Sorry I didn't update sooner! My apologies! I had one reviewer saying that it seemed Nick's deep disappointed in Lea seemed to show just how much she cared for her already. Thank you! You got my point exactly!

I will be going to Florida on Friday, so will not be able to update for a few days. I'm sorry-I really wanted to give you two updates in a week…But as soon as I get back, chapter ten is all yours!

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Chapter 9

"Let's go."

Lea obeyed, gripping Nick's arm tightly as he pulled her up into the saddle behind him. She just never got used to his touch she realized when she blushed at the contact. The night would be perfect it seemed as she wrapped her arms around his waist tightly.

They rode fast, and Lea couldn't keep the fear from filling her as she squeezed Nick tightly but kept her eyes wide open, watching the stars above them. It took awhile before she was able to relax and rest her chin on his shoulder with a smile to herself. Hopefully, he wouldn't mind.

Eventually they came to a stop, but Lea didn't want to move from her spot, quite enjoying the closeness to Nick. It was a little chilly out anyways and his body heat helped her to stay warm.

"Come on." Nick said briskly as he shrugged his shoulder under her chin to make her sit up. With an inaudible sigh of disappointment, Lea slid off with his help and waited until he had dismounted also before walking slowly through the long grass.

Lea smiled to herself and kicked off her shoes and socks before taking a few tentative steps through the dewy grass. The night smelled like pine, dew, and fresh country air. The stars twinkled brightly above and the moon was bright and beautiful.

"Come on, Nick." She said softly, lightly kicking the side of his shoe with her bare foot and he laughed. Lea grinned at the sound. It would never get old. But he did as she suggested and soon they were both barefoot and running through the damp grass quickly.

"You'll never catch me!" Lea yelled over her shoulder laughingly, knowing that was a weak lie and quickly hearing him right behind her. It didn't last long before he was right beside her and she was unable to run any faster.

"Time for a break!" Nick yelled and without warning jumped at her, wrapping his arms around her waist as they both tumbled to the ground, laughing at their silliness. Lea grinned at Nick on top of her and noticed how the long grass around them seemed to make her feel like she was in a nest.

"I never knew how much fun outside could be." She laughed, "I haven't run that hard since…well, it's been awhile." Lea kept her smile on, not voicing the fact that the last time she ran that hard was after a fight. It had gotten dirty and rough and she had, strangely enough, wisely decided she was outnumbered.

"I didn't know I could run that much." Nick laughed, rolling to lay beside her as they both panted and smiled at each other. It was quiet except for the sound of their breaths slowing down and the breeze blowing peacefully through the grass.

"See, Lea, I'm not perfect…" Nick spoke quietly a few moments later, starring up at the stars as she was. Lea tilted her head back to look at him with a small smile, still thinking he wasn't much less then perfect.

She rolled on her side as she spoke, "Still seem pretty close to it, though." Lea watched as he turned to face her, his eyes twinkling in amusement.

"I'm no angel." He whispered.

"Close enough." Lea breathed, unable to believe her own persistence at the subject, despite how uncomfortable it was making her. She couldn't ignore the butterflies in her stomach at his intense staring at her.

Nick simply sighed and shook his head, but Lea didn't miss the hint of a smile as she slid her arm up to rest on his chest, watching his expression carefully for any sign. If he so much as looked confused or annoyed, Lea swore she'd pull away and say something sharp to cover it up.

"You're something else, you know that?" Nick smiled at her, giving her a warm feeling as she smiled softly, taking his words as a compliment.

"You say the nicest things about me…" Lea whispered, biting her lip in uncertainty, "I've never had anyone say anything nice about me before."

Nick didn't comment or respond except to reach up and caress her cheek with a solemn expression. Lea felt her stomach do summersaults and couldn't help but grip his shirt tightly in her hand at the nervousness she felt when his thumb stroked her cheek softly.

Lea sighed contentedly, never feeling happier, and rested her head on Nick's chest. Apparently, there was something between them, and it wasn't just her feeling it after all. It was unreal. Her? Lea couldn't believe that she of all people had feelings for someone.

Pushing the swirling thoughts and mixed emotions away, Lea inhaled deeply to take in the scent of nature and Nick. Things couldn't get any better and she wished the night would be endless.

Aw, so sweet! Lol

So…sweet enough for a review? Surely this has earned a thought? A small one? Anyone?... I've already lost one reader-I'd prefer not to lose anymore!