Richonne (Short Love Stories) In Name Only (Chapter 35)

Michonne awakens to the sunlight filtering in through the sheer curtain panels and a serene quietness. She stretches and welcomes the soreness at her core as memories of what she shared with Rick earlier come flooding back to her. She smiles as she looks to her side and he is there sleeping soundlessly with his back to her. She glances up at the ceiling and can't help but relish in the happiness that flows through her entire body.

She moves a little closer to him, wanting to feel his skin on hers, his body on hers. She turns to rest on her side, her front facing his back. She places a hand softly on his bicep and starts to feather light kisses on his upper back, his shoulder, and his neck.

Rick smiles before opening his eyes, loving the feel of her lips on his body, her breasts pressing into his back. "Good morning," he says before turning to face her.

"Good morning," she returns. She smiles almost shyly. "Did we do what I think we did?"

Rick frowns slightly. "Are you having another memory lapse?"

She bites her bottom lip. "Not quite, but this doesn't seem real right now. Are we gonna be ok?"

Her husband smiles as he pulls her into his arms. "We're gonna be fine."

She closes her eyes with a slight shudder as she feels his hardened member twitch against her thigh. She knows they have to be just as careful as they were last night since the only box of condoms he had in the house had expired months ago, but she wants him again and refuses to deny herself. She pushes him onto his back and straddles him, aligning her body with his as she slowly eases down onto his stiffness.

He sighs deeply as he places his hands on her hips and moves with her. His eyes rove all over her, from her beautiful, flawless face, lingering on her lips, to her long, slender neck, her slim shoulders, small but ample breasts, her nipples hardened and beckoning for him, her slightly defined biceps, her taut and flat abdomen, indented waist, the patch of curls covering her womanhood, his hands splayed over her hips, and finally her smooth and firm thighs gripping his sides.

She brings her hands up to his chest and drops down a little harder on him, eliciting a loud groan. She gazes into his expressive blue eyes before appreciating his succulent lips. She moves her hands to his pecs and squeezes him affectionately. She prays he can pull out in time but she could care less at this moment as he feels so good and she never wants their connection to end.

They spend the day in bed, laughing and reminiscing about their first meeting and their friendship over the years. They talk about current events, their jobs….topics they are used to discussing but everything seems to have taken on a whole new meaning.

Later that night, they meet Daryl and Sasha for dinner. Glenn and Maggie were attending a concert together. Otherwise, they would've joined their group. Michonne tries her best not to act too giddy with Rick as she doesn't want Daryl and Sasha to pick up on anything. Unbeknownst to her, Sasha is experiencing the same predicament as she and Daryl recently started dating but haven't revealed anything yet. To combat any issues, Michonne and Sasha engage each other while Daryl and Rick talk.

Hours later, Michonne and Rick are on their way home when she asks him to pull into a Walgreens. He snaps his finger as if he is remembering something and switches off the engine after parking. They both get out of the car and hold hands while they enter the store. They branch off in search of the items they need.

Minutes later, Michonne ventures over to the contraceptives only to find her husband there, perusing the selection. She saunters up to him with a smile.

He smiles back. "See anything you like?"

She is all of a sudden anxious to get home. They make a couple of selections, grab several boxes, check out at the register, and move quickly to the car.

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Michonne is having a girls' night out with Maggie and Sasha. They went shopping earlier and are now having dinner and drinks. The former laughs as she checks her cell phone yet again that night. She gasps when Maggie grabs the phone to read the text.

"You've been texting Rick all this time? What does RYW stand for?" Maggie asks.

Michonne snatches her phone back. "Stop being nosy."

"Uh-uh. What gives? You've been walking around with this huge smile all night and now we find out it's Rick you've been texting?" Maggie surmises.

"I didn't want to say anything, but you're right, Maggie. Something's going on," Sasha interjects.

Michonne sighs as she feels she is being ganged up on but she really is bursting to tell them what's going on with Rick.

"Are you falling for your husband?" Sasha frowns deeply. "That sounds so weird. I mean, he is your husband so maybe you should be falling for him. Heck, I don't know. Just tell us what's going on."

"I don't know what to tell you. Things are just….going really well and I'm happy," Michonne shares.

"So, what does that mean? Are you guys gonna stay married now? I mean, once he gets the inheritance and everything?" Sasha inquires.

Being reminded of the inheritance gives Michonne pause. She knows that's why they got married, but she doesn't want it to be the reason they stay married. Stay married? Do I wanna stay married to Rick?

She looks between her friends. "I don't know what the future holds for us. I'm just enjoying what we have now."

"And what is that?" Maggie probes.

Michonne lifts her eyebrows with a devilish smile.

"Michonne! You didn't?!" Sasha exclaims.

"Wow! You mean….you did it….with Rick? Your best friend?" Maggie asks, then shakes her head. "Hell, he is your husband, isn't he?"

