PG 13

Jacques Samuelle paced angrily, while his wife looked on with amusement. He glared at her and then looked at his watch. He cursed softly in French.

"Where the hell is he? He was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago." he asked his wife.

"Jacques, maybe he got held up at the office. He said he would be here and he will." Nora Samuelle replied.

"I swear he does this to make me angry." He said frowning.

"That is the silliest thing I have ever heard. He loves you. If you would stop being angry with him, you would see it." She stated to her husband.

She stared at him as he resumed to pace. He was a tall-distinguished looking man. He had green eyes that changed color with his emotions. He had straight auburn hair; he was thin and fit. His character matched his physique; he had a good personality, but was hard and tough when he needed to be. Their son was so much like him.

"Jacques, stop pacing you are going to give me a headache," she begged her husband.

"Where the hell is he?" He repeated as he sat down angrily.

****

Michael Samuelle glanced at his watch and sighed. He was in his car, at the airport, waiting to pick up his friend René . However, René , whose plane got to the airport an hour ago, was nowhere to be found.

"Merde, René , where the hell are you?" He murmured pinching the bridge of his nose.

He glanced at his watch again. He was supposed to have been at his parent’s house forty-five minutes ago. His father was probably climbing the walls in angry right now.

The thought bought a rare smile to his face, the image of his father climbing the walls like a monkey etched in his mind. The smile vanished as quickly as it had come as he began to worry about his friend.

Just as he was about to park his car and go and look for René again, he saw him making his way to the car. He got into the passenger side, looked at Michael and smiled.

"Where were you? Your plane got here an hour ago." Michael said

"Sorry, mon ami, I was conversing with the most exquisite woman, she was quite lovely." René said as he grinned.

"Well, thank you, I think your libido has made my father quite pissed at me." At René 's puzzled expression, Michael explained. "I was supposed to be at the house for dinner forty-five minutes ago."

"Oh, Michel, I am so sorry." René said regret filing his eyes.

"It's okay. Him being angry with me is nothing new."Michael said sarcastically. "Let's get you home, so I could go face his majesty."

****

Michael pulled into the driveway to his parent's home. He turned of his lights and shut off his car. He sighed and thought about leaving to avoid the discussion and argument that was sure to happen. He stopped that line of thought as he remembered that he promised his mother that he would come tonight.

He got out of his car and remembered the last time he was here two weeks ago. He had come with his ex-fiancee, Lauren. They had dinner here and then went to Michael's apartment, where he broke up with her. He sighed as he got to the front door. Tonight's invitation to dinner was, no doubt, to discuss why he broke up with Lauren.

He sighed again as he knocked on the door. He really did not want to talk about this tonight. He was greeted by the angry face of his father. He smiled his most charming smile, but it did not affect Jacques.

His father started walking in the house with his son following. Michael saw his mother and she looked at him with sympathy. He grimaced inwardly, this was going to be a long night.

************

Jacques stared at his son as they ate dinner. No one had spoken, but the tension in the house was thick. Jacques looked at his wife then at his son. He sighed inwardly and wondered why Michel frustrated him so much.

"Michel, would you care to tell us about Lauren?" He asked deciding to break the silence.

"Not really," his son responded quietly.

"'Not really' is not an option. I want to know what happened to Lauren." He demanded as he watched Michel eat.

"We broke up. Anything else?" Michael said finishing his food.

"Michel, I had Dominique Dubois calling, here two days ago, telling me how you broke his daughters' heart." Jacques said angrily to his son.

"It didn't feel right. I told her she deserved better then me. I didn't want to hurt her, but if I married her I would of hurt her worse." Michael closed his eyes briefly. He sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Nora looked at her son as he spoke. His voice was neutral, it had no emotion and his face was blank. Michel had started doing that when he graduated from college. Whenever he and Jacques spoke his face and voice went utterly blank. This frightened her a little bit.

"You decided that she wasn't right for you a year after you spent with her. A year after you woo her and seduce her, you decide you do not want to be with her. Michel, that is selfish and wrong." Jacques said his voice rising in anger.

"I made a decision for myself. Papa, I didn't love her. I cared about her yes, but it was not love. Maybe it was a little selfish, but I am entitled to some selfishness now and then. I think I have earned it." Michael replied his voice soft and his face still blank.

He got up quickly as he saw the pained look in his mother's eyes. He went to her and kissed her cheek. He hugged her close.

"Je t'aime. I am sorry." He whispered in her ear.

"I love you too, ma petite." she replied.

He let go and looked at his father. "Papa, thank you for dinner. I am going to go home, I will talk to you later."

"Michel we are not done." Jacques began.

"Yes, we are. I am tired and I am leaving. Bonne nuit." Michael said and walked out; without giving his father a chance to speak again.

****

"Okay, Harry, this is the last shot for the day, let's make it good." A husky Australian-accented voice said form behind the camera.

"You got it gorgeous. How's this?" The hunky male model asked, as he struck a pose dressed only in a pair of underwear.

"Perfect," she replied as she took the picture. "Now go put some clothes on."

"Anything for you. Hey are we still on for that charity ball dance thing tonight?" He asked getting dressed

"Of course. Just as long as you don't try anything," she replied putting her camera away.

