Big Nick Energy (Tales from Hamilton University)

Chapter 6

Six

“ A nd that’s what happens when you have faith,” I concluded, lifting my mimosa glass and clanking it against Paris’s. “Faith of a mustard seed.”

“Faith of a mustard seed,” she repeated.

“We had faith that we’d get our men and on day one, we did just that.”

Grinning, Paris shook her head. “I wouldn’t say I got him yet.”

“ Yet is the key word!”

The fashion themed brunch featured a fashion show between each of the three courses. Each of the designers were HU alum. We saw womenswear by Simply Serena Collection, a Simone Jeffries x Volt Designs collaboration, and unisex streetwear by RL Fashions. The tickets were a little pricey, but the food was delicious, and the décor provided plenty of photo opportunities. The great vibes coincided with the high from Friday night, so we were feeling good.

“And he does this thing when he says my name that is so fucking sexy,” I told her. “It’s like he’s not even saying it. He’s breathing it. I just…” I closed my eyes and fanned myself as I heard it over and over again in my mind.

“Girl, you okay over there?”

My eyes flew open, and I cleared my throat. “Yep, I’m back!” I laughed. “So anyway, Nick’s on the planning committee and since the SONs are hosting the step show and the party tonight, I know he’s busy. Is Tuck on the committee, too?”

Her face lit up. “No, he’s not. He’s performing in the step show though. They had a rehearsal this morning and then we’re going to link up. He said he could get us good seats for it. But after hearing about your night, it sounds like you may have your own arrangements.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

I laughed.

“So, exchange numbers and get a kiss were plans C and D. Are the other plans still in effect?” she asked as we were beginning our third course.

“Absolutely. I just texted him to let him know that things were wrapping up here. But I tried to play it cool.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “What did you say?”

I picked up my phone and read it to her verbatim. “Hey! The fashion brunch should be over at noon and then I’ll have some time if you’re free.” I shrugged. “I sent that seven minutes ago so we shall see.”

“Do you think he’ll text you back before we get back to the hotel?”

Thinking back to our time spent together, I nodded. “Yeah. I’m sure he’s busy today, but the way he was talking last night, I should hear from him soon.”

“Oh after he had you in his lap like y’all were boo’ed up, I have no doubt you’ll hear from him. I was just wondering if you’re planning to change before you meet up with him.”

“Absolutely.” I looked down at my burnt orange jumpsuit. “This is perfect for brunch, but I have a whole different vibe for everything we have going on later.”

“I was just going to wear jeans and the cute cut-out shirt, but now I’m thinking I should wear something a little more…” She shimmied her shoulders. “You know?”

I nodded. “You should wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and most sexy for whatever it is you’re about to get into with Tuck.” I leaned forward. “It’s Tuck,” I emphasized the name of the man she’d had a crush on for years.

She nodded nervously. “You’re right. Now I have to figure out what I’m going to wear.”

Laughing, we continued recapping and rehashing the events of our Friday night over brunch. When my phone vibrated against the table, I saw Nick’s name flash across the screen.

Nick Williams: Last night was cool, but I want to take you somewhere a little more private and get to know you better. Can you be ready by 12:30?

Asha James: I can.

Nick Williams: Good. I know you came here with your girl so let her know we’ll come back and grab her for the step show and the game. This first part is just for you though.

I grinned.

Asha James: Paris has plans so she’s going to meet us at the step show later so it’ll just be us for a while. Where do you want me to meet you?

Nick Williams: That works out even better. I asked you out so I’m coming to you. What’s your room number?

My smile grew.

Asha James: 522.

Nick Williams: That’s what’s up. I’m in 501. I’ll come and get you at twelve thirty.

Asha James: Are we still coming back to the hotel? Because what I wear when we get together isn’t the same thing I’m wearing to the game.

Nick Williams: We’ll come back to the hotel so we can change.

Asha James: Okay see you soon!

“Tell me everything,” Paris said as soon as I looked up from my phone. “You look like you’re swooning.”

“I am!” I cried, putting my phone to my chest and letting my head fall back. “I don’t know where we’re going, but it’s definitely a date. He said he wanted to take me somewhere private and get to know me better.”

