Gypsy Kiss: Micah Part 26

"Hmm..." I replied half-heartedly. I'm pretty sure she was about to continue her lecture, but then the doorbell rang. My heart shot into my mouth, not helped by Mari leaping up and down and shouting, "Oh my G.o.d, he's here! I'll go let him in, you stand in the living room, you're gonna knock his socks off!"

She dragged me through to the living room, deposited me in the middle and skipped out and down the stairs. My heart was thumping in my chest as I heard them both coming back up the stairs. Micah was about to see me all dressed up for the first time and I hadn't even seen myself yet.

Our eyes met the minute he walked in and my heart rate increased a little at the sheer sight of him. He looked beyond gorgeous. Blue was most definitely his colour.

All the fussing and preening and all the rest was, I had to admit, worth it for the look on his face when he saw me. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open as he eyed me up and down, licking his lips appreciatively.

"Holy f.u.c.k..." he muttered, and circled me, stalked me, taking me in. "You look...stunning! Jesus...I think I'm having a heart attack." He swallowed and kissed my cheek. "I can't wait to show you off. You're beautiful. I'm gonna...go pee, and then we'll...we'll go, yeah?"

I nodded nervously, forcing a smile. "Yeah..."

"Don't look so terrified. We're gonna have fun..." he looked to Mari and grinned. "Get my girl another gla.s.s of wine. Maybe two."

He winked and I grinned back. He sure knew how to make a girl feel special. I took a moment to appreciate the sight before me. G.o.d did he look good in that s.h.i.+rt and tight black trousers.

I turned to Mari and half smiled. "I'm just gonna go take a look in my mirror..."

Mari nodded, smiling. "Okay. I'll head off now, but I want a full report tomorrow, yeah?" she surprised me then by hugging me. "Have a great night."

Before I had a chance to even say thank you, she was gone.

I went into my room and looked at myself in the floor standing mirror. I barely recognised the girl looking back at me. I had to admit, Mari had done an amazing job, the dress was black with spaghetti straps, more fitted than I'd ever have thought of wearing and those pants were pretty effective. I actually seemed to have a waistline for once, and my eyes stood out bright blue with the mascara. I don't know how she did it, but I actually looked reasonably pretty for once.

Micah appeared behind me, and he slid his hands on my hips and then wrapped his arms around me, trailing kisses along my neck.

Is there anything more fulfilling, more invigorating or heart-warming than a hug from behind? Feeling a man just wrap his arms around you from behind, pulling you back against his chest, squeezing gently enveloping you in warmth and love, the entire length of your body just...protected, safe and cherished.

There is one thing I can vouch for that beats that, and that's a hug from behind from Micah. His hugs are out of this world. They always manage to make me feel incredibly vulnerable but also breathtakingly empowered at the same time and it's a heady emotion that feels a little like being drunk. He makes me feel like I am the centre of the universe, of his universe.

I love those hugs, and when he lets go because eventually he has to, it's not like we can stay wrapped together forever, as much as we might want to it always feels like a great loss, every time. Like someone just came along and pulled an arm off. Like we are actually meant to be the same body and fate decided to make us two people and then try to draw us back together again. Micah is not just a person in my life who I love; he is an extension of me, a part of me as sure as my toes are attached to my feet.

"Your curves are so f.u.c.king s.e.xy, Jewls..." he murmured and before I could stop myself I scoffed.

"Not curves...fat..."

"Curves," he snapped, "stop Jewls, I f.u.c.king warned you about that."

I let out a sigh. "Do you always have to swear like a sailor on leave?" I said, I don't know why. It's not like it was anything new.

I noticed him smirk briefly between his rhythmic kisses of my neck, "Only around you...you drive me crazy, you f.u.c.king mad woman..."

"There's hundreds of girls out there..." I murmured, thinking aloud. I was totally distracted by his lips trailing b.u.t.terfly kisses across my shoulder, "tiny waists, legs that go all the way up...no emotional baggage..."

