Carved In Stone

Book One of the Art of Love Series

by
Donna McDonald
* * * *
SMASHWORDS EDITIO
Co!yri"ht #$%% by Donna McDonald
Cover by &'D De(i"n for A)thor(
Edited by Toby Minton and *aren &a+(on
Edition &icen(e otice
Thi( ebook i( licen(ed for yo)r !er(onal en,oy-ent only. Thi( ebook -ay not be re/(old
or "iven a+ay to other !eo!le. If yo) +o)ld like to (hare thi( book +ith another !er(on0
!lea(e !)rcha(e an additional co!y for each !er(on yo) (hare it +ith. If yo)1re readin"
thi( book and did not !)rcha(e it0 or it +a( not !)rcha(ed for yo)r )(e only0 then yo)
(ho)ld re-ove it fro- yo)r device and !)rcha(e yo)r o+n co!y. Thank yo) for
re(!ectin" the a)thor1( +ork.
Thi( book i( a +ork of fiction. a-e(0 character(0 !lace(0 and incident( either are the
!rod)ct of the a)thor2( i-a"ination or are )(ed fictitio)(ly. Any re(e-blance to act)al
!er(on(0 livin" or dead0 b)(ine((e(0 co-!anie(0 event(0 or locale( i( coincidental.
This book contains content that may not be suitable for young readers 17 and under.
Ackno+led"e-ent(
Many thank( to -y editor( T Minton and * &a+(on for their contin)ed ()!!ort. I
a!!reciate yo)r +ork and yo).
Thank( to all teacher(0 !rinci!al(0 and other ed)cator( for +hat they "ive to o)r children
and (ociety in "eneral. My da)"hter +a( a teacher before (he died. My ne!he+ i( a
teacher. My (on/in/la+ i( a teacher. Both -y editor( +ere teacher(. I too have been a
teacher. I ho!e thi( book -ake( yo) la)"h beca)(e I +anted to (ho+ ho+ h)-an teacher(
are a( +ell a( bein" e3traordinary !eo!le. 4lea(e con(ider thi( book a tiny trib)te to yo)r
dedication and love.
Thank( to -y ne!he+ Derrick for callin" -e o)t on -y +ord choice(. The anato-ically
correct +ord( in thi( novel are for yo)0 honey. They aren2t e3actly +hat yo) -eant0 b)t
hey5I2- "ettin" clo(er. I love that yo) are (harin" -y +ritin" ,o)rney +ith -e.
Dedication
Thi( book i( for all the arti(t( and drea-er( in the +orld.
4lea(e don2t (to!. Thi( +orld +o)ld be a -)ch (adder !lace +itho)t yo).
Cha!ter %
Will &ar(on +atched the batter b)bble( b)r(t before he fli!!ed the c)rrent batch of
!ancake(. When he heard the -otorcycle roar )! o)t(ide0 he kne+ Shane had finally
arrived for breakfa(t.
67ood -ornin"08 Will (aid0 (-ilin" a( hi( yo)n"e(t (on ca-e thro)"h the door
(niffin" the air like a h)n"ry do".
6Banana +aln)t !ancake(08 Shane (aid on (i"h0 +alkin" into the kitchen of hi(
brother Michael2( ho)(e. 6Tho(e are (till -y favorite.8
Will to((ed a "rin in the direction of hi( (on and then (-iled +hen Shane +alked over
and dro!!ed an affectionate ki(( on hi( )n(haven cheek.
Shane looked like hi( blonde ordic/lookin" -other0 b)t had definitely inherited hi(
father2( (i9e0 e3ceedin" Will2( hei"ht by (everal inche( and the +idth of hi( (ho)lder(
even -ore. It +o)ld take the (a-e :)antity of !ancake( he and Michael ate to"ether ,)(t
to fill the t+enty/(even/year/old )!0 (o Will !o)red o)t batter to -ake another (i3.
6So ho+2( the "ra!hic novel b)(ine((; Ha( the Win"ed 4rotector (olved any -ore
cri-e( or (aved any -ore da-(el( in di(tre(( lately;8
6ah. Hi( alter e"o0 Eric Benton0 i( -o(tly a -ono"a-i(t. He2( (till en,oyin" the la(t
da-(el. I did "et offered a deal for action fi")re( la(t +eek08 Shane (aid0 "oin" to the
coffee !ot and !o)rin" hi-(elf a c)!.
6Action fi")re(; That2( cool. Wa( it a "ood deal;8 Will a(ked0 i-!re((ed that hi(
(on2( creative +ork +a( "ainin" !o!)larity. He +a( do)bly "lad no+ that he hadn2t let
Ellen di(co)ra"e the boy2( co-ic book dra+in" too -)ch.
Shane (hr)""ed. 6It2( a toy co-!any +orkin" +ith -y !)bli(her. My a"ent (aid
they2re offerin" eno)"h to b)y a (-all ho)(e0 !l)( a !ercenta"e of (ale( over ti-e. I
")e(( that2( !retty "ood.8
Will (to!!ed and (tared. 64retty "ood; I +o)ld (ay it2( !retty "reat0 Shane.8 He +ent
back to fli!!in" !ancake(0 (-ilin" and !ro)d.
6Well0 I like the idea of "ettin" a ho)(e08 Shane ad-itted. 67)e(( I2- tired of condo
livin".8
6When yo) "et yo)r ho)(e0 -aybe I can co-e live +ith yo) for a +hile. I think yo)r
brother i( tired of -e already08 Will (aid0 +antin" to la)"h at the !ained e3!re((ion on
Shane2( face. It +o)ld be hard for hi( yo)n"e(t to brin" ho-e hi( one/ni"hter( +ith hi(
father in re(idence. Will +a( (erio)(ly te-!ted to do it for a +hile ,)(t to di(r)!t Shane2(
habit)al +o-ani9in".
6<eah0 I a- tired of yo)08 Michael confir-ed0 +alkin" into the kitchen0 (tretchin"
and (cratchin" the (i3/!ack abdo-inal -)(cle( he +orked to -aintain. It had been harder
(ince hi( father had been in hi( ho)(e and doin" -o(t of the cookin".
Will la)"hed at hi( olde(t (on2( co--ent abo)t bein" tired of hi- beca)(e it +a( half
tea(in" and half/tr)th. The -onth he2d been livin" +ith Michael had been an intere(tin"
(ocial ad,)(t-ent for both of the-. He had been relieved to have (o-e co-!any for a
+hile0 even if it +a( rel)ctant. The la(t year in a ho)(e +ith no fa-ily had been a really
lonely one for hi-.
When he looked at Michael no+ and (-iled0 Will had the (a-e tho)"ht he al+ay(
had that it +a( like lookin" in a -irror (ho+in" hi- a !ict)re of hi( !a(t. Michael had
inherited hi( -)(c)lar b)ild b)t not hi( hei"ht0 +hich hi( (on co-!lained abo)t (till at
thirty/fo)r.
At five/ten0 Michael +a( avera"e in (tat)re0 b)t hi( +ide (ho)lder(0 broad che(t0 and
-)(cled ar-( only e-!ha(i9ed the !a((ionate nat)re !ro-i(ed by hi( dark bro+n eye(
and e:)ally dark hair that h)n" nearly to hi( +ai(t. Will2( Celtic herita"e had branded hi(
elde(t hard0 b)t it looked "ood on hi-.
6Why e3actly are yo) tired of -e;8 Will a(ked0 "rinnin" at Michael2( (nort.
6<o)2ve been -o!in" aro)nd -y ho)(e0 not datin"0 and barely +orkin" on yo)r art.
I2- (ick and tired of bein" "reeted by a "iant -arble !eni( every ti-e I "o o)t to the
co)rtyard to +ork. Carve a da-n le" or (o-ethin"0 Dad. o -atter ho+ arti(tically
i-!re((ive0 a "iant -arble !eni( by it(elf i( (till cree!y a( hell08 Michael co-!lained0
-akin" hi( father bl)(h.
To (often hi( +ord(0 he !atted hi( father on a (ho)lder0 (niffin" the !ancake( +ith
a!!reciation. He loved to tea(e0 b)t +o)ld never o)tri"ht critici9e hi( father2( art. 7od
kne+ hi( -other had done eno)"h of that +hen (he and hi( dad +ere -arried.
Shane +a( la)"hin" (o hard at hi( brother2( co--ent( that coffee +a( threatenin" to
co-e o)t hi( no(e.
6So ho+ lon" ha( the -arble !eni( been leadin" it( (olitary e3i(tence;8 Shane a(ked0
!)llin" a coffee c)! o)t of a cabinet to !o)r Michael a c)!.
64ractically (ince Dad (old the ho)(e and -oved in here08 Michael (aid0 an(+erin"
for hi( father.
Shane la)"hed harder a( he handed hi( brother the coffee.
6Thank(08 Michael (aid0 (avorin" that fir(t bracin" (i!. 6I think Dad2( de!re((ed.8
De(!ite hi( father2( a-a9in" financial ()cce(( a( a (c)l!tor0 hi( -other had never
tho)"ht hi( father2( art +a( a( i-!ortant a( hi( other +ork. A( the olde(t child0 Michael
clearly re-e-bered all the fi"ht( hi( !arent( had had abo)t the ti-e hi( father had (!ent
carvin". Sellin" the ho)(e0 +hich +a( al(o the !lace hi( father +a( )(ed to +orkin"0 had
been a( bad a( the divorce it(elf.
6Sto! talkin" abo)t -e in the third !er(on. I a- in the roo-0 not deaf0 and not
de!re((ed08 Will denied0 (i"hin" over their concern(0 +hich +ere +ay too clo(e to hi( for
co-fort. 6I ,)(t haven2t felt like carvin". Thro+ a cover over it if it bother( yo) (o -)ch0
Michael.8
6Maybe the (tate of the (tat)e i( tryin" to tell yo) (o-ethin"0 Dad08 Shane ()""e(ted0
hi( a-)(ed b)t (erio)( "a9e on hi( father2( face. 6Maybe the -arble !eni( i(n2t the only
!eni( leadin" a (olitary e3i(tence. The divorce +a( over a year a"o. Mo- and &)ke
-arried a fe+ -onth( after it +a( final. <o)2re not even datin" yet.8
Will t)rned off the "riddle and (et the -o)ntain of !ancake( in the -iddle of the table
he2d already (et for three.
6&i(ten0 Mr. All/B)t/Di((ertation in 4(ycholo"y0 +hen yo) act)ally fini(h that
-illion/dollar doctorate at =ohn( Ho!kin(0 then yo) can analy9e -e and -y -an !art(.
>ntil then yo)2re ,)(t -y (-art/a(( (on. Sit and eat5both of yo) la)"hin" hyena(08 Will
ordered0 only !artially -indin" their a-)(e-ent at hi( o)tb)r(t.
6Dad0 yo) kno+ Michael and I love yo). At lea(t let -e "ive yo) -y be(t datin"
advice08 Shane (aid0 (lidin" into the neare(t chair.
He hea!ed (i3 !ancake( on hi( !late and covered the- +ith a lake of (yr)! before he
!a)(ed and (chooled hi( voice into the b)(ine((like tone he had learned fro- the -an he
addre((ed.
6Shave yo)r head0 "et an earrin"0 and ride yo)r bike aro)nd to+n. <o)r body i( "reat
for a -an over fifty. <o) co)ld be !ickin" )! the kind of +o-en I do. &ook0 I "ot a
ton")e (t)d. <o) need to "et one of the(e. Wo-en love thi( kind of (t)ff.8
Shane (t)ck o)t hi( ton")e to (ho+ hi( father0 +ho only rolled hi( eye(. He heard hi(
brother (nickerin" aro)nd a -o)thf)l of !ancake(0 b)t -erely i"nored hi( ,ealo)( (iblin".
Will (t)died the ton")e (t)d +ith a -i3t)re of horror and (hock.
He looked at Michael0 +ho only la)"hed0 (hr)""ed0 and +ent on eatin". Hi( elde(t
(on +a( cra9y in love +ith a +o-an he co)ldn2t "et alon" +ith for -ore than t+o
-in)te( at a ti-e. B)t even tho)"h the +o-an +a(n2t in hi( life the +ay he +anted0
Michael +a(n2t al+ay( o)t +ith na-ele((0 facele(( blonde( like Shane favored doin".
S)re he dated0 b)t he al(o tended to b)ry hi-(elf in hi( +ork.
Hi( olde(t (on had only done that kind of -indle(( datin" +hen the +o-an he loved
"ot -arried. When (he "ot divorced0 +hich +a( re-arkably often0 Michael (to!!ed
cha(in" other +o-en and re()-ed cha(in" her0 +hich +a( the (ta"e he +a( "oin"
thro)"h c)rrently. While it (ee-ed fr)itle(( to Will to +ant a +o-an (o badly +ho (o
obvio)(ly didn2t +ant yo) back0 he (till never +orried abo)t Michael a( -)ch. At lea(t
Michael cared dee!ly abo)t (o-eone. Will +a(n2t ()re Shane even had the ca!acity to
"en)inely love a +o-an.
6Shane0 yo)2re -i((in" the bi" !ict)re. Do yo) even re-e-ber their na-e(0 +hat
they did to yo)0 +hat yo) did to the-; Do yo) ever +ant to "o back to any of the- (o
bad yo) ache;8 Will a(ked.
6o. B)t I2ve not been lookin" for that kind of e3!erience08 Shane (aid0 (hr)""in"
a+ay hi( father2( di(a!!roval.
Will !ointed hi( fork at Shane. 6<e(0 yo) are. I rai(ed yo). <o) kno+ I felt that +ay
abo)t yo)r -other beca)(e I -ade ()re yo) did. So I kno+ yo)2re at lea(t ()bcon(cio)(ly
lookin" for that +hether yo) reali9e it or not. There i( nothin" like findin" that one
incredible +o-an +ho chan"e( everythin". There i( nothin" like e3!lorin" the f)ll ran"e
of love-akin" +ith an e:)ally devoted !artner.8
6What ha!!en( +hen that one incredible +o-an chan"e( (o -)ch that (he leave( yo)
and -arrie( a yo)n"er -an; Do yo) ,)(t "ive )!;8 Shane a(ked (har!ly0 darin" hi( father
to an(+er hi( :)e(tion le(( than hone(tly.
He and Michael both kne+ their father had taken the divorce very hard. They kne+
he had (incerely and faithf)lly loved their -other. either of the- had really )nder(tood
+hat had "one (o +ron" bet+een their !arent( that it co)ldn2t be fi3ed. The divorce had
not been ea(y on any of the-0 b)t their father +a( the one +ho hadn2t -oved on.
6&ook5every relation(hi! i( a ri(k in (o-e +ay. I had thirty/three "ood year( +ith
yo)r -other. We "re+ a!art0 and (he fell in love +ith (o-eone el(e. I don2t kno+ +hy
the(e thin"( ha!!en. They ,)(t do08 Will (aid0 "ettin" )! and refillin" hi( coffee. 6I a-
(ad abo)t the divorce b)t not really de!re((ed. When the ri"ht ti-e co-e(0 I2ll find
(o-eone and (tart datin" a"ain. I have an o!en -ind abo)t it.8
67ood. When;8 Shane a(ked0 +atchin" hi( father +alk back to the table and (it do+n
heavily +ith a re(i"ned (i"h. He +anted to la)"h at hi( father2( irritation +ith hi-0 b)t he
held it in. There +a( too -)ch at (take to ri(k hi( father thinkin" it +a( ,)(t a ,oke.
6When I2- ready and I -eet (o-eone0 I +ill (tart datin" a"ain. There2( nothin"
+ron" +ith +aitin" for the ri"ht +o-an to (ho+ )!. I don2t need to fill the interi- +ith
tall0 le""y blonde( half -y a"e08 Will (aid fir-ly.
6'ine08 Shane a"reed ea(ily0 hi( tone dri!!in" +ith fake re(i"nation. 6I2ll take care of
cha(in" all the le""y blonde( half yo)r a"e0 Dad. 7ee90 yo)2re hard to (ati(fy. o +onder
Michael i( tired of yo).8
When hi( father "lared at hi-0 Shane t)rned to look at hi( brother0 hi( "a9e f)ll of
+ickedne((. 6What kind of +o-en doe( Dad !a+n off on yo);8
6one5and I2- totally !i((ed no+08 Michael (aid0 !)ttin" a( -)ch an"er in hi(
voice a( he co)ld over the )r"e to la)"h. 6Dad2( al+ay( liked yo) better0 Shane. When
yo) b)y yo)r ho)(e0 he2( definitely -ovin" in +ith yo).8
6Oh0 (h)t )! and eat5both of yo)08 Will (aid0 (tabbin" hi( !ancake( vicio)(ly0 tired
of bein" hara((ed by hi( ad)lt children. 6I2- "ettin" -y o+n da-n !lace a( (oon a( I
can.8
6When; Mo- (aid yo) "ave all the -oney fro- the ho)(e (ale to her08 Shane (aid
(adly0 (hakin" hi( head (ide to (ide in !ity. 6I ")e(( that -ean( yo)2re broke. That -arble
!eni( better "ro+ a body (oon.8
At the vicio)( (+earin" follo+in" Shane2( co--ent(0 Michael (hook hi( head at hi(
father a( +ell and -ade (y-!athetic noi(e( +ith hi( ton")e. 6Did yo) ever even )(e the
f/+ord +hen yo) +ere a !rinci!al0 Dad; I don2t re-e-ber yo) (+earin" in front of -e or
Shane0 )ntil he ran over yo)r Harley +ith hi( car.8
Michael )(ed hi( fork to !oint acc)(in"ly at Shane0 +ho(e "lare -atched hi( father2(0
and -ade hi- +ant to la)"h.
6Thank(0 Benedict Arnold. Did yo) have to re-ind Dad abo)t -e killin" hi( bike;8
Shane a(ked0 !ancake( all b)t fallin" o)t of -o)th. Backin" over hi( father2( beloved
Harley +a( the only thin" Shane had ever done in hi( life (o bad that hi( father had been
tr)ly di(a!!ointed in hi-.
6<o)2re the one -akin" Dad -ad thi( -ornin"0 not -e08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin" at
Shane2( !ained e3!re((ion.
Since it +a( hi( ho)(e0 Michael rea(oned he co)ld (ay anythin" he +anted to defend
hi-(elf )nder hi( o+n roof. Thi( incl)ded (hiftin" hi( father2( irritation in hi( brother2(
"eneral direction and a+ay fro- hi-. Hi( obvio)( ()cce(( at havin" done (o -ade hi(
(-ile even +ider.
6I2- definitely "ettin" -y o+n !lace (oon08 Will (aid to hi( !ancake(0 even a( both
hi( (on( la)"hed harder. 6And I2- not invitin" yo) t+o over for breakfa(t.8
Shane !ointed hi( fork at hi( brother. 6If I never "et banana !ancake( a"ain0 yo) are a
dead -an.8
Michael "rinned and "ave hi( brother the fin"er to let hi- kno+ ho+ afraid he +a( of
hi- and hi( threat(.
6I a- (erio)(08 Shane +arned0 (tabbin" the air bet+een Michael and hi- +ith hi(
fork like it +a( a +ea!on.
Will rolled hi( eye( to the ceilin" and (hook hi( head. So-eti-e( he +i(hed they had
both taken -ore after their le(( !a((ionate -other.
Cha!ter #
Tho)"h celebratin" her birthday in the dreary March +eather had been de!re((in"0
=e((ica Daniel( didn2t -ind bein" forty/(even beca)(e (he +a( -o(tly ha!!y +ith her
life. She +a( clo(e to retirin" fro- her teachin" !o(ition0 and her da)"hter +ho drea-ed
of bein" an eccentric colle"e !rofe((or +a( finally abo)t to "rad)ate +ith a 4hD in
4hilo(o!hy fro- Ohio State.
While her da)"hter +a( ,)(t be"innin" her career at thirty0 =e((ica had (tarted
teachin" hi"h (chool art ri"ht o)t of colle"e at t+enty/t+o. o+ (he fo)nd her(elf
con(tantly lon"in" for a different life. She +anted to "et back to her o+n art5+hatever
for- it took no+5before (he "ot too old to +ant to do it.
In fact0 (he +anted to "et back to doin" a lot of thin"( (he hadn2t done in a +hile0
before (he for"ot +hat it +a( to +ant the- too. So +hen one of her favorite for-er art
(t)dent(0 Melanie Si-!(on5no+ Melanie Madi(on5had ()""e(ted (he co-e to the caf?
to (co!e o)t the biker ")y +ho +a( fa(t beco-in" a re")lar0 it hadn2t taken -)ch to talk
=e((ica into it.
Seein" hi- no+ in the fle(h0 =e((ica totally a"reed the baldin" biker +a( all tall/and/
fir-/body h)nky0 e3ce!t for the -a((ive ar-( and (ho)lder( on hi-. The -an looked to
be (i3 feet tall or better0 +hich +a( not (o inti-idatin" for =e((ica2( five/foot/ten hei"ht.
She !referred tall -en any+ay. B)t the -an looked bi" a( +ell0 +hich +a( a +elco-e
deviation fro- the lanky0 lean intellect)al -en (he )()ally dated. <o) didn2t co-e acro((
tall0 bi"0 and +ell/toned bodie( very often0 e(!ecially in -en over forty.
A( =e((ica li(tened to hi- chat +ith Melanie0 (he decided that the biker +a( very
artic)late0 !olite0 and +ell/(!oken. She al(o concl)ded there +a( a (ort of ra+ !o+er in
hi( a((ertive tone. The -an had the kind of a)thoritative voice that +a( ,)(t in(tinct)al to
obey0 )nle(( yo) had trained yo)r(elf other+i(e. Bein" a teacher of +ild and )nr)ly hi"h
(chool (t)dent(0 =e((ica had a lot of re(!ect for anyone +ho co)ld (!eak +ith a)thority
and co--and.
<e(0 the biker +a( definitely intri")in" to her0 (o =e((ica (tood and +alked to !erch
on the bar (tool be(ide hi-. She +a( very "lad they +ere the only t+o !atron( in the caf?
at the -o-ent. =e((ica fo)nd it ea(ier to flirt boldly +hen there +a( a (-aller a)dience.
6Hey0 bi" ")y0 I2ll !ay for yo)r coffee if yo) take -e for a ride08 =e((ica offered0
in(tantly dra+in" hi( f)ll attention to her.
Hi( "a9e traveled the len"th of her body before ret)rnin" to her face and hair. 6@ery
nice offer0 b)t no can do. <o) need a hel-et to ride and I don2t carry a (!are.8
=e((ica blinked and "rinned at hi( ref)(al0 b)t only la)"hed lo+ in her belly.
Will noticed hi( body ab(orbed the (o)nd of her la)"hter and vibrated !lea(antly. Her
reddi(h hair (treaked +ith (ilver blonde (trand( revealed her a"e a( (o-e+here over
forty0 b)t no -ore than hi( (hiny do-e revealed he +a( +ay over forty hi-(elf.
6Well0 I +a(n2t nece((arily talkin" abo)t yo)r bike08 =e((ica (aid on a la)"h0 likin"
the +ay hi( face act)ally fl)(hed at her inn)endo. The -an +a( certainly not acc)(to-ed
to flirtin" or !layin" "a-e(0 (he tho)"ht. It +a( a fact (he fo)nd enor-o)(ly a!!ealin"0
and (he a!!reciated the ed"e it "ave her.
