I was pacing my front porch waiting for Nick to arrive. It's been a few weeks since we finally made things official and now that my parents know they insisted on having Nick over for dinner. We have been trying to set this thing up since I told them but my parents have been so busy with work. Plus Xander demanded he be there when it happened so we had to wait for him to get a break from college to come home.

I was terrified. My parents seem to like Nick from the few chats they have shared but this dinner would make or break their approval. Although I will make damn sure they like him, I don't plan on getting rid of him because they don't like him. I will do everything in my power to make sure this dinner goes off without a hitch.

I've given Nick a few pointers but I don't think he needs them. My mom seems to hang onto every word he says, she even told me that he was dreamy. And had a much better attitude than Johnny, that I had to agree on. My dad is my dad. He talks when necessary, but always gives Nick a warning when we go out, which scares Nick and I have to kiss him to make him forget about my dad.

Xander is the only one who hasn't spent that much time around Nick, considering he is at college most of the time. His opinion, of course matters but he is my big brother and will be protective. Carter on the other hand, loves Nick, not only because he told him to ask out Penny -which is going great- the two have more in common than I like to admit. Carter loves comic books and as it turns out, Nick does too. The other night we were at Waffle Cones with Carter and I sat there on my phone while those two talked about the comic book world. We were there an hour and they talked the entire way home as well. It wasn't my favorite time.

Although, I will admit that the next night Nick invited me over for a movie night. We watched the first Avengers movie, I had seen it before but Nick didn't know that. So when Chris Evans/Captain America/Steve Rogers popped up on the screen I practically moaned allowed. Once again Nick banned me from watching that movie, he got very jealous. I did, however, convince him to let us continue watching it, if I kept my drool and sexy sounds -Nicks words, not mine- to myself. For some reason it brings me joy to see Nick jealous, I think it may be a turn on for me.

I hear a car pull up to the curb in front of my house and I see it's the Bat-mobile. The pace of my heart speeds up, I can't tell if it's because my boyfriend is here or because of the dinner we are about to endure. Nick exits his car and I silently gasp when I see him. He looks handsome in his blue button down and dark wash jeans. I told him he didn't have to dress fancy for this. We are heading out to go play pool at Larry's Pool Hall after this. My treat because I have no idea how this evening will play out.

Nick smiles when he gets to my porch and wraps me up in a hug. "You ready for this?"

I breathe in his delicious mint scent, it is intoxicating as always. "Nope. You?"

Nick runs his hands down my back in comfort, "I practiced what to say in front of my mirror and then my mom." He shyly admits.

"That is too cute." I giggle and reach up to give him a quick kiss. "Don't read to much into what my parents say. They like you already. Just be yourself." I advise.

"Should I tell them I rescued you from Johnny all those months ago?" Nick asks.

"I don't think that will help you. My mom may see you as a violent person. My dad and Xander might give you a fist bump." I tell him.

"Then that story stays between you and I. And our friends." He nods and gives me one more kiss.

We hear the door open and there stands my mom, "I thought I heard voices out here. Nick, please come in. Dinner is ready." She smiles brightly.

Here goes nothing.

———-

"How long have you been playing Air Hockey?" I ask Nick as he beats me for what feels like the billionth time since I've known him.

"I think Charlie, Logan and I started playing when we were about nine. Charlie's parents got him one for his birthday." Nick explains. "Want to play again?"

I shake my head no and go over to the pool table. "Are settled down from dinner yet?" I ask with concern.

"Totally. I said I was fine when we left." He says with a smile.

Dinner went off without a hitch. My reason for asking Nick if he was okay comes from him, my dad, and Xander going outside in thirty five degree weather and throwing the football around. Nick caught the ball that my dad threw to him and Xander tackled him to the ground. It was traumatic, I was scared that Nick got hurt. But he got up and shook it off. I did make Xander apologize. If I didn't my mom would have. I'm convinced she has crush on him because she giggled at every thing he said.

"I think its safe to say you got the Croft family approval tonight. That is if you didn't already have it." I say as I grab two pool cues off of the wall.

"Please. I think I got your moms approval when she first met me after the charity walk." Nick laughs and comes over to the side of the pool table where I am standing. He pecks me on the lips. "Ready to get your ass kicked again?" He smirks and I glare at him.

An idea suddenly pops into my head.

"You know, I think I may have forgotten all I know about this game. You may have to teach me how it's done." I say looking him in the eye the entire time. When I say the last sentence I notice his warm hazel eyes get filled with lust. I knew I'd get him.

"I think I might be able to teach you a thing or two." He says then leans down to whisper in my ear, "Although, it might involve a lot of touching. Can you handle that?"

I just died.

I am too turned on, too hot, too in shock and too embarrassed to speak so I just nod my head. I wouldn't be surprised if I was drooling. I meant to tease him, but he just won that round. Who knew Nick could be this naughty.

Nick laughs at my shocked expression, and I know he is enjoying this. And I am too.

I take a hold of his hand, "I don't mind at all.The closer you are to me, the better." This time I got him to blush and it was amazing.

I won that round.

————-

We are SO close to the end! Maybe three more chapters?? Sadness :( But Batman and Cheerleader are finally together! Thank goodness, LOL! Love these two!!!

Byeeeeee!!!!!!!