Passenger

“Do you like him?”

I ignored Annie as she questioned me, making me blush, and set my gaze on Michael who was coming back from the tickets booths, a visitors guide and three tickets in his hand.
Annie rolled her chair ahead of us, as Michael reached us, dressed in a thin hoodie, baseball cap, and jeans. I was dressed, ready to go to work after the Aquarium- dark grey skirt over some tights, a red sweater and a jean jacket over it all, and my long hair up in a messy bun a top my head.

My arms were crossed as we waited in line to get checked in. Annie was going through the map, planning out the day aloud. I glanced at Michael, as I felt a long and muscular arm sneak it’s way around my waist, and blushed deeply, as he snuck his hand with mine, intertwining our fingers.

I stared up at him, sticking out my tongue childishly, as he remained silent.

I felt awkward, as people stared at us. Clearly recognizing him, the famous, and most decorated Olympic athlete ever- with, who? The most average girl in Baltimore.

My stomach dropped, as I spotted a group of girls, gorgeous, with their families, clearly our age, as they smiled at Michael, just as we past through the check point- and they made their way towards him.

As they asked him for pictures, I pulled away from, and quickly told him that we’d catch up, and pushed Annie away, making the chair speed up, until Annie braked it forcefully just as we reached the manta rays.

“Why’d you leave him?”

“Fans.” I said stiffly, as Annie frowned at me, her little sister mode vanishing, as she turned into a therapist.

“I can be your Lisa for the day.” she shrugged, “Talk to me.”

I laughed and motioned for her to walk with me, as we reached the low tanks of the sting rays, and a Mother moved out of the way with a smile, as Annie wheeled herself closer, so she could get a better look, and have a good chance of petting the creatures.

I let her out of her chair, as she lay on the cement on her stomach, as she rolled up her sleeves and reached for the approaching rays.
Standing a few feet away, I watched as she talked to a little boy her age, her coat was over my arms and I leaned against the chair, about to take a seat in it, before someone stood next to me and bumped a tall bony hip with my own.

“You didn’t have to leave.”

I didn’t glance at Michael, out of pure embarrassment.

“It was awkward.” I said not pulling my gaze from Annie as I spoke softly, “For me.”

“How do you think it is for me?” Michael joked, standing in front of me, officially blocking the view of my sister, as he placed his hands on my shoulders, and slowly rubbed them down until he reached my hands and pulled the stiff posture I held apart, “I’m still not used to it.”

I rolled my eyes, and let him take hold of both my hands, as he hung them between us.

“Don’t walk away.” he said softly, as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close as I wrapped my arms around his stomach, “I want you to be at my side. You make me confident.”

I chuckled, “You’ve never lacked confidence.”

“You don’t know that.” he laughed as he gently swayed us side to side, my chin laying on his chest as I stared up at him, “Don’t ever feel awkward. You shouldn’t.”

The day progressed, of Annie wheeling ahead of Michael and I, through the aquarium, stopping every so often to read animal facts, or to ask one of the workers a question.

Michael and I stayed behind allowing her to do what she wanted. The entire time, the two us held hands. Messing around silently, poking each other, hugging tightly, being flirty- every action giving me a wonderful sensation in the pit of my stomach.

We reached the Atlantic Ocean Coral Reef tank, and I couldn’t help but pull my attention away from Michael who was walking, connected behind me, his arms around my waist and collar bones.

Annie had been to the Aquarium at least 20 times- but face every time she saw each exhibit was of pure amazement. She kept it all to herself, but her face was full of smiles, and wide eyes.

We stopped behind her chair as she stood in front of the center window, holding the railing and watching the colorful fish, with pure amusement.

I leaned back against Michael’s chest, as he held us both steady. Our hands still connected.

“Thanks for inviting me.”

I turned my head, standing taller, and turned in his grasp, the top of my head reaching just below his eyes.

“Thanks for being great.” I said back, “No guy, would ever do what you do.”

“Which is?” he smiled, as I turned back around, wrapping his arms around my chest and holding his hands.

“Just being nice, and supportive, with Annie.” I said, watching as my sister, wheeled away, heading towards the ramp, “Most guys would’ve ditched me long ago. But, you’re not like most guys.”

“Is that a good thing?” he asked as he spun me around with a laugh, as I reached his side, and we walked towards Annie, hands still attached.

“It’s a fantastic thing.” I chuckled.

❊

“She’s got the lap top again!”

