-1Chapter Nine:
"That was the biggest ice cream parlor I've ever been to!" Kevin exclaimed. "How many different flavors did they have again?"
"Ninety Nine," Lauren replied distractedly. Michael had slipped his arm around her waist and was gently stoking her hip in the most delightful way. "And I think I read that they're unveiling their 100th flavor next Friday."
"Cool. Maybe we can go back next weekend and try it." Kevin suggested hopefully as he ran up ahead of them towards the Fenmore cottage. Lauren playfully pushed Michael away when he began nibbling on her ear. He grinned at her mischievously as they joined Kevin on the veranda.
"I can't find the key," Lauren said in frustration as she rooted through her purse. "I know I put it in here."
"Looking for this?" A familiar voice asked from behind them.
"Mrs. Everett!" Lauren exclaimed, turning to smile at the older woman as she walked up the pathway towards them.
"I found this on the bathroom sink while I was cleaning up," Mrs. Everett explained, reaching out to place the key in Lauren's hand. "I figured you'd be needing it."
"Thanks." She said gratefully, fitting the key in the lock and opening the door to the cottage. "Would you like to come in for a bit?"
"I actually came over to see if ya'll would like to come have dinner at my house? Unless you've already eaten…"
"Just ice cream," Kevin informed her. "But I'm still hungry." Mrs. Everett chuckled at the little boy.
"Well then, I've got a big pot of clam chowder with your name on it." She declared pleasantly. "Come on, I'll heat it up." Kevin leapt off the veranda to follow the old lady back to her house. Michael and Lauren looked at each other reluctantly. As much as they enjoyed the older woman's company, they really wanted to be alone. Michael cleared his throat.
"Um, I'm not that hungry actually." He said casually. Mrs. Everett stopped walking and turned back to look at the two teens.
"Yeah, me either." Lauren added sheepishly. Mrs. Everett gave them a knowing smile.
"I see," She glanced down at Kevin and the little boy smiled up at her pleasantly. "Well, why don't I take this little fella over to my place for supper and you two can go out on the town or something?" Mrs. Everett suggested.
"Oh, no. We couldn't ask you to do that…" Michael started to protest.
"You're not asking, I'm offering." Mrs. Everett corrected him stubbornly. "Besides, the girls are coming over tonight and I could use a new Bridge partner."
"Bridge?" Kevin said curiously. " Is that like Go Fish?"
"Oh, dear." She chuckled. "We've got a lot of work to do."
"You're sure this is okay?" Lauren asked.
"Yes, sweetie. I'm sure." Mrs. Everett insisted. "Now go on, have a good time. Kevin and I will have a splendid evening, won't we?" The little boy nodded up at her enthusiastically, curious to find out if there was any witchcraft involved in the game of Bridge.
"Thank you." Michael said sincerely, offering the woman a warm smile. She nodded in understanding. Taking Kevin by the hand, she lead him off the property and back towards her house.
"So," Michael said suggestively, placing his hand on the small of Lauren's back and ushering her inside the small cottage. "What do you want to do now?"
"I think there's a box of board games around here somewhere," She said casually, shutting the door and locking it behind her. "We could play Scrabble? Maybe get a game of Trivial Pursuit going and then…" She shrieked in surprise as Michael pinned her up against the wall, fusing his mouth to hers in a searing kiss. She giggled against his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer.
"You smell so good," Michael mumbled in between kisses, running his tongue along her lower lip until she parted them with a sigh. "You taste good too." He declared before continuing his assault on her eager mouth.
"Yeah?" Lauren said breathlessly when he broke their kiss and began nibbling on her earlobe, soothing the tender skin with his tongue. "You know what would taste even better?"
"I can think of a thing or two." He whispered into her ear seductively, his warm breath making her shiver as she remembered how he'd spent most of last night with his head buried between her thighs.
"I meant dinner," Lauren admonished him playfully, moving out of his embrace and walking across the dark room to turn on a lamp. "I want you to take me out to dinner." She declared stubbornly, smiling up at him as he moved towards her slowly, invading her personal space once more.
"Oh, really?" he asked teasingly, running his finger down the length of her arm in an attempt to change her mind. She nodded her head resolutely, taking a step back. "Why can't we just order in?"
"Because," She started to say as she reached up and undid her pearl necklace, bending to place it on the coffee table beside her. "We're in New Orleans, Michael. The city that never sleeps. There's so much to do and see…" she explained, kicking off her heels and tilting her head to the side as she carefully removed her earrings. "And if I'm not mistaken," she moved closer to him until they were mere inches apart. "We haven't gone out on an actual date yet."
"You're joking, right?" Michael chuckled, looking down at her disbelievingly. She glared back at him, eyebrow raised in defiance. "After everything that's happened between us, you want to go out on a first date?"
"Better late than never," She reasoned, slowly reaching up to unzip the back of her dress. "Unless of course you don't want to go out with me?" She teased, but there was a hint of insecurity in her voice. Lauren knew he was attracted to her, but she had no idea if his feelings ran any deeper than that.
"Well, I would rather stay here so I could have you all to myself," he leered suggestively. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to go out for a bit. I mean, it can't possibly go any worse than the last time we went out for a drink together, right?" Michael said jokingly. She forced a smile, not wanting to think about that night. His black eye was reminder enough.
"Okay then, so it's settled." Lauren said decisively, reaching up to run her hand down the front of his chest before stepping around him and heading down the hall towards the washroom. "I'm gonna go have a quick bath and change into something more festive."