Harry Lopez looked at the blonde haired, blue eyed goddess in front of him. She was tall and muscular. She was perfect in all the right places, inside and out.

"Nikita, baby, we tried that whole relationship thing. To be honest, you are too much of a woman for me." He said smiling at her.

"Well as long as you remember that we will be okay." Nikita said looking at him as she walked out. "My house tonight at seven, see you handsome."

****

Michael sighed as he got to the door to his sister's apartment. He knocked and waited for her to answer the door.

He thought about his day and knew he needed a night of fun. He ran an architecture firm called One. His father had shown up that morning and proceeded to order him to solve the situation with their competitor Glass Curtain.

He shook his head as the door opened dragging him form his thoughts. He smiled at his sister.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Monique. Now I am going to have to keep all those men away from you." He told her as they walked out.

"Don't you dare Michael. I plan on meeting my future husband here tonight." Monique replied.

The hallway echoed with Michael's giggles as they made their way downstairs.

"Future husband, huh? Tell me something, is every social gathering an event to meet your future husband?" He asked as they drove away.

"Well, Michael, I figure that one of us has to get married before mom and dad die. I figure since it is not going to be you it might as well be me." she said smiling at her brother.

"You know you are not very funny. I am tempted to make you walk to the ball." Michael replied looking at Monique.

"You won't and you know it. Besides you know you love me. You will find the right woman, when you are fifty." she added.

"Hey, stop picking on me. I can tell the man at the door I do not know who you are. Then you won't be meeting your husband." Michael said as they drove.

"Okay, I'll be quiet," she said.

"Thank you," he replied. They drove the rest of the way in silence.

************

"So, Sugar, where are you going tonight?"

"Nowhere special Uncle Walter. Just to some charity ball with Harry." Nikita replied looking at her uncle happily.

"Oh that "hunky' Latin guy? The one you dated a while back?" Walter asked smiling as he leaned against the doorjamb of the bathroom.

"Yup, that's the one. Don't say anything, it's just as friends noting more. "Besides I am not looking for romance. With my photography heating up I don't think I have time for the needs of some guy." she said as she put away her makeup.

"Okay I got two things to say. First of all dressed like that, Sugar, you are gonna give poor Harry a heart attack. Second, not all guys are needy if you give them proper TLC. If you know what I mean." Walter said winking his eyes at his niece.

"Are you sure you are my uncle? I am pretty sure uncle's don't talk to their nieces like that." She asked her eyebrows arching as she regarded Walter.

"Last time I checked I was your uncle. You must remember, I am related to your mother, we a have weird sense of humor," he replied smirking.

"How could I forget. Don't wait up tonight. I'll probably dance 'til I drop." She walked out of the bathroom and downstairs.

Walter stared at his niece. She had on a light blue gown on. It had a thigh high slit on the left leg. She had on heels that made her taller then she already was. She had on little make-up that only accented her natural beauty. He sighed she was gorgeous.

"Sugar, dressed like that all those poor men are the ones that are gonna be dropping dead." He called and smiled as she laughed. He followed her downstairs as the doorbell rang.

As he got downstairs he saw Harry Lopez dressed in a tux smiling at his niece. He smiled as he went to shake his hand.

"Hey Harry. Take care of my niece tonight. Have fun okay. I gotta go get Belinda. See you kids later." He said as he walked out the door.

"Bye, Uncle Walter."

"Bye Walter." Harry said as he helped Nikita put on her jacket. "Shall we?"

"Let's go,"she replied as he extended his arm and led her to his car.

************

Michael smirked as he drew back from Monique as they were dancing. His sister was always the life of the party. She always made him laugh.

Right now she was telling him dirty jokes as they were dancing. He looked into her eyes, which had a mischievous glint in them.

"Do you kiss mama with that mouth?" He asked as he led her across the dance floor.

"Yup, I sure do and need I remind you who taught me how to tell dirty jokes." She said as the song finished.

"Monique, that was when you were thirteen years old. I was nineteen, it was funny then," he replied.

"You know what they say about what you learn from your siblings. I learned all the important things from you Michel." Monique said staring at a guy across the room.

"You gonna be okay? I'm going to ask that hunk to dance with me." She said looking at her brother.

"Yeah, I will be fine. Go have fun." He said as he watched her leave.

He turned around suddenly as he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He looked at the face and he smiled in recognition.

"Harry, what a surprise. How are you?" Michael asked as he quickly hugged his friend.

"Just here to donate some money and dance like crazy." Harry replied as he looked around.

"I want you to meet someone. Nikita," he called to someone behind Michael.

Michael turned as he looked at the blonde haired angel that appeared in front of him. He blinked his eyes and took in her appearance. She was beautiful and had a smile that made his fingers tingle.

"Nikita, this is Michael. Michael, this is Nikita. She is the photographer I told you about." Harry said as Michael and Nikita shook hands.

"Oh. It is a pleasure to meet you, Nikita." He smiled at her warmly.

"Likewise. So, Harry tells me you need a photographer. Well, I am your woman." She replied with a smile.

"Here is my card. We can talk business later, I came here to party. Are one of you handsome men gonna ask me to dance?" she smiled. Harry extended his hand to her and escorted her to the dance floor.

