Movie night
1030 Words
next evening
*Nina*
My heart races as I take in the room. It's nestled inside a building that resembles a charming, miniature barn. A large, cozy couch and oversized sitting pillows are spread across the floor in front of a massive TV.
Nick sits on one of the pillows, his blue eyes locked on me. He pats the empty space beside him, inviting me closer. "I saved you a seat, Nina."
"Thanks." I smile at Pilar, who watches me with concern. Matt and Emilia have claimed the other pillow, so I take the spot next to Nick. As I do, I feel the electricity that courses through me when our bodies touch. My heart skips a beat as his alluring scent envelopes me, a blend of pine and something wilder.
"Ready for popcorn and movies?" His smile is both breathtaking and terrifying, revealing a hint of his wolfish nature.
"Sure, sounds great." I can't help but smile back, even though my pulse quickens. "What are we watching?"
Zay strides in, cradling a large bowl of popcorn. "We were thinking of Back to the Future. All three movies, if there are no objections."
"I've never seen it," I admit, grinning. "But as long as it's not scary, I'm in."
Pilar hesitates, then nods. "I haven't seen it either. It's fine with me."
Zay's eyes widen in mock horror. "A travesty! We must correct this oversight immediately."
Pilar rolls her eyes but laughs, her concern for me still evident. "Okay, let's start our education then."
The movie begins, and I try to focus on the screen, even though Nick's warmth distracts me. I can sense his sheer strength and power, barely contained beneath his skin.
LZ enters with more popcorn, offering some to Nick and me. "Popcorn for Nickna?" he teases.
Nick groans, but I can see a playful glint in his eyes. "Really, LZ?"
Zay chuckles. "I would've gone with Nincka, but Nickna works too."
"Or Ninack," Marshall suggests from the armchair, a mischievous smile on his face.
Nick buries his face in his hands, mumbling, "Sorry. I live with a bunch of overgrown children."
I laugh, my nerves finally starting to settle. "It's fine, Nick. I can handle it."
"We just think you two are cute together," Zay says, grinning wolfishly.
In one swift motion, Nick tosses a handful of popcorn at Zay, his werewolf reflexes on display. "Shut it, Z. Mind your own business."
"Hey McGrumpy, those are salty ones... I could, like, go blind or something," Zay whines and turns to Pilar. "Is there something in my eyes? It stings."
She leans in to examine his eyes. "No, your eyes are safe."
I lean a little closer to Nick, whispering softly, "Ignore them. They might just be jealous."
"I think you're right." He gives me a charming, lopsided smile.
I try to focus on the movie, but my hand keeps brushing against Nick's when I go for the popcorn, sending small sparks through my body. My focus slips more and more, as I cast glances at him instead.
There's no denying it, I like him. I'm quickly developing a crush on him. It might be foolish, considering we live in different countries, but I can't bring myself to worry about it right now. Maybe nothing will happen.
"Time to get a bit more... cozy," Nick whispers when the popcorn bowl is empty, setting it down on the floor and snuggling down on the huge pillow, almost fully lying down.
I sit there, stiff, unsure of what to do. "Um, am I in your way?"
"Well, not much. I can see," he mumbles. "But if you want to make yourself more comfortable, just lay back. There's plenty of free space."
"Okay." I lean back, feeling something hard and warm under my head… his chest. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to..."
He gently grabs my arm as I try to sit back up. "No need to apologize or move. That was kind of the plan."
I feel my cheeks flush. "Oh, so a plan? You have a lot of confidence, don't you?"
"Well, sometimes we just have to take our chances, right? Or nothing will happen." He's still whispering.
"Yeah, you're right." I let myself settle down against him, feeling both nervous and excited, like a teenager experiencing butterflies for the first time.
I'm slightly uncomfortable that Pilar is watching us, but I can't let other people's fears dictate my life.
"Is this okay?" He asks, gently wrapping one arm over me, letting it rest on my stomach.
I breathe in, steadying myself from his touch, and push my own boundaries, taking his hand. "Yeah, definitely okay."
"Good," he mumbles softly, tightening his grip slightly, making me sigh and relax into his embrace.
Before I lose my nerve, I place my hand on top of his, feeling how he intertwines our fingers. There's no doubt I could easily get used to this.
I enjoy the movies and listening to Zay and Nick's insightful comments and LZ discussing the cinematography.
Marshall excuses himself right before we start the third movie, and Matt and Emilia sneak out about halfway through it.
"Uh, should I wake them?" LZ asks as the credits roll over the screen.
I turn to see that both Zay and Pilar have fallen asleep. Zay is leaning back, arms on the back of the couch, while Pilar is curled up, her head almost in his lap and her feet in LZ's. "Aww, look at them. I think we should let them sleep."
"Yeah, can you slip out, LZ, or do you need a hand?" Nick asks.
"Uh, if someone could just lift her legs a bit," LZ answers, and Nick steps over, gently lifting Pilar's legs just enough for him to slip out without waking her.
LZ says goodnight, and Nick spreads a blanket over Pilar. "There, they should be fine."
"Yeah, I better get to bed too." I find myself biting my lip, unsure of what to do.
"Let me walk you to your tent," he says softly.
I nod. "That would be nice."
That gives me a little more time to decide if I should... do something.
- Writer