“Ohmigod!”

“I know!”

Paris and I squealed as we finished our mimosas. I told her about the text conversation and then we both brainstormed what we should wear for the rest of the day. We took a series of pictures at the floral wall and then we headed back to the hotel.

I had thirty minutes to get ready before Nick would be at my door. Paris was heading out at one o’clock, so we shared the bathroom mirror and got ready. I had no idea what we were going to do, but the moment Nick said date, I knew what I wanted to wear.

“That looks so good on you,” Paris confirmed as I did a little spin in my white and green milkmaid dress.

The fabric was fitted in all the right places and then flared out at the hips. I wore a pair of green heels that matched the cute little bag. When I walked, my body shook sexily so I felt like it was the perfect daytime date outfit.

“I was going to wear this at the picnic tomorrow if I hadn’t gotten Nick’s attention yet,” I told her.

She nodded. “And it would’ve worked.”

“You know what would be wild?” I put my hands on my hips. “What if I think we’re going on a date and the whole time, he’s just going to take me to his room.”

Paris’s eyes widened. “That would be wild as hell! What would you do?”

“I would go to his room and throw this ass on him so fast!”

She cackled. “So, you wouldn’t be disappointed that the date was on his dick?”

“I would welcome a date on his dick. My mission this weekend was just to get him to notice me and to shoot my shot. So, I wouldn’t be disappointed because I absolutely plan on making that happen at some point this weekend. But last night…” I lifted my shoulders as I thought about our connection. “It felt like there was something real there.”

“I can’t wait to see how this plays out. I’m so excited.”

“Me too!” I squealed.

There was a knock at the door and we both froze. My eyebrows shot up. Did he hear us?

Paris and I hugged and silently screamed in excitement before I made my way to the door. When I swung it open, I was expecting to see Nick. I wasn’t expecting the wave of nerves and butterflies that swirled in my belly when I saw him.

Wearing a pair of olive khakis and a cream button up, it was confirmed that that man looked good whether he was dressed up or dressed down. My eyes swept the length of him, and I really had to sit in my level of attraction to and for him. It wasn’t just the way the clothes fit his body or the way he styled himself. It wasn’t just physical and delusional like it had been for all those years. Spending time with him, getting to know him heightened my attraction to him.

“Hi,” I greeted him almost shyly.

His cologne wafted through the air and infiltrated my nostrils. I inhaled deeply. His scent was intoxicating.

“Asha…” He checked me out. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. I hope it’s the right vibe for what you have planned.”

He licked his lips. “You’re perfect.” He took my hand and put it to his lips. “You ready? Our ride is almost here.”

“Our ride?” My brows furrowed in confusion. “Are you sure? I can drive.”

He brought his forehead to mine. “You won’t be driving on our first date.”

“Okay,” I breathed.

He tipped my chin and brushed his lips against mine ever so softly. “You ready?”

I nodded. “Bye, Paris!” I called out.

As if she were waiting for her name to be called, she popped up behind me. “Bye!”

I laughed. “Nick, this is my best friend, Paris. Paris, this is Nick.”

Stretching his hand out toward her, Nick flashed his perfect smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Paris.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” she replied. “I’ve heard nothing but good things.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing. If only he knew…

He glanced at me. “Good. I plan to keep it that way.”

My stomach fluttered again.

“I’ll text you and let you know when we’re heading back,” I told her as we said our final goodbyes.

“Where are you going?” Paris asked him.

“That’s a good question,” I cosigned.

Nick let out a light chuckle. “It’s a place that I think Asha will appreciate. I want to surprise her, but I’ll have her send you a picture when we get there.”

Paris nodded. “I like that.” She looked at me. “I like him.”

We said our goodbyes once more and then we left. With his hand on the small of my back, Nick escorted me down the hall toward the elevator.

“Your best friend likes me,” he said boastfully.

“Who’s your best friend?” I asked him.

“Demario. You’ll meet him tonight. He’s frat but he wasn’t on my line.”

