Behind The Mask

Chapt er 20

Anouk’s POV

I wake up with a jolt. Holy shit! I am in Michael’s room! And we’ve both overslept. Oh God! My mom will be looking for me and she won’t find me in my room. What will she imagine? Geez, she’ll imagine she stepped into one of Danielle Steel’s novels, where the hapless heroine gives it up to the macho seducer on the first night. And none could be farther from the truth. I remember what Michael told me last night up on the roof. I will make the first move when I feel the time is right. And he proved that he means it when he didn’t try absolutely anything with me although I willingly got in his bed. He understood I did not want a lover, but just a fellow human being to keep me company and help me chase my fears. He was the definition of a gentleman last night.

I just wish mom understood that a gentleman who plays it cool is much sexier than a horny and rabid Latino lover from her stupid books. That a man like Michael appeals more to my nature than a shirtless and sweaty Antonio Banderas coming at me with a boner in his pants.

Whatever, right now I have to find a way out of this situation.

“Mornin’, Nooki! Mmmm, don’t you look delicious right now?”

“Hi, Michael. Umm...we have a problem....it’s rather late and I guess my mom will start building up scenarios in her mind....”

“Let her” he smiles. “Last night was amazing.”

I crook up a brow.

“Nothing happened last night.”

“Yes, it did. You trusted me enough to share your deepest fears with me. And you trusted me well enough to come here in my bed for solace, knowing that I won’t take advantage of you. That’s really special and amazing. So, for me, last night was truly amazing.”

“Gosh, will you stop saying these sweet things? I may actually give it up to you.”

“I won’t let you. Nu-uh, we won’t destroy the memory of building our bond together in the most profound manner. We will keep it pure, as it is supposed to be.”

I push myself off the bed before I jump his bones. I have never heard of a guy who would refuse to score when he has the opportunity. My friends all have been through this. Friendly visit turns into all night long fucking.

”I will try to sneak out quietly. Meet you at breakfast, OK?”

”Wait! I do deserve a good morning kiss, don’t I?”

He looks beautiful freshly woken up, with messy hair and no makeup. He deserves more than a kiss, honestly. But I’m happy to give him what he wants now. I really am into him...

10 days later

I think tonight’s gonna be the night. I have spent the best two weeks of my life, ever and it’s all thanks to one man who was determined enough to go behind my evasion tactics and get to me.

I do not have enough words to describe what I’ve discovered these last 10 days – a man and a child, a lover and a friend, an incredibly compassionate person full of empathy. We spent a long day in the Veldt yesterday talking. About our pasts, our pet peeves, our hopes, dreams, losses and disappointments. About the way life has taught us by experiences.

And now it’s evening and we’re watching Gone With The Wind huddled together on the sofa with mom and Manny in armchairs by our sides. Mom sniffles and blows her nose every once in a while.

“Poor Scarlett” she mumbles quietly every 10 minutes.

“Oh please, mother, she’s playing everyone like a fiddle, less Rhett who sees right through her!” I explode finally.