"You know the craziest thing about you Michael?" She begins, sipping at her wine.

I continue poking at my salad before giving her a momentary glance of acknowledgment.

"What's that?"

"How passionate you are. I mean look at you. You have a girlfriend and you love her dearly, but here you are being a great friend. You haven't complained yet." She smiles, adding a light chuckle afterwards.

"What are you talking about Brooke?" I query, gently releasing my fork onto the plate.

She shrugs and takes another sip of her wine.

"You could have left our conversation as is when I left your dressing room. But you called me. You could've told me no, but you accepted my offer for this dinner. You're a very passionate man. The girl is lucky. I wish you were like this... Back then." She sighs, her voice softening at her hopeless dreams.

I frown, feeling guilty. I know I made the past a bit unpleasant for Brooke, but I wish she would stop trying to relive it. Jesse is different. Every woman tries to decipher my love and attraction to Jesse, but it never works. They will never understand. Brooke is just another one of those women, trying to gain knowledge of the "unknown". There's no point. It's useless.

"She's different Brooke." I simply exhale, the guilt slipping within those three words.

"I see. She also changed you. Five years is a long time Michael. How?" She pushes for more, the sincere curiosity in her emeralds.

This time I take a sip of my wine, a small one to gather my thoughts. It's hard explaining my relationship with Jesse. People just don't understand. Although she is pissed off with me currently, I still wouldn't denounce the fact that I'm in love with her. She can say she hates me all she wants, but I'm in love with her. Brooke nor anyone, can make sense of that and frankly, I wouldn't want them to.

"It's called love. That's it. Love. Look, I gotta go. I need to call her and I'm tired. This was nice. Thank you." I exhale heavily once more, scooting my chair from the table.

Brooke watches me silently. I'm sure she's contemplating my words. Trying to make sense of the few sentences I revealed. When she seemingly conjures her senses and finds her voice, she glances up at me and frowns.

"Love? What took you so long to realize what that is? Why did it take some random girl-"

"I'm not explaining any further. I love Jesse. I don't have to have just one specific-you know what? Forget it. I'll see you tomorrow, maybe." I huff, tossing the bill on the table before signaling for Bill to escort me out.

Love can't be explained. That's the beauty of it. It shouldn't be explained either. It's an experience. Love is an experience meant for two. Love was meant for then"heartless" Michael Jackson.

Jesse was meant for me.

"So you bring me here just to make me watch over Noah? I thought you were hiring a temporary nanny?" Jesse pouts, following me out of Noah's play room.

I turn to her, stifling the need to smirk and laugh at her oblivious assumption.

"Girl, if you just close those pretty little lips of yours and let me do what I need to do, you will see. Now go be a good little Jess, and play with Noah until daddy comes back." I lightly smile.

Her pecans disappear for a moment before she places a impatient palm on her hip and raises an equally impatient eyebrow. This only gives her the gift of my amused chuckles and a light, lip bite. I find the little things she does highly attractive.

Her little pouting lips, I'd bite, if she'd let me. Her poking hips, I'd cling to, if she's willing. That little snappy attitude, I'd make her forget about, if I could get one touch. I'll play nice with her "conditions", but she doesn't make it easy at all for a man.

"Michael don't play with me. You're being a ass wipe right now." She insults, turning to walk away.

I chuckle once more and jog after her. She can be such a teenage girl sometimes. I think it's adorable that she wants attention. It makes me feel good. To know that I'm the only man that can have this affect on her, it means the world to me.

I love this emotional woman.

"I'm sorry, babygirl. I don't mean to make you all pouty. You know I love you..." I lull, gently taking her hand mine.

She sighs and turns around. I flash her an innocent smile. By her heavy sigh I know she's stifling a giggle or at least a smile. Another cute little thing about her; that stubbornness.

I know how to break that.

"Just give me some sugar and I'll continue my plans. I'll be back to come get you in an hour or so." I smirk.

"Whatever..." She grumbles, giggling once I playfully pull her into my chest.

"Whatever all you want... I need my sugar." I flirt, slowly inching closer to her lips.

"What did I say about hands?" She giggles, playfully trying to shove me away.

"That doesn't apply for now... No rules until the date... So if I want to use my hands like this..." I lull, taking a gentle grip of her hind, earning a gasp from her that was quickly set to silence by my lips. "I can... And I will..." I conclude, giving her a quick wink.

"Mmm, you're a little tyrant Mister Jackson..." She moans, slowly removing herself from my hold.

I bite down on my bottom lip and allow her to drift back into the hallway.

"Only for you Mama..." I flirt, giving her another flirtatious wink before finally turning for us to part ways.

"Sometimes I wish I could be Peter Pan, you know?" I think aloud.

She silently glances at me then our swaying feet.

