His Choice

Chapter One

Michaels' POV

Being Atlanta's finest lawyer and the most eligible bachelor, I have women flying at me from every where . Knowing the kind of guy I am, I always take one into my bed. They all understand no strings attach. I had no feelings for them. They want to be with me, so I simply grant their wishes. There's only one woman in my life, my mother: Mrs. Angela Jackson.

She's everything to me. My dad was a lucky bastard to ever get a woman like her. Being the only male child, she devoted her life to protect me from any other woman who she did not see fit for me. Honestly, there were times when it drove me crazy. For instance, I fell in love with a girl once. Yea, I know, me fall in love. I gave her everything a woman could ever ask for. I showed her love, I was very attentive to her needs, but mother was unhappy. I tried to get her to find a place in her heart for Claudia, but she just would not budge. Eventually, Claudia had enough.

2 years earlier

Watching her pack her bags was heart breaking. I pleaded for her to give me more chance, but she just would not hear it. "Claud, can we please talk about this?" I begged. She walked towards me, her little body challenging me. "No Michael, I am tired of being patience. If you cannot stand up to your mother, then don't bother coming to me. I am tired of her constantly nagging me. You have to choose, it's either your mother or me." She looked me dead in the eyes waiting for a response. After a brief moment of silence, she said, "Exactly, I thought so," and dragged her bags out to the taxi that was waiting for her. I grabbed her hand, hoping to persuade her. "Baby please?" "Goodbye Michael." Just like that, she left me standing in the drive way. The pain brought me back to the day I watched Claire Patrick walk away, but that's a story for another day. To say that I was pissed was an understatement. Tonight was the night that I was going to pop the question, but no she had to wake up from the wrong side of the bed. For goodness sake my mother was just being cautious. There's nothing wrong with a mother protecting her son.

Present

I have to admit, after Claudia left, I was a little down, but my darling mother brought me back to reality. I closed my heart from any woman. I did not want another Claudia.

Walking towards my office, I felt confident, peaceful, and ready to start the day. "Good morning Mr. Jackson," my secretary Samantha greeted. "Good morning Sam." I smiled back at her. If she was not my employee, I would've definitely had her by now. Men like me never mixed business with pleasure. That's the motto.

Sitting on my black leather chair, I started with the day's work. At noon, I was exhausted. This was the worst part about being a lawyer, too many files to look at. "Samantha, please cancel all my appointments." "Yes sir," she said on the other line without questioning me.

Christmas was almost here and this time, I was going to take a much needed vacation. I've always heard about this little country in West Africa, Sierra Leone and I was intrigued.

After concluding all the office work, I began my early vacation. Going home to pack my bags, I called my mother. "Hello son," she answered. "Hi Mom, how are you?" "Much better now that I hear your voice. Are you getting ready to go?" "Yes I am. I will see you soon." "Ok son, I wish I was there to see you off." "That's ok, I got to go." "Ok, I love you David." "I love you too Mom."

After about 18 hours, I finally landed in Sierra Leone. As I walked out the airport, I felt the beaming sun on my tan skin. Man was this place hot. I got into the taxi that I reserved earlier and drove to Florence's Hotel, one of the best in the country. After arriving, the driver helps to carry my luggage into the main lobby where I was escorted to my suite. I have to admit, I've been to better hotels, but this one felt more like home.

It was 6pm when I arrived, so I left my bags on the bed, changed into my shorts and plain white tee and went out to explore.

The place was too beautiful that I even considered buying a condo here. Walking on Lakka Beach, I was welcome by some tour guides who offered to show me around, but I declined because I wanted to see things myself. I sat by the coconut tree and stared into the water.