AN~~: Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Here's a little surprise chapter gift. I know, I know I should've finished this so long time ago. But I just couldn't get fully into the holiday mood. And the story was going to suffer if I pushed out what I was thinking. It was more Love Jones than Xmas romcom lol Then suddenly it came to me. I knew how to end it. Not in this chapter lol but either two or three to go.

Please follow and favorite me so you'll get reminders about all my stories. But... chapter five will come this coming weekend. Thanks to anyone still out there interested in this story. Thanks to Mo for asking for this story. I'm finally getting it done girl lol Everyone, this holiday season, hold your families close and stay warm out there. And keep Richonne Alive

Day Four

"What is he playing at?"

Michonne could only imagine the vexed look on Sasha's face due to her hands, being occupied with several shopping bags. Her EarPods in as she strolled back from the village shoppes. The late afternoon photoshoot planned for today, gave her a chance to make up for her prior shopping trip being cut short.

Her family's impending arrival issues popped up yesterday, cutting her time in town. And if Michonne dwelled on the interruption too long, she would have to acknowledge the true drawback. The lessening of her time with Rick. Instead, she focused on the conversation she was currently having.

"Who knows? But I'm actually okay."

Sasha was more annoyed by Mike's phone call than she was apparently. Even though they agreed to have their people communicate regarding the release of the breakup news. Michonne did think it a bit odd that Mike hadn't tried to contact her since they split up. She assumed severing all ties was easier for him than facing how his actions dissolved their relationship. But it didn't trouble her anymore.

"A weight is lifted off of me that I didn't expect to be freed from so easily."

"Really?" Sasha asked with concerned skepticism.

"Yes, I took your advice and got out. I don't know if it's the fresh mountain air. Being able to mostly go incognito here in Switzerland. Maybe the holiday spirit is finally enveloping me. Or maybe… maybe something else." she shrugged trying to ignore blue hues from conjuring fully in her mind.

"That's good because with your family arriving soon. It can go either way." The women chuckled knowingly. And Michonne was preemptively thankful she hadn't sent some unintentional wavelength to her friend. Then she playfully sighed when her bubble burst.

"But you haven't complained about the photographer in a couple days. I guess things are moving along well."

"We are co-existing. We have a shoot later today then Rick will submit the photos. Once they are approved, the job is done. And… we will go our separate ways." she responded a bit too glumly. But it was too late and any attempt to downplay it would only make it more evident that her feelings had evolved regarding the frustrating man.

"Hmm, it's a wonder you two hadn't met before. This industry is a lot smaller than people think. I know we are still waiting to hear back from the studio heads on whether you've been granted an opportunity in your next pursuit. Maybe you'll run into Rick again one way or another."

Of course, the switch from Richard to Rick was caught by intuitive Sasha. Running the thought of seeing him after all of this through her head, a yearning blossomed. It nearly knocked Michonne completely off balance, and she slipped on her slushy steps. That anticipatory flutter in her belly awakened with acknowledgement of their increased odds of running into one another. It was taking her too long to temper the burgeoning anticipation, she knew because one of their unexpected run-ins made her chortle.

"If we do, I hope I don't have to pretend to be his girlfriend again." she snorted nervously while walking carefully up the hotel's plowed driveway.

"Girl, what?" Sasha exclaimed. "You pretended to be his girlfriend? Why?"

"He had an admirer he was trying to shake, and I just happened to-"

Michonne paused as she entered the sliding doors. The very man she spoke of paced at the front desk area. Rick's body was rigid, but his face displayed his true state of exasperation.

"But Milton Marketing extended my reservation for a few more days." he sternly stated.

"Michonne, you just happened to what?" Sasha called out attempting to prompt her sentence completion, but she was too engrossed with watching this commanding version of Rick.

Originally seeing it during the confrontation with the paparazzo. Being frazzled herself, didn't allow her to fully digest his exuded allure. He was forceful, demanding and something about the way he tilted his head as he spoke while gesturing with one hand appealed to her baser, primal instincts. Yes, she couldn't pretend now, there was no valid excuse for the pulse inside her coming forth other than attraction.

Michonne took a step forward to watch the bewildered man behind the front desk try to explain. "Herr Grimes, Milton Marketing did extend your stay. But only until tomorrow as was available in our reservation system. No one told you?"

"No, they did not." Rick snarled at the man because he was the only one available to vent his annoyances to.