Michonne can't help but laugh. She feels a little less stressed about it now that Maggie and Sasha know.

"This is the weirdest situation I have ever been privy to. How can I advise you about sleeping with your husband?" Sasha wonders. "Well, since we're making confessions….Daryl and I started dating."

They laugh so loud, they draw the attention of other patrons in the restaurant.

The following week, Michonne arrives home early. She is excited as the approval for her real estate purchase came through and the first step to her private practice has been realized. She called Rick earlier in the day to share the news with him and he suggested they go out to celebrate. She walks into the kitchen and gasps as she sees a huge vase with at least two dozen red roses. She drops her purse and briefcase on the counter and takes a deep whiff of the flowers' fragrant scent.

Rick walks into the kitchen and smiles as he witnesses her with her eyes closed, smelling the roses. "I take it you like those?"

She opens her eyes and smiles at him. "They're beautiful. Thank you." She moves over to him and gives him a tight hug before kissing him softly on the lips. She looks back at the roses and can't help but wonder if Rick knows the meaning of red roses. She knows the color symbolizes more than one thing, but she can't help gravitating to what she wants it to mean.

"So, I thought we'd dine downtown tonight. I want you to get all dolled up and I'll put on a nice suit to look half way decent with you on my arm," Rick tells her.

She smiles as he always makes her feel beautiful. "You are going to look more than decent and you know it."

They enjoy a wonderful time at dinner and have a drink or two at a nearby jazz club with a live band. Michonne is more than surprised when Rick asks her to dance. She puts her hand in his and allows him to lead her onto the dance floor. She shudders as he takes her into his arms tenderly and starts to sway to the music. She reflects on how happy she is at this time in her life. She is married to her best friend and if she is honest with herself, she is falling fast for him and the life he has shown her that they could have together, her practice is finally coming to fruition…..all is well in her life.

Soon, they reclaim their table and Michonne is about to say something when a female squeals and rushes over to Rick, hugging him from behind.

"Rick! I can hardly believe it's you!" The dark blonde exclaims.

Michonne watches with interest as Rick disentangles her arms from his neck and turns to face her.

"Mandy?" He asks.

"The one and only, suga. How you been? I sure do hate I let you get away," she tells him before she finally notices Michonne. "Who's this?"

"I'm Michonne. Nice to meet you."

"This is my wife, Mandy," Rick supplies.

Mandy gasps. "Your wife? Awww….damn. Does that mean I can't get another taste of you?"

Michonne's eyes flash with fire as she tries to reign in her emotions.

Rick holds up his hand, brandishing his ring. "That's exactly what it means. Well, it was nice seeing you. Take care of yourself."

Mandy sighs as she looks to Michonne. "Congratulations, honey. You got yourself one helluva man right here." She laughs. "Well, I guess you already know how good he is and how insatiable."

"Good night, Mandy," Rick says firmly.

"Good night," Mandy returns hesitantly before sauntering off.

"Was she before or after Lori?" Michonne asks.

Rick swallows nervously not wanting to upset Michonne. "Before."

"Well, you certainly left a lasting impression on her," she returns.

"Michonne, that was my past. I'm not proud of it, but I can't change it. I know better now…and when you know better, you do better, right?" Rick suggests.

"Whatever. This was a nice night," she says.

"Don't let her ruin it."

Michonne doesn't want to let her ruin it, but she can't help thinking back to those days when Rick was "out there" so to speak. She never judged him, but she wasn't sleeping with him then either. She suddenly wants to know all the details about his sexual escapades. Should she expect other women from his past to pop up at any given time? Why does she suddenly feel insecure with him? She doesn't like feeling insecure about anything.

"I think I'd like to go home now," she tells him.

Rick drops his head as he can detect that she's not happy. Damn. "Ok." He pays for their drinks and escorts her out to his car.

He tries to engage her in conversation the entire ride home, but she only gives him one word answers and he knows she is thinking and thinking hard.

They arrive home. She continues on up the stairs as he locks the door and punches in the code to activate the security system. He moves up the stairs and goes to his bedroom, expecting her to be there but she's not. His neck muscles bunch up with agitation but he takes a deep calming breath before he makes his way to her room. He knocks on the door softly and waits patiently for her to open it.

She finally does, tying the belt of a robe as she stands by the door. "Yes?"

"Don't do this. Come to bed with me. I won't be able to sleep without you," Rick implores.

Michonne feels her resolve crumbling, but she is determined to sleep in her room, in her bed tonight. "You'll be fine."

He sighs as he catches her eyes with his. "Well, can I at least kiss you good night?"

"Fine." Michonne moves closer to him and leans in slightly. She gasps as she feels a shift of air as Rick drops to his knees and parts her robe. "Rick?"

He kisses her lace covered center then looks up at her. "I never said which lips I wanted to kiss."

