Dealing for a Kiss

Michael Still in London

Michael was still at the rented London apartment one month later. Some issues with the pipework caused delays because the city had to fix it before work could continue on his estate. One positive thing that happened during that time was that all the horrible noise had finally stopped to which he was very grateful. It seemed management had got her to stop whatever it was she had going on in there. Whatever the reason, he was grateful for the peace and quiet.

His mind moved to another issue that had him a little concerned. During one of those "Nag Michael" Sunday lunches, he'd bowed to his mother's request that he take Isabelle out on a date. The first two dates were casual and fun and he'd started thinking that perhaps they could have a go at the relationship and see where it led. However, by the end of the third date, she'd started hinting at taking the relationship much further than Michael was ready or willing to. He had not even given her a proper kiss, only a peck on the cheek and it seemed she was ready for both of them to move in together! More like for him to move into her apartment. She had heard the rumors about his financial troubles and so assumed he was staying with his friend and not renting his friend's apartment. Michael saw no reason to correct her assumption. He never actually told anyone he was living with his friend, he just implied it by saying he was staying at Charlie's place in London.

This assumption was probably why Isabelle had not invited herself up to the apartment. Her aggressive pursuit was flattering, considering that in the past, he had done all the chasing. However, it was starting to annoy him because she happened to pop up everywhere he went these days. If he didn't know better, he would think she was stalking him. His mother was probably letting Isabelle know his whereabouts. If Michael knew the truth was that Isabelle had hired a private investigator to follow him and report on his whereabouts, he would be even more concerned and appalled.

He confirmed his stalking suspicions on their "fourth date" that wasn't really a date.

His friends had been pressuring him to come out with them for weeks and he had finally decided on that Friday night to take them up on their offer of drinks at a local bar. They were in the bar less than an hour when Isabelle and a friend walked in. Michael's shock was clear. At least now he had confirmation that he was being stalked by the lovely Isabelle St James. Michael flattered though he was, considering she had dumped him was not sure her attention was a good thing. He didn't think he was GQ material but knew he could hold his own at six-foot-two, shoulder-length blond hair, ocean blue/green eyes, and a square chin. He pretended not to notice her enter the establishment until one of his friends asked.

"Isn't that Isabelle? I wonder what she's doing in this bar? I thought she would have returned to Paris or is it Venice by now?" Petey stared at Michael as he asked the questions. Michael shrugged, said nothing and continued focusing on his beer mug.

"Maybe the rumor is true that she's finally ready to settle down." Petey stated thoughtfully. "Unfortunately, Mikey old chap, seems you're in her crosshairs being the only single guy here." His friends laughed at Petey's quip.

"This means she's probably here for you." Justin, another one of his friends added.

" I know you've been seeing her lately, but did you tell her you were coming here tonight?" David his best friend and legal adviser asked frowning. David has never liked or trusted Isabelle. Michael shook his head to answer David's question and continued the conversation without once looking in Isabelle's direction.

After about ten minutes Petey whispered "heads up" under his breath, the conversation continued with nobody looking up.

Isabelle stepped up to the table. "Hello guys", looks at Michael, "fancy meeting you here."

His friends rolled their eyes because it was obvious this meeting was not a coincidence. They played along and invited her and her friend to join them and bought them drinks.

Her friend, an investor, was in town to listen to pitches from budding entrepreneurs and talked animatedly about a shoe designer whose samples had been according to her "a dream". It was not long before Isabelle was all over Michael. She was no longer hinting at her interest, she was making it plain to everyone present that Michael was her choice for a husband. David had a sour look throughout the rest of the evening because he knew how vulnerable Michael was around Isabelle. Michael took one look at David and started laughing; he just couldn't help himself. Isabelle taken aback didn't see or hear anything funny and gave Michael a questioning look, as did everyone at their table.

Michael apologized for laughing and explained that he just remembered something funny someone had said earlier that day. David looked at him amused. He knew that was a lie because they'd been in the same meetings all day. There had been no opportunities for amusement or jokes during the very intense high-level negotiations they'd been involved in that day. Michael shortly after struck up a lively conversation with Laura. He found out Laura met Isabelle in Venice at her sister's wedding. Michael told Laura that he'd also been at the wedding but didn't remember seeing her. Surprised, she said she wasn't sure why they hadn't been introduced since Isabelle's brother-in-law was her cousin.

"I guess I shouldn't be so surprised, cos I was running around like a headless chicken making sure everything went well."

Michael told her that Olivia's wedding was beautiful and a big success so she should be proud. Laura smiled her thanks and mentioned that she was getting married in a few months and would love it if Michael could attend the wedding in Wales. Michael liked her very much and promised to attend her wedding.

It was getting late so Michael stood up, told the group he could not afford a late night since he had a "hot date" in the morning and said his goodbyes. He had a business meeting but some mischievous part of him wanted to "mess" with Isabelle. Only David knew it wasn't some "hot date" but business. His other friends looked on curiously. Isabelle was visibly shaken because it never occurred to her, she might have competition. Laura confused, looked from Isabelle to Michael, frowning. She had probably heard some lies about their relationship from Isabelle, Michael thought.

Michael turned to leave after saying his goodbyes, but Isabelle offered to drive him back.

"I don't mind walking home, Isabelle. It's just a short walk, and the night is beautiful."

Isabelle insisted, and since it was easierto accept her offer than to stand there arguing with her, he agreed. She drovehim the short distance home. He thanked her and was about to get out of the carbut she stopped him, then leaned forward and gave him a very deeppassionate kiss. The kind he remembered very well. Yes, he remembered thoselips. Feeling himself beginning to lose control, he knew it was only a matterof time before he caved and invited her up. So he forcefully disengaged theirlips and tried to gain control of his senses. As he regained some control, healso remembered he had a very important meeting early the next morning.Isabelle felt his lust and desperation and was positive she had him. Confidentthat she'd be invited up to his apartment. It came as a shock to herwhen Michael did not. Instead, he took a moment more to calm himself, thoughtabout the damage that one passionate kiss had already done and knew he needed toput a wide distance between them. Though it seemed she had changed for thebetter, Michael felt unnerved that she could still so easily do that to himwith just a mind-blowing kiss! He thanked her for the ride home and immediatelygot out of the car, walked up the stairs and into the building without lookingback. Leaving Isabelle with her mouth hanging open.