by Ella Sparkle
* * *
Now it was my turn to blush. I ran my hand through my hair. It was a nervous habit I had done all my life and continued even now that my dark hair was cut short. “Yeah... I guess after a few nights it becomes rather obvious something is up. I hope your co-workers don’t think I'm some kind of nut job.” I had only been thinking about seeing her again and had not fully considered all the ramifications of my plan, now I probably had strangers thinking I was crazy. Nice move, Nick.
* * *
Suddenly an awful thought hit me. This was exactly why I couldn’t be involved with anyone... I had been so distracted just trying to see her again, I didn’t think about anything else. I was so close to launching Blaine Construction into the next level I couldn’t get distracted and lose my focus. I had worked too hard and already given up too much to fuck it all up. I had only seen her twice and already Pizza Girl was a distraction. Hell, I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since the last time I saw her. That was not good.
* * *
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” Pizza Girl said with a chuckle.
* * *
I raised my eyebrows at her. “That is just a polite way of saying they do.” I tried to push all of my previous thoughts out of my head and just focus on the moment, on this beautiful girl standing in front of me.
* * *
Pizza Girl smiled at me. God, that smile was enough to make my heart skip a beat every time I saw it. “Well, it was nice to see you again. Thank you for ordering one more night,” she said softly.
* * *
As much as I wanted her to stay, I also realized she had to get back to work. Plus, I didn’t want to push the creep factor any further by trying to get her to stay longer. “So Pizza Girl, what do I owe you?”
* * *
Her brows knitted together in confusion. “Excuse me? After all that, you owe me something?”
* * *
“For the pizza,” I said as I reached in the back pocket of my jeans for my wallet. I knew exactly how much it was since I had ordered the same damn thing every night for the past week. Any reason to keep talking to her was a good one though.
* * *
“Right,” her cheeks flushed. It was adorable how she blushed so easily. “Sorry about that. Looks like it's $22.47.”
* * *
As I handed her some money, I realized I still didn’t know her name and that I had better ask before she left. “Here you go. Do you have a name other than Pizza Girl?”
* * *
She hesitated for a moment. “Yes.”
* * *
“Am I going to find out what it is?”
* * *
“Yes.”
* * *
“Well, what is it?”
* * *
“Not tonight...” she seemed hesitant or uncertain of her answer. I wasn’t sure where she was going with it either.
* * *
“Wait, you're not going to tell me your name tonight?” What was she doing?
* * *
“Yes, that is correct.” She looked up at me through her lashes as she gave me a small smile.
* * *
Oh, Pizza Girl, you little game-playing minx. I looked at her and smiled. Game on. “Good thing I like challenges and don’t give up easily, Pizza Girl,” I tried to say in my sexiest voice. God, flirting with her just felt so good and so right... I couldn’t think of a time I'd felt like that with anyone else.
* * *
Pizza Girl quickly shoved the pizza box at me and as she did, our hands touched. I swear I felt a physical spark pass between us just from the small contact. The air around us felt electric and we both looked up into each other’s eyes. The way she looked at me left no doubt in my mind that she felt it too. We just stood there, both holding on to the pizza box, neither one of us wanting to let go. The only sound was from both of us breathing heavily, lustily.
* * *
Suddenly Pizza Girl’s eyes grew big and she let go of the box. “Good night, Nick. Enjoy your pizza.”
* * *
“I think I am going to need to take a cold shower before I eat this pizza.” I'd intended for that as a joke, but as soon as I said it, I realized I was actually completely serious.
* * *
Pizza Girl’s face flushed again and I couldn’t help but smile. “Am I going to see you again?” I asked her. My heart was racing as I waited for her answer. I wasn’t liking the idea of this being the last time I saw her.
* * *
“Yes. You know where to find me,” she said with a coy smile.
* * *
“Alright, Pizza Girl. Until next time. Know that I will not be able to get you out of my mind until I see you again.” That last part just kind of slipped out, but I knew deep down that it was true.
* * *
“Likewise,” she responded softly. “See you later, Nick.”
* * *
I watched her as she turned and walked down to the sidewalk and out to her delivery car. As soon as she got into the car I heard a squeal and immediately went down to the sidewalk to make sure she was okay. My heart was thudding in my chest at the idea of something happening to her.
* * *
When I got to where I could see her again, my heart just about burst. She was in the car with the windows rolled down squealing and doing a little dance as she sat in the driver’s seat. Given the big smile on her face, I assumed it was a little happy dance. It was so damn cute I couldn’t help but chuckle.
* * *
Suddenly she stopped and let out a loud groan. From where I was standing, I could see her close her eyes and lean her head against the back of the seat. Slowly she rolled her head to the side and opened her eyes. When she saw me standing there, her face turned the brightest shade of red I had ever seen.
* * *
I guess she didn’t realize I was still outside and that the windows on her car were rolled down.
