~~15~~
Pleasant rises to the corners of his mouth continued to be the best Rick could offer today. His attendance at events such as these would be required increasingly with expected growth, Morgan and Reg merrily explained to him. He was 'the face' of Grimes Construction. A reluctant face. Rick was rather comfortable, remaining in the background, allowing the exceptional work to speak for itself. But expanding the realms of his business while setting up in a town hellbent not only on proliferation but status, required him to shmooze.
Looking around the room, Rick felt a bit underdressed in his off-white button-up shirt and a somewhat new pair of faded black jeans. He had apparently missed the memo on what to wear because the male invitees donned business suits. Various forms of dresses, skirts and pants adorned the women in attendance.
Trusty cowboy boots with his apparel only served to make Rick stand out more. The opposite of what he wanted. Men came over to heartily shake his hand impressed with his perceived cool Southern charm. The next moment, Rick would have to shrink away from any woman batting their eyelashes at him. The scene confined his comfort, and he hoped he could make an exit sooner than later.
On the contrary, Morgan and Reg wore suits, bright smiles and were accompanied by their respective wives. Jenny and Deanna helped them work the room, shaking hands and kissing metaphorical babies. Rick tried not to visibly huff whenever their conversations included a gesture to him. It would lead to an esteemed guest approaching to express how in awe they were at the speed in which his company built their portion of the new development. The image of the city center coming to life before their greedy eyes.
Subsequently, tonight's event was being held in the location that would house a large family style restaurant. It would come complete with a bar and lounge for after-hours events and parties. Rick had to admit he was impressed also. His team was exceptional and thankfully so because he'd become too preoccupied with his personal life as of late. Well, he was ignoring one part and focusing on another.
When with Michonne, his anxieties should be heightened. Instead, they all melted away. After reluctantly separating his troubles would return to remind him of the truth of things. And one of those truths was beelining towards him landing a heavy paw on his shoulder.
"I've been working the room while you've been stuck in place."
Rick snarled at the older man beside him, but he was too busy making his statement to notice or simply didn't care.
"Morgan and Reg are better suited for these kinds of events." Rick informed Jessie's father.
Being slightly shorter than him, Robert Ridge's balding patch hidden in the middle of his dyed brown hair was revealed. Rick knew it was childish, but he made a point to toy with his full head of hair whenever in the irksome man's presence knowing the envy it provoked. And he did so now just to enjoyably watch the older man's covetous eyes before his tone became snappy.
"You better get suitable, because your company's ability to rapidly move on this property has greatly improved your position with the council and citizens alike. And you've managed to get it done surpassing code!"
"Elevating standards is a priority for Grimes Construction." Rick proudly affirmed.
"That's good and all. And it will take you some ways, but we also must examine optics."
Rick's eyebrow rose. "Optics?"
"Reginald and Morgan are married men."
Rick's jaw flexed, understanding where the conversation was headed.
"You and my Jessie could be the quintessential couple. Look at her working the floor in your absence."
A bit underdressed as well, Jessie wore a long black maxi dress with a white flower pattern on its lower half. Simple black flats made it easy for her to skitter around the room.
To alleviate any further stress, Rick confirmed with an over the moon Jessie that they'd attend together as previously planned. He picked her up and listened to her regaling him with recent tales from work, her friends and everyday life. It was almost as if they were back to normal. Jessie charging forward and him with his head in the sand. But his secret liaisons crowded the vehicle as he drove keeping his responses minimum.
On arrival, Jessie held his arm smiling brightly and waving greetings to attendees. She was feeling like the belle of the ball while Rick wanted to retreat. Knowing this wasn't his thing, she volunteered to make the rounds the same as Morgan and Reg. It granted Rick two reliefs. Not having to brown nose or having to put up a façade that everything in their relationship was going smoothly.
But now from across the floor, Jessie noticed his grimace. She attempted to intervene, but guests continuously stopped to chat with her. The stalling of her pathway giving her father more time alone with Rick.
"Look, I know Ronald needs a strong guiding hand. And Samuel needs an even stronger one to toughen him up. Their father cracked under the pressure. But a man like you should be up for the task."
Rick pivoted to stare directly at the man. "Up to replace their father?"
"I can assure you, the same way I do whenever Jessie asks for assistance. Peter won't be an issue. I'll take care of him. It's what I do best."
Robert shrugged confidently until he realized Rick was not impressed with his bullshit. He wisely decided to adjust his tone.
"My daughter conveyed that you were an upstanding family man. Willing to do whatever was necessary to protect and provide. I'm much the same." Robert commended himself and Rick fought not to roll his eyes. Yet the man's phrasing gave him pause.
"Ever since you moved here, I've been patiently waiting for you to come ask for my permission. After all, I personally cleared the way for you. Then I went on to discuss your business being an asset with all the council members and businessmen alike."
Rick defiantly puffed his chest and Robert deviously grinned.
"I'm not saying you didn't get this contract on your own merit. But you are new to our county. You don't have the proper network yet. But future events such as these will help with that. I mean to say. I'm sure our connection helped."
And there it was.
The influence Robert Ridge held could cause issues for Grimes Construction and therefore his employees. And hell, the Rhee Designs partnership meant they were entangled as well now. His decisions or lack thereof created the potential for controversy.
Rick could care less about public opinion. Because he increasingly believed he could weather any storm. Gossipers would undoubtedly find a new target with time. With another mark shortly to follow. But his ill begotten link to this detestable man created a greater element of concern- Michonne and their son's well-beings.
