V

Michonne woke rested but yet unfulfilled. She couldn't turn her mind off, last night after her girls left her room, thoughts of sex with Rick kept bombarding her. Her body was deliciously sore in the few places he touched. She wished she'd experienced his firm hands all over her. But she was correct before in the belief that him in control of her would be tantalizing.

She had quickly showered and was now looking at her workout clothes, that laid on the bed. She had signed up for an early morning meditation with Siddiq, but she just couldn't get herself excited for it when she truly craved something else. Yumiko had called and told her she'd meet her down in the designated room. Michonne knew she was running late, but she just stood there in her bra and panties reminiscing.

A soft knock at the door surprised her. She huffed and walked to it, thinking it was her friend coming to round her up. She hid behind the door as she pulled it open to see Rick in navy sweats and a t-shirt instead.

"Umm, what are you doing here?" she mumbled.

He bit his lip sending chills through her body. "Earning that apology acceptance."

Michonne stepped out from behind the door so he could see her fully. Rick scanned her stunning physique that was illuminated by the sunrise. Her lacey pink bra and panty set barely concealed parts he wanted to explore. She stepped back, allowing him entrance and he closed the door. Rick placed a hand on the now growing bulge in his pants and Michonne panted.

"Come here."

Michonne found herself just stepping forward into his reach. He released the hold on himself and swooped down to grab her legs. She anxiously wrapped them around his waist as he carried her to one of the oversized leather chairs that sat in front of the fireplace. When he backed up, she released her legs knowing that he planned to sit and she'd be on top.

She straddled him when he sat and braced her hands on his shoulders. Rick was rock hard and Michonne's sigh meant she could feel it through their clothes. He ran his hands up her arms making her shiver, reaching her neck and finally the sides of her face. She leaned down and slowly pressed her open heart shaped lips to his, for a tender kiss.

Her lips were so soft and moist that he wanted more. He stuck his tongue out to lick them and she groaned. He wanted to taste more and hear more of her longing so he slipped his tongue into her mouth, meeting hers. Their kiss grew feverish with her fingers tugging at his hair. He palmed her plump ass as she circled her waist into his erection.

"Mmm."

The friction was just what they needed to satisfy them before they got to the real deal. Rick sucked on her lips so hard his cheeks caved in. Michonne's tongue fought his for control but he wouldn't let her have it. He wacked her ass which made her break the kiss to cry out. But Rick wouldn't be deterred, he instead kissed her chest while pulling the straps of her bra down her arms so her full breasts spilled out. Michonne arched her back and ran her nipple against his lips which he wholeheartedly accepted. The feel of her bud pebbling against his tongue was satiating so he took the other in his mouth to repeat the torturous process.

The sucks of her breasts were almost painful but Michonne didn't want him to stop. He was ravenous and she enjoyed the meal he was making of her. But she wanted to return the pleasure so she reached down pulling the elastic waistband of his sweats away. She rose up slightly, sneaking a hand into his boxer briefs and carefully tugged him free.

Her action made Rick pull away to watch as she pumped him. He fought to not thrust upwards and let her work him but after a minute he couldn't take it anymore. He roughly yanked on her panties tearing the lace then slid them out of his way. His hand took the place of what the garment held and he quickly slid a digit into her. Her hiss was just want he wanted, but also to know that she was more than ready for him.

"I want you to ride this dick." he stated as he slipped another finger in.

"Yes."

Rick withdrew his fingers and smacked her ass harder. "Tell me you want to."

Michonne had to catch her breath and they hadn't even really done anything.

"I want to ride this big dick." she ran her fingertips over the head, that was slick with precum. Rick reached into his pocket to reveal three gold foiled condoms.

"Put one on me." he instructed her.

Michonne took her fingers and inserted them into her mouth sucking the salty cream she'd just been playing in and Rick growled. She took the condoms and pulled one off, throwing the others to the floor. She tore the packet as Rick hazily watched, then she languidly rolled the condom down his shaft making sure to leave space at the tip.

"Get on."

Again, she did what he told her. Lifting to line him up at her wet entrance and inch by inch allowing him to stretch her walls. Her mouth went slack with satisfaction when Rick closed his eyes, breathing hard. Once she was resting on him, he thrust upwards to fill her to the hilt.

