H E R...

Chapter 16: 𝒩𝑒𝓌 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈

     Michael and I spent the rest of the morning talking on the balcony. I learned a little more about him every passing minute. He told me more about his company and how he got it started. It was quite the accomplishment. I was inspired to make an impact in the world as he has done. It was truly admirable. We even talked more about his sister and her mom. I could tell they meant so much to him, I can also tell he spared some details. I didn't mind though. The more we talked, it humanized him more in my eyes. Instead of fear, I was developing curiosity. I wanted to learn more about him, spend more time around him. That's saying a lot for just a day.

"So anything in particular you wanted to do today?" He asked breaking me from my thoughts.

The sun was very high in the sky and I thought about the beach immediately.

"I've never seen the ocean." I admitted.

He chuckled. "So are you saying you want to go to the beach Pai?"

"Yes! I've always wanted to go out on the ocean. Experience the quiet."

"Well then, the ocean it is." With that Michael stood up, took the glass from my hand and held his hand out to assist me with standing from my seat. I could appreciate the chivalry. I hesitated at first but I took his hand.

I stood and was face to face with Michael. I watched as his eyes scanned quickly from my lips back up into my eyes. This closeness was foreign, but was becoming easy with Michael.

He stepped back before speaking.

"Go ahead, get ready for an evening on the ocean. I'll meet you downstairs in an hour. Is that enough time for you?"

"Uh-- yes. I'll see you in an hour. Thank you." I smiled and exited the balcony and was making my way back to my room.

I showered and went over the conversation from earlier. I started to remember physical details. The way Michael spoke, the way he lightly pressed the glass onto his lips. The way he held his head to the side whenever he would laugh. It may have been the champagne getting to me, but I was starting to fixate on little things about Michael. I don't know how he did it, but he had become a big part of my thoughts in such a short time.

After about forty-five minutes I was dressed and ready to go. I had the perfect flare sundress for the day. I paired it with gold sandals and accessories. Im glad I packed accordingly to this California weather. I went down to meet Michael in the foyer. I stopped mid step when I caught glimpse of the man standing before me. He was typing something on his phone unaware of my presence. I took advantage of the moment to really take him in. He was a gorgeous man, even I could not hide away from that fact. He wore a plain white tee with swim like shorts and a pair of white Yeezy's. He too, paired his look with a diamond watch and two diamond necklaces. He looked more of his age now, but still in a very manly way. His aura still radiated success. But I knew how humble he was. I can tell from just one day of our conversations.

"Ok, I'm ready to go." I said.

"Ok, I'll be driving us my---self." Looking up from his phone he was caught in his words from my presence I assumed.

"You look really beautiful Paisley." He said smiling.

"Thank you. You look nice as well." I admitted.

I walked over to the front door and walked out as Michael held it open for me. I caught a glimpse of his cologned and it consumed me again. He helped me into a smaller two door sports car and then we were off. The beach was not too long of a drive. We went into a separate entrance where yachts were lined up by the docks.