* * *
Not wanting her to feel embarrassed I quickly said, “Glad to know that we're on the same page, Pizza Girl. Drive safely tonight and I will see you again soon.”
* * *
There was an instant look of relief on her face followed by a big smile as she gave me a little wave and started up the car. I stood there on the sidewalk and watched her as she drove away.
* * *
Fuck. Part of me immediately wanted to see her again and part of me knew I had absolutely no business seeing her again. I sighed. I wasn’t sure how exactly we were going to see each other again, but at least I knew where she worked. I guess only time would tell how things were going to play out. I turned and slowly started walking back up towards my condo.
* * *
Although, honestly, deep down I knew exactly how I wanted it to play out.
* * *
Chapter 13
Jenna
“I am pretty sure that the purpose of the saying yes plan is not for you to manipulate me into doing something like this.” I raised my eyebrow at Cassie and folded my arms across my chest.
Cassie waved her hand at me like I was the one being ridiculous. “My idea, my rules. I offered to get you ready for tonight and you said yes. I have wanted to give you a makeover for years and you have never let me. Now, hold still so I don’t burn your ear with the curling iron,” Cassie instructed firmly, ignoring my protests.
I sighed as Cassie wrapped another section of my hair around the curling iron. “That's because I don’t need a makeover. I am totally fine with my style as is. It's a Thursday night and we are meeting up with my work friends. How fancy do we need to be?” I continued.
Cassie was standing behind me and looked at me in the bathroom mirror. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your first impression tonight needs to be a totally hot babe who is single and ready to mingle.” Cassie laughed and did a little shimmy before picking up another section of hair and wrapping it around the curling iron.
I
snorted. “I'm impressed you managed to put two clichés together like that.”
“Stick with me babe, I'm going places.” Cassie put down the curling iron and spun me around in the chair so I was no longer facing the mirror. “Now, close your eyes so I can start your makeup.”
I closed my eyes and could hear Cassie rummaging around in her makeup bag. She had rolled her eyes earlier when she looked at my small collection of makeup and chastised me for only owning neutral shades of everything. “Speaking of hot babes,” Cassie said as she started putting makeup on my eyes. “You had any more deliveries to Panty Melter Nick?” She asked. I could practically hear her eyebrows shimmying up and down suggestively.
“No, there haven't been any orders since the last one. I guess a week of pizza every night was his limit.” Just because I hadn’t seen him again, it didn’t stop me from thinking about him more than was probably healthy. But I wasn't going to tell anyone about that, even Cassie.
“Well, tonight I guarantee you are going to be catching the eye of several eligible, and possibly ineligible, gentlemen with this fabulous makeover courtesy of yours truly. Now, hold still while I get some mascara on these eyelashes,” Cassie said bossily.
“Cassie, really this is too much. I don’t need a full-on makeover," I protested. Truth was, I was a little worried about what she was doing make up wise, since I couldn't see anything. Wild and over the top worked on Cassie who considered red lipstick, high heels, and leopard print to be the foundation of any good outfit. It totally suited her but, I preferred a more subdued look. I preferred neutral tones and simplicity in my fashion choices and for my makeup.
I opened my eyes and Cassie was standing in front of me with one hand on her hip, while the other was pointing at me with a tube of mascara. “Honey, yes you do. You are a vivacious twenty-three-year-old, but you are hiding behind your clothes. Your favorite color is gray. Gray is not a color, it's a shade. The shade of sadness and despair. It has no place in your life and it definitely has no place at the club tonight.”
Now it was my turn to roll my eyes at Cassie. “Fine. I will play dress up for tonight, but you should know that this is for one night only.”
“We'll see about that. Now, pucker up those totally kissable lips and let me paint them red. As soon as I'm done, I want you to put on the dress I laid out on your bed. No peeking at the final result until you are back here in the bathroom. Now, go.” To emphasize her point, Cassie smacked me on the booty. I laughed and went into my bedroom.
Cassie had gone through my closet earlier to pick out something for me to wear as part of the makeover, which is why I was completely surprised to see a bright red mini dress laying on the bed. I didn’t own anything that bright or that revealing. I shouted out to Cassie who was still in the bathroom putting on her own makeup. “Cass? This red dress isn't mine. Where did it come from?”
“It's one of mine that I brought with me and you are going to wear it tonight. All of your dresses are either conservative work dresses or flowy, flower print summer dresses. Not appropriate for tonight,” Cassie shouted back.
I leaned out the bedroom door and shouted down the hallway. “I am not sure there is anything appropriate about the dress that's on the bed!”
Cassie poked her head out of the bathroom. “You are my favorite, but you need to stop bitching and put on the damn dress!”
I stuck my tongue out at Cassie and went back into the bedroom where I shimmied into the red dress. It only came down to my mid-thigh, which was much shorter than anything I had ever worn before. The front came down to a deep V that showed just a little bit of cleavage. The back was also a deep V that came to a point right above my butt leaving my back completely exposed.