The clerk reluctantly pressed on. "We are booked solid with the holiday steadily approaching."

"There must be something you can do."

"I am acquainted with other area hotel staff. I will check with them for any possible availability. But again, it is the holiday season, and I don't think there will be anything vacant nearby. Maybe in… Zurich."

"So, what should I do? Find a park bench?" Rick curtly responded.

"Michonne! What's going on? Are you okay?" Sasha's raised voice finally drew her friends occupied attention back to their interrupted phone call.

"Sorry, Sash. I'm fine but I need to call you back. There's a situation with Rick-"

"Another one? But you didn't finish telling me about the last one."

"I know, but I've gotta go."

"We are going to talk about this. Michonne!"

"When I call you back, I'll tell you everything." Hanging up quickly, Michonne made her way over to deescalate the tense state of affairs.

Rick pivoted almost as though he sensed her arrival. An immediate contriteness relaxed his features making Michonne smirk. "A park bench?"

Again, she watched his mood instantly shift as he tried to prevent a grin from escaping. "A little dramatic, huh?"

Michonne chuckled. "Little bit."

"Frau, I assure you we will do whatever we can to assist you and your ehemann with procuring new accommodations." the current front desk manager pledged.

Michonne tried to contain the alarm that must've reached her brown eyes. From the way Rick looked between their exchange, she knew he didn't understand they were being mistaken for a married couple.

"Wir sind nicht verheiratet." she corrected as smoothly as she could, prompting an apology.

"Oh, tut mir leid."

"I have my own reservation that extends until after New Year's Day."

"Well, if this is your…" the front desk manager paused as he waited for Michonne to get his hinted suggestion when Rick interjected.

"I'm sure I'll manage, somehow." he shrugged, not wanting Michonne to feel obligated.

But she addressed the man behind the counter. "Can you give us one second?"

"Ja, of course." he nodded before Michonne proceeded to the hotel's living room. Rick followed, watching as she sat her many bags down on a chair before turning back to him.

"You don't have to." Rick started before she could even get any words out.

"You are really dead set on sleeping on that park bench." she giggled, and Rick couldn't help but join in.

He noted that Michonne had only just arrived, but her presence instantly soothed him. Very much the same during his phone conversation with Lori. With just a look, a touch or a few spoken words, she could settle that rage brewing in him.

"Can't be any worst then a year of sleeping on a lumpy couch before my ex-wife and I finally pulled the plug." he joked.

"I'm sure the pull out in my suite can withstand any vigor you may apply."

Michonne watched some color flood to Rick's face and neck before he averted his eyes in the air. She was ready to titter at her mischievousness but noticed his blush deepening to a new level of red while looking upward. Following his line of sight, Michonne realized they stood directly under… mistletoe.

Their eyes swiftly returned to one another's expecting uneasy alarm. But instead, both fought to unsuccessfully resist playful and coy grins from brightening their faces. Anxiousness rapidly emerged as they each questioned whether the other was considering following the tradition.

Rick's eyes fell to Michonne's full, glossy lips while remembering the original custom. He wasn't even sure why he knew it. But a young woman couldn't refuse in partaking in a kiss under the berried, leafy plant because marriage was what she sought before the next Christmas arrived. Everything in Rick yearned to lean in to feel if the delicate entrance to her mouth was as pillowy soft as he'd imagined. But he'd never do it without her wanting consent.

"Is that an offer?" he decided to counter her previous double-entendre with his own.

"Offer?" she muttered as though breathless, her eyes gradually returning to his.

"I mean. I could ask, if that makes it easier for you."

"Ask, what?" her eyes were expectant.

Rick grinned enjoying the way he unnerved her. A ruffled state he'd never seen her in due to his intentional acts of charm. A readjustment of his stance was taken when he realized he'd subconsciously leaned into Michonne's personal space, and he actually did need an uncompelled request from her.

"Did you forget about the park bench already?"

Michonne was suddenly departed from the amorous mist she floated in when Rick only slightly stepped back. She pushed aside the inexplicable desire for his full bottom lip to be sandwiched between hers. Hoping her disenchantment was cloaked while quickly summoning the subject they'd previously been speaking about. Not a kiss under the mistletoe.

"I have a suite with plenty of room. You can stay with me until your departure."

"Really? I don't want to intrude." his raised hands said no pressure.

