NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Nine

                         When Nick arrived he had to take a second to stare at her. He'd never seen her in this light of day. Her hair was a riot of messy curls cascading down her back. She wore short denim jeans with a white vest, a red plaid shirt, timbs and she carried a backpack.

You're so beautiful, he thought as he approached her. "Hi, good morning." He willed himself from ravishing her right there in her apartment. To hell if her roommate was even home.

"Morning to you too," she smilled back. "You look different." As much as she loved his suits and ties, seeing him now in worn denim; espensive brand no doubt, , black T shirt and a Doc Martens with its classic silhouette, these Chelsea boots were built on rugged Tract outsole: yellow stitching and a scripted heel loop. Her step father had an obsession for these kinds of boots and she smiled knowing they'd hit it off she'd introduced them.

"Thank you," his cheeks burned from smiling. You're probably scaring her you idiot! "Are you all set?"

"Yes, I think so." She hefted her backpack and checked her list mentally. He was taking her up to the mountains and Abby couldn't remember the last day she'd went hiking. "Yep all set."

"Just a minute kids," Milan came out of the kitchen, coffee mug in his hand earning a glare from Abby. "When would you kids be back?" He gave his best fatherly impression and Abby rolled her eyes.

"Sunday night. We're driving up to Belle View I own a cabin up there. I was planning on hiking and a picnic and then taking a dip in the lake."
Nick said with a short laugh. "If that's alright with you sir."

Milan grinned widely. "Well you kids head on out now, enjoy your weekend."

"Thank you, daddy." Abby rolled her eyes as they headed out the door.

"Don't forget your protection kids." He called after them and she'd shut the door with a bang muttering swear words.

☀️☀️☀️

"You own a cabin up at Belle View, that's so impressive." Abby complimented once they were on their way. He didn't drive his usual sports car, instead they we're comfortable seated in a Jeep Wrangler the color of Forest Green.

"Yes, and the Blue-Moon Lake just a short hike east of it." He said.

"Why'd its called that? I've heard rumors but you know how people add their own thing."

"At nights, when the sky is clear and moon is full in the sky it reflects off the water and the lake turns blue from reflection." He smiled. "You're gonna love it, there's a full moon tomorrow night. You just wait and see."

Abby smiled and sat back in her seat as the busy traffic rushed around them. Stealing a quick glance over at Nick, she found him staring at her. She felt everything within her contorted. She had no idea what she was doing with him, only that she couldn't stop unless her heart gave out.

She must have dosed of a little cause when she woke all she can see was trees around them.

"You're awake, I bought you something to eat, thought you'd might be a little hungry." He said as he reached in the seat behind him.

"Did you stop somewhere? I must've been out cold." Abby scowled herself from being such a lousy companion. He'd bought her a chicken burger with fries. Her stomach growled as the scent invaded her senses. "Thank you." She smiled and took a large bite.