~~13~~

Needless to say, Rick hadn't made it to the construction site yesterday. A desperate insatiability overtook him and Michonne, turning the sensual happenings on the dining room table into Act I. Act II and III taking place on the way to the shower and in it. Unsure of what part of his words flipped Michonne, Rick sure wasn't going to risk asking so soon. Scared that it could set them back if she dwelled on it, then had to defend her shift. Instead, he relished in the about-face brought on by his daring arrival at her home. Everything that happened was beyond his wildest dreams.

Friend yoU Can Keep

Rick was smirking and dare he say giddy at the prospect of longevity. Perhaps Michonne thought this would be a simple fling meant to burn out once they'd had their fill. But Rick didn't see it that way. Something drew them together even when they both not so skillfully fought the allure. The prospect of sneaking around wasn't ideal but somehow also arousing. A charade driven in with thrusts. His own words helped to perpetuate further when she reminded them that they shouldn't be doing this.

"Doesn't it make it better." It turned Michonne and him on to a great degree. They were now involved in a scandalously layered taboo.

Yet when Rick dug under the initial glee of them beginning an affair, he knew he desired more. Walking away from a marriage even when it was in turmoil wasn't an easy task. The future dreams and hopes conjured in the mind were not easily discarded. Holding onto potential and what could be, kept him with Lori longer than necessary. But Rick was yet to have any conversations with Michonne about what she wanted. This had all come about so suddenly and his nervousness about derailing it had him teetering on when and how to broach the subject. He would have to proficiently convince Michonne that they could be something special. Something worth taking a risk on.

Sweet kisses behind her front door threatened to have them on act IV before Rick snuck out. After a glance to make sure the coast was clear of course. He had wanted nothing more than to pick up their sons together when he finally left her home in the afternoon. But Michonne reminded, they had to keep up appearances. Andre would ride the bus as usual and she'd meet him at the local stop. While Rick would pick Carl up by himself like normal.

Therefore, he had to feign normalcy for all involved because it could get messy otherwise. That was the very reason he continuously looked at his phone screen earlier this morning, going back and forth with what should be done.

'GM (followed with a kiss emoji)'

'I know you asked to take a step back. But we told the kids we'd take them to the zoo before that occurred. I hope you are still open to the outing. I don't want to let Sam down just because we are dealing with a setback he doesn't understand. He is really looking forward to spending time with Carl. And I will send Ron with my father so Carl will be comfortable'

'Have a great day at work. Hope to hear from you soon (heart emoji)'

What could he respond, that wouldn't go against his and Michonne's arrangement? This was the first time he'd ever done anything like this. He didn't quite know the rules. Being deceitful wasn't something he wanted to be a part of. Being told not to break up with Jessie kept him in a state of confusion. Let alone the fact that Mike still existed and resided in Michonne's home irritating him all the more.

Rick huffed initially pensive, while getting ready for the day ahead. He debated asking Carl's opinion on the outing then decided not to mention it while dropping him at school. But once he drove away from the school grounds and the possibility of running into his girlfriend, his stomach fluttered for a different reason. Yesterday's events replayed in his mind as they had all night and in his dreams.

Arriving at work, he discovered the site was a flurry with activity already. It made for an easy way to disguise his already beaming smile and buoyant attitude. His team, reliable and competent, allowed him the opportunity to go missing for yesterday's liaison. And Rick was eternally grateful, even if they'd never know. The first thing to be done was meet with Morgan and Reg who were equally excited to go over the next phase.

"We've reached the maximum height on all structures and the exterior facade work is ongoing. Pedestrian walkways are being laid out as we speak. Delivery trucks will ramp up their drop-offs now that interior work has begun." Reg informed.

"Dust control and the pollution prevention plan has been implemented in accordance with all regulatory approvals as we remove materials from the site. In fact, we are operating as a much higher standard than required." Morgan unbelievingly snickered while shaking his head.

"Facts like that will help us expand in a market increasing taking notice about environmental issues." Rick nodded.