"Well, where else would my boyfriend be staying?" she snickered.

"No, but really thank you for this." Rick blushed shamefully then glanced at her purchases.

"Need any help?" a quick count of her many shopping bags provided him with a total. "You can handle eight?"

"Yes, I can handle eight. I made it back here didn't I." Michonne grinned coquettishly. "You will be in my room soon enough."

Rick snorted at her shutting down his perhaps overzealousness chivalry gently before she continued. "You should let the front desk manager know you won't be needing that bench after all."

"I'll do that. See you later Chonne." he promised before about-facing to do as instructed.

Michonne should've begun grabbing her bags to head for her room. But she stalled watching Rick walk away, with what she had to admit was an increasingly sexy bowlegged strut. She reluctantly pried her eyes away before she got caught lustfully staring.

But a quick glance above to the leathery leaves and red berries, brought unending taunting. She cursed the plant for throwing her for a loop and showcasing her erupting desires. Michonne could've played it off as considering an innocent tradition but thankfully Rick let her off the hook.

But what if he hadn't? Michonne pondered until her cellphone rang, startling her. She knew it was Sasha checking on her and the new predicament. Instead of answering, she tittered grabbing her purchases before walking to the elevator bank. Stalling on picking up seemed the best option because she needed time to figure out how to explain all of whatever this was to her friend, when she didn't rightly know herself.

"It's a wrap. Well, if Pamela Milton accepts the photos, that is. If not, I'll be calling you all back here."

Rick's captive audience chuckled from their positions in the gym and spa area of the hotel. The possibly last scheduled photoshoot had required most of the crew to be present. A night shoot needed all hands-on deck just for lighting purposes alone. And the limited space also made it tricky but manageable.

"You've all lent your talents and committed your time to this project during the busy holiday season and I want to personally thank you. The extension of the contract was unexpected by all of us. But you sacrificed to help complete the project."

Rick perused the sea of faces stopping on the one that stood out to him the most, unable to resist a boyish grin. "And I can assure you that both Michonne and I appreciate your hard work and dedication."

The crew pivoted to see Michonne's gleaming smile. With her slight step forward, they anticipated her sharing some grateful words as well.

"Yes, I also want to extend my gratitude to you all. I don't want to speak for Rick but, I'm sure you've helped both of us feel welcome in your country. And for that we want to provide you all with a small token of our appreciation. Swedish style." The audience looked at her with pleased curiosity. None more than Rick.

"When you depart tonight, please stop by the hotel's front desk. There you will find an array of Christmas cookies from a famous bakery in Zurich. You each will take home Zimtsterne, Chrabbeli, Mailanderli, and Brunsli. All arranged in decorative boxes to share with your families."

The team gleefully clapped, appreciating that their Christmas tradition of cookie gifting was being recognized. They took turns coming up to Michonne and Rick to thank them personally for the unexpectedly thoughtful gift. The latter graciously accepting the praise even though he was just as surprised by Michonne's generosity.

There were lots of models that garnered negative reputations throughout the industry. After Rick's initial introduction to Michonne, he was sure he'd return home with his own tales to counter the prior praise spoken about her. But with each passing day he learned there was so much more than meets the eye when it came to this fascinating woman.

Rick continued shaking hands and engaging in small talk before joining the staff in breaking down the set pieces. But he kept an eye on Michonne as she worked her way through the admiring crowd. Witnessing each interaction was aiding his understanding of how truly lovely she was inside and out. He wondered if anyone had done more than tell her. If anyone let her know it was an honor to receive care from her. And that any opportunity to return it should be delivered tenfold.

As he observed her move gracefully through the room, he hoped she wouldn't depart before he could reach her. And he was relieved when she stopped across the way to converse with Magna. Out of ear shot but present, nonetheless.

"Will you be in Switzerland for the rest of the holiday season?"

"I will. Our traditions are very grand. Some… problematic." Magna cringed and Michonne made a knowing face regarding their sweets delivering companion to Old Saint Nick.

"My family plans to partake in the annual Samichlausschwimen."

Michonne rose an eyebrow in interest. "What's that?"

"We visit a picturesque lake and… swim." Michonne's jaw dropped, and her wardrobe assistant snickered.

"I think I'll pass." The women laughed at the quickly delivered decline.