I laughed as Avery complained as he put the chairs up on the tables, as Beth swept the floors around him, before I turned away and scrolled through Spotify with ease until I found the song I wanted to listen to- of course, by Lisa Hannigan.

“I think we all know the words to this one Kazz.” Thomas joked as I walked back towards the bar, and began stacking the glasses on the shelves, and putting the liquor back in their own cabinets.

I swayed softly to the soft strumming that was the intro of ‘Safe Travels, (Don’t Die). I sung softly under my breath.

“I’ll see you on Sunday Beth, Avery.” I called three of us, two and one, parted in two different directions from the restaurant, the lights from within finally shutting off as Thomas left the building

I bundled myself up in my long coat, and scarf as the cold wind hit me. My boots were keeping my feet warm, but my legs, covered in only tights were exposed to the cold. My head phones were pushed into my ears as I sung Lisa Hannigan, as I always did softly.

I was making my to the bus station. More relaxed then I usually was. Michael had dropped Annie off at our Grandmothers, and then the two of us had gone out to dinner. He treated us to the meal, but I treated us to ice cream. I was trying to get him in the habit that he should let me pay for something. Since I am the working lady.

Do you like him?

I smiled as Annie’s question flowed into my mind with ease, as I thought about Michael.
He made me comfortable, happy, and nervous. He was handsome, but awkward. He was human, and though people expected much of him still, he was a normal guy. He got shy at times, and was pretty goofy, he was sweet, and genuine. He never faked anything. He was kind to Annie, not just to please me. Whenever she spoke, he showed pure and honest interest.

As I reached the building, my stomach was bubbling. I prayed he wouldn’t be home, but when he answered on the second ring from the machine, it was too late for me to hang up on the dial outside of the water front Apartment complex.

“Hello?”

I winced, and took a deep breath, “Michael, it’s Karren.”

I heard him cough and then the sound of something clattering against hard wood floors, “Karren? Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I chuckled, feeling forward and awkward, “Just cold.”

“A-Are you downstairs?”

“Really forward of me, but yes I am.” I laughed softly.

“I’ll buzz you in.” he laughed.

I breathed a relaxed sigh, as it buzzed and I quickly pulled open the door, the warmth of the inside catching me by surprise. I walked up two flights of stairs, before, as I was about to walk up the landing, two dogs met me at the top of the stair case, and I heard Michael’s familiar voice telling them to come back inside.

“Stella and Herman are friendly, don’t worry.”

I laughed and pet the English Bulldog who snorted once and walked towards his Dad, while the other a grey mix, inspected me before she wagged her tale and barked once and went inside the apartment.

“Hi. Again.” I said walking up to him, as he opened his arms wide and fell into them comfortably, “Sorry to just drop by like this. I kind of found my myself here.”

He pulled out of the embrace with a chuckle, as he shrugged, “I was just watching some TV. It’s better to be social.”

I followed him inside, chuckling at his lazy attire of sweat pants, and a T-shirt, and no shoes.

It was definitely a bachelor pad. Their were boxes everywhere, piles of laundry in their baskets, and as we walked into his living room I chuckled at the grocery bags that had yet to be put away.

“Do you want some help?” I laughed, setting my bag down, and putting my ipod inside it.

He blushed and hastily made a move to put them away, “No way. You’ve been working all night.”

I shrugged, glancing at the clock on the wall above his kitchen cabinet, it was only eleven thirty.

“I don’t mind.” I said honestly, before I was nudged in the butt by the grey dog, Stella who barked at me and the pressed her head against my thigh, as she crawled under my legs.

“It’s fine.” he smiled, as he watched me interact with his dogs.

I took a seat on the hard wood floor spreading my legs out as his dogs, Herman and Stella came to investigate me.

Herman rolled on his back and laid his head on my knee, while Stella licked my face, causing me to squirm, and squeal as she nibbled on my chin.

“Would you like anything to drink?” Michael asked, as he came to my rescue and held his arms out, helping me to my feet.

“I’m fine thanks.” I smiled at him, allowing him to keep hold of my hand while I resisted the urge to lean up and kiss him.

I turned around, pulling him with me, as I headed towards the large windows that I hadn’t seen before. The showed the harbor, the lights of the parked boats glistened in the water.

“This is some place you’ve got.” I said appreciating the night view, as Michael dimmed the lights, stopping me from seeing my own reflection in the windows.

“I knew I needed to live here, as soon as I came to the open house.” he smiled, catching my hand again.

I stared at him, “Let me guess, there’s a pool.”

“Oh yeah.” he laughed.

❊

“This is huge.”

