Michael blurted. I quickly turn my head towards him and frown. “I’ll sleep on the couch, I don’t mind. I want to know you’re safe.” He gives me a look that means business before brandishing his killer smile. “Right, well that settles it then if you’re happy, Ana?” I look over at Michael, silently asking if he is sure, and he determinedly nods his head. “Okay, I’m happy. Thanks for coming, Andrew.” “It’s no sweat. I’ll take this in now and I should be able to have a result for you in a day or two.” I show him the door thanking him every step of the way. After shutting the door I lean my forehead against it. How could I get myself into this mess? Jake was right about me. I am a magnet for trouble. I don’t want it to find me, it just does. I feel a set of hands on my shoulders and I jerk a little, my unease still engulfing me. I quickly turn around and I’m met with a pair of sympathetic deep blue eyes. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you. You just look so lost standing there.” I bury my head in his chest and start crying yet again. “How can you stand me Michael? I’ve been nothing but trouble. It always seems to find me no matter what I do, and it always comes with a fucking cherry on top.” He starts laughing but not in a way that what I said was funny. Nothing about this is funny. He grips my arms firmly and looks deeply into my eyes. “Ana, you’re not to blame for this. It’s not your fault that he’s decided to send you that card. You’re the most beautiful, intelligent, special woman I know and sometimes people take advantage of that, but it’s not your fault. Please understand that.” The pain in his face is evident as he loosens the tight grip of my arms. We stand there for a few seconds as he just stares into my eyes. His breathing hitches slightly as he traces his eyes down to my lips. My heart starts to beat rapidly as I wonder what it is he’s thinking. He seems to want to kiss me, but I can see the little bolts in his head spinning again as he tries to figure out what to do. In another life I would want him to kiss me, who wouldn’t. He’s beautiful inside and out, but it always still boils down to the same thing with me ever since I met the obnoxious, overbearing, but unbelievably sexy caveman, Jake. Michael’s decision is finally made when he lets me go and pulls away. I can see he’s debating whether he’s doing the right thing or not, but I think he is just trying to be a gentleman. He knows I’m still hurting over Jake, so I think he feels it would be exploiting the situation. I feel I must say something to let him know how I feel. “Thank you, Michael. I truly mean that. You’re very unique and one day I hope you will meet someone who is just as special as you.” My words don’t seem to go down well as he looks on still in the same despair. “Have you got another beer?” I start laughing and lead the way to the kitchen to fetch him one.