"Do you need me to scrub your back?" Michael offered chivalrously as he watched her slowly shed her dress in the dimly lit hallway, just outside the bathroom door. She turned to face him, wearing nothing but a pair of black silk panties and a smile.
"I think I can manage on my own, thanks. You just make sure you're dressed and ready by the time I get out of here." Lauren ordered, pleased at the way his gaze kept drifting down to admire her breasts.
"And if I'm not ready in time?" Michael teased defiantly.
"Then I hope you enjoyed the view, because you'll be bunking with Kevin tonight." Lauren threatened playfully before stepping into the bathroom and closing the door firmly behind her. Michael chuckled, already removing his shirt as he obediently made his way towards the bedroom to get changed.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"That comes to $22.50." The cab driver informed them as they pulled up in front of the restaurant on Bourbon Street. Lauren reached into her purse, but Michael stopped her.
"I'll take care of it." He informed her as he reached into his pocket and pulled out two twenties. She looked at him questioningly. "What? I broke my piggy bank before we left Detroit." He explained, reaching over the seat to hand the driver his money.
"Michael, you need that money for school." Lauren said quietly, tugging on his shirt sleeve to get his attention. He turned to look at her, smiling reassuringly.
"Don't worry about it. After everything you've done for me, it's the least I can do." He reached out to gently tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "Besides, this is our first date after all."
"That doesn't mean you have to pay for everything." Lauren insisted, hating that money continued to be an issue between them.
"And who said I was paying for everything?" He said incredulously, retrieving his change from the driver before opening the car door. "Dinner's on you, babe, and Mikey's got a craving for lobster." He teased, stepping out of the taxi and slamming the door behind him. Lauren shook her head in amusement as she got out of the taxi and joined him on the curb.
"Oh man, I haven't been here in years." She exclaimed, staring up at the old building in awe. It still looked the same, right down to the heavy oak doors that were decorated with carvings of jesters, their grinning faces staring down at the restaurant's patrons mirthfully The windows were tinted, preventing anyone from seeing inside. And with no sign above the door identifying the building's purpose, one would never know that the ominous looking structure was actually one of the most famous restaurants in all of New Orleans.
"What is this place?" Michael asked in fascination as he looked at her questioningly. She took his hand in hers and started dragging him towards the entrance.
"I'm not sure," She admitted, smiling up at him mischievously. "But I can't wait to find out."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Welcome to Harrrah's. Is it just the two of you this evening?" The attractive young hostess yelled in order to be heard above the noise in the packed restaurant. Michael slipped his arm around Lauren's waist and pulled her closer.
"Yep. And do you have a table near the back?" He questioned hopefully, wanting to keep Lauren all to himself. The hostess laughed, gesturing to the crowded dance floor and occupied booths.
"It's gonna be at least a half hour wait for any table at all." She informed them, smiling at Michael regretfully. Lauren glared at her, not liking the way the woman's eyes lingered on Michael's lips. He didn't seem to notice.
"Do you want to go somewhere else?" He suggested and even with the jazz music blaring, Lauren could hear his stomach growl. She was about to agree when she noticed an empty chair near the bar.
"They can serve us our food at the bar, can't they?" Lauren asked the hostess. The girl looked at her in bewilderment, glancing at the crowded bar area.
"Yeah, but…"
"Then have a waitress sent over as soon as possible, please." Lauren instructed her with an air of confidence that came from years of getting exactly what she wanted. "Come on, Michael." She took him by the hand and lead him further into the crowded restaurant. He would have found her domineering behaviour annoying if he wasn't so turned on by it. They squeezed their way through the crowd of drunken revelers on the dance floor until they reached the crowded bar.
"There's only one seat." Michael informed her as he glanced at the lone barstool that was sandwiched in between two portly looking men.
"Way to state the obvious, Michael." Lauren said teasingly as she sauntered up to the bar and cleared her throat loudly, causing the two men to look up at her curiously. "Excuse me boys, but would you mind moving over just a bit so I could have a seat?" One of the men leisurely looked her up and down, taking in her short skirt and low cut blouse.
"Sure thing , love. But I've got a seat for you right here if you want?" He said, grinning at her lasciviously as he motioned to his lap. Lauren tried not to cringe.
"As tempting as that sounds, I'll have to pass." She turned him down politely, pulling out the empty barstool as both men shifted over to give her more room. Michael came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders possessively.
"Suit yourself." The man said gruffly, glaring at Michael before turning his attention back to his drink.
"Here," Lauren said to Michael, patting the chair enthusiastically. "Sit."
"Yes, Ma'am." He said, obediently taking a seat on the tall barstool. She smiled at him mischievously as she placed her hands on the bar for support and hopped up onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and pulled her closer, resting his chin on her shoulder as he whispered in her ear. "Comfy?"
"Very." She said, turning her head to the side so that she could look into his eyes. He smiled at her before burying his nose in her hair, nuzzling her gently. Michael had never been much of a cuddler, so he had no idea why the urge to hold her was so strong. Lauren didn't seem to have any complaints as she leaned back against his chest, sighing in contentment.
"You look so beautiful ." He cooed softly into her ear and she giggled as his warm breath tickled her skin.
"You don't have to flatter me ya know, you're getting lucky tonight regardless." Lauren informed him seductively. He stopped what he was doing and looked up at her, his expression serious.