"Fuck."

Rick savored her taking over, bracing herself on his shoulder and beginning to roll her waist. He ran his greedy hands all over her body, touching every part he'd regretfully not gotten to last night. Her moans let him know she'd missed out on this too.

He dreamed of her riding him last night and woke up to an erection. Instead of just masturbating, her room number popped into his head from looking at her registration. He calmed himself and hoped she would be game as he snuck upstairs to her door. He was so pleased she invited him in, because the feel of her bouncing on his dick was better than he could've imagined.

But Rick wanted to top her from the bottom. His hands were at her back and he pressed her body to his. Then slid them up to grip her shoulders before he began to rapidly drive into her.

"Oh god!" she screamed.

Michonne was enjoying his primal instincts that were well in tune with her body. But she wouldn't be outmaneuvered so she continued to clap her cheeks. The slamming of their skin and the smell of sex was permeating the room. That feeling was building and she welcomed it, wanting to come all over him. She grabbed his face and smashed her lips to his hard, sucking and licking. He returned it, moaning and groaning into her mouth. Michonne suddenly stilled then hastily shook before shouting his name.

"Rick!"

"Chonne!"

The clinching of her muscles plus knowing she had been satisfied pushed him over the edge as well. His body spasmed into hers a few more times before he was finally able to relax. Michonne laid limp on him panting for air.

"I'm sorry…about your panties."

She slowly rose up to look at him. "Well, I did mess your coat up, so I guess we're even." They both giggled.

Michonne's legs were wobbly as she withdrew him and clambered off of his lap. She went to the bathroom to remove the remnants of what were her panties and freshen up. She fixed her bra as Rick entered the bathroom. She offered him a washcloth which he used to clean up with after disposing of the condom. He tucked himself away and she suddenly felt very exposed bottomless in front of him. Rick must have sensed it because he passed her a towel that she wrapped around her body.

"Michonne, this was-"

"Amazing." she finished for him and smiled.

"And to think two days ago, you hated me." he chuckled.

"Hate is a strong word, but I definitely didn't see this coming. I looked forward to never seeing you again."

"Damn, I was that terrible?"

"Pretty much. But…I accept your apology." she grinned at him.

Rick beamed then stepped forward to caress her cheek before he leaned in to softly kiss her. Their heads went back and forth sluggishly while their tongues moved gently. Michonne pecked his swollen lips before pulling away.

"I'm glad I missed meditation but Yumiko didn't even come to check on me."

"Uhh, I think I might know why."

Michonne raised an eyebrow. "How?"

Rick scratched his temple. "I thought I was sneaking up here but we kind of ran into each other, literally. I think she knew where I was headed."

Michonne covered her mouth and giggled. "Well, I guess I can't be mad at her."

"Can I see you again, tonight?"

"Yes, Rick."

He closed his eyes at the sexy way she said his name before he leaned in to give her a chaste kiss. He shook his leg out and backed away or else he'd end up bedding her. It was a tempting thought but he did have a business to attend to. Michonne watched as he reluctantly made his way to the door, opening it and stepping out. She went out into the room and spotted the two discarded condoms and thought about Yumiko's suggestion.

"Hmm, a massive orgasm? How about two?" then she snickered to herself. "If I'm lucky, I can get number three tonight."

Michonne's stomach growled loudly after Rick's departure and she quickly dressed to go grab breakfast before she missed it. Just as she was headed to the door, a knock startled her. She smirked and quickly opened the door thinking Rick had returned, but saw Andrea instead.

"Oh."

"Well, Good Morning to you too." Andrea walked in and looked around, sniffed the air then smirked. "It smells like the seventy's in here."

"Really?" Michonne ran to the bathroom and grabbed her air freshener and sprayed it while Andrea laughed.

"So I guess Loverboy did pay you a visit."

"Yumi?"

"Yep. This is great Michie, you deserve to have a fling with a hot guy. Lord knows, I tried."

"Wait, what happened with Spenser?"

"Spenser's a dud." she rolled her eyes.

"Sorry." Michonne made a sad face. "I was just going to get breakfast, come with?"

She started to move to the door but Andrea stepped in her way. "I will, but I came here to speak with you first."

"What did you do now?" Michonne crossed her arms.

"Don't be mad at me." Andrea pled.

