“Well…”
“You work from home, don’t you? You said you’re an artist?”
“I’m an animator, yes.” Paula swallowed. “But I do need my equipment for that. I have a tablet, laptop and a few other items to do my work. Which means I would have to go back to the house.”
“And you can’t not work for a few days?”
“Not really. I had to make time for this weekend due to the wedding. But come Monday…” Paula shook her head. “I can’t impose on your dad, Natalie. I’m sure Michael doesn’t want me hovering around the place.”
“I don’t mind,” Michael said quickly.
Paula stared at him. Michael cleared his throat.
“If you need space from someone, I’m happy for you to stay. We can get a few things you need, and then you won’t even need to leave the guest room. You can make your own little cave upstairs.”
Now both girls were looking at him, although Natalie’s expression was more smug. Michael knew he was going to be teased about this later.
“But…” Paula looked unsure. “Are you sure about this? I mean…”
“I’m sure. Until things died down. You’re not going to get any respite if your friend is harassing you. And your parents are on holiday right now, aren’t they? You mentioned something about it.”
“They’re in Italy right now.” Paula glanced at Natalie. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
Although Michael had a feeling this was going to blow up in his face. Letting Paula stay with him for a few days and not touch her as he wanted? Maybe he just liked torturing himself.
But there was no way he was letting Paula walk out of there at this time.
* * *
l
Chapter Three
“Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes,” Paula said, plucking at the stitching on the cuff. “I’ll change as soon as I get in.”
“It’s fine. That actually looks quite cute on you.”
“I’m wearing a man’s denim shirt with your daughter’s belt. Speaking of which, why did you get a shirt this big? You’re certainly not as big as this.”
Michael laughed.
“I didn’t get it. Natalie wanted to buy me some shirts a couple of years ago for my birthday, but she had no idea what size I was, so she over-compensated. I think that’s the first time that shirt’s been worn.”
Paula could tell. It looked far too new. She had been surprised when she put it on and it was big enough to wear as a dress. It was fine when she was standing up, but sitting in the car beside Michael, she was painfully aware of the hem shifting up her thighs. Any further, and she would be flashing her underwear at him.
Her clit was throbbing at the thought of Michael seeing that.
What was wrong with her? She wore less when she was swimming, and Michael certainly wore less. How could she be so self-conscious like this? It was mad.
She glanced over at Michael, who was focusing on his driving. She found herself watching him quite a bit when he wasn’t looking. His dark hair was thick and looked lush with strands of white coming through at the temples. He wasn’t the most muscular of men, but he certainly had a good physique. Wearing just trunks, there was certainly a lot on display. Paula had to be careful which part of her body she stared at.
Goddammit, her crush on him was getting too much. Paula should have driven to a hotel, or go to Charlie’s and barricaded herself in with his wife. But when she was driving her brother’s car out of the car park, Michael had come to mind. And Paula wanted to go to him.
He didn’t need to take her in. But he had, and now he was helping her get a few things from her place. Paula didn’t feel like going home and carrying on like normal when she knew people were looking for her. It was best that she was not there for a while.
Michael was really kind to be doing this. A little too kind, maybe? Paula knew she shouldn’t think too much about it, but she couldn’t help herself. Her thoughts always wandered whenever she was around Michael.