We stood in the apartment complex’s natatorium. The place was just as big as the aquatics center’s, except this place had a few hot tubs, and the pool was slightly wider.

“Yup.” he laughed, as I took a seat on the lounge chairs.

I glanced at him as he stood beside me, his hands shoved in his hoodie pockets.

“You don’t really brag or anything do you?” I chuckled softly, admiring his modesty.

“Should I be?” he said with a laugh, exposing his teeth.

“Maybe just a little.”

“It’s not, something that I do.” he said with a soft shrug.

“Oh, I’ve noticed.” I said, before I smirked at him, “I challenge you to something.”

He glanced at me with an amused look, “Challenge me?”

“Yeah.” I said standing up and pulling off my coat, “I’m never this daring, but I want you to show off. I want to see you swim.”

Michael stared at me, his eyes causing me to blush as I zipped the side of my dress, and quickly stripped out of it, pulling off my tights, until I stood in nothing but my black bra and blue under wear. I never did stuff like this. But Michael made me feel comfortable.

His eyes trailed, kindly, down my form, never once his stare made me want to cover myself. I smiled as I watched him pull off his hoodie, and sweats, leaving him in his boxers.

“What’s the challenge.”

“I get a head start obviously.” I laughed, causing him to chortle, “I dive, and get a ten second head start. You swim under water, no strokes, one breath-”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

I stared at him as he cut me off, “You’ll beat me?”

He shrugged, “Let’s see.”

I watched as he jumped into the pool, shaking his arms as he did so, and surfaced from the dimly lit deep end of the pool.

“I’ll count you off.” he smiled up at me, running a hand through his wet hair, my hand itching to tug at it.

“Okay.” I smiled, prepping my body to dive.

My head was on fire and my chest felt like it was about to burst by the time I reached the other length of the pool. But what caused me to let out an exhausted, and anguished-amused scream, was the fact that Michael was sitting on the pool edge with a goofy grin on his face.

“You... suck...” I gasped dipping my head back in the water as Michael laughed and jumped back in splashing me as I surfaced.

“Olympian.” he laughed poking my arm.

“Cocky.” I joked pressing my back against the pool wall.

“Am I really?” he asked treading water in front of me, feigning hurt, as I steadied my breathing and stood, balancing on the curve of the pool wall.

“No.” I smiled, studying his face, “You’re being a gentlemen.”

His eyes met mine and they kept glancing between them and my lips, and I knew what was going to happen, when he quickly sucked on his bottom lip and disappeared beneath the dark pool water.

I knew he was right in front of me, but my knees couldn’t help but grow weak, and my stomach to flop from nerves.

As he surfaced, a mere few inches from my face, I couldn’t help but shutter. His deep brown eyes starring into mine silently, as he pressed his lips together.
I watched him cautiously.

“You should show off more often.” I smiled at him, “It’s amazing to watch.”

As he floated slightly closer, I struggled not to loose my balance, starring directly into his eyes, as he placed both of his hands on the wall, gripping the cement on either side of my head.

“You can balance on my legs.” he said softly.

I did. I put my shaking knees on top of the top of his thighs. My hands rested, delicately, on his chest. The entire time our eyes were connected, as my fingers traced his chest, and down to his stomach, where we both laughed as he chuckled.

“So you’re ticklish.” I joked, as I felt his hand brush my soaked hair to the side, and behind my ear.

I froze, not talking. As he rested his hand there, not moving it, as he cupped my chin and cheek with his large hand.

“Can I?” he asked softly, studying my reaction.

I was thankful their were no lights, my face was burning and I was trembling from nerves.

“You don’t even have to ask.” I replied in the same tone, leaning in just as he did.

I swear, I was shaking. I was excited nervous.
Was I doing it right? Was I out of practice?

I obviously wasn’t, as he pulled away gently, and pressed his lips against mine again- and I did my best to push the thought out of my mind.

The kiss was sweet, hard, daring. Our lips were touching feverishly, but in a sweet way, that made my stomach flop. My hands were in his dark hair, and my eyes shut. I sighed, letting his tongue slide in gently, pulling myself closer to him.

We floated for a few seconds as he pushed away from the wall, one hand connected to my cheek as he stroked my cheek bone, the other arm wrapped around my waist holding me close. My own arms wrapped around his shoulder, pressing my bra covered chest to his, holding him tight, loving the feeling of his body against my own.

I giggled as we sunk, and squinted my eyes open, meeting his squinted stare as he held me tight.
And kissed me again.