Her knees nearly give way at the deep husky seductive tone of his voice and to witness his eyes darken with desire. Her tongue darts out to moisture her suddenly dry lips and she closes her eyes as he reaches beneath her robe and hooks his fingers in her panties and drags them down.

He lowers her to the floor and spreads her legs before dropping his head down and placing his mouth on her. He flicks his tongue against her before moving in to suckle gently, rolling his head to exaggerate his oral penetration.

All Michonne can do is whimper as Rick has her right where he wants her. She spreads her legs even wider as she rolls her hips in an upward motion to meet his tongue. She can't even think about being mad at him when he is doing this to her. Any coherent thoughts or agitation quickly dissipate.

Not much time elapses before her body starts to quake as orgasm claims her. "Oh…..oh…" She comes completely undone as Rick reaches up and palms her breasts, pinching her nipples lightly through her bra.

He licks her until her tremors are minimal, an indication that she reached a full release. He lifts himself to his knees and slowly starts to disrobe.

Michonne watches as he rises to a stand to remove his shoes and pants, standing before her completely naked. He moves over to the nightstand, grabbing a condom. He strokes himself deliberately, knowing she is watching his every move. He eyes her as he rips the wrapper and proceeds to sheathe himself with the latex. She swallows nervously knowing she couldn't deny him even if she wanted to.

He walks over to her, dropping down to one knee as he positions an arm across her back and another beneath her knees, lifting her effortlessly to the bed. He proceeds to remove her robe and her bra and takes a moment to stare at her naked form. He decides to take his time loving her, starting at her toes and slowly making his way up her body before lying atop her, using a knee to part her legs.

She kisses along his neck and shoulders as she feels him seeking entrance. Her breath hitches as he enters her smoothly, burying himself deep. She wraps her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist as they move together, both so ensconced in the other that nothing else matters in that moment.

The next morning is routine as usual. They have breakfast together before Michonne leaves for work and Rick kisses her as he always does only their goodbye kisses have escalated from a chaste peck on the cheek to a full on French kiss right by the door.

Later that night they are having dinner when Rick brings up Thanksgiving which is only days away. "You haven't said what your plans are. Mom would like us to come to the house and she suggested that you invite your parents."

Michonne sputters as the water she was drinking went down the wrong way. She recovers quickly and asks, "My parents?"

"Yes, your mom and dad. Is that a problem?"

Michonne places her napkin on the table, unable to look Rick in his eyes. "Well…..I should probably just go home for Thanksgiving. I haven't seen them in a while and….."

"You haven't told them about the marriage, have you?" Rick picks up on her reaction quickly.

She swallows nervously. "I….I just didn't know how to tell them. I can't lie to them."

"So is that what we're doing….still? We're lying? Playacting? Is that what you were doing last night when you screamed my name over and over…."

"Rick…." She realizes that Rick is suddenly angry and maybe he has every right to be, but this is on him. All of this was his idea. "I'm not…I wasn't playacting. I just couldn't tell my parents. They take marriage seriously…."

"And mine don't?"

"I didn't say that." She rolls her eyes heavenward as she realizes nothing she says is going to make this any better. "Can I just tell them before I invite them over and blindside them with this? Maybe I can go home for Thanksgiving and we can all get together for Christmas."

He just sits back and stares at her. "I can't believe you haven't told them. It's not like I'm some stranger you're bringing home. They've met me before. So, what's the truth? Did you have plans to tell them or were you just going to claim your just rewards and divorce me without your parents ever knowing?"

"I don't know what I was going to do. None of this was supposed to happen. You said we'd just be getting married as a solution to both our problems. Things…..changed."

He scoffs. "Why did they change, Michonne? If memory serves, you came home at 3 am and decided you wanted to fuck me."

Her mouth drops open at his crassness. "And what about you? Acting like the freaking husband of the year…buying things, cooking, being considerate and helpful and kissing me before I left for work each morning? You started this!"

"I can finish it too."

She gasps as she looks at him. The thought of divorce evoked an emotion in her that she wasn't ready to recognize. Her eyes grow glossy with unshed tears.

Rick realizes he said the wrong thing when Michonne tears up and bolts from the table. "Shit." He goes after her and catches her on the stairs. "I didn't mean that. I'm sorry. I just….thought I meant enough to you that you'd tell your parents about us."

"Is there an us?"

He nods as he wipes the tears from her cheeks. "I want you. If this isn't what you want, tell me now."

"I do want this and I want you, too." She smiles as he kisses her softly. "I'll invite my parents for Thanksgiving, but we need to make a trip to Columbus first."

"We?" Rick asks with slight hesitation.

She nods. "I want to tell them with you by my side."

Several minutes later, Rick is looking up into his wife's beautiful brown eyes as she straddles him. He can't believe they're fucking on the stairs but he couldn't move if he tried. Her body has a vise grip on his and he is basking in the pleasurable torture of it all.