That made Aaron smile and he pulled her into a hug and buried his face in her neck. They waited only minutes for their food then they were out of there.
"So is our next stop a secret?” he nudged Nia lightly before parting ways to get in the car with their bags in his hands.
She laughed, "Not so much a secret as a surprise. It's pretty epic actually.” Nia said while he was getting his seatbelt on. She grabbed the drinks she'd set on the roof and put them in the cup holders then they were on their way, driving a small ways and pulled up to the corner of Memorial and Waugh.
They were at the northeast end of the bayou in Buffalo Bayou Park. Nia cut the engine and got out, grabbing the drinks. "Well, come on then." she said to a confused looking Aaron.
He got out with food in hand while she was getting a large bag out of the trunk.
They walked a small ways down a slight slope and she undid the Velcro on the bag. It was in fact a large blanket that folded into what looked like a bag. She sat Indian style and patted the spot beside her. He quickly complied. "Picnic huh?” Aaron asked.
She smiled the cutest smile he'd ever seen. "Something like that."
"So this is something we have to wait for but you can't miss the signal.” she winked.
He was looking at his chicken fried steak in awe and Nia couldn't help but laugh. "Dirty's has THE best chicken fried steak anywhere!"
Without further hesitation he dug in with a plastic fork and knife. Nia unwrapped her Dirty's Burger and took a big bite practically moaning as she chewed while Aaron grinned at her with his mouthful.
That was too cute, she thought.
They ate and talked and hashed out some plans for possible future daytime excursions together. Finally the sun started to really go down changing the hue to purples and oranges. The thick humid air clung to Nia and she caught herself taking in Aaron’s cologne that now mingled with his sweat creating a heady scent that she was enjoying a little too much.
Gathering their trash and stuffed with good food a screech startled Aaron.
"There's the signal. It will be soon now." She said rubbing her hands together excitedly.
"What was that?” he asked wide eyed.
"Oh that's what we came here for, silly. Just wait, you'll see soon enough."
The screeching picked up and was joined by more and more of the shrill sounds. Nia got up and stood facing the Waugh Bridge, she smiled a huge smile as Aaron joined her and she said, "Watch." pointing to the bridge.
Aaron stood close beside her and she glanced at him and then they looked up together. The air sizzled between them where they nearly touched.
A few at a time, bats emerged and then like a flood they came out in droves. They flew overhead just to the left of where Nia and Aaron were standing.
Aaron laughed, "Wow!" He exclaimed grabbing Nia's hand in the excitement, "This is amazing!"
She laughed and said, "I absolutely love coming to see this. There's so many of them this time of year."
They stood and watched until the sun fully sank and the light was all gone. "It's The Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, its Texas' second largest." Nia said proudly.
"How many do you think there are?" he asked, helping her fold up the blanket in the dimness of the dingy yellow streetlight.
"They say there's about a quarter million. They’re Mexican Free-Tailed Bats." She couldn't get rid of the smile on her face she was happy that he was happy and that he didn’t think she was crazy.
"That was awesome. Thank you for showing me that. The food was amazing too.” he said closing the distance between them placing his hands lightly around her waist.
"I have had a lot of fun today, even throughout the scary parts, at least we were together in it." He told her then leaned in and Eskimo kissed her.
She took a deep breath shivered in delight and smiled. "So it's a little after seven. Why don't you come with me to Rhea's so she can meet you and we can get desert on the way?"
He graced her with the smile she couldn't get enough of and said, "I am your hostage, right? I will do whatever you want." The way he said it all loaded like that made her cheeks heat and flames flicker through her belly.
Nia leaned into him, "I like the sound of that."
Aaron smiled again, "I kind of hoped you would say that." she couldn't believe she could be so lucky in the middle of the drama that's been plaguing her life. She giggled nervously.
This was really happening, she was scared and it was fast but who was she to deny fate....
He closed the distance and tilted up her chin, 'I'm gonna to kiss you.' he thought giving her an uncertain heads up. Searching her eyes for any sign of rejection Aaron took a step closer and hovered an inch from her lips as his breathing picked up. Feeling brave Nia slid her hands up his chest. The trail of fire that followed in their wake was spectacular to Aaron who was unable to hold out any longer when his lips found hers.
Time and space was set on pause, worries and cares cast aside as all felt right in the world. Nia was certain she had never felt anything like it, a million words and countless days couldn't convey what their souls were exchanging in that moment. She belonged to him and he belonged to her, she just knew it, it was like nothing she could have imagined.
Like fate and destiny intervened and saved her years of searching for her soul mate. She was scared he'd heard her but maybe she really was blocking him, thanks to Eric.
Two people never fit together so perfectly. Nia was sure this was what swooning was because her breathing was so heavy she felt like she might pass out, her breath came out in short breathy bursts. One of his hands moved to the small of her back making her shiver. His other hand made its way to the back of her neck and she melted.
Mercifully he pulled away out of breath and just stared at her. She bit her tender lip and giggled, "That was amazing.” she told him.