Michael smiled at his friend as he felt small fingers grab his arm. He looked and saw his sister smiling at him.

"Hey handsome, want to dance?" She asked. He laughed as she led them to the dance floor.

"Who is that babe Harry is with?" She asked as she followed Michael's lead.

"That's his friend, Nikita. She is the photographer he told papa and me about," he said.

"The Australian?"

"Yes." He said as he looked at his sister.

"I thought she would be a guy." She said puzzled.

"I can assure you, Nikita, is 100% woman."He said looking at the blonde dancing with his friend. He was so transfixed with her, he missed the amused look his sister gave him.

************

Michael glanced at his sister who was dancing with Harry. He smiled as Harry went into a fit of giggles as Monique whispered in his ear.

"Here you go, I thought you looked thirsty." Nikita said sitting beside him and handing him a drink.

"Thank you." He replied smiling as he sipped some champagne.

"Your sister is very beautiful," Nikita stated quietly.

"Yes, she is. Thank you." He glanced at her. "I didn't know Harry was dating anyone."

"Oh no, Harry and me aren't dating. We are just friends." She said looking back at Michael.

Before he could say anything else Harry and Monique appeared, laughing like two kids who pulled a prank.

"So, Michael, where is Lauren?" Harry asked curiously.

"Lauren and I broke up two weeks ago." Michael stated glancing at Monique. She was about to say something when Michael's eyes flashed a warning.

Michael looked away from Monique and to Nikita. He smiled as he stood up and extended his hand to her.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Sure," she replied taking his hand and looked in his eyes. "See you guys in a minute."

Michael took Nikita in her arms and smiled inwardly as she fit perfectly with him. He swayed gently to the soft music and softly smelled the scent of lavender that was emanating from her.

Nikita looked in Michael's eyes and saw them changing colors. First they were deep green, then changed to a color she couldn't describe. She smiled at him as they danced.

"You are a very good dancer."

"I bet you say that to all the women." Nikita replied arching an eyebrow.

"No, only to the ones who actually know how to dance." he said as he smiled.

They settled into comfortable silence as they danced. Nikita leaned her head on Michael's shoulder and sighed.

The song was over too soon and they made their way back to their dates. They sat down with Harry and Monique, the group began to talk.

****

Two hours later the ball was over. Everyone had danced and donated money to the homeless shelter charity. Michael, Monique, Harry, and Nikita where all out in the parking lot saying good-bye.

"Monique, it was good seeing you again. I will call you for that pizza date this week." Harry said hugging her.

"You better, Harry. You know I don't just give my number to anyone." Monique relied hugging him back.

"Nikita, girl, it was a pleasure to meet you. So, are you still up for clubbing next week?" Monique asked when Harry let go of her and Nikita went to hug her.

"Of course. I will give you a call. It was nice to meet you too." Nikita said hugging Monique.

"Michael, I'll see you Wednesday for that basketball game." Harry said shaking Michael's hand.

Michael nodded as he moved towards Nikita. He hugged her briefly. He let her go and smiled.

"I'll call you about the photography thing. It was nice to meet you." He said as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly.

"Okay, it was nice to meet you too." She said her mind whirling from his lips on her skin.

"Good night you guys." Harry said as he and Nikita walked off to the car.

"Good night." Michael and Monique said in unison.

Michael stood there for a minute as Monique walked to the car. he was more affected by Nikita then he wanted to admit. He sighed as he turned and walked to the car. Life was so complicated sometimes.

************

Michael sighed as he sat down at his desk. His gaze wandered over to the window. His mind wandering at the beautiful city that was Paris. It didn't matter that he had lived here most of his life, Paris would always be beautiful to him.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He looked up as his secretary, Alice, walked in.

"Hi, Mike. Your father wants to talk to you." She said as she gazed at him regretfully.

Michael grimaced at Alice's shortening of his name. She was the only person on the planet he let do that. Then he groaned softly as she mentioned his father.

"Can't you tell him that I am sick or something." He asked looking at her pleadingly.

"Already tried that, kiddo. He said it was very important."

"Okay, let him in."

She nodded and began to walk out, but stopped when he called her name. She turned around expectantly.

"Come and get me for a meeting or something in twenty minutes. That is about all of my father I can handle right now." He said as he got up and stood by the window.

"You got it, Mike," she responded as she closed the door.

Michael sighed again as his thoughts drifted to the charity dance he went to a week ago. He thought about Nikita and how he hadn't called her yet.

For the past week he had thought of her and only her. It was frustrating for him. He had never been affected by a woman like he was with Nikita. It made him feel weird and uncomfortable.

His father entering his office brought him out of his thoughts. He looked up at his dad and smiled.

"Papa," he went over to Jacques and hugged him. "How are you?"

"I am fine. You?" Jacques replied sitting down.

"Okay. What brings you here today?" Michael asked as he sat behind his desk.

"I came to talk about Glass Curtain and the advertising I want done." Jacques said looking at Michael.

"I want you to hire a photographer preferably the one Harry was talking about. I saw her work and am really impressed. She has the skills needed to bring out the beauty in the buildings we design and build. I want five building shot. I want them shot in no more then two months. Work around the young lady's schedule." He looked at Michael, who nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Second, I want you to meet with GC heads. I want you to work out some agreement with them. A compromise preferably. We cannot coexist together without some interference. They are buying all the prospected lots we have picked out for our clients. Talk to them and make them understand." Jacques finished and looked at Michael.