"That wasn't flattery, Lauren. It was the truth." He reached out to gently hold her face in his hand so that she couldn't look away. "You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever met, and I'm gonna keep on telling you that until you finally believe me." He said fiercely. She blinked away the tears that were threatening to escape, unnerved by his ability to see the insecurity she tried so desperately to hide behind false bravado.
"Can I get you two kids something to drink?" The bartender interrupted them and Lauren welcomed the distraction.
"Um, yeah. Can I get a margarita?"
"Frozen, or on the rocks?" He asked casually, wiping off a glass with his tattered dish towel.
"Frozen, please." She declared, needing something cool to offer her some relief from the sweltering Louisiana heat.
"And for you, sir?" The bartender asked Michael as he started to prepare Lauren's drink, pouring a generous shot of tequila into the empty glass.
"I'll just have a beer." He ordered casually. Lauren turned to look at him in disbelief.
"We're in a bar. On Bourbon Street. The party capital of the world, and you're gonna order a beer?!" She asked him incredulously. He shrugged.
"I like beer." He said simply, not wanting to get into his reasons for avoiding hard liquor. He refused to think about Tom or his father tonight. Tonight was about them. Lauren eyed him suspiciously, but she decided not to push the issue.
"Alright then, a beer it is." Lauren confirmed to the bartender who nodded once before leaving to go get their drinks.
"I can't believe he didn't ask us for ID." Michael said discreetly and Lauren chuckled.
"Yeah, they're a lot more laid back about stuff like that down here." She informed him, snuggling further into his embrace. She could definitely get used to this whole sharing a seat thing.
"One more reason to love this city." He proclaimed jokingly. Lauren laid her head back against his shoulder and looked up at his face in the dim light.
"You do, don't you? Love it here I mean." She questioned, having noticed the changes in him since they'd arrived in Louisiana the day before. He was so much more relaxed now, more open and willing to let his guard down around her. He just kept unfolding like a flower and she reveled in each new discovery.
"Yeah, I do." He admitted, smiling down at her in contentment. "I mean, it beats the hell out of Detroit. It's gonna be hard to go back there after all this." He declared somberly and Lauren could tell he wasn't just referring to the city.
"Here you go; one frozen margarita and one Bud Light." The bartender interrupted them yet again as he placed their drinks down on the bar. "Do you wanna pay now, or should I start a tab?"
"Tab please," Lauren said decisively, sitting up straighter in Michael's lap as she reached forward to grab their drinks. She handed Michael his bottle of Bud and held her glass up to his in a toast. "To New Orleans." She said wistfully.
"To New Orleans." He agreed, clinking the neck of his bottle against her margarita glass. He watched in amusement as she tipped her head back and downed half of her drink in one gulp. Queen of the kegger indeed.
"Now, where the hell is the waitress? I'm starved!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Twenty minutes later, Lauren had managed to track down their waitress and ordered a plate of buffalo wings as an appetizer while they waited for their jambalaya. She was walking back towards the bar when the hostess approached her.
"I just thought I'd let you know that there's a table available now. If you and your friend would like to sit there instead I could…"
"No, we're good thanks." Lauren said dismissively, glaring at the woman in annoyance before walking away.
"What took you so long?" Michael teased as he stole a wing off the plate she was holding and took a huge bite. "Holy sh!t, that's spicy!"
"What can I say? I like it hot." Lauren said suggestively as she climbed back up into his lap.
"I thought you don't eat meat?" He pointed out, cautiously taking another bite.
"I don't." She said simply and he watched as she picked a carrot stick up off the plate and dipped it into the spicy buffalo wing sauce before bringing it to her lips. He shook his head in amusement.
"But what about dinner? I thought you ordered jambalaya?"
"I did. Vegetarian jambalaya." She clarified, chewing on her spicy carrot stick. "For me anyway. Don't worry, I got you the real deal."
"Good, because unlike you I can't live off of curried tofu. I'm a man, I have needs!" He exclaimed playfully, reaching around her to grab his beer off the bar.
"Yes, you certainly do. And I plan on taking care of all of them tonight." She promised, offering him a seductive smile before finishing off her third margarita. "Bartender! Another round please."
"Whoa, don't you think you've had enough margaritas for one night?" Michael said cautiously, not wanting to sound too preachy.
"You're right." Lauren agreed before turning her attention back to the bartender. "Just bring me the bottle of tequila and two shot glasses." She instructed the older man "It's time to get this party started."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Two plates of jambalaya and half a bottle of tequila later, Michael and Lauren were feeling no pain. She was still seated in his lap, only she was facing him now, straddling his thighs in a very unladylike fashion. Michael wasn't quite as far gone as she was, having only indulged in a few shots of tequila after she'd squirted lime juice down her neck and instructed him to lick it off. Who was he to refuse her?
"Psssssst!" Lauren hissed loudly, trying to get his attention even though she already had it. "I am so drunk right now!"
"You sure are." Michael chuckled, pulling her closer when he felt her start to tip to one side.
"Hey, hey, hey. Are you trying to get frisky with me?" She asked, her words slurring slightly as she wound her arms around his neck to steady herself.
"I hate to break it to you, but you're the one straddling my lap. If anyone's being taken advantage of here, it's me." He said teasingly, running his hands up and down her back.
"You're right!" Lauren gasped in realization, covering her mouth with her hand. "I'm such a horrible person."
"No you're not." Michael argued, caught off guard by her response to his joke.
"Yes I am!" She insisted, placing her hands on his shoulders for support as she climbed down off of his lap, nearly losing her balance more than once. "I always do this! I get drunk and make a fool of myself."