“Are these red heels next to the bed for me as well?” I called out to her, picking up the strappy sandals doubtfully – how was I meant to walk in them, let alone dance?
“Yes! Do you think I would make you go barefoot? Strap those puppies on and get in here!”
“Alright!” I started walking down the hallway towards the bathroom. “I'm coming back in! Get ready to see me looking ridiculous!”
I walked into the bathroom and Cassie gasped. “Oh sweetie, you don’t look ridiculous. You look amazing. You are so beautiful! Look at yourself in the mirror and tell me what you see.”
I turned around and looked at myself in the full-length mirror. I gasped at the reflection staring back at me. “Oh my goodness, Cassie! I don’t know what to say. You're like my fairy godmother!”
Cassie pretended to wave a wand at me as I continued to soak in my reflection. “Well, what do you think?” she asked, admiring her handiwork.
My hair had been transformed into soft waves that ran down my back and framed my face. My makeup looked professional and accentuated my features without looking overly made up... I had no idea my lashes could look so long! I will admit, I had been a little worried about the cherry red lipstick, but it perfectly matched the color of the dress. The dress... well, it looked amazing. It hugged all of my curves and looked like it had been made just for me.
“Cass... I look beautiful... and kind of sexy,” I whispered. I was completely taken aback at my appearance, I hadn’t known it was possible. I didn't feel as uncomfortable as I thought I would with make up like this on, and dressed in such a revealing outfit.
Cassie came over and stood next to me. “You are beautiful no matter what you wear, but what you see right now in the mirror has always been there. You've just been hiding it behind ponytails, sensible shoes, and conservative gray clothes. You are beautiful inside and out. All I did was make your outside match your inside a little bit more.”
I hugged Cassie. “Honestly, I never thought I could look like this. Cass, I look and feel amazing! I don’t think I have ever felt this way before. Thank you, Cass.” Tears started to form in my eyes... I felt so overwhelmed.
“Ahhhhhhhhhh! Don’t cry! You'll ruin all of my hard work! I am happy you finally said yes to me doing this for you."
“Now, I just got a message that our Uber is out front.” Cassie bowed at the waist. “Your chariot awaits my fair princess. Let’s get you to the ball before you turn into a pumpkin!"
Chapter 14
Jenna
I could feel the music pumping the second we stepped foot in the club. To the left was the bar and some tables and to the right was a DJ and a huge dance floor that was already full of people. It was only the second time I had been somewhere like this and I just tried to stay calm and take it all in. The flashing lights, the loud music, and all the people crowded into the bar area and on the dance floor overwhelmed my senses. I wondered for a fleeting moment if I should even be there and what exactly I had said yes to.
I leaned into Cassie so I could shout into her ear. “Is it always this loud?”
“Yes, grandma,” Cassie shouted back. “It's a dance club. How can you dance to music that you can’t hear or feel?” She added, laughing a little.
“Right. Silly me. Let’s go find the rest of the crew.” I scanned the tables and quickly located my friends at a booth in the back corner. My friends. I liked the sound of that and couldn't help but smile at the thought of the new friends I'd made already thanks to 'saying yes'.
Mike seemed to spot us at the same time and waved. When we made our way over to the table he stood up so we could sit down. “Hey! Glad you guys could make it! Did you have any problems getting in?” He asked, as we moved to join them.
I shook my head. “Not at all. We gave the bouncer our names just like you said to and he let us right in. He didn’t even make us pay the cover charge.” There had been an awkward moment when I tried to give the bouncer money and he looked at me like I had lost my mind before waving Cassie and me in.
“My roommate is the DJ here tonight, so I got you both on the guest list,” Steven said casually.
“Wow! Thank you, Steven. I had no idea you were so connected in the club scene,” Cassie said with a smile as she slid into the booth next to
him.
Steven laughed right as Kimmy came back to the table with a tray of drinks. “I am afraid that is the extent of my influence but glad I could use my powers for good instead of evil.” He joked, returning her smile.
“Alright, guys! Let’s get this party started! Tequila shots for everyone!” Kimmy shouted as she started handing out drinks. “To new friends and new beginnings! Cheers!”
Everyone licked their wrist and poured on some salt as Kimmy passed out the drinks. I just went along with everything since I had no idea what it was for. After everyone clinked their shot glasses together, I saw that you lick the salt off your wrist, take the shot and then bite on a piece of lime. I looked around nervously and then followed suit. “Wow! That burned a little! I've never done a tequila shot before!” I said as I coughed and tried to keep my eyes from watering.
“Stick with me, babe!” Kimmy shouted as she let out a bubbly laugh. “By the way, you look so smoking hot tonight; every guy in this place is checking you out! Who knew there was such a hottie hiding under that uniform shirt and jeans?”