Rena: Code 143

2.2

"Pretty stranger" His voice was like silk. Easily liquifying me. "You look stunning."

Just from inhaling his intoxicating scent and hearing the words that came out of his mouth, I only had one thought. How could we just be friends? I stood up abruptly, causing him to take a step back. The top of my head barely reached his collarbone. I was face to face with his seemingly ripped chest that was covered by his shirt. Swallowing harshly, it took everything in me to pull my gaze away.

"I-I think this was a mistake," I told him, wrangling my hands nervously. The smile fell from his face, and I mentally punched myself in the gut. I'm an awful woman for taking away his smile.

"Did I say something wrong?" His tone dipped in concern. I shook my head. Shaking no, and then nodding yes, and then no again. "Rena, you're giving me mixed signals here."

"I'm sorry," I blurted out. "I-I'm just... nervous. You make me nervous." I said, chancing a peek at him through my lashes before looking down at my hands. I heard him chuckle and saw his muscles flex beneath his shirt. He placed a hand under my chin to lift it up toward him, gently.

"You make me nervous too." If I were a witch I'd be melting right now.

I smiled shakily at him as I tried to calm myself. He's just a charming man, nothing more. Yet the loud thumps of my heart spoke differently. I had no idea how this man had such a powerful effect on me. We knew next to nothing about one another, and somehow he had the power to make my stomach flutter. "Besides, it would suck to waste the food I brought us." He said, removing his hand from my chin before holding up a bag in his other hand. It surprised me. I didn't notice it when he was walking toward me earlier.

"You brought food?" I asked, surprised. I mean, I skipped breakfast today out of nerves. It would be nice to eat something. My stomach rumbled lightly in agreement.

"Well, I figured since we were meeting at a park, we could have a picnic of sorts." He paused, looking sheepish. "If that's alright with you." I wanted to awe at the look on his face. Nick stood in front of me looking the tiniest bit uncertain as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. It was a change from the confident swagger he showed only moments before. He was so thoughtful and cute.

"I would love that," I told him honestly. "There's a canopy with tables on the other side." We walked together, with Nick a step behind me. When we talked on the phone earlier, Nick confessed he wasn't familiar with the area. I guess it was only natural I take the lead since I've been here a few times. Plus, I had to pick a place far enough away from where I lived, just in case. Reaching the large canopy, the picnic tables were empty and surprisingly clean. There was a grill and trashcan at the entrance for parties to use. Still, in step behind me, I chose a random table for us to sit at. Nick placed the bag down on the table before opening its contents. It seemed he brought Chinese food for us to eat.

"I forgot to ask you what you wanted to eat, so I went and ordered an assortment of things," He said pulling out shrimp fried rice, chicken fried rice, beef and broccoli, chicken and broccoli, white rice, teriyaki chicken, and shrimp rolls. He surprised me with the amount of food he brought, along with four bottles of water. Although I knew I wouldn't be able to eat as much. "I hope this is ok."

"It's fine, thank you, Nick. I actually like everything you picked out." I told him and he grinned, satisfied with himself. He pulled a few empty containers out of the bag, handing two to me. Leaving the napkins in the bag along with the variety of sauces and utensils. I waited until he was sitting across from me, before helping myself to a bit of everything, but keeping my portions light. Scooping a little of each dish into my empty container. Nick had done the same except his food had way more than mine.