Mia rolled her eyes at Nikki’s attempt at being nonchalant. She thinks she is so smooth. Mia was not going to give her what she craved. It would be a lot more entertaining to mess with her. Mia made Nikki wait as she sipped from the drink Stacy delivered.
“Well, since you’re not asking, I guess I don’t have to answer. Are you?”
“Yes, I’m single,” Nikki answered too quickly. Her eagerness to answer caused Mia to smile.
Nikki started on her second drink. Trying to regain her equilibrium. She had been way too willing to let Mia know she was available.
“Why?” Mia asked.
Nikki almost answered without thinking, I hadn’t met you.
“Just haven’t found what I am looking for yet.”
“And what are you looking for?”
It was a simple question, with a hundred answers. The most prominent in her mind being: A beautiful brunette with a smile that lights up the room. Nikki refused to air her thoughts. Instead she looked around the room, searching for a way to respond. Rummaging for anything other than the truth, that Mia was everything she had been looking for. Everything she wanted and never seemed to find.
“I am looking for…a dance.”
Nikki grabbed Mia’s hand and led her to the dance floor before she had a chance to say no. A surge of adrenaline coursed through her, excitement caused by the momentary contact.
“No square dancing,” Mia practically yelled over the music. The band was playing “Rain is a Good Thing”. Nikki dropped Mia’s hand once they were on the dance floor. She felt unsure if she was dancing with a friend or a date and didn’t want to assume. Mia had actually only agreed to dinner and a drink, not a date. She was saved from overthinking when Mia took her hand. The moment they began to dance, the song ended.
Crap. I should have noticed it was the end of the song. Now she is going to sit back down. I just got her out here. Nikki could hear the opening notes to “Bless the Broken Road”. Mia stepped closer and put her arms around Nikki’s neck. The feel of her hands caused Nikki’s hairs to stand on end. They started to swayed together. Nikki couldn’t think of anything, but the sensation Mia’s thigh pressing up against her caused. The contact brought her imagination to life and made it hard to stand. Her pulse was racing and she hoped that her palms weren’t sweating. Nikki took a chance and pulled Mia closer to her body. She was enjoying the feel of Mia in her arms. Thank goodness Mia’s heals made them an inch or two difference in height. If she hadn’t worn heals, it would put Mia about shoulder height. Which would be incredibly distracting for Nikki. As their breasts touched Nikki swore she heard Mia gasp. She couldn’t fathom how it was possible that she had this small, gorgeous, caring woman in her arms? Nikki was shaking her head agreeing with the music. I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you.
Mia noticed Nikki shaking her head and asked, “Yes, what?”
“Just agreeing that there have been many wasted years and you took too long to get here.”
Mia laughed out right.
“Funny. You may be right. You definitely needed someone to yell at you sooner.”
Mia could see the tenderness in Nikki’s eyes and almost believed her. It felt intense to be in her arms. It was strange to be in anyone’s arms at all, but Nikki wasn’t just anyone. She was wildly calm. Having all the intensity of a storm without the destruction; thunder without the lightning. Of course, it could just be the alcohol talking. Or the fact that she had not been with anyone since Denise. Mia lifted her head, staring up into Nikki’s eyes. How did Mia never notice the piercing pool of blue that was staring back at her? Their closeness was making it hard to breathe. Mia could hear her pulse thumping in her ears. Soon the entire room would know precisely what she was thinking. Mia’s hands would start to wander over Nikki’s body, no matter how many people it outraged. She moved closer, until just about every inch of their bodies were touching. Mia could feel the heat radiating from Nikki. Then someone bumped her hard from behind.
It almost knocked both women onto the ground. She caught Mia and turned to confront the offending woman. What she found was a drunk falling all over herself. Nikki helped the petite blonde to the bar. She asked the waitress to bring a glass of water and call a cab. Her drink had spilled on the floor and down her shirt. Nikki was in the process of getting her some napkins when the girl’s friend finally noticed and took over her care. By the time Nikki returned, the spell was broken. Mia looked uncomfortable and was uncharacteristically quiet.