“I look forward to meeting him.” Looking at our reflection in the mirrored walls of the elevator car, I couldn’t help but smile.

We look good together , I thought, pulling my phone out of my bag.

“Uh oh! Picture time,” he joked, smoothing down his shirt and stepping into a pose.

I giggled as I got the phone set up for our selfie. “I have to capture the moment.”

When I looked up to see if he was ready, he was staring at me. My cheeks heated under his gaze.

Clearing my throat, I turned the camera to get us both in it and smiled.

“This is the before photo,” I said as I examined the cute picture. “I’ll take one when we get there and one after it’s all done so it’ll tell the story of this outing.”

He let out a light chuckle. “I like that.”

The elevator opened to a thick crowd of Hamilton University alumni. There were so many people milling around and leaving out.

“Oh wow,” I reacted, my eyes widening.

He checked his watch and then placed his hand on the small of my back. “I guess everyone is heading to the tailgate.”

“Whassup Nick!” a couple men greeted him as we were moving toward the door.

“Oh, hey Nick!” a woman said as he opened the backdoor of the car waiting for us.

He spoke to everyone who called out to him, but much like he’d done the night before, he kept moving forward. He never really stopped to chat. He just smiled, said hello, and dapped them up as he continued moving. When we were buckled into the backseat, he exhaled, looking relaxed.

I smiled at his comfortability.

We talked about our friendship and how he hadn’t been doing a very good job of keeping up with his people throughout the ten-minute ride to our destination. I was so entuned with our conversation that I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings.

I looked around. “I’m actually very excited because I have no idea where we’re going,” I said as Nick helped me out of the car.

“Good.”

He tucked me into him and led me to the end of the block.

“Oh, this looks cute!” I exclaimed as we entered a wine bar called The Cask.

The stylish American bistro and wine bar had sleek décor, contemporary art adorning the walls, and a wall of wine bottles showcasing the assortment.

“Welcome to The Cask,” a woman with long braids greeted us. “I’m Ebony! How can I help you?”

“We’re here for the art show on the roof,” Nick told her as he presented passes on his phone.

Her face lit up. “Wonderful!” She turned to a college aged girl. “Liannah, please escort them to the roof.”

We followed her out the way we came in and went next door. As soon as we entered, there was a long staircase.

“Head on up,” she said in a chipper voice. “When you get to the top, go through the door, show your passes, and enjoy yourself!”

So, we did.

“Okay!” I exclaimed as we were immediately thrust into a cool rooftop experience.

There were maybe about forty people milling around, checking out art, tasting samples of wine, or just vibing to the woman performing on a platform in the corner. It was such an eclectic mix of artistic expression and a cool thing to do on a beautiful autumn afternoon.

“It’s a lot going on, but it’s chill.” Nick placed his hand on my lower back as we made our way to the railing. “I thought this would be a cool spot for us to talk and get to know each other better.” We made it to the ledge, and he pointed down below. “And I thought you’d appreciate the view.”

I gasped giddily. “Oh wow!”

The view of a farmer’s market happening down below was such a cool array of colors. There were so many people milling about the blocked off part of the street.

“You said you liked a bird’s-eye view,” he explained, leaning against the railing and looking down below.

Warmth flooded my system as I stared at his profile. “I told you that?”

“At the library.”

I stared at him in awe. “And just that fast you found a spot for us to come to?”

He turned his head toward me. “I told my assistant that I needed to find a daytime event on a rooftop with a view. She sent me a few options and I picked this one.”

“Oh wow! Is that how you always plan your dates?”

“No. But I wanted to impress you.”

“So, you had your assistant, who is in a different city and in a different time zone, get up and find this place so you could impress me?”

I couldn’t even get the question all the way out without grinning.

He held my gaze. “Yes.” He pushed off the railing and rose to his full height. Holding my gaze, he reached out and let the back of his hand caress my cheek. “And it was worth it to put that smile on your face.”

A chill ran down my spine.

I covered his hand with mine. “If you’re trying to seduce me, it’s working.”

He let out a deep chuckle. “You’re funny as hell.” He intertwined his fingers with mine and then brought my hand to his lips. “Let’s check out this art.”