"Sweetie, you didn't do anything wrong. I was only kidding." Michael tried to explain, getting up and moving to stand in front of her beside the bar.
"Really?" She sniffled, blinking back tears.
"Really," He assured her, reaching up to gently wipe away her tears. "You are not a horrible person, you are the most incredible person I have ever met." He told her sincerely. "And you can take advantage of me anytime, anywhere." He teased, hoping for a less dramatic reaction this time.
"You say the sweetest things." Lauren said, smiling up at him. "That's one of the things that I love about you. I mean, yeah, I know I'm hot and everything and guys are always telling me how beautiful I am, but I know they don't mean it. They just want to get in my pants." She explained, pausing to take a breath. "But not you. It's different with you, everything is different with you. I can just look into your eyes and tell that you mean what you say." She shook her head in frustration. "Does that make sense?"
"Yeah." Michael said softly. "It makes perfect sense."
"Okay, good cuz sometimes I don't make sense." She admitted, laughing at herself as she took his hand in hers and started pulling him towards the crowded dance floor. "I love this song!" She declared, singing along to the lyrics as she wrapped her arms around his neck and began swaying to the music.
"Just
a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight
train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south
Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere"
"Oh my God, this is totally our song!" Lauren yelled enthusiastically. Michael smiled in agreement, holding her close so that her chest was pressed up against his. "I'll think of you every time I hear it." She promised, looking up at him pleadingly. "Will you think of me?"
"Every second of every day." He whispered fiercely, not sure if she would be able to hear him above the loud music penetrating their eardrums. Her eyes shown with unshed tears as she offered him a sad smile. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her passionately, wanting to make her forget that their time together was running out. When their lips parted, she looked up at him somberly and he couldn't resist belting out the last few lines of the song.
"Don't stop believin'
Hold on to the feelin'"
Lauren giggled at the way he sang off key, his voice cracking as he tried to reach the high notes. He grinned at her as the song ended, pleased to see that she was slowly coming out of her funk. Just then, a new song started blaring from the speakers and Michael groaned when he realized what it was.
Gloria,
you're always on the run now
Running after somebody
You gotta
get him somehow
I think you've got to slow down
Before you
start to blow it
I think you're headed for a breakdown
So be
careful not to show it
"I bet your mother loves having her own theme song." Lauren chuckled, her mood improving as she watched him roll his eyes at her comment.
"The lyrics are pretty damn accurate. Especially the part about hearing voices in her head." Michael said jokingly and Lauren burst into a fit of laughter.
"You're horrible!" She admonished him lightheartedly as she wiped at the tears in her eyes. "Listen, I'm gonna go to the washroom and freshen up. I'll be right back, okay?"
"Yeah, sure. I'll be here." He said, bending to place a quick kiss on her lips. She smiled up at him before she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. It was then that Michael felt a tap on his shoulder.
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Exiting the washroom, Lauren was pleased to note that the room was no longer spinning. Feeling less nauseous but still pleasantly buzzed, she made her way back towards the bar. The crowd had thinned out a bit, people calling it a night and going home to get a few hours sleep before heading back to work the next morning. Lauren was ready to leave too, but sleep was the last thing on her mind.
"Ready to pay your tab?" The bartender questioned her as she approached the bar. Michael was nowhere to be seen.
"Yeah, sure thing." Lauren said distractedly, reaching into her purse as she scanned the room looking for a familiar face. "Um, do you know where my friend went?"
"He's still out on the dance floor." The older man informed her casually, reaching out to accept the money she was handing to him. "Seems he has quite the fan club." He added, nodding his head towards the still crowded dance floor. Lauren turned to see what he was talking about.
And that's when she saw him. He was in the middle of the dance floor, his body moving to the music as he and a handful of others danced along to the Electric Slide. She smiled at the sight, loving to see him act so carefree. She started walking towards the dance floor, wanting to share one last dance with him before they headed back to the cottage. But then the song changed, and Lauren stopped dead in her tracks as she watched the two girls who were dancing beside Michael turn to face him.
"This song is so hot," the one girl exclaimed, running her hand down Michael's arm and grabbing hold of his hand. "You have to dance with us again, you're so good!" she slurred, obviously drunk.
"Yeah, you're definitely the hottest guy in this place." The second girl added as she moved to stand behind him, placing her hands on his hips as she began swaying to the music.
"Thanks girls, but I think I've had enough dancing for one night." Michael declined politely, trying to move away from the two scantily clad sorority girls who had approached him earlier when Lauren left to go use the washroom. He wondered what was taking her so long?
"Oh come on, just one more song." The taller girl pleaded, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck and grinding her hips into his. Lauren felt a lump form in her throat when he didn't push her away.
"Don't you like us, Michael?" The other girl asked seductively, pressing her chest up against his back. "Don't you think we're hot?"
"Of course I think you're hot," He declared uncomfortably, grabbing hold of the one girl's arms and removing them from his neck. "But I'm…"
"Taken." Lauren said sharply, interrupting the little threesome. Michael looked up at her in surprise, he hadn't noticed she was there.
"Lauren," He started to explain, but she cut him off again.
"It's late. Shouldn't you two be back at Barbie's dream house by now?" She said snidely, turning her attention to the two leggy blondes as they moved away from Michael and came to stand in front of her.
"Awww, sounds like somebody's upset that she can't keep her man's attention." The one girl taunted, sizing Lauren up as her friend did the same.
