Forever

Part 2

Nick had spent the night at Jose's, having had too much to drink at the party. He woke to the smells of breakfast cooking, stomach grumbling. He went to the guest bathroom, pulling a new toothbrush out of the medicine cabinet to brush his teeth. He splashed some cold water on his face before pulling his baseball cap on his head, and padding down the hall to the kitchen. 

He paused in the doorway, seeing Sarah had spent the night too. She sat on the kitchen island, wearing some terry shorts and a tank top. Her mass of wild curls were piled on top of her head in a messy bun. He could see the outline of her breasts through the tank top. She wasn't wearing a bra. Caro sat on a chair at the island, her head resting on the marble counter top. Jose whistled happily as he prepared breakfast. His girlfriend, JuJu, stood at the kitchen sink, washing fruit and piling it on a plate. 

Nick entered the kitchen, passing by JuJu and popping a grape in his mouth. "Don't believe in chairs?" he asked Sarah, casually. 

Not missing a beat, she answered, "chairs bore me".

He couldn't help but smile. Jose asked him to grab orange juice from the fridge as he began serving food. He put plates, piled high with eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sausage on the island, slapping Sarah's foot. "Get those away from my food". She hopped off the counter as JuJu added the fruit to the spread. Sarah served herself, surprising Nick with how much food she took. She asked him to get the ketchup from the fridge before gently nudging Caro.

Caro groaned, still recovering from the night before. Sarah went around to the coffee maker, pouring a cup and handing it to her best friend. "Come, drink this outside. The sun will make you feel better". She helped Caro outside, setting her down in a lounge chair, thrusting the coffee back into her hands. Then she came back into the kitchen, covering her eggs in ketchup and grabbing a bottle of water before going to sit at the table on the patio. The rest of the group followed her lead, taking their food outside, to eat.

Sarah tore into her food, devouring it. "J, this is so good!" she said, between bites. 

J pressed his hands together in front of him, bowing slightly.  They all enjoyed a leisurely breakfast - except for Caro, who was snoring loudly on the lounge chair. Once breakfast was over, Sarah asked if she could help clean up before heading home. When JuJu told her not to lift a finger, Sarah thanked her and J. 

"I'm going to get my things and order an uber. I'll be back in a sec!".

"Don't call an uber", Nick said. "I'll drive you".

"Really? That'd be great!" Sarah said. "I'll get my stuff!".

Nick quickly finished eating, thanking Jose and JuJu for breakfast. He made his way back to the guest room, gathering his own things. He bumped into Sarah in the hall, heading back to the front of the house. He took her overnight bag from her hand, without asking. She opened her mouth to protest, but quickly closed it. Protesting was just a force of habit. She actually thought he was being a gentleman. She followed him, quietly, back to their friends. 

They both said goodbye to Jose and JuJu. Nick waited while Sarah sat beside Caro, on the lounge chair. She gently pushed the hair off Caro's face, kissing her forehead. When Caro opened her eyes, Sarah told her to drink some water, rest, and call her later. She looked to Jose, "make sure you take care of her".

She let Nick escort her out of the house, his hand on the small of her back. When they got to his car, he opened her door for her, closing it again, once she was seated inside. He threw her bag in the trunk before getting in the drivers seat. "Where to?" he asked.

She gave him her address, which he punched in the gps. 

"You're sweet to take me home", she said, as he pulled out into the street. 

He smiled at her, "no problem".

They rode in silence, each of them stealing occasional glances at each other. When they got to her house, Nick got carried her bag to the front door. 

"So," Sarah said, shyly. "You should take me out sometime".

"I heard a rumor you don't date", Nick answered.

She laughed, "what?!"

"Two confirmed sources".

"I date! I don't date often, because let's face it, I'm awesome and not a lot of guys can get on this level, but I date".  

Nick let out a hearty laugh. "So, I'm on your level?".

She crossed her arms, giving him a mischievous smile. "I didn't say that! But, I'm willing to give you a chance to prove yourself to me".

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him. She tensed, initially, but soon relaxed, her fingers playing with the chain around his neck. "What time should I pick you up?", he asked.

She locked eyes with him, "you tell me".

"I'll see you at 8".

"8", she agreed, eyes searching his. 

He hooked a finger under her chin, raising her face to him. "I really want to kiss you", he said, huskily.

She stood on her tip toes and leaving a lingering kiss on his cheek. "Prove it. Tonight". She pulled away from him, letting herself into her house. She gave him a small smile and waved, closing the door between them. 

Nick let out a frustrated groan, but couldn't stop the smile spreading on his face. He jogged back to his car, mind already racing, planning out details for their date.