Nikki hoped to break the silence, “Guess that was a sign that I should stop drinking too. Don’t want you to have to pick me up off the floor.”
“Oh no, you don’t. You’re not getting off that easy. You told me we were drinking tonight. So are you a quitter or a liar? Neither looks too good for you.”
Nikki couldn’t help but laugh. One second Mia was quiet and reserved and the next she was fiery and looking for a fight.
“Those are the only options huh?”
Nikki didn’t know why Mia was pushing her so hard to drink more.
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to find someone else to drink with, since you can’t seem to keep up.”
Mia got up from the table and started to walk towards the bar for a refill. Nikki was on her feet in a heartbeat and standing too close to Mia to think of anything to get her out of drinking more. Their hands brushed as Nikki took Mia’s glass, sending a tremor through her fingers. She headed towards the bar for two more drinks. How on earth did I get coaxed into this? She waited for the bartender to return with their cocktails. Nikki tried to still her jittery hands as she debated how to extricate herself from this situation, without disappointing Mia. She enjoyed the closeness they shared on the dance floor and would love to get Mia out there again. Of course, if she didn’t drink, Mia might stay true to her word and ditch me. Nikki didn’t want to chance it. When Nikki returned with their beverages, she already knew the answers to all her questions. One glance at those gorgeous green eyes and Nikki knew she would do whatever it took to keep a smile on Mia’s face, including drinking.
Chapter Eight
Mia and Nikki spent the next two hours drinking and laughing. Mia couldn’t believe how the time flew. There was no lull in conversation. No more awkward moments. Nikki told her funny stories about growing up in a small town. She was currently regaling Mia with her misguided attempt at cow tipping, by herself.
“Cows are much heavier than you think. For some reason, I thought it would be like pushing a big dog. In reality, it was more like running up to the side of a car. When I bounced off and landed on the ground, it felt like I was hit by a brick wall.”
“Did it hurt the cow?” Mia asked while laughing.
“The cow was fine. Thank you for your concern. Hell, I’m lucky the thing didn’t turn and kick me.”
“Why on earth would you try to tip a cow?” Mia was laughing so hard, her side hurt.
Nikki chuckled as she remembered the night. Todd Greeley was standing there in his football jersey and jeans. He was a cocky bastard and thought every girl was his for the taking.
“Well, Todd was saying that I couldn’t and I just refused to let that jerk win Mary’s affections.”
“After you bounced off the cow, I’m sure they both had a good laugh.”
Nikki could see Todd falling down laughing like it was yesterday. She was sure, if she got a running start, the cow would move. It didn’t lean or take a step, nothing. After she hit the ground, she couldn’t move. She was lying in the field on her back with the wind knocked out of her. Her ribs hurt. When she didn’t get right back up, she heard footsteps approaching. Todd was howling with laughter. The world was a little hazy at first. Mary knelt down at her side and fretted over her. She was checking to see if anything was broken.
Mary held her hand, “I’m going to have Todd fetch your parents. Have them come get you, in case you need to go to the hospital.” Nikki wrapped her hand around Mary’s. Thank goodness, the contact sto
pped her from yelling out to Todd. Her parents would be furious at her for having to go out there during the night.
“No, I’m fine. Just stay with me,” she croaked out.
She still wasn’t able to take a deep breath. Mary looked back into her eyes and nodded. She just sat there stroking Nikki’s hair. She let Nikki lay in her lap until she felt better.
She snapped back to the present.
“Actually, Todd wasn’t really laughing for long. Mary was so concerned, she didn’t leave my side all night,” she stated with a silly grin lighting her face.
“Sounds like you have done some stupid things to get a girl’s attention.”
Yeah. Like tracking them down in town and randomly showing up to their apartment. Honestly on the list of stupid things Nikki had done for a girl, Mia didn’t even come close to the top the list. Though she was the one Nikki had to try the hardest for.
“What can I say, I know what I like and it’s always worth it,” she said as she stared into Mia’s eyes. Mia seemed to receive her message and blushed.
They would need to call a cab soon, it was getting late and she had way too much to drive. Mia’s Philly accent was becoming more prominent and she started slurring her words thirty minutes ago. Soon the last drink would catch up with her and Mia would regret the entire wonderful night.