Her husband had done enough damage to their family. And his own tumultuous divorce from Lori had done a number on Carl. And himself if he were honest. But these three people didn't deserve any of the ire that could arrive if things went south. Rick would happily take it all on for them to know peace.
Within the rapture of emotions developing for Michonne, Rick was understanding the ones with Jessie were subsidiary in comparison. There had to be a way to unravel this with minimal blowback. Or he and Michonne would not only have to stop but keep their secret forever.
Right now, that was unimaginable. Unconscionable.
Ever the politician, Robert cheerily shook hands and patted the shoulders of passerby's while Rick stewed. But much to Rick's chagrin he continued once his audience moved on.
"But back to what I was saying. Jessie has the right look for a man like you."
Rick's head tilted having reached a new level of vexation. "The right look? What exactly does that mean?"
"Here you go, Rick. I got you some bourbon." Reg appeared ostensibly out of nowhere with Deana right at his side. After years of knowing one another, the couple could easily discern the temperature rising to fury when Rick's stance and gestures became menacing.
"I'm good."
The bespeckled man's eyes urged for calm through his lenses while fighting to draw Rick's attention to himself. "Take the glass. Go on."
Rick reluctantly took the cup immediately countering his prior refusal and ingested a gulp of the warm liquor. The burn down his throat providing a focal point for his frustrations. He followed with a sip of the libation needing it to kick in expeditiously.
"There you go." Reg smiled with triumphant relief just as Jessie finally joined them.
Unsuccessfully masked with a smile, her nervousness was evident on her face. She placed an apprehensive hand on Rick's lower back and leaned onto him. "What did I miss?"
Once again, Reg saved the day by cutting off both Rick and her father. "Oh, just that Rick is a pretty remarkable guy."
"He is." Jessie beamed up at him. "That's been the sentiment all around the room. And of course, it's the same for you and Morgan."
The mitigators snickered to relieve the vast tension.
"Yes, but the things Rick has done for everyone that works for him…"
"I couldn't do it without you and Morgan. Reg is the biggest reason the walls we build still stand." Rick returned the compliment, but Reg shied away from it.
"With help."
Deanna smiled. "Of course, I'm going to chime into toot my husband's horn. Dear, let's call it a tie."
They all chuckled except notably Robert who fished his cellphone from his breast pocket, checking the screen.
"Pamela Milton." He announced with an exaggerated sigh.
"The Ohio Milton's?" Deanna asked.
"The very ones. Influential family but Pamela's a real, excuse my French- bitch."
Everyone recoiled from the way he cavalierly called the woman out her name and Jessie decided to speak up. "Daddy-"
"What? We all must be up for a little brown nosing every now and again. Thankfully with Pamela it's not a bad ass at all. Makes her almost tolerable." Robert chuckled at his crass joke and bumped into Rick and Reg expecting misogynistic comradery but was met with disgusted faces that didn't deter him.
"Luckily, her father is in power still. But word is she's planning to become his successor. Therefore, duty calls. I bid you all adieu."
Thankfully, Robert walked away accepting the call by loudly blasting the Milton name for those near to know who he was connecting with.
"Well…" Deanna sighed uncomfortably, and Jessie looked apologetic.
"I'm sorry about that. My father can be a bit vulgar at times. But he has the best intentions."
"Some of the worst things imaginable are done with the best intentions." Rick muttered before sipping his drink.
There was an uncomfortable silence and Reg once more stepped in to satiate it. "Well, I'm trying to convince my dear wife that she should get involved here. She's always been politically active. And now that Aiden and Spenser are both away at their universities, this would be the best time."
Jessie was happy to move the conversation. "I don't think there's a city council seat available currently but-"
"Don't pay Reg any mind. I vaguely stated my interest once and he keeps going on about it."
"You would do a fantastic job advocating for our new and expanding community. Plus, you have some connections this town would be interested in."
"You should definitely speak with the Neudermeyers." Jessie gestured to the middle-aged pair conversing with others across the way before whispering.
"They are our most recent city council members. I'm sure they could provide information on the process as a newcomer for future appointments."
"Maybe, I will." Deana shrugged. Her interest piqued.
"Shall we?" Reg figuring his diffusing was complete, offered his wife his arm. Deana placed her hand on it, and they started to walk away but she paused, turning to Rick.
"I don't know what you've been doing lately with your hair. But you look good. You should keep it up."
Deana gleamed at him then Jessie, no doubt assuming she was the cause. Before Reg could guide her away, Rick finished his drink. Then swiftly took the remainder of Reg's liquor, surprising the married couple as they departed not wanting any parts of a lover's quarrel.
The hand on Rick's back promptly fell. Jessie's arms crossed over her chest, but they didn't utter any words. Forced smiles were offered to those that walked past their unease. They hadn't spoken about 'the barber' since the day in the school's parking lot. And he knew her reason was wildly different from his.
Another sip created a welcomed light swoon to arrive just in time in Rick's head. It didn't cease the tense vibe running between him and his girlfriend.
And it was about to become increasingly awkward because through the front entrance glided in…
Michonne
The distance of being across a crowded room from one another meant nothing to Rick. Nor did his present company. Adrenaline coursed through his body combining with the alcohol for a heady mix of rapid delight. Michonne's appearance was unexpected, causing his heart to skip a beat before accelerating.