6Well0 I don2t have any (afety of any (ort0 b)t co)ld fi3 that if yo) can +ait a bit
+hile I "o (ho!!in"08 he (aid on la)"h0 brin"in" hi( -ildly e-barra((ed "a9e back to her
face0 the a-)(e-ent in hi( ha9el eye( evident. 6Doe( yo)r offer have an e3!iration date;8
Well0 +ell0 =e((ica tho)"ht0 her (-ile broadenin" at hi( tea(in" tone. There +a( a f)n
")y in that "reat body (o-e+here0 and (he +a( i--ediately intere(ted in findin" hi-.
There +a( al(o a little (o-ethin" b)99in" bet+een the- ca)(in" aro)(al to flare. She
really loved that fir(t flarin" of "en)ine attraction. Even tho)"h (he dated a lot of -en0 it
had been a lon" ti-e (ince (he2d felt the real thin".
6Well0 I2d (ay -y an(+er de!end( on +hat yo) intend to "o (ho!!in" for08 =e((ica
(aid (+eetly0 leanin" an elbo+ on the ancient co)nter0 intentionally lettin" her (hirt front
"a!e to (ho+ both her brea(t( and the bl)e lace bra (he +ore.
I"norin" the cleava"e0 +hich Will fi")red (he kne+ da-n +ell he noticed0 he in(tead
(t)died her intri")in" face and the f)llne(( of her hair. Then he let hi( "a9e dro! to her
,ean/covered le"(. She had very lon" le"( enca(ed in +ell/+orn ,ean( that fit (n)"ly and
inti-ately to all of her.
6I +o)ld b)y a (!are bike hel-et0 of co)r(e08 Will (aid (ternly0 kee!in" hi( la)"hin"
"a9e foc)(ed in her la! a( he (!oke.
=e((ica la)"hed lo)dly and (:)ir-ed in her (eat. S)ddenly all of her +a( really
intere(ted in +hat that look of hi( +a( !ro-i(in". Okay0 the biker +a( "ood0 very "ood0
(he rel)ctantly ad-itted. He ,)(t (ee-ed o)t of !ractice0 and =e((ica co)ldn2t hel!
+antin" to kno+ +hy.
6M(. Daniel(0 don2t be tea(in" Mr.58 Melanie be"an.
65Willia-(08 Will inter,ected fir-ly0 interr)!tin" Melanie2( introd)ction to
introd)ce hi-(elf. 6I2- Everett Willia-(0 b)t yo) can ,)(t call -e Will.8
Melanie rai(ed her eyebro+(0 b)t did not correct the !roffered introd)ction. She did
"ive Willia- &ar(on5(till Mr. &ar(on0 her for-er -iddle (chool !rinci!al0 to her5a
:)e(tionin" look and "rin. He had ,)(t recently confided in her abo)t hi( arti(tic nom de
plume, and that he had )(ed it to (e!arate hi( art fro- the re(t of hi( life.
Today he evidently +anted to !lay the bad biker arti(t for M(. Daniel(. Ho+
intere(tin" +a( that0 Melanie -)(ed; Brent +a( "oin" to love thi( (tory0 and (he co)ldn2t
+ait for hi( ret)rn to-orro+ (o (he co)ld (hare it +ith hi-.
=e((ica !)t o)t a hand for Will to (hake. 6I2- =e((ica Daniel(. Sorry for tea(in" yo).
Melanie +a( -y art (t)dent a co)!le year( a"o. I like to (hock her +ith -y flirtin". It2(
the chea!e(t entertain-ent I can find.8
6M(. Daniel(0 I +a( yo)r (t)dent al-o(t ten year( a"o08 Melanie corrected +ith a
la)"h.
6Sh)(h08 =e((ica (aid0 la)"hin". 6I2- ()re it +a( ,)(t t+o. What do yo) do0 Will;8
She i"nored Melanie2( la)"h a( the "irl +i!ed the co)nter.
6I2- an arti(t5a (c)l!tor. I carve !eo!le o)t of (tone08 Will (aid ea(ily. 6What
-edi)- do yo) +ork in0 =e((ica;8 He decided he liked her na-e and the +ay it (o)nded
+hen he (aid it.
6&ife08 =e((ica an(+ered :)ickly0 +ell !racticed in "ivin" a (-oothly !oli(hed
ver(ion of her (tory. 6I teach hi"h (chool kid( to e3!re(( the-(elve( arti(tically. I haven2t
+holeheartedly !)r()ed -y o+n art in year(. Maybe yo) can (ho+ -e yo)r +ork
(o-eti-e.8
6Ho+ abo)t today;8 Will a(ked0 the offer co-in" fro- (o-e r)(ty !lace in(ide hi-.
B)t after i(()in" the invitation0 he (-iled at ho+ "ood it felt0 ho+ nat)ral. He really
+o)ld like to (ho+ her hi( art. 6The art center in Berea ha( t+o !iece( of -y +ork on
di(!lay0 if yo)2re intere(ted.8
6So)nd( like f)n08 =e((ica (aid0 thinkin" that (eein" hi( art did (o)nd like f)n for a
fir(t date. S!endin" ti-e +ith a -an +ho "en)inely aro)(ed her +ith ,)(t a look +a(
e:)ally a!!ealin".
Melanie +alked back to the- and (lid a (-all tablet and !en over the co)nter. 6I2-
a(()-in" yo)2ll need to e3chan"e !hone n)-ber( and addre((e(08 (he (aid to the- both0
la)"hin" at her blatant intere(t in their conver(ation.
=e((ica (-iled at Melanie0 !)lled the tablet to+ard her0 and be"an +ritin" do+n her
infor-ation.
Will (t)died her hand( a( (he +rote0 noticin" the clo(e tri--ed nail( and the total
lack of a -anic)re. Thi( +a( a +o-an +ho +orked +ith her hand(. He i-a"ined her
to)ch +o)ld be e3!lorative b)t ()re of it( ,o)rney over hi-. Her "ri! +o)ld )ndo)btedly
be (tron".
When hi( ,ean( "ot ti"hter the lon"er he +atched her +rite0 Will let o)t the la)"h he2d
been holdin" in (ince (he (at do+n. It +a( nice to kno+ Ellen hadn2t taken everything
fro- hi- in the divorce. Thank yo)0 =e((ica Daniel(0 for bein" intere(tin"0 he -)(ed0
(-ilin" at her.
6So-ethin" f)nny abo)t -y +ritin";8 =e((ica a(ked hi-0 noticin" hi( +ar-0 inti-ate
(-ile.
6o5(o-ethin" f)nny abo)t bein" !icked )! by a +o-an in a caf?08 Will corrected.
6Picked up? If that +a( the ca(e0 +e2d be neckin" in the !arkin" lot by no+. @i(itin"
the art( center +ith yo) i( not e3actly the (a-e thin" a( takin" yo) ho-e +ith -e for
+ild (e308 =e((ica (aid0 la)"hin". 6<o) haven2t dated in a +hile0 have yo);8
6o. I haven2t dated in a +hile08 Will a"reed0 likin" her la)"hin" face and her :)ick
(en(e of h)-or0 even if it +a( racier than he +a( )(ed to. 6And I a- definitely o)t of
!ractice +hen it co-e( to flirtin".8
Will (lid off the bar (tool and !)t a five on the co)nter ne3t to hi( coffee c)!. He took
the !a!er =e((ica tore off the tablet0 (-ilin" at the addre(( on it. She lived in the (a-e
nei"hborhood a( Michael0 (ort of the arti(t(2 co--)nity in &e3in"ton0 *ent)cky. She
-i"ht not be creatin" art0 b)t Will bet (he lived the life.
6<o) ()ddenly in a h)rry no+;8 =e((ica a(ked0 fi"htin" not to be di(a!!ointed that
the -an +a( (o an3io)( to leave. 6<o) haven2t even (aid +hat ti-e +e2re "oin".8
6Ho+ abo)t three;8 Will a(ked0 (-ilin" at the -ild irritation in her "a9e. It +a( nice
to think (he +anted to (!end -ore ti-e +ith hi-.
7rabbin" hi( ,acket0 he reached over and t)rned =e((ica2( bar (tool +ith one hand0
ca)(in" her to ri(e off the co)nter and b)-! into hi- a( he (te!!ed bet+een her le"(.
Score one for the old r)(ty ")y0 Will tho)"ht0 +hen her ()r!ri(ed "a9e -et hi(.
6I need to r)n to the bike (ho! to b)y a (!are hel-et. That2( "oin" to take a co)!le
ho)r( beca)(e "oin" there al+ay( doe(. Then I2ve "ot another (to! to -ake before I !ick
yo) )!08 Will (aid (oftly0 lookin" directly into her la)"hin" bl)e/"reen eye(.
He (lid both ar-( into the b)tter/(oft leather ,acket0 (tandin" a( clo(e a( the (tool
+o)ld let hi- a( he 9i!!ed it0 all the +hile kee!in" hi( eye( foc)(ed on her la!0 and
en,oyin" the (!read of her thi"h( on each (ide of the (tool. It "ave hi- idea( he hadn2t
tho)"ht abo)t in a hell of a lon" ti-e.
When Will finally lifted hi( "a9e back to =e((ica2( face0 her color +a( hi"h and her
eye( +ere f)ll of :)e(tion( abo)t hi( intention(. He (-iled0 hi( body ti"htenin" +ith the
thrillin" tho)"ht of an(+erin" even one or t+o of the-. He -i"ht be o)t of !ractice0 b)t
the la)"hin" =e((ica Daniel( +a( certainly in(!irin".
6I( three o2clock okay;8 Will a(ked0 kee!in" hi( tone ea(y and hi( (-ile a( innocent
a( he co)ld.
6My (ched)le i( !retty free thi( afternoon08 =e((ica told hi-0 )nconcerned +ith +hat
Will -i"ht think of her not havin" !lan(. 6The -o(t e3citin" thin" I2- doin" today i(
la)ndry.8
6Oh0 co-e on5I2- not that -)ch o)t of !ractice08 Will ,okin"ly told her +ith a
(nort0 finally (te!!in" a+ay fro- the (tool. 6I2- at lea(t a co)!le notche( -ore f)n than
+a(hin" clothe(.8
He la)"hed a( he +alked to the door and "rinned +hen he heard her (!)tter.
6Hey5+ho (aid I +a( doing yo);8 =e((ica challen"ed0 la)"hin" o!enly at hi- no+.
She2d bet fifty b)ck( Everett Willia-( +o)ld r)n like hell if (he -ade a real -ove on
hi-0 de(!ite the bar (tool thin". She hadn2t -i((ed the :)iver in hi( hand( a( he 9i!!ed )!
hi( ,acket.
6<o) (tarted thi(0 lady. <o) (till +ant to "o for a ride or not;8 Will a(ked back0 a
+icked "lint in hi( eye.
6<e(. I (till +ant to "o for a ride08 =e((ica (aid on a la)"h. 64ick -e )! at three. If I
don2t r)(h ri"ht do+n0 "ive -e a fe+ -in)te( to !)t -y la)ndry a+ay. I like to take -y
ti-e and do thin"( ri"ht.8
67ood to hear08 Will (aid0 "rinnin" a( he !)(hed the door o!en and headed o)t(ide.
=e((ica and Melanie (aid nothin" to each other a( they +atched Will !)ll the hel-et
over hi( head and (tra! it do+n. They didn2t (!eak )ntil he (tarted the bike and 9oo-ed
o)t of the !arkin" lot.
=e((ica h)--ed in her throat0 conte-!latin" the intere(t (he had (een in Everett
Willia-(2( "a9e. 6I2ve hone(tly never +anted to "o for a ride -ore in -y entire life08 (he
(aid (incerely +ith -ore than a little bit of ()r!ri(e.
She la)"hed +hen (he heard Melanie "i""le be(ide her.
=e((ica looked over and "rinned at the yo)n"er +o-an0 +ho(e face +a( no+ beet red.
6o+ ho+ did that (i-!le (tate-ent e-barra(( yo); <o)2re -arried. I2- not (ayin"
anythin" yo) don2t kno+ by no+. If that2( not the ca(e0 I2- "oin" to have a (erio)( talk
+ith yo)r h)(band.8
6o08 Melanie (aid0 la)"hin". 6I kno+ +hat yo) -ean0 b)t he2( at lea(t fifty and
yo)2re +hat5-id/fortie(; Do yo) all really feel all that (t)ff at yo)r a"e; I ad-it I had a
little -o-ent -y(elf +hen he t)rned the (tool and (te!!ed bet+een yo)r le"(. Brent i(
not "oin" to believe he did that. We2ve both kno+n hi- for year(.8
6<e(0 yo) (+eet innocent childA+e (till feel everythin". Bodie( "et older0 b)t they
re-ain f)lly f)nctional in -o(t ca(e(. o+ +hat2( hi( deal;8 =e((ica a(ked0 even a(
Melanie (hook her head no. 6Co-e on. I +ant to kno+ the biker2( real (tory.8
6Can2t tell yo)0 M(. Daniel(08 Melanie (aid.
6'or !ity2( (ake0 +ill yo) please call -e =e((ica;8 =e((ica in(i(ted0 -akin" Melanie
la)"h. 6I can2t ,oke abo)t (e3 +ith a t+enty/ei"ht/year/old +ho (till call( -e M(.
Daniel(.
6Okay0 fine0 b)t I (till can2t tell yo)0 essica08 Melanie (aid on a la)"h.
6Tell -e +hy he2( o)t of !ractice then5,)(t that -)ch at lea(t08 =e((ica !leaded.
Melanie con(idered. It +a( !robably a "ood thin" to reveal that -)ch. 6Will +a(
-arried forever. A year a"o0 hi( +ife divorced hi- and -arried a yo)n"er -an. He took
the divorce hard. I don2t think he2( even been datin".8
67reat08 =e((ica (aid -oro(ely0 6another rebo)nder. I hate bein" the fir(t +o-an for a
divorced ")y. Their ")ilt over their e3 never let( it +ork o)t +ith anyone ne+. They have
to "o thro)"h three or fo)r +o-en before they "et over it.8
Melanie (t)died =e((ica. She co)ld !ractically feel the +o-an2( di(a!!oint-ent.
6Maybe it +ill be different +ith Will. I kno+ the -an. If he ha(n2t dated0 there2( a
"ood rea(on. Mo(t divorced -en I kno+ date lot( of +o-en really fa(t. 7ee90 yo) kno+ I
never even tho)"ht of hi- a( a hot ")y0 and no+ I -ay never be able to (ee hi- a"ain
+itho)t thinkin" abo)t the (tool thin".8
6<eah0 +hat yo) +itne((ed +a( a !ri-e -ale !)ttin" on a (ho+ for ne+ fe-ale. And
yo)r in(tinct( are dead on5Will i( a (erio)(ly hot ")y08 =e((ica a"reed. 6What +a( hi( e3
thinkin"; I2d bet -y teacher2( retire-ent that -an kno+( +here all the b)tton( are and
,)(t ho+ hard to !)(h the-. A( lon" a( the -an +a( -arried0 he !robably learned to
-ake a +o-an2( body (in" the hallel),ah chor)( and hit the hi"h note(. If he doe(
anythin" intere(tin" at all for an encore0 I (+ear I -ay act)ally fall in love thi( ti-e.8
6Oh 7od0 (to!08 Melanie be""ed0 la)"hin". 6Brent +on2t be back )ntil to-orro+. It2(
"oin" to be bad eno)"h (lee!in" alone toni"ht a( it i(. If yo) "et l)cky0 +ill yo) co-e
back and tell -e abo)t it;8
6Sorry08 =e((ica (aid0 la)"hin". 6I2- an o)tra"eo)( flirt0 b)t very di(creet abo)t +hat
I do in the bedroo-. <o)2ll have to "et yo)r vicario)( thrill el(e+here toni"ht.8
6B)t yo) are !lannin" to do (o-ethin" intere(tin" +ith Will;8 Melanie a(ked
tea(in"ly. It +a( (till hard not to call hi- Mr. &ar(on0 b)t (he +a( not "oin" to blo+ hi(
cover.
6If that (econd (to! of hi( t)rn( o)t to be to b)y condo-(0 I a- ab(ol)tely !lannin" to
ride -ore than hi( bike today08 =e((ica (aid. 6That look in hi( eye +a( very !ro-i(in".8
Melanie2( body (hook +ith la)"hter0 b)t (he +a( afraid to a(k any -ore :)e(tion(0 no
-atter ho+ te-!ted (he +a(. She kne+ f)ll +ell =e((ica +o)ld tell her the tr)th and (he
+a( -i((in" her h)(band eno)"h a( it +a(.
6Well0 la)ndry call(08 =e((ica (aid0 "oin" back to the booth (he had left and "atherin"
)! her thin"(. 6e3t ti-e I co-e by0 +e2re "oin" to talk abo)t (o-e art for the o)t(ide of
thi( !lace. <o)r food i( "reat0 honey. We need to dra+ in (o-e c)(to-er(. One lonely
biker and a (!in(ter do not a clientele -ake.8
6!pinster? That (o doe( not de(cribe yo). Co-e back and tell -e abo)t +hat
ha!!en(. If it +ork( o)t0 +e2ll !)t o)t the +ord that +e2re a hook/)! !lace for -at)re
(in"le(08 Melanie ,oked. Then (he !ointed a fin"er at the +o-an (-ilin" at her. 6B)t thi(
i( the la(t ")y I fi3 yo) )! +ith. If yo) don2t kee! thi( one0 I2- takin" do+n -y -atch/
-akin" (hin"le.8
6I don2t think love +ork( like that08 =e((ica (aid0 leanin" over the co)nter. 6Co-e
here and let -e h)" yo).8
Melanie (tood on her toe( and acce!ted the h)" =e((ica offered. 6&ove i( "oin" to find
yo)0 M(. Daniel(. <o)2re too -)ch f)n not to have a ")y in yo)r life.8
6<o)2re the (+eete(t thin"5al+ay( +ere. I2- "lad Brent Madi(on III talked yo) into
-arryin" hi-. That boy +a( n)t( abo)t yo) (ince yo) +ere in that fre(h-an art cla((
to"ether. Oh 7od0 that really +a( -ore than ten year( a"o0 +a(n2t it;8
Melanie la)"hed and nodded. 6It +a( thirteen. I +a( bein" kind (ayin" ten.8
=e((ica (i"hed. 6Well0 I2- "oin" ho-e no+ to (oak -y old head. Ho+ did I "et to be
forty/(even; &ife "oe( by really fa(t.8 She headed to the door. 6Bye0 (+eetie08 =e((ica
(aid.
67ood l)ck on yo)r date08 Melanie (aid0 (incerely ho!in" t+o of the nice(t !eo!le (he
kne+ +o)ld find o)t they act)ally liked each other.
Cha!ter B
=e((ica +alked to the livin" roo- +indo+ of her (econd/(tory rental ho-e and (t)ck
her head o)t +hen (he heard a bike roar )! on the (treet and (to! o)t(ide. The -an
looked ,)(t a( "ood fro- )! here0 (he tho)"ht0 +atchin" Everett Willia-( !ark the black
-on(ter0 (te! off0 and )n9i! the ,acket to reveal hi( i-!re((ive che(t. When the hel-et
ca-e off0 (he la)"hed a little at the to! of hi( (hiny head reflectin" in the ()n. It +a( only
a re-inder of ho+ real he +a( and didn2t di- her enth)(ia(- for hi- a bit.
6Han" on08 (he yelled0 6I2ll be do+n in a -in)te.8
Will looked )! to (ee a -a(( of red hair (!illin" over the la)"hin" face (-ilin" do+n
on hi-. He ho!ed like hell they co)ld be friend( even if nothin" el(e. =e((ica Daniel(2
()nny di(!o(ition t)rned on a li"ht in(ide hi-0 ill)-inatin" !lace( that had been dark for
a very lon" ti-e. Her cheerf)l attit)de +a( a( a!!ealin" a( the +ay (he looked.
6Take yo)r ti-e0 "or"eo)(08 Will yelled )! at her0 -akin" her la)"h at hi( atte-!t at
char-. 6B)t don2t kee! -e +aitin" too lon".8
=e((ica la)"hed a"ain and di(a!!eared fro- the o!enin"0 leavin" Will to +onder +hat
he +a( "oin" to do +hile (he -ade hi- +ait. The tho)"ht had barely fo)nd it( +ay into
hi( con(cio)(ne(( +hen =e((ica bo)nded o)t of the ho)(e0 all b)t r)nnin" do+n the front
(ide+alk to hi-.
He didn2t kno+ yet ho+ old the +o-an +a( chronolo"ically0 b)t he !)t her -ental
a"e at (eventeen a( (he all b)t ran to hi-. She +a(n2t even !retendin" to be coy0 and her
e3cite-ent to (ee hi- +a( on her face. The clo(er =e((ica "ot to hi-0 the -ore Will +a(
re-inded of the attraction he2d felt for her in the caf?. S)ddenly0 a friend(/only o!tion
didn2t (ee- :)ite (o a!!ealin". Will ran a hand over hi( front ,ean( !ocket0 !attin" the
,)(t/in/ca(e !acka"e it contained0 "lad no+ he2d -ade that (econd (to!.
Then =e((ica +a( (tandin" directly in front of hi-0 and he +a( ()r!ri(ed a( he reali9ed
(he +a( al-o(t eye level +ith hi( (i3/foot/t+o hei"ht. Will let hi( "a9e travel do+n and
back )! once0 not -i((in" the a-)(e-ent in her "a9e on hi- a( he did it.
6<o)2re very tall for +o-an08 Will (aid0 tryin" to ,)(tify hi( thoro)"h (can of her
body by (tatin" the obvio)(.
6So; Are yo) one of tho(e bi" ")y( +ho +ant( a tiny +o-an to -ake hi-(elf feel
even bi""er;8 =e((ica a(ked0 cro((in" her ar-(. 6I can fake a lot of thin"( for the (ake of
a fir(t date0 b)t bein" (hort i(n2t one of the-. I +o)ld fail -i(erably. I love bein" tall.8
Will ran a nervo)( hand over hi( head and la)"hed (oftly. 6o0 I2- not one of tho(e
")y(08 he (aid0 leavin" it at that.
There +a( no rea(on to brin" )! hi( e3 or her hei"ht or anythin" abo)t any other
+o-an he had dated ancient a"e( a"o. >nfort)nately0 tho(e -e-orie( +ere the only
thin"( Will co)ld think abo)t rationally +ith =e((ica2( lon" body (o clo(e to hi(.
ot )(ed to datin"0 Will hadn2t had to -ake conver(ation +ith (tran"er(5or (tran"e
+o-en5very -)ch (ince hi( divorce. He co)ld feel =e((ica2( ener"y (!ikin" aro)nd
hi-0 ,o(tlin" hi( nerve endin"( back to life. It (cra-bled hi( brain0 alon" +ith (o-e other
!art( of hi- that had hi- beco-in" -ore ca)tio)( aro)nd her.
Si"hin" at hi( lack of co-!o()re0 Will fli!!ed o!en a (tora"e co-!art-ent on the
back of the bike and !)lled o)t a black hel-et +ith bri"ht bl)e and "reen (+irl(. He2d
bo)"ht the color( beca)(e they ,)(t (ee-ed like her0 tho)"h he +a( )n()re +hy he co)ld
think of only her +earin" it. He had -eant to !)rcha(e a (!are ,)(t in ca(e he "ot a(ked
for a ride in the f)t)re5by anyone. Which co)ld (till ha!!en0 he told hi-(elf0 lookin" at
the hel-et +ith (erio)( conte-!lation.
