Chapter 20

Quincy rushes up toward us.

"Michael!" They embrace tightly just like last time.

"Hello little lady," Quincy says.

I feel myself blush.

"Hello sir."

"Okay, Quincy and I are going to run some demos in the studio again. Feel free to listen. Ryan, please get Bella anything she needs."

They go into the recording studio and Quincy sits behind the controls.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and jump ten feet.

I turn around and there stands a tall, thin man with his black hair slicked back. His skin is a glowing tan and he's impossibly attractive in a male model type of way. He's wearing a blue striped dress shirt and dark wash jeans with boat shoes.

He flashes a smile and I'm almost blinded by his bright white teeth.

"You must be Bella Simmons." He says, extending his manicured hand to me.

I stare at it nervously and then realize he wants a hand shake.

"Oh, yeah.." I mutter and quickly shake his hand and then pull away.

He laughs at my actions and then speaks again.

"I'm Ryan Armando, Michael's assistant."

"It's really, really nice to meet you.." I say.

He laughs again.

"Is there anything I can get you, Ms. Simmons?" He asks.

"A cup of ice cold water would be perfect." I say, smiling up at him.

I need to get my head to stop spinning. Goddamn, he's so gorgeous! It's like he's a life-size doll, I can't find any physical flaw unless I look close enough.

He nods and gets up to get my water.

I turn my attention to Michael, and he's singing 'Butterflies.'

My skin erupts in goosebumps as he shares his silky, one-of-a-kind voice with everyone in earshot.

He looks up at me, and I'm gaping at him in amazement.

I give him a thumbs-up and he starts to smile.

Just staring at him makes my palms sweat. Ryan is incredibly hot, but Michael is the only one with this affect on me.

Ryan comes back with my water.

"Thank you."

I take the cup from him and gulp it down in three swallows.

"So, what have you been up to?" Ryan asks.

"Well, I'm in my senior year of college and I'll be graduating in a few weeks. I major in Criminal Justice and my plans are to take a break for a year and then move on to law school."

"Wow, you have your life planned!" He says.

I giggle.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

We talk a while more, just getting to know each other. Then, Michael steps out of the studio.

I quickly embrace him and my body sets on fire from his gentle touch around my waist.

"You're amazing Michael." I say into his shoulder.

"Thank you baby girl."

I pull away right when his hands start to wander.

"Next time," he whispers.

Oh my goodness, is he always horny? I have to be careful, he really wants to bed me.

"Are we ready to go?" I ask.

He nods and says goodbye to Quincy.

I turn back to Ryan.

"Alright Ryan, it was nice meeting you." I say.

"You too, see you again sometime." He says friendily.

"Come on babe." Michael says impatiently.

"Yes, I'm coming." I say quickly.

I hurry over to him and he grabs my waist, and out the door we go.

We get into the car and the driver starts heading in the direction of my house.

"So, I saw you and Ryan were talking." He said sternly.

"Yes, you saw correctly." I say irritated.

What, I can't just talk to the opposite sex in a friendly way without Michael hanging over my shoulder? Its not like we're even together.

"What did you talk about?"

"We got to know each other. Is that all?" I snap.

"What's your issue?" He raises his voice.

"You can't stay out of my business! We were just talking." I raise my voice to match his.

"If its anyone's business, its mine. My assistant, my studio. I brought you here." He says.

I roll my eyes and my gaze darts over to the window.

"Oh so now you're not going to talk to me? Have it your way love."

"What's with all the nicknames?" I blurt out suddenly.

"Would you prefer I just call you Bella?" He asks.

"Well, um, no. But I was just wondering why you always call me those things." I say quickly.

"Do you like them?"

I nod my head hesitantly.

"Then that's why." He says curtly, and I know that signals the end of the conversation.

We pull into my apartment complex and we walk to my door.

"Thanks for the drive." I say.

"Sure. I'll see you baby."

He takes my chin in his hand and kisses me tenderly, and my knees buckle, feeling like jello.

He pulls away and bites his lip, smiling.

He walks back into his car and it takes off, without him looking back once.

~~~~~~
Sorry for the wait, enjoy!
-Joy