Mister Nobody – Part 28 | I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch

Ròs House, Musselburgh, Scotland – June 2017

He knew he looked a tad bit silly, with his sleeves all rolled up and his tie carelessly tucked in between the buttons of his shirt, but he still felt that was the perfect look for Ethan Murphy. Even though right then and there Mister Murphy didn’t even look close to the sophisticated and classy art dealer but more like a very sweaty carpenter, wearing what once was a nice shirt, a crumpled Armani tie, and dusty slacks.

Someone else must have noticed it, too.

“Sir, are you sure you wanna do this? We can deal with it, no problem.” Jim, the master builder, looked at him with a slightly raised eyebrow. “You’re also ruining your clothes.”

Yeah, no shit. Well, he didn’t have any overalls.

Man! Physical work indeed was exhausting, but it also made him feel useful and cleared his mind. Plus, he kept him in shape – and Michael wanted to be at his best since Lisa would be finally home very soon.

“No, I’m good,” he replied, panting slightly, and dabbing his forehead with his forearm. “Let’s do this.”

“Sir, OK. But please, put on a pair of work gloves at least. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Ah!

Michael grinned at Jim and took a pair of heavyweight, cotton brown jersey gloves from the nearby toolbox. This was very funny. He was suddenly back at being the gloved one – and hey, maybe he could show the man that he could still moonwalk, too!

“…Well, at least you look like you’re having fun.” Jim smirked at him with a curious expression on his craggy face, and Michael shook his head. He had giggled, without even realizing it.

“Yeah… I like being active.”

Jim shrugged his shoulders, wondering why wealthy people were so odd, wanting to toil without actually having the need to do it since they paid other people for that.

Michael had been helping the workers with the last finishes at the beautiful greenhouse he had wanted to be installed on the rear patio, between the main mansion and the little guest house. Since the weather in Scotland could be less than clement and he loved flowers, he wanted to have the chance to admire a multitude of beautiful roses and sunflowers every month of the year. The greenhouse also sported a highly technologic, automatic rooftop that could be entirely opened via remote control, allowing the bulbs to receive natural light and sunrays whenever possible.

He was sure Lisa would be thrilled – and this was only one of the things he had in store for her.

He and a couple of other carpenters lifted a huge wooden pillar and Michael loved the feeling of being part of an ensemble. He had lived alone, like a recluse, for seven years and this new life was still thrilling and, sometimes, even exhilarating for him. He was excited at every little thing, and especially enthusiastic at stuff he had never done when he was a public person. He had long suspected that small, trivial, normal things could be fascinating, but he had never really grasped the capacity of it all. Until now. Besides, Ròs House was finally becoming the home he really wanted to live in. He had quickly fallen in love with the mansion, he had felt it right the moment he had stepped into it, but now it was different. He had worked his ass off for two months, taking care of every single detail like the perfectionist that he was, and had finally managed to turn an almost perfect property in the flawless microcosm for his and Lisa’s future.

If only she had been there to see it…

Soon, he thought to himself as he grabbed a hammer from an old, wooden table and secured a couple of nails in between his lips.

Soon.

Wales, June 2016

Michael gritted his teeth and tilted his head. His vision was fogged by sweat, and he hated weightlifting. He swore under his breath, his arms trembling in exhaustion.

Weightlifting sucked, big time!

And yet he couldn’t avoid it. He had been slender his entire life, and the heavier, muscular physique he had built for his new identity required a constant commitment. That meant exercising regularly and eating a lot more than he was used to. Not that Michael liked to be lazy – not at all – but he had never loved the gym. It didn’t really matter that this was his own private exercise room, built into an equipped area of his apartment. And now he exercised at least an hour a day and jogged every morning. The last time he had been in such good shape, he was probably forty.

Michael let go of the barbell and the weight felt, heavily and with a clank, on its support. He groaned, running his hands on his sweaty face and exhaling a series of long breaths, his drenching wet t-shirt clinging to his torso. Wincing and paying attention not to force his delicate back too much, he sat up and rested his hands on his thighs, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes and counted to ten, then got up, grabbing a bottle of Gatorade and taking a long sip.

The TV was running in the exercise room, but he wasn’t listening – entranced as he was by his own reflection in the mirror.

Transformation: complete.

Who was that guy? That guy with quite short and greying hair plastered on his forehead and spiking in rebellious curls on the sides of his head, face pale, pitch-black eyes, thick salt and pepper beard? Sometimes he really had trouble recognizing himself, and it was because he had no substantial anchor to cling to. He felt so lonely. So utterly lost and the eyes he saw reflected in the mirror were distant, remote and yet open, gaping wounds at the same time.