The red/haired eni"-a in front hi- +a( vibratin" +ith e3cite-ent abo)t +earin" it.
She char-ed hi- +ith nothin" -ore than her enth)(ia(-0 and Will (i"hed at hi(
tho)"ht(.
67ot a (t)rdy leather or heavy canva(( ,acket;8 Will a(ked. 6Boot( +o)ld be be(t0 b)t
"ood (neaker( +o)ld be okay.8
=e((ica +rinkled her face and h)--ed in concentration. 6I think (o. Be ri"ht back.8
Will +atched her da(h off at the (a-e cli! (he2d r)n o)t to hi-0 and it -ade hi-
la)"h. The la)"hter died +hen =e((ica ca-e back o)t of the ho)(e in le(( than t+o
-in)te( +earin" +ell/+orn dark bro+n co+boy boot( and a leather ,acket that -olded to
her i-!re((ive c)rve(. Her co-fort in her clothe( and her(elf had hi( -o)th +aterin" and
hi( hand( (hakin" to "et on her. He (i"hed +ith lon"in" +hen (he +a( (tandin" directly
in front of hi- a"ain.
=e((ica "rinned at Will2( (i"h and liked hi- even -ore for bein" the kind of -an
+ho(e !a((ion +a( vi(ible.
6I ride a lot of thin"(08 =e((ica tea(ed0 the line( at her eye( crinklin" )nder hi(
in(!ection. 6Thi( i( -y hor(e "ear.8
Will (te!!ed )! to her +ith the hel-et in hi( hand. She +a( even taller in her boot(
and +a( -eetin" hi( "a9e f)ll on. =e((ica Daniel( +a( literally the talle(t +o-an he co)ld
ever re-e-ber "oin" o)t +ith0 even co)ntin" colle"e0 +hich +a( a hell of a lon" ti-e
a"o. He !)lled the hel-et do+n on her head0 feelin" her hand( co-e )! to !)(h it back
and (eat it -ore co-fortably.
6Ho+2( it feel;8 he a(ked0 hi( hand( on the (tra!(.
She bro)"ht her hand( )! to Will2(0 br)(hin" her( :)ickly over the- to enco)ra"e
hi-0 tryin" to !retend not to be thrilled +hen he fro9e at her to)ch.
6'eel( "ood. Ad,)(t the (tra!(. I2- ready for -y ride08 (he (aid on a la)"h.
Will blinked a co)!le ti-e(0 then -oved hi( no+ (li"htly (hakin" hand( )nder her
chin to (ec)re the chin (tra!. She tilted her chin )! for "reater acce(( and hi( "a9e +ent
directly to her )n!ainted -o)th.
6=)(t do it08 =e((ica told hi-0 her (-ilin" "a9e ta)ntin" hi-.
6What;8 Will a(ked0 (till (lidin" (tra!( to ad,)(t each (ide of the hel-et.
6*i(( -e and "et it over +ith08 =e((ica told hi-. 6I2- a( c)rio)( a( yo) are abo)t it.8
6Ho+ do yo) kno+ I2- c)rio)(;8 Will de-anded0 tryin" to decide if he liked her
a""re((ivene(( or not.
She +a( a+f)lly for+ard0 al-o(t too hone(t. He hadn2t even decided if he +a( "oin"
to ki(( her yet0 even if he did +ant to.
6Maybe I2- not a( c)rio)( a( yo) think08 Will cha(ti(ed0 fro+nin" and tryin" to
convince hi-(elf her ()""e(tion +a( too -)ch too (oon. He dro!!ed hi( hand( fro- the
(tra!( and took one (te! back for breathin" roo-.
6"hicken08 =e((ica ta)nted0 la)"hin" a( Will all b)t (co+led at her.
6<o) flirt thi( hard +ith all the ")y( yo) date;8 Will a(ked0 (erio)(ly fro+nin" at her
a( he (li!!ed on hi( ,acket.
6Only the one( I really0 really +ant to ki(( in ret)rn08 =e((ica (aid0 cro((in" her ar-(
and levelly -eetin" hi( "a9e.
67ood to kno+08 Will told her0 narro+in" hi( "a9e at her and +onderin" ,)(t ho+
-any ")y( that had been0 not that he cared. He looked at =e((ica2( -o)th lon"in"ly one
la(t ti-e and !)lled hi( o+n hel-et over hi( head.
6We2re +a(tin" dayli"ht08 he (aid to her0 )(in" a !hra(e hi( dad had )(ed often in hi(
yo)th to h)rry hi- )!. He t)rned and (te!!ed over the bike. 6<o) co-in" or not;8
Di(a!!ointed he hadn2t taken her )! on her dare0 =e((ica al-o(t re!lied +ith a
(cathin" co--ent0 b)t in the end (he decided to !lay nice. She +anted the bike ride. It
had been t+enty year( and (he +a( "en)inely lookin" for+ard to it. So (he bit her ton")e
and dro!!ed the ()b,ect.
She +alked to the bike and (+)n" her(elf onto the (eat behind hi-. 6Do yo) +ant -e
to han" on to yo) or the bike;8 (he a(ked0 (lidin" her lon" le"( inti-ately be(ide hi( hi!(
and alon" hi( thi"h(0 !)ttin" her crotch !ractically a"ain(t hi( back. <o"a ke!t a +o-an
very fle3ible0 and a( a fairly lar"e +o-an0 =e((ica a!!reciated bein" loo(e in her hi!(.
With a little effort and the ri"ht -otivation0 (he co)ld have flattened her(elf a"ain(t hi(
back b)t fi")red (he had already +orried hi- eno)"h.
It +a( all Will co)ld do not to (coot back+ard into the heat of her. With =e((ica
+ra!!ed aro)nd hi-0 Will ()ddenly fo)nd hi-(elf fi"htin" to breath nor-ally. He (tarted
the bike before he an(+ered0 ho!in" the idle +o)ld cover the h)(kine(( of hi( voice.
Hi( level of intere(t in the +o-an +a( +ay too advanced for a fir(t date0 Will
tho)"ht. Hell0 it +a( +ay too advanced for hi- !eriod. He +a(n2t ()re yet +hat he even
felt abo)t datin"0 -)ch le(( +hat he felt abo)t =e((ica Daniel(0 her lon" le"(0 or the heat
at hi( back. It +a( a!!ealin"0 b)t da-n5he needed ti-e to think abo)t it.
6I haven2t had a !a((en"er on a bike +ith -e (ince -y (on( +ere in hi"h (chool. I
")e(( ,)(t !)t yo)r ar-( aro)nd -e and han" on08 Will (aid finally0 breathin" a (i"h
+hen (he ke!t her hand( above hi( belt line. If (he let the- dro!0 he +o)ld +reck the-
before they "ot off her (treet.
Doin" a( (he +a( told0 and feelin" the fir-ne(( of hi( che(t )nder her hand(0 =e((ica
tho)"ht the +o-en of thi( to+n needed to have their libido( checked for lettin" thi( -an
r)n aro)nd alone. It +a( all (he co)ld do to kee! her hand( off the re(t of hi-.
ot that Will (ee-ed to be havin" the (a-e !roble-0 +hich +a( a da-n (ha-e. If
(he2d been yo)n"er that di(a!!oint-ent -i"ht have r)ined her day0 b)t at her a"e it +a(
not the end of the +orld.
And a( -)ch a( (he hated to ad-it it0 (he2d been do+n thi( road +ith other -en
before. There co)ld be only one rea(on0 =e((ica concl)ded0 for Will not ki((in" her +hen
(he co)ld clearly (ee he +anted to. It +a( the (a-e rea(on he likely had for not datin" )!
to no+. Everett Willia-( +a( obvio)(ly (till in love +ith hi( e3/+ife.
Si"hin" heavily at the kno+led"e0 =e((ica h)""ed Will ti"hter. Her ()(!icion( +ere
de!re((in" and ()cked -o(t of the e3cite-ent a+ay fro- the ride. They +ere half+ay to
Berea before =e((ica co)ld finally :)iet her di(a!!oint-ent eno)"h to en,oy the air
+hi99in" !a(t her and the r)-ble )nder her rear.
Ho+ old had (he been +hen (he dated the la(t ")y +ith a -otorcycle; She had
!robably been t+enty/(o-ethin"5t+enty/(o-ethin" and (till ha!!ily naCve abo)t -en.
They had ridden the bike every+here and -ade love on it (everal ti-e(. She had fond0
fond -e-orie( of tho(e !revio)( bike ride(. Ridin" +ith Will no+0 year( later0 +a(
certainly no hard(hi! either0 even if a bike ride +a( all (he +a( "oin" to "et fro- hi-
today.
Sad0 b)t feelin" better abo)t her -otive(0 =e((ica decided to ,)(t foc)( on bein" a
"ood co-!anion to Will. When they cr)i(ed into the !arkin" lot of the art( center0 (he
cli-bed off fir(t +itho)t bein" a(ked0 kno+in" it +a( +hat (he needed to do. She co)ld
tell (he had ()r!ri(ed hi-. It bro)"ht a (-ile to her face.
Will didn2t co--ent on =e((ica2( action( a( he (et the kick(tand and cli-bed off
hi-(elf. It +a( obvio)( he +a(n2t her fir(t bike ride0 and he co)ldn2t hel! +onderin" +ho
(he2d ridden +ith before hi-.
67reat ride08 (he e3clai-ed0 re-ovin" her hel-et on her o+n. 6I like ho+ yo) drive0
Will. Bike i( (-ooth a( "la((0 too. It2( been t+enty year( (ince I2ve been on a bike. <o)r(
i( "reat.8
6<e(0 it i(08 Will re!lied0 ba(kin" in her !rai(e0 even a( he +ondered abo)t her chan"e
in attit)de.
7one +a( the (ed)cin" (iren +ho had cli-bed on hi( bike. It +a( like they had left
her behind in &e3in"ton. In(tead of feelin" relieved0 Will fo)nd he +a( (orely
di(a!!ointed. He looked at =e((ica2( (oftly (-ilin" -o)th0 +onderin" +hat +o)ld ha!!en
if he ki((ed her no+. She looked a+ay fro- hi-0 !retendin" not to notice hi( (t)dy0 b)t
Will kne+ (he +a( a+are of everythin" he did.
Da-n it0 he tho)"ht. The +o-an +a( )nder hi( (kin already. Ho+ and +hen had that
ha!!ened;
6So +here2( yo)r +ork;8 =e((ica a(ked0 takin" a fe+ (te!( and (tretchin" her le"(.
Will )nlocked the co-!art-ent( on each (ide of the bike. 6<o) can (tore yo)r "ear in
here if yo) +ant. Han" the hel-et off the handle bar.8
=e((ica did a( he a(ked and bent to check her hair in the bike -irror. 6Oh 7od08 (he
(aid0 r)nnin" fin"er( thro)"h her +ildly c)rlin" hair tryin" to ta-e the +or(t of the
hel-et hair !roble-(. 6I for"ot abo)t that little (ide effect.8 She la)"hed a( (he
(trai"htened. 67ot an ink !en;8
Will !)lled hi( leather ,acket back o)t of the (ide co-!art-ent and retrieved a !en
fro- the !ocket before handin" it to her. He co)ldn2t i-a"ine +hat ()rface the +o-an
intended to +rite on or +hat !iece of kno+led"e +a( (o critical (he had to +rite it do+n.
6Oh0 that2( the !erfect kind08 =e((ica (aid (+eetly0 takin" the (trai"ht (tick ink !en
fro- Will.
Will +atched0 -e(-eri9ed0 a( =e((ica t+i(ted and +o)nd her hair +ith her fin"er(0
finally )(in" the ink !en to (ec)re it in !lace at the back of her head. When (he +a(
fini(hed0 her hair +a( a( ta-e a( her conver(ation had been (ince (he2d cli-bed off the
bike. It bro)"ht yet another fro+n to Will2( face0 -akin" hi- +onder +hat kind of
reaction he +a( havin" to her.
The +o-an +a( bein" nothin" b)t !lea(ant0 yet he fo)nd her (+eetne(( irritatin" a(
hell for (o-e rea(on. The )r"e to ki(( her +a( (tron". Hi( re"ret for not doin" it earlier
+a( even (tron"er. Whether he +anted to or not0 Will (incerely -i((ed the a""re((ive
+o-an +ho had flirted (o hard +ith hi- before. He +anted that +o-an back.
6Okay0 I2- ready no+08 (he (aid bri"htly0 (-ilin" at Will +itho)t any heat0 +itho)t
revealin" anythin" -ore than !olite intere(t in hi( art. 6&et2( (ee yo)r +ork.8
6S)re. 'ine08 Will an(+ered0 +onderin" +hat el(e he +a( e3!ectin".
Whatever it +a(0 he +a(n2t "ettin" to the botto- of it in the !arkin" lot.
He led her to the (ide of the center and to a !aved "arden area filled +ith b)ddin"
tree(. They (to!!ed at a +hite alaba(ter !iece con(i(tin" of five lar"e interconnected
circle(0 each ro)nd rin" lookin" like it "re+ o)t of the la(t one.
6Thi( !iece i( ab(tract. I don2t do -any of the(e0 b)t no+ and a"ain the idea for one
co-e( and I )()ally ind)l"e it08 Will (aid :)ietly.
6Wo+0 thi( i( all one !iece08 =e((ica (aid reverently0 a-a9ed at the (-ooth !reci(ion
of it0 the intricate0 "racef)l de(i"n. 6Will0 thi( i( a-a9in".8
=e((ica ran her hand over the !iece alternatively lookin" bet+een hi- and hi( art. She
co)ldn2t hel! +onderin" ho+ Will vi()ali9ed a !iece like thi( a( he +a( +orkin" on it.
6<o) definitely have a "ift08 (he (aid0 -eanin" it -ore than (he had i-a"ined (he
+o)ld.
Will +atched her r)nnin" fin"erti!( over the !iece0 her e3!erience of it a( -)ch in
her to)ch a( it +a( in her "a9e travelin" over it. She )(ed her hand( for tactile
e3!loration0 a to)ch -eant to learn (ecret(0 b)t (till reverent and f)ll of ad-iration. She
+a( to)chin" hi( art e3actly ho+ he2d i-a"ined her to)chin" hi-.
Intere(ted !art( of hi( body (tarted to harden at the enticin" idea that it co)ld be ne3t.
There +a( (hock follo+ed clo(ely by a dee! acce!tance of hi( de(ire for her0 b)t he
didn2t have a cl)e ho+ to tell =e((ica +hat +a( "oin" on. With erotic tho)"ht( robbin"
hi- of the ability to (!eak0 Will (aid nothin" -)ch in re!ly to her co--ent( abo)t hi(
art0 ,)(t -otioned =e((ica dee!er into the area +hen (he +a( done +ith the fir(t !iece.
Set in a !aver circle0 the (even/foot -arble -an Will called DDavid %B2 +a( a little
too reali(tic to "reet -ode(t ")e(t( at the center0 b)t he certainly had an i-!act on tho(e
+illin" to vent)re dee!er.
a-in" hi( +ork after the (tat)e he con(idered the "reate(t of all body (c)l!tin"
+ork0 Will con(idered hi( atte-!t( to create art +ere only e-)lation. The n)-ber( +ere
(elf/e3!lanatory for the atte-!t. So ca)"ht )! +a( he in (eein" hi( earlier +ork a"ain
hi-(elf0 Will hadn2t reali9ed =e((ica +a( (till -ovin" for+ard )ntil (he had +alked
co-!letely !a(t hi-.
She a!!eared to be in (o-e (ort of trance0 Will decided0 a (-all (-ile t)""in" at hi(
-o)th. Hi( a-)(e-ent didn2t la(t lon". =e((ica +alked )! to DDavid %B20 reached o)t0 and
!)t her entire ri"ht !al- flat over the all/too/reali(tic !eni(0 coverin" the -a,ority of it
+ith her (i9able hand.
Will co)ldn2t (to! the (hiver that (hook hi- a( he +atched =e((ica2( hand travel do+n
and back )! (ki--in" and c)!!in" the -arble0 takin" it( -ea()re0 "a)"in" it(
!ro!ortion(. He +a( ()ddenly di99y +ith a (o)l/dee! lon"in" for her hand( on hi-0 and
ri"ht behind that (o-e )nna-ed fear ro(e )! that en")lfed +hat re-ained of hi( (anity.
He co)ldn2t -ake hi-(elf look a+ay fro- +hat =e((ica +a( doin" to the (tat)e a( (he
e3!lored it. At the (a-e ti-e0 he contin)ed to (hake in a!!rehen(ion of +hat (he +a(
concl)din".
6<o) carve thi( !art fir(t08 =e((ica (aid ro)"hly0 her throat con(tricted by her a+e of
the +ork. 6<o) (tart here and that2( +hy the !ro!ortion( are !erfect. Thi( i( the -o(t
!erfectly !ro!ortioned (tat)e I have ever (een.8
*ee!in" her ri"ht hand coverin" the -arble -ale or"an0 (he reached her left ar- )!
to it( head0 o)t to hi( (ho)lder0 acro(( to the (tat)e2( ar- and do+n to it( +ri(t. She
(+itched hand(0 and re!eated the -ea()re-ent( on the other (ide.
6I co)ld teach a -ath cla(( +ith the(e -ea()re-ent(. <o)2re incredibly !reci(e and
incredibly talented5I can2t believe. . .8
Her co--ent( +ere halted by Will (!innin" her aro)nd hard to face hi-.
6Sto!08 he co--anded. 6=)(t (to! to)chin". . .8 Hi( +ord( drifted off a( he "a9ed into
her a+e(tr)ck face.
=e((ica had one -o-ent to re"i(ter the fear and !hy(ical !ain on hi( face0 then Will
totally robbed her of breath +hen hi( -o)th -et her( in a hard0 deva(tatin" ki((. Hi(
-o)th on her( co)ld have been "lorio)(0 co)ld have been the (t)ff of drea-( in fact0 b)t
hi( an3iety !rovoked too fierce a re(!on(e in her. She fo)"ht to free her(elf fro- hi(
-o)th2( inva(ion of her(0 b)t co)ldn2t "et thro)"h the an"er to coa3 hi- to (often hi(
li!(.
=e((ica felt the evidence of hi( de(ire for her !)(hin" a"ain(t her le"(0 b)t +hat (ho)ld
have been thrillin" (i-!ly +a(n2t )nder the circ)-(tance(. In fact0 it +a(n2t even
!lea(ant. It +a( inti-idatin"0 and it h)rt her to think that Will likely -eant the e3!erience
to be a( (cary a( it +a(. He +a( !)r!o(ely (ilencin" her co--ent(0 and it +a( +orkin".
4a((ion5tr)e !a((ion5(ee-ed totally "one fro- her a( (he -ade her(elf cea(e
(tr)""lin". She let her(elf "rieve the lo(( and for a fe+ -o-ent( ,)(t ab(orbed all the
an"er Will !o)red into her thro)"h hi( -o)th. And +hen (he ackno+led"ed hi( an"er
f)lly0 her heart and (o)l5the !art of her that -attered5retreated a( far a( !o((ible fro-
hi-.
=e((ica once a"ain e3erted (o-e force to !)ll her -o)th fro- hi(0 b)t Will only
!re((ed harder0 held her ti"hter. Hi( ton")e contin)o)(ly (eekin" advanta"e and takin" it0
+hether (he +a( +illin" to "rant acce(( or not. She !)(hed the !anic a+ay a( (he2d
ta)"ht her(elf to do +ith a""re((ive -en. It had been a very lon" ti-e (ince (he had
allo+ed her(elf to be !o+erle(( in the ar-( of any -an.
Then it hit her ()ddenly0 the reali9ation0 the )nder(tandin" of +here the art ca-e fro-
in(ide Will. Hi( e-barra((-ent0 hi( !ain0 and hi( !)ni(h-ent of her for (eein" it0 +ere all
()ddenly clear to her.
=e((ica (tr)""led a"ain(t Will +ith -ore force a( (he rene+ed her effort( to !)ll
a+ay0 her ri(in" an"(t finally "ivin" her eno)"h (tren"th to fi"ht a"ain(t hi( hold on her.
She +a( (econd( fro- doin" (o-ethin" to !hy(ically h)rt hi- +hen Will finally let her
"o.
'ree of hi( de-andin" -o)th at la(t0 and -ore -ad and h)rt than (he2d been in a
co)!le decade(0 =e((ica co)ldn2t have (to!!ed the tr)th fro- !o)rin" o)t if her life had
de!ended on it. She +a( never0 never a"ain "oin" to let her e3!erience of life be (ilenced
or controlled by any -an0 e(!ecially not one (he -i"ht have liked )nder better
circ)-(tance(.
6Self/!ortrait in (tone08 =e((ica (aid (tiffly0 (+allo+in" ti"htly0 )!(et to have to !)(h
re-nant( of her rel)ctant aro)(al do+n0 dee! do+n in(ide her. 6The (tat)e i( yo)0 Will.
The !ro!ortion( are yo)r(. The !erfect (tat)e of David. The !erfect for-. It2( like I
already kno+ yo)r body fro- to)chin" yo)r +ork. I2- ri"ht0 aren2t I;8
Will ti"htened hi( hold on her )!!er ar-(0 "ri!!in" hard eno)"h to br)i(e her0 b)t he
co)ldn2t (ee- to hel! hi-(elf. =e((ica had (tri!!ed a+ay the arti(tic (ecret( of (everal
decade( fro- hi- in )nder ten -in)te(. He +a( ()ddenly very afraid of the other da-a"e
(he co)ld ca)(e. It +a( too late to (to! hi-(elf fro- hearin" her concl)(ion(0 too late to
+i(h (he hadn2t (een and )nder(tood.
6Ho+;8 he de-anded har(hly. 6Ho+ do yo) kno+ the(e thin"(; I2ve been doin" thi(
+ork for thirty/t+o year(. <o)2re the only !er(on +ho ever ,)(t sa#.8
6What doe( it -atter;8 =e((ica a(ked (adly. 6Why doe( it bother yo) (o -)ch;8
She (tood in hi( ar-( +ith hi( hand( "ri!!in" her !ainf)lly0 (tood there and reeled
fro- )nder(tandin". Int)itive kno+in" !o)red into her like (o-eone fillin" a b)cket )!
+ith +ater )ntil it overflo+ed. &ookin" into the arti(tic (o)l of thi( -an +a( like lookin"
into a -irror and (eein" her(elf. Already (he +a( dee!ly re"rettin" her in(i"ht(0 and
Will2( br)i(in" "ri! +a( -akin" her (orry for (!eakin" the tr)th o)t lo)d to a -an (o
)nready to hear it.
And intentional or not0 Will2( arti(tic !ride +a( co-!letely de(troyin" the
+onderf)lly (+eet attraction (i--erin" bet+een the-. Re"ardle(( of ho+ -)ch it
"rieved her0 there had been nothin" even re-otely affectionate in Will2( !)ni(hin" ki((0
even if it had (till +eakened her le"( and ce-ented her feet to the "ro)nd.
Even no+ the -an (till looked at her +ith loathin"0 and =e((ica co)ld feel Will2(
!anic all the +ay to her bone(. E-!athy for hi- a((ailed her0 b)t (he al(o c)r(ed hi- to
hell and back for -akin" her care. De(!ite the n)-ber of -en (he had dated and bedded0
(he +a( (tandin" by the -an2( art +ith her heart breakin" for hi- and for +hat they
co)ld have had if he had been ready for it5for her.
