Take Two

Chapter Thirteen

 Micah

"I don't want you to leave," I muttered into Renaldo's shoulder as I hugged him tightly.

The fireworks had ended at least twenty minutes ago, but neither one of us had made a move to get up yet. I doubt he wanted to leave, either.

Tonight had been one of the best nights of my life. No one has ever done something like this for me before. Granted, we could only hear the echos of the fireworks and see the occasional flash of light above the rocks, but it was perfect because Renaldo planned it. It was just the two of us and it was perfect.

He kissed the top of my head. "Nor do I," he said. "However, it is getting late."

"Stay at my place," I blurted before my brain could catch up. Pulling back from him, I sat up and then rephrased the demand. "I mean, if you want, you don't have to go back to an empty hotel room tonight, is what I'm saying."

At this point, I think I was ready to do or say anything to get him to spend more time with me. It was a bit childish, I knew, but I couldn't stand the thought that we'd leave this secluded little area on the beach and then I wouldn't know when I'd see him again.

"We don't have to do anything," I continued when he didn't respond. "I can literally sleep on the couch or something. I just..." I sighed, realizing how crazy I sounded.

But then he smiled. "I would love to," he said. "Do you mind if we stopped by the hotel, first? I would need to grab a few things."

There were no words to describe how happy him agreeing made me. I didn't even necessarily want to have sex with him - well, of course I did, but I didn't need to tonight. All I really wanted was to spend more time with him.

I knew I was in too deep, but I quite enjoyed being here, wrapped in his arms. Tomorrow, when he left, I would kick myself for falling so hard, but that was a problem for then.

We eventually got up and climbed back the rock wall. As expected for a holiday night in LA, the main beach was still crowded with people. We made our way through them, hoping no one recognized Renaldo. I knew he was used to his fans, but I still wasn't especially not after what happened last time at the bar.

Thankfully, the trip to the hotel was fairly easy, since we took a taxi. If the driver recognized Renaldo, he didn't mention anything. He was probably too used to seeing stars in the city.

The hotel was fancy. I wasn't sure I had ever even been on the street, and definitely never inside the place. I suddenly felt very embarrassed to know Renaldo had spent so much time in my ratty apartment when he had booked rooms here.

The doorman held the door open for us and I sent him a small smile in thanks, too overwhelmed to speak.

Was this always how Renaldo traveled? What did his house look like?

And, most importantly, why did I ever think he could fall for me?

We were silent as we rode up the elevator, having someone else in there with us. She didn't pay us any attention; either she didn't notice us or didn't care. Either way, I was grateful for the silence as it let me stew in my own thoughts and pretend Renaldo wasn't eyeing me carefully.

"Is something wrong, Micah?"

I jumped as his hand landed on my arm at the same time he spoke. We were alone in the elevator. When did we stop and the woman leave?

I took a shaky breath and nodded. "I'm fine, sorry."

"Are you sure? You do not look well."

"Just a lot on my mind."

The elevator dinged and the doors opened to let us out. Renaldo let me go first and I stepped into the hallway that was just as fancy as the lobby. At this point, I didn't even want to see the room.

We stayed silent as we made our way down the short hallway. I could almost believe he was willing to let the subject drop, but I knew him better than that.

And, just as I expected, the second we got into his room, he was standing in front of me, his hands placed on my waist.

"Please talk to me, Micah," he said with so much concern in his voice, it broke my heart.

"I just..." I shook my head. "I don't know, feel insecure, I guess."

I could see the sadness in his eyes, the look that was trying to tell me I shouldn't feel the way I did. That he was trying to find the words to make me feel better. But nothing was going to change the fac that he had money and I had nothing. I couldn't fit into his world, no matter how much I wanted to be with him.

"Renaldo," I started with a sigh. "This room, this hotel... One night costs the same as one of my paychecks. Actually, probably more. And you're willing to throw that money away to spend the night in my run down apartment that I can barely afford. How can I possibly live up to your standards?"

"I have told you this before, that does not bother me. I like you for you, Micah, not any other reason." He reached up and gently caressed my cheek. "I did not come from money and I still do not entirely know what to with all that I have now. I do not mind spending extra money if it means spending time with you. And I truly would not mind sleeping on a dirt floor I was with you."

I smiled at his words, a sudden burst of love swelling in my gut. The feeling scared me, but I knew it was real. And I knew Renaldo was telling the truth. It helped ease my worries just a bit.

"I think I might be falling in love with you," I admitted quietly. "I know how soon it is and I'm not all the way there yet, but it's coming. I just needed you to know."

Instead of replying, he put his second hand on my other cheek and pulled me close. The kiss was better than any we had ever shared before. Much more intense.

My back hit the door and I pulled him even closer to me, not wanting to let him go.

All thoughts were gone. My mind knew only Renaldo's electric touch as his hands traveled up under my shirt. His lips moved to my neck and I nearly melted on the spot.

It was more than obvious that we weren't leaving any time soon to go back to my place. I couldn't find it in me to complain, not when this was everything I had been wanting for so long.

So I let him lead me over to the king sized bed, eager to show him just how much I cared about him.

_____________

A/N: I've been super busy and distracted lately, so writing Take Two has kind of been put on the back burner for right now. I am still going to try to update as regularly as I can! 

Anyway, please like and comment - let me know what you think! Things are going to start picking up from here and I am really excited about it!