Filed to story: Young Girls Forbidden Love Series: My Best Friend’s Daddy >>
After about a half hour, Michael returned to the room, causing me to perk up. My eyebrows rose, and I tilted my head expectantly. Inwardly, I was nervous. What if this was bad news?
His expression was neutral, as he really wasn’t the best at expressing what he wanted to say early. I was definitely in love with him, but that was one slightly frustrating thing I wish he could be better about. Nothing to help that now, though.
I asked, “Any word? Please tell me there’s hope that this guy will be caught.”
Much to my relief, Michael nodded. “The conversation went on for a while, but essentially, he’s pinpointed a location for where Blaine is. He has been given a cease and desist, but it’s been escalated. We are going to settle this once and for all in a confrontation. Authorities have been alerted to his activity, particularly slander and extortion.
“He is trying to get a large percentage of my fortune. Something that I doubt would stop him, nor would be productive by any means,” he said. I nodded in agreement, as blackmail like that never ended up well for people who gave in. Beyond that, I nearly collapsed with relief.
“Alright. When will he be taken care of? Is there a timeframe?” I asked. Michael nodded, tapping a finger on his chin.
“Within the next day. Are you going to be alright?” he questioned. I wasn’t sure, but nodded anyway. My shoulders sagged, and I let out a soft sigh. At least this nightmare would soon be over.
I hoped. I needed to be free of this. To be able to start law school and my job at the firm without the stress of this following me there. Law school was going to be stressful enough.
Michael sat next to me for a moment, once again taking me into his arms. I buried my face into his chest, taking in the scent of his sandalwood cologne for a while before pulling away and gazing into his eyes.
“I want to do more,” I said. “But I need to talk to my friends a little bit. Do you mind?” I asked, and he shook his head. He gently grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me deeply, leaving me weak and full of desire.
The simplest touch from him was enough to drive me crazy.
He dismissed himself to continue tidying up while I grabbed my cell phone, bringing it to my ear and dialing Lin. She would be at the apartment I’m sure, Aubrey was busy so I knew she wouldn’t be able to talk.
“Hello?” Lin asked, no doubt anticipating not the best news, judging by the tone of her voice. I wanted to speak with both of them, but would have to settle for talking to just Lin. She was the type to give it to you straight, so maybe it was best Aubrey couldn’t make the call.
“He got a picture of me, Lin. This time you can see my face really well, with Michael, going on the jet,” I blabbered out. I proceeded to stumble over my words, explaining the usual spheal of worries regarding my reputation and future.
This was so common over the past few days that I got tired of my voice. Sure, it was understandable, but I was starting to become tired of stressing so hard over this. Still… reputation meant so much in the field I wanted to go into.
“Whoa, whoa, Shelby! It’s alright. Slow down, I’m here for you, girl. Did you say Michael is taking care of stuff? That’s good, right? You sound hysterical, have you been sitting and resting to gather your thoughts?” Lin asked. I hesitated, realizing I had gone into panic mode so quickly without stopping to think. She was right, I needed to calm down a bit.
“I am now,” I replied with a sigh. “The anxiety is making me dizzy. This all is making me so miserable. Look, I want to be with Michael. This past night was a dream, it confirmed everything I knew to be true. He is perfect in every way, and he listens to me, too. He knows how much this is bothering me. I am not going to put aside my dreams for him, though. I don’t know why these two conflict,” I muttered.
“Do they?” Lin asked, with a bit of hesitation. “How many law firms are going to judge you on your choices? Sure, Michael is a bit unconventional, given the age gap and billionaire thing. But if you stand firm, and show your merit, it shouldn’t matter. Reputation is a lot, but just how much? I don’t know much about this stuff.”
That got me thinking. Michael did say he would help me get into that law firm he had connections with and he made good on that promise. That would be relying on him, though, wouldn’t it?
I bit my lip. I knew accepting help from someone who I wanted to be my future lover should be common sense. It is a partnership. I was slowly coming to the realization that perhaps things could work out. Perhaps I could get all of what I want. My dreams and my man at the same time.
“I don’t know anymore,” I said to Lin. “But I’m starting to understand that letting this get to me as much as it has isn’t healthy. Thanks for listening to my rambling, Lin. I wish Aubrey could have joined our talk. I’ll have to fill her in later.”
“Me, too, but we can tell her everything later when she’s not so busy,” Lin said. “I’m glad you’re coming to, Shelby. I was starting to get really worried.”
“I can’t blame you. But, I think I’ll be okay, in large part to our conversation,” I finished. There was a swirl of guilt within my chest for how often I must have worried my friends, but nothing could be done about it. Once Blaine was caught, my life could return to normal, and I could put all this behind me.
We ended our conversation, her tone much lighter this time. “Stay strong, Shelby, and try to relax as much as you can. If anyone needs a knuckle sandwich, you know who to call,” Lin said in somewhat of a joking manner. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Noted. Bye, Lin.”
I put down my phone and texted Michael that our conversation was finished. About five minutes later, he entered the room, concern written all over his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but I shook my head.
“I’m fine,” I said. “But I want to know what I can do to help with this whole Blaine situation. My talk with Lin helped a lot. I think I’m starting to realize just how tired I am of this is causing me panic.”
The gorgeous man gave a nod and half-smile. His body relaxed, and I realized he must have been tense for a while. He strolled over to take a seat next to me, cupping my cheek.
Eagerly, I accepted his kiss, closing my eyes for a moment and allowing myself to get lost in him. The sparks of sheer pleasure ran through me once more, especially as he deepened the kiss and ran his fingers through my hair.
Just kissing him was so thrilling, I couldn’t get enough. I ran my hands lightly over his chest as we continued to kiss each other with passion.
When we finally came up for air, Michael spoke up. “I’m glad it helped. As for what you can do to help… I have a plan.”
*Michael*
Shelby and I rode to the park, intending on spending a day in the city. During the ride, I kept glancing over to her to ensure she was alright. All of this stress wasn’t good for her, and she was rightfully concerned.
Something had changed, however, because she held her chin up and kept her eyes narrowed. There was confidence flowing from her posture, and a determined spark to her gaze that had me curious. I didn’t ask, but I was quite intrigued.
This plan would include some fun, thankfully, so hopefully it took her mind off of things even if it was directly part of what was causing this distress.
We parked and exited the car, walking side-by-side but not holding hands. No public displays of affection; that was important for the plan. My eyes focused ahead as we entered the park. Tree branches swayed in the wind as we walked over fallen leaves and broken twigs.
The fresh air was invigorating, and I smiled as I took a deep breath. The smog of the city didn’t touch here as strongly, which was a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle.
Shelby walked along, looking at some birds that flew from branch to branch and focusing on a squirrel that rushed by.
After a few moments of silence, she said, “I hope this works. I don’t want to leave either my dreams or you behind, Michael,” she said. She turned her head and looked up into my eyes, an incredibly serious expression on her face.
I nodded in agreement, feeling my heart flutter with relief. Whatever decision she came to, it was to work with both me and what she wanted. Truthfully, she shouldn’t give up either her heart or brain. That was something I would make sure of.