Anyway, he now had the luxury of walking around without being recognized, harassed or swarmed by crowds of people or paparazzi. A great luxury. Something he still was not used to. Michael would have never imagined that taking care of himself without a staff of goons and minions doing almost everything at his place would feel so scary and, at the same time, exciting. He had reached middle age and had finally become a big guy, being able to go and buy bread and milk all by his lonesome. Go, Michael!

He sneered and shook his head, taking another sip of his Gatorade.

Then something, a sound registered through the silence in his ears and a trigger went off into his brain. His attention tuned into the TV. Someone was talking about a person that he knew very well.

“…This is actually a shocking split! Lisa Marie Presley has filed for divorce from Michael Lockwood after ten years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Several sources have confirmed that Elvis’ 48-year-old daughter has split from his fourth husband, and has demanded full custody of the couple’s twin 7-year-old daughters, Harper and Finley.”

Wait, what?

Michael grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. All the while, recent footage of Lisa and his oddly dressed fourth husband appeared on the screen. Michael looked at the woman he had never stopped loving and swallowed, hard. Lisa looked… different. And not in the best possible way. She was still otherworldly beautiful, but something in her eyes was amiss. She looked as if she was always somewhere else. She was not happy.

A mixture of jealousy and apprehension closed Michael’s throat.

“In court papers, Presley has requested only supervised visitations for her ex-husband. The split was also very sudden as the couple has not spent much time separated before filing for divorce – only a few days. Lisa Marie is not asking for any spousal or child support and, apparently, doesn’t want anything from her ex. OK… And now, the latest news about Justin Timberlake –“.

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

Michael rolled his eyes at the mention of the disrespectful little white boy, muting the TV as the images replayed in front of his eyes. The footage and… something else. Memories.

The first time he had seen Lisa at Branca’s wedding. Her smile, directed at him. Lisa’s eyes – looking at him, sternly, lovingly, longingly. Her laughter. Lisa’s body writhing and shaking, clinging to him as they made love for the first time. Her kisses, heady and intoxicating. Her tears. The last time their naked bodies had been intertwined. The last time they had spoken over the phone.

He felt sweat running down his back and knew it was not because of the weightlifting. She was no longer married to someone else. Well, she technically was, but she was divorcing. Hope surfaced, and he suppressed it hastily. No. It was no longer his business. He had let her go. He had to let her go.

His heartbeat raced in his chest and he knew he had to sit down. He walked over to the bench and let himself fall on it, quietly, taking in a long, slow breath. Lisa was divorcing. And, according to the scarce information he had, it sounded nasty. Why the sudden separation? Why filing after only a few days? Something terrible must have happened. Something – but what, exactly?

Michael blinked, a myriad of thoughts swirling in his brain. What was he to do? He didn’t even have Lisa’s number and, anyway… he certainly couldn’t call her. He was no longer part of her world. Hell, he was no longer part of anyone’s world, after all! His old self was no longer, period.

Let it go, he thought to himself. She’ll be fine. She doesn’t need you – not anymore. She’s over you. Leave her be.

And yet…

He just couldn’t. Something, in his heart, propelled him forward and he strode over to the living room, retrieving his cell phone from the pocket of his jacket, which he had thrown on the couch. His apartment was a mess.

“Dunk? Hi, it’s me. Yeah, I’m fine. Yeah… I’m happy to hear from you too… Listen – Yes, I miss you too, Jan. Listen – I need to you to do something for me…”

When the phone rang he almost missed the call because he was busy carrying a huge and hefty sack of delicious – albeit stinky – organic planting soil mix. He felt as if he had rolled over in manure. Repeatedly. But hey, those were the joys of gardening! He unloaded the sack from his shoulder, letting it fall to the ground, and reached into the back pocket of his slacks, grimacing when he noticed that he was still wearing his dirty gloves. Securing the still ringing phone under his arm, he got rid of the gloves and hastily tried to push the green button on the screen, and the device almost slipped from his hands.

“Fuck! …Hello?”

“Well, fucking hello to you too, baby!”

Michael giggled and walked out of the greenhouse, squinting his eyes under the warm June sun.

“Wait a second. Let me find a quiet spot, I can barely hear you.”

“What’s going on?”

“Wait…”

He finally sat down on a wrought-iron bench near the fountain.

“Hey… Alright, I can hear you now… I think.”

“Getting all old on me, grandpa? I’ve been missing for a couple of months, and you’re already losing your fine hearing?” Lisa laughed, and he couldn’t help but smirk in return.

“I’ll show you grandpa when you finally stop stalling and come back home.”

“Well, I do have good news for you, then…”

Michael’s heart skipped a beat, and he sat up straight.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah…” She paused, and he held his breath. He missed her so much. He just wanted her home, with him. Where she belonged. “I’m out, baby. I’m done. I’m OK, and I’ve been discharged.”

His eyes widened and he got up, starting to pace back and forth. Suddenly he didn’t feel all that tired anymore.