"It's like... He's free and that's what I want. He doesn't have to worry about judgement and he is small but so strong. I want to be like that. I know it's silly, wanting to be a character... But he isn't just a character. He's this amazing hero. He's..." I trail off, searching for the right words.

"You. He's you Michael. You're strong. You're free. You're a hero." She finally replies, giving my palm a gentle squeeze.

My cheeks begin to warm at her compliment. I don't think I'm remotely close to being who Peter Pan is. He's more than a Disney character. He is story is this symbolic theme of my life.

Feeling lost, but knowing you aren't truly lost. Neverland is my imagination. Captain hook is the tabloids. The Pirates are the greedy. The lost boys are my fans. Jesse is Wendy. Bill is, well he's unfortunately Tinker Bell.

As for me, I am Peter Pan.

"He is me... And you're my Wendy." I smile, glancing at that gorgeous from of hers.

Apparently feeling my eyes on her, she returns my gaze with a widened smile. I return her smile, searching her eyes for my Neverland. That's where my happiness lies, in those eyes of hers. Then my gaze lowers to her lips. Her lips are my treasure chest. I keep that away from the captain hooks of the world, because they are only good for using the beautiful words that fall from those lips against her.

"I love being your Wendy. Would you like to steal a kiss?" She giggles.

There goes my blush.

"I don't think that's how it went. But, I'll take it." I chuckle, leaning into her lips.

She maintains her smile and closes her eyes. For a second I pause and take a moment to capture her beauty. It's absolutely crazy how breathtaking she is. From her simple ballerina bun, to her perfectly plump lips.

She's a rare gem.

Resuming, I take no longer than a second to take her lips captive in mine. I just can't begin to construe what I feel when our lips touch. A spark, no a fire. Yes, a fire. A fire blazes inside of me each and every time we kiss. It could be a simple peck, but that fire will still blaze through me. I'm sure she feels it too.

I know she does.

"My Peter Pan..." She whispers once I break the kiss.

"My Wendy..." I whisper in return.

Daisies, sunflowers, lilacs; anything floral. Strawberries, pineapple, watermelon; anything fruity. Blankets and pillows; a throng comfy. Bread, cheese, yogurt, sweets; anything edible.

The list goes on.

I want to show her. I want her to see that I can be the man she wants and needs. I can admit my wrongs and treat her like a queen. I want her to feel the love and fein on the attention I give her. I need her to know that our time apart, did more than force me to live with guilt, it forced me to realize my wrong doings and figure out how to make them right.

I just pray she understands this.

I've been in and out of the kitchen for thirty minutes. I promised Jesse a bit of romance, and I know there's nothing more romantic than a nice outdoor picnic. With that being said, I also thought about the most direct path to anyone's heart; food. Therefore I decided to whip up a few select dishes.

In no shape or form am I a cook, but I know a thing or two about maneuvering through a kitchen. Although it took me fifteen minutes to actually decide on the simplest spring snacks, I eventually ended up successful.

Fresh fruit salad, consisting of square chopped pineapples, strawberries, and water melon. Townhouse crackers, topped with thin slices of mozzarella cheese. Yogurt, a blend of plain, vanilla and granola. Lastly, a premixed blend of raspberry-mint tea.

That all took me a little over fifteen minutes, but every minute was worth scolding the peeping Tom each time she would go "searching for something". I found her curiosity amusing, and it only heightened my anxiousness for this little date of ours.

I just hope she likes it.

"Glen, can you please finish this for me. I have to go in and take a shower. Thank
You!" I call out to the smiling gardener.

I hired Glen a few weeks ago to tend the grounds as the twelfth member of my grounds staff. Neverland is a pretty grand estate, and I figured I could use another hand. So far, Glen has been nothing but a kind, helping hand. He is definitely, greatly appreciated.

"Yes sir! She's a lucky one." His smile widens as he approaches.

I couldn't help my blush as I tried not to seem too bashful about his statement. Jesse isn't the lucky one, I am.

If only he knew.

"Thank you. I'll bring the dishes out soon, they're on the kitchen, on the counter tops. I just need the blanket set up nice, you know? I'll be right back. Thank you again Glen." I smile, slowly walking backwards with every word.

He nods and chuckles lightly before turning to his new assignment. I sigh contently before turning around, heading back inside.

Once inside, I waste no time jogging through the kitchen and living room before heading up the stairs. I just need to freshen up a bit before taking the pretty lady outside.

Just as I'm entering the hallway, I catch a glimpse of the beaut and our little blessing through the crack of his playroom. She's on the floor, with him comfortably nestled in her lap; reading to him.

A smile crosses my lips.