"My family is more of a shop in the Christmas market, take in the town's advent window displays' kind of people. I might even convince them to build an actual snowman. They don't get enough snow to stick in Georgia."

"Ahh, I understand. The cold is not for them."

"Definitely not."

Magna smiled before glancing across the area that had mostly been cleared. "What about Rick?"

"What about him?"

"Wonder what his plans are until he gets the all-clear."

"I'm not sure. But once he gets approval, he'll be headed home to spend Christmas with his son."

"Aww, that's sweet. With the boy's mother?"

"Rick and her, are divorced."

Magna smirked conspiratorially. "You and Rick seem to have gotten on better footing. Maybe, you will see each other back in the States?"

"Oh, I don't know. But it's possible in the industry." Michonne tried to play it cool providing a breezy response. But inside she fought off a growing wave of melancholy bubbling up in her at the prospect of not seeing Rick again.

"I hope you do. It was starting to feel like you two had a… chemistry."

"Umm, we simply learned how to be near without irritating one another. That's all."

"Hmm. It looked like more than that to me. And anyone with eyes."

Michonne was startled by this information. Sure, she and Rick had grown more teasingly. That had to be what anyone was picking up on she reasoned, opening her mouth to serve a rebuttal. Yet no words came out.

Her body still adorned in a purple and lime green athletic crop top and leggings. Matching color blocking sneakers rounded out the last outfit from the active and loungewear she modeled tonight. During the shoot, a comfort had unknowingly developed between the pair. Rick came in close, snapping as he artfully studied her form. His careful movements made Michonne soften to an easy openness. She didn't expect her guard to drop to the extent that she neglected to conceal her scar.

Once her modeling career began to take off, she became increasingly self-conscious about it. Hiding it had become second nature if only to avoid questions on how she'd gotten it. But with Rick's considerate approach, Michonne didn't shy away from the exposure. She tittered, remembering how she nearly bit his head off days ago when he attempted to photograph it.

"Let me take the wardrobe to the storage room. I will pick them up sometime soon and we can say goodbye then." Magna simpered at Michonne then casually went to the rolling rack, wanting to leave her to think their conversation through apparently.

As the last of the equipment was toted out, Michonne continued to linger. Every moment that passed permitted a reality to set in. The excuse for her and Rick to be near one another was drawing to an end. He would no doubt submit the photos tomorrow after his personal review. Hearing back from his employer could come soon after. Which meant his departure could happen at any moment from thereout.

With the last people departing the space, Rick must've come to the same realization as Michonne because he approached her somewhat reluctantly. Stopping before her, his blue eyes connecting to hers with sincerity.

"Thank you."

"For what?" her voice at a whisper.

"For everything."

Rick studied her face just as he'd done between each of his up-close shots. A feeling one could only describe as having one's soul peered into arose. Michonne blushed and looked away from the powerful intensity. It was too much for her to handle in the dimmed lighting of the empty and sultry spa. She desperately needed to defuse this energy.

"Is this because I said the cookies were from both of us?"

Rick softly snickered at her comedic deflection. "You didn't have to say they were from me also."

"Oh, don't worry. You can pay me back later."

And just like that the charged energy returned. Ways that he could, involuntarily formulated in both their minds. A hasty escape was the only option now, so Michonne suddenly started for the exit.

Rick quickly gathered his camera cases then jogged to catch up with her. They leisurely strolled side by side down the hall with the threat of departure arising once more. Rick was constantly unsure of his standing with Michonne. Worried one badly timed statement could push them back, erasing days of progress. It was the justification for his hesitancy, but he had to put forth an effort. Even if he thought it would be a shot in the dark.

"I really do need to thank you though. Even with all my hiccups in the beginning. You stayed."

"You didn't make it easy." they chuckled nervously approaching the main lobby's elevator banks. "But you are more than welcome."

"Let me press the call button for you."

Her abrupt dismay propelling her lips to move. "Aren't you headed up also?"

"I was gonna run and check that the storage room is locked up tight. Then I'll be packing up my room for eleven am checkout."

Rick sighed disappointedly. "Since we weren't planning to shoot tomorrow, I was figuring I'd be sleeping in."

"Me too."

The elevator's bell dinged, announcing its eminent arrival. Michonne was caught in two anxious spaces at the same time. Wanting to evade the longing she felt while fearful of its loss. But when the stainless-steel doors slid open, the latter would win. Rick extended an arm to hold the door open for her entrance into the cab prompting her recall of a saving grace.