Michael looked at his father. His eyes and face blank shielded the anger and hurt he felt at that moment. He hoped to God that his father was joking about meeting the two people he hated the most. One look in Jacques eyes told Michael this was no joke.

"You want me to meet with Jurgen and Simone and work out a compromise? Are you purposely trying to make me miserable? What did I do? Is this because I broke up with Lauren?" Michael asked as the questions tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them.

"Michel, what in hell are you talking about?" Jacques asked.

"You know what I am talking about. Simone left me for him and that company after I asked her to marry me. She left me for my best friend and now you want me to hold a meeting with them?" Michael asked his eyes pleading with his father to reconsider.

"Oui. I am asking and I expect it to be done do you understand." Jacques said.

Michael looked at his father. He sighed and looked away. "Yeah, I understand."

"Mike, you got a client waiting in the exec room." Alice's voice rang through the office from the intercom on Michael's desk.

"Okay. Papa I gotta go. I will get back to you." Michael said as he walked out of his office. He closed the door and leaned against it. He looked at Alice who was staring at him.

He looked at her then at her phone. He got out Nikita's card and went to dial her cell phone number.

****

Nikita sighed as she was developing her film. Her assistant Carla was helping her. As usual her thoughts were preoccupied with Michael Samuelle.

She was so pissed. Yeah she gave him her card as a potential job, but she thought he liked her. Well, she should of known, her intuition on guys sucked it was one of the things she got from her mother.

The phone rang and Nikita cursed as she went to answer it. Who on earth could be calling her?

"Hello, Nikita Wirth."

"Nikita, It's me, Michael."

Her eyebrows wrinkled in anger. this jerk was calling her a week later. What a....

His voice talking to her brought her mind back to the present.

"I was wondering if you are interested in two things. Here is the first thing I would like to employ you to take pictures of some of our buildings. Second Would you like to have dinner tomorrow night?" He finished his tone hopeful.

"First of all, who the hell do you think you are? You were supposed to call me a week ago. Now you call me asking me on a date with you. You are on cocky, arrogant, son of a- I can't even finish my thought I am so angry."

"I will take the job, but I am not going out with you. I will come to your office tomorrow and talk to you then," she said as she hung up the phone.

She went to her darkroom to finish her pictures and vent. French arrogant bastard she thought as she shut the door to the darkroom.

****

"Nikita. Nikita, hello." Michael pulled the receiver from his ear and stared at it.

"Man, Mike, what did you do to piss that one off?" Alice asked amused. She had heard it all.

"I asked her out on a date." He frowned.

Alice's laughter echoed out into the hallways of One.

************

Monique knocked on Nikita's apartment door. She waited a while and prayed she had the right apartment. She looked at the number on the door and then checked the piece of paper in her hands.

This was it. She turned her head as she heard the door across the hall open. She stared at he short guy with a shaved head. She watched him smile and walk out of his apartment with a smile on his face. He was wearing a God awful ugly suit that looked like it glowed in the dark.

"Hello, luv. What brings you to my humble abode?" His voice deep with an Australian accent.

Monique snorted as she looked at him. She shifted her stance and put her hands on her hips.

"I am not in your abode, now please leave me alone." He moved closer to her. "Please or I will kick you in your abode." she finished with a pleasant ring to her voice.

"Ouch, babe, that really hurt. You don't even know good-ole Mick yet-"

"Mick, leave her alone." Nikita's voice rang out.

"Popsicle, I was just greeting the princess." Mick said defensively.

"Thank you, now go back to your apartment." Nikita said as Monique stepped into her apartment. She shut the door before Mick could say anything else.

"Who is that?" Monique asked as she moved towards the living room and sat down.

"That is Mick Schtoppel. The building's annoying tenant." Nikita said smiling.

"How are you?"

"I'm okay, glad you called. I was going stir crazy at home." Monique said.

"So was I."

They settled down and began to talk. Amused laughter echoed in the apartment.

****

Michael sat in his office going over some papers when Alice spoke over the intercom.

"Mike, Nikita Wirth is here to see you."

"Okay Alice. Send her in."

Nikita Wirth walked in his office. She had on a black skirt and a red blouse. She looked beautiful.

"Nikita, thank you for coming. It's good to see you again." He said gesturing for her to sit down.

She nodded curtly. Michael smiled, but she didn't return it. He cursed inwardly. This was going to be hard. He cleared his throat as he reached in a drawer of his desk. He pulled out a dozen yellow roses and gave them to her.

"Look, I know we started on the wrong foot-okay I started on the wrong foot" he amended at her glare. "I sincerely apologize if I offended you. That was certainly not my intention."

He stared at her as she studied him. Her face was drawn and had a somewhat agitated expression on it.

"It's okay. Just don't do it again."

"Look Nikita, I'm glad you took the job, but I want to get to know you better. Please come to dinner with me?" he asked her his eyes sincere.

"Michael, I don't want to get attached to something that could be over before it starts." She said firmly shaking her head.

"No strings, just dinner. I like you and I just want to get to know you." He said softly.

