. I wanted to be there with you.”

  I nodded my head as Nick paused again. He closed his eyes for a second before continuing on. It was clear this was difficult for him. “I got a call in the afternoon from an investor in one of the new building projects Blaine Construction has submitted a bid on. It sounded like he just wanted to meet face-to-face at the property. There is a whole lot riding on this deal, including the employment of a whole lot of people. The guy who called is one of the primary investors and I expected it to be a quick meet and greet. When I got to the property, there were way more people than what I had anticipated.”

  “Is that when you texted me you were going to be running late?” I asked.

  “I sent that before I got to the property and saw all the people. I swear I thought I would get out there, take a quick look at the property, and set up another meeting for today or tomorrow. It turned out some of the investors that were there waiting for me were considering pulling their funding and they wanted a way more extensive look at the property than I had expected. They also had way more questions than I had anticipated, especially for a meet and greet. We were at the property for hours.”

  I was confused, “Why didn’t you just send me another message or call me and let me know what was going on?” My tone was a little harsher than I had intended, but it seemed like such a simple thing, especially since he had contacted me earlier in the evening.

  Nick nodded. “I was going to do that exact thing, but when I went to grab my phone from my pocket, it was gone. We were way out in the middle of the property and there wasn't much I could do. I thought maybe I left it in my truck, but at that point, we were really far from where the cars were parked and I had a group of investors following me around the build site, asking questions about the proposal.”

  “So why didn’t you send me a message when you got back to the truck?” I was starting to feel a little annoyed by the whole situation. I'd been so upset and a simple text message could have spared me a rollercoaster of emotions.

  “Also a great idea, however, when we finally got back to where all the cars were parked, my phone wasn't in the truck. I started to get a little panicked at that point, because I had already missed dinner, and I was pretty sure the movie had already started. I felt like a colossal asshole.” Nick looked at me with a very sorrowful expression etched across his face.

  I shook my head. “Nick, that doesn’t explain why I didn’t hear from you until this afternoon.”

  “Well, I finally found my phone. It was laying on the ground by where the investor had parked his truck. It must have fallen out when I went to say ‘hi’ to him and shake his hand. It must have been really close to the truck too because it was totally smashed.”

  “Smashed? Like it had been run over?” I asked in surprise. Suddenly, things were starting to become clearer to me.

  Nick nodded his head. “That is what it looked like. It was an accident. It was fairly dark by the time we were leaving so there was no way he could have seen it.”

  “Oh,” I said quietly. I was starting to feel like a jerk for not having a little more faith in Nick and knowing he would not intentionally blow me off. However, I had also not forgotten the conversation I overheard at Pete’s where Nick made some incorrect assumptions about why I didn't go back to my apartment last night.

  Nick suddenly cleared his throat. “The smashed phone is on the dining room table if you don’t believe any of this.”

  Did I believe him? I thought for a moment before I answered. Finally, I made my decision; “I don’t need to see it. I believe you,” I said simply.

  A look of relief washed over Nick’s face. He let out a big breath before he jumped back into his explanation. “Last night I knew how badly I screwed up and how late it was when we finally left the site. I also realized I didn't actually know your phone number since it was ju
st programmed into my phone. I stopped and grabbed the flowers and thought I would meet you at your apartment so I could explain and apologize.”

  “I didn’t go home last night...” I just trailed off and didn’t finish the thought.

  Chapter 38

  Jenna

  There was an awkward silence that hung between us. Suddenly, Nick blurted out, “Roses. I remembered that red roses were your favorite from our picnic. I sat outside of your apartment and waited for you last night. The longer I sat there, the worse I felt and the more I started to get these crazy ideas stuck in my head.”

  “Like, what kind of crazy ideas?” I was almost afraid to ask, though his chat with Mike earlier had clued me in a little.

  Nick hesitated and then let out a big sigh. “I knew that I screwed up and I was afraid you would think I had just blown you off. When you didn’t come home... well, I started to convince myself that, maybe, you were so upset you went home with someone else.”

  “Like sleeping with someone else?” I stared straight at him with a questioning look on my face. I was shocked he would think that and wanted to clear it up immediately.

  “I know it sounds stupid now, but the thought that I had somehow ruined things with you really started to mess with my head. I waited outside of your apartment until around two in the morning and then left. I was pretty upset and needed to clear my head so I came back here to get my bike. I rode around for the rest of the night. I swung by your apartment this morning on the way to get my phone situation fixed and when the flowers were still outside and your car wasn't there, it just fueled all of my crazy thoughts.” Nick looked embarrassed and wouldn't meet my eyes as he spoke.

  “Nick, I need you to look at me because I need you to know something.” Nick looked up and directly into my eyes. I needed him to understand how serious I was about what I had to say. “Nick, I have been the person who has been cheated on in a relationship, and I would never, ever do that to anyone. Especially someone I care about.”

  “It's a relief to hear you say that out loud, even though, deep down I knew it. My mind just got out of control and I wasn’t thinking rationally. I want you to know, for what it's worth, I am not and never have been a cheater. I would never do that to anyone I am with, and I expect the same in return.” Nick continued to look directly at me and gave me a small smile.

  “I'm glad to hear that.” I really was. Especially considering everything that had gone on with Brett.

  An awkward silence crept back in and once again Nick was the one to break it. “I spent the morning getting a new phone. Luckily, they were able to transfer everything from my broken phone to my new one, it just took forever. As soon as I had a new phone and your number again, I tried to contact you. When you weren't responding to my messages and calls, I panicked. That's when I went to Pete’s to try to see you and talk to you, but Mike was not having it.”