“For real? Weren’t you supposed to go home in a week or so?”

“I was, but the treatment’s over, and the doctors believe I’m good enough to resume my life and any normal activity. I did everything I had to do, to get better.”

He stilled, staring remotely at his own feet. At his own dusty shoes, suddenly feeling a bit… inadequate. What was he doing, to help Lisa?

“And… are you? …Are you better, Lise?”

He had to ask. Again, silence at the other end of the line. Then her voice. Soft, calm, confident.

“I am, baby.”

“Then… Well,” he cleared his throat. “You know I gotta say it, right?”

“Go ahead.” She sounded amused – because she knew he couldn’t help himself.

“When are you coming home? Everything’s ready for you, it’s just about small finishes here and there, now… and, uhm, baby… I just want you with me, OK?”

Lisa let out a choked laugh and, once again, he knew she was tearing up. He had noticed that she had become really emotional as of late. He couldn’t blame her. He, too, had turned into an old sap.

“Hear, hear… aren’t we possessive…”

“I am possessive. You’re my woman.” He smirked, his eyes watering. Gosh, he was such a mess. But two months was a long time, for him. Time had become of the essence. Time was precious – and they already had lost so much of it. Time that nobody was going to give back to them. Time that was gone forever.

“Am I, now?” Her voice huskier, and he pressed the phone against his ear harder, as if that small, useless gesture would be enough to make him physically closer to her.

“Aren’t you?”

“…Yes. I am. I guess I’ve always been yours, you know? Nothing I can really do about it, looks like.”

“See? Good girl. That’s the perfect answer.” Michael raked his hand through his hair and smiled. “In fact, that’s just the answer I hoped to hear. So? Are you at the airport yet?”

“In a week, baby. I’ll be there in a week.”

He froze mid-step, the smile suddenly wiped from his face.

“In a week?”

“Yeah.” From the other corner of the world, Lisa sighed.

“Why? I mean… if you’re done with the treatment, why are you waiting still? I don’t understand…”

“It’s just… Michael, there are things I gotta to do, first. Business meetings I have to attend.”

“You shouldn’t get stressed out over nothin’, right now. I don’t think you should be thinking about work at all.” He sounded annoyed now, and was unable to hide it. Why was her business suddenly more important than coming home to him? And yet… how many times his business had come first while they were married? When they were lovers? Michael’s lips tightened and he frowned. Anxiety rose from a place in his heart he thought had been pacified. Clearly, it hadn’t.

“I’m old enough to know what I should or shouldn’t be doing, don’t you think?” Lisa’s curt answer made him wince, and he didn’t reply. She stayed quiet for a moment, then spoke again. “Mike, I know you don’t like this, but sadly certain things need to be done before I leave. And I gotta do them. Please, try to understand that.”

“Haven’t I been understanding enough?” His voice still sounded calm, but the tinge was evident. He had always been an impatient man. He had never liked waiting. He kicked a rock on the ground for good measure.

“I can’t believe you’re saying this. You know damn well that what I did, I did it for us.”

Michael closed his eyes and swallowed.

“…You’re right, I do.” He inhaled, deeply. “I am sorry. That was a fucked-up thing to say”.

“Yes… yes, it was.”

More silence.

“Look… OK. It’s not a problem, really. I’ll be… waiting. And I’ll make sure everything’s ready for you.”

“I love you, baby. You know, that, right? I love you so damn much, you have no idea.” Her voice softened, and he sat down on the bench, once again. “And I can’t wait to be with you.”

“I love you too, girl. Can’t you see how crazy you make me? Look – do your thing. The sooner the better. I will… ah, I’ll talk to you later, OK?”

“Wait… What were you doing? When I called… You sounded out of breath.”

He knew she didn’t want to end their call badly and let out a grin. A sad, lopsided grin.

“You’d never guess.”

“Were you being dirty?” She too was smiling now, and he looked down at himself, raising his eyebrows. Relieved at the reprieve.

“I am filthy. I was gardening… And now I stink.”

Her sudden laughter sounded like fresh water for his parched throat.

“You were what?!”

“Stop laughing at me. You’ll see. I have a few things in store for you… But if you keep acting so bratty, I’m gon’ have to spank you.”

“Don’t promise anything you’re not ready to deliver, big guy.”

The sudden tightness in his pants wasn’t a surprise.

“You gotta stop, Lise. I’m not alone, here.”

“Yeah, I can hear talking in the background… Workers still there?”

“Yep.”

“Well then… Let me call you back later, when you’re alone. I’ll keep you company.” Her tone communicated all the unspoken words he needed to hear.

“Oh, you will…”.

Neverland, January 1994

She was snuggled in his lap, her head leaned back to meet his mouth. His lips were on hers, soft and yet demanding. His hands on her body, one stroking her back, the other caressing her ass.