"These are the things we need to talk up at the Upcoming Developments Event." Morgan brought up and Rick sighed at the reminder of yet another event he'd initially planned on attending with Jessie. Especially with her father in attendance. Luckily, his friends would assume his annoyance was about the necessity to attend these gatherings in the first place rather than his new excuse.

"Grimes Construction will also be able to announce that plans are tentatively ahead of schedule." Reg added with a confident grin.

"Well, I'll be looking to you both to help work the room. Glenn will be there also to shake hands and kiss babies." Rick huffed making the guys chuckle.

"It may not be so bad Rick." Morgan smirked.

"Yeah, well…" Rick in full disbelief scratched his head wondering how he'd make it through that night with everything he had going on. Then pivoted to keep his head on the business at hand. "…how are things progressing with the new utilities being installed?"

But just as Reg was responding Rick felt his phone's vibration interrupting from his pocket. A dread fell over him as he hadn't worked out a response for Jessie and he figured she was anxiously waiting for one. He still wasn't sure what he'd say as he fished the device from his pocket. But instead of Jessie's name, his screen said Michonne.

And a large grin spread across his face just knowing she'd reached out to him keeping her promise. Last night, after getting Carl ready for bed he wondered how she was dealing with everything once she had to return to regularly scheduled programming with her husband around. He hoped her thoughts were similar to his, recounting their erotic time together. Looking forward to the next time, whenever it might be.

Rick wasted no time quickly tapped to see the message, flustered by what he saw and read. A picture of flesh where a red strip of material lay.

A garter on her thigh.

'Your place in 30'

As swiftly as his trembling fingers could muster, Rick sent back a response.

'I can be there in 20'

The ellipses sent his heart a flutter as he waited for her response.

'Even better'

Reg and Morgan glanced at Rick as he started to back up, confusion on their faces. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine. I just need to run out for a bit, if that's okay?" he asked while already heading to his desk to grab his keys. The minute worries that started to creep in on the drive to work slipped away.

"Yes, we have everything under control. We can finish filling you in later." Reg assured while being just as puzzled as Morgan.

"Thanks."

Rick wasn't sure if they even heard him as he was already halfway out the trailer's door when he said it. He'd given a timeframe to Michonne and he damn sure wasn't going to miss it. He speedily trotted to his car and jumped in.

When Rick pulled up to his home a few minutes earlier than he anticipated, he debated on whether to wait in his car or not. He wanted to greet Michonne at her vehicle, anxiously excited as to what state of dress she'd be in. But he also left a bit of a mess in his place getting ready for work that morning. So, he hustled inside and quickly made his bed, threw discarded clothes in either a hamper or closet and gave his bathroom a quick sprucing. He was washing his face and hands when he heard a car pull up. He swiftly jogged downstairs to the front door and without any cool threw it open.

Red patent leather stilettos tapped down the pavers of his walkway. Besides what adorned her feet, one couldn't tell what the woman wore- or didn't- because a long black trench coat covered her. Even though the street was quiet as many were at work, Rick knew he should care about neighbors seeing but he couldn't give less of a fuck. Instead, he was pleased she didn't hustle to him because he was too enamored with the vision before him. Michonne devilishly grinning while approaching with a purse underarm. She didn't say a word but confidently stopped right outside the threshold. Rick's heart stammered with how turned on he already was when her fingers went to the belt, deftly unraveling it.

Noticing the nervous little inhale Michonne took, Rick simply watched before she held the ends of her coat ajar- for his eyes only. Her sumptuous dark skin radiated past strategically placed red lace. An unlined plunge brassiere barely contained her mounds while granting glimpses of her chocolate kiss nipples beneath. A strip of material ran from around her neck down between her bosom to wrap around her waist creating a bondage effect. Tanga panties sat below a garter belt connected to strappy garters around each thigh. And once his blazing eyes made it down her smooth bare legs, Rick was desperate for Michonne to be in his grasp. Immediately so turned on but his shock at her attire or lack thereof kept him unabashedly ogling.