“Okay, but I want to get a picture first.”

I pulled out my phone and captured a photo of us with the farmer’s market below. The cloudless light blue sky was a contrast to the city skyline and the vibrant colors below. The sun had our brown skin glowing, and our smiles were bright.

“That’s a good one,” he commented.

“You want me to send it to you?” I offered as we made our way to the closest painting. “You can make a homecoming photo album to bring to your new place in Virginia. Better yet, I’ll make it for you.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “You’d do that?”

“Yeah, I took a couple of photos of the panel and I’m sure the school had some professional ones. I’ll get something together. I’ll hook you up.”

“That means you’ll have to stick with me for the weekend. You up for that?”

“Yeah, I think that can be arranged.”

We walked around for an hour checking out the art and talking about our views on an array of topics. Every piece of art had a message which sparked a conversation about our viewpoints and our outlooks on life. We had even more in common than we’d originally thought and the more I learned, the more drawn I was to him.

I had a crush before the weekend started, and after Friday night, I genuinely liked him. But somewhere between him telling me about his rocky relationship with his father and me telling him about my falling out with my childhood friend cemented my feelings for him.

Nick Williams was living up to all the hype.

“Let’s chill for a minute.” Nick pointed to an available table. “Right there.”

We sat down and then he went to get us drinks. He came back with two bottles of water, a tasting flight of signature wines from The Cask, and a cheese, fruit and crackers plate.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve helped you carry all of this,” I said as soon as he placed it on the table.

He shook his head as he sat down. “Nah, you’re good,” he assured me. “As long as you’re with me, you’re good.”

“You’re going to spoil me.”

Holding my gaze, he leaned forward a bit. “That’s the plan.”

“I’m going to hold you to it.”

A woman working the event stopped by with a flyer. “You two lovebirds look nice! Is this a little mid-day date?”

“Yes, it is,” Nick responded without hesitation.

Date! He said date! This is a date!

I knew I had to keep it together, but internally, I was screaming.

I knew it was a date. It felt like a date. But hearing him confirm that it was a date did something to me.

“Well, we have something for lovers over there”—she pointed to the left— “so come check out our selection.”

“Before we leave, we’ll swing by and see what you have,” Nick told her. “We gotta get something to commemorate the moment.” He looked over at me and winked.

She turned to me. “You have a keeper on your hands.”

I nodded in agreement. “I see.”

She walked away, leaving us alone.

“You’re a keeper.” I grabbed my bottle of water and took a sip. “But the real question is, do you want to be kept?”

“Do I want to be kept?” Nick let out a deep chuckle before he popped a cheese cube into his mouth. After swallowing, he answered. “Yeah, I do.”

I gave him a quizzical look. “What was so funny then?”

He laughed again. “I’ve just never had someone ask me that before.”

“It’s an important question. Sometimes people don’t want to be kept. Sometimes people don’t want to be saved. You don’t know if you don’t ask.”

“You’re absolutely right,” he agreed, his amusement evident. “I just never in my life had someone ask that. But you’re right.”

I nodded knowingly. “I’ve been there before. Trying to keep someone who isn’t trying to be kept. That’s why you have to ask.”

“I’ve been there, too,” he admitted. “I think we’ve all been there.”

“Was that what happened in your last relationship?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“How long were y’all together? And was it serious?”

“Three and a half years. We were serious, but…”

Intrigued, I leaned forward. “What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“No, it’s cool. We were together for three and a half years, the last year we were engaged. We ended about a year ago.”

We sat in silence for a moment as I took in the information.

“Why did it end?” I asked quietly.

I didn’t want to come across as nosey, but I genuinely wanted to know.

He appeared contemplative. “We weren’t on the same page. Truth be told, I don’t know if we ever really were. We were long distance, and our work kept us busy so when we saw each other, it was always a good time. But after we got engaged and we started looking at what life would look like for us as a couple, I realized we were moving in two different directions. We wanted different things.”

He didn’t look sad. He looked introspective.

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.