B)t (he +a(n2t (eventeen thi( ti-e0 tho)"h the attraction and the ca!acity to love
Everett Willia-( had co-e ,)(t a( hard and ,)(t a( fa(t a( it had +ith athan Daniel(.
Older and -)ch +i(er0 =e((ica co)ld and +o)ld r)n0 (he vo+ed. Thi( ti-e (he +o)ld not
have to have the !ain of lovin" and lo(in".
=e((ica !)lled t+enty/t+o year( of teachin" aro)nd her and ()--oned her be(t0 -o(t
a)thoritative voice. 67et yo)r f)ckin" hand( off -e or I2- "oin" to knee yo) in the
ball(.8
<ankin" her(elf forcef)lly fro- Will2( "ri! at la(t0 =e((ica (te!!ed a+ay fro- hi- in
relief. She "lared over her (ho)lder at the arti(tic !erfection he had created0 and then
"lared at Will a( +ell0 +ho (ee-ed to finally have the co--on (en(e to look a(ha-ed.
Then (he t)rned her back on Everett Willia-( and hi( +ork and (trode bri(kly a+ay fro-
both.
By the ti-e Will "ot to the !arkin" lot and the bike0 =e((ica +a( (tandin" ar-(
cro((ed0 "a9e on the !ave-ent0 her hel-et in her hand.
6<o) don2t have to +orry abo)t -e tellin" anyone yo)r arti(tic (ecret(08 =e((ica
infor-ed hi- :)ietly0 b)t fir-ly. 6I teach art0 Will. 7o +ith that e3!lanation abo)t ho+ I
kne+0 and +e2ll both be better off. I2- ready to "o ho-e no+.8
Even tho)"h the a!olo"y he o+ed her +a( on hi( ton")e0 Will didn2t (ay anythin" in
ret)rn0 ,)(t o!ened the co-!art-ent( on the bike to retrieve the re(t of their "ear. Still
feelin" e3!o(ed fro- her ob(ervation(0 he didn2t kno+ ho+ (incere hi( a!olo"y +o)ld be
any+ay5+hich +a( ,)(t a( +ell beca)(e =e((ica didn2t look ca!able of hearin" anythin"
he -i"ht have to (ay to her.
What in the devil had !o((e((ed hi- to ki(( her like that; He had ,)(t +anted to (to!
her fro- tellin" hi- -ore beca)(e he hadn2t been able to bear hearin" +hat (he (a+ in
hi( +ork. B)t the -o-ent hi( li!( to)ched her(0 the de(ire that had been b)ildin" for
ho)r( had r)led hi( action(. Will hadn2t even reali9ed ho+ far "one he had been )ntil (he
+renched her(elf fro- hi( ar-( and (+ore at hi-. Hi( in(tant re-or(e and (hock at hi(
action( had fro9en hi( ton")e.
=e((ica +a( ()ited )!0 9i!!ed0 and hel-et in !lace before Will had fini(hed hi( o+n.
He cli-bed on the bike and felt her (ettle in the (eat behind hi-. Thi( ti-e (he )(ed her
knee( to hold hi( hi!(0 kee!in" the re(t of her a( far a+ay fro- hi- a( !o((ible.
He i--ediately -i((ed the heat of her0 -i((ed the inti-acy of her lon" le"( be(ide
hi(. Her hand( aro)nd hi( -iddle +eren2t (hakin"0 +eren2t da-!0 +eren2t even -ovin".
It +a( like =e((ica had dra+n her entire !er(onality back in(ide her(elf to kee! it a+ay
fro- hi-0 Will tho)"ht re"retf)lly0 ,)(t a( (he had no+ !o(itioned her body a( far a+ay
fro- hi( a( (he co)ld on the (eat.
He (tarted the bike and reached a hand to !at her( a( a (i"nal they +ere "oin" to be
-ovin". She didn2t flinch a+ay fro- hi( to)ch0 b)t (he didn2t ackno+led"e it back either.
All re-nant( of the vibratin" ener"y of e3cite-ent (he2d had +hen he2d !icked her )!
+ere totally "one. In fact0 it +a( like there +a( no connection bet+een the- at all
any-ore0 Will tho)"ht0 fro+nin".
ot only (ho)ldn2t he have ki((ed her +hen he +a( (o )!(et0 he al(o (ho)ldn2t have
all b)t acc)(ed her of5#hat0 he a(ked hi-(elf; What had (he done; Tell hi- (o-e tr)th
he +a(n2t co-fortable hearin"; So +hat if all of hi( -ale (tat)e( +ere (elf/!ortrait(;
What did he have to be a(ha-ed of;
He (till co)ldn2t e3!lain hi( !anic0 co)ldn2t e3!lain the -a"nit)de of an3iety he2d felt
+hen =e((ica told hi- the tr)th abo)t hi( art. She had reached in(ide to !lace( he had
locked a+ay fro- everyone0 even hi( children. 'ir(t he had !anicked0 and then he had
overreacted. o+ he +a( a(ha-ed0 b)t didn2t kno+ ho+ to -ake thin"( ri"ht a"ain.
At her ho)(e0 =e((ica cli-bed off and re-oved the hel-et0 handin" it to hi- alon"
+ith the ink !en that had been in her hair. She leaned do+n and ki((ed hi( cheek li"htly0
barely a br)(h. The lack of any e-otion in it had hi( ")t ch)rnin".
6Thank( for the bike ride08 =e((ica (aid0 bree9ily. 6See yo) aro)nd0 Everett Willia-(.
It +a( intere(tin" to -eet yo). 7ood l)ck +ith yo)r +ork.8
With a +ave over her (ho)lder0 =e((ica +alked (lo+ly )! her (ide+alk )ntil (he
di(a!!eared behind a fir-ly clo(ed door.
Maybe he hadn2t dated in decade(0 b)t Will reco"ni9ed her action( a( a -a,or and
very final br)(h/off. He (cr)bbed a hand over the (till vi(ible !art of hi( face0 then t)rned
aro)nd and (to+ed her hel-et in the no+ e-!ty (tora"e co-!art-ent.
=e((ica2( hel-et, Will tho)"ht -i(erably0 (o-ethin" he2d bo)"ht for the (ole !)r!o(e
of takin" her for a ride. He +a(n2t "oin" to be lettin" anyone el(e )(e it anyti-e (oon0 no
-atter ho+ brave he2d been earlier.
T)ckin" the !en (he "ave hi- back into hi( ,acket0 Will (tared off do+n the (treet0
lettin" the reality of +hat had ha!!ened (ink in co-!letely. He kne+ eno)"h abo)t
+o-en to kno+ +hat ret)rnin" the !en -eant. =e((ica +a( done +ith hi-. She +anted no
re-inder( of their ti-e to"ether.
o+ he +i(hed like hell he2d ki((ed her earlier in the afternoon +hen (he had ta)nted
hi-. He +i(hed he2d ,)(t (te!!ed into her and h)n"rily ki((ed her tea(in" -o)th +hen
her li!( had fir(t called to hi-. She +o)ld have ta(ted like the e3cite-ent and ener"y of
+antin" the bike ride. She +o)ld have ki((ed hi- back0 la)"hed a"ain(t hi( -o)th0 and
-aybe even invited hi( ton")e to !lay +ith her(.
In(tead0 he2d forced hi( -o)th on her( +hen he +a( an"ry0 forced an inti-acy (he
obvio)(ly hadn2t +anted at that -o-ent. A( Will tho)"ht abo)t it no+0 he reali9ed
=e((ica had not for one -o-ent re(!onded +ith any heat to hi( ki(( in the "arden. ot
that +hat he2d done co)nted a( real ki((in" any+ay. He al-o(t +i(hed =e((ica had kneed
hi-. Maybe it +o)ld have balanced o)t (o-e of hi( no+ "ro+in" ")ilt.
The only thin" that hel!ed cal- hi- at all +a( re-e-berin" that Melanie kne+ her0
kne+ +ho =e((ica really +a( and all abo)t her life. Will decided he +o)ld ,)(t "ive
=e((ica Daniel( (o-e ti-e to (to! bein" (o )!(et at hi-0 and then he +o)ld find a +ay to
-ake thi( ri"ht +ith her.
Today +a( not "oin" to be the only interaction he had +ith =e((ica Daniel(.
He +a(n2t a bad ")y. He certainly co)ldn2t live +ith the idea (he -i"ht think he +a(
one.
Will (i"hed )nha!!ily0 !)t the bike in "ear0 and rolled a+ay fro- her c)rb.
Cha!ter E
The (tat)e in Michael2( +ork area no+ had a le" and the be"innin" of a hi!. Will had
fo)nd the -otivation to carve a"ain +hen the !anic over hi( botched Ddate2 had ()b(ided.
He had had a f)ll +eek to think abo)t thin"(0 a +eek +here he told hi-(elf to for"et
=e((ica Daniel(0 b)t fo)nd he co)ldn2t. The +o)nd (he had o!ened in hi- had -o(tly
clo(ed and healed. He had ho!ed every day the (a-e +a( tr)e for =e((ica beca)(e he
+anted another chance. He had to find a +ay to "et the +ar-th of her back into hi( life.
6o che-i(try0 h)h;8 Will (aid -oro(ely0 (i"hin" into hi( coffee a( he took a (i!. 6I
can2t believe =e((ica (aid +e had no che-i(try. She2( lyin"0 Melanie. There2( eno)"h
che-i(try bet+een =e((ica Daniel( and -e to blo+ )! a da-n (cience lab.8
Melanie +anted to la)"h at ho+ )!(et Will (ee-ed to be over the one and only rea(on
=e((ica had "iven her a( e3!lanation of +hy thin"( hadn2t +orked o)t on the date. She
had never heard Willia- &ar(on (+ear before0 never (een hi- )!(et for -ore than a fe+
-o-ent(. She2d love to kno+ +hat really ha!!ened bet+een =e((ica and hi- on their
Ddate.2 =e((ica had !retty -)ch ref)(ed to talk abo)t the detail( of it.
6That2( all (he told -e08 Melanie confir-ed +ith a (hr)".
6Do yo) think (he +a( (erio)(;8 Will a(ked.
Melanie (hr)""ed a"ain. 6=e((ica2( !retty hone(t. I can2t even tell yo) half the thin"(
(he (aid the day (he -et yo) here. I bl)(h thinkin" abo)t the-. B)t I ")e(( if (he didn2t
feel anythin" +hen yo) ")y( ki((ed5I -ean0 (he (aid (he didn2t feel -)ch0 Mr. &ar(on.
Wo-en are )()ally !retty hone(t +ith other +o-en abo)t thin"( like that.8
o che-i(try0 Will tho)"ht. Well that +a( ,)(t b)ll(hit. There +a( che-i(try.
7ranted0 he hadn2t )(ed any fine((e +ith her0 had definitely not (ho+n her hi( be(t
-ove(0 b)t there had been che-i(try5da-n it. 4l)( he co)ldn2t (to! thinkin" abo)t her.
6She2( lyin"0 Melanie08 Will (aid a"ain0 ab(ol)tely believin" it and !lannin" to !rove
it to =e((ica the ne3t ti-e he (a+ her. 6Don2t call -e Mr. &ar(on any-ore. Call -e Will0
and tell -e =e((ica Daniel(2 (tory. Why i(n2t (he -arried;8
Melanie (hr)""ed. 6I don2t kno+ if (he +ant( to "et -arried. =e((ica date( a lot08 (he
(aid caref)lly0 thinkin" Will didn2t need to kno+ (!ecific( of +hat that -eant. So-e -en
+o)ldn2t )nder(tand a +o-an like =e((ica +ho did +hat (he +anted.
6=e((ica told -e (he "ot -arried at (eventeen. Her h)(band +a( a (olider and "ot
killed before (he "ot to "o over(ea( to be +ith hi-. There +a( a ")y (he dated (erio)(ly
for a co)!le of year( in her early thirtie(0 b)t he ke!t +antin" her to c)t her hair and dre((
-ore5I don2t kno+5not like her(elf I ")e((. I (a+ hi- a fe+ ti-e(. He +a( very "ood/
lookin"0 b)t never (ee-ed :)ite ha!!y +ith +ho =e((ica really +a( a( a !er(on. They
broke )! the fir(t year Brent and I +ere in her cla((. After that0 =e((ica ha(n2t (tayed +ith
any one ")y very lon".8
6What kind of art doe( (he do;8 Will a(ked.
6That2( too !er(onal for -e to (hare +ith yo)08 Melanie (aid :)ietly0 her voice and
her tone fir- and )nco-!ro-i(in". 6If (he +ant( yo) to kno+0 (he2ll tell yo) her(elf.8
What kind of art co)ld the +o-an be !rotectin" that +a( -ore e-barra((in" than hi(
(tat)e(0 Will +ondered; =e((ica had !)t her hand( on hi( !eni( for cryin" o)t lo)d. Well
not hi(0 he a-ended0 b)t hi( (tat)e2(5+hich +a( !ractically the (a-e thin"5a( (he had
da-n +ell fi")red o)t the fir(t ti-e (he2d to)ched hi( +ork.
6Her art i( too !er(onal; What doe( that -ean; I( (he e-barra((ed by it;8 Will
de-anded.
Melanie looked at hi- +ith fir-ne(( in her "a9e. 6It (i-!ly -ean( her art i( too
!er(onal and that I2- not tellin" yo) no -atter +hat tone yo) )(e on -e. I o)t"re+ bein"
afraid of yo) +hen I (tarted (ervin" yo) coffee la(t year.8
Will r)bbed a hand over hi( face. 6Sorry. The +o-an (cra-bled -y brain. I (ho)ld
have ki((ed her +hen (he told -e to the fir(t ti-e. o+ I2- ha)nted by not doin" it
ri"ht.8
Melanie b)r(t o)t la)"hin". 6<o) did ki(( her. =e((ica told -e abo)t it. She (aid it
+a(n2t very "ood5(orry. I don2t -ean to kee! har!in" on the fact.8
6What +e did +a(n2t ki((in"08 Will (aid -oro(ely. 6That +a( !anic0 fear0 and a b)nch
of other thin"(. She (a+ -y art0 -ade (o-e co--ent(0 and then (o-ethin" er)!ted
bet+een )(. I need another chance +ith her0 Melanie.8
Melanie (i"hed dee!ly0 fetched the coffee !ot0 and refilled hi( c)!. 6Why;8
Will tho)"ht abo)t that for a -o-ent.
6I don2t kno+ for ()re08 he finally ad-itted. 6I can2t (to! thinkin" abo)t her0 and I
,)(t kno+ I need another chance. I can2t let +hat ha!!ened be all =e((ica Daniel(
re-e-ber( abo)t -e.8
Melanie (a+ "en)ine concern in hi( face and -entally cro((ed her fin"er( at her
deci(ion to hel! hi- a"ain.
6Do not -ake -e re"ret tellin" yo) thi(. =e((ica i( co-in" by S)nday to !)t )! (o-e
art o)t(ide. We2ll be clo(ed then0 b)t yo) -i"ht ,)(t +ant to (+in" by on yo)r bike and
(ee +hat ha!!en(. If yo) tell her I told yo) abo)t it0 I2- bannin" yo) fro- co-in" here.8
6I +on2t tell her0 and I2- do)blin" yo)r ti! today08 Will told her0 (-ilin". 6Thank(0
Melanie.8
Melanie looked at hi- hard. He didn2t (ee- (o inti-idatin" today0 didn2t (ee- like
anythin" -ore than a (ad older -an +ho2d -e((ed )! +ith a nice +o-an.
6<o) re-ind -e of -y father today0 and I2- feelin" (orry for yo). Want -e to "ive
yo) (o-e -ore advice; It -i"ht e-barra(( yo)08 Melanie +arned.
6S)re08 Will (aid. 6Can2t be any +or(e than +hat -y (on( (aid abo)t the (it)ation
+hen I told the-.8
6Do -ore of that (tool thin" yo) did the fir(t ti-e yo) -et her08 Melanie (aid
carryin" the coffee !ot back to the b)rner0 la)"hin" +hen Will covered hi( fl)(hin" face
+ith hi( hand. 6I kno+ it e-barra((e( yo)0 b)t =e((ica loved that. She love( to flirt. <o)
don2t kno+ her0 b)t (he ha( -ore life in her than any ten +o-en yo) +ill ever -eet. I
think (he need( ro-ance the +ay flo+er( need +ater or h)-an bein"( need air.8
Will nodded affir-atively and (i"hed a"ain a( he (i!!ed hi( coffee.
6Thank(0 Melanie08 he (aid0 ho!in" hi( (cre+/)! +ith =e((ica Daniel( +a( a(
redee-able a( he ho!ed.
***
When Will (+)n" the bike into the caf? !arkin" lot on S)nday0 he +a( "reeted by
=e((ica2( ,ean covered back(ide bent over a lar"e !ly+ood con(tr)ction !ro,ect on the
"ro)nd. So -e(-eri9ed +a( he by the (ite of her ,ean( (tretched over her hi!(0 he hit the
!arkin" (!ace chock abr)!tly and (talled the bike. He hadn2t done ()ch a d)-b thin" in
year(0 and it fl)(tered hi-.
Will (a+ =e((ica2( head co-e )! and her "a9e (+in" aro)nd to hi-0 b)t there +a( no
friendly (-ile or +ave0 no +elco-e e3cited ener"y rollin" off her to+ard hi-. He felt the
lo(( in hi( ")t. Then Will finally noticed the other !eo!le +ith her0 lot( of -en of vario)(
a"e(0 e3ce!t for one yo)n" +o-an he +o)ld ")e(( to be aro)nd Shane2( a"e.
Several of the yo)n"er -en +ere o!enly ad-irin" the bike. Other(0 like the older t+o
-en0 -oved clo(er to =e((ica. Will +atched her (hake her head in an(+er to a :)e(tion
fro- one of the-. Then (he t)rned her back and ret)rned to +hat (he +a( doin"0 +hich
(ee-ed to involve a lot of ener"etic !o)ndin" on nail(.
Will (to+ed hi( ,acket in the (tora"e co-!art-ent and h)n" hi( hel-et fro- the
handlebar(. 4)llin" hi-(elf )! to hi( f)ll hei"ht0 he +alked (lo+ly over to ,oin the "ro)!
+here =e((ica +a( bent over and +orkin". He (co+led at one -an acro(( the +ay0 +ho
+a( (neakin" look( at =e((ica2( bent for- +hen (he +a(n2t lookin". It +a( effective
eno)"h to (to! the -an2( leerin" and to -o-entarily ea(e the fro+n on Will2( face.
The yo)n" +o-an0 +ho had blatantly +atched the e3chan"e0 (-iled broadly at Will.
Clo(er no+0 he co)ld (ee the yo)n" +o-an +a( at lea(t in her late t+entie(0 and he
+o)ld bet (he -i((ed nothin"0 ,)d"in" by the kno+in" (-ile (he ke!t (endin" hi( +ay.
She re-inded hi- of Melanie0 only (a((ier. He al(o (a+ her hair +a( red0 like the other
(a((y +o-an in hi( life0 +ho +a( (till bent fro- her very all)rin" hi!( and co-!letely
i"norin" hi-.
If =e((ica Daniel( had been a -ind reader and had (een the i-a"e( in hi( head that her
rear in(!ired0 (he +o)ld have (trai"htened ri"ht )!0 Will tho)"ht darkly. He +a( not even
co-fortable hi-(elf +ith +here hi( tho)"ht( had "one0 b)t +ith the other ")y (tarin" at
her0 Will2( need to co-!ete for her r)led hi( co--on (en(e. He i-a"ined hi( fanta(ie(
+ere affectin" the ti"htne(( of hi( ,a+ a( +ell a( hi( ,ean(.
6Hello0 =e((ica. <o) look b)(y08 Will (aid0 ho!in" to (na" her attention and "et her to
(tand )! and look at hi-.
6Hello0 Will. O)t for a S)nday drive;8 (he a(ked !olitely0 not rai(in" her "a9e fro-
her +ork.
Will debated +hat to (ay. He hated lyin"0 b)t didn2t +ant to ad-it hi( intention( and
(care her either.
6ot really08 he finally (aid0 di(a!!ointed +hen (he didn2t !ry. 6I tho)"ht I2d (to!
+hen I (a+ yo). Melanie (aid (o-ethin" abo)t yo) doin" (o-e art for the caf?.8
6Okay0 it2( ready08 =e((ica (aid o)t lo)d0 i"norin" Will2( la(t co--ent and (tandin"
)! at la(t. She +ondered briefly ,)(t +hat Melanie had told hi-0 then re-inded her(elf
(he didn2t care.
6*yle; <o) and To- (tand it )!. &et2( take one -ore look before +e -o)nt it on the
b)ildin"08 (he (aid.
=e((ica (te!!ed back to let the boy( have !lenty of roo-.
Will +atched t+o tall yo)n" boy( r)n to do her biddin" and heave the lar"e art !iece
)! to a (tandin" !o(ition (o (he co)ld in(!ect it. He "rinned at the !ly+ood +o-an2(
face0 her !layf)l no(e (niffin" dai(e( and fifty other kind( of colorf)l flo+er( floatin" o)t
and )! the c)rved de(i"n. It +a( colorf)l0 eye/catchin"0 and "lit9y.
And it ()ited the caf? !erfectly.
6It +ill do08 =e((ica (aid0 !er)(in" it. 6We can fi3 the little thin"( once it2( )!.8
6Hey0 "or"eo)(08 a dee! voice (aid nearby0 6ready for yo)r -an!o+er yet;8
6<o)r ti-in" i( !erfect a( al+ay(08 =e((ica !)rred. 6Thank yo)0 Steve.8
Will "ritted hi( teeth a( the tall0 +ell/b)ilt -an (he called Steve0 +alked to one end of
the (i"n. The -an nodded at Will +ith hi( chin. 6Can yo) "et the other end;8
Sayin" nothin"0 Will ,)(t nodded and +ent to the other (ide and lifted. While he and
the -an held the art to the b)ildin"0 ten ha--er( de(cended on it. Will felt hi( teeth rattle
a( the boy( +ent after the nail( +ith the 9e(t of yo)n" -en (ho+in" off for each other.
Their f)ll/o)t enth)(ia(- -ade hi- (-ile beca)(e he2d al+ay( loved kid(0 and not ,)(t
hi( o+n. It2( +hy he2d "one into teachin" in the fir(t !lace0 tho)"h he2d ended )! a
!rinci!al for a -)ch lon"er ti-e than he had ta)"ht.
Will +a( (till (-ilin" +hen he felt =e((ica2( "a9e on hi-0 b)t +hen he ca)"ht her
(tarin"0 (he only looked a+ay. Ho+ever0 the yo)n"er +o-an by her (ide had taken her
eye( off Will only lon" eno)"h to look at =e((ica and back to hi-.
It +a( like (he +a( tryin" to fi")re o)t a !)99le. And that -ake( t+o of )(0 Will
decided0 (-ilin" "en)inely at both the boy( and the yo)n"er +o-an.
Steve let "o of the (i"n at la(t0 and Will (te!!ed a+ay a( +ell.
6I2- Steve &i!ton08 the -an (aid0 +alkin" to Will and (tickin" o)t a hand.
6Everett Willia-(. Call -e Will08 Will (aid0 takin" hi( hand and lookin" at =e((ica
a"ain0 not +illin" to tell her abo)t hi( other life )ntil he had (ettled the i(()e( of thi( one0
(ince thi( +a( the life he +a( tryin" to (hare +ith her.