“I think you owe me a secret by now,” Mia’s dazzling smile had shown the entire evening.
“What kind of secret? I don’t think I was asked anything that I wouldn’t have answered if I was sober.”
“Hmmm. Well maybe I should think of one…mmm…When wuz your last date? NO…no, when wuz your last kiss… no, how ‘bout…whatcha thinkin, right now?”
“Last date as in before tonight? Last kiss…hmmm…last August. Right now I’m thinking, I shouldn’t have kissed that girl. Definitely not worth it. I would have waited for you, if I had known you were coming.”
Mia giggled, “Was she that bad?” Her mood changed as she realized Nikki’s words, “Who said this wuz a date? I never agreed to that.”
“Really? Then why do you look so incredible? Is that your normal attire?”
Mia shifted in her seat at the compliment.
“Yes it is. I alwayz say “look good; feel good.” I di’n’t wear anything special on your account.”
“Oh, so you would dress the same if you were going for drinks with Gladice or Terry from the science department?”
Gladice was easily thirty-five years older and Terry was a forty-six year old balding male that looked like the frogs he dissected.
“Of course I would. Whatcha think you’re special now?”
“Well, you may want to reconsider.”
“And why iz that?” Mia asked.
Nikki leaned closer. Her thumb traced Mia’s arm, causing a visible shiver.
“Gladice is always just as buttoned down as she is at work. She would not approve of your choice in clothing,” Nikki took the opportunity to take in Mia’s appearance again. Trying to commit her to memory, “As for Terry, if he doesn’t have a heart attack, he would definitely think you were trying to get his attention.”
Mia shuttered at the thought of gaining Terry favor.
“I think you are jus’ makin that up. You wanna to keep me all to yourself.”
Nikki smiled, “Yes, I definitely want you all to myself. That doesn’t mean I’m not speaking the truth. And you didn’t deny wanting to look nice for tonight. Did you not want a date with me? Would you prefer Terry? I can understand being standoffish when you have Terry in the wings”
Stop it! Are you trying to get hurt? Nikki had just enough to drink and it was too late to stop herself now.
“Are you tryin to tell me that I don’ alwayz look nice? No, Terry iz not exactly my type. You and I have done nuttin but fight since we met…until tonight. Why would I think a date wit you would be a good idea?”
“You are always beautiful, but you look different outside of work. More relaxed. You look amazing tonight, I love your hair down.” Nikki touched the strand of hair in Mia’s face, “You never told me what your type is.” Nikki took it as a good sign that Mia was concerned about them fighting. She could have said she didn’t date women. “Fighting is a good sign of chemistry. I was hoping after tonight you would have an answer as to why you should go on a date with me.”
Mia remembered the sight of Nikki leaning in her doorway. Nikki’s speechlessness in the kitchen. And looking at her now, across the table, Mia couldn’t help her wondering eyes. She couldn’t see the blue jeans that she knew were hidden beneath the small round table, but her gaze started there. As if she could see them through the wood. Nikki wore a simple black form fitting tee. Her eyes took in every curve. Traveling over Nikki’s arms that sat on the table between them. Hands lying next to hers. She didn’t need to look, she could feel Nikki running her fingers over her own. When her gazed finally met Nikki’s, Mia knew she couldn’t deny the attraction. Yes, Nikki is definitely my type, but I’m not telling her that. Before she knew what she was doing, Mia was leaning towards her across the table, drowning in those baby blues.
“I don’ know that I have a type. Should I?”
Nikki stilled her hand on top of Mia’s.
“I bet you know more than you are letting on.”
“I have no idea what you’re talkin ‘bout,” Mia’s flirtatious smile telling her otherwise.
“Right, of course you don’t. Why do I feel like I have told you everything about myself, but I still know nothing about you?”
“Sorry I don’ have any stories involvin cows and I ain’t never tried to get a woman’s attention.”
“That is because you don’t have too. You’re so beautiful, I bet they just flocked to you.”
