Erica gathered all of her luggage together on a rolling cart. She had changed from her black dress into a t-shirt and yoga pants, which she thought was the best traveling attire. Lugging the last bag onto the cart, she opened the door to her room and struggled to get the cart through the narrow door. She was already late and she had to hurry! Running out of the hotel room, lugging the cart behind her, she got in the elevator and waited impatienlty for the doors to open on the first floor. As soon as she heard the "ding" of the elevator, she walked as fast as she could to the front desk, returned her room key, and then headed out the door for Michael's limo. A bodyguard motioned for her to go ahead and get in while he unloaded the cart into the trunk. She stepped inside the limo and was greeted by Michael, wearing a red button-up shirt and slacks. Once she seated herself and the door was shut, she smiled at Michael, but he looked down at his lap and frowned. She decided to keep her mouth shut about his kiss, and focus on something else. All of a sudden, Michael said in an apologetic tone, "I'm very sorry that I kissed you, Erica. I didn't mean any harm, I-I just get caried away sometimes. I'm sorry. If you don't want to fly with me I understand."

Erica looked at him, shocked that he would apologize for it. "Michael, there's nothing to apologize for. It's alright. I still want to fly with you if that's alright with you. And I understand if you don't want me around anymore," she said the last sentence quietly.

Michael looked relieved to know that he didn't make her uncomfortable. But he wondered why she thought that he didn't want her around. "I do want you around! Why would you think that I wouldn't?" He asked.

Erica stared a hole through her shoes as she stuttered, "Well, I-I kindof...um...like you. And I didn't want that to get in the way of my job...I'm sorry this sounds so wrong!" She turned away and felt a tear fall on her cheek.

Michael moved over to sit beside her and gently wiped the tear from her cheek with his big hand. "Shhh," he said quietly, "You know, I like you too. But I was afraid to let you know that." He held her face in his soft hands.

Erica sniffled and put her hand up to her cheek where Michael's was carresing her face. Then he leaned in and kissed her delicately on her full lips. Erica closed her eyes and savored the sweet taste of his warm lips. She kissed him back, deeper, and he held her in his arms with a strength and confidence that she never wanted to leave. His mouth wandered to her cheek and then to her ear where he whispered, "I think I'm falling in love." 

She kissed him again, not wanting to ever let go of this wonderful feeling. It was like electricity had sparked between them, and now nothing was impossible. He deepened the kiss a little more, and she allowed his toungue to sweep across the bottom of her teeth. Everything he did was gentle and perfect. She had never been kissed like this before, and she sensed that there was true love in the way he kissed her. All of a sudden, he broke away and cuddled with her, her head leaning on his chest. She could feel his heart beating faster than normal.

"Michael," she said, "That was wonderful," She smiled and hugged him closer.

"You were the one who made it wonderful," he said as he ran his fingers through her long brown hair.

They sat there like that until it was time to board the plane. Erica wished she could've just fallen asleep right there, but she knew she had to hurry so she wouldn't be late. They made their way through the airport, being constantly crowded around by paparazzi and fans. It was quite exhausting, and Michael seemed to be at his wits end with the cameras following him everywhere. The only thing that stopped them from being trampled on were the bodyguards who were constantly yelling and pushing people back. When they finally made it to the terminal, they boarded the plane and found their seats in First Class.

"I've never flown First Class before!" Erica said excitedly.

"Well then, this should be an adventure," Michael said with a wink.

When the pilot came on through the speakers he gave a list of instructions in case of an emergency, and told everybody to put their seatbelts on. Michael got his on in no time, but Erica's was jammed and she was having trouble with it. Michael noticed and asked, "Do you need any help?"

"It seems to be stuck," she replied, "Think you can fix it?"

Michael nodded and fiddled with the strap until it finally clicked together over her legs.

"There," he said, "Better?"

Erica nodded and smiled at him. He was always so caring and always was ready to help others. Soon the plane took off and leveled, and they were allowed to take off their seatbelts. Erica had the window seat, and she loved looking out across the night sky. Michael scooted closer so that he could see outside too. "It's very beautiful, isn't it," he said, looking at the little lights from cities twinkling below.

"Yes it is," Erica said, "It's actually very inspiring."

Michael looked at her and said, "Looking at things like that inspires me too. It makes me think of how small we are compared to the world, and yet we are still loved."

Erica smiled and laid her head on Michael's shoulder, for she was very tired. It had been a busy day. Michael carressed her hair and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight Erica," he said.

"Goodnight, Michael," she said, realizing that her dream of sleeping next to Michael had just come true.