H E R...

Chapter 12: 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔

Michael's POV:
     Today was the day I'll be seeing Paisley and I couldn't even stay completely focused in my meetings this morning. Jackson had informed me that Paisley indeed agreed to come. My mind went into overdrive. I started going over the things I would say, the questions I would have to answer. Which answers would I be afraid to answer. I've never been nervous about any woman before. But this was not just any woman. I needed to make this work for the both of us.

The day was seemingly going extremely slow of all days . I let Jackson know that I wouldn't be able to cut the day short like I had planned. I agreed to let Paisley visit with her friend from home.

"Just ask her to please keep our meeting confidential. I don't want to risk her deciding not to go through with it. I know she's already battling it, I don't need her easily influenced."

"Understood, I'll let her know." Jackson responded.

"Before you go, how is she doing? She doesn't seem sad does she or afraid?"

"Surprisingly, she's handling it better than you expected. I can't really get a read into her emotions but she hasn't cried or ran away so that's good." Jackson laughed lightly.

"Thank you Jackson. I think I needed to hear that for my own nerves." With that I hung up.

I finished up another meeting and a few important forms that required my attention. I looked at my watch and it was almost six in the afternoon. I closed up my office and headed out. I had planned to have a nice lunch with Paisley but looks like we'll have to turn that into a dinner. I wasn't too happy about this though. That's not enough time I had hoped for.

After arriving to the house I hoped in the shower and changed into a business casual look. Sprayed on my favorite Dior cologne. My cooks had prepared a meal for us before departing for the weekend. I checked my phone and Jackson informed me that they would be pulling up shortly. I went down into my office and waited.

"She's in the sitting area sir." Jackson informed me from my office door. I hadn't even noticed that he was standing there.

"Ok thank you Jackson. I think we'll be ok from here if you want you can retire to the guest house for the night. If I need you I'll let you know."

"Thank you sir, goodnight and good luck." Jackson smiled and retired for the night. He occupied my guest home. I offered to buy him a condo but he opted for my extended guest house instead. I actually appreciated it, having him close made things easier for the both of us.

I finally managed to make my way down the hall to the sitting room. I stopped in my tracks when I caught a glimpse of Paisley from the doorway. Even from behind I knew it was her. My how much she has formed out. I haven't seen Paisley in person since we were kids. This was a woman standing here. She wore a long white knitted dress that fit to her frame hugging her in the best places. I wanted to take in the view for a little while longer. I watched as she skimmed through one of the books from my bookshelf. An image I was used to. Always in a book.

I walked in finally ready for us to meet. I stopped in the middle of the room noticing she was aware of my presence. We both stood frozen.

Paisley's POV:

As we finally approached a gate leading to a house on the hill, I couldn't help but become extremely nervous. I mean I was meeting a complete stranger, at a strange house in Santa Ana, California. I've flown across the country in a private jet owned by the man I was here to meet, and I didn't even know what he looked like or who he was.