Ever breathtaking in the most subtle of ways, today Michonne elevated the style of dress with chic elegance. A long, caramel colored, ruffle skirt granted a peek at one of her sexy legs through a high split. A short-sleeved stand collar blouse in cream was tucked into the skirts tied high waist and matched her strappy ankle sandals.
Sure, Michonne was dressed to kill but her deep dark smooth skin radiated. Her perfect facial features were highlighted with what he could tell was just a touch of makeup. And her presence immediately garnered the intrigued attention of everyone in her path. Her grace and beauty were undeniable. In fact, it took him a moment to realize Sasha, dressed just as finely, was accompanying her.
Michonne's smile lit up the room when the Millers, prominent members of the local political family approached her for a lively chat. The looks at the gathering shifted from initial interest to wonder at their rapport. But a couple faces betrayed inner thoughts where envy could be seen. And when Rick finally brought himself to divert his covetous eyes, he found the greenest stare planted on his girlfriend's face.
Michonne moved through the room in a manner she hadn't. She couldn't. It wasn't meant to be a jab because Jessie was pretty and popular enough. Blonde with hazel eyes, fit enough and unassuming, she'd get attention of course. But it wasn't attained as effortlessly as Michonne was achieving it.
Jessie tried pretending not to be perturbed and returned to the reason her arrival was necessary in the first place. First, she moved her body to stand directly in front of Rick seeking his concentration.
"I tried to get over here sooner. I'm not sure what my dad said."
A drop of relief came when Jessie aptly decided to gloss over the new arrival. Instead, another point of contention in their relationship reared its ugly head.
From the moment Rick recently met Robert Ridge he knew he didn't like the slightly shorter, greying man. He had an unwarranted air of snootiness. His desire to rub elbows with the upper crust irritated because it caused him to overlook closer matters. To overreach at the expense of others, including his own family. It wasn't something Rick could respect. Every second around the man, created sympathy for Jessie having him as a father.
But he also couldn't excuse Jessie because she was old enough to attempt to remove herself from what she didn't care for. She spoke of the ways her father went against her wishes, but she obeyed, nonetheless. It sometimes showed in her behavior that she'd picked up his manipulations for her own devices. But Rick kept thinking with his encouragement she'd come out better once she stood her ground. The pressure she lived with wasn't something Rick would or could endure.
"You haven't spoken to him about the state of our relationship?"
"He doesn't need to know we are working through a rough patch."
"He does, if he's worried about his image during an upcoming bid for election."
Jessie swallowed hard. "He told you about that…"
"He did. And about the necessity for public perceptions of a candidate's family." Rick scoffed but Jessie gazed at him despondently.
"Would it be so bad?"
"Pretending we are seeing eye to eye? Posing as pre-engaged just for his campaign?"
Jessie stared back defiantly. "Keeping up appearances for my father when he helped your business shouldn't be too big of an ask."
Rick sipped his glass of bourbon to stop him from saying something harsh. His eyes traveled the room looking for anything to calm his mood and they instantly locked on the beauty adorned in cream and caramel.
Amid the conversation, Michonne must've sensed his pull or maybe she had her own need for him at that very second. His breathing regulated, and his ire slackened. The charged connection heightened with the knowledge they knew one another fuller than others suspected.
But just as fast, Rick diverted his eyes to glances at the ceiling. Yet Jessie must've gathered the gravity of the situation because her face swiftly softened.
"Rick..." she placed a tentative hand on his bicep drawing his attention back to her. "I'm sorry."
For a moment, some deeper admission laid in her gloomy eyes. A pang of perhaps guilt accompanied a hint of regret if Rick was reading it correctly. But Jessie pressed on before it could be uncovered.
"I'll talk to my dad. The campaign won't start for some time. He's still putting out feelers at events like these, so we don't have to worry. And by the time it begins, we will be back on track and none of this will matter."
Rick nodded a few times, not because he fully believed, but in an attempt to infuse the idea into his head. And to stop his eyes from impertinently searching the room again.
"We should get back to making our rounds. Rather, I should start making my rounds." Rick nervously chuckled.
"Right." Jessie's lips spread into a pained smile and Rick could tell she was deciding whether she should stick to his side or not. Doing so after she'd been moving through the room unaccompanied would reveal her insecurities. Instead, she raised her chin and squared her shoulders determinedly.
"I'll let you go do your thing. Then I'll come find you. Okay?"
"Sure… sure."
Another tight smile sent Jessie on her way. And Rick's current predicament sank in further as he began to stroll. Being in an enclosed space with two women he was involved with was difficult enough. But when one was secret, it made it all the more troublesome. He'd never been in these kinds of circumstances before and had no plan to ever be again. He didn't know how cheaters did this.
And that's when it dawned on him. He now was a cheater. The acknowledgment made Rick sigh wretchedly. Making it worse was being one unsure of the protocols. He cackled somberly to himself, as though there was a manual.
While in their bubble, possibilities of awkward occurrences like this weren't discussed. Therefore, he didn't know what Michonne would approve of currently. Should he pretend to not know her?
Definitely not. That was NOT an option.
Maybe act casually? Their kids did attend the same school and were friends, making for an easily explainable link.
Possibly walk right over to his barber, thus it would seem he hadn't anything to hide.
The internal debate raged on while making pleasantries with guests that stopped to chat. Until a welcomed interruption bumped into him but turned out to not be a helpful distraction at all.
"Michonne is here."
Glenn waved to her across the way, so Rick had no choice but to follow suit. Michonne coyly returned the greeting, and his heart fluttered now that the ice was broken.
