The compliment that Luke paid her as he helped her with her cloak and kissed her had Michelle blushing furiously all the way out the tea shop doorso much so that it was several minutes before she noticed the cold. By the time she did, Luke was already holding her close. In the middle of a public street. Michelle held her breath for a few steps, silently talking herself into relaxing, reminding herself that there really werent very many people about, until Luke suddenly made a statement that made her feet stop on the sidewalk.

"I don't suppose that your father and mum will be getting a long, rambling letter about your wonderful Valentine's Day with your new boyfriend, will they?"

Is that what you are? Michelle said, a smile blossoming over her face as she cast a pensive look over him. Yes, she said, more to herself than to Luke, I suppose so. It seemed strange, unfamiliar, to put it in those terms, but there it was, and Michelle found herself feeling rather pleased. The very idea of telling her parents about Luke, though, was laughable, especially considering the fact that her father had forbidden her from ever speaking to Luke again.

Michelle took his hand in hers and curled her hand around his fingertips, running her thumb back and forth over the tip of his index finger. It was on the edge of her tongue to tell him that, technically, she was going against her fathers wishes every time she even spoke to him. She really ought to let him know. Michelle leaned in and kissed his cheek, lingering near to him. What if it hurt his feelings? It wasnt like he NEEDED to know. Not yet. And perhaps her father would soften before too long.