"Okay, Just dinner. Pick me up at this address at eight o'clock." she replied writing an address on a piece of paper.

"Okay. Here is the itinerary for the shoot. we are giving you free reign on this, just have it done in two months." He said handing her a folder.

"Thank you." She got up and extended her hand.

"Okay, I will see you tonight." He kissed her knuckles softly.

He smiled as she walked out. She was a challenging one. His smile widened and he was never one to back down from a challenge.

*******

As Nikita walked out of One she closed her eyes briefly. What in hell was she doing. She made it a rule to never get involved with a client.

Now here she was being a hypocrite to all the ground rules she made. She sighed softly. The way she felt around Michael scared her. Fear was something she hated, especially hers. She closed her eyes again.

When she opened them she smiled. She was definitely going to make Michael Samuelle earn everything he was going to get for her. At least he was cute. It made him chasing her all the more fun, and boy-oh-boy was there going to be some chasing.

She just didn't know if she wanted to be caught.

************

Michael glanced at his watch as he knocked on the door. He was nervous about tonight. He hoped he made a good impression on Nikita.

As the door opened he smiled his most charming smile. He looked at the figure who opened the door and his smile vanished.

"Hello, I am here to pick up Nikita." He said quietly.

"Come in. I'm Walter," the man said extending his hand to Michael.

"I'm Michael, pleased to meet you." Michael said shaking his hand.

"Sugar, your date is here. So where are you taking Sugar?" Walter asked as they sat on the couch in the living room.

"To dinner at the new restaurant near the Seine." Michael said

"I heard that place is good." Walter said looking at Michael.

"Listen, Michael, I hope that you aren't going to hurt my niece. She is a very nice girl. She may put up a strong front, but inside she is fragile. If you hurt her so help me-" Walter looked at Michael as he raised his hand.

"Walter, I have no intention of hurting her. We got off on the wrong foot and I asked her to dinner to smooth things over between us. She is going to be working for me and I want it to be a smooth working relationship." He said sincerely.

"Okay, as long as we are clear on that." Nikita said coming down the stairs looking at her uncle and Michael with a smile on her face.

Michael's mouth parted slightly as he looked at Nikita. She was wearing a black evening dress that was up to her mid thigh. Lace was sewn down to her knees to discreetly cover her legs up, but reveal enough of them. Her hair hung loose around her shoulders and back, she wore little make-up. She was beautiful.

"Nikita, wow, you look stunning." He finally managed to get out as he stood up.

"Thank you." She replied as she took in his appearance. He wore black dress slacks that clung to him in all the right places. He wore a dark blue dress shirt and a black tie with a black blazer. The blazer did nothing to hide the muscles that rippled under his shirt with each movement.

"You don't look so bad yourself, Michael." She said appreciatively.

"Thanks. Well are you ready we have reservations." Michael said offering her his arm.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Bye Unc." She said kissing Walter on the cheek before she took Michael's arm.

Walter watched them drive off before he closed the door. Just professional my ass, he thought as he went into the living room. Those two were playing with fire.

************

Nikita and Michael drove in silence to the restaurant each lost in their own thoughts. Every so often they would steal glances at each other.

"Here we are." Michael stated quietly getting out of the car.

Nikita smiled as he walked around the car to open her door for her. She took his hand and stepped out of the car. She smiled at him and mumbled her thanks. She followed him as they went into the restaurant.

The garcon led them to a table and laid down the menus for them. Michael waved him off when he moved to pull out Nikita's chair. The waiter moved away as Michael pulled out the chair for Nikita.

"Thank you," she said smiling at him again.

"You are welcome." He said as he took his seat.

Nikita looked around the restaurant appreciatively. It was beautiful, quiet, and had the perfect view of the Seine. She looked at Michael as he stared at the menu. She cleared her throat to attract his attention.

"Do you come here often?" She asked.

"Well this place just opened about a month and a half ago. I used to come a lot, but I haven't been here in a while." He replied quietly staring into her eyes.

"I bet you take all your girlfriends here." Nikita said sarcastically.

"I don't have a girlfriend, or any girlfriends." He replied wearily at her tone. "Why do you have to do that?"

"Do what?" She asked innocently. "I only asked a question."

He sighed and decided to let it go. He was determined to have a nice evening with her. As he scanned the menu he thought about what he told Walter. He did want to smooth things over with Nikita, but he wasn't sure he wanted just a professional relationship. He sighed again. The way she had been acting towards him, he would be lucky if she went out with him again.

The waiter came and they ordered their meals, and Michael ordered some wine. He looked at Nikita and raised his glass towards her and smiled before he drank. She acknowledged the silent toast with a nod of her head and drank her wine.

"So, how long have you been a photographer?" He asked curiously.

"Well when I moved here from Australia I needed a hobby. Something to take my mind off things. My uncle knew I loved pictures and gave me this camera for my first Christmas here. That was about six years ago." She replied smiling at the memory.

"When did it become a career?"