He smiled, "Let's go before I pull the blanket back out.” he added with a lopsided smile. She thought about it for a second thinking it sounded great to her, but Nia didn't want to push it. She was sticking to her boundaries and no amount of swooning would change that.
Fate may have been on their side but anyone knows going too hot and heavy too fast causes a fire to fizzle out before it's time. Even with the bond she wasn't willing to take that chance. That's definitely not what she wanted. They headed to the car holding hands and she glanced at him still feeling the shyness. She didn't think that would get old anytime soon.
They stopped at Sonic to get desert right before getting to Rhea's and she texted Rhea from there.
Nia: I am close by and have Aaron with me. Wanna meet him?
Rhea: Uh u do know who u texted right???? OF COURSE I WANT TO MEET MR. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nia: LOL! You have to promise not to get crazy with the inquisition. We aren't staying all night
Rhea: OK fine, I swear! I just got here though need to eat! So hungry. Fading fast.
Nia: Am at Sonic crazy -_- I will bring sustenance! Be there soon.
Rhea: K TYYS N Thanks!! <3
She got Rhea's food, their deserts and drinks for all three. Aaron pulled out the phone Darragh err.... Sean gave him and sent a message.
Aaron: Going 2 her best friend's going to tell her Eric's going with us. And that I am too
Darragh: Tell her he is your cousin. A familial relation is less likely to raise suspicion.
Aaron: Will do. Over and out.
"Okay so Darragh or Sean rather says to tell Rhea that Eric's my cousin," His jaw worked at the mention of Eric's name.
"Oh, okay that'll work," Nia had been having such a great time she forgot they had business to attend to.
"It will be okay,” he tried to reassure her.
But she couldn't help but dread what she was dragging Rhea into. As if that wasn't enough she was going to have to say something about the bracelet and the tattoos if she saw. She sighed feeling deflated. "Let's get this over with."
They were at Rhea's door when she tu
rned to him, "I'm going to need a minute with her if that's okay,” Nia said quickly.
He smiled and kissed the hand he was holding. "I have no problem with that,” he answered. Nia's giggle was back as Rhea opened the door. "Hey girl! And you must be Aaron! It's so great to meet you!” Rhea said wrapping him in a quick bear hug.
"And you're Rhea.” he responded with a wink.
"Guilty!" she exclaimed.
'Oh brother.' Nia thought, unblocked. Causing Aaron to chuckle.
"Rhea I need to borrow a shirt could you come get me one.” Nia asked with a sugary smile. Rhea quickly composed herself and thought, 'Oh boy! Something had to be up if she was asking to borrow her own clothes...'
Rhea responded non plused, "Of course. Aaron please put my food in the micro, we'll be right back. Thanks!" She smiled and hurried upstairs after Nia.
"Okay what the heck was that all about? And don't you dare say nothing," Rhea bombarded her as soon as the door closed. Nia took off her shirt and went into the bathroom checking her makeup.
"Rhea you need to sit and listen. I have a lot to spill and a little time to do it in. So no questions,” she said turning on Rhea and wagging her finger in the air, "Rhea....... Promise me!" Rhea sat on the bed, seemingly defeated and crossed her heart lifting her hand and saying, "I swear."
Nia sighed in relief. "I'll sleep here tonight or you can sleep over or call me or whatever. But I promise you can bombard me later. Okay?” Nia added.
Rhea pretended to zip her lips and mumbled a muffled. "M'Okay."
Nia sped through as much as she could starting with recapping the dream, soul, bracelet and Eric who she had to be surprised was joining them on the road trip. She told her about Darragh or Sean and Avery too, along with new possible leads on what the heck is up with creepy dreams and crazy haunting poems. She told Rhea it was bigger than they could've imagined and about Lilly and not being sure who to trust. Fate and Aaron, tunnels, bad guys, bats and kisses.
Nia showed her wrists and Rhea said, "Wow Nia that is serious!"
She quickly explained the Guardian and Protector bonds while she changed her pants next and added a different hoodie. "Okay we’ve got to go back down there quick.” Nia said finally and Rhea nodded saying “I’ll go keep him company while you finish up,” then turned to leave the room.
Nia looked in the mirror again and finished freshening her makeup adding a smokier eye for the night.
Rhea grabbed her food out of the micro and dug her burger out of the bag and dumped the fries inside. Aaron thought Rhea was a contrast to Nia's dark haired beauty. She was taller than Nia, about five foot eight to Nia's five foot five he'd guess. She had dirty blond hair just past her shoulders and seemed to be a skinny bottomless pit. He'd never seen anyone devour a hamburger so quickly. Rhea just looked at him appraisingly with her bright green eyes and pale cheeks stuffed with food.
Nia's laugh broke him from his musings. "Its mind boggling isn't it! She eats and eats and we have no clue where it goes!" The girls both laughed at that.
"Yea we can't all have Epi's curves. No matter how hard I try.” Rhea said popping a fry in her mouth.
