We pull up to the Neverland gates and Michael hasn't said a word to me the whole ride.

"Hey, you should be thanking me for getting us here alive," I say giggling.

He gets out of the passenger's seat and comes over to my side, helping me out.

"Just because I'm mad, doesn't mean I'll stop being a gentleman." He comments.

I raise my eyebrows as he closes my door and takes my hand, leading me to the door.

"Welcome back," He throws his arms up.

I plop on the sofa and stretch my legs across the seat.

"Thanks. So what are we doing?" I inquire.

Michael comes and sits next to me, thinking for a while.

"Want to go swimming?" He asks.

"Sure, but I don't have a swimsuit," I answer.

"Oh yeah. Umm let's see, maybe Janet left one of hers over here."

He gets up and I follow him into a room. He pulls out a drawer and picks up the two he sees. There's a one-piece and a two-piece. Just as I'm about to take the one-piece, Michael snatches it back and hands me the bikini.

"Just wear this one," He says, putting the other one back.

I'm about to argue but I think against it. Partly because I know I won't win the fight, and I kind of want to wear the bikini in front of him.

"Fine. Now let me change," I reply, pointing to the door.

"Go ahead," He lays on the bed and props his head up with his hands, looking at me.

I throw my head back in annoyance. "Not until you leave."

"Oh fine. Don't take too long."

He kisses me quickly and pulls his shirt over his head, the muscles in his back flexing. I can't help but stare and Michael looks over his shoulder, grinning.

"I knew you would be staring!" He sticks his tongue out and dashes to the door.

I groan and laugh before closing the door, ensuring it's closed by locking it. I start to change into the bikini and look at myself in the mirror in the far corner of the room.

I chew on the inside of my mouth nervously. I feel so exposed. I look around the room frantically and find a towel, which I quickly wrap around myself.

I give myself a pep talk before emerging from the bedroom door.

"Alright Isabella. You're going to go out there, swim with your boyfriend, and push away your stupid shyness! Just stop blushing for once and have some fun with the man, you know you like him." I utter strongly in front of the mirror.

"Okay? Now let's do this." I put a smile on my face and open the door.

Michael is facing me. I look down at his black trunks and smooth chest. He is honestly perfect.

I suddenly have a feeling he heard everything I said.

"Why didn't you tell me your name was Isabella?" He questions.

I was right.

"You just never asked. So let's swim,"
I answer and I walk toward the pool.

Michael grabs me and starts walking in the opposite direction.

"Hey, the pool's this way," I point to my left.

"Yeah, but there's a lake I want to take you to."

I shrug and we go there instead. When we reach it, the lake isn't clear blue. It's kind of muggy, but still looks inviting. There is a light wind around us and bushes, making the lake almost hidden.

As I take in my surroundings, I don't even realize that Michael has already jumped in the lake.

"You coming in or what?" He calls, paddling around.

I dip my toe into the water, and it's bone-chilling. I yelp and flinch back.

"It's freezing! Way too cold," I respond, sitting down and crossing my legs on the dock, towel still draped around my body.

"Well if you're going to stay dry, at least let me see that bikini on you." He smiles suavely.

I bit my bottom lip nervously and reach for the end of the towel. I notice my hand is trembling and I steady it. Michael is watching my every move.

I stand up and drop the towel to my feet, revealing the black and purple bikini.

I feel both of Michael's eyes on me, quickly grazing over my body.

"You are so breath-taking. Honestly. I could watch you for hours."

His genuine compliment sends a huge smile on my face and shivers down my spine. I just hope my knees don't give out.

"Thank you. I think I'm going to come in now," I say.

"Awesome! I convinced you didn't I?" He chuckles while wiggling his eyebrows.

I reach down and stick my hand in the water.

"Yes, but it's still really cold.." I sigh, bringing my hand back up.

He swims toward the dock where I am crouched over the water. His whole body is glistening and wet.

"The trick is to jump straight in the water, so you won't feel the cold that long."

I nod. "Well can you jump in with me?" I inquire.

"Sure babe." He gets out of the lake and onto the dock.

"Alrighty.. Now close your eyes." He orders.

"No way! That'll make it scary," I complain.

"Trust me, you'll be fine. I'm right here, now do it."

I sigh shakily and feel Michael's hands wrap around my waist. My body is set aflame by the skin contact.

"Ready, set.. Go," Michael whispers in my ear and pushes me until I feel nothing under my feet. Just air.

Then..

I'm engulfed in water. Icy water. My teeth clatter together as I come up for oxygen. I open my eyes as Michael swims to me.

"You lied. I'm still really cold. What if I get hypothermia?"

"Babe, you won't. Here, let me hold you," He says and immediately encloses me with his body heat, what little there is. I rest my head on his damp chest.

"Better?" Michael queries.

"Let's just stay like this for a while." I answer.

"Completely fine with me."

I look up at him and he gives me a kiss. Heat threatens to raise from my cheeks but I fight to stop it, putting my hands delicately on his face. His hand reaches under my hair and grasps the back of my neck. The goosebumps previously on my skin had flatten as Michael uses his other hand caresses all parts of my body.

When I finally pull away, I'm warmed up.

"You are an amazing kisser," He compliments.

"You are too," I currently think about his soft lips and how they collided with my own just moments ago.

"Well since you're all warmed up.." He scoops some water in his hands and splashes it in my face.

I scream and glare at him. "So you wanna okay like that huh?" I interrogate playfully while walking toward him, him backing up.

He suddenly dives into the water and I don't hesitate to follow him under. I catch his foot and pull him to me. Both are eyes are open as he interlocks his hand with mine, our heads moving closer.

An underwater kiss.

The best and only one I've shared.

As we come up, Michael has me in a hug. Then he pulls me back, gripping my shoulders.

"Move in with me." He states abruptly.

"What?"

--

~Joy ✌️