"Spit it out."

"I may have told Gregory about the fact that the lodge maybe up for sale." she rushed the words out rapidly and grimaced.

"What?! Rick told me that in confidence."

"Gregory was badgering me and I thought he'd never go for this idea so I could just throw it out there but he jumped on it. Sorry."

"Well, what happened?"

"He told Negan and he wants to talk to Rick."

"Oh my god, Negan?! Negan?!"

"Sorry..." Andrea played with her fingers. "What are you going to do?"

"What am I going to do?" Michonne's face incredulous.

"You have to tell Rick about the offer. He should know; Negan could fix all his money troubles just like that."

"Ugh, Andrea! Negan is a complete asshole and even though I'm just having fun with Rick, I can't in good conscious have him end up in that man's clutches."

"Rick is a grown man and he has to make the decision for himself. You and him are just weekend fuck buddies." Michonne glared at her. "You can't decide what he does with his business once you are back in New York."

Michonne huffed. Andrea was telling the truth but she was strangely enough, starting to realize she cared about what happened to Rick, his son and this lodge. There had to be some other way to help Rick without Negan and Gregory being involved.

"I'll consider it." she begrudgingly stated. "Can I go eat now?"

"Sure…I really am sorry."

"I know."

"You look happier than a tick on a dog."

Rick chuckled. "What the hell does that even mean?"

Tammy Rose smirked at him. "Oh, I think you know exactly what that means and you are welcome."

"I don't know what you are talking about." Rick raised a hand, waving it in the air.

"See that's why you deserve this, you are always the gentleman."

Rick fought to hold in his smile while he looked up at his manager from behind his desk.

"Carl and Sophia running around somewhere?"

"Yep, Carl is so excited to lead the hike today. Sophia is tagging along too."

"Yeah, I forgot Rosita told him he could. Damn, I should go too, just to make sure he doesn't try to have everyone hiking up the steepest terrain."

"I think you are right." Tammy giggled. "Plus, I saw her out there too."

"Her?"

Tammy just smiled and walked out of his office. Rick looked himself over after he went to the wall mirror. He wore his regular attire of a plaid shirt, black jeans but instead of his trusty boots he wore hiking ones today, fortuitously. He ran his fingers through his hair, then headed outside after grabbing his coat.

There were a group of guests standing around getting prepared for the hike and he could see Carl excitedly talking to Rosita. He scanned the crowd again but didn't see Michonne and he wondered had Tammy been pulling his leg.

"Michonne!" Carl shouted and took off running.

Rick whipped around to see her coming out of the lodge wearing tan form fitting cargo pants, a soft pink runners jacket and matching hiking boots. He marveled at the way she could pull off any color. She smiled and laughed with Carl and the two made their way over to him.

"Dad, look who it is!"

"I know, Son. Hi again, Michonne." he winked at her making her giggle.

"Hi, Rick." he had to fight to not moan out loud from her flirtatious tone.

"I was just about to thank Michonne for making you forget Friday."

"Forget what?" Rick scrunched up his face.

"My dad was so busy being upset with you, he forgot all about my timeout."

Michonne blinked at Rick and he palmed his face then she turned back to Carl.

"Well, I'm glad you got something out of our interaction since you scammed me that night."

The boy simply shrugged. "You wanted to save me so I let you."

Michonne and Rick's mouths fell open. "But I really liked the treat. My mouth is still blue." he stuck out his tongue to show the evidence and they all laughed.

"Well, I'm happy at least one of us got to enjoy our slush puppie." Michonne teased.

"Yeah, I'm kind of sorry that my dad was mean to you."

"Only kind of?" the adults both raised an eyebrow.

"He could have listened to what you had to say, before he got upset. So it's part his fault. He should take responsibility, like he tells me." Rick could only nod in amazed agreement but continued to watch the easy way the two spoke. He would advise anyone having a casual fling that introducing their child would be the wrong move, but this felt different somehow.

Michonne laughed at the young boy's explanation. "You would make a great lawyer someday."

"Maybe, I'm still thinking about what I want to be when I grow up." Carl seemed to be really pondering.

"I have no doubt whatever you choose, you will be great at it." Michonne assured him.

"Thanks. Let me get back up there so I can start leading the hike."