"About five years ago, Uncle Walter and I were at a cafe and we were looking at some pictures I took. They were pictures of people I caught mid-action in your everyday tasks. Well some guy from a magazine passed by our table and saw my pictures and hired me right on the spot. I was so shocked. Here I was twenty-one years old, not one lick of experience in photography and some suit wanted to hire me to shoot for this famous magazine. At first I thought this guy is gonna regret this. He is going to take one look at my frames and fire me. But, it all worked out and here I am. Sometimes I still can't believe it, you know, I wake up and it's like wow." She replied looking at Michael. Her breath caught at the way he was looking at her.

"I believe it. Your work is incredible. I saw the first shoot you did. It was breathtaking." Michael said his voice soft as he stared into her eyes.

She looked away and blushed with embarrassment. Her anger at him fading slightly at his compliment. She raised her head and looked at him. Her eyes looking at him a curious glint in them.

"What about you? How did you become the CEO of One?" She asked him as she sipped her wine.

"It wasn't exactly my decision." He replied averting his eyes form hers. "My mother got very ill about eight years ago. I rushed home from the University and went home. She was very sick, more so then we thought. The recovery time was longer then expected and my father told me that I had to take care of One while he took care of maman. I put everything on hold and took over. She is better now, but some days she gets very weak." He said finishing his wine and pouring himself another glass.

"What were you studying at the University?" She asked intrigued.

"Chemistry and art." He said smiling at her.

"Art I could understand, but chemistry? I have trouble picturing you in a white lab coat performing experiments." She said laughing lightly.

"Believe it. I was quite good at it. I wanted to be a professor and do all those research projects and write papers on them." Michael said his eyes lighting up at the sound of her laughter.

"Did you ever get to go back?" Nikita said as she regarded him.

"No, I never did." Michael replied the light slightly leaving his eyes and the smile left his face.

"I'm sorry" Nikita said softly.

"So am I, " he replied just as the waiter bought their dinner to them.

They ate their dinner in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

************

Michael looked at Nikita as they finished eating dinner. They hadn't spoken to each other throughout dinner. He sighed inwardly and decided to break the silence.

"How long have you been living with your Uncle Walter?" He asked as the waiter bought them their check.

"I don't live with him. I just have my date’s pick me up and drop me off there. Can't be too safe these days. Besides he intimidates all the jerks so that I don't have to." She said smiling at Michael's soft laughter.

"Good strategy. " he said as he paid the bill. He got up and offered her his hand.

She took it and stood up. He ushered her outside and stopped her when she headed to the car.

"I thought we could walk for a little bit. It is nice out and I want to talk some more if that's okay with you?" He asked.

"Sure that's fine."She replied and followed him as he walked towards the Seine.

"So how long have you known Harry?" She asked him as they walked.

"About seven years. Him and Monique went to college together. We played hockey for a while too. Here." He said as Nikita shivered. He took off his coat and wrapped it around her securely.

"Thank you. So, you played hockey, huh. Where you any good?" She said playfully.

"I held my own. What about you. How long have you known Harry?" He asked as the wind picked up a little.

"About three years. We met in a photo shoot for a Versachi line and tried the dating thing. It didn't work out and we stayed friends." She said as she shivered again despite the warmth of Michael's jacket.

He looked at her and turned them both around. At her puzzled glance he smiled " It's cold. We could go for a walk another time. Let me get you home so you don't catch a cold."

They walked to the car and got in when it started raining. The wind and cold drops contrasting with the nice weather that reigned all day and early evening.

"Wow, great timing. I guess when you live in France for so long you get used to the funny weather." She replied looking at Michael.

"Yeah something like that." He said starting the car and driving off.

****

They got to Walter's house and Michael got out, the rain pelting him softly on the back. He ran to Nikita's side of the car and opened her door. He took his jacket and opened it for her to step under. They ran to the shelter of the porch.

They were giggling as Michael shook out his jacket. He was completely soaked. The rain dripping from his hair to his face.

Nikita's eyes drifted to his shirt, which clung to him, like a second skin. The muscles of his chest and abdomen stood out against the fabric of his shirt. his pants clung to him also, and Nikita quickly picked her eyes back up to the safety of his face. Her cheeks red from the running camouflaging the blush of embarrassment.

"I had a lovely time Nikita." Michael said softly his accent thickening slightly.

"So did I. I had fun." She said looking into his eyes.

"Well I better go, I have an early day tomorrow." He said putting on his wet jacket.

"Okay. Thank you, Michael." She said offering him her hand.

"My pleasure." He replied taking her hand and kissing the inside of her wrist softly. He lowered her hand and moved his face closer to hers and kissed her forehead just as softly.

"Goodnight." He said quietly looking at her.

"G'night." She said as she saw him smile and turn around and walk to his car. She stood on the porch as she watched him leave.

She sighed and went inside the house. She closed he door behind her and closed her eyes. She swore softly and realized that she was in deep waters without a life jacket when it came to Michael Samuelle.

****

Michael arrived at his loft just as the rain stopped. He rode the elevator to his loft and pulled off his jacket. He opened the elevator gate and walked to his loft door and walked into his home. He peeled off his water logged clothes and put on some white drawstring pants with a white tank top.

He enjoyed his night with Nikita. She made him laugh. Her eyes were so blue he could get lost in those eyes for eternity and he wouldn't care. He had noticed her looking at him on the porch and it was all he could do not to blush. He could not understand it. He wasn't shy about his body, he was quite comfortable with it, but when she looked at him, he felt something he could not even describe.

