Page 63 of Creep

I didn’t say anything to that. I opened the door and got out, taking in my view.

While it had been sunny back at my apartment, it wasn’t now. But it was warm enough to hike. It was an unseasonably warm day, and perhaps that was why Mael decided this would be what we’d do for our second date. I frowned at all the clouds in the sky, wondering if it might rain.

Mael came up to me, a backpack slung over both shoulders. He held out his hand for me.

“Ready?”

I grabbed it and smiled. “Ready.”

Mael set an easy pace.

I knew he could have gone a little faster or taken us on a more difficult path, but he was considerate of me, and I found I had no problem keeping up with him.

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, with Mael taking the lead. The only sounds were the crunch of gravel beneath our feet and sometimes the scattering sounds from little creatures running about that I couldn’t see. I could smell the scent of pine and damp earth, and I took in a deep breath, letting it ease away my worries for a bit.

We hiked for about an hour before Mael suggested we take a break. He led me off to the side of the trail, over to a fallen log that provided the perfect makeshift bench. I sat down close next to Mael, taking in the earthy scent of his body, letting it comfort me. I looked up at the sky, taking note that the clouds had grown darker. I didn’t say anything about it. I didn’t want to ruin this moment by pointing it out. It was silly, really, that I thought the problem would go away simply because I didn’t acknowledge it.

He pulled out two sandwiches from his backpack and two water bottles. He handed the sandwiches to me and opened one water bottle, holding it up to my lips. I shyly took a sip, so aware of the fact that he was watching me intently.

He took a sip of water as well, capped it, and took one of the sandwiches from me. I watched as he unwrapped it and took a huge bite, my eyes focused on his lips. He smiled when he noticed me staring at him and nudged me with his shoulder. “Eat.”

I looked away from him and took a bite of my turkey sandwich. It was obvious he had made this himself. I felt warm from the effort he had put into this.

“Tell me something that I don’t know about you,” he said when he finished his sandwich. I was still only halfway done with mine.

I looked down at it on my lap, thinking.

I have a stalker.

I grimaced. How would he react if I told him that? Would he run away? Wasn’t it selfish of me not to say anything to him? I didn’t want to think about that.

“I hate butterflies,” I finally said, feeling a little foolish for even saying it. My mind moved to the monarch butterfly on his abs. That didn’t help me much.

Mael’s eyebrows shot up, and he let out a surprised laugh. “Butterflies?”

I slapped his bicep playfully. “They’re creepy, okay?”

He laughed harder. “Are they?”

I nodded, feeling my cheeks tighten. Perhaps this wasn’t something I should tell other people. “Yes.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me in close to him. “Butterflies are creepy,” he said, agreeing with me.

I shot him a small smile. “Your turn.”

“Take another bite first,” he said.

I looked down at my sandwich, taking one big bite. Too big. I chewed, trying to swallow it down. How embarrassing. Not that Mael seemed to mind. He was looking at me like he thought I was cute.

I balanced the sandwich on my lap and grabbed the water bottle, washing down the food before turning to Mael expectantly.

“I don’t like heights.”

I blinked in surprise. “You’re scared of heights?”

“I didn’t say I was scared of them,” he corrected. “I don’t like them.”

That was… same difference.

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