"Mmm...uh huh..." he whispered back, still planting those soft kisses on my skin, leaving a trail of heat in the wake of each one, the friction from his stubble awakening every one of my senses, "is that so...?"

"Oh yeah..." I said. I felt like I was under a spell. I didn't know what the h.e.l.l I was talking about, or why I was even still talking at all. I just still couldn't believe this was real, that this man had chosen me when he could have anyone. "Beautiful girls with perfect hair...perfect figures...perfect tiny waists, no rolls of fat, no...no stretch marks...girls who..." my voice trailed off as his lips found my neck and then my ear, nibbling on my lobe, the sensation resonating instantly further south. I was quickly losing all ability to think straight. "How can you look past them...and see me...want me...? Those girls are-"

He put his hands on my shoulders and spun me round, meeting my eyes with his, his hands firmly on my cheeks forcing me to look at him. "Are girls, Jewls. Just girls. Let the boys have the girls..." he smiled then, and his whole face lit up with it, his eyes alive with mischief and oh my good G.o.d, something I could have sworn was l.u.s.t. "I want a woman, a proper woman with a proper body. I want you Jewls. What do I have to do to prove that to you? I'm a very patient man but you got no idea what you do to me Jewls, and pretty soon I'm gonna run out of patience and show you want you do to me. I want you, and I know you want me. Stop trying to fight it, Jewls. Stop looking for problems, there aren't any." He stroked my cheek tenderly, and kissed my lips. "I won't hurt you, I promise. You have to believe me and let me in, all the way in. I think you're perfect, just as you are. And I don't care how long it takes to convince you, I will convince you."

A tear rolled down my cheek, but I was happy. I managed to nod. It was all the permission he needed, and he slammed his mouth into mine, kissing me with such intense pa.s.sion it literally took my breath away. His hands were all over me and in a second my hands were on him, exploring every inch of his body, hungry for him as he was for me.

He pulled away first and let out a sigh. "f.u.c.k Jewls...I just want to ravish you all night. But first I want to take you out and show the world my beautiful girlfriend. So are you ready to go?"

I let out a shaky sigh and shrugged. "I guess so..."

He kissed my cheek and took my hand in his, giving it a squeeze. "Relax, Jewls. I got you."

We walked together down the stairs and outside, where there, waiting on the curb on it, not beside it stood Eli, leaned against the side of his car grinning at us. He was dressed very differently to how he had been before, but in clothes I was familiar with seeing the Machvaya brothers in black trousers, white s.h.i.+rt, bowtie.

He looked me up and down and I swear, he licked his lips. The action was both weirdly flattering and slightly unnerving on Eli.

"Bro, Jewls...your chariot awaits. Climb aboard."

He opened the back door and nodded politely at me as I climbed in, followed by everyone else Micah beside me in the back and Mari beside Eli in the front. As Eli started the engine, I instinctively grabbed Micah's hand and braced myself. He grinned and winked at me, as though reading my mind and sure enough, Eli sped off as though we were being chased by the devil.

I was both surprised and delighted when we pulled up outside Carousel. I turned to Micah who was looking at me with an expression of mild worry.

"I know this looks lame...being the family restaurant and all, but I thought we could have a nice meal and then go on to a club after? And this time you can order whatever you want from the menu, huh? Good idea, or...?"

I smiled brightly and nodded. "The best idea..."

He let out a sigh of relief. "Wait there." He climbed out of the car, following Mari and Eli who headed inside, ran round to my side and opened my door for me, offering me his hand.

"Madam, right this way please."

I beamed from ear to ear. Never in my life had I felt so special, so spoiled. I accepted his hand, letting him help me from the car, and we walked in together. Unlike last time, this time I didn't feel underdressed this time I actually felt like I belonged here, and I never could have imagined feeling like that.

Inside we were met by Nic, who shook Micah's hand and kissed the back of mine. "Sir, Madam, allow me to show you to your table."

I nodded politely and he took us to a table in the corner, away from the rest of the diners. When I saw it, I knew Micah had put a lot of effort into this evening, and wondered if it had been as impromptu as he had made it out to be.

