Chapter 58

Several minutes had passed in silence with Annie holding him almost as much as Michael held her. Both of them were content where they were and had no problems with letting the world pass them by.

"Annie?" Michael murmured, the low rumbling of his voice vibrating in his chest under her cheek. "I'm really sorry. I never meant for this to happen," he sighed as he continued to caress her back.

Annie pushed gently at his chest, sitting up slightly so she could see his face. Reluctantly, Michael loosened his grip on her but continued to hold her as she leaned forward. Lifting her hand, she stroked it down the side of his angular jaw as she searched his face like she was trying to memorize every feature.

"I understand you were only doing your job, Michael," Annie reminded him gently. "If you hadn't, we wouldn't be here," she said quietly as she ran her fingers through his hair at his temple.

"What can I do?" Michael asked, trailing his finger down her cheek.

"Just being here is enough," Annie admitted quietly. "I don't have anyone else," she sighed, dropping her eyes as she struggled to stop the tears that threatened again.

"I'll always be here for you," Michael insisted as their eyes locked. His eyes dropped to her mouth, her lips parting slightly as she sucked in a breath.

"Annie," Michael sighed contently, slipping his hand into her hair. Applying gentle pressure with his fingers, he urged her forward. With a low moan, Annie slowly closed the distance her lips just inches from his.

"Michael!"

The two jumped apart as a leggy brunette came running into the room. Annie barely got out of the way before the woman plastered herself across Michael, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Oh, sweetheart, I just found out," she cried frantically. "I've been so worried. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."

"I'm fine, Brenda," Michael persisted, pulling her into a hug as he looked apologetically at Annie over her shoulder.

"You don't look it, but I'm here now, so I'll be taking care of you," Brenda maintained as she pulled back and began fluffing his pillow behind his head. "You can stay will me until you get back on your feet. You have plenty of clothes there," she continued as she fussed over him.

"Er, I'll…um…let you two catch up," Annie stammered as she started backing out of the room.

"Who are you?" Brenda looked up, eying Annie suspiciously as she finally realized they weren't alone.

"Uh, Brenda, this is Annie," Michael began tentatively as Brenda took his hand in hers. "Annie, this is Brenda, my…"

"Are you an agent too?" Brenda interrupted.

"No, I'm…ah…we…um…I really got to go," Annie insisted, turning quickly as she strode towards the door. How can I be so stupid? Annie though as she hurried from the room. How could I fall for someone who already has a girlfriend?

"Annie!" Michael called but it was too late. Annie had already made it to the door and was gone.