"Oh hush and don’t call me that! At least you have a butt, I'm pretty sure that's where it all goes!" Nia snapped a towel at her.
"Let's sit guys." Rhea suggested pulling out a chair at the table, sticking out her tongue at Nia.
Aaron went and pulled the desserts out of the freezer and put them on the table then they all dug into their sundaes.
"So, will I be seeing more of you, Aaron?" He looked to Nia then Rhea,
"I sure hope so.", he said glancing at Nia with a smile making her blush. She smiled back at him making it extra dreamy. He had to believe they were keeping Rhea in the dark.
Aaron got an idea, "I'm going to miss you when you leave Sunday.” he said grabbing Nia's hand.
"Aww.", a stuffed mouthed Rhea squealed. She pretended to be straining in deep thought. "You know we could use a strong gentleman such as yourself to protect poor little old us on the road trip. I mean Nia did say you were from Michigan and we are headed there," Aaron smiled too.
"Rhea, he's a busy man I don't know if he'd have time for that.”
Aaron quickly interrupted. "I'll see if I can take my vacation early. That would be awesome really and I would love to see my little sisters too," he added with a little too much excitement.
"That would be great.” Nia said as she leaned into him then moved away. 'Slow down Nia, sheesh!’ She reminded herself.
They continued talking and Aaron brought up “Sean” and suggested maybe he could come too. Rhea agreed winking conspiratorially at Nia and that was that. They had done what they needed to.
Rhea saw that Nia had something she needed to say to her privately as if her head jerking wasn’t obvious. She chewed her lip then loudly whispered, "Nia, I need you to come look at something real quick, it’s a feminine issue.” She added and looked at Aaron apologetically.
“I'll be right back.” Nia told Aaron. He just smiled and nodded not wanting anything to do with any feminine issues.
"Yay! We did it!” Rhea said throwing her arms around Nia's neck.
"Yeah that was great Rae.” Nia said then looked at her feet,
"I'm scared though. What if my heart gets ahead of me?” she said hanging her head embarrassed at how she was already feeling. "It just feels so sudden and so... strong.”
Rhea squeezed her shoulders, "Look if at any time you want me to swoop in and be me. You just S.O.S. me, okay?”
"Thanks Rae. I really do like this guy, a lot. I'm just terrified of getting my heart smashed to pieces in the middle of all of this other junk, ya know."
It was a terrifying thing to feel so in love with a stranger. So helpless, wondering when it would all backfire or fall apart.
"I know. But chin up babe,” she said giving Nia the 'Here's lookin at you kid' punch. Causing Nia to laugh.
"You are about to figure out the reason for all the craziness through the years! And bonus! I am going to be with you!” Rhea assured her with a little sarcasm at that last part. "We got this.” she nodded at Nia, which brought a faint smile.
"We got this.” she repeated after Rhea, letting the foolish grin spread.
They were finally standing by the door about to leave. "So where are y'all off to?" Rhea asked.
"Oh, here and there." Nia said shrugging her shoulders. She and Aaron just smiled at each other.
"It was nice to meet you Rhea.” Aaron said extending his hand.
Being herself Rhea bypassed his hand and said, "Hugs!" squeezing the heck out of him causing Nia to chuckle at his wide eyed expression.
"Okay Rae! Let the man breathe." Nia said then hugged her best friend tightly.
"Be safe Sweet Pea!" Rhea added as Aaron laughed.
"Sweet Pea huh?" Nia shoved him out the door from behind.
"Oh, hush." she said smacking his shoulder. "Bye Rae!” Nia said happily while Rhea was laughing up a storm.
"Bye you two!" she finally said.
Aaron started to walk faster with Nia trying to catch up. He stopped and spun around catching her in his arms. He lifted her and gave her a victory hug. "We did it. That was scary!" he said as he spun her around. They both laughed and then locked eyes quieting the moment.
'Be strong.’ she tried to tell herself. She started to feel that heat again as she slid down his chest.
He spoke first his voice low like a growl, "You're beautiful.” He said as he kissed her cheek soft and slow. She lowered her gaze with blush rising on her cheeks and he tipped up her chin boring into her golden eyes with his deep blues.
"I mean that Nia. Heart and soul.” He said making sure she understood he meant it but she couldn't doubt it because she could feel it through the bond. He did mean every word and it was strong too.
"I am starting to figure that out, it's just, I don't know. I'm scared as hell that we're going to fall fast and then crash and burn," Nia admitted sadly while
he held her to him and stroked her hair.
"Nia, I won't push or try to move this into an uncomfortable place. You make the boundaries and I'll follow.” she sighed somewhat relieved.
"Okay. Thank you for understanding Aaron."
He sighed then and let her go, his thoughts spoke softly, ‘I’m just as scared as you are, Sweet Pea.' they both laughed.
"So[SV1] [SV2] where to next? The night is young." He said waggling his eyebrows. She couldn't help the laughter then. "Text Darragh and tell him the news,” she told Aaron he nodded and pulled out the phone. He texted as they got situated in her car.
True Fate Page 11