He loved her. He loved being like this with her. He enjoyed these quiet nights when the kids were asleep and they could just take their time, just being together, the two of them, and nobody else. It was magical – and everything around them, the colors, the sounds, became more real, more present, more intense.

Michael cocked his head to a side and tipped Lisa’s chin with his fingers. He stared at her for a long moment and then kissed her again, the tip of his tongue gently stroking her bottom lip. She opened up to him, like a flower to the morning dew, moaning into the kiss, her hands in his hair now, on his face.

The silence almost perfect in the nearly complete darkness of the library.

“I love being like this with you…” She whispered, stealing the words he was planning to say out loud.

He grinned, trying to regulate his breathing. It was getting out of control, just like his heartbeat. It happened all the time, whenever she was this close, and sometimes even when she wasn’t – she had that power over him. And he loved it. For once, he wished that all the defenses and self-preservation mechanisms he had so carefully built over the years would just crumble like a sand castle touched by the waves, stroke after stroke. If he was the shore, Lisa was the sea, invading him, pulling him in, changing his weight and texture, turning him into something that was part of her depths. Lost in that pillowy, sinewy sensation, floating in a universe he had never known before meeting her.

In the meantime, her lips had run a trail to his jawbone and had reached his neck. She started to kiss him there, slowly, again and again, gently licking his skin, moaning softly, making him shiver. One hand cradling his face, the other in his hair. Every cell stirred in his body and he trembled deep inside. He melted and hardened all at once.

Once again, Lisa guessed what was going on. Or, possibly, she felt it against her body. She glanced down at him and raised an eyebrow.

“Well… look at that,” she smirked, and gently stroked his bulge with her fingertips. He couldn’t help but blush and giggle, like a boy. But there was nothing childish in the way his body was reacting to her.

“Wait, I gotta do something first.” With immense difficulty, he let go of her lips after one more deep, passionate kiss. He picked her up and made her sit by his side, ignoring her amused protests.

“Please, Mike, don’t tell me you gotta use the bathroom.”

“It would be quite uncomfortable right now. Plus, I don’t have to pee every ten minutes, you know,” he chuckled, rising from the couch. 

“Alright… make it thirty, then…” Laughing, she grabbed a cushion and hugged it. She tucked her feet under herself and observed him from below her long eyelashes as he walked over to the desk and opened a drawer. His back was turned, and she noticed how his head dropped, how he took in a long breath, retrieving something and holding it in his hands.

“What you got there?” She asked, cradling her head in her hand.

Michael didn’t answer. He turned to her and hid his hands behind his back. An indecipherable smirk on his face, he slowly walked back to the couch and stared down at her.

“What?” Lisa let out a nervous laugh, trying to gauge his intentions.

“Remember a few weeks ago, while we were making love…?”

This time, her laugh sounded more wholehearted.

“We make love all the time.”

“That’s true. OK. Let me try again. I just wanna do this right… Since it’s something I’d like to do just once in my life and all.” He cleared his throat and slowly sank on his knee.

Lisa’s eyes widened.

He stared at her for a moment, then showed her what he was hiding behind his back. It was a velvet box. She gasped and pressed her palm against her mouth, her eyes welling up immediately. Two blue planets swimming in water. Venus in action. His heartbeat reverberating in his throat, Michael licked his lips and opened the box, showing her the perfect, ten-carat engagement diamond ring he had so carefully chosen for her, only a few days earlier.

“Lise…”

“Mike…” He didn’t know if her voice hid a warning or real anticipation. Anyway, it sounded shaky. He looked up at her.

“Lisa Marie… would you marry me?” He swallowed. “What do you say? Would you?”

She blinked, holding her breath. It was just a matter of seconds, and yet they felt like an eternity to him. It felt as if time had stilled and, for a moment, he thought she was going to say no. Then her hands were on his face, cradling it, and her lips were on his, kissing him, again and again.

“Yes… Yes… Yes…” She whispered in between kisses. “…Yes… Yes, I wanna marry you, Michael. I wanna marry you.”

He laughed and kissed her and then pulled back.

“Wait…”

With shaky hands, he removed the ring from the box and took her hand. She was shaking too.

“Stand still,” he chuckled.

“No, you stand still!” She laughed in between tears.

Somehow, he managed to put the ring on her finger and then she held his hand, tightly. His eyes looked up. She was beautiful. And she was his. She had said yes.

“I love you,” he murmured, hoarsely. The last admission of defeat. The final declaration of victory.

She jumped into his arms, her cheek pressing against his, wetting his skin with her tears. He cradled her, and they laughed. Then he kissed her again, and they got lost in the moment, Lisa still on the couch, he on his knees, on the carpet.

