To Have and To Hold

Chapter 38

"Are you ready, boss? Looks like things have calmed down out back, so I think we can make an unnoticed break if we move now."

Michael looked at Lisa and seemed hesitant. She could feel it. If she asked, he would not lie. He seemed ready. The problem was, she was very unsure if she was. Was this the right time for that talk they had been postponing? This perfect night he promised her? No, it was ok. She didn't want to know right now whatever else was going on. If there even was anything else to know. He was right. They could talk later. Right now, she wanted to enjoy their planned evening out. And she wanted to take any thoughts of Debbie, of Danny, her mother, and whatever was ailing Deb and lock them up in some deep, dark, prison. Like a dying person she reached for the last rays of the divine, blinding, determined to enjoy their glorious rays glory before eternal night would strike once again. Then again- who knew: every sunset is followed by a sunrise. Especially, if the ominous looking clouds were nothing but insignificant afternoon storms.

"You heard the man, Mike, let's move." Lisa stepped back and picked up her purse.

Something similar to relief registered on Michael's face, and he reached for his jacket and his fedora. Then he turned and also grabbed a bag she had not noticed on the other side of the sofa. What was he up to now?

They walked out behind Carlos.

"Hey, Lisa. Just to let you know: This plan of 'peace and quiet' involves us going out back, ok?" Michael reached for her hand and gave her cold fingers a squeeze she returned. There- that's all that was important. The here and now. His concern. It was so sweet how sensitive he was to her previous complaint about being hidden away.

"Do I have to be stuffed into a crate, or covered up with an old, dusty rug?" Lisa winked up at Michael as Carlos laughed.

"Not, if you behave."

"Promise. - And fine, I guess we can make an alley escape if it gives us some privacy. - This time." She shot Michael a playful sulking look.

"You will get so much privacy you'll get sick of it tonight, Princess."

There, they were back to joking. Some invisible titanium gate held those threatening skies at bay. The flood could drown them later. Right now she planned on evading whatever lurked behind curtain one.

They made it out of the hotel through the kitchen and hurried to the SUV. No one was out back or followed the car- it was a small miracle.

"Hey cool- we did it." Michael sank into the seat, after having been glued to the rear window.

"Did you think it wouldn't? Or are you disappointed it did?" Lisa loved to call Michael on his conflicted relationship with having his fans around. On one hand, he proclaimed he needed more privacy- on the other hand, he thrived on the love surrounding him and very much encouraged being followed all over.

"You, Miss Presley- just cannot appreciate when a perfectly executed plan comes together."

Lisa laughed. "Sue me."

"Oh no..." Michael leaned over and moved closer to her, kissing first her cheek, the moving in a hot trail to her ear. "I have so many other ways to punish you, girl," he whispered lowly, causing shiverbumps to race up and down her spine. When Michael's lips finally descended on her lips, she kissed him back with abandon, banning any and all thoughts. All that counted was the crazy feeling of his mouth on her, his lips caressing her, his tongue seeking entrance into her mouth.