6<o) a friend of =e((ica2(;8 Steve a(ked0 a kno+in" look in hi( eye(.
6Tryin" to be08 Will re!lied0 +atchin" =e((ica +alk a+ay and o)t of ear(hot after
hearin" hi( +ord(.
He +atched a( =e((ica +alked to a "ro)! of kid( !aintin" a "iant flo+er!ot and bent
fro- her hi!( a"ain to in(!ect their +ork. Will narro+ed hi( eye( on her very a!!ealin"
,ean/covered rear end and (i"hed lo)dly.
Steve la)"hed. 67ood l)ck +ith that. =e((ica i( a to)"h +o-an to "en)inely "et to
kno+. Ada- over there i( tryin" the (a-e thin".8
Will looked in the direction of a -an +ho had ri(en fro- hi( ta(k of a((e-blin" (o-e
(ort of -etal !ot han"er. He +alked over to =e((ica and (tood a( clo(e to her a( h)-anly
!o((ible +itho)t act)ally !)ttin" hi( ar-( aro)nd her.
The -an +a( at lea(t ten year( yo)n"er than he +a(0 Will ob(erved )nha!!ily. Hell0
the -an -i"ht even be clo(er to Michael2( a"e. Did =e((ica !refer yo)n"er -en0 he
+ondered;
6What doe( Ada- do;8 Will a(ked.
6He2( a -ath teacher08 Steve (aid0 en,oyin" the bi" -an2( obvio)( ,ealo)(y. Thi( +a(
not =e((ica2( )()al (ort. Will didn2t look like he2d be (o ea(ily -ana"ed by flirtatio)(
char-. 6Ada- ha( been datin" her for a +hile no+0 b)t I +o)ld (ay he2( "otten abo)t a(
far +ith her a( yo) have.8
6Really;8 Will (aid0 +onderin" +hy it hadn2t occ)rred to hi- =e((ica -i"ht have
already -et (o-eone ne+. 6Ho+ lon" have they been datin";8
Steve (hr)""ed. 6&et -e think. 4robably for (i3 -onth( no+5(o-ethin" like that. It
+a( after =e((ica and I broke )!. I think it +a( before Sa- the co)ncil-an0 and after
7eor"e the electrician. There +ere a co)!le other ")y( in there0 too0 b)t I for"et their
na-e(. =e((ica like( -en0 and (he date( a lot.8
Steve la)"hed o!enly at the (hock on Will2( face. 6I (ee yo) don2t kno+ =e((ica.8
6Why are yo) here if yo) broke )! +ith her;8 Will a(ked0 not f)lly believin" the
-an2( (tory. Tho)"h he +a( reconciled to hi( +ife2( ne+ relation(hi!0 he +a(n2t r)(hin"
over to the cabin on the lake to hel! Ellen and &)ke +ork on it any ti-e (oon. Steve
&i!ton had to be e3a""eratin".
Then Steve !ointed to the boy =e((ica +a( c)rrently !attin" on the (ho)lder.
6My (on adore( her0 and (he enco)ra"e( hi( art. And (he2( a "reat !er(on0 like +hat
(he2( doin" today for Melanie and Brent Madi(on. =e((ica and I are friend(0 Will. Once
yo) kno+ her0 yo) al+ay( care abo)t her. She2( ,)(t that kind of !er(on. I2- en"a"ed b)t
(till !lannin" to invite =e((ica to the +eddin". What +e had +a( "reat0 b)t i( no -ore.8
Will looked at Steve0 and then looked at the -ath teacher hoverin" over =e((ica2(
ar-. If the -an had looked at Will0 he2d have fo)nd hi- (co+lin" a"ain. If the -an !)t
hi( hand !o((e((ively on =e((ica Daniel(0 Will +a(n2t ()re +hat he +o)ld do. Breakin"
the -ath teacher2( fin"er( held a certain a!!eal0 b)t it +o)ld only be another (ho+ of the
(a-e a""re((ivene(( he2d di(!layed in Berea. A""re((ion +a( not "oin" to net hi- the
re()lt he +anted.
6So +hat kind of +ork do yo) do0 Will;8 Steve (aid0 tryin" to di(tract the "iant ")y
and (ave Ada-2( b)tt fro- violence. Whatever +a( bet+een Will and =e((ica0 it +a(
(o-ethin" Ada- needed to (teer clear of )ntil it had r)n it( co)r(e0 +hich kno+in"
=e((ica +o)ldn2t be lon". Thi( "iant -an +ith broodin" eye( didn2t look like the kind of
!er(on to +illin"ly (hare a +o-an +ith anyone.
6I2- an arti(t5a (tone (c)l!tor08 Will (aid.
Steve rai(ed hi( eyebro+(. 6An arti(t; Have yo) (een any of =e((ica2( +ork;8
6o08 Will (aid0 f)lly intendin" no+ to find o)t +hat it +a( a( (oon a( he co)ld.
6Where can I find (o-e; It -ay be a +hile before I "et a !er(onal invitation. I -e((ed )!
+ith =e((ica on o)r fir(t date.8
Steve la)"hed. 6I do)bt yo) "o any !lace +here yo) +o)ld ever (ee =e((ica2( art. It
doe(n2t really end )! in art (ho+( or -)(e)-(. It2( be(t yo) ,)(t let her (ho+ yo)
(o-eti-e. Her art i( very !er(onal. She doe(n2t (ho+ it to -any of her date(.8
6So I2ve heard08 Will (aid0 fro+nin". 6She (ho+ed it to yo);8
Steve (-iled0 narro+ed hi( "a9e. 6=e((ica and I +ere very clo(e. I +o)ld have
-arried her if I tho)"ht (he +o)ld have ever loved -e. I never fo)nd a !er-anent !lace
in her heart.8
Will +ondered ho+ -any other old lover( he +a( "oin" to have to +ade thro)"h0 and
a(ked hi-(elf if =e((ica Daniel( +a( really +orth it.
Then the yo)n" +o-an0 +ho +a( nearly a( tall a( =e((ica0 +hi(!ered (o-ethin" to
her after the -ath teacher (te!!ed a+ay. =e((ica2( !eal of la)"hter ran" o)t0 and every
-an0 re"ardle(( of a"e0 looked )! "rinnin" to (ee if he co)ld take credit for her
a-)(e-ent.
When =e((ica2( la)"hin" "a9e rel)ctantly -et Will2(0 he (a+ the enth)(ia(tic "irl in
the +o-an a"ain. He (a+ the +o-an he2d -e((ed )! +ith and the one he +anted. And
even tho)"h Will co)ld hear both hi( (on( la)"hin" at hi- no+0 it looked like he +a(n2t
"oin" to have to +orry abo)t datin" any-ore. He2d fo)nd the +o-an he ached for
already.
6<o) friend( +ith the -ath teacher;8 Will a(ked ro)"hly.
Steve2( la)"hter +a( lo+ and con(!iratorially -ale. 6ot really0 b)t he2( an okay ")y.
Why; I( it ti-e I "o di(tract hi- to kee! yo) fro- !o)ndin" on hi-;8
Will (-iled0 all +ickedne(( and deter-ination. He (hook hi( head fro- (ide to (ide.
6o0 I2ll take care of di(co)ra"in" hi-. I ,)(t +ondered if yo) cared. <o) (ee- like a
nice eno)"h ")y.8
6I a- a nice ")y. That2( +hy I2- "ivin" yo) all thi( free advice. =e((ica doe(n2t like
to be cha(ed08 Steve +arned hi-0 "rinnin". 6She like( to do the cha(in"0 and yo) have to
!retend to let her.8
6That2( "oin" to be a !roble- then beca)(e I2- not "ood at !retendin"08 Will (aid0
reachin" o)t a hand a"ain0 6b)t I a!!reciate the advice0 Steve.8
Steve la)"hed and (hook hi( head. 67ood l)ck0 Mr. Willia-(. <o)2re "oin" to need it
if yo)2re intere(ted in =e((ica Daniel(.8
Will "rinned and +alked off to ,oin the "ro)! +here =e((ica no+ (tood.
***
6Mo-0 +ho i( the hot biker ")y +ho kee!( "larin" at yo)r -ath teacher;8 Brooke
a(ked.
6He2( not hot08 =e((ica a(ked. 6He2( a( cold a( the (tone he carve(.8
6Cold; I don2t think (o08 Brooke (aid (-artly in a (in"(on" tone. 6And ,)(t ho+ do
yo) kno+;8
=e((ica looked at her da)"hter and rai(ed one eyebro+. 6I +ent for a ride +ith hi-.
Tr)(t -e5I kno+.8
6I can tell he -ake( yo) nervo)(08 Brooke co--ented0 (eein" the (li"ht :)iver in her
-other2( hand( a( (he +orked. She tried to re-e-ber if there had ever been any
relation(hi! that rocked her -other2( +orld0 b)t (he co)ldn2t recall one. Her "a9e
ret)rned to Will0 +ho +a( lookin" at her -other like a (tarvin" -an +ho hadn2t eaten in
-onth(.
6He look( older than the -ath teacher0 Mo-. Ho+ old i( he;8 Brooke a(ked0 c)rio)(
a( he contin)ed (lo+ly to+ard the-. He certainly had a nice body for an older ")y.
6Do+n0 da)"hter. He2( too old for yo)08 =e((ica re!lied0 -akin" Brooke la)"h.
6So if I -ade a !lay for hi-0 +hat +o)ld yo) do; 7lare at -e like he2( "larin" at the
other -en here; <o) t+o (lee!in" to"ether;8 Brooke ta)nted0 already kno+in" the
an(+er. She ,)(t +anted to tort)re her -other into talkin" abo)t it (o (he co)ld fi")re o)t
+hat +a( "oin" on.
67od no08 =e((ica (aid. 6Everett Willia-( i( (till h)n" )! on hi( e3/+ife. I2- not that
de(!erate.8
6Doe(n2t look like he2( intere(ted in anyone other than yo). And I already kno+
yo)2re not de(!erate08 Brooke tea(ed. 6If yo) +ere0 yo)2d be (lee!in" +ith the -ath
teacher. I -ean -ath5really0 Mo-; ever "o for a -an +ho think( everythin" in life i(
a for-)la. Their brain( don2t have roo- for the -ore intere(tin" (t)ff.8
The la)"hter b)r(t o)t of =e((ica. 6Say( the +o-an +orkin" her +ay thro)"h her fair
(hare of hand(o-e la+ (chool candidate( +ho :)ote ca(e( and ob,ection( every five
(econd(.8
Brooke !retended to (hiver. 6I can2t hel! it. They drive -e cra9y. I like to (ee ho+
lon" it take( for the- to (to! talkin" abo)t ca(e( in the -iddle of (e3. Bein" -y -other2(
da)"hter0 I2ve broken -y o+n record for di(traction (everal ti-e(.8
=e((ica la)"hed harder and (-iled -ore broadly. 6I2- !retty ()re even a thirty/year/
old da)"hter i( never ()!!o(ed to tell her -other that -)ch infor-ation.8
Brooke (hr)""ed. 6I think a thirty/year/old da)"hter can (ay !retty -)ch anythin" to
a -other +ho -ake( the -o(t bea)tif)l va"ina art in the +orld. <o)2re the +orld2( -o(t
hone(t +o-an.8
=e((ica (tood0 hand( on hi!(0 and conte-!lated Brooke2( (tate-ent.
6I (ee yo)2ve learned the art of ar")in" fro- yo)r lover(. I have no reb)ttal to that0
co)n(elor08 (he tea(ed. 6<o) fall in love +ith any of tho(e le"al bo9o( yet;8
6o08 Brooke (aid0 6b)t I haven2t been lookin" for love. I2- +aitin" )ntil I decide on
a colle"e to teach at ne3t year. Then I2ll (ettle do+n and -arry (o-e ten)red !rofe((or at
thirty/t+o0 have -y t+o bea)tif)l babie( ei"hteen -onth( a!art0 and +rite a be(t/(ellin"
novel. Once I2ve acco-!li(hed -y life2( +ork0 I +ill then en,oy -y old a"e +hen I t)rn
forty.8
=e((ica ,)(t looked at her da)"hter. 6Old a"e at forty0 h)h; I ho!e yo)2re tea(in". I
ho!e yo) kno+ forty i( not that old.8
Brooke la)"hed. 6<e(0 I2- tea(in". I love yo)0 Mo-.8 She looked a"ain at the -an
+ho +a( (till -ovin" (lo+ly and very deliberately to+ard her -other. 6So +hat doe( the
biker ")y do;8
6Ab(ol)tely nothin" for -e08 =e((ica (aid archly0 t)rnin" to (ee Will (te! )! really
clo(e to her. She backed )! a (te! and heard Brooke la)"h.
Brooke (t)ck o)t her hand to the -an. 6I2- Brooke Daniel(5=e((ica2( da)"hter.8
Will (norted0 "rinned0 and took the "irl2( hand. 6E3!lain( the red hair. <o)r -other
call( -e tro)ble0 b)t yo) can call -e Will.8
Will (-iled at her la)"h and =e((ica2( "lare.
6Thi( i( Everett Willia-(08 =e((ica (aid to her da)"hter0 her ha)"hty tone -akin"
Will2( eyebro+( rai(e0 b)t (he didn2t really care +hat he tho)"ht.
6Call -e Will08 he re!eated0 dro!!in" Brooke2( hand to look at =e((ica f)ll on. 6I2-
"lad to finally have a chance to a!olo"i9e for the other day0 =e((ica. I (ho)ld have
follo+ed yo)r advice +hen yo) told -e to do it the fir(t ti-e.8
6What advice;8 =e((ica a(ked.
6When I +a( ad,)(tin" yo)r bike hel-et before +e took o)r ride08 Will re-inded her.
6When yo) told -e to ,)(t ki(( yo) beca)(e +e +ere both c)rio)(0 I (ho)ld have. I2ve
re"retted not ki((in" yo) in that -o-ent ever (ince.8
6It +a( ,)(t cra9ine((. I +a( tea(in" yo)08 =e((ica (aid0 (hakin" her head.
6I2- (till c)rio)(08 Will (aid boldly0 hi( "a9e never leavin" =e((ica2(. 6Aren2t yo);8
6ot after +hat ha!!ened in Berea08 =e((ica denied lo)dly0 then fl)(hed +hen Brooke
covered her -o)th +ith her hand. 6I didn2t -ean that (o e-!hatically. I -ean it2(
obvio)( fro- +hat ha!!ened that +e2re not co-!atible. So no0 I don2t +ant yo) to ki((
-e any-ore.8
6<o)2re lyin"08 Will (aid "ently0 an ea(y (-ile on hi( face. 6I !anicked and "ot )!(et.
Then I "ot carried a+ay. I (ho)ldn2t have been (o ro)"h +ith yo). <o) have every ri"ht
to be -ad abo)t the +ay I treated yo)0 b)t for 7od2( (ake0 =e((ica0 yo)2re too hone(t a
+o-an to lie abo)t the che-i(try bet+een )(.8
6<o) have no idea +hat kind of +o-an I a-08 =e((ica (aid0 cro((in" her ar-(.
6o0 b)t I2- learnin". I kno+ yo)2re datin" other -en0 and I2- abo)t to (ho+ the
-ath teacher ho+ -)ch -ore co-!atible yo) are +ith -e than hi-08 Will threatened.
He took a tiny (te! clo(er to her0 reachin" o)t to c)! her elbo+ in hi( hand. 6Be(ide(0
yo)r da)"hter like( -e.8
6o0 (he doe(n2t08 =e((ica denied0 taken aback by hi( confident a((ertion.
6<e(0 (he doe(08 Brooke a"reed0 (-ilin". 6*i(( her0 Will. She2( dyin" for it. Tr)(t
-e.8
6Brooke Renee Daniel(08 =e((ica (aid (ternly0 (+in"in" her (tartled "a9e to her
da)"hter2( la)"hin" one.
6Well (ince I at lea(t have one +o-an2( !er-i((ion thi( ti-e08 Will (aid0 (te!!in"
f)lly into the no+ vibratin" =e((ica. 'or -e0 he a(()red hi-(elf0 feelin" the ener"y
e-anatin" fro- her. Thi( i( not for the -ath teacher or for Steve. Thi( i( -ine.
He -oved a( :)ickly0 b)t al(o a( "ently a( !o((ible0 !)llin" a !rote(tin" =e((ica2(
ar-( do+n0 and then !)t hi( -o)th li"htly0 b)t fir-ly over her( before (he had ti-e to
(te! a+ay fro- hi-.
>nable to (to! hi-(elf0 Will -oaned a"ain(t the +ar-th of her li!( and ran hi(
ton")e li"htly over her botto- one. He -ade no atte-!t to (neak hi( ton")e in(ide0 even
tho)"h he badly +anted to ta(te her. =e((ica -oaned a"ain(t hi( -o)th in re(!on(e0 and
o!ened her li!( beneath hi(. Hi( heart (tarted beatin" a"ain +hen he finally kne+ for
certain (he +anted the (oft0 e3!lorin" ki(( a( -)ch he did. He allo+ed hi-(elf a -o-ent
-ore then !)lled hi( li!( fro- her(.
Will co)ldn2t +ait no+ )ntil =e((ica let hi- do it ri"ht +itho)t an a)dience. He
co)ldn2t +ait to "et hi( hand( on the re(t of her.
B)t he had to +ait0 had to "ive the -ath teacher and her ti-e to ad,)(t to it. Maybe he
even (till needed the ti-e hi-(elf.
Will -oved hi( li!( to =e((ica2( forehead0 not carin" that hi( !rofo)nd relief +a(
obvio)( to everyone +atchin" the (ho+. He folded her into hi( ar-( for a friendly b)t
!o((e((ive h)"0 and then ,)(t a( :)ickly let her "o.
6Thank yo)08 Will (aid (oftly0 +here -o(tly only =e((ica and her da)"hter co)ld hear.
6I needed yo) to kno+ ho+ (!ecial I tho)"ht yo) +ere0 and to kno+ ho+ -)ch I +anted
to ki(( yo) de(!ite the fact yo) (care the hell o)t of -e. I ho!e I haven2t e-barra((ed yo)
too -)ch in front of yo)r (t)dent(. I2ll (ee yo) (oon0 =e((ica.8
He looked at Brooke and +inked0 likin" the +ay (he bit her li! to kee! fro- la)"hin".
Hi( boy( +o)ld love her (en(e of h)-or.
A( he +alked back to hi( bike0 Will (al)ted the -ath teacher0 +ho +a( o!enly "larin"
at hi- no+. He +aved to the boy( +ho +ere "ivin" hi- th)-b(/)! (i"n( and la)"hed at
Steve (hakin" hi( head a( he !)t on hi( ridin" "ear.
Will rolled a+ay on hi( bike +ith an idiot "rin !la(tered to hi( face beca)(e =e((ica
had ki((ed hi- back and -oaned.
That +a( eno)"h for today.
He +a( ()ddenly lookin" for+ard to to-orro+.
***
6<eah0 I can (ee the ")y doe(n2t do anythin" for yo)08 Brooke told her -other0 +ho
had yet to clo(e her -o)th or tear her "a9e fro- the -an rollin" a+ay on the bi""e(t
black bike Brook had ever (een.
=e((ica (i"hed and c)r(ed Everett Willia-( for ki((in" her (+eetly. 6He h)rt -e0
Brooke. I2- not lettin" hi- "et a chance to do it a"ain.8
6Are you being a chicken?8 Brooke (:)eaked the :)e(tion0 hone(tly (hocked at her
-other. 6That2( (o not like yo)0 Mo-.8
=e((ica (i"hed a"ain. 6o0 it2( not. I h)rt hi-0 too. I don2t +ant to do it a"ain0 Brooke.
Will and I are not "ood for each other. We (ee too dee!ly into each other2( (o)l(.8
Brooke nodded at the lon"in" in her -other2( face0 a lon"in" (he +ondered if Everett
Willia-( +a( "oin" to fill. She didn2t like the idea of her -other "ro+in" older alone.
She ab(ol)tely hated the fact that no -an ever -ade her -other (-ile for -ore than a
fe+ day(0 even =ack the =erk +ho had la(ted +ay too lon".
6Who are yo)5yo) bi" co+ard5and +hat did yo) do +ith -y -other; <o)2re
never "oin" to "et over the biker ")y )ntil yo) "et hi- o)t of yo)r (y(te-. <o)2re "oin"
to have to follo+ )! on yo)r attraction08 Brooke ordered :)ietly. 6The -ath teacher
doe(n2t even (tand a chance )ntil then.8
=e((ica nodded. 6Will2( (till in love +ith hi( e3/+ife. It2( only been a year. I2- the
fir(t +o-an he2( ha( "one o)t +ith in all that ti-e.8
Brooke re-e-bered the !rofo)nd relief on the -an2( face +hen he ki((ed her
-other2( forehead0 and kne+ her fear of the e3/+ife +a( ,)(t an e3c)(e her -other +a(
)(in". Everybody in hearin" di(tance had heard the- both -oan +hen Will ki((ed her0
tho)"h that little li! br)(h co)ld hardly be called a real ki(( to Brooke2( -ind.
Brooke (hook her head a( (he tho)"ht abo)t the obvio)( che-i(try bet+een her
-other and Will. What +a( it that +orried her -other abo)t the ")y; He (ee-ed like a
bi" teddy bear to her0 and (he liked the +ay he "lared at Ada- +hatever/hi(/na-e/+a(.
6Well0 okay. <o) at lea(t have to ad-it he2( hot08 Brooke (aid0 la)"hin" and hookin"
an ar- aro)nd her -other2( +ai(t.
=e((ica nodded. 6<e(0 okay. Will i( hot. And evidently he can ki(( a( "ood a( he
look(0 +hen he2( not !i((ed off abo)t (o-ethin"08 (he ad-itted0 +incin" a( (he looked
aro)nd to (ee if any of the kid( had heard her (+ear. 6Will -ake( -e cra9y0 and I for"et
+ho I a-.8
Brooke "i""led. 6Mo-0 yo) are "ettin" old if yo) don2t (ee that a( a !l)(. That2( the
be(t kind of ")y.8
6Maybe +hen yo)2re thirty08 =e((ica (aid0 h)""in" her da)"hter back. 6At -y a"e0
yo) ,)(t +ant con(i(tent talent in the bedroo- and to be left alone the re(t of the ti-e.8
Brooke (hook her head and la)"hed. 6Who are yo) tryin" to convince; Me or yo);
<o) can2t flirt +ith yo)r(elf0 Mo-08 Brooke (aid +i(ely. 6<o)2re not the kind of +o-an
+ho2( -eant to be alone. <o)2re too -)ch f)n. <o) need a -an in yo)r life.8
6Oh0 I a"ree +ith that08 =e((ica (aid0 "atherin" )! her !aint( and br)(he( to "o to)ch
)! the (i"n. 6I ,)(t don2t think Will i( the ri"ht -an.8
6Bein" a (c)l!tor0 he +o)ld !robably )nder(tand yo)r art08 Brooke (aid :)ietly.
=e((ica tho)"ht abo)t that for a -in)te and finally an(+ered her da)"hter a( ne)trally
a( (he co)ld. 6<e(. Will !robably +o)ld.8
B)t to )nder(tand0 he +o)ld fir(t have to find o)t. Will findin" o)t abo)t her art +a( a
!o((ibility that +orried =e((ica -)ch -ore than the +ay her body +a( (till h)--in"
fro- hi( ki((. A( lon" a( (he +a( (e3)ally intere(ted in the -an0 =e((ica ho!ed he never
(a+ anythin" (he had created.