But he didn't get to enjoy the view for long at all. Michonne couldn't step inside fast enough for him or her. Seeing her effect on Rick made her voracious, smashing her lips against his as soon as she was within reach. Somehow, Rick managed to slam the door closed while they sucked at one another's lips. Quick sloppy pecks commenced while she tugged at his clothes telling further where her thoughts were all night. She too couldn't hold back on the desire she felt for him.

They stumbled in the hallway and Rick realized Michonne devised this plan which would've included canceling or adjusting her client appointments. Being delightfully overwhelmed now witnessing her carnal appetite he didn't need to stop but Michonne abruptly pulled away.

He hungrily watched her take a step back, drawing in a deep breath. She was contemplating something while looking downward, not at anything in particular, but caught up in a thought. He wanted to grant her the time necessary even with his cock thumping in his unzipped jeans at another survey of her delectable body. Michonne was thinking her desires over too much, he knew. Playing whatever scenario she envisioned out only for doubt to set in. Rick decided to ease her worry.

"Tell me."

Michonne looked up at him, still unsure.

"Tell me what you want."

He encouraged before she looked at her own body clad in the sexy lingerie. Rick watched her stance become somehow sultrier when she tapped a healed foot on the floor. Deliberately, Michonne peeled her coat off letting it pool behind her feet. When her eyes returned to his, they locked him in place with a fiery gaze.

"Let me show you."

And with that statement, Michonne turned around with hips swaying, heading for the staircase. It took Rick a second to get the blood flowing to his legs. Not only did the back view reveal the strap around her neck and waist was in fact a harness, but also that her complete ass was out. The G-string completely swallowed up between her fat ass cheeks. She ascended the stairs displaying the perfect curvature making him remember his footing.

At the top of the stairs, Rick continued to be led enraptured by Michonne's new certainty. Her increasingly sexy hip shifting steps correctly assumed his bedroom was upstairs. The second floor was converted from a loft space into the master bedroom with a full bathroom across the hall by the owners. This made it easy for her to know exactly where to go.

Decorated in a simple esthetic of cream and blue tones, Michonne surveyed his personal space. A comfy oversized chair sat near the double doors of his walk-in closet. And nightstands sat on either side of the focal point of the room, a king-sized bed. This made her giggle for some reason Rick was yet to understand.

He closed the door instinctively once they were inside and observed her heading for one nightstand. With her back to him, Michonne pulled something from her purse. Looking it over before turning to face him. Her lack of clothing in the sunlight that entered through the thinly shaded window kept him from immediately looking at the contents of her hand. Her dark skin glowed, easily overshadowing the sun's rays. She was perfection being submitted to him… for a time.

Finally, Rick managed to move his eyes to her clasped hand. One side of gunmetal handcuffs dangled from it. Now, he understood why she giggled before. His wooden headboard consisted of thin slats perfect for what she'd had in mind. Michonne produced yet another set of matching restraints and tossed them across the bed.

Without a word, Rick finished buttoning his plaid shirt. He pulled it off following it up with his undershirt, tossing them to the chair. Next up were his jeans but he heeled off his boots and removed his socks. He did all of this under Michonne's watchful eyes. He went to take a step-

"You're forgetting something."

Rick exhaled from how erotic it was to give in to her. His cock was begging to be free at her request. He pulled his black boxer briefs down smoothly stepping out of them. They joined the rest of his clothes then he went full mass to pick up the unattended metal contraptions. His thickness bouncing to and fro with its own anticipation while he removed the pillows from the bed and turned down the comforter.

Clasping one end of the cuffs to his left wrist, he then sat on the bed and linked the other end to the headboard.

"Give me your other wrist." Michonne ordered.

He obliged after getting in the center position of the bed in order for her to reach him. Michonne carefully placed her handcuffs on his right wrist then connected them to the headboard as well. His chest rose and fell dragging in much needed air through parted lips. Anticipating what her next move would be drove him crazier than the fact that he'd be unable to touch her how he yearned to. This was to be a sweet torture.

