A/N: This is the sequel to Beautiful Stranger ...If you haven't read it...what the hell are you waiting for?
Song: Wicked Game By Chris Isaak
Rated PG-13
*****
MICHONNE'S POV
I could've stayed at my old place, but I wanted a new start. There were more bad memories than good in my old apartment and I vowed to move on with my life. Besides, I'm much closer to the office now, I could practically walk there, especially on a day like this. The 'two guys and a truck' had moved everything I trusted them with and I now had the sole task of moving my delicate family vestiges. These items consisted of my father's deluxe oak-finished incased veteran's flag, my mother's coffee table with a display case of rare silver coin collection, and my priceless katana sheath, cases, plaques, mounts, and hangars.
I opened the trunk of my car, digging in and carefully pulling out one of my plaques when I heard his voice. I was almost finished moving into my new apartment on that cool summer afternoon when the unexpected happened.
"Excuse me, ma'am." The voice coming from behind me is deep and soothing. I turned to see who was approaching me. I did a double take, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. If my hands were not full, I would have pinched myself, scratched that, rubbed my eyes, and pinched myself.
But this wasn't a dream.
There he was, walking across the parking lot, looking like something out of a romance novel. His gait was smooth and steady in his form-fitting blue jeans. He wore a body-hugging brown t-shirt that made those big baby blues pop. He approached, standing so close I could smell his cologne.
"I just moved in next door." He says with a raspy baritone voice.
No-Freaking-Way!
I stared at him unblinkingly for several moments, still in awe of his presence. I'm sure I looked positively stunned.
"Do you need any help?" He asks with the most captivating smile I'd ever seen.
I stutter out. "Yeah, uh, yeah, I'm just moving in too." Duh...that's obvious, but I didn't really know what else to say to him.
"Here let me get that." He says, reaching for my two fencing plaques.
"Thank you," I stutter again, then reach into the trunk to collect my father's flag case, some mounts, and hangars. I realize it would be a two-person job getting the glass table up three flights of stairs, Maggie helped me get it into the car yesterday.
"No problem," he says, his eyes beamed like stars flaunted in the night sky. "I just moved into apartment 1B yesterday."
"You live two floors downstairs from me, I'm in 3B," I say, letting out a satisfied breath. I was proud of myself; I was able to respond in a coherent sentence that time. What I really want to ask is if he remembers me. He could have been drunk and forgotten all about me and that night altogether.
But I was too bashful to ask.
"Pleasure to meet you, neighbor, I'm Rick Grimes." He says.
Christ, even his name is sexy! And the way he said his name, it just rolled off his tongue, with that smooth, southern drawl. Does he even realize how appealing he is?
"Pleasure to meet you, Rick Grimes, I'm Michonne Winters," I respond.
Now if only he'd give me some hint that he recognizes me. But how in the hell would I respond to that? Yeah, I'm the dancing exhibitionist from Club XS.
"Beautiful." He murmurs, stepping dangerously close to me.
Was he calling me beautiful? I felt my cheeks blush and I had to remind myself to breathe. Why does he have such an effect on me? I smile and turn to lead him towards my apartment.
We enter the building and make our way up the stairs and I can feel his eyes on me. I'm not particularly dressed up, nor am I dressed down as one would be for moving. But I think I look pretty good today.
As I reached the top of the stairs, I take a quick glance over my shoulders and sure enough, Mr. Rick Grime's stunning, cerulean eyes are glued to my ass. If it were any other guy, I would be complaining.
But with him, I don't mind one bit.
I hand him one of my cases to free up my hand so I can dig for my keys. I unlock the door and swing it open.
"Come on in," I say, setting my things down on the fireplace mantel.
"Wow," he says, trailing close behind me, "your place is really nice." He says sincerely, setting my plaques down.
"Thanks, it was the fireplace and the huge bathroom that sold me," I admit.
He nods looking up at the high ceiling, "The downstairs apartments are newly renovated, but aren't nearly as big." Rick tells me. "I think my place is the size of your coat closet." He chuckles.
I laugh too, looking at my coat closet full of boxes, I like his sense of humor, and what he said was news to me, I assumed all the apartments in this building were the same size.
He takes another appreciative look around my place and says, "Let's go get that table."
We get the table into the apartment building, up the staircase, and to its final resting place in front of my white sofa and I am finally able to completely relax. Well, as much as a person can relax with a curly-haired, blue-eyed Adonis standing in your living room.
"Can I get you something to drink?" I ask, if I had food, I'd offer to cook him dinner, anything to get him to stay here with me for a while.
"Water is good," he says, running his hands through his dark curly locks. I remember him doing that at the nightclub, the look in his eyes was so wild and uninhibited. I'd give anything to see him look at me like that again.
In the dining room, I open the box marked 'dishes', grab two glasses and I go to the fridge to get our water.
"We picked a good day to move," He says taking the glass of water.
"Yeah, the weather report says it should be like this all weekend," I reply while slipping out of my sandals. "Please have a seat," I offer.
He takes a seat on the couch and I sit next to him with my feet curled under my body.
Take off your shirt too, I don't mind at all. That's what my head is screaming. Speaking of heads, it's time to pick his.