The man beside him leaned in and whispered. "I wonder who the woman with her is."
Rick had been too preoccupied with Michonne even though he pretended to be staring at something in the distance. Then he realized who Glenn was focused on.
"Oh, that's Sasha."
"Sasha?" Glenn continued to stare unabashedly. "She's beautiful."
Rick chuckled glad he wasn't the only man having a crisis of allurement.
"Wait, how do you know her?"
Rick opened his mouth realizing he'd already put his foot in it. And he scrambled for an answer that didn't incriminate him.
"The barbershop Michonne works at is the one I took our kids to. Sasha's family owns it. Her brother Tyreese is the operator. And the one who cut Hershel's hair. Sasha came in to get a haircut while we were there."
"Can you introduce us?" Glenn eagerly asked while Rick was just glad he'd made a plausible statement. The simplest answer being the best. But reservation set in.
"You do know Michonne. Why don't you just go over yourself?"
"I need a wingman." Glenn urged and Rick chuckled. He did owe him for helping pull things together tonight.
Rhee Designs provided the temporary furnishings and décor filling the empty shell. The hopes that their team up would prove when leasing a lot, they were not only proficient but an elite option to complete any job ahead.
And who was Rick kidding, he'd been dying for an excuse to get over there. "Shit, why not."
Beginning a walk as if in slow motion, the men provided time for Michonne and Sasha to take them in. With his sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms and noticeably his now healed wrists, Michonne clinched at how intimately she knew the man in the lead. Trying to keep her temperature from rising was difficult to say the least. The swaggering of Rick's curved legs lulling her into wanting to perform untoward acts in public.
Before she and Sasha arrived, Michonne lied to herself saying she wouldn't seek out Rick. Just allow them to find one another casually throughout the evening. But the spark that linked them anytime they were near had other plans. Their immediate discovery only served to heighten her impact entering the event.
All eyes were on her and Sasha while moving about effortlessly. Michonne engaging while her bestie was more mysterious. The absorbed reaction was the norm when they found time for a night out on the town.
An invitation was secured after noticing Natalie Miller followed her and the Williams Cuts accounts on social media. The older woman saw the influx of celebrity clientele coming into the county when they posted online. It would and had drawn others to visit the blossoming county for shopping and recreation. Money spoke volumes and Michonne was becoming a recognizable key to infusing more here. She was all in, but she'd have a caveat to be further discussed at a later date with the council.
All while strengthening her business connections, Michonne observed Rick speaking tensely with Jessie. Eventually, her and Sasha's entrance fanfare died down after the ostentatious conversation with the Miller's concluded. It would thankfully grant an opening for the man whose attention Michonne most desired to come to her.
While waiting for the chance, Michonne and Sasha conversed over sips of champagne acquired from waiters circling the floor. Michonne was impressed with the city center coming together but now even more so seeing its confines before the general public. Grimes Construction was performing a magnificent job so far and she couldn't wait to see it thriving with an influx of business. It reinforced the possibility of her dreams coming true. While she fantasized, her best friend was contemplating something completely different.
"That was the pre fiancée."
Michonne nearly spit out the bubbly she daintily sipped.
"She's cute enough. But not much in the way of competition."
"It's not a competition."
"You can say that again." they both snickered.
"What did you say her actual name was again?"
"Jessie." Michonne muttered, noticing the woman doing her best to work the room while pretending to be unaffected by her attendance.
"Hmm… from her state of dress, I would've thought it was Messie."
"Sasha."
"What? I'm just saying."
There was no need to be more vicious. Sleeping with the woman's boyfriend without plans to stop any time soon sufficed. But the way the woman stomped her entitled ass in the barbershop still pissed Michonne off.
"After the first time… he offered to leave her-" her sentence abruptly stopped when a group passed them by, but Sasha openly gawked at her.
"Why didn't he?" she muttered prompting a hushed conversation.
"I- I told him not to."
"What? Why?"
"I didn't expect what happened between us to persist. What was I supposed to say. Yes, let's turn this sudden act of passion into a love triangle."
Michonne shook her head. "He breaks up with his girlfriend while I'm still married?"
Sasha deflated from understanding then perked back up. "Okay, but that's when you thought it would be a wham bam thank you ma'am. What about now?"
"Mike is back home." Michonne exhaled. "And Rick's at this event with her."
"And try as he may, he can't keep his eyes from you for long. He never can."
Sasha directed Michonne with a lift of her chin to swiftly glance across the room. Locating cerulean eyes returned the spark of their connecting charge before they both rapidly looked away. Sasha grinned at the coy blush her friend tried to conceal witnessing how truly taken Rick was with her.
With his girlfriend steps away, it hadn't deterred him from connecting with her. It served to embolden Michonne's surreptitious desires to bask in his attentions openly.
"Whatever you decide, good, bad or indifferent. I've always got your back."
"Same." Michonne and Sasha smiled gratefully at one another and continued the journey through the restaurant.
"Who's the guy he's talking to now?"
Michonne didn't even have to look because she'd already noticed Glenn walking over to Rick.
"Oh, that's Hershel's father."
"Andre's friend, Hershel?" Michonne nodded confirmation. "Mmm…"
Sasha's surprising interest made Michonne smirk before the men strutted to stand in front of them. Glenn was a handsome man, Michonne knew even though she hadn't looked at him in that manner. Over the years of knowing him, she had to admit he grew somehow better looking. She hated to say it but the divorce from Maggie took away his boyishness. Replacing it with a slightly rugged look that her friend was sure appreciating.