"Carl, not too much. This is a nice relaxing hike so nothing crazy." Rick advised.

"Sure thing!" Carl pivoted and ran off before Michonne could ask the boy her question.

"Carl's leading the hike?" she asked Rick instead.

"Yeah, he's been dying to do it and Rosita said he could this time."

"Well, he does know this place better than anyone." they both laughed and walked over to join the others.

The two hiked quietly for a while taking in the spectacular views of the Colorado skyline. Rick would assist Michonne whenever the topography demanded her to reach a higher level than her stride was used to. But Michonne couldn't miss the spark that she felt each time they physically connected. How caring and protective he was with her, looking out for her every step of the way. She wasn't sure if it was something he did naturally, if it was specific to her or both.

In her chosen career, she had little time to relax and be taken care of. No time to figure out if a suitor was trustworthy enough to let her walls down. Even though, she was thoroughly enjoying the sex with Rick so far, she was beginning to feel something unexpected. With every hand hold, every grasp of her waist to steady her stance, and every lift to help her reach another plateau, she was melting.

Michonne would also catch Rick's awe inspiringly gaze at her when she'd swiftly hustle up or down the rocky terrain without his assistance. When she'd reach down to pull him up after he helped her ascent. When she placed a hand on his chest and thanked him, his blue eyes would shimmer from more than the sun's rays.

After a while, the group had reached a large flat area, Carl deemed a rest stop. People drank water, caught their breath while others took pictures and conversed.

"I can't believe you are willing to give all this up." Michonne still looked out over the rustic landscape while she spoke.

"I don't really want to but, I may not have a choice." Rick exhaled and looked to Carl who animatedly spoke to other hikers along with Sophia.

"If you went back to Georgia, what would you do there?"

"I was a Sheriff's Deputy in the small town I grew up in. My childhood best friend is a Lieutenant now; he could get me back in if that's something I wanted."

"I guess."

"What do you think?" Rick turned to observe Michonne's profile.

"Oh no, you can't ask me that, I'm just some stranger here for a reflective weekend."

"You are also an intelligent, successful, powerful and might I add, sexy attorney."

"I am, aren't I?" she giggled as Rick looked her over.

"Yeah, among other things." he looked away to keep her from seeing more of his undeniable attraction to her.

"Well, I think you are doing a great job with this place having been a cop and moving into this business purely out of familial obligation. You can always take some business classes, attend conferences to meet other owners in the hospitality field, learn some secrets and get some investors."

"Maybe."

"Maybe?" she looked at him incredulously and he snickered.

"You may be right, but I need more time to think about it. See all my options."

"Makes sense."

"I want to keep this place for Carl but one day he'll have his own dreams and what if this isn't a part of it? If he wanted to go off and explore the world and his options, that would make me happy." Rick looked around them. "But it would also leave me here with just these remarkable views."

The melancholy was written all over his face and she knew he must have been lonesome to a degree, even with the towns love and support. She considered telling him about Gregory's interest but wondered if it would be serving her own purpose versus his. She also didn't want to present Rick with a decision that would further entangle his inner conflict to include Negan's bid.

Michonne was so caught up in her own considerations that she hadn't realized the group was beginning to depart until Rick reached out to her. She simpered as she took hold of his hand and allowed him to guide her back down the hillside back to the lodge.

Once they had returned to the lodge Rick noticed a Winnebago was parked out in the lot which confused him because he didn't know of any guests requesting RV hookups for the day. He decided he would ask Tammy later but for now he continued inside with Michonne to warm up. Lunch was being served in the dining hall so they made their way there to grab a bite.

"Michonne!" Andrea waved a hand at her.

Rick was uncertain if he should follow Michonne as she stepped forward. But she turned back after a few paces, realizing he wasn't with her then smiled and nodded to him. Rick couldn't help the flood of relief he felt from her invitation. She seemed to trust him to a greater degree as he tried to earn it after his rudeness to her only nights ago.

The time they spent on the hike wasn't only fun but it gave him a closer glance at what intrigued him about Michonne. She was proving to be more than just sexually his match as they chatted more along the way. She was smart, witty and athletic but also gorgeous. She was confident enough to permit him to take the lead which was encouraging. He had been second guessing his own actions as of late but she listened without judgment and he wanted to share more.