The way she's telling the story about the little engine, warms my heart. She makes sure that she allows the book to come alive, making little sound effects to get a reaction out of Noah. Each time, he would laugh and she just smiles and joins him. It's a truly beautiful sight. A true blessing to have my family back.

Breaking my trance, I quietly continue towards the bedroom and continue my original mission. Fifteen minutes and a few silent pep talks later, I'm peeping through the play rooms crack with another goofy grin spreading my lips.

"Brandy is coming, she should be here any second now. Why don't you freshen up and meet me outside?" I interrupt her whispering to a giggling Noah.

Slowly her head turns. Her pecans automatically connecting with mine. She smiles, a casual smile. I return her smile, falling involuntarily speechless. She's gorgeous. Enticing with no reason. Breathtaking with no preparation. I can't believe I even allowed myself to look at another woman the way I do Jesse. I can't even believe that I actually tried to compare the two.

I can't believe myself.

Yet even still, I can't continue to dwell. Lisa was a flower, but she is no Jesse Rose.

"Okay." She chirps, standing to her feet.

I nod, my eyes trailing her long caramel legs before meeting her gaze again.

"Okay." I force out after another awkward moment of drooling.

She giggles and remains standing until I force myself away from the door frame. Once I'm out into the hall again, I steal another glance of her. Yet again, I catch her lovely smile. Returning with another awkward smile of my own, I turn on my heels and continue out down the hall.

Once I'm downstairs, I make a sharp turn left, heading for the kitchen. I take a moment to glance at my work before proceeding to grab whatever I can to take it out into the field. Fruit salad, raspberry iced tea; the first items up for grabs.

Smiling contently, I make my way towards the slide door and struggle to open it for a few seconds. Upon successfully opening the slide door, I step out onto the patio and continue out towards my destination.

"Well Mister Jackson, everything is set. I can grab the rest of the refreshments for ya?" Glen greets me with his signature, warm smile.

"Thank you Glen. That would be nice." I return his smile.

He nods and proceeds on a mission. I watch him until he disappears behind the hill and glance at his set up.

Two nude shams, laid closely adjacent to one another. Mickey Mouse cotton woven fleece, wrinkle free beneath the shams. Glass vase, home to a bouquet of spring flowers; wisely placed in the middle of the fleece. Two empty ice glasses, placed perfectly on either side of the glass pitcher of raspberry tea.

Everything is perfect.

Placing the fruit salad on the right corner of the fleece, I turn towards the house and as if on cue, Glen appears with the cheese, crackers, and yogurt. I offer another appreciative smile as he carefully approaches.

"I think that's that sir. I also put your utensils in the container with the cheese and crackers. I hope you don't mind." He expresses, placing everything properly on the blanket.

"Not at all. Thank you so much Glen. I-"

"Michael? Michael!" Her voice rings, causing my heart to flutter impulsively.

Glen chuckles and mouths "good luck", before silently slipping away towards the gardens. I give him once last wave before heading towards my beaut.

"Right here Jess!" I call out to her, waving my hands crazily.

A barely audible giggle comes from her side before she finally emerges.

Cotton eggshell, shirt dress. Accented with tan ankle strapped saddles, and your simple earring, bracelet, and necklace set. She's even more alluring with her hair completely hanging, a little from her shoulders. The harder I stare, the more I curse myself.

I almost let this woman go.

"Oh wow... Michael! This is really nice!" She gawks, finally walking up to me.

My cheeks are definitely on fire.

"You wanted romance, and there nothing like a good ole picnic to define it." I smile, stealing a glance or two from her.

Obviously avoiding physical contact, she giggles and continues her walk onto the fleece. I make mental note of her words from earlier. The rules she wants me to abide to. I'll try, but that short-short dress isn't helping. Those lengthy legs of hers look absolutely inviting. Lord only knows I'd love the treasure between them.

Self control Michael. Self control.

"Well you did well sir. I'm proud." She appreciates, watching as I slip beside her.

"Thank you dear. I take payment in the form of kisses or naughty whispers... It doesn't matter." I curtly answer, chuckling at her glare.

"Michael... Think with one head. Please." She sighs, a hint of annoyance arising in here tone.

"I'm sorry. It was a joke." I innocently recover, cutting my chuckles short.

By her eye roll, I figured that I'm already screwing this "date" up. I just can't help myself. It's been awhile since the last time I was physically interactive. Every since the night of my Pepsi meeting, I couldn't bring myself to be intimate with Lisa.

I felt like I was cheating. I felt wrong and dirty. Therefore I just avoided Lisa when she was having one of those nights or mornings where she's tugging at my belt, or suffice with an excuse about exhaustion.

It worked for the past few weeks, it hurt me, but it worked. Now that I have another chance with Jesse and I'm drilling the little intricate details about her back into my head, it's reveling old feelings. It's strengthening my urges. The more I try to restrain, the more it pains me.

