Forever

Part 1

Nick showed up at the party hours after it had started. He was intentionally late, and planned to leave as soon as he could. He didn't like to party. He preferred to hang out at home, shooting hoops with the boys, or just hanging out. But, he couldn't decline an invitation to celebrate the birthday of one of his best friends, Jose. 

He made his way through the throngs of people crowding Jose's house, finally finding him in the billiards room. Nick couldn't help but stare at the girl who stood, barefoot, on the pool table, red solo cup in hand, dancing to Daddy Yankee's 'Hula Hoop'. She had a bunch of people standing around the table, cheering her on. She wasn't dancing to be sexy. It was obvious she was having a blast. Nick took her entire body in, from head to toe. She was stunning. He had to know more about her. 

Jose finally noticed him standing there, yelling out "Niiiiiicccccckkkkyyyyyyyyyyy!!!". Everyone in the room cheered, 'Nicky!!!', putting their cups in the air. 

Nick couldn't help but smile. Jose loved a good time, and everyone there seemed to be having the time of their lives. He hugged his friend, clapping him hard on the back. "Feliz cumpleanos, mi mano!". He couldn't help but look back to the girl on the pool table. 

Jose followed his friend's gaze. When he saw who he was staring at, he threw an arm over Nick's shoulder, leading him away. "Forget it mano. She doesn't date".

Nick gave him a confused look. "Who doesn't date? How can someone not date?".

Jose laughed. "Her, and I have no idea. Her name is Sarah. She's Caro's best friend. I've known her forever, and she never has a boyfriend. I'm telling you. She doesn't date".

Caro was Carolina, Jose's youngest sister. Nick knew her well, but didn't know Sarah. He would remember seeing her before. He looked back, watching her for a few more moments. He was mesmerized by the way she moved her body, the way her dark, long curls bounced around her, and by the huge smile on her face.  Her smile must have been infectious, because soon Nick was smiling too. He began enjoying the party, seeing old friends, drinking and dancing. 

When he saw Caro, he asked her who her friend was. "Sarah", she answered, knowing her brother's best friend well.  "She doesn't date".

"What does this mean?!", he said, exasperated. "I keep getting told this, but I don't understand!".

Caro laughed. "Come, let's go say hi".

He followed her through the crowd, to where Sarah was still dancing, but on the ground now. "Sarah!" Caro called. Sarah made her way to them, throwing an arm over Caro's shoulders. The girls danced together a few moments, laughing the entire time. Remembering Nick, Caro finally introduced them. "Sarah, this is J's best friend, Nick. Nicky, my best friend, Sarah".

He held out his hand to shake hers, but she surprised him by hugging him and kissing his cheek. "It's so good to meet you!"

He hugged her back, inhaling her sweet perfume. He used her hug to his advantage, speaking directly into her ear, "You're the most beautiful woman in this room. I can't keep my eyes off you. Have a drink with me?".

Sarah looked at him, blushing. "That's quite the intro!"

He shrugged, "go big or go home, right?".

She bit her lip, looking at him thoughtfully. It took every ounce of control for Nick not to bite the same spot. "How can I say no to that?".

"You can't", he laughed. "What are you drinking?"

"Malibu and pineapple?".

"I'll take a screwdriver!", Caro yelled after him as he turned to get the drinks. When he returned, a few minutes later, the girls were dancing bachata together. Every man in the room was watching. They were both beautiful girls. When Sarah noticed Nick, she took the two drinks from his hand, giving one to Caro. Then she took his hand, pulling him to dance with them. 

"I don't dance bachata", he said in her ear.

She placed her leg in between his, putting his hand behind her back. "Yes, you do". She laughed at his attempt to dance with her, but it wasn't a mean or mocking laugh. She was having fun. 

Nick was relieved, though, when reggaeton came back over the speakers. Now, he could show Sarah what he was made of! He turned his baseball cap backwards, pulling her so close, their faces were just centimeters apart. She held her breath for a moment, intrigued by how confident he was. She found it incredibly sexy. They danced for several songs, bodies practically glued to each other. Nick ran a hand through her hair, pulling her in for a kiss. She put her finger between their mouths, wagging it at him, then tracing his lips with it. 

"What kind of girl do you think I am?", she teased.  She held up her empty cup. "I need another drink". She walked away from him, leaving him in the middle of the dance floor. He shook his head. He was Nicky Jam. Girls never walked away from him. But, he liked when Sarah did it. 

He followed her into the kitchen, where she was pouring herself another drink. He came up behind her, his body touching hers, casually reaching around her to pull a beer out of the ice bath. Not thinking, she leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. She had playing coy down pat, but he was making her forget herself. He pushed her hair to one side, leaving her neck exposed. His hot breath on her skin made her close her eyes, licking her lips in anticipation. 

"I'll see you later", he whispered. Then walked away. She spun around, mouth dropping in surprise. She watched him walk away, then laughed to herself. Looks like she wasn't the only one who liked to play coy.  She found Nick incredibly intriguing, and hoped she had another opportunity to spend time with him.