32. NICK
“Come on, come on…” I muttered under my breath, afraid that I wouldn’t make it on time. Then, loudly, I said to my chauffeur, “Can’t you go any faster, please?”
“Sorry, sir. I’m doing my best.”
The city lights blurred into a colorful streak as my luxury car sped through the bustling streets. I had just arrived from the airport, coming from another state where I needed to meet up with some business associates. But my flight had gotten delayed, so now I was pressed for time.
I tapped impatiently on my phone, attempting to reach Izzy, but she wasn’t picking up. A quick glance at the time added urgency to my already mounting worry. This was an event I couldn’t miss, and I was determined to be by her side.
As we approached the heart of the city, the anticipation tightened in my chest. The chauffeur deftly navigated through the congested streets, and I continued my attempts to reach Izzy, each unanswered call heightening my concern. The store was only moments away, and I feared I might miss the pivotal moment.
“There it is,” I said out loud, pointing to a rather large boutique that was partially covered by a small crowd outside.
I practically leaped out of the car. The sight that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking. The exterior of the store was an embodiment of Izzy’s creativity—modern yet artfully designed. A wide glass display showcased her fashionable, sustainable designs, drawing the attention of passersby. Some media people with cameras and notepads had also gathered.
I briskly made my way through the crowd, my eyes fixed on Izzy, who stood at the entrance, radiant and poised. She wore a cream-colored ensemble that mirrored the uniqueness of her designs, with accents of autumn-inspired elements.
“Izzy!” I called out, relief flooding through me as she turned toward me. I was almost blinded by the many flashes of cameras around us as they captured our embrace.
A brilliant smile came to her face, the warmth in her eyes matching the joy in my own.
“Nick, you made it!” she exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but share in her enthusiasm. “I was getting worried.”
I chuckled, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world! My flight got delayed, but as I promised you, I’m always going to be here.”
She beamed at me in a grateful manner.
“I’m not leaving anymore, Izzy,” I whispered in her ear. “You better get used to it.”
She laughed softly. “You’ve been spoiling me rotten.” And it was true. Ever since we got together officially, I’d kept my promise to never vanish and to be more truthful and open with her at all times.
“Congratulations, Izzy! I always knew it would come to this point,” I said with a big, proud smile. “And it’s just beginning…” I reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“Thank you, Nick. I could not have done it without you.”
As we approached the ribbon at the entrance, ready for the ceremonial moment, I couldn’t help but marvel at the significance of this day. It was more than just a store opening; it was a celebration of dreams materialized, a testament to Izzy”s talent and perseverance.
Soon a countdown commenced. The crowd joined in cheerfully.
Izzy was handed a pair of golden scissors. The ribbon, decorated with EcoChic colors, stretched across the entrance, symbolizing the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
A hush fell over the onlookers as Izzy and I exchanged a glance, sharing a moment of shared triumph. We stepped forward together, and as the blades of the scissors met the ribbon, the crowd erupted into applause.
The ribbon fell away, signaling the official commencement of Izzy’s venture into the world of brick-and-mortar retail. Flashbulbs flickered as cameras captured the historic moment, and Izzy turned toward the crowd, a beaming smile lighting up her face.
“Thank you all for being here!” she exclaimed enthusiastically. “This store is a dream realized, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from each and every one of you.” She grinned with excitement. “Everyone, welcome to EcoChic Couture’s very first physical boutique!”
As people clapped and cheered, I saw Izzy’s mother come forward and give her a hug. “I’m so proud of you, my daughter.”
“Thanks so much, Mom.”
Tanya came next, squealing and bouncing as she gave Izzy a tight hug and dragged her into the store. “I’m going to be your first customer, I swear!”
“Again?” Izzy replied laughingly. “You were the very first who bought from my online shop, you know.”
“You better hurry if you want to be the first,” I told her, motioning to the customers who’d rushed inside and were now looking through the clothes.
“Oh, my gosh!” Tanya exclaimed. “I’m going shopping now! I’ll see you guys later!”
Izzy and I laughed. As we stood hand in hand in the middle of the store, I felt a sense of peace and happiness coming over me. It wasn’t just an achievement for me as an investor in her business. I was just so overwhelmed with pride and joy, as her boyfriend and number one fan.
The day went by swiftly. Soon, the festivities dwindled down, and we found ourselves left all alone, about to close the store.
Izzy turned off all the lights, so it was just the unusually bright moonlight illuminating some areas inside. “Alright, let’s go?” she said with a big grin on her face. She didn’t even appear tired.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, striding toward her and taking her gently in my arms.
She placed her arms around my neck and snuggled close to me. “Heavenly,” she admitted. “I can’t stop smiling. Everything’s just perfect.”
“I’m so glad. And are you breathing fine?” I was rather concerned about her lung condition since it had been an eventful day that involved strong emotions.
“Of course,” she answered. “No need to worry.”
“Just making sure…” I bent down to kiss her tenderly on the lips, my heart soaring. She eagerly responded, and our sweet kiss instantly developed into a passionate, lingering one.
We embraced each other tighter, kissing more fervently. God, I love this woman, I thought. I loved her so much that it scared me. But I didn’t want to think about that. I had promised her I would enjoy every moment, and this one counted too.
We backed into the shadows; our arms wrapped around one another. I could sense the heat increasing and spreading throughout my limbs, triggering my libido to heighten.
My hand caressed her back as my lips flitted toward her neck and chest, wetting her skin with my lips and tongue. She inserted her hands under my shirt, her fingers tracing my abs and sending shivers down my spine.
Soon, she was taking off my belt and then unbuttoning my pants. Our breathing got heavier and shorter. I could hear every moan and breath in the deep silence of the room, echoing against the walls and escalating our sensuality.
“Is it bad luck or good luck to do it in a store?” she asked breathlessly with a soft giggle.
“I think…it’s good luck if it’s your own store,” I answered confidently, reaching under her skirt and making her moan louder when I slipped my fingers in her underwear.
“I agree,” she sighed. Then in a swift movement, we took off all our clothes while eagerly touching each other. We stumbled backward onto a wall, behind some racks, as our passionate kiss resumed.
I went to kiss her everywhere, leaning her against the wall. Then I slowly penetrated her entrance, the sensations exploding in our heated bodies and consuming us completely. We were lost in the moment.
Our breaths grew faster. Our moans became louder. I let out a long, guttural groan as I reached my climax. She clutched my neck and back, peaking too. Her eyes rolled upward in heavenly bliss, and an extended moan escaped her throat. “Oh, Nick…” she murmured, her velvety voice adding to my pleasure.
Suddenly, the lights turned on. She had accidentally switched it on behind her on the wall, flooding the entire store with brightness. The racks weren’t enough to cover us from outside.
“Oh, fuck!” Izzy hissed, scrambling to grab her clothes and run toward the back storage area. I followed suit, both of us laughing like two insane and super happy people.