He shook his head. “Don’t be. I’m not. It was for the best. I learned a lot from the relationship and from the breakup. It helped me become clearer in what I want and what I’m looking for.”

“And what is that?”

A slow smile crept across his face. “Besides smart, funny, interesting, and sexy?”

I bit my bottom lip and nodded. “Yes.”

“Someone who understands my work and why I work the way that I do. Someone who has their own work and is passionate about what they do. Someone whose presence brings me peace.” He took a swig of his water and kept his eyes trained on me. “Someone I want to talk to. Because there aren’t many people who make me want to talk to them.”

Butterflies swept through my belly. “I like that answer.”

“What are you looking for?” he asked.

“I’m looking for a man with goals, morals, passions, loyalty, healthy communication, healthy mindset, and a healthy sense of self,” I rattled off my list. “I want a man who knows who he is and knows what he wants.”

He nodded slowly as he brought his bottle to his lips. “I like that answer.”

We were so wrapped up in our conversation that we didn’t realize how much time had passed.

“Oh shit,” Nick reacted as soon as he looked at his phone.

I finished the last sip of wine and looked across the table with my eyebrows raised high. “Hm?”

“It’s almost three o’clock and I gotta be at the step show in an hour.” He stood up and then reached for my hand, helping me to my feet. “Is there anything you tasted that you wanted to get before we go?”

“We don’t have time. We still have to go get changed.”

His thumb caressed my hand. “That’s not what I asked you.”

I loved the rosé, but we didn’t have time. The line was long.

So, I smiled and rolled my eyes. “Let’s go. You can’t be late, and I have to change.”

“Asha,” he exhaled my name in such a way that I knew he was trying to seduce me.

My entire body vibrated. “Yes?”

He took a step forward, closing the gap between us. Bending so his face was hovering an inch over mine, his eyes penetrated me. “Tell me what you want.”

I tipped my head up so my lips just barely brushed his.

You.

Your heart.

Your dick.

That rosé.

There were a million ways I could’ve answered the question, but all of the possible answers got caught in my throat as his mouth covered mine. It only took a second for the full force of the kiss to hit me. The intensity ran through my entire body, and I felt myself melding into him. He broke the kiss abruptly and the moment our eyes met, I knew the intensity had rocked him too.

Even with the eighties rock music and the driver singing to himself, I was having a hard time calming down in the backseat of the rideshare car. The kiss Nick and I shared had my body buzzing and I was trying to wrap my mind around the intensity of it all. Because I’d never wanted anyone so bad in my life.

“You should stop looking at me like that,” he whispered in my ear.

His words sent a chill down my spine.

I took a deep, shaky breath. “Like what?”

“Like you want me to kiss you.”

I shifted my eyes to the driver and then back to him. “I do.”

Nick placed his hand on my knee as he leaned over to me. “If I start kissing you again, I’m not going to be able to stop.”

His touch seared through the material of my dress and set me on fire.

“Maybe I don’t want you to stop.”

“Asha…”

Every time he said my name in that sexy, whispered tone, I melted. But the combination of the unchecked lust in his voice and the barely contained desire in his touch stoked the ache deep within me.

I glanced at the driver to make sure he was minding his business before locking eyes with Nick. “You should stop saying my name like that,” I told him, covering his hand with mine.

“Like what?”

“Like”— I opened my legs slightly and slipped his hand under the hem of my skirt— “you want me.”

“I do.”

His breathing became ragged as I guided his hand between my legs. It was so fucking sexy to watch his eyes darken as his fingers moved up my inner thigh.

“How bad?” I asked breathily.

“Here’s your stop,” the driver announced over the music, startling us and breaking our trance.

Nick leaned forward and discreetly removed his hand from under my skirt. “Thank you,” he told him.

I opened the door and jumped out. He climbed out behind me and immediately slung his arm over my shoulder. “Come with me.” He positioned me slightly in front of him and maneuvered us through the less crowded lobby. “I have something for you.”

I didn’t even respond. I clutched his hand, and he held me close. Our only communication was the gentle squeezes and caresses as we walked quickly. We didn’t speak a word as we rode the full elevator to our floor.