Gordon looked at his mother for a moment, but then he smiled.
“Perhaps I never want to lose her.”
Rebecca nodded, saying nothing.
Michelle announced that dinner was served, having heard the whole of their exchange, a smile played round the corners of her mouth.
The Thai Red curry was wonderful, and Rebecca had a soft spot for Thai food. Wholly authentic, even down to the freshly made prawn crackers, she hastily reappraised the girl who sat laughing at one of her son’s rather smutty jokes.
The girl was nice, no question at all, but was she genuine, or was she a gold digger? That was the question.
Michelle turned to her and asked whether the food was to her taste.
“Yes, thank you. It was delicious. I have rarely tasted such a dish outside a Thai restaurant.”
Michelle smiled.
“I am pleased, I can cook a few dishes, but it is important that what I cook is appreciated.”
Rebecca smiled indulgently.
“May I ask you a question?” Michelle asked.
“Of course.”
“It is hard for me, here in a strange land. You see I have nothing, and yet I want to have a good job, so eventually have my own home. But it concerns me that I will be seen as a girl who tries to catch a rich man, and that is not what I want people to believe of me. What can I do to prevent this?”
Rebecca was rarely lost for words, as Michelle’s utter frankness had managed this substantial feat very effectively.
Unaware that Michelle was manipulating her very subtly, yet actually without any mental pressure, Rebecca sought to find the correct words.
“I understand completely what you mean, as it’s such a shame that people can be so shallow to consider such things, but it is possible and therefore must be faced. If you’re honest and open, then people, hopefully, will accept you for who and what you are. Just don’t be in a hurry to form any lasting attachments until you are sure the relationship is right,” she said; the last sentence for her son’s benefit.
Michelle started to clear the dishes and, much to Rebecca’s surprise, Gordon helped her, carrying everything out to the kitchen for the girl. This was wholly out of character, so Rebecca began to realise just how serious Gordon was over this girl.
The chocolate sponge was light and delicious, while the sauce was just perfect; so Rebecca could not fault anything the girl had done. Grudgingly, she began to accept that this girl was not a flash in the pan, so it could just be she would be seeing a lot more of her.
They loaded the dishwasher, then sat and drank coffee and liqueurs way past midnight. Eventually, Rebecca realised the time, so asked Gordon to call her a cab. It arrived a few minutes later, so she took her leave, kissing the tall Ukrainian on both cheeks.
“Goodbye Michelle. It was a pleasure to meet you. Please be careful of my son, he is an idiot really,” she said, and Michelle laughed.
“I know, and I will. Goodbye.”
Gordon walked her to the cab. She got in, but before the door closed, she said, “Gordon, don’t rush her and treat her with respect. She’s far better than you deserve.”
“Yes mother,” he said, and grinning, slammed the cab door.
He walked back into the flat to find Michelle tidying up.
“Leave it, we can do it tomorrow,” he said.
“I have to start my new job tomorrow. I have this strict boss who may sack me if I am late,” she said, and he laughed.
He walked over to her, standing close behind her. Turning, she looked him right in the eyes, as if daring him to try anything.
“Thank you for dinner, it was amazing; you are a great cook.”
She smiled, as he took her hands in his. She made no move to remove them from his grip.
“Michelle?”
She simply looked at him, inclining her head to signify she was listening.
“I’m not sure how to say this, but you were right, I am falling in love with you,” he said.
Michelle was pleased that he had declared himself, but was more perturbed at her own feelings. She found his touch exciting, and the fact he was clearly attracted, emotionally and physically was making her respond in a similar fashion. The detachment she experienced earlier had dissipated, and she found herself being drawn to him.
She decided not to say anything, but leaned forward and simply kissed him on the lips.
It was a quick and gentle kiss, little more than a brush of the lips, but it unleashed an indescribable feeling inside of her. Her whole body started to tingle in anticipation, and she felt her breasts swell and her nipples grow tight against her bra. A warm feeling spread from her groin and, as he gently pulled her towards him, she found her pulse begin to quicken. The person she used to be had a momentary objection, but the person she now was told him firmly to shut the f*** up.
He released her hands and gently placed his hands at her waist, so she wrapped her arms around his neck. He looked questioningly into her eyes.
“Michelle?”
“Shh,” she said, kissing him again.
This time, the kiss turned into something else, as her tongue met his and they locked themselves tightly together. His arms encircled her, and held her tight, and they kissed with renewed passion.
She felt his hard manhood press against her belly through their clothes, and she pushed herself tight against him as if to encourage him. She was aware that the warm feeling she had felt in her groin was now feeling decidedly damp, and she knew that with little trouble she would succumb and allow this man to make love to her.
Suddenly the fear of pregnancy hit her, so she broke away.
He looked hurt and surprised.
“Gordon, it is too soon. I am sorry, but I do not want to become a mother yet,” she said.
He smiled and nodded, as if understanding that somehow to give in to carnal lust would detract from whatever was growing between them.
“I love you,” he said.
“I am confused. Much has happened to me in a short time. I think I feel the same way, but I am female, so need time to think. Do not think bad of me, but I have never had a man, so will not give myself unless it is the right man.”
His respect for her grew to twice what it was. His attitude towards sex had been casual and unfeeling, and for the first time in his life, he found he regretted his selfish and uncaring past.
“Then, I will bid you goodnight. Although I would dearly like to spend the night with you, I’ll give you all the time and space you need,” he said, kissing her cheek, then he turned and went to his room, shutting the door.
Michelle sighed, now more confused than at any time since the initial moments in her new body. She was content to be female, and so far had enjoyed every minute. The feelings she experienced were so overpowering, she began to appreciate why there were so many unwanted pregnancies in the world. She had come so close to having sex, and would have had few regrets, until she fell pregnant.
She went to her room, and got ready for bed. She slipped into bed, and for some reason reached out with her mind to that of the man in the next room.
Gordon was lying on his bed, yet all he could think about was the girl who had totally stolen his heart. He desperately wanted her, not just her body, but her heart and soul too.
He had never been so consumed with passion and desire that he could think of nothing else. Yet he recognised that here was someone different, here was someone who needed to be treated with love and respect, otherwise he would lose her. He was unfamiliar with concepts such as these, so prayed that he could manage to respond to her properly.
Sleep was a long time coming for both of them, but her last conscious thoughts were of how she felt whilst kissing him.
Michelle was up at seven, had a shower, washing her hair. She found a hairdryer and sat at the dressing table in the nude and dried her hair. Gordon knocked on her door.