The table was decorated with rose petals, a large candle burning in the middle of the crockery all neatly set out, and above and around our little alcove a string of fairy lights hung, illuminating what would otherwise be quite a dark s.p.a.ce. The whole effect was...stunning.

"You uh...you did all this for me?"

He nodded slowly, and there was that look again nerves. It was surprising and endearing an expression on Micah, Mr Cool, Calm and Collected. "I had a little help, but yeah...it's for you."

"It's stunning..." I said quietly. He pulled out a chair for me and gestured to it.

"Have a seat Jewls."

I did and he sat opposite me, immediately taking my hands in his again. Nic appeared from nowhere as usual, offering us both a menu.

"Let me know as soon as you are ready to order. Can I get you any drinks?"

I half expected Micah to just say, we'll have a bottle of the house wine, that's what Andrew would have done on the rare nights out we ever had. And I would open my mouth and close it again, realising my input was, as usual, not required.

I snapped out of my daydream to find both Micah and Nic looking at me, waiting expectantly.

"Babe? What would you like to drink?"

Wow, I was being given a choice. Such a small thing to a normal person, but to me...it meant a lot. "Um...actually could I please just have water?"

"Course, babe. Water for the lady, whiskey for me please bro."

"Certainly, sir." Nic said and he was gone from our side.

Micah gestured to the menu in my hands. "Anything you want, babe. Indulge yourself, yeah? No limits tonight."

I opened up the menu and immediately wanted everything on it. I hadn't thought I was especially hungry but now I was ravenous. "Wow..." I muttered.

"Yeah, and Eli is cooking now, he's on till close with Mari his wingman err, wingwoman. His chicken is especially nice, but like I say have whatever you want. I know he seems a bit...manic sometimes, but he really is a very talented chef. He finds his peace in that kitchen I reckon."

So it was as I thought then, Eli was a troubled soul. "Mmm, I've noticed he's not like you."

Micah frowned, "How'd ya mean?"

"Well, you're so laid back, so chilled out. Eli just seems...stressed a lot of the time. Like he's permanently biting his tongue. I don't know if he likes me."

Micah laughed a little. "Trust me, he likes you. If he didn't, he wouldn't even acknowledge you. He would blank you as if you didn't exist. Yeah...he is a bit...intense. He was the one who took it hardest when my mother pa.s.sed away. He was only...fifteen I think, a funny age. He clashed a h.e.l.l of a lot with my dad. He was really angry when mama pa.s.sed away and I think in some ways he still is. But...he's a good guy, loyal and honest. He drives like a maniac..."

It was my turn to laugh and I nodded. "Yeah, he does! But yeah...I get the vibe that he's a good guy. You all are. Such a happy, close family, it's nice. His kids are adorable."

"Yeah they are." Micah agreed. "Have you uh...ever thought about having uh...having kids?"

I shrugged, only a little uncomfortable with the way the conversation had turned. "Maybe...one day, yeah."

"Yeah, same." He said with a smile, and then mercifully Nic was back by our side. "Are you ready to order?"

"Yeah, thank you." I said. "Can I have the carrot and coriander soup to start, followed by the chicken?"

"Of course, madam." Nic said with a dutiful bow. "And for sir?"

"I'll have the same please." Micah said. He never took his eyes off mine, and he stroked my knuckles with his thumbs. "Thanks, bro."

Micah After we had eaten, and chatted a while, I decided it was time we headed off, before Jewls lost her nerve again.

Heading outside I spotted a taxi and whistled once, surprised myself when it pulled up beside us thought that only worked in the movies.

We climbed in the back and I put my arm over her shoulders as we pulled away and were on our way.

