Between The Books-Michael Clifford

Forty Eight

I put my purse on the desk and walk over to my bed. He's laying on his back, one arm up under his head, the other across his chest. He looks fantastic. It's not fair that guys can look so freaking hot while they sleep. I've never seen that with girls.

I could just watch him sleep and I'd be happy.

You have a problem.

I hate to wake him, he looks so peaceful. "Hey, Michael. Wake up, Baby." I say, quietly, sitting down next to him.

So much for staying away from each other. Sorry, Kyle. I was going to!

He moves his hand and opens his eyes. He sees me and smiles.

"Hey." He says softly.

"Hey." I was going to yell at him for being in my room. What if Jax had walked me up?!

Instead I lay down next to him, as he moves over. He wraps his arm around me and I put my head on his chest. I just don't care about anything. Not right now. All I want...is exactly this.

"I know I shouldn't be here, but after seeing you today, I just had to be with you." He says.

"You looked amazing today. That blue shirt with your hair, looked so good." I say, smiling.

"Thanks. You looked...look, pretty fantastic yourself. I like your sweater."

"It's the same color as your shirt you wore."

"Yeah, great minds and all that. Are you mad?"

"That you're here?" I say. How could I be mad? I'm totally smiling right now. Inside and out. Can't be pissed and happy happy, joy joy at the same time.

"Yeah. I talked to Laney before coming over. That's how I got in, she gave me her key. She seemed pretty sure you wouldn't bring Jax back to your room." He says.

"No, not mad, and I wouldn't bring Jax back here."

"Why? Why wouldn't you bring him back here, Star." He asks, raising up on his elbow and looking at me.

"Because..." I say, laying back on my pillows.

"Because why?" He says. He's just looking at me so seriously.

Fuck he doesn't make it easy!

"Michael...I'm trying REALLY hard right now, to stay in control."

"I'm not trying anything, Star." He says, grinning.

"Not physically, but....I'm just having a hard time, ok?" I look up at my ceiling. I can't look into those eyes. Not right now.

What the fuck?! What is going on with me? I feel suddenly....sad, overwhelmed with, fuck if I know!

It's just because you missed him, and you didn't realize just how much until you saw him.

"Why are you having a hard time? Do you want me to go?" He just doesn't get it.

"God, no. I don't want you to go. I know you should go...but I really need you to stay. Stay with me, Michael." I look back into his eyes.

"Then I'll stay." He says.

I want him to kiss me. He's so close to me right now. Inches.

"How was Jax today? Looked like he was taking it pretty hard at the cemetery."

"Yeah, that's when it really hit him, I think. He was better once everybody said their goodbyes and we left." I reach out and take his hand in mine, lacing my fingers with his.