  I smiled thinking of how Mike had been so protective earlier. “Yeah... I know about that. Listen, Nick, I am going to be totally honest. I did not know what to think last night. I didn't want to think you'd just blow me off, but then I started making assumptions based on experiences from a past relationship. I know that wasn't right or fair to you... I know you're not him and I am sorry for equating you two. But those scars run deep. I was really hurt by him and last night reminded me of it all more than I care to admit.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for,” Nick said quickly. “I think anyone in your shoes would have thought I just blew everything off. It is actually a crazy series of events.”

  I felt the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter as I realized Nick obviously cared for me. I decided it was time to just get it all out there... I was saying yes to total honesty. “I think part of the reason I was so upset is because I was really scared. I was scared that somehow it was the end of us and that you weren't going to be in my life anymore.”

  I started to tear up once the words were out. I had no idea how I could have any tears left after the last twenty-four hours. If nothing else, I was probably severely dehydrated. Stupid leaky eyes and overwhelming emotions.

  Nick immediately rushed from his chair to me on the sofa. He grabbed me in his strong arms and scooped me up into a tight embrace. I melted into him and buried my face in his shoulder. He kissed me on top of the head and started rubbing my back. We stayed like that for a while. I finally broke the moment and lifted my face up to look into his eyes. Those endlessly deep brown eyes that made me feel safe and cared for.

  “Jenna,” Nick’s voice was husky as he reached his hand forward and stroked my chin gently with his thumb. “I don’t know what this is between us. It started with mutual attraction and having some fun, but it seems to have grown into something else. Please tell me I'm not alone in feeling this way.” The look on Nick’s face and in his eyes pleaded for an answer.

  I knew I had to continue with complete honesty. “You're not alone, Nick. I feel it too. All I know is I don’t want this to end. That scares me because I'm going to be leaving for law school soon.”

  Nick shifted his position away from me and a different look flashed across his face for an instant. It was there and gone so quickly I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. There was a slight change in the tone of his voice as he responded. “That is a whole other conversation that we need to have. I knew it was coming, I guess I was just trying to pretend it wasn't there"

  “Me too,” I whispered. “I know we need to talk about it, but can it be tomorrow? I'm so exhausted, I don’t think I can handle it now.”

  “I wholeheartedly agree with you for the exact same reason. I want you to know, Jenna, I am so very sorry for the past twenty-four hours. I never want to do anything to hurt you like that again.” Nick leaned forward and brought his lips to mine kissing me softly. It was a kiss filled with apology and sincerity.

  “Oh! I almost forgot!” Nick exclaimed when the kiss broke. “I’ve memorized your number. Just in case I ever have a phone mishap again.”

  I couldn't help but laugh. “Good thinking. Smart and sexy.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him.

  Nick suddenly turned serious again. “I know it has been crazy, but would you stay here with me tonight? We're both exhausted, but I can’t imagine sleeping without you in my arms. Plus, we can have that other conversation in the morning.”

  I smiled at Nick and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Yes, Nick. I am saying yes to staying with you tonight... however, I have one condition.”

  “Name it.”

  “I need a shower. I came right from work and I smell like pizza.”

  There was a sudden, mischievous glint in Nick’s eyes. “Well, I think that I can accommodate that. In fact, I think I can do one better.”

  “Oh really? What's that?”

  “I was a little distracted today and I am actually still wearing my clothes from yesterday. Perhaps I should join you in that shower. You know, to save water.” Nick winked at me and I felt my cheeks flush as a smile crept over my face.

  “It only makes sense,” I nodded my head. I was relieved as all the weirdness and tension that filled the room dissipated and we settled back into the easy, playful version of us.

  “Well, then it's settled.” Nick scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. I started laughing and shrieking. Nick playfully swatted me on the butt. “Come on you dirty girl. Let’s get you all cleaned up.”

  Chapter 39

  Nick

  I woke up the next morning and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Jenna sleeping in my bed. She was curled up on her side facing me and she looked so peaceful as she slept with a little half-smile on her face. I figured what we did in the shower, and then again after, had something to do with putting that smile on her face. Her long brown hair was splayed out on the pillow and I was suddenly hit by an overwhelming feeling... I wanted her with me all the time. I really didn’t want her to leave. It felt like as long as we were together, somehow, we could figure out all of t
he other stuff. As messed up as the whole situation had been with the investors, when I thought I may never see her again, I realized none of it mattered as much without her. Somehow, this little brunette bombshell had done the impossible and found her way into my heart.

  I laid on my side and just watched her sleep. Wanting her to stay was so fucking selfish of me, I couldn’t ask her to do it. She'd had her plans to move and go to law school before I came along, and no matter how I felt about her, I wouldn’t stand in the way of her achieving her goals. I wasn’t included in her original plan, and there was no reason to think that I would also be going forward. But the fact remained that what had started out as something casual had now turned into something else completely — at least for me. The irony was, I had finally found someone I wanted to be with and she had already planned to leave before we'd begun.

  The time we had left together was limited... and then I was going to have to let her go. I was not going to be the one to stand in her way and hold her back. My chest started to feel tight and I had to get up and move. Fuck! I'd experienced more feelings and emotions in the short time I had been with Jenna than I had in the entire rest of my life combined. How the fuck did people handle having all these feelings, all the damn time?

  I slowly and quietly climbed out of bed, so I wouldn't wake Jenna. I threw on a pair of sweatpants and went down to the kitchen to start some breakfast.

  The coffee was ready and the bacon was sizzling in the pan when I heard Jenna’s bare feet pattering down the hall. I looked over as she walked into the kitchen wearing one of my t-shirts. Her hair was all wild and a sleepy expression covered her face. She looked so perfect that it made my breath catch for a moment. When I was finally able to compose myself I turned to her and smiled. “Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?”