Chapter 12 : I Want You to Stay

*Shelby.*

Michael stared at me for a long time after I said that I would be leaving when we got to port the next day. Or at least I hoped I would be. I didn’t even know where we would be, let alone if there was an airport or a ticket home I could afford.

“I would really hate to see you go, Shelby,” he said with a serious look on his face.

“I think it's for the best,” I answered softly.

“The best for you?” he asked. I stayed quiet for a long time. Was I deciding what was best for me and/or running from my problems?

“I don’t know….” I answered truthfully.

I took another small sip of the wine Michael had poured me and watched the liquid as I swirled it around in my glass.

“You know wine always tastes better in the sauna,” Michael said, watching me.

I turned to him, “That does sound nice, but I am sure the staff who work the spa have already gone to bed.”

“Well, good thing the sauna is in my bathroom,” he said as the corners of his mouth eased into a smile.