"So what do you do for a living Rick Grimes?"
"I'm the King's, County Sherriff." He sputters.
I was floored.
I'd heard there was a newly elected sheriff due to the untimely death of Sherriff Blake, but my life has been in such upheaval, that I didn't bother to look into it any further. I didn't bother masking how impressed I was either.
"Well." I flirtatiously bat my eyes. "I feel totally safe knowing you're just right downstairs." I can feel the goofy smile on my face but it's all good, he's watching me right now and he's blushing too.
*****
RICK'S POV
I was glad to finally have a place of my own, even if the apartment was smaller than I was accustomed to. It's not like I had a lot of things to put in here anyway. She's keeping everything... Not that I want or need it, so no loss there.
What's important is that the place is affordable and in the best location. Close to Carl's school and work. The plus was that the place newly remodeled too. The granite countertops and marble shower are what sold me.
I did splurge and purchased a nice brown leather sofa and recliner set, identical to the one I had before. I'll have to sleep on the air mattress I brought from Shane's house until my new king-sized bed arrives next week. I supposed I splurged on that too.
I had just pulled into the parking lot with my new toaster and coffee maker; a housewarming gift from my mom and the gift bag from my aunt Carol, when I went to visit them yesterday.
I lost my breath for a moment... Like a summer breeze blowing through a rose garden on a hot day, there she was. And even though she was not facing me, I knew it was her.
I'd never - ever forget a heavenly body like that.
She was going through items in the trunk of a white Mercedes Benz, bending over to reach deep into the back, giving me an eyeful of her perfect ass. She had on the shortest pair of blue jean shorts I'd ever seen, a white, loose-fitting tank, and white flip-flops adorned with white sparkling flowers. She had her long ebony locs pulled up high, just like the night I saw her, and dangling white flower earrings.
I don't know how long I just stood there watching her. Partially because I didn't fucking believe it, but mostly because she looked so goddamn sexy. I could've watched her all afternoon.
There was no way I was letting her get away this time.
I observe her trying to carry way too many things in her hand so I put Aunt Carol's bag of goodies down, hoping that all the items in the containers are non-perishable and I go over to aid the pretty doll. I offer her a hand with her things and I notice that she looks positively stunned.
This woman is strikingly gorgeous, like a painting of a goddess brought to life. I couldn't tell if she remembered me or if she was just surprised by my sudden approach. Who knows, I could have gotten that mind-blowing dance because she was three sheets to the wind. And since I can't be sure, I'm not going to bring it up.
For all, I care we can start over.
No matter what the scenario, I want to talk to her, to know her, and I don't want to scare her off by bringing up the night at the club. One thing for damn sure, she was just as gorgeous as the night I first saw her.
She gazed at me with large dazzling chocolate-brown eyes and said, "Yeah, uh, yeah, I'm just moving in."
Well -I'll -Be Damned!
I'd seen the moving trucks yesterday moving lots of expensive-looking furniture up to the top floor apartment yesterday as Shane and I unloaded my pickup. Never in a million years would I have guessed it was her moving in. I didn't hesitate and I carefully gathered a few items, noting that they looked delicate and valuable. I'm sure that's why she didn't want the movers to handle them.
"Thank you." She says and I feel my heart start to pound hard in my chest.
I introduce myself and finally, the name of the mysterious woman is revealed. Her name is just as unique and beautiful as she is. Her voice is sultry, smooth like Bourbon, honey, and melted butter. I tried pushing the thoughts away, but as I followed her into the building, eyeing her toned legs, it didn't help my situation. Watching her tantalizing hips sway hypnotically as she walked up the stairs in those micro-shorts, she could be leading me off a cliff and I'd followed her.
Her apartment is huge, the furniture white with oak tables and chairs. The fireplace is magnificent and I couldn't help but imagine us making love beside it.
After we finished getting her things moved, she offered me a glass of water. That's when I began to wonder, that maybe, just maybe she's interested in me too.
While she's searching for cups and getting our water in the kitchen I take a look around. Michonne's been beautiful since the day she was born, I think to myself as I look at some of her family photos. I pick up her master's degree in criminology and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice frames and carefully place them back down on the mantel. She's beautiful, smart, and possibly deadly, she also has an award in fencing and martial arts.
I blush a little and nod.
I knew from the moment I saw her that night that she was amazing. A heavenly angel by day, and seductive goddess by night. When she returns with my glass of water, I make small talk about the weather, but luckily Michonne is not about the bullshit, she makes it clear that she's interested.
Those big come-hither eyes, she gazed at me in wonderment. "So what do you do for a living Rick Grimes?" She questions.
When I told her I was the newly appointed sheriff of King's County, her surprised expression earned a big goofy smile from me. From there we started flirting with one another.
I enjoyed our easy exchange. We share similar careers, interests, and values. From our encounter at the club, I know she knows how to kick back and have fun. And I can't get over how fucking beautiful she is.
She's perfect.