"Yeah, it's not our fault that he just can't seem to keep his hands off of us."
"Really? Is that what happened?" Lauren questioned them sarcastically. "Because from where I was standing it looked more like two desperate sluts forcing themselves on any guy sympathetic enough to give them a second glance."
"Fuck you!" One of the girls spat out in contempt, reaching out with both hands to shove Lauren backwards. She stumbled slightly before recovering enough to get her wits about her. She glared at the two blondes in a drunken, jealous rage.
"Oh it's on now, bitch!" Lauren exclaimed as she leapt on the girl who had pushed her and started choking the life out of her.
"Are you fucking crazy? Get off of her!" The other girl shrieked as grabbed hold of Lauren's hair and pulled, trying to help her friend. The feisty redhead merely reached behind her and elbowed the girl in her ribs, causing her to cry out in pain. Her friend took advantage of the momentary distraction and pushed Lauren off of her, hitting Lauren across the face as she got the upper hand. Lauren kneed her in the stomach
and the girl doubled over in pain.
"You crazy, bitch! I'll kill you!" The other girl threatened, already charging towards Lauren for round two.
"I'd like to see you try." Lauren challenged her, ready to attack when a pair of a strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back.
"Come on, Lauren. That's enough." Michael chuckled, deciding that it was time to put an end to this little catfight, no matter how much he may have been enjoying the show. Lauren whipped around to face him and he was shocked by the hurt and anger he saw in her eyes.
"Don't you fucking touch me." She spat out in contempt, pulling away from him. He watched in confusion as she turned her back on him and left the dance floor, storming out of the restaurant without so much as a glance in his direction.
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"Lauren! Where the hell are you going?" Michael called out as he chased after her.
"Leave me alone, Michael." She warned, picking up her pace as she hurried down the sidewalk. It was late but the streets were still crowded with drunken revelers, mostly college students who had come down to The Big Easy on summer vacation. Lauren pushed her way through the crowd, wanting to get as far away from it all as she possibly could. She sighed in relief when she turned the corner and found herself in a less popular area of the city, the crowds thinning out noticeably.
"Would you stop running away from me so we can talk about this?" Michael asked in frustration, breathing hard as he finally caught up to her. She slowed down, but didn't stop walking.
"What is there to talk about, Michael?" She asked him impatiently, her eyes focused on the ground as she continued walking down the nearly deserted street. He moved to stand in front of her, forcing her to stop walking. She glared up at him in annoyance.
"Why are you acting like this? Nothing happened!" He explained.
"It didn't look like nothing to me." She mumbled angrily, trying to step past him but he blocked her movements.
"They came up to me and asked me to dance. It would have been rude to say no."
"And since when do you give a shit about being rude, huh? When we first met you were a total jerk to me!" Lauren spat out accusingly.
"You're different." He said simply, his voice losing some of its edge as he realized just how hurt she really was.
"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" She asked, unconvinced.
"Look, I'm not used to having women throw themselves at me, okay? So when those two came onto me, it was…nice." He tried to explain, but it only seemed to upset her even more.
"You don't owe me an explanation, alright?" She said in frustration, her gaze focused on his chest because she couldn't bare to look him in the eyes. "I'm not your girlfriend. You're free to do whatever you want with whomever you want."
" So is that why you're acting like you just caught me cheating on you?" He said accusingly. She glared up at him then, eyebrow raised in indignation. "Because I wasn't."
"You weren't what?"
"Cheating on you." He declared, gazing at her pleadingly. "I don't want those girls, Lauren. They'd go running for the hills once they realized how truly fucked up I am." He teased. She tried to hide her smile, but he saw it. "You're the only one who's stuck around, Lauren. You're the only one I want." He admitted softly. She glanced up at him, searching his eyes and finding nothing but sincerity in them.
"What are we doing, Michael?" She asked, sighing in frustration. "What is this?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, not following her.
"This," she motioned at the space between them. "Us."
"I don't know what you want me to say, Lauren. This doesn't exactly happen to me everyday."
"Oh, and you think I make a habit of traipsing across the country with guys I've only known for a few days?" She said indignantly. Michael rolled his eyes in exasperation, frustrated by their conversation. "But that's just it, isn't it? It doesn't feel like we just met." She tried to explain, looking up at him in fascination. "It feels like I've known you forever."
"I feel the same way." Michael admitted softly, reaching out to stroke her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.
"I'm sorry," She apologized, laughing at herself in embarrassment. "I get so emotional when I drink."
"Well, I think we both learned a valuable lesson tonight." He said teasingly.
"What's that?" She asked, smiling up at him in amusement.
"Bars are definitely notour scene." He joked and she laughed in agreement.
"Hey! At least I won my bar fight." Lauren said playfully, lacing her fingers through his as they started leisurely walking down the narrow street.
"That was pretty damn hot you know. Watching you kick ass like that. And all because of little ol' me." Michael boasted proudly, walking alongside her hand in hand.
"Well, I wasn't about to just stand there and let a couple of tramps put the moves on my man." She teased.
"Is that how you think of me?" Michael asked curiously. "As 'your man' "?
"Yeah," Lauren admitted, a look of realization coming across her face. "Yeah, I do." She glanced up at him timidly. "Is that okay?"
"Lauren," He sighed, stopping abruptly and moving to stand in front of her. "It's more than okay."
