With each step he took, Cael's feet felt more and more like lead. He didn't want to leave. His whole body strained to go back to her. He knew that if he looked down, he would see his little compass facing south, straining to get back to her.But he'd meant it when he said he wanted their next time to be special so he would drag himself away on his ass if he had to. There was no way he could go back into the party right now without shocking his guests. He chuckled.So he stood outside for a bit, letting the cold air wash over him until he returned to normal. Once he looked down to confirm that he was appropriate, he re-entered the restaurant. A few people had left but quite a number still remained, probably waiting for him to officially end the event.Cael marched to the front. The musicians slowed down the song and ended it when they spotted him, allowing him to speak. He raised his voice and began his speech."I'll like to say a big thank you to everyone for coming around today. I

"Give me a second, let me think," Mikayla said."I'm a patient man," Cael answered playfully from the other end of the line. "Three things I like about you...okay, I'm ready. Ready?""Ready," he answered."Number one, you are the most self aware and self accepting person I've ever met. I keep wondering what I'd do if I were in your shoes. I can't imagine what I'd do if factors I couldn't help about how I look affected my life so much. I think I would crumble.""Well...it wasn't that big a deal. I wasn't interested in interacting with people either.""Even so, there must have been lonely moments." He made a non-committal sound in his throat but she carried on. "I love that you recognize and understand why it was so and despite all of that, you still accept yourself for who you are."He hummed. "That's an interesting view of things. I've never thought of it like that.""Wanna hear the second thing I like about you?" She asked."Shoot," he said."Okay, number two, I love that you're

Mikayla went to work in a good mood for the second day in a row. She practically floated through her morning routines and the drive to work. She was momentarily shocked when some driver suddenly cut in front of her but she was in such a good mood that she only shook her head. H*ll, she didn't even honk!She'd had so much fun yesterday at the beach with Cael. They'd sat together under the blanket until their clothes got dry enough to wear again.They weren't completely dry but at least they wouldn't drip water on the car seat.Cael called his driver who came to pick him up while she drove back home then they spent a good amount of time on the phone again that night. Everything about them felt brand new and beautiful.They weren't rushing through it or trying to force it. They hadn't even had any serious conversation about what they were or where they were going.There was still time for that. For now, they were just enjoying each other's company.Cael was sweet, thoughtful and kind

Anna walked in the opposite direction to the other end of the room and took a seat across from a man who smiled at her and shook her hand. She didn't look in their direction or notice them staring at her."Why are you hiding?" Cael asked.Mikayla cleared her throat and straightened in her seat. "Just reflex action, I guess. The arguments we had about us," she waved her hands between her and Cael, "were a bit nasty. I just ducked without thinking.""You shouldn't be afraid of being seen by your best friend. I don't know much about your relationship but I'll say it's pretty similar to Armani and I. When we have issues, we sort them out immediately."She sighed. "Trust me, I've tried. She isn't interested in patching things up right now.""Well, since I'm sort of the cause of all of these issues, do you mind if I try talking to her about it?""Oh, no, there's no need. Don't worry about it. Plus I'm not sure she'll listen to you anyway.""Just let me try. It can't hurt to try, right?"

Mikayla tittered nervously on the edge of the seat. She was in the reception room of the governor's office for the meeting Cael had set up. As usual, she was too early so she was still waiting on Cael and Anna's arrival.She had thirteen minutes to go before the agreed time and she was already so nervous, she was practically squirming in her seat. The secretary, a nice lady in a pink dress, gave her a questioning look. "Are you okay?" The look said.She smiled at the secretary to show that she was fine and the woman returned to her work. Her legs bobbed rapidly, matching the pace of her heart. At this rate, she could end up passing out."Mikayla," she heard a voice call and looked up to see Cael waving at her. He headed towards her. His path took him across the secretary's side. She said something to him and he said something back to her that had her laughing.Mikayla frowned. All of a sudden, all the nervousness from a moment ago was gone and in it's place was acute jealousy. W