Care Enough to Bear Me [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 1: Catching Up

Michael's POV

"I've been really trying, baby..."

Marvin's voice echoed through the room, covering us in a blanket of smooth velvet.

"Trying to hold back this feeling for so long..."

I heard her giggle and I smiled, turning to face her.

She wagged her finger at me. "You're not slick, Jackson. I know what you're up to..."

I made a point of looking confused. "What? I was just going to ask if I could have this dance..." I responded, outstretching my hands and walking toward her.

She laughed, sitting her wine glass down and holding her hands up as a barrier. "Don't you dare take another step..."

I grinned, continuing to approach her. "Come on, Ruby. Just one dance? It'll be just like the good old days."

She sighed, rolling her eyes for dramatic effect. "Fine. I guess one lousy dance won't hurt..."

I raised an eyebrow as I pulled her close to me and held her waist. "Lousy? We'll see about that..."

"Let's get it on...."

I sang into her ear as we swayed back and forth. Being so close to her brought back so many good memories. It reminded me of the best time of my life.

I held her closer and buried my face into her shoulder. She slid her hands up and down my back before wrapping them around my neck.

"You falling asleep on me?" She teased. "I knew this dance would be lousy."

I chuckled, lifting my head and looking into her eyes. I planned to make a sarcastic joke in response, but I got lost at some point along the way and ended up gazing at her.

Both of our smiles slowly faded and I noticed her eyes darting back and forth from my eyes to my lips.

Her hesitance was increasing by the second, so I decided to take the plunge before it was too late.

I leaned in slowly, giving her time to tell me if she wanted me to stop. Her breathing grew sharp, and I bit my lip as I felt the warmth hit my face.

The first kiss was delicate. I pulled back slightly and looked at her. Her eyes were still closed. I smiled to myself and brought both of my hands to her face before pressing my lips to hers once more.

It was electric, but to no surprise. She's always set me on fire.

She broke the kiss and stared up at me with a grin. "This is ridiculous..." She said quietly before breaking out in laughter.

I giggled, watching her amusement. "What's so funny?"

She shook her head, unable to speak without laughing even harder. I've always loved how easily she gets tickled. Half of the time I never even find out what she's laughing at.

She finally calmed down and faced me, random chuckles still erupting out of her. She wrapped her arms around me again and pecked my lips.

"I love you..." She whispered.

That made my whole life. "I love you too, baby..." I replied, leaning in for another kiss.

Her lips went limp against mine and I leaned back to see what was wrong.

"What kind of love are you talking about?" She questioned.

I snickered, placing my finger under her chin and showering her lips with soft kisses. I kissed my way across her jaw line and to her ear.