Cha!ter F
When (he +alked into the caf?0 =e((ica looked at the f)ll table( and (-iled. It +a(
Sat)rday l)nch. The booth( and table( +ere filled0 the bar (tool( +ere b)(y0 and there +a(
no !lace for =e((ica to (it. She co)ldn2t have been ha!!ier.
6I ")e(( I need to co-e back later08 =e((ica (aid0 la)"hin"0 a( Melanie ro)nded the
bar +ith (everal !late( in her hand. 6Or are yo) r)nnin" a +ait li(t;8
6<o) co)ld !o! back into the kitchen and "ive Brent a hand. We2ll feed yo) for free08
Melanie offered0 face fl)(hed b)t ha!!y.
=e((ica (i"hed0 al+ay( a ()cker for the hard +orkin" "irl +ho re-inded her of her
o+n da)"hter. 6S)re0 b)t don2t tell anyone el(e I +ork for food.8
Melanie la)"hed and +alked off to deliver +hat (he carried.
In the kitchen0 a nicely b)ilt yo)n" -an +a( linin" )! chicken (alad on bed( of
lett)ce and -i3ed "reen(.
6o+ there2( a ta(k I can !robably do08 =e((ica (aid.
6Hey0 M(. Daniel(08 Brent (aid0 (-ilin". 6All that art bro)"ht the- in0 didn2t it; I
think +e2re act)ally "oin" to have to hire real hel! if thi( kee!( )!.8
6Are yo) (la--in" on -y kitchen (kill( ,)(t beca)(e I let yo)r +ife talk -e into
hel!in" for a free l)nch;8 =e((ica (aid0 archin" an eyebro+ at hi-.
6o0 -a2a-. They don2t "et any better than yo)0 b)t yo) need to be free to follo+
yo)r creative !)r()it(. It +o)ld be cri-inal to tie yo) to a ca(h re"i(ter08 Brent (aid0
(-ilin" at her. 6Melanie a(k yo) to hel!;8
=e((ica nodded0 +ent to the (ink0 and (cr)bbed hand( and ar-(. She "rabbed an a!ron
off a hook and tied it over her ,ean( and T/(hirt.
6&et -e fini(h tho(e chicken (alad(. I kno+ +hat "oe( on the-. That2( one of -y
favorite thin"( on the -en)08 (he told hi-.
=e((ica lifted a di(h of -i3ed (eed( and (!rinkled the- over the (alad(. Then (he !)t a
fe+ "ra!e( on the (ide( of the !late. When Melanie ca-e back0 (he looked at the chicken
(alad( and bea-ed at =e((ica.
6Want a ,ob here +hen yo) retire;8 Melanie a(ked.
6o thank(08 =e((ica la)"hed0 -akin" a -ock (h)dder of fear. 6I don2t even cook at
ho-e. Why +o)ld I +ant to cook here;8
Brent fini(hed off a t)rkey cl)b and (lid t+o !ickle (lice( onto the !late. He +inked at
hi( +ife.
Melanie looked at =e((ica0 her "a9e f)ll of nothin" b)t "ratit)de. 6Can yo) take the
cl)b (and+ich o)t to the ")y in the la(t booth; Brent can hel! -e deliver the re(t of
chicken (alad(.8
6S)re08 =e((ica (aid +ith a (hr)". She !icked )! the !late and headed o)t of the
kitchen.
A( (he +a( +alkin" do+n the caf? to the end booth0 =e((ica (a+ it( occ)!ant had hi(
head bent over an art book. He looked very (erio)( in hi( readin" "la((e( and al-o(t
acade-ic in hi( (t)dy. He al(o looked very (e3y +hen he rai(ed hi( "a9e and (-iled at
her in +elco-e.
Her -ind +ent in(tantly and i--ediately back to their (+eet ki((0 and in her head0
(he heard hi- once a"ain -oanin" a"ain(t her -o)th. She told her(elf to re-e-ber hi(
a""re((ion in the "arden0 b)t +ith hi- (-ilin" at her in +elco-e0 (he co)ldn2t brin"
Berea to -ind for -ore than a fe+ (econd(.
6Wo+. All I ordered +a( a (and+ich. I didn2t e3!ect a fiftie( ho)(e+ife to (ho+ )!
and deliver it. <o) do nice thin"( for that a!ron0 =e((ica08 Will told her.
=e((ica (lid the (and+ich acro(( the table in front of hi- and (lid into the booth acro((
fro- hi-. 6Tr)(t -e0 a fiftie( ho)(e+ife I a- not. I2- the lea(t do-e(tic +o-an yo)
have ever -et. I don2t even boil +ater on the (tove. I )(e an electric kettle to -ake tea.8
Will nodded to the other re(ta)rant !atron( +ho had overheard hi( flirtin". Then he
!icked )! half hi( (and+ich.
6B)(ine(( ha( certainly !icked )! in here08 he (aid0 bitin" into the (and+ich.
=e((ica nodded and (-iled a"ain.
6ice +ork dra+in" the- in08 Will (aid0 takin" another bite a( he contin)ed to hold
her "a9e.
=e((ica (hr)""ed. 6The food i( e3cellent. o+ that !eo!le kno+ abo)t it0 they2ll all be
back.8
Will nodded and took another bite. 6<e(0 the food i( e3cellent. The (ervice i( "reat. I
co-e back beca)(e I al(o like the kind of !eo!le +ho han" o)t here.8
=e((ica "rinned and looked at the table nearby +ith (i3 +o-en all in their (eventie(
and ei"htie(. They +ere all eatin" chicken (alad.
6<o) into !ickin" )! older +o-en; Thi( !lace i( cra+lin" +ith tho(e kind( of
babe(08 (he told hi-.
Will la)"hed0 a "en)ine belly la)"h. 6ot really0 b)t I "ot !icked )! here one day
-y(elf. I think the +o-an +a( a bit yo)n"er. I never "ot to find o)t her a"e. She +a(
incredibly hot. I +o)ldn2t -ind r)nnin" into her a"ain.8
=e((ica la)"hed and (lid o)t of the booth. 6I think I kno+ +ho yo)2re talkin" abo)t. If
I (ee her dro! by a"ain0 I2ll let yo) kno+. She !ick( )! -en in here all the ti-e.8
Will (hr)""ed and narro+ed hi( "a9e at her. 6Maybe I2- the ")y (he2( been lookin"
for (o hard.8
6Do)btf)l08 =e((ica (aid0 (-ilin". 6If (he doe(n2t (ho+ )! tho)"h0 I -i"ht co-e back
and ,oin yo) +hen -y (hift end(.8
Will "rinned and bit into a !ickle0 +atchin" her face a( he che+ed.
6S)re08 he (aid finally. 6I "ot nothin" better to do today than han" aro)nd and +ait
for yo).8
=e((ica "i""led and +alked back to the kitchen0 (-ackin" Melanie on the ar- and
-akin" Brent "rin.
6That +a( (o not fair of yo). He flirted +ith -e0 and no+ I have "o back o)t there
and (!end ti-e +ith hi-. Where2( -y l)nch; I2- takin" -y break early08 =e((ica
infor-ed the no+ la)"hin" +o-an.
Melanie handed her a !late of chicken (alad. 6Can yo) at lea(t refill drink( fir(t;8
=e((ica rolled her eye( a( Brent la)"hed.
6<o)2re a (lave driver. I don2t think I co)ld ever +ork for yo) f)ll ti-e08 =e((ica
"r)-bled0 b)t "rinned.
Melanie (hr)""ed0 ret)rnin" the "rin. 6Will drink( )n(+eetened tea +ith hi( l)nch.8
6&ike I care;8 =e((ica a(ked.
6He2( a c)(to-er0 =e((ica08 Melanie (aid on a la)"h. 6He need( hi( drink refilled too.8
=e((ica fro+ned0 reali9in" (he2d been ca)"ht overreactin". 6'ine. >n(+eetened tea.
7ot it.8
When (he left the kitchen0 Brent (hook hi( head at thi( +ife. 6I (till don2t believe the
(tool thin".8
6=)(t +ait )ntil yo) (ee the- to"ether08 Melanie (aid0 r)nnin" a hand over the very
nice0 very fir- -)(cle( in Brent2( )!!er ar-. 6There2( che-i(try there5,)(t like Mr.
&ar(on (aid.8
6Che-i(try0 h)h08 Brent (aid0 di!!in" hi( -o)th to hi( +ife2( for a :)ick ta(te of her
(+eetne((0 +hich +ent all the +ay to the bone. 6I bet they don2t have a( -)ch a( +e do.8
Melanie let her hand dro! and (+ee! acro(( hi( hi!0 over a very +ell/ro)nded rear.
Her h)(band +a( very +ell/for-ed for a -an0 and hi( body (till deli"hted her even after
(even year(. 6Maybe not0 b)t they have (o-ethin" "oin" on. <o) have to (ee it to believe
it.8
Brent t)rned and (+e!t hi( +ife into hi( ar-(0 !)llin" her hi!( to hi( and (ho+in" her
,)(t ho+ -)ch che-i(try +a( (till there bet+een the-.
6I2- (o "lad +e clo(e early on Sat)rday(08 Melanie (aid0 )(in" her hand( to !)ll hi(
hi!( to her( for a brief -o-ent of bli((. Then (he (lo+ly !)(hed off hi- and (i"hed.
Brent "rinned +ickedly and +ent back to fillin" the order(.
***
=e((ica took her !late to Will2( booth0 !)t it on the table0 and then left a"ain +itho)t
(!eakin". She co)ldn2t hel! noticin" that Will did nothin" b)t "rin.
She +alked aro)nd the caf? refillin" drink(0 talkin" to !eo!le (he kne+0 and then
finally bro)"ht a "la(( of tea to the booth +hen (he ret)rned to Will.
Di""in" into her chicken (alad0 (he didn2t talk -)ch )ntil it +a( half done.
6Re(earch;8 (he a(ked0 )(in" her chin to indicate the book o!en at hi( elbo+.
6St)dyin" a ne+ techni:)e08 Will (aid0 (+in"in" the book to +here (he co)ld (ee.
6Can2t really read +itho)t -y "la((e(08 =e((ica (aid. 6I2ll have to take yo)r +ord for
it.8
6It2( ba(ically ,)(t a ne+ +ay to )(e the (a-e tool(. It kee!( it fre(h for -e to (ee
+hat ne+ (c)l!tor( are doin"08 Will (aid0 t)rnin" the book back to+ard hi-.
6Where did yo) (t)dy;8 =e((ica a(ked0 "oin" back to her food.
6Co-!letely (elf/ta)"ht. I didn2t (t)dy art in colle"e. I (t)died (ocial (cience(08 Will
(aid ea(ily.
That had her dro!!in" her fork to the !late. 6<o)r talent i( all nat)ral; <o) never
took a le((on;8
6o0 b)t I had an art teacher in(!ect the fir(t carvin" I did08 Will (aid0 re-e-berin".
6It +a( -y (enior year in colle"e. I carved -y fir(t (tat)e0 +hich +a( the (i9e of a t+elve/
year/old boy0 and it took -e all (e-e(ter. I +a(n2t an art (t)dent b)t had talked the art
chair at >* into lettin" -e +ork on it at the ca-!)( art (t)dio. Then I let the- criti:)e it.
They +ere har(h b)t advi(ed -e to (ki! the le((on( and ,)(t !)r()e it on -y o+n. &atent
talent or (o-ethin"0 I think they (aid.8
6Ho+ old +ere yo);8 =e((ica a(ked. 6And I a"ree +ith >niver(ity of *ent)cky art
de!art-ent.8
6T+enty/one08 Will (aid. 6I2- fifty/three no+. Ho+ old are yo);8
6Old eno)"h not to have to ad-it -y a"e08 =e((ica an(+ered on a la)"h. 6Okay.
That2( not fair0 i( it; ot :)ite a( old a( yo) b)t in the (a-e ball !ark5ho+2( that;8
Will (-iled. 6Do yo) ever date -en yo)r a"e or older; Or are they all a( yo)n" a( the
-ath teacher;8
=e((ica narro+ed her "a9e. 6Ada- i( thirty/nine and a little too old to be con(idered a
boy/toy. I dated a -an +ho +a( (i3ty/ei"ht not too lon" a"o. He +a( very nice b)t (till
-o)rnin" hi( +ife +ho had ,)(t died. I date +hen I2- intere(ted in (o-eone.8
6Are yo) intere(ted in the -ath teacher;8 Will a(ked0 +antin" and needin" to hear
her (ay no.
6Ada- i( an intere(tin" -an08 =e((ica (aid0 hed"in".
6<e(0 I2- ()re he i(0 b)t are yo) (till datin" hi-;8 Will a(ked0 ho!in" to "et a direct
an(+er to at lea(t one of hi( :)e(tion(.
6Ho+ did +e -ove fro- talkin" abo)t yo)r art to di(c)((in" -y (ocial life;8 =e((ica
a(ked0 i"norin" Will2( :)e(tion.
6It needed to be di(c)((ed. I2- a fir- believer in -ono"a-y and I don2t (hare +ell08
Will told her0 takin" the final bite of hi( (and+ich.
=e((ica (hr)""ed. 6And thi( concern( -e ho+;8
6Are yo) intere(ted in -e; And don2t lie08 Will ordered0 hi( voice carryin" the (a-e
a)thority that had +orked +ith teacher( and (t)dent( for year(. 6I2d rather ,)(t hear the
tr)th than yo)r flirtatio)( redirect(.8
6All ri"ht0 here2( the tr)th. I think yo)2re al(o an intere(tin" -an0 b)t I2- not
intere(ted in datin" yo)08 =e((ica (aid0 choo(in" her +ord( caref)lly. B)t then (he had to
look a+ay beca)(e (ayin" it a( Will held her "a9e had been a lot harder than (he tho)"ht
it +o)ld be and had felt -ore +ron" than (he2d antici!ated.
Will (t)died her do+nca(t eye( and the +ay (he no+ co)ldn2t look at hi-. Why in the
hell +a( =e((ica lyin"0 he +ondered; Maybe (he +a( (till -ad at hi-0 he tho)"ht.
6Okay08 Will (aid finally0 lettin" hi( tone indicate he +a( (ad b)t re(i"ned. 6o
datin". I "et it. Ho+ abo)t a ride in(tead;8
Obvio)(ly ()r!ri(ed by hi( an(+er and the :)e(tion0 Will +a( ha!!y to (ee =e((ica2(
head (na! )!.
6<o)r bike +a( very nice0 b)t once +a( eno)"h. Thank(08 =e((ica (aid0 rai(in" her
"a9e to Will2(0 ho!in" he took the hint.
Will ,)(t "rinned at her0 +icked -ale intention in hi( "a9e. 6I +a(n2t talkin" abo)t -y
bike0 =e((ica08 he (aid0 hi( tone :)iet0 (erio)(0 and fir-. 6The bike hel-et +a(n2t all I
bo)"ht that fir(t day beca)(e of yo).8
When =e((ica tried to e(ca!e fro- the booth0 (he knocked her (till f)ll "la(( of iced
tea over on the table. She -ade an hone(t "rab to (to! it fro- ti!!in" co-!letely over0
b)t the "la(( and ice c)be( all rolled a+ay fro- her. &i:)id ca)"ht the ed"e( of hi( book0
b)t -o(tly (+e!t acro(( the ()rface to the other (ide dri!!in" onto Will and the (eat.
&a)"hin"0 Will (lid o)t of the booth before the tea co-!letely dro+ned hi( la!. There
+a( (o-e tea on the front of hi( ,ean(0 b)t he didn2t -ind beca)(e =e((ica2( face +a(
co-!letely red a( (he fearf)lly (tared at hi( crotch. Which +a( fine by hi-0 Will tho)"ht0
(ince everythin" "oin" on there +a( her fa)lt any+ay. It ,)(t -ade hi( +icked (-ile -ore
"en)ine.
6If yo) think that2( a ()b(tit)te for a cold (ho+er0 it2( "oin" to take a +hole lot -ore
than ,)(t one "la(( of iced tea to ne"ate the effect yo) have on -e08 Will infor-ed her.
He +a( thoro)"hly en,oyin" the fact that hi( +icked !rono)nce-ent bro)"ht on -ore
bl)(hin" fro- =e((ica and (everal "i""le( fro- the table of older ladie( han"in" on hi(
every +ord.
6I5it +a( an accident08 =e((ica (aid0 backin" a+ay fro- the table another (te!.
Will (te!!ed clo(er and era(ed the di(tance (he +a( obvio)(ly tryin" to !)t bet+een
the-. 6What are yo) (o afraid of findin" o)t0 =e((ica; <o) already kno+ -ore of -y
(ecret( than any other +o-an.8
6ot tr)e08 =e((ica denied. 6I2- not intere(ted in yo)r (ecret(0 any+ay.8
6That2( another lie08 Will (aid :)ietly0 hi( eye( darkenin". 6<o) +ant to kno+ +hat I
did to -y (on( +hen they lied to -e; I let the- ()ffer the con(e:)ence( of their action(.8
6I don2t kno+ +hat yo)2re talkin" abo)t08 =e((ica (aid0 all b)t yellin" in !anic at the
deter-ined look on Will2( face. She did not kno+ hi( (ecret(. She kne+ nothin" e3ce!t
ho+ an"ry he co)ld "et and that he co)ld ki(( nicely +hen he +anted.
6<e(5yo) do. <o) looked into -y creative (o)l and !)t yo)r hand ri"ht over the
core of it08 he (aid. 6<o)r very lar"e0 very nice hand ha( in(!ired -any fanta(ie( for -e
ever (ince.8
Will !icked )! =e((ica2( hand0 bro)"ht it to hi( -o)th and ki((ed her +ri(t0 then he
-oved )! her ar- to the crea(e of her elbo+. While there he ran hi( ton")e li"htly fro-
elbo+ to +ri(t0 and +hen =e((ica dre+ in a ()r!ri(ed breath0 Will backed her a"ain(t the
ed"e of the booth and ki((ed her the +ay he2d been dyin" to do.
He -oved hi( li!( (-oothly acro(( her( )ntil he felt the- o!en to hi-0 and then he
!l)n"ed a hard0 e3cited ton")e into her -o)th. Will felt her acce!tance of it and hi- in
every cell.
7one +a( her re(i(tance0 b)t to -ake ab(ol)tely ()re =e((ica )nder(tood ho+ it +a(0
Will "ro)nd hi( !elvi( a"ain(t her( for a -o-ent. Then he backed off before he "ot too
!hy(ical +ith her a"ain0 +hich +a( no+ a di(tinct !o((ibility.
If he hadn2t e-barra((ed her the other day0 Will concl)ded0 he for ()re had ,)(t no+
in a re(ta)rant f)ll of !eo!le0 and he (a+ (he had the !ink face to !rove it. He +a( a little
bit e-barra((ed hi-(elf0 b)t de(!eration for ki((in" =e((ica (en(ele(( covered a lot of hi(
di(co-fort. One of the ,oy( of bein" a -an0 Will -)(ed0 "rinnin" at her da9ed
e3!re((ion.
6Too bad yo)2re not intere(ted in -e0 =e((ica08 he (aid0 (te!!in" a+ay. 6I2- ()re
intere(ted in yo).8
He !)lled a t+enty and the condo- he2d been carryin" (ince he -et her fro- hi(
!ocket. He thre+ the t+enty on the table in one of the fe+ dry !lace( left0 and then
reached o)t and t)cked the condo- into =e((ica2( a!ron !ocket. 6Here2( yo)r ti!. Maybe
it +ill fit the -ath teacher0 tho)"h I do)bt it.8
Will +alked do+n the caf? +ith it( no+ (ilent !atron( and !a(t it( (hocked o+ner(.
6Melanie. Brent. 7reat food a( al+ay(. See yo) ne3t +eek.8
When the door +a( clo(ed behind Will0 Brent r)bbed hi( face in (hock.
6Well5damn08 he +hi(!ered0 la)"hin". He heard the -otorcycle roarin" a+ay and
la)"hed harder.
Melanie la)"hed at her h)(band2( (ide and looked do+n the caf? to (ee =e((ica
holdin" a little !acket in her fin"er(. Reco"ni9in" +hat it +a(0 (he had to cover her -o)th
not to b)r(t o)t la)"hin" hy(terically.
6Mr. &ar(on +a( ri"ht. There2( eno)"h che-i(try bet+een the- to blo+ )! a (cience
lab08 (he (aid ha!!ily. 6I better "o hel! M(. Daniel( before (he (tart( fli!!in" o)t over a
condo-.8
6Mr. &ar(on "ave M(. Daniel( a condo-; Why;8 Brent a(ked0 (hocked a"ain +hen
hi( +ife "ave hi- a don2t/be/(t)!id/look. 6o +ay. o freakin" +ay0 Melanie.8
Melanie ,)(t (-iled. 6I2- tellin" yo)5I2- "oin" to !)t o)t the +ord thi( !lace i( a
!ick/)! (!ot for -at)re (in"le(. We2ll have a +aitin" li(t of (enior citi9en( lined )! for
every -eal.8
6If that2( tr)e0 ho+ can yo) bear to look at hi-; Doe(n2t it cree! yo) o)t; I -ean5
"ee90 Mr. &ar(on2( like fifty at lea(t08 Brent (aid on a la)"h.
6Sto! bein" ()ch a ")y0 Brent. Ho+ever old the -an i(5he2( (till !lenty hot08
Melanie (aid ca)(tically. 6<o) (ho)ld ho!e yo)2re "oin" to be the (a-e +ay at hi( a"e.8
6Ri"ht. Hot at fifty. o+ there2( a "oal08 Brent (aid0 la)"hin" and headin" back to the
kitchen.
Melanie carried t+o to+el( to the booth +here Will and =e((ica had been (ittin" and
(tarted cleanin" )! the -e((. She !icked )! the art book and dried the ed"e( caref)lly.
67ee0 -o(t !eo!le ,)(t leave -oney for a ti!08 Melanie (aid0 barely "lancin" at +hat
=e((ica had in her hand. 6I ")e(( I need to have a talk +ith Will abo)t ina!!ro!riate
behavior in o)r e(tabli(h-ent.8
6Wo)ld it do any "ood;8 =e((ica a(ked -eanly0 (hovin" her hand and the condo-
into the !ocket of the a!ron. The !acket +a( (till +ar- fro- bein" in Will2( !ocket0 and
7od hel! her0 (he co)ldn2t (to! to)chin" it or thinkin" that Will +a( !robably ri"ht abo)t
it not fittin" Ada-. ot that (he co)ld confir- that tho)"h0 da-n the -an.
6<o)2re ri"ht. Will i( !retty ()re of hi-(elf08 Melanie (aid. 6He re-ind( -e of -y
dad. So-eti-e( he2( the cal-e(t -an in the +orld and yo) think nothin" i( "oin" on in
hi( head. Then ()ddenly0 yo)2re havin" to bail hi- o)t of ,ail.8
6<o) had to bail Will o)t of ,ail;8 =e((ica a(ked0 (tartled.
6o08 Melanie la)"hed0 6I had to bail o)t -y dad for bein" a !)blic n)i(ance. I can2t
even i-a"ine Will doin" anythin" ille"al.8
Then (he "lanced at =e((ica2( do)btf)l face. 6<o) have a (tran"e effect on Mr.5I
-ean0 Will. He2( )()ally (o nice.8
6<e(0 +ell that nice -an acc)(ed -e of lyin"08 =e((ica (aid0 h)rt in her tone.