At the club, I was pleased to see an old friend an ex-employee of the park working the door and he managed to get us past the queue outside and straight in. I felt her whole body tense up through her fingers entwined with mine as we walked into the main club and the flas.h.i.+ng lights and thumping music. I pulled her to my side, holding her close and navigated us through the crowd to the bar, depositing her on a stool before getting the attention of the bartender and ordering us a couple of drinks. She looked nervous as h.e.l.l and about as far out of her comfort zone as anyone could possibly get, constantly trying to pull her dress down or mess with her hair. I had that feeling again, like maybe this wasn't such a good idea and then decided to just give it an hour or two, if she still didn't look comfortable, we would move on to somewhere quieter. More than anything I just wanted her to let loose and have some fun, let go the weight of the world that seemed to have settled on her shoulders, pus.h.i.+ng her down and holding her back.

Jewls My dress was black but I felt illuminous in that club. Perfect people with perfect figures everywhere I looked, all eyes on us, probably wondering what on earth a gorgeous man like Micah was doing with me.

He was talking to the barman and when he turned back to me, he held up two c.o.c.ktails, offering me one. I took it, grinning.

"What's this?"

"It's a c.o.c.ktail, Jewls. It's gin, vermouth, with a cherry on top. It's simple, sweet and got a h.e.l.l of a kick."

I grinned again. "What's it called?"

"It's called a Gypsy Kiss," he said, and now he was smiling too, pleased with himself. I opened my mouth to say something back and he silenced me with a kiss, soft but firm, right on the lips.

The music changed, to The Black Eyed Peas, The Time, an updated version of the Dirty Dancing cla.s.sic and my man's eyes lit up in delight.

"f.u.c.k yeah! Dance with me Jewls!"

I opened my mouth to say oh, I don't really do dancing, but before I could get a word out, he had set my drink down and was dragging me onto the floor, grinding up against me and spinning me around.

Four more of those c.o.c.ktails and two vodka and c.o.kes later I didn't give a f.u.c.k who was watching us, Micah had taken all that fear and doubt away. I had been afraid that somewhere like this, another, prettier girl might take him away from me but he never gave anyone else a glance, his eyes were on me all night. He never let go of me either, he maintained some kind of physical contact all the time, making it clear we were together.

As the night drew on, the music began to slow, and we found ourselves one of just a few couples left on the dancefloor.

Coldplay's Magic hummed through the speakers, the gentle beat reverberating through my feet as I moved slowly with my wonderful boyfriend.

Call it magic, call it true Call it magic, when I'm with you...

Standing in the middle of that dance floor, my arms up around his shoulders, his hands on my hips and our bodies flush against each other, I never felt more wanted or desired. Up until that point, anyway. He put his hands on my face, leaned down and planted the slowest, sweetest kiss on my lips. It took me all of two seconds to respond and I opened my mouth in invitation. His tongue met with mine, swirling around with it, his lips devouring me, his fingers looping in my hair, keeping me locked with him. He let out a low moan deep into my mouth and then released me, but only for a moment, and then wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him for a hug. He nestled his nose in the curve of my neck, below my ear and kissed me there.

Wanna fall, fall so hard...

"I love you, Jewls..." he whispered and I felt like crying. He had said that before, but that time was different. We weren't mid-fight, it wasn't something added on to the end of a sentence...it was said with real feeling, with emotion. Like he meant it, with every fibre of his being. I nodded slowly.

"I love you too."

He kissed my forehead, letting out a contented sigh. "Let's go, huh?"

I nodded my agreement. In that moment I just wanted him all to myself away from all these people.

Once again he managed to hail a taxi with remarkable ease and we were on the move again. I sat back happily in his arms as the streetlights and cars pa.s.sed by the window. As we drove along the seafront he sat forward.

"Just here will do, mate."

I frowned, confused as he paid the driver, helped me out of the taxi and began walking down to the beach with me following along holding his hand. The sand was firm and dry and he promptly sat down, patting the spot beside him before lying down on his back. I hesitated for just a moment, and lay down beside him.

"Would ya just look at that?" he said, gesturing to the clear sky above us. "This is the beauty of living on the coast, huh? Minimum air pollution. Look at that..."

I looked up and I have to admit I was stunned by the sheer volume of stars. Breath-taking.

"Wow..." I said in an exhale. "What's that one...?" I asked, pointing over to my left.

"It's a star, Jewls."