"And that's why it bothered me so much," She started to explain, looking up at him coyly. "To see you with those girls. To see them touching you…" She moved closer to him and placed her hand on his chest, right above his heart. "Because you're mine, Michael. And I want to keep you all to myself."
"I think I can live with that." he agreed, smiling down at her in contentment. She returned his smile, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling him softly.
"Good," She purred, looking up at him seductively. "Now take me home, Michael."
She didn't have to ask twice.
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"Michael! What are you doing?!" Lauren shrieked as he picked her up in his arms and started walking down the narrow pathway towards the cottage.
"Just humor me, alright?" Michael requested in earnest. Lauren was touched by the sentimental display, reaching up to wrap her arm around his neck, she laid her head down against his shoulder as he carried her to the front door. It did kind of feel like their wedding, she realized, overcome with nervous anticipation. She couldn't wait to make love with him. To hold him in her arms and…
"Wait!" Lauren said abruptly, lifting her head up to look at him in concern. "What about Kevin? We need to go pick him up from Mrs. Everett's."
"Shit! You're right." Michael exclaimed, looking down at her regretfully. "I completely forgot." He admitted. They'd both been so caught up in each other that the little boy had slipped their minds.
"I guess we'd better go get him then." Lauren said reluctantly as Michael set her down on the veranda.
"I guess so." He sighed in resignation. As much as he loved Kevin and was happy to have him there with them, he really just wanted to be alone with Lauren. Neither of them knew how long it would be until they were forced to return to the real world, so he wanted to make the most of whatever time they had left together. But he couldn't very well abandon his little brother…
"You wait here, I'll go get him." Michael said, already turning to leave.
"Hang on a second!" Lauren called out after him, her attention drawn to a small piece of paper that was taped to the front door. "What's this?"
"Looks like a note." Michael surmised, ripping the paper down off the door and studying it closely.
"Well, what does it say?" she asked curiously.
"I thought you both could do with a bit of alone time, so I've arranged for Kevin to spend the night at my house. I'll bring him around in the morning. Have fun you two, and don't do anything I wouldn't do. Love, Mrs. Everett." Michael read the note out loud.
"Wow. Just when I think she can't possibly get any nicer, she goes and proves me wrong." Lauren said in amazement, touched by her former nanny's generosity.
"Yeah, she seems like a really special lady." Michael agreed. Normally he wouldn't feel comfortable leaving his little brother with a virtual stranger, but something about the older woman filled him with a sense of ease and he knew Kevin was in good hands.
"So," Lauren said casually, unlocking the door and leaning back against it to gaze at him suggestively. "Looks like we have the place all to ourselves now."
"Looks that way." Michael nodded, grinning at her lasciviously as he followed her inside the house. She was in his arms the moment the door closed behind them. He was addicted to kissing her, he realized. The way she pulled him closer and parted her lips with a sigh. The little sounds she made as his tongue swept into her mouth for a taste. He could kiss her all night, but Lauren had other ideas.
"Come on," she said breathlessly, tearing her mouth from his and leading him down the dark hallway towards the bedroom. He followed her obediently, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her neck as they fumbled their way inside the humid room. Lauren moved away from him reluctantly, turning on the ceiling fan and walking over to open the patio doors. There was a cool breeze coming off the lake and she sighed in relief as it washed over her flushed skin. She turned around to face him. He was standing beside the foot of the bed, gazing at her in amazement.
"C'mere." She purred seductively, crooking her finger and beckoning him to her. He was at her side in two quick strides, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her soundly on the lips.
"I can't believe this is happening." Michael said in wonder, pulling back slightly so that he could look into her eyes.
"I know," She sighed, smiling up at him in excitement. Taking both of his hands in hers, she lead him back towards the bed. "Take off your shirt." She instructed him playfully, sitting down on the edge of the bed and gazing up at him in eager anticipation. He did as he was told, removing his worn cotton t-shirt and dropping it to the floor. Lauren ran her eyes over his bare chest in silent appreciation, reaching out to touch him reverently. He sighed as her hands made contact with his skin.
"Your turn," He teased, motioning to her low cut blouse. She pulled her hands away, raising her eyebrow in playful defiance. "Please." He pleaded softly and she smiled up at him in adoration before slowly removing her shirt and tossing it over his shoulder.
"Is that better?" She asked coyly, sitting back a bit so that he could get a better look at her breasts; the black lace of her bra in stark contrast to her porcelain skin.
"Much." He sighed, reaching out to touch her but she swatted his hand away.
"It's my turn," She said stubbornly, slipping her fingers through his belt loops and pulling him closer. "These pants have gotta go." She declared, smiling up at him seductively as she undid the button of his jeans and pulled the zipper down slowly. He tangled his hands in her hair, gently running his fingers through the silky strands as she gently pulled his pants down over his hips, taking his boxers with them. Lauren leaned back slightly, taking in the sight of him. His well toned chest shone in the moonlight, giving him a chiseled look. Her eyes drifted lower, admirering his erection and the way it jutted out towards her.
"Very impressive." She praised, leaning in closer to get a better look.
"Thanks." He choked out, moaning softly as she took him in her hand and began stroking him gently. She felt him grow harder, shuddering as she continued to stroke his sensitive flesh. Then, eyes never leaving his, she leaned forward and slowly took him in her mouth.