6Really; Will al+ay( had a (i3th (en(e for +hen (o-eone +a( lyin". Well0 +ere
yo);8 Melanie a(ked0 all b)t la)"hin" no+ a( (he +atched =e((ica fli!!in" the !acket
over and over in(ide her !ocket.
6Of co)r(e I +a(08 =e((ica confe((ed. 6My (elf/!re(ervation kicked in. I2- (cared of
hi-.8
6Scared of hi- or of ho+ he -ake( yo) feel;8 Melanie a(ked0 kno+in" her face +a(
the !ict)re of conf)(ion. 6Will +o)ld never !hy(ically h)rt anyone. I can )nder(tand the
(econd one tho)"h. In fact0 that2( +hat he (aid abo)t yo) too. I can (ee it co)ld "o both
+ay(.8
6Will i( (cared of -e;8 =e((ica a(ked0 ()r!ri(ed at that. He ()re hadn2t acted (cared
today.
6Of ho+ yo) -ake hi- feel5+ell0 he +a( (cared !lenty after yo)r date08 Melanie
(aid0 "rinnin". 6Ba(ed on +hat he did to yo) today tho)"h0 I think Will -)(t have "otten
over it0 )nle(( yo) ticked hi- off by lyin". He hate( lyin". When he ki((ed yo) and
+alked off0 I tho)"ht the other +o-en in here +ere "oin" to cha(e o)t after hi-.8
6Hand -e hi( book (o I can take it back to hi-. Do yo) kno+ +here he live(;8
=e((ica a(ked0 takin" the book fro- Melanie and (tarin" hard at the "irl. 6It2( ti-e Mr.
Willia-( and I "ot a fe+ thin"( (trai"ht bet+een )(.8
6Will (old hi( ho)(e recently. I think he live( +ith hi( (on Michael no+. I don2t kno+
hi( addre((08 Melanie (aid +ith a (hr)".
6I2ll find hi-. Ho+ -any !eo!le na-ed Michael Willia-( can there be in thi( to+n;8
=e((ica a(ked (-artly.
6>h5not Willia-(. Hi( (on )(e( the na-e &ar(on. Michael &ar(on. He2( an arti(t
too08 Melanie (aid0 +onderin" if =e((ica +a( "oin" to fi")re it o)t or a(()-e it +a( a !en
na-e.
6Michael &ar(on; I act)ally kno+ hi- already08 =e((ica (aid0 tho)"htf)l. 6He live(
three (treet( over fro- -e. I -et hi- at an art (ho+ in Cincinnati la(t year. I even
tho)"ht abo)t a(kin" hi- o)t beca)(e he +a( intere(tin"0 b)t he had (o-e le""y blond on
hi( ar-.8
Melanie2( eye( "re+ +ide at that one. 6Clo(e call on that one. That +o)ld have been
a+k+ard.8
=e((ica (norted. 6If I +a( (erio)(ly intere(ted in Will0 I ")e(( it -i"ht have been.
'ro- +hat I re-e-ber0 Michael &ar(on had a !onytail0 very inten(e "ood look( and
created "iant -etal (c)l!t)re(. Hi( +ork +a( very (y-bolic.8
Melanie "athered )! the dirty di(he( fro- their l)nch0 (tackin" the- on her ar-(.
6<o) don2t have to take the book to Will. He )()ally dro!( by (everal ti-e( d)rin" the
+eek.8
=e((ica !)lled the condo- o)t of her !ocket and heard the table of older ladie( (tart
"i""lin" a"ain.
6Thi( i( +hat I need to talk to hi- abo)t. The book ,)(t "ive( -e a "ood e3c)(e to
track hi- do+n. I ref)(e to (!end -y +eek thinkin" abo)t the thin"( he in(in)ated. I
+ant thi( over and (ettled a( (oon a( !o((ible. The ne3t ti-e I (ee Everett Willia-(0 I
+ant to do nothin" -ore than ,)(t nod and "o on.8
Cha!ter G
Michael !)lled a (hirt over hi( head a( he +ent to an(+er the in(i(tent b)99in" at hi(
front door. Hi( (co+l faded +hen he noticed the very tall0 very attractive redhead
(tandin" on hi( front (te!.
6Mr. &ar(on08 =e((ica (aid0 (ayin" hi( na-e in(tead of hello.
6<e(0 and frankly I2ve never been ha!!ier to be -y(elf08 Michael (aid0 (-ilin" and
lettin" hi( "a9e take in her co-!letely.
=e((ica (norted at Will2( (on flirtin" +ith her. Thi( one +a( very !racticed at the
"a-e0 (he concl)ded. There +a( no -i(takin" +ho he +a( no+ that (he (a+ hi- )!
clo(e. Michael &ar(on +a( a (-aller re!lica of Will0 only +ith a head f)ll of hair.
6I2- =e((ica Daniel(. <o)2re a lot :)icker on the )!take than yo)r father. He ha( to
di" dee! for char-in" (ocial banter.8
Michael la)"hed0 and "e(t)red her in. 6I (ho)ld have kno+n yo) +ere already taken.
The "ood one( al+ay( are. Co-e in and tell -e -ore.8
When (he +alked by hi- and he "ot a look at the back of her0 Michael ,)(t (-iled
+ider. Way to "o Dad0 he tho)"ht envio)(ly. 'ine lookin" +o-an0 and tall5in fact0 (he
+a( !robably al-o(t a( tall a( hi( father.
6<o) look fa-iliar08 Michael (aid0 (-ilin" +ar-ly at her. 6Do I kno+ yo);8
6We -et at the art (ho+ in Cincinnati la(t year. <o) had a lovely blonde on yo)r ar-
-o(t of the ti-e. I al(o re-e-ber yo)r +ork +a( very intere(tin". A !er(on co)ldn2t
(tand near one of yo)r art !iece( and not feel +hat2( "oin" on. <o)r art i( very
!o+erf)l.8
6'or"et -y Dad and the blonde08 Michael (aid ea(ily0 -orally lifted by her !rai(e
-ore than the fifteen tho)(and dollar check he had ,)(t ca(hed for one of hi( !iece(.
6Want to "o o)t +ith -e;8
6Too late. <o) (ho)ld have d)-!ed the blonde and a(ked -e a year a"o. I2- here to
fi"ht +ith yo)r father0 +ho "ave -e thi(08 =e((ica (aid0 holdin" )! the condo- !acket in
t+o fin"er(. 6One horny -an in yo)r fa-ily i( all I can handle at a ti-e.8
Michael let loo(e a bark of la)"hter that (hook the hall+ay of hi( ho)(e.
6o (hit;8 he (aid !ro)dly. 6My brother Shane i( not "oin" to believe thi(. Dad -)(t
really like yo).8
=e((ica (norted. 6Hardly. If anythin"0 yo)r father and I (ee- de(tined to cra(h and
b)rn to"ether. He2( deter-ined to -ake -e hi( rebo)nd +o-an after hi( divorce. I2-
really not intere(ted in !layin" that role in hi( life. Where i( he0 (o I can "et thi( fi"ht
over +ith;8
Michael rai(ed hi( eyebro+( at her vehe-ent (tate-ent( b)t -otioned her to follo+
hi- do+n the hall.
At the !atio door leadin" o)t into the +ork area0 Michael (to!!ed and t)rned aro)nd
to face =e((ica Daniel( a"ain. He co)ld feel the ener"y e-anatin" off her0 feel her lookin"
ahead tryin" to "et a "li-!(e of hi( father. Michael -entally cro((ed hi( fin"er( that hi(
father "ot thi( ri"ht.
6<o) kno+0 for a year no+ -y father ha( been !a((in" )! le""y blonde( half hi( a"e
lookin" for yo)08 Michael told her0 "rinnin" at her con(ternation. He !ointed to the
condo- in her hand in ca(e =e((ica Daniel( tried to !retend (he didn2t )nder(tand +hat he
+a( e3!lainin". 6I ,)(t tho)"ht yo) (ho)ld kno+ that before yo) !a(( )! the chance to
)(e +hat Dad "ave yo). 'rankly0 M(. Daniel(0 -y father i( the be(t -an yo)2re ever
"oin" to co-e acro(( in yo)r life.8
6Children often ideali9e their !arent(0 Mr. &ar(on. Maybe there are )n!lea(ant thin"(
abo)t yo)r father2( !er(onality that have el)ded yo) )! to no+08 =e((ica told hi-0
irritated -ore +hen Michael &ar(on only (-iled at her a( if he kne+ (o-ethin" (he did
not.
6I didn2t (ay he +a( !erfect. I (aid he +a( a "ood -an. Be caref)l o)t there. Dad2(
!robably covered in -arble d)(t08 Michael told her0 (lidin" the door o!en for her0 6and he
!robably ha( hi( -)(ic cranked )! too lo)d to hear yo) co-in". =)(t (tand +here he can
(ee yo). He2ll event)ally leave the 9one and notice.8
=e((ica nodded. She (te!!ed for+ard0 (to!!ed0 and then (i"hed a( (he t)rned back.
6<o)2re a "ood (on0 Mr. &ar(on.8
6Michael5!lea(e. If Dad bo)"ht condo-( to )(e +ith yo)0 +e2re !ractically fa-ily08
Michael tea(ed0 la)"hin" at her fro+n.
6I hardly think that2( the ca(e08 =e((ica (aid (arca(tically0 +alkin" o)t into the +ork
area.
What co)ld have been a bea)tif)l arbor +a( covered +ith a -etal roof (hieldin" a
lon" e3!an(e of co)rtyard fro- the +eather. There +a( an ei"ht/foot !rivacy fence
()rro)ndin" the +hole yard0 +hich +a( nothin" b)t +ork area. ear the ho)(e +ere !ile(
of -etal0 (everal toolbo3e(0 and a do9en or -ore +eld (!ool(. The(e +ere obvio)(ly the
tool( of the -etal +orker.
A( (he +alked farther do+n the area0 (he heard the di(tinct chink0 chink of a ha--er
and chi(el chi!!in" a+ay at (o-e (tone. Then (he (a+ hi-. Behind (afety "la((e(0 hi(
a-ber "a9e +a( foc)(ed intently on +hat he doin". A -an2( fi")re +a( bein" f)rther
revealed +ith every (troke of the ha--er0 (he (a+.
And ,)(t a( Michael &ar(on had +arned0 there +a( a (et of +hite head!hone( r)nnin"
fro- Will2( ear( to hi( front ,ean( !ocket0 the (a-e !ocket he had !)lled the condo-
fro- earlier. =e((ica co)ldn2t (to! her(elf fro- +onderin" if everythin" in Will2( !ocket
+a( ,)(t a( +ar- a( the condo- !acket had been.
Shakin" her head to clear the erotic di(traction0 =e((ica (trode for+ard and !laced
her(elf in hi( vie+. Will (to!!ed ha--erin" i--ediately. Walkin" to a nearby table0 he
laid the tool( fro- hi( hand( ne3t to other( on it. He -otioned her for+ard0 !)llin" the
head!hone( fro- hi( ear( and the !layer fro- hi( !ocket.
With little other choice0 =e((ica had to -ove for+ard. Then her "a9e +ent
i--ediately to the ne+ (tat)e. Her breath ca)"ht. The !art of the tor(o that +a( fini(hed
+a( even -ore !erfect than the one he had taken her to (ee.
6What n)-ber i( thi( one;8 (he a(ked0 for"ettin" for a -o-ent +hy (he had co-e.
6Seventeen08 Will (aid0 !ickin" )! a (-all0 fl)ffy br)(h and r)nnin" it over hi( body
to (+ee! the +or(t of the d)(t a+ay.
6<o)2ve i-!roved (ince the one I (a+08 (he (aid (oftly. 6<o) really are e3ce!tional.8
Will +alked over to her. 6<o) can to)ch it if yo) like0 b)t be caref)l of the ed"e(. It2(
not (-oothed o)t yet.8
6o08 =e((ica (aid0 clearin" her throat. 6That2( all ri"ht.8 She took a (te! back fro-
hi-. 6I bro)"ht back yo)r book.8
6Thank(08 Will (aid. 6I co-!letely for"ot abo)t it. I co)ld have !icked it )! later in
the +eek.8
He took the book and to((ed it on the tool( table. It +a(n2t the real rea(on (he2d co-e
by0 and they both kne+ it. Tho)"h he had to "ive her credit for co-in" by (o (oon.
Will (t)died her nervo)(ne(( and fo)"ht a "rin.
6I( the book the only rea(on yo)2re here;8 he a(ked bl)ntly0 hi( kno+in" "a9e darin"
her to lie a"ain.
6o08 =e((ica (aid0 !)llin" the condo- fro- her !ocket and holdin" it o)t to Will0
+ho ,)(t (-iled at it. 6Thi( i( yo)r(. I don2t +ant it.8
6Act)ally0 it2( yo)r(. I2- not !lannin" to )(e it )nle(( it2( +ith yo)08 Will infor-ed
her.
6Sto! (ayin" that08 =e((ica ordered lo)dly0 her voice ri(in" +ith her an3iety. 6We are
not datin". We are not doin" anythin" el(e. I don2t +ant yo) to be intere(ted in -e that
+ay.8
6Who are yo) tryin" to convince; <o) !icked -e )!0 re-e-ber; Be(ide(0 the tr)th
+a( in yo)r ki((08 Will (aid (ternly0 reachin" o)t a !al-. 67ive that to -e before yo) ri!
the !acka"e.8
Relieved he +a( actin" (en(ibly re"ardle(( of hi( +ord(0 =e((ica !)t the condo-
!acket into Will2( hand only to be ()r!ri(ed +hen he reached o)t hi( other hand and
!)lled her for+ard by the !ocket of her ,ean(. He (li!!ed the condo- into one of her
front !ocket(0 and then !)lled her hi!( a"ain(t hi( fir-ly.
6I2ve been +aitin" for yo)0 =e((ica Daniel(. Don2t kee! -e +aitin" too -)ch lon"er.
B)t in the -eanti-e0 I really0 really +ant yo) to ki(( -e +ith (o-e real !a((ion08 Will
+hi(!ered a"ain(t her -o)th. 6I +ant it a( badly a( yo) +anted -e to ki(( yo) the fir(t
day +e -et.8
6Will08 (he (aid hi( na-e (tarkly0 (hakin" her head fro- (ide to (ide. He +a( (o
(t)bborn. =e((ica hated hi( !er(i(tence0 b)t (he al(o co)ldn2t re-e-ber the la(t ti-e (he2d
craved a -an2( ki(( a( -)ch a( (he did Will2(.
6S(((h5ki(( -e. &et -e ki(( yo). We o+e it to o)r(elve( to e3!lore thi( attraction
bet+een )(08 Will +hi(!ered. 6I2- (orry I -e((ed it )! the fir(t ti-e.8
6o0 really I don2t +ant thi(08 =e((ica !rote(ted0 b)t Will2( hand( (trokin" her hi!(
and lo+er back +ere (tartin" to chan"e her -ind.
6<o) told -e the tr)th abo)t -y art0 (o I2- "oin" to tell yo) the tr)th abo)t )(08 Will
(aid (oftly0 hi( li!( on her cheek. 6We are "oin" to be (o da-n "ood to"ether that yo)2re
"oin" to for"et all the other -en yo)2ve kno+n.8
=e((ica (norted de(!ite her fear that Will +a( ri"ht. The only -an (he ever (till
tho)"ht abo)t +ith any re")larity +a( the one (he -arried0 even tho)"h (he co)ldn2t
re-e-ber the detail( any-ore. She only re-e-bered the +ant and the +ant never left
her. She had often tho)"ht that all the -en after her fir(t had ,)(t been a +ay to fill the
lonely year( +itho)t her h)(band0 b)t (he certainly +a(n2t confe((in" that to Will.
6I2ve kno+n a lot of -en0 Will08 =e((ica ca)tioned. 6Mo(t of the- +ere "ood -en.
Many of the- +ere "ood in bed. If yo) +ant hone(ty0 then yo)2re "oin" to have to acce!t
I2ve lived the kind of life -o(t -en drea- abo)t livin".8
Will (i"hed and !)lled her ti"hter. 6Sto! tryin" to !i(( -e off. I "ot that -)ch
infor-ation fro- Steve &i!ton2( +arnin"(. Ri"ht no+0 I ,)(t +ant yo) to ki(( -e (o +e
can find o)t +hat #e have. Da-n it0 =e((ica0 I +ant yo)r !er-i((ion and yo)r coo!eration
thi( ti-e.8
'ro+nin"0 =e((ica ran her hand( over hi( (ho)lder(0 hi( very broad0 very attractive0
very -a(c)line (ho)lder( +hich ran do+n to a che(t -en decade( yo)n"er +o)ld envy. It
+a( honed fro- +hat he did0 (he no+ reali9ed0 honed by the ha--er0 the chi(el0 and +ho
kne+ +hat other tool( he )(ed to coa3 !eo!le o)t of the (tone.
6Will5thi( i( (o not a "ood idea08 =e((ica in(i(ted0 even a( Will ran a hand )! the
-iddle of her back to her neck0 linin" her entire body )! +ith hi( in a very e3citin" +ay.
6"hicken08 he ta)nted0 la)"hin" +ith hi( -o)th inche( fro- her(. He co)ld (ee the
lon"in" in her today ,)(t a( -)ch a( (he (a+ hi( the day of their bike ride.
Thi( level of need0 Will decided0 thi( +a( the only rea(on to ever ki(( (o-eone.
6Da-n yo)08 (he (aid0 leanin" into hi- and !)ttin" her li!( )r"ently on hi(. Hi( -oan
of !lea()re a"ain(t her -o)th had her hand "oin" to the back of hi( head. She ki((ed hi-0
!)lled a+ay0 and then dove back0 (lantin" her -o)th in another direction. He ta(ted ,)(t
a( "ood fro- every an"le0 =e((ica tho)"ht0 fallin" a"ain(t Will in relief.
With =e((ica2( f)ll +ei"ht in hi( ar-(0 Will had to !lant hi( feet -ore fir-ly to hold
the- both )!. Mother at)re +a( -akin" the )r"e to "et hori9ontal al-o(t
over+hel-in". =e((ica2( -o)th on hi( +a( all ener"y and -otion0 all enco-!a((in"
de(ire0 and "lorio)(ly all for hi- today. Her de(!erate ki(( +a( even better than he had
i-a"ined.
He locked (tron" ar-( aro)nd her0 liftin" and !)llin" her onto hi- a( he leaned back.
Her toe( al-o(t left the "ro)nd and her thi"h( +ent aro)nd one of hi( le"(. Decidin" to
obli"e her0 he lifted a thi"h to r)b a"ain(t her crotch0 -akin" her (hiver and "roan.
6Okay. Sto!08 =e((ica (aid hoar(ely. 6=)(t (to!. 4lea(e.8
6If I (tart be""in" yo) to let -e )(e the condo-0 +o)ld yo) chan"e yo)r -ind; I2-
only a fe+ (econd( a+ay fro- it08 Will infor-ed her0 !)llin" her hi!( a"ain(t hi( and
!)ttin" the evidence of hi( need a"ain(t her f)lly.
6Will08 =e((ica (aid0 tryin" +eakly to !)(h her(elf off hi-0 6I don2t +ant to "et thi(
involved +ith yo).8
Will lifted hi( thi"h a"ain(t her crotch a"ain0 "ainin" another "roan fro- both of
the-. 6Really; <o) ()re have both of )( fooled then. I !e""ed yo) for a -ore (e3)ally
hone(t +o-an.8
6Will0 that2( all thi( i(5it2( ,)(t (e308 =e((ica (aid.
Will lifted a hand tre-blin" +ith !a((ion to her face. 6Who di(a!!ointed yo) (o
badly0 =e((ica Daniel(; What e3!erience (ent yo) into the ar-( of -en +ho co)ldn2t
to)ch yo)r heart; This,$ he in(i(ted0 !)llin" her ti"ht a"ain(t hi-0 hi( le" fir- and hard
a"ain(t the ache he +a( !)r!o(ely creatin"0 6this i( not ,)(t (e3. Thi( i( -e tellin" yo)0
(ho+in" yo) that yo) are the -o(t incredible +o-an I have ever -et. <e(0 I +ant in(ide
yo). I ache for yo)0 ,)(t like yo) do for -e.8
Her heart +a( "oin" to e3!lode0 =e((ica tho)"ht. The !anic +a( (o lar"e (he al-o(t
co)ldn2t breathe aro)nd it. All (he co)ld do +a( (hake her head in denial.
6o. o0 yo) are +eavin" a drea- aro)nd -e ,)(t beca)(e yo) haven2t been +ith
anyone (ince yo)r +ife08 =e((ica +hi(!ered (oftly. 6What +e have5thi( i( ,)(t (e30 ,)(t
che-i(try. I ad-it +e have a lot of it. I ad-it I5I ad-it I +ant yo) back.8
6My -arria"e +a( over lon" before it +a( officially over0 =e((ica08 Will an(+ered
fir-ly0 feelin" the +ord( in a +ay he hadn2t (ince the divorce +a( final. 6And thi( i( a
hell of a lot -ore than ,)(t (e3. If all I +anted +a( (e30 that2( ea(y to find.8
6<e(. It i(08 =e((ica a"reed.
6Thi( i( -ore than ,)(t (e308 Will denied e-!hatically0 liftin" her hi!( to hi( a"ain0
(lidin" her )! hi( le" )ntil hi( erection +a( !re((ed bet+een the-. 6Thi( i( the be(t kind
of fore!lay. Thi( i( -e lettin" yo) kno+ that I +ant to (ee yo) fly a!art for -e. I +ant to
learn +hat yo) like0 +hat t)rn( yo) on0 +hat yo) need. Then I !lan to e3ceed all yo)r
e3!ectation(.8
=e((ica )(ed her hand( to !)(h a+ay fro- Will2( che(t and off hi( le". She !)t t+o
(te!(2 di(tance bet+een their vibratin" bodie(. Her in(tinct to !)(h hi- to the "ro)nd and
cli-b on to! of hi- +a( al-o(t (tron" eno)"h to -ake her do it. 7ettin" !hy(ical +ith
Will literally robbed her of co--on (en(e every ti-e.
6I2- not e-otionally e:)i!!ed for anythin" -ore than (e3 in -y relation(hi!(08
=e((ica (aid :)ietly. 6I haven2t felt -ore for a -an (ince -y h)(band died. And I2ve
dated (o-e "ood -en0 really "ood -en0 Will.8
6<e(0 I kno+ yo) have08 Will (aid har(hly. 6Steve &i!ton (ee-ed like a "reat ")y0
and I think he really cared abo)t yo)0 b)t I2- (till "lad it didn2t +ork o)t +ith hi-. I
+ant yo) for -y(elf.8
=e((ica co)ldn2t have been -ore (hocked. What in the hell had Steve told Will0 and
+hy had Steve (aid anythin" in the fir(t !lace;
6I (+ear it al+ay( a-a9e( -e to find o)t ho+ -)ch ")y( talk to each other. >(ed to
be only +o-en (hared the inti-ate (torie( of their live(08 =e((ica (aid0 r)nnin" a nervo)(
hand thro)"h her hair.