He went to the bathroom and performed his nightly ablutions. A few minutes later he went to bed with thoughts of Nikita Wirth in his head.

************

Michael sighed as he walked to his office for his meeting with Simone and Jurgen. He let his mind wander and smiled as he thought about his date with Nikita. His smile vanished as he reached the door to his office.

He looked at the phone on Rose's desk and grabbed it off the cradle. He dialed a number and waited for an answer.

"Hello Nikita, its Michael. I'm fine, how about you? I had a good time too. Listen I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me today. How about one o'clock at Jean's? Alright I will see you then. Bye." He hung up the phone and went into his office.

Jurgen and Simone were seated in front of his desk. They both stood as he walked in. He nodded at them as he took his seat behind his desk. They sat down and Simone broke the silence.

"Michael, it's good to see you again. You look well." She said as she regarded her former lover.

"Thank you." Michael looked from her to Jurgen. "I asked you here because GC is trying to steal our clients by purchasing lots that we prospect for future projects."

"Michael, it is not our fault if you or One can't cut it in the architect business. We cannot help it if you can't get on the ball and get the job done. Maybe if you wouldn't waste time with meetings you wouldn't be having these problems." Jurgen said smugly.

"Jurgen, you can't tell me that this is all a coincidence. GC just happens to buy all the lots we pick out. Then this morning I find out that George signed a contract with you. I don't believe in coincidence. I learned that from you. All I want to know is why are you doing this? " Michael asked his voice neutral hiding his anger.

"Michael this is a very cut throat business, I can't help it if you can't hack it. I suggest you get over it and try harder to secure your position. Simone come on we have a full schedule today." Jurgen responded as he and Simone walked out leaving Michael staring at their empty seats.

He sighed. That went well he thought. Boy was his father going to be pissed when he found out George was going with GC for the construction of his building. He glanced at his watch and went to meet Chuck, One's lawyer.

****

Michael glanced at his watch as he waited to cross the street. After his meeting with Chuck he had bumped into his angry father. Jacques kept on insisting that they have a talk about George, but Michael left without a word to meet Nikita for their lunch date.

He looked towards the restaurant and saw Nikita waiting for him at the table. He quickly ran across the street and reached the table a little bit winded.

"Sorry I am late. I had a meeting that ran a little over. Have you ordered yet?" He asked as he sat down.

"No I was waiting for you. How was your meeting?" she asked smiling warmly at him.

"Long and boring. How has your day gone?" He asked as the waiter approached them and took their order.

"Okay. Gray came by and asked me out on a date." She said looking at Michael waiting for his reaction.

"What did you say?" He asked quietly.

"I didn't answer him. You called and then I had to get back to work." She responded as the waiter brought their wine.

"Michael, you seem a little preoccupied, are you alright?" She asked him concern filling her eyes.

"I'm fine, just thinking."

"Listen, if you have some place to be then I understand." she stated as he became distracted again.

"No, there is no other place I would rather be then here with you." He stated softly as he looked in to her eyes and took one of her hands in his.

The moment was interrupted by a male voice calling Michael.

Michael looked up and saw the looming face of his father. Jacques was angry.

"Papa what are you doing here?" Michael asked his face becoming blank.

"I told you to solve the problem with GC. I told you we needed to talk and you walked off. I want this problem solved." Jacques said as he regarded his son.

"I am having lunch, this could wait until I am done." He said glancing apologetically at Nikita.

"No I want it done now. You can have lunch at the office." His father stated angrily.

"Papa, I am busy..."His voice trailed off as he looked at his father. "Fine I'll go now. Nikita I am so sorry. I...I'll call you."

He got up and hugged her and kissed her on the cheek gently and whispered his apology in her ear softly.

As Michael and Jacques walked away Nikita saw the argument take place. She saw them both talking heatedly then Michael said something and Jacques stared at his son as he crossed the street.

Nikita stared at the table and looked at the money Michael left to pay for the meal. She sighed as she realized that she was disappointed that their lunch date was cut short.

Her mind flashed back to Michael's face as he spoke to his father. There was no emotion in his face or eyes, hell even his voice was monotone. She wondered what happened to make him learn how to put that face on and what she could do to make it better.

************

Michael sighed as he stood at the door to Nikita's office. He wanted to apologize for leaving their lunch date early and how he and his father acted, but now that he was at her door he was at a loss for words. He sighed again and decided to just walk in and say whatever came to his mind.

He walked in and saw Nikita with Carla sitting at a table looking in a folder. They were concentrating on the information in front of them that they missed him coming in. He cleared his throat and smiled slightly as Nikita and Carla stood up as they saw him.

"Michael, what are you doing here?" Nikita said glancing at Carla then at him.

"Hey Carla. Actually I came to talk to you about this afternoon." He replied quietly, his eyes requesting privacy.

"Carla can you handle this for a minute?"

"Sure Nik, go ahead." Carla said smiling at her friend as she ushered Michael to her office.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Nikita said as she closed the door behind her.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry for this afternoon. I'm sorry that you had to see that." Michael said quietly as he gazed at the photos that decorated her wall.

"It's okay, Michael." She went over to him and touched his shoulder gently. She felt him tense slightly under her touch.