I'm a man with needs.

"Michael? Michael are you there?" Jesse's giggles retire my sudden lost trance.

"What? I'm sorry." I sigh, rubbing my temples.

Keep it together.

She shakes her head in amusement and reaches for the fruit salad.

"So, Mister Jackson, what would you like to talk about?" She casually asks, popping a pineapple between her lips.

I slowly lick my lips, that casual notion sending tingles throughout my body.

"You're the one that wanted to talk..." I maintain a solid tone, still keeping a keen eye on her devouring another pineapple slice.

She giggles and swallows the last of the pineapple slice before nodding and turning towards me.

"Yes, I do. Michael, I know you want us-Noah and I back home, but I think it's a little too soon." She stresses, her cheeky smile long gone from her lips.

I sigh heavily.

As true as that is, I have told her that I don't care. I don't care what anyone has to say. I want my family back. I'm doing what any man would do in this situation, putting my life back on track. That all begins with get my future wife and child back where the belong.

I need them here with me.

"Babygirl, you make it more complicated than it is come home. All this fight,and for what? For you to still be an hour and a half away from me? I need my son and wife with me. Here." I stress, taking her hand in mine. "What can I do to make you change your mind?" I quickly add, not giving her a chance to answer.

Her pecans disappear for a split second. Her breaths calm, but her bottom lip is captured between her top row of pearls. I know this is a lot to think about, but if she truly wants to compromise, she has to stop being so close minded. She has to be open to see what I see.

"Make me your wife. Not today, not tomorrow, but someday, make me Misses Jackson. For now, be patient. I'm still wrapping my head aro-"

"I am too, babygirl. No more excuses. You guys are coming home. I won't have it any other way." I firmly state, boring my eyes into hers.

She needs to see it. She needs to see the passion. She needs to see the love. She needs me

I need her.

"You're making a lot of demands..."

"Because I'm a passionate man. Come on, girl. What does it take?" I pause, slowly scooting closer to her. "A kiss..." I whisper, leaning into her neck.

A pleasant sigh drifts from her parted lips once my lips meet the nape of her neck.

"A touch..." I linger onward, sneaking my hands onto her thigh.

Another sharp intake and her eyes lock on mine. Somewhere in those pecans I can tell she's fighting an urge, but I can also see something unknown. It's indecipherable. So indecipherable, it causes me to stop in my tracks and raise concern.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry... I just-"

"No... I'm sorry. I-I want you to kiss me." She stutters, reminding me of the same girl I began this relationship with.

I couldn't help but smile at her sudden shyness. I know there's a reason she wanted me to keep the sensuality at the door, but I also know she's just as weak as I am.

I don't see why we should waste time torturing ourselves.

"Where?" I waste no longer than a minute to finally reply.

She encloses our space, our foreheads inches away. Our eyes trances within one another until she breaks it with her words.

"It doesn't matter..." She breathes, closing my eyes at my happily obliging lips, that have already taken up her request.

Her earlobe, I nibble and lick. I swear the woman is a piece of delectable caramel.

"I missed you Jess... You were always on my mind..." I groan, enjoying the sweet smell of her light perfume.

"You frustrate me Michael..." She breathes once more, tilting her head backwards for more exposure.

"Why is that?" I trail my light kisses upwards.

She doesn't respond just releases a mew of contentment and closes her eyes.

"Why do I frustrate you, girl?" I demand, pausing to gently force her chin down for our eyes to meet.

She searches my eyes silently for a moment before licking her lips with a defeated sigh.

"I want to trust that everything will be fine again, but I didn't want to just jump back into things. I-"

"Is this about Lisa? Because that's the only reason I can give for you acting like this. Babygirl, you have to talk to me." I exhale heavily.

"Yes and no. Michael... You were set on marrying another woman just the other day. You've been with this woman I don't know how many times, physically. I've tried letting those sickening thoughts subside, but I can't. I look at you and I know I made the right choice, I kiss you... But I wonder if you-"

"I have never and will never touch or love another woman the way I have and will with you. When I touch you, those touches are sacred. You're not like any other woman I've been involved with. It hurts that I have to constantly tell you that. You're different. Always have been. You have me, girl. No one has ever taken that from you. I'm yours and only yours. I can show you I'm so many ways, if you let me. This insecurity, babygirl... Is only momentary. Okay?" I express in one breath, taking her free hand in mine.

She glance at our hands silently, still contemplating my words. I can only frown at her silence.

I knew there would be complications with this reunion, but I hoped that wouldn't hamper us from moving foreword. I love this woman to pieces, and maybe her doubts will soon subside. Until then I'll just have to keep holding on.

My poor Jesse.