"Oh my God…" Michael groaned in pleasure, his hands tightening in Lauren's hair as she ran her tongue along the length of his penis. "So good, sweetie. That feels so good." He hissed, resisting the urge to thrust into her mouth. Lauren moaned in response, the vibrations sending ripples of pleasure through his body and pushing him dangerously close to the edge. "Lauren," Michael gasped, trying to get her attention. She ignored him, sucking him deeper into her mouth. "Baby, you gotta stop. You gotta stop." He pleaded, taking a step back.
"But I was just getting started." Lauren pouted, reaching out to pull him back in.
"If you don't stop now, this is gonna be over before it begins." Michael said regretfully, cupping her face in his hands. "And I want tonight to be special."
"It already is." She assured him, kicking off her heels and laying back against the mattress. "So, are you just gonna stand there all night?" She teased. He smiled down at her seductively before stepping out of his pants and climbing onto the bed. He crawled after her as she playfully scooted back towards the headboard.
"Where do you think you're going?" He said jokingly, grabbing hold of her ankles and pulling her to him. She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as he laid down on top of her. They both gasped at the feel of skin against skin as his chest made contact with her breasts, still clad in her designer bra. Their eyes met and a look of wonderment passed between them before Michael bent to capture her lips with his. He kissed her long and hard, smiling in satisfaction when he felt her begin to squirm underneath him impatiently.
"Off," She gasped, pulling her mouth away from his and sitting up straight. He moved away from her abruptly, a look of panic crossing his face.
"Did I do something wrong?" He asked worriedly. She looked at him as though he'd just grown a second head.
"What? No, you dumby!" She admonished him playfully. "I just want to take the rest of my clothes off." She explained, already reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra.
"Oh." He said, relief washing over him as he watched her breasts spill free from the black lace confines of her bra. She tossed the garment to the floor and leaned back on her elbows, gazing up at him expectantly.
"You wanna give me a hand?" She asked, amused by his reaction. It wasn't as though he hadn't already seen her naked before, but he was staring at her as if she were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
"Yeah, okay." Michael said distractedly, still gazing at her breasts as he moved to unzip her skirt. He had her naked in record time, tossing her skirt and panties over his shoulder before sitting back on his knees to admire his handy work.
"God, you're gorgeous." He sighed, reaching out to stroke the soft skin of her thighs. Lauren smiled up at him in gratitude.
"Are you going to tell me that every time you see me naked?" She teased him playfully.
"Mmmhmm," He confirmed, slowly crawling up her body until they were face to face once more. "So you'd better get used to it."
"I could," She said sincerely, her voice growing serious as she was once again reminded that their time together here was going to be short lived. "I really could. But we both know that…"
"Shhhh," He stopped her, reaching out to gently stroke her cheek as he gazed at her intently. "No reality tonight, okay? Just us." He said pleadingly. He wanted tonight to be perfect. Just in case it was their last.
"Just us." She agreed softly, offering him a reassuring smile before pulling him down for another kiss. She moaned against his lips and arched her back as she felt him cup her breast in his hand, massaging it roughly until he felt her nipple harden underneath his touch. His mouth left hers and began trailing opened mouth kisses down her neck while his hand left her breasts and traveled lower, stopping to tickle her ribs before moving lower to the coppery curls at the apex of her thighs. She moaned softly and parted her legs, encouraging him to touch her where she needed him the most.
"You're so wet." He said in amazement as he slipped his finger inside her.
"That's what you do to me," Lauren said seductively, reaching down to take him in her hand, feeling him twitch as she closed her fingers around his hard length. "Make love to me, Michael."
"I thought that's what I was doing?" He teased, bending his head capture her nipple between his lips. She moaned loudly, running her hand through his hair and tugging on it gently to get his attention.
"No more." She whined, grabbing hold of his ass and pulling him down to lay on top of her. "I want you inside me." She said pleadingly, spreading her legs even wider as she moved to guide his penis towards her entrance.
"Lauren, wait! I…" Michael started to say in a panic, pulling back slightly.
"What?" She asked impatiently. "I'm on the pill if that's what you're worried about."
"No, it's not that. Though that is definitely good to know." He added teasingly.
"Well, what is it then?" Lauren asked, her insecurities coming to the forefront yet again. "Do you not want to…"
"Oh, trust me, I want to." He assured her, reaching out to stroke the hair away from her face. " I've never wanted anything this badly in my entire life." He said sincerely. "It's just that I'm…I've never actually done this before." He admitted, trying to hide his embarrassment. She looked at him in confusion, not sure of what he meant. And then it hit her.
"You're a virgin?!" Lauren said in astonishment. "Are you sure? Well, of course you're sure. But, I mean…last night. You were amazing last night! That couldn't have been your first time."
"Well I've done other things before, yeah." He explained timidly. "I just never got around to the main course." He said, laughing nervously to try and ease the tension. Lauren nodded slowly and Michael was surprised to see that she was on the verge of tears.
"What's wrong?" He asked in concern. "Why are you crying?"
"I just wish…" She started to explain, stopping to compose herself as the tears started spilling down her face. "I just wish I had waited." She admitted softly, shaking her head in regret. "I mean everyone is always preaching how you should wait until it feels right, until you find 'the one'. But I just never thought I would find him." She reasoned, looking up at Michael in adoration. "Until now."
"Lauren." He sighed, gathering her up in his arms as she began sobbing uncontrollably. "Shhhh, baby. It's okay, it doesn't matter." He said softly, running his hands up and down her back in a comforting gesture. He pulled back slightly, just enough so that he could look into her eyes. "None of that matters anymore, it's in the past." She sniffled, glancing up at him skeptically. "Tonight is about new beginnings. For both of us."