Michonne slowly ran her fingers under Rick's chin and up his jawline, so he tipped his head up. Enthralled by the ravenous look in his blue eyes. He wanted her more than anything, she could tell not just by the growth of his cock standing at attention. Her hand went to the curls on his head, grasping a handful slightly rough making his head jerk back more. Lazily, she leaned in extending her tongue to sweep it over his full pink lips. A groan exhibited the control necessary on Rick's part to not attempt to kiss her back even when she sucked at his lips until they reddened.

The red blush crept down his whole body catching Michonne's eye. It created a path she had to follow. Sucking on his chin, down his neck to his bobbing Adams apple to his chest, Michonne took charge. Rick gulped in oxygen as quickly as he could when she nipped at his nipples. He struggled watching her against the longing to close his eyes and be enraptured. But he understood the assignment without conversation, permitting her to feel powerful again. In control of her destiny and unashamed of her sexuality as her tongue traced the sinewy lines of his upper abdominals.

Even without the conversation, Michonne knew her accomplishments wouldn't have Rick questioning his position. His manliness. Much less when its physical representation wiggled in her face for notice. Somehow, she knew he would proudly shout about what she achieved to the world. And he deserved to be rewarded for this.

Climbing on the bed to remain at his side, Michonne was happy that the bow of his legs meant they were always parted to a degree. Tormenting him would only work because she knew of his stamina, but this would be a true litmus test. Grinning diabolically at his pleading face before leaning down, arching her back, Michonne wanted her plump ass cheeks on full display. Her destination between his legs. Swiftly and gently, she gobbled his balls into her wet mouth. Promptly, tickling them with her tongue causing Rick to stutter a yelp.

"Shhhhitttt!"

His body shuttered with each action of her mouth. Popping his wetted balls out carefully into her hand, Michonne immediately dove lower still. Licking his taint produced yet another shout for her enjoyment.

"Fuuucccckkkk!"

Rick fighting his restraints and being vocal amused Michonne to no end, but she had to remain the lead. She stopped, looking up at him fiercely. She didn't need to say anything, but he understood her game. Rick did wonder what the consequences would be of disobeying. But he nodded his comprehension while frantically gasping for breath.

Michonne lifted her head and without using hands, tickled the tip of her salivating tongue up the throbbing vein along the underside of Rick's erect cock. He groaned deeply while his dick lurched, but he didn't say a word. Circling the ridge of his smooth pink tip a few times only continued his moans of struggle until taking the head between her lips. With her eyes closed, Michonne leisurely sucked him in. Increasing inch by inch with every move of her neck. Relishing the width filling her mouth. Once he was to the back of her throat a pause was needed for them both. Ragged breaths escaped from Rick when Michonne adjusted to use her nose for air.

Experiencing the power of holding something so dare to man in her clutches but using the opportunity to supply pleasure turned Michonne on farther. Her cheeks caved in as she retracted, extracting savory precum. And so began a quest to draw out more while having Rick fight for his life to leave his words unspoken. His hiss delighted when her head swirled up and down the breadth of his shaft. One hand teasing his balls and the other wrapped around the base of his dick pumping to match the direction of her mouth.

Thrusting then retracting became the only solace Rick had at his disposal. He did so cautiously to not choke, his body requiring some form of contribution. His eyes longed to shut from enjoyment but the sight of her round ass up in the air made it impossible to look away from- unless he was watching her work. Michonne continuously whimpered as though he was the most delicious thing she'd tasted. The saliva seeped past her thick lips proving him correct. Rick's wrists were beginning to bruise from his involuntary yanking of the cuffs.

Surely, she planned to stop, he thought. But Michonne only became more starved. Sucking harder, her hand, pumping faster and faster. Rick was battling to maintain because her proficiency was overwhelming to all his senses. If his end was her aim, she was rapidly nearing that. But Rick figured she wanted more having set all this up. He had to say something before he lost total control.

"Chonne…" he muttered.

"Chonne…" he whimpered.

After a few more languid sucks, Michonne finally reluctantly released Rick and giggled. The coquettish smirk on her face relayed that she'd indeed been testing him on purpose. Watching his chest rise and fall while trying to gain composure made Michonne lean into bite at his lower lip. Rick being flustered, turned her on but he'd broken the assumed rule. And he had to be punished.