"Hey Michonne." Glenn all but sang when he moved in for an unusually jittery hug.
She smiled knowing his awkwardly charming personality remained even with his glow up. "Hi Glenn."
When they separated, the attention turned to the other man and her eyelashes fluttered. "Hi Rick."
He wanted to lean in and at least kiss her cheek, but he knew he couldn't, given the environment.
"Chonne. Michonne." Rick had to correct his natural proclivity to shorten her name when they flirted or fucked.
"You look beautiful." He couldn't help himself.
His tongue briefly darted out thirstily to run across his lips, loving how she purposely stood to expose one silky leg through her skirts split. But his bad behavior paid off when she simpered in response.
Then remembering his manners, he turned to an amused Sasha. "You both do."
"Yes!" Glenn reaffirmed too eagerly making them all titter.
"Rick, you already know Sasha." They both head nodded genially. "Glenn, this is my best friend, Sasha Williams. Sasha, this is Glenn Rhee."
The pair shook hands a little too long, making Rick and Michonne raise eyebrows at one another witnessing the connection.
"Are you apart of Rhee Designs? I heard someone saying they were responsible for the setup." Sasha glanced around in wonder.
"Yeah. Yes. That's me. Glenn Rhee." He sighed embarrassedly.
Michonne and Rick fought to keep the smirks from their faces because of the stumbling and the way the last part rhymed. But Sasha giggled in a most girlish way that had Michonne doing a double take.
"You did a great job."
"Thank you." Glenn blushed unabashedly. "It's all because this guy was willing to join forces with me."
Rick shying away from the compliment had Michonne adoring him additionally. But she wanted to focus on the new flirtation happening between her friends.
"What brings you ladies here tonight?"
"I came for the food and drinks that aren't prepared for a station full of men." Sasha joked.
"Huh?" Glenn became uneasy at the prospect of daunting competition.
"Sasha's a firefighter. She should've led with that." Michonne offered with a chuckle.
"Wow, that's an impressive career. I've never been inside a firehouse before. What's it like?"
Now, Michonne zoned out of the ongoing conversation permitting her new habit to emerge. Her hand went to her chest. And Rick, who subtly observed her the entire time smiling warmly at what she fondly skimmed.
A cursive 'M' encrusted with diamonds dangling from a gold cable link chain.
The present he'd anxiously delivered to her at the barbershop. Hidden away in her bag with excited anticipation. Michonne delayed the payoff until she'd showered and climbed into bed that night. She had no idea what it would be, but her heart warmed as she opened the box and gathered the link from the cushioned lining.
Examining it in hand, she found her eyes filling up with appreciative tears. It wasn't that she'd never received unexpected or expensive gifts. But that it was exactly her style. Effortless yet dazzling. She'd cherish it no matter how this ended, she decided right then. She gathered her phone and sent Rick a quick text with a photo of it in her palm.
"I love it. Tysm"
Immediately ellipses appeared. "I'm glad you love it. Its not nearly as gorgeous as you are"
Three blushing emojis followed because he made her feel giddy.
"I do wish I could b there to put it on you"
Michonne felt the same way. "I can wait"
"No. I want you to wear it now. There will be other occasions"
Michonne's stomach fluttered at the prospect of him putting jewelry on her.
Specific jewelry on her.
But she put it out of her mind, not looking at her current empty finger. "Ok, I'll put it on. But unfortunately, I have an early client. I should get some rest"
"Goodnight Chonne"
"GN Rick"
"I was just about to head to the bar. Would you like to join me?" was what Glenn nervously asked Sasha when Michonne came back from her daze.
"Only if you can supply some juicy gossip on the way then point me to the food after. Unless… you are trying to get me tipsy." She teasingly simpered making Glenn swallow hard and begin to stutter.
"Yes. Sure. Not the tipsy part unless you… Of course. You lead the way. Or should I?"
Sasha devilishly smirked at Michonne before she started to saunter away. Glenn looked to Rick who provided a nod of confidence before he followed the alluring woman to the bar.
The pair left behind glanced at one another before watching their friends head off and they chuckled.
"I did not expect that."
"Whatever it was, it was interesting. That's for damn sure." Rick snickered noticing Michonne hadn't joined in. Instead, she deliberately took him in, from toe to head.
"There's a lot of interest here tonight." Michonne offered lasciviously, relishing in making his weight nervously teeter from one curved leg to the other.
The air instantly became thick between them, making the cool drinks in hand fortuitous. Rick salivated when Michonne's full lips pressed to the flute in her hand. Her mouth opening, pouring the libation in and down her throat providing flashbacks of her previous work on his member to resurface.
As always things were getting out of hand between them and without so much as a touch.
The ambient music increased its tone and Rick remembered they weren't the only ones in the room. He glanced around to make sure no one noticed them. But Michonne didn't seem to care. Her hunger intensified knowing he balanced precariously in his forward-facing reality and with his desire for her. Some of the community was in attendance. She heard two of his most trusted employees were here. And the preoccupied girlfriend was right across the way.
Michonne began leisurely circling her prey. With his eyes hooded, Rick's octave dropped to whisper when she momentarily came in close enough. "What are you doing?"
"What am I doing?" she feigned innocence before stealthily allowing the back of her hand to graze his bulge.
