Michaelishious - Vol. 2021

Dec. 13th: Pink gloves (pt. 2)

My inappropriate thoughts about Michael proving his strength against the tree, turned out to be even hotter in reality than my three seconds long daydream. Because damn, that man could make a girl swoon. I actually struggled to concentrate and to keep my mouth shut not to drool openly. So to distract myself, I tried to remember all the Latin names of the flowers on the list I had to buy the next couple of days. I only succeeded halfway.

It was a torturously warm day. Even in the shade of a large bush it became unbearable now that the clock was way past midday. The bottle of water my new, temporary boss had given me was chugged down with large gulps a long time ago, and by now I was getting hungry too. Still, it was like we were equally scared to be the first one to suggest having a break.

By now, the large pine-tree was gone. Hank had already chopped it into wood for the outdoor fireplace we would make. I liked the aesthetics of having a little stack of natural structure next to the rough stones, that eventually would form what I had in mind.

I emptied the basket that was topped with dandelions, clover and grass; plants that actually are both beautiful and decorative in their own setting. They just didn't fit in here. And since the wheelbarrow was full when the basket was empty, I decided to empty that as well.

"Let me," I heard a husky voice behind me, and I got so startled that I almost fell. Instead I was pulled in by two strong arms and crashed against a chest that was just as sweaty as I was. That should have made me cringe with disgust, but instead I found myself struggling to get enough air into my lungs. I was literally dizzy.

"Are you okay?" he asked when he saw my reaction, and I stumbled away from him as if I'd burned myself while I stuttered an excuse. Of course I was okay! I was just a bit hungry, that's all. And that was probably why I was dizzy as well. Yeah, that must be it.

"I just... It's full," I stuttered, and felt like a three year-old. Childish and helpless. And when I grasped the handle and wanted to do it myself, he beat me to it.

"I think it's time for lunch," he said, and there was something about him that was different from before. His eyes seemed darker as well as his voice, and he avoided looking at me.

"I didn't bring any. I use to buy it at the nearest store."

"You don't have to buy anything. I have plenty of food, and my sandwiches are pretty awesome."

He finally met my gaze, and I wished he'd never look away. But of course he had to eventually. And like a dumb sheep, I followed him when he emptied the wheelbarrow at a suitable place on the other side of the garden.

I couldn't help but to admire his broad shoulders and V-shaped back as he headed back inside the house. His skin was glistening in the sun, which added to the attraction I felt so intensely. It was like I was drawn to him like a magnet. Because that's what it was. Unfiltered, raw desire for a man I didn't know. This wasn't like me at all. Not to mention that it was extremely unprofessional of me. He was my client for crying out loud!

"You can relax in the living room whil..."

"I'll wait here," I cut in. I simply couldn't leave his kitchen. Why, I didn't know. I just wanted to be near him for the longest time I was here, and I suddenly wished I had scheduled more than the two weeks we signed up for in the contract.

"Uhm... Sure."

The silence that followed was tense, but not unpleasant. It was like something was building between us, and I couldn't explain what. I was pretty sure he didn't feel the same way, though. It was probably just my fried brain and the lack of sleep lately that made my judgment falter.

"Maybe I can help?" I suggested. I really felt like doing something.
"Where are the plates? I can set the table."

That seemed to be the cue that made us both relax. We started talking, and I learned that he was thirty-two and had inherited the house after his grandmother. He loved elephants and fajitas, and he liked to read instead of watching TV. And...