"I was going to take the handcuffs off for this part, but you just had to speak." Michonne smiled cheekily from the admonishment then climbed off the bed.

Rick breathlessly watched as she reached behind her back and slowly unhooked her bra, removing it. Her breasts spilled out heavily on the sides of the red strap down her chest. Next, she unhooked her thigh straps and slid her panties down her long legs but left the garters in place.

Rick's eyes greedily surveyed the newly revealed portions of her sexy body. Michonne ran her hands over herself, up her thighs and waist to cup her breasts and pinch her nipples. She watched Rick's tongue jet out to wet his lips obviously exposing his desires. Michonne deftly got on the bed and carefully straddled him.

But not facing him. Reverse cowgirl presented a full view of her plump ass in his face while his hands couldn't grasp it. This would be his penance.

Lining his cock up with her hand, Michonne dexterously slid down little by little, engulfing him. Each moaning at the satisfying feeling of being physically connected. And with the initial lift and drop of her hips, they both whimpered. The sound of the cuffs clanging against the headboard alerted Michonne that Rick couldn't resist his yearning to touch. His only fight back would be to pump into her whenever she sat on his dick.

And that's exactly what he did. Her pace increased when he started to hit her spot. Even while she was in domination, he managed to command her pleasure. She looked back, needing to see him surmounted as well. Rick's face contorted in tenacious ecstasy while being wildly fucked as though Michonne wanted to throw her back out. They both struggled to hold on through this inexplicable satisfaction, groaning in unison.

She loved that Rick could and would hold out for her ecstasy, but Michonne also wanted the knowledge that she could take him down whenever she wanted. That he couldn't withstand the literal clutches of her tight and slippery wet pussy. She wanted to break his composure. She thirsted for that ability over someone so formidable and determined. She wanted him on his knees when he thought of how she could disrupt him.

Shifting her body forward, Michonne bounced her ass up and down. Her cheeks slightly spread allowing Rick to watch and hear it all. Him entering and exiting her wet and gushy slit. Garbled noises erupted from his mouth as he fought to hold on. But Michonne knew what she'd done and he challenged himself not to give in. But he could feel it. His toes cracked. The pressure tightened his balls. His cock was pulsating. Yet covertly, Michonne wasn't done. She wet the tip of her finger with her spit and reached back between Rick's open legs. Under his balls, she smoothly inserted just a hint of her digit.

Rick bucked into Michonne hard before his body burst with intensity. His semen moved out forcefully and he yelped from the euphoria. With that one stealthy maneuver his soul lifted, and it felt like he transferred his energy to her. It was such a vulnerable state to be in that an exhausted bliss settled over him. His body numb and tranquil even as it shook. He unconsciously yanked at the handcuffs trying to gain his poise. But Michonne's muscles grasped him further and a gush of more warmth coated him. She was cumming on his vibrating cock. Her orgasm brought on by what she'd brought out of him. Her nails dug into the skin of his leg, squeezing with each of her quakes. She groaned and whimpered with every wave overtaking her.

The pair remained there, unable to move after. Their lungs fully expanding to drag in precious oxygen, Rick pondered what that just was. It was perhaps the best sex of his life. Who was he kidding it was definitely the best sex of his whole life. He'd never engaged in anything like it. Not that it was extreme. Just a few notches above vanilla yet something his exes would never have dared.

Sure, he'd been the one in the power position in anything that even came close to this in the past. But submitting to this woman without her even uttering the words was intoxicating. Something about Michonne had him unendingly behaving in a manner he'd not expected of himself. His eyes traced over her delectable, exhausted body still in her red garters and harness. He could never get over how pleasing her dark skin was to his eye.

When she finally looked back, he enjoyed the confident and playful smile that rose the corners of her delicate mouth. She was on top of the world, and he wouldn't deflate her with questions. Inquiries already answered from her wavering downstairs, he knew this wasn't something she normally partook in. Maybe something similar had also formed in Michonne that she couldn't fight. Whatever was connecting them, it unleashed her inhibitions as well.