With eyes squeezed shut, a hiss escaped Rick's mouth. Yet his ears detected the sound of departing footsteps, having his eyes spring open. Michonne was steps away, minutely paused. A coy glance over her shoulder proceeded her path towards the side of the event space. Her salacious eyes beckoning.
Rick emptied his glass, placing it on a nearby table. Surveying the room to make sure they hadn't caught any watchful eyes, he pretended to debate on the tantalizing chase. Then resolute steps swung his bowlegs out further as he tailed Michonne.
Remembering to keep a few paces behind when her juicy ass ricocheted with each twist of her hips, proved a difficult task. But at last, they entered an empty hallway. Their inconspicuous glances heightened this erotic hunt into the portions of the building still in development.
Rick wanted Michonne so badly, but this wasn't the place. And he didn't have the time to punish her properly for being tawdry. With ever growing manhood, he convinced himself to assuage her desires. They'd return to the gathering and pick this up later after ditching the crowd.
But somehow during his deliberations, he'd lost track of Michonne's location once she turned a corner. Rick deliberated between two paths settling on one since he couldn't hear the clicking of her shoes anymore.
He wandered a short way perplexed by the disappearing act, wondering if he should call out to her. But decided to double back instead.
From a small alcove Michonne's hand gripped his button up shirt pulling him flush against her succulent body. Her full lips could barely wait for his to get close enough to hastily suck at them. His hands massaged her waist, keeping her close. Measured smooches aimed at withstanding her allure was the best Rick could enact.
But the way Michonne sucked, Rick knew his lips would be swollen and redder than normal. His thinly veiled attempt to halt her from unfastening his belt was dashed once her warm hand wedged under the boxer brief band to grasp his pulsating cock. Hardening with each squeeze synced to parallel with their breaths expelled.
Michonne salaciously stared in Rick's eyes jerking him until he futilely implored. "We shouldn't do this here."
"Do what here?" she bit his bottom lip, so he snickered frustratedly at her maddening game.
"This. We can't do this here."
A trail of hungry kisses led Michonne to his ear for a quick nip. She knew it would send another shiver directly to his dick.
"It sure feels like you do. Don't you wanna fuck me, Rick?"
His cock jumped in her palm and his hips bucked answering the question. Suddenly, Rick's reserved hands roughly cupped her heaving breasts. The two layers of material in the way one second then pushed away the next. His expert tongue salved her pert nipples before his teeth scathed them. Michonne's carnal question resulted in thankful sucks to her globes. She groaned gratified from victory and the pleasure.
Rick moved about her skin as though he wanted to consume her. Kissing and licking his way up to her mouth. Their tongues sloppily lashed tasting the liquid courage that loosened their inhibitions. Michonne's fingers painfully snatched at his curls keeping him in place. The force of passion sent their bodies slamming into one wall then another with no regard, just wanting to be devoured.
Fighting against the requirement for air because it wasn't yet as powerful as the desperate way they needed each other. Until they pulled apart suddenly, dragging oxygen into their demanding lungs. It was a chance for clarity, but the sexual fury consumed them. Rick swiftly commenced the work of undoing his jeans. Not one to be beat, Michonne just as fast reached for the hem of her skirt, wrenching it up.
Letting her have all the fun wasn't something Rick was willing to allow this time around. Stepping forward, his greedy hands sought the elastic of her cheeky panties. With his lips only partially in her reach, Michonne sucked at any part of his skin she could until he eagerly returned her kisses. Her panties only coming down to hover around her shapely thighs, exposing her plump ass. Squeezing and melded it, Rick increasingly needed to view it face to… cheeks.
Michonne didn't know what was happening because it was done so swiftly. Being spun around before Rick kneeled. Bites at her booty made her yelp and giggle. But his next brazen move crossed her eyes. And her legs shook uncontrollably from the contact of his tongue, edging her anus. Her cheeks held open by his strong hands allowing his face to push in.
His tongue teased in a forbidden place, perhaps that's what made it feel sublime. Her hands found support against the wall as she bent slightly at the waist. The pressure was building painfully in her core with a few seconds to spare until Rick abruptly stopped and stood.
Michonne panted with dismay at the teasing and began to look back to relay her frustration. But a coarse slap to the center of her ass was nearly her undoing. Then the cycle started again when Rick unleashed his thumping cock, placing it at the spot that stung. With her body pulled flush to his, it slipped between her upper thighs to tap at her engorged clit.
Nips at the side of her neck had Michonne leaning into it, further forgetting the need to restrain themselves. But Rick couldn't wait any longer when his dick found itself slicked in her flowing wetness. Knowing she was this wet for him drove him insane. He had to be inside her.
And he did so roughly with one forceful thrust when his smooth head instinctively lined up at her wanting slit. After all, she could handle eight.
Michonne's palms slapped against the wall. But the strong hands wrapped around her were the only things keeping her vertical. She'd fucked around and now she was finding out. Each forceful plunge made her forget they were in a virtual echo chamber. The ways in which Rick made her feel needed to be relayed. Moans and groans drowned out his muffled whimpers.
"Shushhh."
He speedily covered her mouth as he drove into her harder, deeper. Her warm breath forcing its way through his fingers. It matched the heat he was encompassed in inside her. The flooding of her pussy combined with the spasms of her walls meant he must piston into her. It was his only chance before she clutched him to a grateful end. Her muscles milking him with every drive.