God, it had been such a perfect moment. They had planned to get married with all the trimmings and no shortage of details. It was supposed to be something to remember, a huge party. A beautiful celebration, possibly during the summer. They had also ordered a thousand customized chocolate bars for the guests. Then Lisa had discovered that she was pregnant, and Michael still remembered how ecstatic he had felt, hearing the news. He had almost jumped out of his skin. His happiness too intense, too overwhelming to be conveyed with words.

To avoid any possible scandal, they had run to the Dominican Republic and had gotten married in a very quick, very private ceremony. Nothing like the celebration they had been planning before finding out they were expecting their baby. And yet they had been so fucking happy.

Then, the abortion had happened.

Michael clenched his jaw and tried to relax, leaning back into the couch. His dark eyes stared absent-mindedly at the flames, in the fireplace. It was June, but the temperature had dropped with the darkness, and he had suddenly felt chilly. Both inside and outside. He also felt a bit lonelier than usual, and the flames, so alive and dynamic, gave him the impression of sharing his space with someone. The vast, beautiful house was terrific, but only if he wasn’t enjoying it alone.

He exhaled a long sigh and his gaze moved on the glass of red wine in his hand. He made the ruby red liquid twirl in the goblet and then took a sip.

He wanted to marry Lisa. Again. And forever, this time. That was what he had been thinking about, since he had flown back to Scotland. And he had found a way to do it without any particular issues, nor risks for his new identity. He needed some sort of validation for their relationship, and he wanted to give Lisa the assurance and commitment she had always craved. He also kind of wanted to smack himself in the head, whenever he thought about how many times they could have gotten married again. Perfectly wasted opportunities. It had been something they both had wanted, only… in different moments of their long, stubborn, all-consuming relationship. Their timing had never been great.

Michael shook his head. He and Lisa Marie had both been so childish and hardheaded, so many times. Too many. They had let so many perfect occasions slip. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and emptied the glass.

No. He had to stop doing this. Digging up the past and its mistakes wasn’t going to do any good. They only thing they could do was to learn from them. He had to live in the present. And they had to move forward. Together.

His phone rang, tearing him from his dangerous thoughts and he sighed, pushing the device against his ear, frowning at the unknown caller ID on the screen.

“Hello?”

“Hi.”

“Hey… where you calling from?” He rechecked the screen.

“Oh… I’m staying at a hotel. I’m in San Diego for business.”

“Uh-uhm…” His eyes narrowed. What was going on here? “You never told me you would be in San Diego. You OK, Lise? Is everything alright?”

He got up and poured himself another glass of wine.

“Yeah, why are you asking?”

“I don’t know… You didn’t tell me anything about any business trip, that’s all.”

“It wasn’t planned. No worries, though, I’ll be back home in no time. I won’t wear myself out.”

“OK…” He hoped he hadn’t sounded too perplexed.

“What are you doing?”

Well, if he had sounded perplexed, Lisa had decided to let it go.

“Nothing… Just drinking some wine… thinking of you…” His voice dropped an octave, and she rewarded him with one of those deep, husky laughs that always had the power to raise the temperature in the room.

“Yeah? Well… I just wanted to know how you were. I didn’t like how our conversation went, today. I’m sorry you were so disappointed, baby…”

Michael shrugged.

“I wasn’t… I mean…”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know you.”

He tilted his head.

“Yes, but…”

The doorbell rang, startling him.

“What was that?”

“Uh? Nothing… Looks like someone’s at the door.”

“Someone’s at the door? Who?” She suddenly sounded suspicious. “Michael, it’s almost midnight over there. Who are you expecting this late at night?”

The doorbell rang again.

“Nobody! I’m as surprised as you are! Wait, let me take a look…” He walked over to the foyer. “It’s probably just Randall, the security guy at the gate.”

“Are you sure it’s not another woman?” Her playful, soft tone had disappeared entirely, and now she sounded stern.

“Girl, you out of your ever-loving mind or what?” Through the peephole, the only thing he saw was the porch illuminated by the solar-powered lights. He frowned and opened the door, the phone still pressed against his ear.

And froze mouth agape.

In front of him, Lisa smiled and offered him the beautiful, colored sunflower she was holding. She was so gorgeous and Michael forgot to breathe for a second – but it was alright. It was okay to be so overwhelmed, seeing the woman he loved for the first time in two months. He reached out and took the flower from her hand without saying a word, just looking at her as if she wasn’t real. As if he was trapped in some sort of dreamlike status, suspended.

She looked different. Much better. She had regained some weight and her skin was luminous and tanned, her hair slightly shorter and darker. She wore a floral summer dress and a hoodie, possibly because she had been surprised by the cold temperature of the night. Her wavy hair was down on her shoulders, and she only had a light make-up on. Her blue eyes sparkled, and her smile… it was the most stunning sight he had seen in a while.

