Page 84 of Don't Leave Me

Michael wrapped his arm around my waist as we walked down the stairs, eyeing me every couple of seconds as I smiled widely to myself. I was just too excited to be in his presence.

“You sure are in a good mood today,” he glanced at me curiously.

I think he was still waiting for me to admit that I was hypomanic.

“I’m just happy to see you,” I chirped back as he opened the door to the street, the freezing air biting my cheeks and the sky quickly sprinkling down snow.

He firmly took my hand and guided me west, as if he knew where we were going.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said playfully, flashing his gorgeous smile at me.

“What?” I burst out loudly and excitedly, once again giggling like a maniac. “The surprise you were going to wait to give me?” I widened my eyes, clutching onto his arm with my free hand.

“Maybe,” he said cunningly.

I was ecstatic. We suddenly stopped in front of a fancy French restaurant and Michael turned to me with a big grin as he opened the door for me.

“After you, my love,” he smirked.

I gleefully walked into the restaurant, the ambiance dark and romantic, faint French music playing in the background.

“Bonjour!” a sharp-dressed host greeted us, holding out his hand to take my coat.

“Bonjour!” I greeted back enthusiastically. “Comment allez-vous?” I gave my best French accent, my high school French coming in handy.

“Trés bien, merci, mademoiselle,” he answered with a smile.

I turned to Michael and he seem impressed with me, but he gave the host a cold stare, like he didn’t like our cute little exchange.

“Michael Barnes. I have a reservation for two,” he said to the host coolly.

The host nodded and took both of our coats before leading us to an intimate and cozy table near the window with two candles on the middle of it, then set down menus for us as he held out a chair for me.

“Your server will be right with you two,” he nodded, not even looking at me, probably still feeling the heat from Michael’s gaze.

I looked up at Michael, his face looking even more beautiful than ever, and he smiled up at me through his lashes, his eyes widened and almost looking nervous.

“This place is really nice,” I said as I observed our surroundings, only a few other patrons near us, the place practically to ourselves. “What’s the occasion?”

I still had Emily’s speculation of what my surprise could be in the back of my head;would he really propose so soon? What would I say? That’s a stupid question – of course I would say yes. I’m in love with this man. But what if he doesn’t? Am I setting myself up for disappointment?

“Does there need to be a special occasion?” he asked sweetly.

I bit my lip and shrugged, grinning back.

“It’s always a special occasion when I’m with you,” I said flirtatiously, but with wide eyes as to mock my cheesiness.

He chuckled to himself. “Such a charmer,” he said, leaning his elbows on the table and closer to me, staring at me amorously.

Our server quickly interrupted our loving gaze. “Hello, I’m Marie, I’ll be your server this evening. Can I get you two started with an appetizer?”

Michael glanced up at her quickly. “No, thanks. We’ll just start with water,” he nodded and then turned his eyes back to me.

The server was a beautiful brunette but she could have very well been a two foot balding man. Michael reserved all of his attention for me.

The server walked away and Michael held out his hand for mine on top of the table. I gently placed my hand with his and he lifted our entwined fingers up and kissed the top of my knuckles.God, he is so fucking amazing and sweet and beautiful…just be my husband already!

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