Their breaths hitched when Michonne leisurely removed him from inside her. She cautiously made for her bag and found the key. With fingers still shaking she uncuffed the restraints. Blood flowed back to his arms before Rick massaged his wrists. And Michonne leaned in quickly kissing his lips, seemingly thanking him. The mere thought of her using him for her fantasies threatened to stiffen Rick once more. Yet a little voice at the back of his head questioned whether it was all she was interested in from him. But he put it to the side to focus on what he could grant her right now.

As drowsy as he was, Rick went to clean up and brought a wet washcloth for Michonne.

"I guess I should take this contraption off." she chuckled coyly while sitting.

"Part of me wishes you wouldn't but let me help you." Rick snickered so she blushed.

After she was out of the bondage lingerie and high heels, Michonne cleansed herself when a question occurred to Rick that should've been asked some time ago.

"I know, I'm late asking but…" she eyed him now finished with her cleanup. "… we haven't used anything."

Her warm smile made his stomach flutter until she looked to the ceiling a bit dolefully. "Just in case, I had a moment of weakness with Mike, I started taking the shot."

Rick wanted to provide comfort in some way because it seemed a decision she hadn't expected to make. He reached across the sheets squeezing her hand, rubbing his thumb over her soft skin.

"I can still wear condoms, if you want. But since we started and even before that, I haven't been with- for a while."

But Michonne turned to him locking her big brown eyes on him. "I- I think we are okay for now then."

Rick wanted to ask if she trusted him, but it would be premature with all she'd been through. It was too soon for her to verbalize now. He was content that she had some form of faith in him though. And his other worry was subdued, knowing she'd not been with her husband for some time also. Michonne suddenly yawned causing Rick to do the same.

"This is all your fault." he joked and she raised an eyebrow not following.

"I'd be at work right now fully awake, instead of fighting off sleep."

Michonne laughed loudly then shrugged. "You could've told me not to come over."

Rick stared at her until they both chuckled.

"I'm afraid if we fall asleep now, our kids will end up at the sheriff's office and we'll be charged with abandonment."

But Michonne snickered and shook her head disagreeing, confusing Rick. "You must've forgotten. The kids have afterschool practice for their show tonight."

Rick realized then she had indeed planned this on purpose- giving them more time together. Perhaps she just needed him inside her, the way he yearned to be inside her. The thought turned him on, but Michonne yawned again, and he had to put that idea on the shelf. Instead, he pulled the comforter up signaling she could rest. She looked to be contemplating her own plan but ultimately laid down. Rick jumped up to grab pillows which he fluffed, and she propped under her head.

Climbing back on the bed, next to Michonne, Rick tried to halt the grin from blossoming on his face. But he couldn't pretend he didn't enjoy the sight of her comfy in his bed, blissfully fatigued after a sexual escapade. He wanted to spoon her but didn't want to press his luck. Her heavy eyes on him displayed a skittishness he longed to dispel. Gently, Rick lifted her hand bringing it to his lips. A small kiss was placed on her wrist before he returned it to her side. He observed her small exhale from the act then she gradually closed her eyes. If exhaustion wasn't pulling him, Rick would've relished getting to memorize her beautiful face from such a close angle, but he closed his eyes and drifted off.

"Didn't know I would be having company. And I can't cook nearly as good as you, so I won't dare offer to make you anything."

Michonne giggled watching a smirking Rick return to his bedroom with a platter of cheese, crackers and green grapes. Her stomach growled embarrassingly at the modest but cute spread. He'd thrown on low hanging pajama pants which was quickly becoming her kryptonite. But her stomach reminded a different hunger was more important currently. She sat up wearing a white T-shirt he'd provided her with and greedily took the dish.

"This looks amazing."

She dug in, moaning at the sweet and savory tastes replenishing her energy already. Rick joined her on the bed, popping a couple grapes in his mouth. They had but a couple hours left before they'd both need to depart. He'd have to pick Carl up, but she'd need to rush home with gym sneakers from her trunk, in his sweatpants and T-shirt. A shower and putting on her own clothes before Mike came home from picking Andre up was a necessity.