"You could avoid all of that hassle in the morning and still get to sleep in. If… you came to my room, tonight?"

Michonne nervously rattled off to extend their time together by upping her earlier charity to the present. Her heart nearly stopped from her presumptuous offer. All she could do was wait while he dropped his arm allowing the doors to close.

When walking, Rick was running scenarios through his mind of ways to continue their time together. What was left was limited and he'd certainly learned his lesson after accidentally passing up the previous offer to go shopping together. He damn well wasn't going to miss any proposals from her again and a charming smile bloomed on his face.

"Really? You wouldn't mind?"

Michonne chuckled able to release the butterflies wreaking havoc in her belly. "After you check on the storage room, pack up your things and bring them over to my room. Before the hotel staff finds the nearest park bench."

Rick snickered to himself after his own exhale of relief. "Okay."

Tap Tap Tap

Nerves charted a wild course through Michonne's body. Standing at the door to her suite after her expected arrival's knock, she questioned what the hell she was doing. Inviting Rick to her room earlier than necessary was not something she'd do. It was too… impulsive. It was obviously too late now as she glanced through the peephole. Of course, it was indeed Rick and his luggage.

Well, it wasn't too late to withdraw the invite. Rick would understand because he was a gentleman of course. But that bothersome nagging was rising in her again. She didn't want him to go, and she cursed herself for it. Because this felt like a point of no return, and she hesitated with the handle deciding to neutralize her budding feelings. This was simply an act of aid. A return to the curt version she originally presented due to tired frustration would have to suffice.

"Couch."

She pointed after opening the door to let Rick inside. Closing the door gradually with a purposeful pause was aimed at her avoiding taking in his entrance. That walk would certainly snatch that inner yearning back up to the forefront and she couldn't have that when she was just beginning to put up the fight.

Luckily for Michonne when she did turn back, he'd already placed his luggage neatly to the side. Having taken a seat where she had directed. Rick should have had a look of relief now with somewhere to not only stay but rest up. Yet he was silent, frustration evident on his face. Which was quite the opposite of his demeanor when they departed not long ago.

Michonne told herself it wasn't her concern. Casual detachment was the plan, and a glass of wine would do just the trick. In the kitchenette, she large poured herself a glass of red wine. Unable to help from noticing when Rick dug in his jeans pocket to retrieve a low chiming cellphone. He forcefully typed a response to whomever it was before pinching the bridge of his nose.

Just go to the bedroom and wait the day out until you can part ways, is what Michonne repeated to herself. But her compassion was stopping her. She didn't like seeing him this way. And therefore, found herself pouring a second glass before making her way back to the living space. Rick's face displayed perplexed confusion as she forcefully offered him the glass.

"It's the only alcohol I have. And you look like you could use it."

"Thank you."

Michonne ignored the buzz that ran through her when their fingers briefly touched as he took the glass. Sitting on the oversized chair seeming safer than next to him on the comfy sofa so that's what she did. Safe from what, she didn't want to examine.

But the answer was revealing itself when his surprisingly full lips were reddened after he took a sip. She felt an unwelcome tightening in her core that she needed to divert. His troubles, the best distraction.

"Was that?"

"My ex-wife. Yes."

"Is Carl, okay?"

"Oh, no. He's fine."

Rick could see Michonne visibly relaxing, further proof of her genuine concern for his child and children in general. He struggled with whether he should divulge the full nature of his dilemma because above all he wanted her to know him. But Michonne had her own situation going on and he didn't want to bog her down with his problems. He'd share something general.

"It's just the extension of this project made scheduling a bit complicated for me back home."

"Anything I can do to help?"

"You've already done a lot for me." he glanced at her tenderly "But maybe we can talk about something else to get my mind off of it."

"Sure." Michonne sipped from her glass and waited.

"I didn't want to pry but your breakup with uh…"

"Mike." she smirked at his probably purposeful memory problems with yet another uninvited suitor's name.

"Yeah, how are you doing with that? I kind of heard a bit of the conversation."

"I figured you had."

"Guessed you needed time to digest the outcome."

"Well, honestly… it went well. The news will be out. And I feel… good about it."

Rick locked earnest eyes with her. "You don't have to be."

Michonne gently smiled at his affirming words. "I know. But I think I really am. I'm ready to move forward. Who knows what was waiting on me to be free."