My phone vibrated and I pulled it from my pocket, it was my calendar reminder. I felt my stomach twist in a knot because I knew time was catching up with me and I would have to be leaving soon. It was almost 6 pm and I didn't want to hear Lori bitch at me about being late picking up Carl. Carl and I are going bowling tonight, it's us against Morgan and Dawayne. I have my son for the entire weekend, so I won't be able to see Michonne until Monday, that's if she wants to see me again.
"Michonne," I say, taking a chance, I capture her hand in mine and gently place the other hand on her shoulder, lightly massaging it. I stand up, keeping her hand firmly on mine, pulling her up, and moving in close to her. But not nearly close enough.
"It's time for me to go pick up my son Carl for the weekend." My eyes never waver from hers. I inhale, taking in her scent and I smile. "
"Okay," She says sweetly, "Have a good weekend," and then she hugs me.
My God, she hugged me. A sincere, earnest embrace, so warm and inviting. Every desire in my soul was awakened the moment our bodies touched. The feeling of her soft, fragrant, luscious body firmly pressed next to mine, I instantly became erect. I prayed for restraint, but my control was rendered useless around Michonne. With my raging hard-on pressed firmly against her taut abdomen, my thumbs drew lines on her smooth cheekbones; my lips a mere inch from her kissable cherry lips.
"Michonne," I whisper, "Kiss me."
And she did just that. Michonne gave me a kiss of aching sweetness, her peppermint tongue urging my mouth to open for her, our tongues danced erotically. When we finally pulled away, I felt like all the air had been drawn from my lungs. At that moment, neither of us moved. Neither of us breathed. We just . . . existed together.
The tension melted away.
And I kissed her again, the kiss was still artless, still desperate- but only because it was real. The most honest, truthful moment we'd ever shared.
*****
MICHONNE'S POV
I started flirting with him, I couldn't help myself. I enjoyed making him blush and it revealed how much he really liked me. Every time I'd ask a question and complimented his answer he'd beam while running his fingers through those sexy curly tresses.
This otherwise boring evening is turning out to be quite gratifying and I have Rick Grimes, King's County Sherriff and divorced father of a 13-year-old boy, to thank for it.
His phone pings interrupting us from our pleasant banter.
I gathered by the look on his face it was important, either work or family and he'd have to leave soon.
"It's time for me to go pick up my son Carl for the weekend," he said, confirming my thoughts on the matter.
"I've got lots of unpacking to do," I tell him, realizing how badly I want him to stay, but understanding fully that duty calls. Such a responsible, levelheaded man.
Besides, I really do need to get my home office setup and at least get my kitchen ready for my housewarming party tomorrow. My mom will never leave if she sees all my stuff in such disarray.
I wish him a good weekend and before I knew it, I was touching him.
"Michonne." He replies and squeezes my hand. The way he said my name in his soothing southern drawl, layering every seductive tone in his vocal repertoire, my entire core became feverishly hot. Electricity shot through my body and the atmosphere became freshened with sensuality. Rick stands to his feet, bringing me with him, he tugs on my hand to pull me closer, his free hand stroking my cheek. Resting my hand on his neck, adroitly inching my fingers up the nape until I'm stroking his hair, his eyes fluttering at the sensation.
And I hug him.
I felt flush with warmth at the closeness of his lean, muscular body, his erection pressing at my abdomen. He's just as turned on as I am.
"Michonne... Kiss me," He says, more like a plea than a demand. His voice to me is like silk, velvet, and chocolate, each syllable designed to torture and entice.
Without meaning to, I leaned forward and kissed him, slowly, reverently, no longer quite so surprised that this was happening, that I wanted him so badly. His hands, skillfully caressed my flesh, encompassing the pleasure until it became so intense that I couldn't breathe. By the time he has to go pick up his son, we have plans for dinner Monday night.
After he leaves, I go to the restroom. When I look in the mirror I notice I'm still a little warm in the cheeks and chest from seeing Rick. I didn't know what had come over me! First I kiss him, tongue and all, and then I ask him over for dinner.
"Rick- Rick Grimes- Sheriff Rick Grimes!"
I say his name aloud a few times smiling big. He's real and he's everything I fantasied he'd be like. I'm glad he'll be occupied this weekend with his son.
That gives me two days to plan the perfect dinner.
*****
RICK'S POV
Carl and I had a great time bowling against Morgan and Dawayne. We kicked their asses and Carl got his first three turkeys in a row!
We got home around 10 pm and Carl and I made a giant bowl of French vanilla ice cream, coated in chocolate syrup, smothered with chocolate chip sprinkles, and topped off with a maraschino cherry. We sat down and watched the X-Men movie; after about 30 minutes the sugar high wore off; not soon after, I dozed off.
When I woke up about two hours later, it was after midnight. Carl was asleep on my lap. I carried him to my air mattress in my bedroom and I grabbed two blankets from a box and went back to the couch.
The moment I lay down and looked at the ceiling, my mind was bombarded with images of the heavenly Michonne. Her sultry voice, those big doe eyes, her captivating smile, and that incredible body.
I closed my eyes and I could still see her. But now I know she's real and I don't have to dream anymore.
I'll enjoy my time with Carl this weekend, even more, knowing that now, instead of having a mundane, repetitive work week, I'll have my time with Michonne to look forward to.