The thought of possibly seeing Mike at the school irritated Rick. But he'd just spent the day in bed with the man's wife, so he needed to get a grip on the situation. His jealousy was completely unwarranted right now. Especially when he still didn't know how to respond to Jessie's request. But that was the last thing he wanted to think about while in bed with Michonne. He wanted to know more about her.

"Did you ever get to look for a space for your salon?"

Michonne nervously munched on cheese and crackers. "I haven't decided just yet."

"What's left to decide? If you need help, I can-"

"That's not possible." she snickered.

"Why not?" Rick truly didn't understand her hesitancy.

"I know the sex was amazing, but you are clearly suffering from an orgasmic haze."

Rick salaciously stared at her, making her pulse quicken. "It's amazing?"

"Yes."

She wouldn't lie because he made her body feel alive in ways she couldn't imagine. He shifted towards her, his eyes on her lips before leaning in, pressing his to hers. The lip lock growing more intense when he started to slip his tongue into her mouth nearly throwing her off course, but she resisted.

"I thought you wanted to hear my plan."

Rick chortled at her attempt to divert him. "I do since you said I could be a Friend. You. Can. Keep." he kissed along her moisturized skin between each word, working his way across her chin heading towards her ear.

Michonne let him nip at her earlobe, nearly forgetting the conversation all together until Rick pulled back. His genuine interest was evident now that he'd been satiated with a taste.

"Tell me about your plans for the property once you find it."

Michonne suddenly revealed a new part of herself. She became girlish and coy, Rick loved seeing this side of her. Loved that she felt comfortable showing it to him and wanted her to keep opening up so he nodded to her.

"You probably don't know… but in the Black community, historically, barbershops and salons as well as churches… even juke joints became safe havens to connect, bond and share information safely. I want to continue that tradition for generations to come."

The gleam in her dark brown eyes showed Rick how grand and important her dreams truly were, and it only meant he had to find a way to help her achieve them. But he listened completely enamored with her enthusiasm.

"Remember The Works?"

Rick nodded because of course he did. The pampering treatment gave him the much-desired opportunity to be close when he thought he'd ruined everything with an attempt at a kiss in her home.

"Well, I want that to be the norm for my salon. I want to cater to all and for them to feel welcomed. A place to come not just for beatification but to leave revived. Not just to look your best but to feel it."

"You'll need a large space." Rick added, thinking of one particular lot his company was building.

"Yes, with private rooms in the back, plumbing for numerous stations and comfy recliners. Massages, treatments and makeup for nights out on the town. Maybe even full-blown makeovers. Guests will be able to come in for simple fixes also. Hair, nails, manicures and pedicures. But I can travel for events once things are up and running with a trusted team. There are talented artists just waiting for a chance like this."

"And Ty said you've already made connections with some celebrities here in Georgia. Once you get your own fully functioning location, word will only grow."

Michonne sighed and put the platter on the nightstand. She laid down and stared up at the ceiling prompting Rick to lay down next to her, watching her face for clues to her other dilemma.

"That's another reason I've been hesitant. Williams Cuts was struggling for a while with competition popping up. I don't want to be a part of pulling his customer base away. Ty is still catching up on some back taxes he owes."

Rick understood the troubled look on her face. She really considered Tyreese and Sasha to be family. The guys in the shop were her extended family also.

"I think there's a way to finally take your dream off the back burner while helping support a long-standing family business at the same time. But Sasha and Ty will be happy for you either way."

"I know you're right."

"I think you should take the chance." Rick encouraged Michonne and she coquettishly grinned before tentatively caressing his cheek. Her hand slipped back to weave her fingers through his curls while he relaxed at the feel, they both could enjoy freely when hidden away from the world.

"I see you actually made that appointment for a reason." she snickered until earnestness deepened the blue of his eyes.

"I was ready to settle for just haircuts."

"Hmm…"

"Or at least that's what I told myself." Rick exhaled.

Michonne wanted to ask what he wanted now but she didn't want to open herself up to sweet words spoken from lust. This effortless rapport was challenging all the rationality they'd known. There was always an elephant in the room with them. They ignored it as best they could. Neither one wanting to bring up the truth of the predicament. Fear that its examination could end things abruptly. And that was the last thing either one wanted.