She let out a breathless, emotional laugh and clasped her hands in front of her, shyly, trying to gauge his reaction. She knew that he didn’t like surprises unless he was the one in charge of them. And he could only look at her and blink, taking in her sudden appearance, her unexpected physical presence in his space. Looking so otherworldly beautiful… and so young again.

The phone pressed against his ear was a bit redundant now and he, absent-mindedly, placed it on the small table near the door. Then he stepped onto the porch, into the soothing, bluish light of the night, and into her arms.

Lisa closed her eyes and held him, cradling him lovingly. It looked like he had somehow shriveled into the hug, becoming smaller, his face hidden in the crook of her neck, his breath uneven. She rested her hand on the back of his head and inhaled his unique scent, butterflies rising and flying in flocks into her belly. She kissed his neck and he shivered. How was it even possible that, after so many years, Michael could still manage to make her feel that way? Like an adolescent falling in love for the first time. Over and over again.

Oh, she had surprised him alright. The moment he had opened the door, it had become obvious that she was the last person he was expecting. Wearing his jammies and a white t-shirt, Michael was a sight to behold. He looked good, albeit a bit tired. But he was toned, in great shape, hair disheveled, eyes soulful, body warm and vibrant. He was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. In fact, he had always been nothing but that.

Lisa pulled back and framed his face, looking at him again intently from one eye to the other.

“You’re here,” he whispered.

“I am. I’m home.” She shrugged. “Surprise.”

He chuckled and shook his head, his face suddenly flushed. Then moved in again, kissing her passionately, his arms snaking around her back, picking her up and pulling her in, against his body. She laughed against his lips and kept her hands on his face.

“Yeah… No shit… You sneaky, little…”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

And he did until he was forced to leave her lips to take in a gulp of air.

“How? How did you manage to get in? Were you here already, today, when you called me? I mean, how…” He shook his head. He just couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that he had been caught off guard like that, and Lisa laughed.

“Randall let me in. He knows who I am and I told him I wanted to surprise you. I parked my car near the gate. Then I walked over here and… here I am…”

His million-dollar smile melted her.

“Surprise, indeed…”

They kissed again and he put her back down, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. She loved the feeling of his soft beard on her skin.

“And yes, I was already here, today. I was staying at a hotel nearby… ready to strike.”

“So… When did you leave the rehab center?”

“About ten days ago.”

He gasped and pulled her back in, holding her close.

“You…!”

She couldn’t help but laugh again. This really was something. The thrill of having him so shocked was exhilarating, especially because it was a hard accomplishment since Michael was always a step ahead. But she was glad it had worked out so well… after all, she had something to tell him. Something to ask him. Something imperative that had needed a deep reflection and careful planning.

“So… Are you showing me the house or not?” She rested her hands on his chest and pushed him back, disentangling herself from his embrace. Michael raised an eyebrow.

“Are you asking me to be your chaperon? I thought I was your lover.”

“I thought you were more than that.”

He took in a shaky breath. Oh yeah. He planned to be so much more than that, indeed. But he was going to let things run their course. He had way more impellent needs to take care of, now.

“OK then… I’m gonna show you our house. Ready?”

And then he picked her up again, bridal style, and walked through the doorway. Like a husband. And Lisa felt like a wife – again.

The carpet felt soft and fluffy underneath his back. Lisa’s body, on the other hand, vibrated with each and every stroke of his tongue, with every thrust of his hips.

Panting, Michael rested his hands on her small waist and moved her, lifted her off his body slightly, then pushed up, making her gasp and grab his shoulders tighter. He could feel droplets of sweat running down his neck.

“You like that?” His voice was strained.

“Oh, baby… Fuck, yes. Please…” She kissed him, their tongues stroking against one another in slow, tantalizing motions.

He winced and sat up, holding her into his arms, his mouth descending and gently licking the hot skin in between her breasts, loving the feeling of her lips on the top of his head, kissing and moaning as they danced together.

He had somehow managed to show her the entire mansion, every single room clean, furnished and ready. For her. For them. Only the greenhouse needed a few more finishes, but other than that, their house just wanted to be inhabited. Lived fully. Each room had brought a kiss, a touch, some whispered words of love, the temperature rising, his body reacting – her body responding. It had been more than sizzling. It had felt like being devoured by a red inferno, from the inside.

They had almost lost it there and then when he had shown her the dance studio, and she had asked him to dance for her, just for a handful of seconds. And he had done it, taking her hand playfully, twirling her around, making her laugh, and finally pulling her into his body, capturing her lips, his hands on her ass, making her feel how deliriously happy he was to have her there. Finally. After the longest two months of his life.

Eventually and not without effort they had managed to leave the room and Michael had dragged her into what he considered the most crucial area of the house: the recording studio. The one he had set up for her – and that he had never shown her, not even by sending her a picture. He had been secretive and dismissive about the subject and Lisa had just decided to let it go – knowing that Michael always had a reason for his behavior.

