The Arrangement

Chapter 10

I open my eyes, this is the day. It’s either going to be fine or the worst day of our lives. I can hear Michael in the house; I’m always up before he is. I grab my robe and make my way into the kitchen.

“Morning.” He greets.

“Good morning. Why are you up so early?”

“Couldn’t sleep much, I guess I’m nervous.” He shrugs.

“Me too.” I admit, I open the cupboard and reach for the cups, Michael steps behind me and takes a cup out for me, he presses me slightly into the counter and I feel every muscle clench down south. It’s unexpected.

“Your cup.” He says as I turn around, I look up into his eyes and he looks down at me. Everything goes quite for a moment; I think he is going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me. I think it almost happened last night. I take the cup from him; breaking eye contact I turn back to the counter and start making my coffee. Of course there wouldn’t be any romantic feelings from him to me whatsoever; I could kick myself for continuing to hope there could be. But the things he said. No! I’m reading too much into this.

I start getting ready to leave, there is a still a few last minute arrangements I need to take care off.

I’m busy fumbling with the buttons of my top as I walk out the bedroom, completely distracted, I walk straight into Michael, he grabs me by my hips to steady both of us.

“I’m sorry.” I apologised dropping my hands to my side.

“Don’t worry about it.” He replies but doesn’t take his hands off of me.

“I better get going.” I say stepping back. I can’t let him touch me. I keep getting worked up and it’s not good for me.

“I keep thinking about our conversation that night I came home drunk.” He says.

“You remember that?” I ask surprised.

“Every word.” He whispers.

Oh hell. What now? I can’t keep up anymore. One minute I think he wants more the next I think he doesn’t. I have wanted to ask him so many times but I’m scared. Why is he bringing this up now?

He studies me, “So there is something I’ve wanted to ask you?”

“Okay.” I swallow.

“Did you mean it when you said ‘not like this’”?

It takes me completely off guard. Now or never Jennifer.

“Yes.” I breathe, there’s a knot in my stomach. He pulls me closer and kisses me softly on the lips then pulls away.

“Is this okay?” He whispers and I nod, he leans in and the kiss deepens, it’s more urgent. Desire runs hot through my veins. I don’t remember how long it goes on for but when he pulls away, my breathing is uneven. I’m overwhelmed by what he does to my mind, body and senses.

“I’m going to be late.” I say after I’ve manage to control my breathing. Before Michael can respond his phone rings, it’s Lilly again. She just won’t leave him the hell alone.

Michael stiffens, “She just won’t stop.”

“I can’t tell you what to do.” I say honestly. He needs to decide for himself.

Michael answers, “Lilly, please stop calling me. We have nothing more to say to each other.” He snaps.

I feel very much in the way, I try to move past him but he takes my hand and kisses it, sending little sparks throughout my entire body. I head for the door, the last thing I hear before I close the door is, “Stop calling me. I don’t want you.”

My head is still spinning; I touch my lips and smile. I wanted it and so did he. By some miracle I manage to focus on everything I have to do.