Instead, they pretended this was fine. It was all they could expect from each other without kicking up too much dust. A world of issues could be unleashed. They each wondered if the person lying next to them could handle it, having already experienced scandal. Could they manage being the cause of founded speculation.

"If I make another appointment, will you cancel that too?"

Michonne cheekily grinned and shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe you should try and find out."

Rick pouted his lips but couldn't help the smile from spreading across his face. "I think I'll risk it."

He adjusted his body allowing his hand to reach Michonne more comfortably. The pads of his fingers making contact made her breath quicken but she didn't move to stop him. A languid course was being created up the outside of her thigh. Her exposed hip was next until her already partially risen t-shirt got in the way of progress.

But Rick persisted, over the thin white shirt up her waist until his fingers drew a circle around her bellybutton. He watched her reaction, enjoying that something so simple had her eyes squeezed shut, her lips parting and her oh so dark nipples pebbling through the material.

Michonne began to slightly squirm as her breath grew rougher. His fingers plotting circles on her still heightened skin. Up between her breasts leading to her chest then slowing moving up her neck. She thought he would stop there but instead he reached her chin before her lips. He took his time and softly penciled the outer lines that formed her heart-shaped lips. Michonne couldn't resist sneaking her tongue out to lick at his fingers. But Rick somehow resisted her pull continuing up her cupids bow to her nose, between her eyes to her forehead.

This was something Michonne had not even dreamed would turn her on. Having a lover using a finger on the most innocent parts of her body was one of the most erotic things she'd ever experienced. Who knew this was what she was in store for with the cowboy booted man stumbled into the barber shop. Michonne fought to control herself and just enjoy what Rick had in store as he constructed a new path back down her body.

Again, careful not to touch anything deemed sexual. But the intimacy of this was driving her insane. Her back arched when his fingers finally arrived at her stomach. The sounds of his breath growing more rugged turned her on immensely. His returned erection thumped at her leg, but he was ignoring it. Her pleasure was on the agenda. And Rick made it known when his fingers slipped past the hem, contacting her mons. Again, Michonne shuttered, her legs squeezing together when they needed to be open.

The lower he went it prompted her back in control of her limbs. Her legs parted with a plea that he not continue this teasing down to her toes. It was too passionate, and she didn't know if she could handle it. Who could handle this, she began to wonder before his finger started to slip in between her slick folds. Her exhales rushed out wildly. It wasn't going to take much, Michonne knew. And she braced herself.

Unexpectedly, Rick's hand stopped but his lips softly pressed a kiss to her jawline. "Give in to it. Give in to me."

The way he instructed, she couldn't do anything else but follow. Relaxing instantly to feel this fully. This is what she'd come here for.

Rick licked his lip hoping to taste her essence still there. And he was rewarded with the sweetness he'd just kissed from her dewy skin. It made him generous. And he slipped his fingers down finally strumming her clit. It was already easy for him to find. He'd been mapping out her body from the first time he laid eyes on it. From the first time he'd gotten to touch her harmlessly. From the first time it wasn't innocent. But now it was so full and swollen, begging for honeyed release. And that's what he gave her.

His fingers rapidly shook while pressing on her engorged clitoris. He observed her mouth drop open and listened to the most chaotic, sensual sounds erupt from her. Her heels dug into the bed. Her hands gathered the sheets. Each cry out defined another wave of the concentrated orgasm she was experiencing. Just when she thought her body was on the verge of relaxing, she'd be overcome by another seizing. Rick's hand incessantly working her.

Michonne didn't know if she could handle this anymore. Her eyes finally opened ready to plead for an end. But she saw Rick insatiably staring down at her. He had no intention of letting up. He wanted it all. The carnality in his eyes flamed and Michonne knew she'd stepped into the fire. She dreamed of being consumed this way. The way she'd read about it in Harlequin books, but she didn't think a thing like this truly existed. Each jerk of her body mocked her for doubting it. For doubting The Famous Rick Grimes.