"Or who."

The pair both took large gulps of the plum-colored liquid in avoidance, knowing the high would be coming on faster with the steady consumption.

"I guess once this job is complete, we can both move in the directions we expected before all of this."

Rick exhaled. "Hopefully, these pictures are accepted sooner rather than later."

"Why wouldn't they be?"

"My boss is a bit of a-"

"Bitch."

Rick raised his hand in retreat. "I didn't say that."

Michonne lightly chuckled with him. "I did."

"Originally, I was scheduled to depart with everyone else days ago. My ex, Lori and I negotiated. That way I could have Carl for Christmas since she had him for Thanksgiving. That's why I was so frustrated by the delay initially."

Conversations with Michonne felt so relaxed that before Rick even realized he'd told her everything he was holding on to. And she simply nodded sympathetically.

"I kind of pieced that together. I'm sorry."

"It wasn't your fault. Again, I'm sorry for being an ass."

"It's about your son so you don't have to be."

"But I am." Brown and blue eyes unabashedly locked as a swoon set in. They both liked to pretend it was solely derived from the alcohol that loosened their lips.

"There's also the fact that I'm in a tight spot back at Milton Marketing. A stable office position has become available. It's the way I can continue to be present for Carl. And Pamela Milton claims if this shoot goes over well, it can happen."

"Oh. Then you would give up photography fieldwork?"

"Well, yeah mostly. Unless there was a special assignment."

With Rick in that position, the chances of them seeing each other again got even slimmer. Not only would the chance at photographer and model meetings cease but their incidental off-the-clock run-ins would too. But no matter Michonne's underlying feelings on the matter, she wouldn't let them get in the way of a parent and their child. Especially on a holiday.

"Let me see the photos you are submitting."

Rick hesitated. "Uh, what?"

"I'm not just a pretty face, I have an eye also. A model… well usually a successful one needs to know the positions of the body. Especially their own, do we not?"

"It isn't that I doubt your skill…" Rick took another swig of wine noticing the growth of its effects. "Truthfully, I'm a little nervous as to what your opinion may be."

"Get your laptop."

Michonne instructed, letting him know she wouldn't take no for an answer. Moving shyly, Rick retrieved his device from its cushioned bag, sitting on top of his suitcase. Just minutes ago, when he entered her suite the renewed looming threat from his ex-wife kept him from outrightly acknowledging Michonne's change in attire. A white, spaghetti strapped tank top struggled to contain her full bosom. The red, white and green plaid pajama pants were slightly flowy but did nothing to hide her ample behind.

He got to ogle it a bit longer while Michonne transferred from chair to sofa. Watching it plop down, he was unsure if he should return to his previous seat. He could hand her the laptop and wait in the wings. Because the combination of lightheadedness and her immediacy could no longer be ignored then.

But an eager and warm smile let Rick know, Michonne with glass in hand, anticipated his return by her side. Gingerly, he sat right next to her, their sides pleasingly touching. He could smell the revived sweet- scented bodywash or lotion perfuming her skin. A delectable amalgamation, he determined after a quick glance at portions of her exposed silky dark skin. Even though he'd seen much more during their work, this was different. She was communicating her comfort with him.

There was an undeniable physical attraction, but Rick gladly conceded the natural feeling from the bar returned with physical connection. Yet he managed to power up his laptop, opening the folders storing the files. As he clicked to enlarge the first photograph, Michonne leaned in. She sat her libation down after a few clicks to enlarge others. Her examination unnerved him, yet he waited for her frank assessment.

"These are incredible."

Rick chortled in disbelief, but Michonne turned to convince him. "They are. And I'm not just saying that because I'm your muse." they giggled with heads swaying a bit.

"But that's definitely a part of it. I don't want to sound cheesy but…" he paused wondering what the alcohol content of the wine she'd provided was. It had to be at least eighteen percent.

"But what?"

He couldn't lie to her. Not now. "You are gorgeous."

The hum of the laptop wasn't enough to camouflage the sudden draws of air they both took. Rick knew this wasn't the first nor would it be the last time she'd hear this undeniable truth. Yet her physical response was as if it was brand new to her. As if him delivering the compliment gave it strength.

But just as rapidly, Michonne diverted her eyes to the screen, avoiding meeting the aching ones surveying her. She was letting him slide which seemed out of character for her.

