Thinking about a Fiery Mermaid

Chapter 14: Love

Chapter 14

I felt myself waking up. Yesterday had been a good day – the happiness was still fresh in my heart. I lay in bed with my eyes still closed as I remembered the kiss I shared with Rikki.

Oh man, I was smitten.

COD. Today. My eyes snapped open.

Rikki was coming over to play Call of Duty with me tonight.

We had decided on that yesterday.

An even bigger smile took over my face.

OoOoO

I had been home from working at the café for about an hour. I had spent that time cleaning up – or at least making the lounge more presentable. Dad's cleaner wasn't coming until tomorrow morning. I had also set up the second screen for Rikki to play with. Once I was happy with it, I dropped onto the couch and played with my phone until I heard the doorbell ring.

I got up and answered the door.

"Hey Rikki," I said with a smile.

"Hi Zane," she replied softly.

We spent a few seconds too long looking into each other's eyes.

I suddenly realised how long it had been and cleared my throat.

"Sorry, come in," I said with a sheepish look.

Rikki smirked at me.

She came inside and walked towards the lounge.

"I haven't played COD in a while, so sorry if I suck," she announced as she sat down on the couch, grabbing a controller from the coffee table.

"I'm sure you'll be fine,"

I grabbed the other controller and turned the console on.

We were a few matches in when the frustration started.

"Gah, I just got sniped," I groaned. "Second time this match,"

"Damn," Rikki said, moving into a building. She shot the guy that came around the corner.

I respawned and got back to the action.

I died yet again as the match ended.

"Right," I sighed. "Pizza?"

"Sure," Rikki nodded.

As I ordered the pizza online, Rikki got up and grabbed a glass of water.

I hit submit as she returned to sit down.

"Done!"

"Nice," she said before taking a sip of water.

"What do you want to do now?" I asked.

"No more COD? Tired of dying already?" she asked with a teasing smirk.

"Maybe," I huffed good-naturedly. "Movie or a different game?"

"Hmm," she considered. "Movie,"

By the time we had decided on a movie (Transformers), the pizza arrived.

We started eating as the film started.

At some point during the film, Rikki had moved closer to me. It felt so natural that I hadn't noticed until now. She was much closer.

Now, our sides were flush together as she leaned into me.

Her hand found mine where it rested against the seat of the couch.