And the reason had been right in front of her eyes the moment they had stepped into the room, hand in hand. She had just looked around, her lips parting in absolute surprise.

It was perfect. The black and red recording studio had been furnished with the best equipment and instruments and the plushest couch. Silver chandeliers – a nice touch – had been positioned in the corners of the mixing room and a huge, fluffy carpet had been unrolled in the recording, soundproofed chamber.

“You like?”

Michael had let go of her hand and moved a step back, leaning against the wall slowly. Almost bashfully.

“Mike, are you serious? I love it…”  Lisa couldn’t peel her eyes off the carefully planned details surrounding her. “What the fuck…!”

He had giggled at her potty mouth.

“I’m glad…” His gaze had dropped. Then he had felt Lisa’s fingers under his chin.

“Thank you, baby… I love it…” She had repeated when he had finally looked up at her. “And I love you… I don’t think you have any idea of how much I love you.”

He had taken her hand and kissed her fingertips, one by one, sending electrical shocks into her body. The teasing was becoming unbearable.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

Still holding her hand to his mouth, Michael had tilted his head to a side, his dark eyes scanning her soul so intensely, that she had felt almost eviscerated by their warmth.

“Why don’t we test the equipment?”

She had frowned.

“What? Now?”

He had placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her, and had guided her in the direction of the recording room.

“Yes, now. Come on.” He had slapped her ass playfully, making her yelp in surprise. And turning her on like no tomorrow. “Get inside. And try the microphone.”

“Oh, I wanna try the microphone alright…” She had chuckled, stepping into the room and playing along.

Still giggling, Michael had closed the door behind her back and had sat down at the sound mixer, moving levers, turning knobs.

“The acoustic is fantastic, isn’t it?” He had pressed the speaker button and glanced at her through the glass wall.

Lisa had gingerly touched the microphone.

“Yes, it is… It’s amazing.”

He had started the recording and then had gotten up.

“Well… I guess we’ll have to hear the final result, though… Try the environmental mic and all…”

He had stepped into the recording room, closing the door, staring at her with prying eyes.

Lisa had chuckled, nervously.

“Well?”

“Take off your clothes.” His voice dark, seducing. Tantalizing. Irresistible.

And now, there they were. Both naked on the carpet, Lisa in his lap, sheathing him like a glove, Michael sitting up, holding her into his arms, his mouth on her breast, his hips moving rhythmically into her with slow, deep, controlled strokes. Every time he hit end, she sighed and moaned, her fingernails scraping the sweaty skin of his broad back, her teeth nipping at his neck, her kisses leaving a trail up to his earlobe, sending electric jolts to his taxed nerves. They had been going at it for a while, and yet it wasn’t nearly enough.

“Fucking hell…” He whispered as her lower body undulated in his lap. He found her lips and kissed her, slowly. “You’re gonna be the end of me, baby girl…”

“We gotta stop seeing each other like this…and… you know… fucking once every two months and shit…” She pushed down and into him more, and he groaned, his eyes squeezing shut.

“I totally agree… what about fucking every two hours for the rest of our lives, instead?”

Lisa’s crooked smirk was totally seducing.

“It sounds like…” She ground against his body, stimulating herself even more. “…A way more adequate… solution…”

“I know…” Michael swallowed, “I’m a genius…”

And just like that, picking up speed again and giving her a few well-delivered thrusts, he sent her straight into another violent climax. Her internal walls squeezing him so tight that he thought he would pass out, he breathed in and breathed out deeply, allowing her to take her pleasure, not letting up, reveling in her loud moans and gasps, until she collapsed against his body, her body still moving against him, pushing him closer to the edge.

“Fuck, you’re good… Are you recording us for real?” Her voice breathless, her fingers into his hair, her lips against his.

“Yeah…”

“You’re nuts…” Her smile wider, now. “But you’re not videotaping us, right?”

“No… it’s just an audio session… but… Maybe I could…” He motioned to lift her off his body and she held to him tighter.

“Don’t you dare!”

Michael laughed, and his thrusts picked up speed once again.

“God… baby… I missed you so fucking much… I missed this.”

She arched back, leaning on her hands, and the change in angle almost made him lose it there and then. And just like that, she was ready for him again. It happened all the time, and it didn’t matter that he was able to fuck her almost into unconsciousness. What Michael gave her was too good to let up, no matter how sated and exhausted she felt.

“Oh, yeah… oh, baby,” he whimpered as he pulled her against his body, his strong hands gripping her hips, his mouth once again on her neck and breasts. “You feel so… fucking… good.”

He lay back on the carpet, his head spinning, and let go of her hips. His fingertips ran over her taut stomach, her thighs, finally finding the place of their connection. It was too much and he felt the familiar heat surface from the pit of his stomach and rush straight to his spine, reaching his groin.