"Okay," Lauren choked out, trying to pull herself together. "You're right."
"Of course I'm right. I'm always right." He said jokingly, trying to cheer her up. She laughed, wiping away the last of her tears.
"What am I gonna do with you?" She said, smiling up at him affectionately.
"I can think of a thing or two." He leered at her suggestively.
"Are you sure you want your first time to be with me?" She teased, but he could hear the lingering insecurity in her voice.
"Yes, I want my first time to be with you. "He assured her sincerely, bending to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. "And my second time," He kissed her tear stained cheeks. "My third time. And every time after that."
"Well then, we'd better hurry up and get started." Lauren said, smiling up at him in contentment.
"Sounds good to me." He agreed, grinning like a fool as she pulled him down for another earth shattering kiss. He maneuvered them so that she was laying flat on her back with him on top of her, supporting his weight on his hands as he continued to devour her lips. Eager to get things moving along, Lauren wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer.
"Please, Michael." She whimpered, tearing her mouth away from his. He looked down at her flushed face, so beautiful in the light of the moon. Taking a deep breath to try and calm his nerves, Michael reached down and slowly guided himself inside her.
"Oh God," He groaned once he was completely sheathed inside her tight entrance.
"Yes." Lauren moaned in pleasure as she felt her walls stretch to accommodate him.
"Is it supposed to feel this good?" He asked, gazing down at her in amazement.
"I dunno," She sighed contentedly. "It never has before."
Michael stayed poised above her, glancing down in wonder to where their bodies were joined. He'd never seen anything more beautiful.
"More, Michael." She said pleadingly, running her nails down his back , encouraging him to move.
"Just gimmie a sec." He said through gritted teeth, trying to get himself under control. He was already dangerously close to the edge. Taking a deep breath, he withdrew from her almost completely before plunging back in. Lauren moaned loudly in approval, lifting her hips up to meet his thrust for thrust.
"Mmm, you're so good, Michael." Lauren purred, reaching up behind her to hold onto the headboard for support as his movements become more erratic.
"Are you close?" He managed to choke out. He could feel the pleasure building in the pit of his stomach and he knew he wasn't going to be able to last much longer.
"So close." She gasped out, grinding her pelvis against him in earnest. He picked up the speed and intensity of his thrusts, slamming into her again and again until he finally felt her clench around him and she cried out in release.
"Oh God, I love you!" She screamed, her legs quivering as she was overcome by force of her orgasm and seeing the look of pleasure on her face was more than enough to push him over the edge.
"Lauren." He groaned, waves of pleasure racking his body as he released himself inside her. He collapsed on top of her and she welcomed the weight, holding him close as they both tried to get their breathing back under control.
"Wow." Lauren sighed, reaching up to run her fingers through his damp hair.
"Yeah." Michael agreed, rolling over so that he was facing her. She stretched languidly, completely sated.
"Not bad for your first time." She teased.
"Just 'not bad', huh?" He questioned her casually, fishing for compliments.
"Okay, okay. You were pretty damn good." She admitted sincerely. "The best even."
"Now that's a title I can definitely live with; 'the best lay Lauren Fenmore ever had'." He said jokingly and she burst into a fit of giggles.
"I should get that put on a shirt for you." She suggested.
"I'd wear it everyday." He declared proudly, reaching out to pull her into his embrace. He wrapped his arm around her waist possessively and nuzzled his face in her hair.
"Forever?" She asked softly, stifling a yawn as she snuggled further into his embrace, already half asleep.
"Forever." He promised her sincerely, running his hand up and down her back soothingly. "And Lauren," He whispered, taking a deep breath to help him work up enough courage to say what he was about to say. "I love you too." He declared, never having said those words to another human being before in his entire life. He eagerly waited for her response, but he didn't get one. She was already fast asleep. Oh well, Michael thought to himself as he smiled down at her lovingly and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. He'd tell her tomorrow. And with that, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They awoke bright and early the next morning, curled up in each other's arms as the sun's bright rays shone through the open bedroom windows.
"Good morning, beautiful." Michael said softly, his voice rough from sleep.
"Good morning yourself." Lauren purred, smiling up at him in contentment. "I love waking up in your arms." She declared, nuzzling her face into his neck before placing a kiss on his shoulder. "There's nothing better."
"Nothing?" He teased her suggestively.
"Well, except that." She agreed, pulling back slightly so that they could look into each other's eyes.
"What time did Mrs. Everett say she was bringing Kevin by?" Michael asked, his hand already slipping underneath the sheet to cup her breast.
"She didn't." Lauren answered distractedly, arching her back against his touch.
"Well then, I'd better get to work." He said mischievously, and with that he pounced on top of her, tickling her ribs as he nibbled on her neck.
"Michael! Cut it out!" Lauren squealed in delight, trying to swat his hands away.
"Get off of her!" A loud voiced boomed from the doorway.
"Daddy!" Lauren shrieked, covering herself up with the sheet as Michael leapt off of her and stared at the older man in terror. A very angry Neil Fenmore stood at the entrance to the bedroom, two police officers stood behind him.
"Get dressed, Lauren." He demanded, still glaring at Michael.
"But daddy…" She started to explain.
"I SAID GET DRESSED!" He shouted, leaving no room for argument. "We'll be waiting in the living room." He declared before he and the officers turned to leave. The two frightened teens glanced at each other in fear, wondering exactly how much trouble they'd gotten themselves into.