Rena: Code 143

3.6

We rode in comfortable silence, music from the stereo playing faintly while Nicolaus drove us to his parent's home. The scenery was beautiful outside, surrounded by lush green and empty land. I could classify a few houses as mansions as we passed through the area. Although I was nervous about meeting Nick's family, I was also excited. It's been years since I celebrated the fourth of July. My husband did, while I would stay home. Now, to be doing something different, I was ecstatic.

The day itself had started off great. I made breakfast and lunch for Kenny before he got dressed and then left. We did not speak a word to each other. I pushed our interactions to the back of my mind to not upset myself. After making sure he was gone, I got myself ready wearing a dress with my bathing suit underneath. Nicolas had told me to make sure I was wearing one since his family had a pool. At the time, I was imagining a small pool that wasn't built in, but the more homes we passed that looked like mini-mansions, I had a feeling the pool would be large.

Nick cleared his throat, capturing my attention, so I turned to him. His large hands gripped the steering wheel with his forearms on full display. Seeing him drive was admittedly sexy and made me recall our recent night together. Also, when I ran like a coward the next morning. Although Nick had worried more about my safety, he didn't mention what we shared that night. Our kiss. I wasn't sure if I was unhappy with that or not.

My feelings toward him were growing and it was becoming harder to act naturally around him. To ignore the intense attraction I held for this man. I know that I had to for the sake of my marriage, but I was coming to the horrifying realization that I might not want to. Nick was good to me. In the brief months that I have spent time with him, talked to him, and felt safe with him, he was a good man. A great man. Why couldn't my husband be like him? Lost in my thoughts, it took Nick calling me twice to bring me back.

"Yes?" I questioned.

"Are you ok?" He moved his eyes from the road to glance at me, before refocusing.

"I'm fine, I promise. I'm just a little nervous." I admitted. He used his right hand to grab my hand. Holding it in his grasp and I let him. The feel of his hand encasing me in warmth had me feeling funny. That's one of the things I liked about Nicolaus. The way he could carry out a slight gesture caused me to affect easily. I should hate it, but I don't.

"Don't worry, my family will love you."

"You think so? Will they call me a pretty stranger too?" I teased with a giggle.

He frowned, his grip tightening a bit. "No, only I can call you that," I laughed, and he glanced at me again. "I'm serious."

And the fact that I could tell he was entirely serious caused me to laugh harder. Who knew Nicolaus could get territorial over a nickname? After that, we continued to make small talk and listen to music.

Soon enough Nicolaus had pulled into a long driveway, stopping at a large gate before the house. He rolled down his window, punched in the code numbers, and the gates opened. He continued driving as I took in the spectacular view. I should have known they would have a large home since they owned a successful restaurant.

The home stood proud in all-white brick with various color flower beds surrounding it. Making the outside appearance look more lively with flowers. To the left, the home had a four-door garage attached to it. Cobblestones led the way to where Nick parked the car. We unbuckled our seatbelts and Nick exited while I waited. He never let me open or close doors for myself. In one of many ways, it showed how much of a gentleman he was. Quickly, he opened my door, reached his hand out for me, and helped me out of the car before shutting the door. We walked hand in hand to the large, blue-painted front door. It wasn't until the door opened that I let go of his hand. I could have sworn he frowned in response but couldn't be sure as a kind voice greeted us.