“Shit… Lise… I can’t take it anymore… You ride me so good… Please… let me finish inside of you.”

Her eyes snapped open and she leaned over, her hair cascading around his head and shoulders like a soft curtain. Their eyes locked and this time, she was the one picking up speed, trapping him inside of her, not giving him a chance to escape.

“You know I want you to… Yeah… I can feel you’re there, daddy… come on…” She kissed him and bit his bottom lip. “…Give it to me, Mike… Let go. I gotta feel you. Just let it go…”

Her words did him in, and he desperately tried to hold on some more, but couldn’t. Gritting his teeth, he surged forward, and sparkles of light fogged his vision as he started to shake violently, erupting into her, his hands locking her body to his as he thrust up, rotating his hips. His aggressive, untamable climax did a number on her too and, without even realizing it, she came once again, this time with him, in perfect synchronicity. The pleasure seemed to last forever. It kept going and going, in aftershocks, even when Lisa finally collapsed on his body, gasping, her lips kissing his sweaty chest, torturing his nipples. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, then raked his fingers through her long hair.

“Damn… That was… a fucking amazing recording session…”

She laughed, breathless, the vibrations in her body making him wince – as he was still embedded in her.

“I’m so glad to be finally home…” She rested her chin on his chest and watched him, her eyes hooded and sparkling.

“You’re not leaving, right?” He replied, his free hand running over her back, back and forth, slowly and methodically.

“Not a chance. You’ll have to suck it up, big boy.”

Michael laughed and rolled over, without leaving the snug comfort of her body, ending up on top of her and in between her legs.

“Oh, I will… don’t worry.”

He nuzzled her neck and she giggled, squirming against the raspy sensation of his beard.

“Stop it! I’m exhausted! You gotta gimme a minute here!”

Leaning up on his arms he looked down at her with that boyish grin that she had always loved.

“OK, then. Let me turn off the microphone, and…”

Lisa’s hands grabbed his ass and kept him in place.

“No, wait. I gotta ask you something, first…”

His grin wavered a little, and he frowned.

“Ah, OK… Ask away…”

She swallowed and stared at him for a moment, her face calm, relaxed. Serene.

“Let’s make a baby.”

Michael blinked. She reached up and caressed his cheek, very softly.

“Let’s make a baby, Michael… Do you still want to have a baby with me? Our baby?”

In all honesty, he couldn’t believe his ears and would have pinched himself.

“Lise…” He whispered, his eyes shining.

She kept stroking his face.

“I know I’m late… And I hope it’s not too late… And also, I’m so very sorry… But I thought about it, so much. About my fears… about my doubts. And if you’ll have me… if you, too, still want it… I…”

Before she could finish, he kissed her, madly, his heart exploding in his chest, threatening to burst out like a flock of fireflies on a summer night. He had thought about asking her to marry him – maybe not right now, but soon. But this… this was unexpected. This was more than he had dared to hope. This was heaven. And it tasted so sweet. Suddenly time, mistakes, slip-ups didn’t matter anymore. This was their here and now. And they could still do it. They could still have what they had hoped for.

“Yes… Oh shit, yeah… Let’s make a baby, Lise. Our baby.” He felt himself grow and harden inside of her once again, and slowly started to move. Her hands on his chest stilled him. She smiled.

“Wait… I mean… We can try like this as much as we want, but…” She raised her eyebrow and he smiled, standing still. Feeling himself throb inside of her. God! This was pure madness! “I hope this won’t sound too un-romantic but… sadly, I’m no spring chicken anymore…”

“What are you saying, Lise? You’ve never been more beautiful to me…” Utterly euphoric, he bent his head and kissed her neck with slow, sexy, open-mouthed kisses.

“Thanks, you too – but,” she chuckled, grabbing his hair and pulling him back gently, forcing him to look at her. “I was in Edinburgh, this week. I… There’s a clinic there, that helped me have Harper and Finley…”

He stared at her intently. He had a feeling he knew where this was going. And it was alright. It was more than OK.

“…I…” She shook her head and gave him an apologetic smile. “…I don’t think I can get pregnant just by making love to you again and again… Although I wish I could… But at the clinic, they still have my frozen eggs. From back then. And I spoke to them… you know… just to be sure. It can be done… They’re perfectly viable, healthy eggs. The doctors are ready to meet us… together. He said we can have an In Vitro Fertilization… if you’re up to it.”

Michael’s incredible storm of emotions didn’t subside the least.

“Yes,” he simply replied. “Yes. Whatever we gotta do, we do it. Let’s make a baby, Lise. Let’s make our baby. I love you so fucking much.”

Overwhelmed by his calm, and yet enthusiastic reaction, she pulled him down and into her arms and started to sob.

Chapter song