They walked over to the table Andrea sat at with an older gentleman.

"Hi, again Rick." Andrea smirked at him making him uncomfortably blush after they sat. "This is Dale, he's staying a night here at your lodge."

She pointed to the man with the male pattern baldness who looked to be dressed for a fishing trip. "Nice to meet you Dale." Rick shook his hand across the table.

"This is quite a lovely place you have here. I was looking for somewhere to simply park Winnie and I stumbled across your lodge. I decided to book a room and get a nice hot shower and sleep in a comfy bed." Dale extended a hand to Michonne. "You must be the Mrs."

Rick and Michonne both flushed but she shook his hand while Andrea jumped in. "Oh no, this is my friend, Michonne. She came here with me and Yumiko for the retreat."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You two just look…I'm sorry, I misspoke." Dale stuttered through his apology.

"It's okay, who wouldn't want to be attached to a beautiful woman like Michonne?" Rick heard himself saying before he thought he'd said too much.

From his side he could see that Michonne coyly grinned while Andrea appeared favorably astounded. Dale only beamed at the two, not knowing what he'd awoken before Carl and Sophia rushed over, thankfully interrupting the tension.

"Dad, I have to go get my stuff."

"Your mom's here Sophia?" Rick asked the girl.

"She's on the way. She told us to be ready when she gets here. Her and my Dad are taking us for pizza." Sophia excitedly announced.

"Ok, I'm just gonna grab myself something to eat really quickly since you and Carl had us hiking for so long." Rick joked.

"Michonne, was it that bad?" Carl turned to her and Rick marveled as their easy rapport continued.

"It wasn't bad at all Carl. You did an amazing job and so did you, Sophia."

"Thanks." both the children smiled with all their teeth showing.

"I'm going to Sophia's house for a sleepover tonight, her mom says my Dad needs some alone time." the boy shrugged.

Rick huffed and rolled his eyes at the ongoing conspiracy that involved him and his friends while Michonne giggled.

"Have fun."

"Thanks."

"Carl, go start getting ready. I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay, Dad. Bye, Michonne."

"Bye." she waved at the kids as they turned to scamper off but much to Rick's chagrin, they still spoke loud enough for them to hear.

"Is that the lady my mom was talking about?"

"Yep."

"She's pretty."

"Umm, I-" Rick was confounded by the children's words.

"Let's eat." Michonne released him from his embarrassment, standing from the table and walking towards the buffet. As Rick awkwardly stood, he saw Andrea and Dale cheekily looking at him before he followed Michonne.

They went down the service line putting various items on their plates. Rick's mind scrambled to think of something he and Michonne could do tonight besides the obvious. He absolutely wanted to get his hands on her sans clothes. After all their touches and his stares at her ample assets filling out her pants he couldn't deny what he craved. He also didn't want her to think that whatever this thing between them was, was simply sexual. He remembered the evenings planned events and got an idea.

"So there's a wine tasting tonight."

"I was already planning on going."

Rick was taken aback by her breezy response once they got to the end of the table. "I actually meant, with me."

Michonne pivoted and smirked at him. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

Rick bobbed his head back and forth. "If it's something you'd wanted."

She leaned in to whisper. "From the way you've been staring at my ass all day, I figured you'd be ready to get me in bed finally."

Rick knew his Adams apple had to be bobbing from his swallowing at her perceptive accusation. Her close proximity and the breathy tone of her voice was making him rethink this whole date suggestion himself. He had to swiftly calm himself and get back control. He stepped closer to her still and whispered too.

"There's nothing more, I would love to do right now than to get you into bed…" he could see the quickening rise of Michonne's chest now with her jacket open. "…but I think we should continue to enjoy each other in all aspects. Don't you think?"

Michonne just bit her lip and nodded her agreement, submitting to him once more. Rick had to compose himself once again, remembering they were in a room with other people.

"I'm gonna go check on Carl, see him off and check on things around here. I'll meet you in the room set up for the wine tasting tonight."

"Okay." Michonne was just barely able to manage.

"Have a good meal, I can't wait to see you later." Rick muttered before backing away leaving Michonne to simmer.

He turned and headed to his home with a big grin on his face. Now, appreciating his friends not so subtle attempts at making him available to pursue this delectable woman.