Page 17 of Losing Control
Is it ridiculous that Michael’s words make me feel special, empowered and like I am the centre of his world? Because if it is, then so be it. The warmth fluttering through me has me feeling just a little bit smug. Not something I am used to feeling, but I’ll take it after how shitty Tom made me feel.
However, my smug feeling lasts for another three seconds before Michael places his lips beside my ear and whispers, “I don’t like it when you flirt with other men, Lucy.”
“What?” I say as I quickly turn my head to look at him.
His hand comes to the side of my face, blocking us from Kim and Jeremy’s view as he whispers, “You, flirting with Tom, I don’t like it.”
I let out quiet laughter before realising that Michael is totally serious.
“I wasn’t flirting with him, Michael. I wouldn’t do that. Not now, not ever,” I reply adamantly.
“He’s your ex, and I don’t like you talking to him,” Michael says, his eyes burning into mine.
“Oh my God, Michael, I’m so sorry,” I say quickly and quietly, realising how awkward it must have been for him having to meet my ex, especially without any warning. Guilt smashes into me with a force that I never thought possible. The last thing I want is for Michael to feel insecure. I know how that feels, and it can destroy you.
“I promise that I wasn’t flirting, and I promise that Tom means nothing to me,” I say before I place a kiss on his cheek. His hand moves to the nape of my neck and holds me in position, so that his head is now completely blocking me from Kim and Jeremy.
“He better not, Lucy, because I don’t think I could handle the thought of losing you,” he says before placing his lips on mine, claiming me, showing me how much I mean to him.
I have never in my life experienced the intensity of how Michael feels for me before, and it wraps around me like a security blanket; one that I so desperately need.
I’m not worthless, and Michael is showing me that now. It might be a little over the top for some, but when you’ve had months of feeling vulnerable, you will take love and hold onto it, savour it, be consumed by it.
“Put her down,” I hear Kim say before a giggle escapes her.
Michael pulls his lips from mine, gives me a wink and releases his hold on me before sitting beside me and placing his hand on my knee.
Kim and Jeremy are sat opposite us and Kim immediately comes to life.
“Oh my God, did you see Tom’s face?” Kim asks me as she continues to laugh. “Talk about a deer caught in the headlights.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Michael says, ever the charming gentleman. “I didn’t mean to be so blunt, and I hope that it doesn’t affect your opinion of me.”
“Affect it? Hell, you have just gone way up in my books, pal,” Kim says.
“Hear, hear,” Jeremy says as we all burst into laughter.
Michael speaking to Tom like that has broken the ice, and I have a feeling that the rest of the night will unthaw anymore cold feelings towards him.
Chapter Thirteen
A beautiful bromance
“Where have the guys gone again?” Kim asks me as we both relax in her lounge, a glass of wine in hand.
“You really don’t take any notice of Jeremy when he tells you stuff, do you?” I reply playfully.
“I do for the important stuff, like when he’s taking me to dinner, or when he’s going to shag me into a state of oblivion,” Kim replies, and I spit out the mouthful of wine that I had just taken.
“Oh my God,” I say, holding my belly as it starts to hurt from laughing so much.
“Say it like it is,” she replies, smiling mischievously.
“I don’t think anyone could accuse you of sugar-coating your words.”
“I wouldn’t want them to either,” she replies matter-of-factly. When I have wiped away my tears and regained my breath, I finally answer her question.
“They were going to watch the dog racing and then go for a few drinks afterwards.”