He turned towards here and grabbed her free hand with his hand. He bought her knuckles to his lips and kissed them softly.

"Let me take you out to a movie tonight. To make up for lunch this afternoon." He asked his hand still holding hers.

"I'd like that Michael." She replied as she lowered her hand from his shoulder.

His eyes gazed into hers were filled with hunger and he slowly lowered his face towards hers. When her lips were a whisper against hers there was a knock on the door. Michael drew back slightly as Nikita cursed softly. He chuckled as she opened the door.

Carla walked in with one of the reps for Calvin Klein. Nikita looked apologetically at Michael and smiled. He held out his hand and smiled back as she shook it.

"Good day, Ms. Wirth, I will talk to you later. Carla it was good seeing you again." Michael said as he walked out of the office.

****

Michael knocked on Nikita's door and waited for her to answer. He was picking her up at her apartment and was looking forward to tonight. He turned as he heard a door open in back of him. He looked at the guy staring at him.

"Who the hell are you?" The man said as he looked at Michael.

"I'm Michael. Who are you?" Michael asked his face blank and eyes dangerous.

"I am Mick Schtoppel, Popsicle's bodyguard. I don't have to tell you I will evoke bodily harm to you if you hurt her." Mick said putting on his best tough guy routine.

Michael looked at Mick for a second his eyes void of emotions then he turned around and knocked on Nikita's door again. He ignored Mick's eyes burning in back of him as he waited patiently for Nikita to open the door.

He didn't have to wait long as the door opened and he was greeted by the angel who had been in his dreams for over a week. He smiled as she let him in. She saw Mick looking at him, his eyes narrowed. She waved at her neighbor and shut the door before he could say a word.

"Welcome to chez moi." She said as she walked up the small flight of stairs. "Give me a sec. I gotta get something and then we could go, okay."

"Okay." Michael said looking around her loft. It was cozy. Her kitchen, dining room, and living room were in the same room, but spread out. Her bedroom was separated by some blind type things and was elevated in a platform. It was a very attractive apartment, it suited its owner.

He looked over to the stairs as he heard her come down. He noticed her casual dress resembled his. She was wearing jeans and a blouse, even in this simple dress she was gorgeous. He held out his arm and smiled when she took it and led him out of her apartment.

****

A few hours later he and Nikita went to a cafe after the movie. He didn't know Nikita liked action movies and they had seen a movie with Nicholas Cage playing a retired car thief getting his brother out of trouble with a hit man. Nikita squeezed his hand every time something blew up.

"That was a cool movie. An adrenaline rush." She said sipping her tea.

"Yeah it was good. Thanks for coming with me."He said drinking his coffee. He looked at her as she made a face. "What?"

"How can you drink that stuff? It so disgusting." She asked him as he bit into a croissant.

"Habit , Besides It's pretty good when you get used to the taste." He replied smiling. "Are you done. I was thinking we could finish that walk we started."

"Yeah, I'm done. Let's go." She said standing.

They went outside and started walking to a park not far from the cafe. They walked in silence most of the way. They got to a bench and sat down. Michael took Nikita's hand in his as he looked up at the sky.

"Can I ask you a question?" Nikita asked and continued when he nodded his head. "Do you argue with your father a lot?"

"We did not always argue, but we haven't really gotten along for about ten years. I was a junior at the University and made some friends and decisions he did not approve of. Since then we haven't been exactly on good terms." He replied softly as he looked at her. "It's gotten worse now."

"Why?"

He looked at her debating on whether or not to tell her the truth. He looked at her and knew if he wanted to go forward he had to tell her.

"I was engaged to be married until a month and a half ago. I broke it off with her, he didn't like that so he has been even more pissed at me lately." He replied looking at her.

"Why did you break it off?"

"It wasn't right. I didn't love her. I thought I did but I didn't. It wasn't my intention to hurt her. If I had married her without love I would have hurt her, so I broke it off." He looked at her.

"Wow."

"I know. So what about you? Any ex boyfriends lurking around?" He asked her

"Nope. At least none that are brave enough to come back." She replied her eyes glinting mischievously.

He looked at her and sighed. He took her other hand and kissed her knuckles as he gazed into her eyes. "I am going to kiss you now, Nikita." He whispered softly.

"Okay," she said as she moved her head closer to his. She could feel breath gently blowing on her face as he lips were almost touching hers. She shivered as his lips gently touched hers. His lips were soft and gentle and warm. She wrapped one of her hands in his hair as he kissed her softly.

She brushed her tongue along his lips and he moaned opening his mouth to let her in. She tasted the slight tang of coffee and flavor of croissant. He also had a taste that was uniquely his, it was indescribable. He kissed her back as she played with the nape of his neck. Lack of air forced them to break apart. Nikita kept contact with him as their foreheads touched.

"I better get you home it's getting late."

"Okay. Michael do you want to go on a picnic tomorrow after the shoot." She asked as he took her hand and they began to walk to his car.

"Yeah. I would." He said as he opened the door for her to get in.

As he walked around to his door he heard her laughing in the car. He entered the car and looked at her curiously. "What is it?"

"I guess that only business thing is pretty much out of the question." She asked him wiping the tears from her eyes.

"You got that right." He replied as he drove her home.

************