Nick was feeling like he was in a downward spiral. He had the best intentions when he left that room. He didn’t want Stacey to see how scared he was. But somehow it had turned into an altercation with Stefan, which really had nothing to do with Stacey. They had always had a competitive relationship and Nick had thought that was part of the appeal. They always pushed each other to be better. But maybe it ran deeper than that for Stefan. Nick was replaying conversations in his head that he’d had with Stefan over the years.
Once when Nick had been made the captain of the Lacrosse team in high school he and Stefan had butted heads. It had been an easy sport for Nick to pick up. Most things had come easy to him in his life, except in the family department. His father was always jet setting around doing whatever billionaires do. He had been raised with his mother who drank away her disappointment that having Nick hadn’t trapped his father like she thought it would. So when Nick had met Stefan he had envied him. His parents were so in love and loved Stefan so much. As luck would have it, they had enough love to include Nick.
Stefan would never know what it was like to wonder if your parents loved you. It should never be a question. It should be automatic, but it wasn’t for Nick. And for that reason, he always envied Stefan.
But all Stefan could see was that Nick had all the nicest newest of everything. Nick’s father, Jason was good at paying his way out of the guilt, if he even felt any. Jason Faulks would never see his kid in a pair thrift shop shoes. He had the best of everything material, but that didn’t make up for the absence of a parent loving him.
Nick was always good looking so he always had the attention of the girls in school without having to work for it. It was only because Stefan was friends with Nick that Stefan got included in social activities. Stefan was a gangly and nerdy kid back then. Now he was lean and very athletic. Stefan was the nicer of the two so when Nick would disappoint some girl, Stefan was there to pick up the pieces.
But Stefan had a natural ability for Lacrosse and had thought he was the one who should have been captain. When he didn’t, he quit the team and they hadn’t talked for 2 weeks. They would pass each other in the hall and go out of their way not to make eye contact. Sophia, Stefan’s mom was the one that forced them to work through that particular squabble.
There had been some flare ups over the years but they had decided to never let a girl come in between them. They had a huge falling out over Madison Brooks. Both had been attracted to the popular cheerleader and she had reveled in the attention both boys were giving to her. So when Stefan found Nick and Madison making out there had been a big blow up where they said hurtful things that were echoing in Nick’s mind now.
This felt like that, but worse. It was a terrible time for them to let their insecurities and egos collide. Stacey was what was important. But Nick couldn’t shake the feeling that Stefan had stolen something precious from him. Stacey really had been his lifeline for what felt like forever. She was just a pure soul, and Nick hadn’t messed that up. He had known that he could seduce her if he put any effort into it. But he didn’t want to cheapen what they had with sex.
He had long ago given up trying to define his relationship with Stacey. But it felt like she was his. So it had been somewhat a relief to relinquish her to Stefan. He wouldn’t have that responsibility any more. But the thought of her dying was too much for him to bear.
She had pulled him through the darkest time in his life and had been there every step of the way. Recovery for an addict isn’t easy. But she had made him want to be a better person. He loved her; it was as simple as that. Nick wasn’t one to give his love easily; because he didn’t get it at home he had issues with intimacy. Therapy had taught him that much. But he had over compensated and put all of that into Stacey. She was worth it. And she gave so much in return.
She cherished him, but not as a lover. That’s what made the difference. She hadn’t known his father gave him a big fat trust fund. She wasn’t fawning over him to get him into bed because of his good looks. Stacey saw him as the flawed person he was and loved him anyway. That was something he wasn’t going to lose. Stefan be damned!
In the back of Nick’s mind he knew this wasn’t a good road to go down, but pride was a powerful thing.
He walked into his apartment and saw Jasmine. For a moment, he had forgotten all about her. His thoughts had been so troubled. But when he saw her he realized that he couldn’t hold onto his anger with her there. She would get jealous and he couldn’t lose her too. So he put a big smile on his face and determined to let it go.
“Hey sweetie.” She brightened when she saw him. She had been frowning at something on her laptop. But now her eyes lit up at the sight of Nick.
Nick felt love for her and a sense of contentment that he hadn’t been aware of. When had Jasmine become a focal point for him? “Hello, Love.”
She put down her laptop and crossed the room to give him a kiss. Her body molded to his in such a seductive way that definitely made him forget all about Stefan.
Jasmine was beautiful. And although she could be superficial she had a good heart. He saw every flaw about her character and loved her anyway. He felt such a surge of affection for this lovely creature in his arms. She had no idea how much he loved her, but that was because he was scared to admit it. Stacey had told him that. Well he was done with running away from his feelings. Stacey was fighting for her life with courage. The least he could do would be to love the same way.
“I love you Jasmine. You are my perfect partner. You challenge me. You are my unadulterated match in every way. And it would mean the world to me if you would agree to be my wife.”
Jasmine’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Well I’m hoping yes.” Nick panicked what if Jasmine didn’t feel the same way he felt after all.
“Why now?” Jasmine asked.
Nick knew it was in large part because of Stacey, but if he were to admit that, it could cause some serious problems. So for what was the first time today, Nick thought outside of himself and thought about Jasmine’s needs. He formulated his answer based on how he thought she would appreciate it the most.
He took a deep breath and answered. “I’ve had the absolute crappiest day I’ve had in a long time. And all I could think about is Jasmine will make it better. In my book that’s the definition of what a life partners should be like.”
Nick could see that Jasmine was still struggling to believe him. And who could blame her. “I have not been the most open about my feelings Jasmine. And for that I apologize. I am not complete without you. You are everything I could desire in a woman and I would be the most fortunate man on the planet if you would consent to share your life with me.”
A tear slid down Jasmine’s cheek. Nick was scared that meant she was crying because she was going to say no. But instead, she just nodded her head and hugged him fiercely.
“Sorry, was that a yes?” Nick needed to hear it from her.
“Yes, that was a yes!” Jasmine said through her tears.
Nick swept her off her feet and carried her to his room. He laid her gently on the bed and began unbuttoning her silk blouse. Underneath she wore a black lace bra which accentuated the lush lobes that it supported.
She was unbuttoning his shirt at the same time. There was urgency in her movements. “Slow down baby, I want to cherish making love to my beautiful fiancé.”
She smiled and leaned back as he slipped the skirt she was wearing from her hips; which revealed the matching black lace g string she was wearing underneath. She was gloriously perfect. Not an ounce of fat on her. He appreciated her beauty. She smiled and he kissed those luscious lips knowing exactly how much pleasure he was about to bring to her.
He had always liked to pleasure her. She was very responsive. It made him feel very manly when she purred beneath his ministrations. He leaned over and unhooked her bra so he would have better access. She arched to meet him
and held his held securely in place. Nick ran a hand down her smooth skin, over her flat abdomen and lower. The panties were a barrier he didn’t want, so to remove the impediment to the treasure awaiting him. He had been suckling intently, so when he ceased, she whined in protest. He chuckled softly.
The thought that he could be like this with her for the rest of his life, didn’t scare him. The commitment phobia he had been harboring now vanished in the realization that he truly did love this woman. She was everything he could want in a partner in life as well as in bed.
Their coupling felt urgent and filled with need. Each stroke brought them both closer to the edge. Jasmine tossed her head back in abandon. There was no holding back. He pushed harder and she arched to meet him. They crashed together in total ecstasy.
Nick rolled to the side, bringing her securely against him not wanting to break contact, but not wanting to crush her with his dead weight. She sighed, “My future husband.” Contentment spread through Nick and he knew he had made the right decision. He kissed her and said, “My future wife.”