"Let me see something of your other work without me."

Rick chortled relieving the tension while clicking another folder, displaying a new set for examination.

"More people should see these."

Rick snorted self-deprecatingly.

"You have to have heard that before." Michonne looked at a few pictures more intensely, having shifted the personal computer to her lap.

"The shading, contrast and lighting. How you manage to magnify fragments that others would ignore. I'm honestly surprised you haven't exhibited your work before. Wait, have you?"

"Not since college. Thought about opening my own gallery one day, back then." Michonne sat back, giving him her undivided attention.

"It was a whimsical dream to help other burgeoning artists display their work too. The only thing is, I would have had to sell a few of my old pieces to generate the funds. Now after all this time, would anyone still be interested in them is the question."

"You should put feelers out."

Rick deliberated. "I do keep in contact with some of my old art school professors. A few are known and connected in the art world. They've assured me they could secure the funds. Back me themselves if it came to it."

"You could do it."

Rick smirked unaccepting, shaking his head in decline.

"You should do it."

"I don't know."

"You would be good at it. Running your own gallery. You're bossy enough."

"Me?" he playfully pointed to his chest.

"I have been watching you." she grinned coquettishly watching Rick redden then reach for his glass. His swallow perhaps meant to cool himself down. Or disguise his flash of shading. Both were alarmingly cute to Michonne. Especially the way the liquid colored and wetted his full lips.

"On set with everyone, you've maneuvered the process well after having it dropped in your lap. But I must admit, today I kind of missed our bare shoots."

The suggestive word bare caught Rick off guard. He was mid sip and began to choke embarrassingly. He was glad it was just a small sip because red wine dribbled past his lips and down his chin.

But Michonne went into action taking his glass and raising his arms so he could fill his lungs with much needed oxygen as he coughed. She skipped to the counter, retrieving paper towels to dab at the mess while he regained control.

"I think… I'm okay." Rick groaned, realizing he managed to get some wine on his shirt and jeans as well. He was just grateful he hadn't gotten any red wine on her white tank top. That would've been truly mortifying.

He gratefully took the paper towels from Michonne's hand to resume the job. But he didn't miss the reluctant way she withdrew her hand from his chest before he stood to further assess the damage.

"I think you need a bath cowboy." she tipsily and coyly looked him from toe to head.

"I- I think so too."

'You should join me' was on the tip of his tongue as his hunger amplified with his slightly inebriated state.

"I already took one." Michonne chewed her lip seemingly reading his mind so he smirked.

Blaming any heated actions that took place tonight on alcohol would be an easy defense. But much like Rick's defiance against the mistletoe tradition, he wanted anything entered to be purposeful and consensual between them. And when Michonne grinned at him appreciatively he knew she understood his reluctancy. Not as a rejection but as a sign of reverence.

"The bathroom out here has a shower." she motioned after standing.

"You're off to bed?" the disappointment was visible in his expressions. They were alone in the same hotel suite but even this didn't seem close enough. But tonight, it would have to do before they did something either would regret.

"Yeah. I think the wine went right to my head."

Rick helplessly watched Michonne leave his personal space and make her way to her bedroom door. But he'd be remiss if he didn't remind her of something.

"The way I see it I owe you double now."

Michonne chuckled, stopping in her tracks. She turned to gaze at him quizzically and amusedly computing her own sums.

"Completed the shoot. Gift for Carl. No park bench. Jessie. And, I saved you from possibly choking to death?"

"On wine you served me. I might add." Rick chuckled when she shrugged angelically.

"I would say more than double. But what I'll what in return?"

"I want to be the first to know once you've worked your way up to it."

Michonne snickered, backing into her room. Her hand on the door. "Goodnight Richard."

"Goodnight Chonne."

Closing the door, Michonne exhaled as quietly as she could. Listening for booted footfalls, her heart skipped a beat. The question of will he or won't he, was answered with the sound of maybe reluctant steps towards the bathroom. A minute later the shower sounded and Michonne tiptoed away from the entryway.

She chucked herself onto the bed cursing the nearly overwhelming yearning she'd unintentionally brought on with her choice of drink. His gracious chivalry kept her from moving too fast. It all reminded her that Rick was really a good man at his core. And she intended to help.

Snatching her cellphone after getting under the sheets, Michonne sent a message to Sasha.

'I need you to help me with something. Sending the details'