There had to be a last hope because the rebound against her delectable ass was about to be his end. Rick noticed Michonne's ear was within reach. The hand that was pinching her freed nipple relinquished it to slide up to her throat. His fingers passing his dangling gift, wrapping around her neck squeezing slightly but possessively. Her head fell back now permitting his teeth to nip on her lobe. His voice husky down her canal.
"Come."
Another betrayal occurred and without a question her wretched body followed his command. Her cum gushing out with his continued propulsions, taking Rick overboard with her. At the deepest part inside of her, he burst.
Satiated grunts replaced the shouts he truly wanted to issue. But his knees nearly buckled, and he stumbled back. It unfortunately removed him from the insatiable feeling of being submerged inside Michonne.
They panted for air as quietly as they could. The sudden shock of separation and fresh oxygen must've provided recall of their location because they immediately jumped to put their clothes back in proper order.
"Why didn't you tell me you'd be attending? Are you moving forward with the salon?"
"I was only recently convinced that I should."
Rick grinned shyly and a bit triumphantly that his words could sway Michonne as they continued straightening up.
"I needed to secure an invitation. Have to hob knob with the likes of the Niedermeyer's and the Miller's if I do."
"Yeah, you're right."
Michonne stepped in, helping Rick with his disheveled hair after her clothes were all back in order. They softly giggled because he seemed to have forgotten how messy it could get when he was active.
"Besides not knowing, didn't it make this more thrilling?" she pointed between them.
"It did." Rick chuckled as they began to walk.
Getting back should've been the priority, but Rick guided them to the other hallway not taken earlier. It led them into another portion of the property still under construction, but the foundations and plans could be imagined. The area was charted perfectly. Michonne looked around with wonder sparking in her eyes.
"This is part of the development your company is also building?"
"It is."
"Should we have hard hats on?"
"You didn't seem too concerned with the building coming down around us a few minutes ago." Rick snickered and she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Naw, we are pretty far into development. And it's not an active site right now."
Michonne smiled and walked around noticing the layout. A vision unwittingly formed in her head of what she could do with a space like this. The picture windows were grand for pedestrians to look in. But the layout was deep enough to provide some privacy when desired.
Her feet carried her to the places she'd install barber's chairs, manicure stations and pedicure recliners. Another area held a couple drainage connections suitable for hair washing basins. Michonne even knew where she'd close off to create suites for private treatments like waxing and massages. Not to mention celebrity clientele.
"There's so much potential."
"There is."
A shy quiet suddenly surrounded them. Rick knew they didn't have the time needed to broach the subject properly. He didn't want to start then have to stop abruptly because people would notice they were missing any time now. But earlier, not knowing how to proceed when they ran into one another because of the questions left unasked bothered him. He hesitantly interrupted the silence ignoring his fear of scaring her off.
"Is…" Michonne turned to him "… this only about the thrill for you?"
Her face became thoughtful while searching for the right words to express her feelings. She wavered on whether to be forthright.
"Watching you debate, just now was thrilling."
Michonne took a few steps in no particular direction, but Rick inched towards her compelled to close the gap.
"I can tell cheating is not in your nature. Yet your desire for me is overwhelming you. You don't want to cheat but when it comes to me… you can't help yourself. You have to. Knowing that is… intoxicating."
Rick's chest rose and fell at the perfect description of how he'd felt about her from day one, but it was evolving into something greater. He needed to know if it was the same for her too.
He stepped into her heated space, his hand gently running up her arm so they both watched its languid movement. His fingers caressed her shoulder causing her breath to hitch. Hypnotized into considering jumping headfirst into the depth of blue forming his eyes, Michonne listened closely. She didn't know exactly what she wanted to hear as his response. What would be the words to not only power but solidify a resolution.
"I tried to get ahead of it. I tried to fight it. Because it was the right thing to do..." His impassioned eyes locked on her longing ones.
"But Chonne, I- I think I'm-"
But just then a voice echoed into the empty space from down the hall startling them both. A pin was maddeningly being put in the conversation because the very real chance at being caught arose. Rick, knowing the layout, pulled Michonne to hide in an area partially enclosed. They both strained to hear where the person was headed and whether the hiding spot would be adequate. And what story could be told that would suffice, if found.
With their bodies crushed together, the thrill they spoke of reignited. Proximity compromising rationale while lustfully careened into imaginings of another round. They tried to hold their breaths in the small space, but Rick was leaning over Michonne. Starving again for her until he began to recognize the voice interrupting their moment.
Michonne watched with concern as his head tipped to get better sound. It wasn't coming towards them anymore, paused somewhere for faux privacy. The conversation was one sided.
Talking on the phone was- Jessie.
Her whispers and the distance made it hard to understand but the tone was argumentative. Mumbles and murmurs in an aggressive pitch. As her frustrations grew so did her voice and the end of the conversation could be heard clearer.
"Tell him to unblock me … return my calls!" she insisted. "I have to speak to him. It's important!"
Rick stared off wondering whom and what she could be this upset about. Her father was the pressing matter but present tonight, canceling him out. Her ex-husband Pete was still away as far as he knew. It could also be Ron, refusing to answer her calls home. But Rick didn't think she'd yell at the babysitter that way. Overhearing the conversation while squirreling away with his lover didn't grant him the opportunity to question her directly either.
The tapping of retreating footsteps, let Rick and Michonne know that Jessie was finally departing. This was their chance to escape back to the festivities.
"Uhh… I'm going to find the bathroom, fix my makeup then get back out there." Michonne whispered a bit dispiritedly.
