A NEW DAY by Michelle T © 2000 CHAPTER THIRTEEN Michelle finally pulled herself from Howie's embrace. "Thank you, Howie. What the hell would I have done without you this morning? I can't believe how wonderful you are. Actually, you are everything I've imagined you to be and so much more." Howie winked at her and said, "So you've thought about me before, eh?" he chuckled softly. Michelle smiled back at him and said, "Oh yes, I may not have thought of any men in reality, but in my dreams were you,….and AJ and Kevin, to be honest. I'm sorry. I feel like a teeny bopper" She looked up at him concerned. "Michelle, thank you, you flatter me. I'm honored that I was one of the men in your dreams." He pulled her back into another hug and kissed her cheek. "Where is everyone?" she asked. "Brian, Nick and Kim went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast and have probably gone out to check the damage from the storm. Kevin and AJ went to the gym about an hour and a half ago. I'm sure they'll be back soon." "I've got to talk to Kevin and apologize." She said. "I better get dressed. Who unpacked me anyway?" she asked looking in the corner at her empty luggage. "Kevin did this morning." He answered. 'He did? Do you think that means he wants me to stay." She asked shakily. "We all want you to stay, Michelle. In fact, there is no way we are letting you leave!" "You are not going anywhere, Michelle!" Howie and Michelle both turned quickly to the door to see AJ walking towards them. He walked up to them and said, "Good morning, D, sleep well?" Howie looked at him confused, "AJ, we already saw each other this morning." "Right! Sorry." AJ turned to Michelle and threw his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Don't even think of deserting us now, Babe." He said in a husky voice. "Not when you have just come into our lives. That would be just too mean." "Oh AJ, I love you!" she whispered in response. Kevin walked in the room warily. He caught Michelle's eye and said, "We need to talk." Howie moved as if to leave the room when Michelle grabbed his arm and said, "No, no one leaves this room." She moved away from both AJ and Howie and walked over to Kevin. Without saying anything she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly. He was surprised, not expecting her action. After a moment he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. "I'm sorry!" "I'm sorry!" They pulled away from each other with questioning eyes. "Kevin, I'm sorry about last night. It was wrong of me to mix your concern with my desire and needs." "No, I'm the one who took advantage of the situation and your vulnerability." He said. They stared at each other with confusion. "Kevin, this is not your fault!" "Hon, it is totally my fault!! God, you don't even realize how much I've done wrong, here. Michelle, I have a girlfriend, whom I'm in love with." Kevin watched her face for her reaction. He didn't see what he expected. "Kevin, I would be highly surprised if you didn't have someone you were in love with. God, you are amazing and any woman would be so incredibly fortunate to have you as her own. I'm sorry, I've compromised your relationship now." She lowered her head and stared at his glistening chest. "Kevin, I wish last night never happened, but on the other hand, I'll never ever forget it. You were incredible and made me feel desirable and loved. I haven't felt that way in so long" she looked back up at him to gauge his reaction. He returned her look with a small smile. "Michelle, I'll work it out with Telly. And as for you, I was having regrets this morning too, but I must admit last night was fantastic. I crave you even now, but I cherish you and want you in my life as my dear friend, my soul mate, and I'm not going to act on my cravings, for fear of losing you." Michelle's eyes teared up again and she inched forward and hugged him again. She didn't care that his beautiful body was sweaty. She inhaled his musky scent and sighed deeply. "I love you, Kevin. I don't want to lose you either." He held her tighter and buried his face in her hair. "I love you!" They stood in their embrace for several moments. "Well, I have cravings too, you know!" AJ said with a wide grin on his face. "Oh yeah? What about me, I crave her too." Howie stood defiantly and looked at AJ. All four burst out laughing and ended up in a group hug. "Happy Thanksgiving!" shouted Kimberly as she walked through the bedroom door, followed by Nick and Brian. "What's this?" The group broke apart with guilty smiles on their faces. "I'm just being thankful!" said Michelle and gathered Kimberly in her arms. "I love you, Baby!" "I love you! You're feeling better, huh?" Kim questioned her with a smile on her face. "Yes, I am. Now, I better get dressed." "Heck, I like what you're wearing!" blushed Nick. Everyone looked at him sharply and then laughed. "Oh, Nick, please don't even go there!" said Michelle as she reached for him and gave him a brief hug. Brian stepped forward and with a flourish drew a bouquet of flowers from behind his back and presented them to Michelle with a bow. "Sweet Lady, for you!" Michelle looked at him surprised and speechless. "Brian, thank you, they are beautiful!" "It's my way of saying thank you, to you, for encouraging me to call Lauren. We've spoken twice today already. I can't wait until she returns from England." Brian beamed. "I'm so happy for you, Brian." She hugged him too and then turned towards the bathroom. "Okay, everyone leave so I can get showered," They all started out and Michelle hesitated and turned back, "Kevin, please stay?" she looked at him hopefully. He nodded and closed the door and turned to her with questioning eyes. Michelle walked over to him and grabbed his hand.