Mia couldn’t stop the blush that crept across her cheeks. Nikki was right, women always hit on her. She never had to work to get someone to notice her. Mia was kind of surprised that someone as good look as Nikki really had to try either. She decided it was probably just with straight girls. Mia found herself being more drawn in with every passing second. She moved her hand to intertwine it with Nikki’s, loving the feel of her long fingers. They stayed like that for what seemed like a long time. Mia didn’t know how to respond to Nikki’s compliment.
Nikki was the one to break the contact this time. She will hate you tomorrow if you kiss her. Reality set in and she looked around them. No one seemed to take notice because they were in various stages of intoxication as well. Nikki extracted her hand and finished her drink in one gulp.
“We should call a cab. It’s getting late. I think my truck has already turned into a pumpkin.”
Mia shook her head in agreement and followed Nikki towards the door. The bar had cleared out a little. The band had stopped playing and the restaurant would be closing soon. Nikki held the door for Mia. The gravel crunched under their feet as they stepped outside. There were a couple cabbies in the parking lot. Of course there weren’t many places to pick up in a small town at this hour. Nikki walked up to the closest cab and gave the driver Mia’s address. She paid the cabbie and opened the door for her to enter.
Standing in the doorway, Mia wasn’t sure why Nikki didn’t just share the cab. Then they could talk more. Right, like I want to talk. Mia wanted so much more than talking. She found herself wishing Nikki had taken her to a club after all. That way she had an excuse to touch her. To feel the way the lean body moved against hers. Mia blushed at the direction of her thoughts. She stared at her feet and hoped Nikki didn’t notice her rosy cheeks. Again she wondered at their current position. She didn’t know where Nikki lived, maybe that was why she stayed outside of the cab. Mia felt Nikki’s fingers as they lifted her chin. They stood less than a foot apart. Staring into each other’s eyes. Mia knew if she let herself, she could fall into the depth of Nikki’s eyes. Like an ocean that would envelope her in its waves. What is she waiting for?
“Goodnight, Mia.”
Nikki’s voice resonated within her che
st and seemed to settle in her stomach. Mia wanted to memorize the tune. The look in Nikki’s eyes was dangerous and exciting. Then it seemed to change. To fade away into the night. Nikki looked as if she had sobered. After a minute, Nikki took a step away from her. Wait, what? Mia realized that Nikki was not going to kiss her and got into the cab. Angry, hurt and a little embarrassed, Mia slammed the car door. I hope the cab runs her foot over. Then she was gone.
Nikki didn’t sleep that night. All she could think of was Mia. She couldn’t understand the look in her eyes before she got into the cab. I did the right thing. She was drunk. Mia will understand once she had a good night’s sleep. She was sure Mia would see that Nikki didn’t want to take advantage and cared enough not to hurt her. God it was so hard not to kiss her. Why is the right thing always hard to do? She laid in bed, wishing she was with Mia. That she had taken the cab to spend more time with her. It shouldn’t have mattered that they lived on opposite sides of town. She should have taken the cab ride anyway, but she didn’t trust herself to say no when they arrived at Mia’s apartment. Hell she didn’t trust herself to say no after one kiss. Is she thinking of me? It had been such an incredible night. Nikki replayed every moment. The intoxicating smell of Mia’s perfume, her small voluptuous body pressed up against Nikki as they danced and the sparkle in Mia’s eyes as she laughed.
The more she thought about their night, the more Nikki worried she shouldn’t have tried to work with Mia. She has been through enough and now you are forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. Nikki thought of the pictures on Mia’s wall and tried to figure out which one was Shantel. She wondered what had happened to her. Why did Mia feel responsible? Clearly she had tried so hard to get through to every student. Why is she taking the blame? If I am ever to gain her respect, I have to start professionally.
Nikki dreamt of the mysterious figure again that night. She was standing on a cliff overlooking the water. The cliff dropped off in front of her. The waves beating against it. She stared out over the horizon, watching the sky change colors. She could feel the hand that grasp hers. Instinctually she knew who it was. Standing hand in hand with the figure. The woman leaned her head on Nikki’s shoulder. Long hair swirled around her as the wind whipped. She had never felt so at piece or more loved.
Trusting Again Page 7