"If you go down that hall, it will bring you to a door leading to functioning restrooms. If you keep going in that direction it will bring you back to the restaurant from the other side. I'll sneak my way back from the way we came."
Michonne nodded and began to walk away but Rick tenderly caught her hand. Their nonverbal connection grew stronger every time they were near, allowing him to sense the shift of her mood. He couldn't be sure of the thoughts troubling her, but he gently pulled her back to him. He hoped his near confession was not the cause.
Trapped by the earnestness in his blue eyes, Michonne's skin tingled as his lips pressed to hers a few times. Gently sucking at the fullness of her heart-shaped mouth before pulling away, Rick smiled timidly down at her.
"I don't think I'll be able to find a way to kiss you goodnight out there."
Michonne softened like butter sat on a hot tin roof. "A few more?"
Rick grinned blissfully leaning back in again.
Happily nursing another glass of bourbon, Rick swooned from more than just the liquor. He'd already taken a trip to the bathroom to cleanse his mouth and face before returning to schmooze. But now the taste of the liquor reminded him of his clandestine tryst, making him grin.
He and Michonne were currently enacting an unspoken boundary. Lowering any suspicion from their absence was the aim. It hadn't stopped them from sharing glances until they'd smirk and look away, continuing with the business at hand. It kept Rick in good spirits once he was informed the attending members of Grimes Construction and Rhee Designs should remain till the culmination of the festivities.
Jessie proudly waited in the wings while he, Reg, Morgan and Glenn shook hands and conversed with guests. There was no evidence that she'd been stressed about anything when he returned to the floor.
At first, Rick was just relieved he and Michonne hadn't been caught. But then another level of culpability crept up.
Jessie wasn't simply his girlfriend but a person who was there for him when he was struggling and vice versa. The current perspective served to display how witlessly formed the plan was to merge families. Yet Jessie had prompted him to move with his son. To lay foundation for his business here. All in attempts to push through the awkwardness and facilitate the missing elements from their individual lives.
His overwhelming affections were with another woman, but it shouldn't dissuade from basic care and compassion. He wasn't a callous man even with his moments ago actions countering the decree. The aim was never to embarrass or hurt Jessie and a pit grew in Rick's stomach.
But he had to admit, his heart was setting a new course. A messy course he was yet to understand how to navigate without things blowing up.
Rick strolled over to his girlfriend, exhaling hoping there might be a bridge to figure out the block between them. And therefore, where to amicably go from there.
"Are you okay?"
"I am." Jessie gleamed from his concern, squeezing his arm.
It left Rick a bit perplexed. Her upbeat attitude opposing the irritated tone she held in the corridors.
It wasn't the first time he noticed her disguising some secret since they began dating. Originally figuring she'd reveal it with time, Rick waited patiently. Any significant other that cared would either investigate or remind that they were the soft space for any conversation to be had. Good or bad. But Rick did neither. He sometimes pondered what it meant that he hadn't.
But Jessie smiled rather triumphantly. "This is kind of a stupid question, right? But having fun?"
Rick snorted and decided to be truthful. "Yes, I am."
"See and you didn't want to come. Even though I think the bourbon is half the reason you're having fun." She motioned to his glass, chuckling at his slightly tipsy state.
"I've had a little too much. Good thing Morgan has volunteered to drop us each home."
"He has?" Jessie clearly didn't like the curveball this threw in her obvious designs for the evening.
"After all of this, there will be greater expectations. I'll catch an early ride with one of the guys tomorrow to the site. I wouldn't want to get a DUI and end up in handcuffs." Rick tipsily snickered at his inside joke.
"I think Grimes Construction will have endless business with tonight's turnout. An arrest wouldn't be the best thing right now."
"You might be right."
"And so were you."
Rick raised a curious eyebrow and Jessie amusedly smiled.
"I've got to learn to follow your lead more often. With Pete, I always had to second guess his motives and prepare for the worst."
Another pang of guilt sank Rick's belly further. Perhaps, she was trying to make contact with her ex-husband when he overheard her. Maybe she wanted to work visitation out for the kids. After all, it was his suggestion. But Jessie mistook the look on his face for further confusion about her statement and snickered.
"Ron told me he and Carl are getting along much better. You were right about mediation."
Rick casually nodded a few times. "Carl shared that with me too."
"Really?" she optimistically inhaled before proceeding. "Has it helped you to decide about our day out?"
"Yeah, it actually has. We should go to the zoo soon."
"Can… Ron come?"
"Why not. It'll be a sort of test. The kids can see how their interactions shouldn't revolve around what we've got going on."
Jessie troubled her lip. "What do you mean?"
"Just that they should learn how to co-exist on their own terms. Without our interference or influence. It's probably the thing we should've focused on when we decided to date."
"Yeah, yes maybe you're right." Jessie took a deep exhale probably in relief and glanced around the full room. "I'm proud of you."
"For what?"
Her cheeks colored and she gazed at him starry eyed.
"Once you are finished with the development, this place will have an amazing view."
"Yeah?"
"Just take a look."
Jessie's eyes went to the window where the courtyard's planting had already commenced. Lavish flowers and assorted green shrubs would join the tall trees brought in to beautify the entire area.
But Rick's eyes landed on something even more beautiful in that direction. Michonne gracefully chatted with the Neudermeyers. For a split second their eyes locked and Rick smiled coyly wanting to wink at her so badly. But he didn't want to give them away and they reluctantly returned to their individual conversations.
"Yeah, yeah it's a pretty good view."