Will (-iled at her e-barra((-ent. 6Don2t +orry. Steve didn2t (hare any of yo)r
!reference( in bed. I2- ()re he in(tinctively kne+ I2d !refer to find o)t for -y(elf. He
,)(t (aid yo) never loved hi-.8
=e((ica (tared at the !artial (tat)e +itho)t (eein" it a( (he +a( +onderin" +hat had
!o((e((ed Steve to confe(( the detail( of their relation(hi! to Will. 6o. I never loved
hi-. There2( no (en(e in denyin" it.8
6So i( that the !roble-; Are yo) afraid yo)2re "oin" to love -e0 =e((ica;8 Will
a(ked.
=e((ica la)"hed -irthle((ly. 6Will0 I already kno+ I2ll never love yo). I2- afraid of
di(a!!ointin" yo) and h)rtin" )( both if +e "et involved. I2- not a heartle(( +o-an. I
don2t en,oy the ()fferin" of the -en I2ve e,ected fro- -y bed. I bleed and h)rt0 b)t then I
-ove on beca)(e I kno+ that2( the only (en(ible choice. <o)2re the kind of ")y +ho
+ant( to o+n a +o-an0 body and (o)l. I a- not that kind of +o-an08 (he (aid ti"htly0 b)t
-eanin" every bit of it.
6Ho+ do yo) kno+ +hat I2- like0 +hat I +o)ld e3!ect;8 Will a(ked0 )nable to
believe (he tho)"ht (o little of hi- and +hat they co)ld be to each other.
6The very fir(t day +e (!ent ti-e to"ether0 yo) (h)t -e )! by ki((in" -e ro)"hly.
<o) !)ni(hed -e for (!eakin" +hat I con(idered only a tr)th08 =e((ica (aid (oftly. 6I2ve
been +ith -en like yo) before0 Will. I +on2t be (ilenced or controlled by -y attraction to
a -an. It2( ,)(t not +ho I a-.8
Will +alked to hi( tool( table and (tarted rearran"in" the-0 "ettin" the- ready to
(tore a+ay. He2d never be able to +ork cal-ly no+. He +a( too )!(et at =e((ica and her
(t)bborn idea( abo)t the-.
6I told yo) I !anicked. That2( not the kind of !er(on I a- nor-ally. I2ve hone(tly
never done anythin" re-otely like that to any +o-an before yo). Da-n it0 =e((ica0 yo)
(tri!!ed -e bare +ith yo)r in(i"ht( and I overreacted. I +a( already attracted to yo)0
even tho)"h I +a( in denial then. Then +hen I to)ched yo)0 I "ot carried a+ay. %&m
sorry08 Will (aid e-!hatically0 !ackin" hi( tool( into a +ooden bo3 he retrieved fro-
beneath the table.
6Will;8 a (oft fe-inine voice called.
=e((ica (+)n" a (tartled "a9e to the +illo+y0 (leekly "roo-ed blonde (tandin" near
the- +ith tear( in her eye(. She +o)ld be barely five foot (i3 on a "ood day in heel(.
Will al(o (+)n" a (tartled "a9e to the +o-an0 then hi( forehead +rinkled. 6What2(
+ron"; Are the kid( okay;8
She (hook her head0 (endin" her chin len"th bob (+in"in" and -ore tear( flo+in".
6It2( not the kid(. It2( &)ke. He2( a(ked -e to leave.8
=e((ica +atched a( the +o-an ran the re(t of the di(tance acro(( the !aver( and fl)n"
her(elf into Will2( ar-(. To be fair0 the +o-an didn2t really "ive Will a choice e3ce!t to
catch her and hold her. Will2( irritated "a9e +ent to =e((ica2( over the +o-an2( head.
6I kne+ it. <o)2re one of tho(e ")y( after all08 =e((ica (aid (nidely. 6o+ look +ho
+a( lyin".8
The tear( that threatened -o-ent( a"o vani(hed +ith her +ry a-)(e-ent and +hat
(he +a( "oin" to re"ard a( divine intervention. Maybe it hel!ed that Will did not look
!lea(ed +ith the other +o-an.
6I +a( not lyin". *ee! )! the (-art/a(( co--ent(0 and I #ill end )! bein" the kind of
")y yo) acc)(ed -e of bein"08 Will +arned0 hi( ar-( "ri!!in" the blonde2( ar-( and
!)(hin" her a+ay fro- hi- a little. 6Ellen0 thi( i( =e((ica Daniel(. Sto! !retendin" yo)
don2t (ee her and (ay hello.8
Ellen t)rned and cro((ed her ar-(0 her tear( (till flo+in" a( (he h)""ed her(elf. 6I2-
(orry to interr)!t0 M(. Daniel(. I5Will and I have re-ained "ood friend( (ince the
divorce. My h)(band and I (e!arated today0 and I ,)(t needed to talk to (o-eone.8
=e((ica +aved her hand. 6o need to e3!lain anythin" to -e. I ,)(t ca-e by to ret)rn
a book.8
She t)rned on her heel and (tarted o)t of the co)rtyard.
6=e((ica.8 Will (talked after her0 leavin" +hat he ")e((ed +a( a very ()r!ri(ed Ellen
(tarin" after hi-. He (to!!ed +hen =e((ica halted. 6We need to fini(h o)r conver(ation.8
6It2( over0 Will08 =e((ica (aid +earily. 6So i( o)r conver(ation.8
6The hell it i(08 Will (aid a)to-atically0 hi( face darkenin" +ith deter-ination.
67o back and hel! Ellen. <o) ,)(t "ot offered a (econd chance +ith a +o-an +ho i(
!robably better e:)i!!ed to be +hat yo) +ant all day every day08 =e((ica told hi-.
6If +e "ot alon"0 Ellen +o)ldn2t have divorced -e in the fir(t !lace08 Will (aid
har(hly. 6She left -e for (o-ebody el(e.8
6E3actly. o+ yo) can fi3 it.8 =e((ica (hook her head0 (lid the !atio door o!en0 and
+alked thro)"h the ho)(e.
6Will;8 Ellen (aid (oftly. 6Are yo) okay;8
6o0 I a- not okay08 Will (aid har(hly. 6Co)ldn2t yo) have +aited in the ho)(e;
Don2t tell -e yo) didn2t (ee a (i3/foot tall redhead (tandin" o)t here +ith -e beca)(e I
+on2t believe yo). And I2- (ick and tired of hearin" abo)t the (oa! o!era yo)r -arria"e
to &)ke i(0 Ellen. <o) kno+ da-n +ell he2ll be ho-e before yo) "et back there toni"ht.8
6Why are yo) (o an"ry at -e0 Will; =e((ica Daniel( +a( the one ar")in" +ith yo). I
heard her tell yo) (he co)ldn2t be +hat yo) +anted08 Ellen (aid0 then bl)(hed0 a(ha-ed
for confe((in" it.
6That2( beca)(e (he doe(n2t )nder(tand yet08 Will (aid0 (to-!in" back to the table
and thro+in" hi( tool( into the bo3 +ith eno)"h force to rattle the -etal. 6=e((ica already
i( everythin" I +ant.8
6<o) are never "oin" to "et to be the a""re((ive -an yo) nat)rally are +ith that
+o-an0 Will. Don2t yo) kno+ +ho (he i(;8 Ellen a(ked.
6She2( a hi"h (chool art teacher0 Ellen08 Will (aid0 an"ry at hi( e3 for eave(dro!!in"
on hi( !rivate conver(ation +ith =e((ica.
6<o) hone(tly don2t kno+ +ho (he i(0 do yo);8 Ellen (aid (oftly0 then the li"ht
da+ned. 6I2- not ()r!ri(ed (he didn2t tell yo). She faded o)t of the li-eli"ht al-o(t a
decade a"o. <o) (ho)ld do an Internet (earch on her before yo) "et too involved.8
6I a- already involved0 and I !lan to "et -ore involved08 Will (aid fir-ly0 ro)ndin"
on the +o-an +ho (till kne+ ho+ to !)(h hi( b)tton( by in(in)atin" he had a le((er
)nder(tandin" of life than (he did. 6What the hell are yo) dyin" to ed)cate -e abo)t0
Ellen;8
Ellen +a( (hakin" her head. 6It2( a !er(onal -atter for her and connected to her art.
<o) need to find o)t for yo)r(elf or a(k her abo)t it.8
6I carve disgusting naked statues a( yo) (o elo:)ently !)t it a tho)(and ti-e(. What
the hell co)ld be (o !er(onal abo)t =e((ica2( art that no one +ant( to talk abo)t it;8 Will
de-anded0 di(")(ted +ith Ellen2( hint(. He (la--ed the lid (h)t on the toolbo3.
6'ine0 I2ll tell yo) then. =e((ica Daniel( +a( violently ra!ed +hen (he +a( yo)n" and
!re"nant. Her h)(band had been killed in the -ilitary only a co)!le -onth( before it
ha!!ened. The three ")y( +ho ra!ed her h)rt her !retty badly. Doctor( had to deliver the
baby early beca)(e both of the- +ere tra)-ati9ed. She +ent thro)"h (o-e (erio)(
thera!y after (he "ot +ell and ca-e o)t (ocially (+in"in". She bro)"ht char"e( and
te(tified a"ain(t all three -en0 "ot involved in +o-en2( i(()e(0 and created art that5+ell0
I can2t really de(cribe it08 Ellen (aid :)ietly0 alar-ed at la(t beca)(e Will2( face had lo(t
all it( color.
6Will;8 Ellen be"an0 +i(hin" no+ (he had ref)(ed to tell hi-.
Will ran both hand( over hi( face0 a( (cene after (cene of ho+ a""re((ive he2d been
+ith =e((ica fla(hed thro)"h hi( -ind.
6Hell08 Will (aid in !ain0 )nable to (to! re-e-berin" ho+ often he had "rabbed her
and forcibly held =e((ica a"ain(t her +ill. He2d even done it a"ain today.
6What did yo) do;8 Ellen (aid0 +alkin" to Will and !)ttin" a co-fortin" hand on hi(
ar-. 6I kno+ yo) +o)ld never really h)rt the +o-an0 Willia-. <o) didn2t0 did yo);8
6ot the +ay yo) -ean0 b)t I certainly (cared her. I certainly -ade ()re (he kne+ I
co)ld h)rt her if I intended to do (o08 Will (aid0 (hocked at ho+ clo(e to tear( he +a(.
6Da-n it. I didn2t -ean to be (o ro)"h +hen I ki((ed her that fir(t ti-e. She ,)(t (hocked
-e (o bad. She +a( co--entin" on -y art.8
6Well08 Ellen (aid0 r)bbin" hi( ar- in (y-!athy tho)"h (he didn2t kno+ +hat he
-eant. She ,)(t kne+ ho+ -)ch Will2( heart +o)ld h)rt if he even ()(!ected he2d
har-ed the +o-an. 6<o)r art i( a little (hockin"0 Willia-. If yo) !)t a fi" leaf over (o-e
of the !art(0 !eo!le -i"ht not in()lt it (o -)ch.8
6Thank(. Thank( a lot for yo)r ty!ical (ho+ of ()!!ort. =e((ica didn2t in()lt -y art0
Ellen. =e((ica fi")red it o)t0 fi")red -e o)t. o+ I kno+ +hy (he in(tantly (a+ the tr)th.
It -ake( all the (en(e in the +orld no+08 Will ban"ed a fi(t on the table0 -akin" the
toolbo3 rattle. 6She like( to cha(e. Of co)r(e (he doe(. Why the hell didn2t yo) +arn -e
abo)t thi(0 Steve; <o) told -e da-n near everythin" el(e.8
Will (tor-ed off0 leavin" a (till (hocked Ellen (tarin" after hi-. He +a( headin" to
the library and not co-in" o)t )ntil he kne+ everythin" there +a( to kno+ abo)t =e((ica
Daniel(.
When he "ot back fro- the library (everal ho)r( later0 Will +ent to hi( roo-0 c)rled
)! on the bed0 and tho)"ht abo)t +hat (he had end)red. After a +hile0 he had to -ake a
tri! to the bathroo- to thro+ )!0 and then he ca-e back and cried.
Event)ally0 after he +a( both e3ha)(ted and di(")(ted +ith hi-(elf0 Will fell a(lee!
,)(t to e(ca!e havin" to deal +ith +hat he2d done to add to =e((ica Daniel(2 !ain.
***
After hi( -other called hi-0 Michael tracked hi( father do+n and fo)nd hi- (!ra+led
on the bed a(lee!0 hi( face ha""ard0 tear( dryin" on hi( cheek(.
4)llin" the !hone fro- hi( !ocket0 he (ent a te3t to Shane to "et hi( yo)n"er brother
over there a( fa(t a( he co)ld. When Shane ca-e tearin" into the ho)(e abo)t fifteen
-in)te( later0 and barrelin" do+n the hall like a ra"in" b)ll0 Michael (h)(hed hi- at the
door+ay. He !ointed o)t and they +alked to the kitchen to"ether.
6I -et Dad2( ne+ "irlfriend today08 Michael (aid (oftly.
6She -ade Dad cry already;8 Shane (aid0 r)nnin" a hand thro)"h hi( hair. 6I (a+ hi(
face. He2d been cryin"0 and cryin" hard. He didn2t cry over the divorce that -)ch.8
6It +a(n2t anythin" =e((ica (aid or did. Mo- ca-e and interr)!ted their di(c)((ion08
Michael e3!lained.
6Oh0 (hit08 Shane (aid0 coverin" hi( -o)th to kee! the torrent of (+earin" he +anted
to do fro- e(ca!in".
6o0 that2( not the !roble- either. Hell0 I +i(h it +a( (o-ethin" that ea(y08 Michael
(aid tiredly0 r)nnin" a +orried hand thro)"h hi( o+n hair and +atchin" Shane do the
(a-e. Odd ho+ all three of the- did that +hen they +ere nervo)(.
6Mo- felt ")ilty abo)t +hat (he2d told Dad abo)t the +o-an0 (o nat)rally (he had to
!)r"e her ")ilt by confe((in" her (in( to -e. That2( +hen I finally re-e-bered that I had
(een (o-e of =e((ica Daniel(2 art0 and frankly I +i(h I hadn2t08 Michael (aid0 (tarin" the
+all and )nable not to re-e-ber it. 6I think I had blocked it fro- -y -ind.8
6What;8 Shane de-anded. 6What are yo) talkin" abo)t;8
Michael thre+ )! hi( hand(. 6Where do I (tart; =e((ica +a( ra!ed +hen (he +a(
!re"nant a( a teena"er. She t)rned all the violence0 all that h)rt0 into art. Her early +ork
i( not for (o-eone +itho)t a (tron" (to-ach. She -ade (o-e !retty reali(tic clay
fi")rine( of +hat ha!!ened to her0 to (ho+ the +orld +hat ra!e look( like. I looked her
early +ork )! beca)(e of the ne+ +ork I (a+ la(t year0 (o-ethin" (he call( vagina art.
That2( +hat (he had at the art (ho+0 a bea)tif)l "la(( va"ina incredibly erotic to the
to)ch. The ra+ (e3)ality in it +a( -e(-eri9in". She2( !robably al-o(t a( old a( Mo-0
b)t I (till +anted to a(k her o)t (i-!ly beca)(e (he +a( fa(cinatin". I didn2t beca)(e I had
a date +ith -e. Thank 7od for that no+. Dad2( n)t( abo)t her.8
6So yo) think Dad +a( (hocked;8 Shane a(ked.
Michael (hook hi( head. 6Shocked at her art5no. I think Dad2( been "ivin" her a f)ll
co)rt !re(( and )(in" hi( be(t ")y -ove( on her. She (ho+ed )! here -ad a( hell +ith a
condo- !acket in her hand that (he (aid Dad "ave her. She +a( intendin" to "ive it back.
When I (a+ the- "ettin" a little e3tra friendly d)rin" their di(c)((ion0 I left thinkin" they
-i"ht have co-e to (o-e a"ree-ent abo)t the condo-. Then I ")e(( Mo- (ho+ed )!
+ith another (tory abo)t &)ke leavin" her0 fro- +hat I "athered. If I had (tayed0 I2d have
(to!!ed Mo-0 b)t it +a( really only a -atter of ti-e before Dad fo)nd o)t abo)t
=e((ica2( art. I +a( already tryin" to !lace her -y(elf.8
6Wait. I( thi( the (a-e +o-an that Dad (aid fi")red o)t hi( art; The one he (aid he
+a( too ro)"h +ith on their fir(t date;8 Shane a(ked.
6<e(. I think (o. I think that ro)"hne(( i( +hat )!(et hi- once he kne+ abo)t her
!a(t. That2( +hy I called yo)08 Michael (aid. 6<o) "oin" to be able to )(e that -illion
dollar doctorate to hel! hi-;8
Shane clo(ed hi( eye(. 6I don2t kno+. I ho!e (o.8
Michael nodded. 6<o)2re a !ain in the a((0 Shane0 b)t al(o the be(t -an I kno+ ne3t
to Dad.8
Shane (-iled at hi( brother2( !rai(e. 6Ri"ht. <o)2re ,)(t tryin" to "et -e to (hare -y
le""y blonde( +ith yo).8
6I2ve had -y (hare of le""y blonde( and "ot (t)ck on a br)nette in(tead. That2( +hy I
!o)nd the hell o)t of -etal every day08 Michael (aid0 rollin" hi( eye(. 6&et2( have a beer
and order (o-e !i99a. I don2t +ant to talk abo)t thi( any-ore )ntil Dad +ake( )!.8
Shane nodded. 67ive -e t+o beer(. If I have to co)n(el -y father abo)t hi( (e3 life0 I
!refer to do it (li"htly b)99ed.8
Michael (hook hi( head and +alked to the refri"erator.
6Wi(e choice0 Dr. &ar(on08 Michael (aid0 brin"in" back t+o o!ened beer( and !attin"
hi( brother on the (ho)lder 6>nfort)nately0 thi( i( +hat yo) "et for bein" the (-art (on.8
Shane la)"hed +itho)t h)-or and (hr)""ed.
Cha!ter H
After (everal day( of +atchin" their dad +alk aro)nd the ho)(e like a 9o-bie0
Michael and Shane had had eno)"h. They had not been rai(ed to (it aro)nd and +ait for
thin"( to "et better. They had been rai(ed to fi3 thin"(. either tho)"ht their father2(
de!re((ion +a( "oin" to fi3 it(elf0 and they had ,ointly decided there +a( really only one
(ol)tion +orth !)r()in".
B)t Michael (till "ave hi( brother a +orried look a( they !)lled into the !arkin" lot of
Henry Clay Hi"h School.
6What if (he tell( )( to "o to hell;8 Michael (aid. 6She didn2t (trike -e a( a +o-an
+ho did anythin" (he didn2t +ant to.8
6<o) (aid yo) left beca)(e they +ere ki((in"0 ri"ht;8 Shane a(ked0 (cannin" the area0
lookin" for a tall redhead.
6<eah0 b)t that doe(n2t -ean -)ch. I2- !retty ()re Mo- did a "ood ,ob of b)(tin"
that )!. I -ean0 7od forbid that after a year Dad act)ally "et( to -eet (o-eone nice and
-aybe fall in love +ith a +o-an +ho act)ally like( hi-08 Michael (aid (arca(tically.
Shane "ave hi- a look that (aid get over it and (hook hi( head.
6Don2t "ive -e that attit)de. I love Mo-0 and (he2( "reat abo)t -any thin"(0 b)t
(he2( bein" (elfi(h a( hell abo)t Dad. She like( bein" able to r)n back to hi- +hen &)ke
di(a!!oint( her. She like( that Dad i( (ittin" at ho-e not datin". That2( a b)nch of (hit0
Shane08 Michael (aid0 hi( an"er "ettin" the better of hi- for a -o-ent.
6&ook0 I a"ree +ith that5+hich i( +hy +e2re "oin" to find thi( +o-an Dad like(0
and talk her into talkin" to Dad08 Shane (aid :)ietly0 fir-ly.
He !)t a( -)ch confidence into hi( voice a( he co)ld beca)(e he did not +ant hi(
e-otionally e3citable brother to kno+ ho+ )n()re he +a( abo)t thi( !lan. The la(t t+o
thin"( in the +orld Shane +anted to deal +ith +ere an )!(et older +o-an and a
-eltdo+n +ith Michael0 b)t he had to do (o-ethin" beca)(e it +a( breakin" hi( heart to
(ee hi( father h)rtin" a"ain.
6So (ittin" in the car i( not "oin" to "et it done08 Shane (aid0 crackin" hi( kn)ckle(0
+hich +a( the only indication of nervo)(ne(( he +a( "oin" to allo+ hi-(elf. 6&et2( "o
find her.8
A( they "ot o)t of Michael2( car0 t+o boy( headin" to their o+n car (to!!ed to (tare
at the-. At (i3 foot fo)r +ith (ha""y blond hair and -a((ively bi" (ho)lder(0 Shane
kne+ he looked like a thro+back to (o-e ancient @ikin". Added to that0 the tattoo( and
!iercin"( he had been (!ortin" for (i3 -onth( !rod)ced an i--ediate (t)!efyin" effect
on everyone +ho didn2t kno+ hi-.
6Hey08 Shane called to the-0 +antin" to la)"h +hen they (+allo+ed hard. 6Where
can +e find yo)r art teacher0 =e((ica Daniel(;8
Michael had to fi"ht not to la)"h at the boy(2 reaction to Shane. It +a( da-n te-!tin"
to have (o-e f)n +ith the-. He +ondered ho+ Shane co)ld re(i(t it +ith all the
a--)nition he !o((e((ed in ,)(t (cary look( alone. Michael +anted badly to (ay
(o-ethin"0 b)t in(tead he ,)(t ch)ckled at their obvio)( fear. The la(t thin" he and Shane
needed +a( for the t+o boy( to re!ort the- to a !rinci!al before they fo)nd =e((ica.
The boy( looked at each other0 had a brief conver(ation abo)t Shane2( :)e(tion0 and
then looked back at Shane. 6Why do yo) +ant to kno+;8
Shane looked at Michael0 hi( "a9e t+inklin"0 hi( tone deliberately conde(cendin".
6<o)n" -ale(. They2re !rotectin" her. S!eak art to the-0 Michael. <o) kno+ the
lan")a"e better than I do.8
Michael (norted and "ave hi( yo)n"er (iblin" a look !ro-i(in" retaliation before
(+in"in" a friendly "a9e to the boy(.
6We ca-e to (ee M(. Daniel( abo)t (o-e art for an e3hibition in Cincinnati thi(
+eekend. She a(ked )( to dro! by the (chool thi( afternoon08 Michael lied ea(ily0 then
had a brain(tor- abo)t ho+ to (-ooth thin"( over. 6Do +e need to check in at the
office;8
The boy that had not talked elbo+ed the one +ho had. The talkin" one held )! an ar-
and !ointed to a b)ildin" entrance.
6M(. Daniel( i( in the art roo-. If yo) +alk by the (ho! area in that b)ildin" over
there0 yo)2ll (ee it. She +a( (till in there a fe+ -in)te( a"o08 he (aid.
6Thank(08 Michael (aid0 (-ilin" and thro+in" )! an ar-. Shane lifted a hand to +ave
a( +ell.
Michael looked at hi- after the boy( "ot into their car. 6Okay. I have to a(k. Why the
!iercin"( and tattoo(; <o) +ere already inti-idatin" +itho)t the-. o+ yo) (care the
(hit o)t of !eo!le0 even teena"e boy( +ho nor-ally don2t have the "ood (en(e to be
afraid.8
Shane la)"hed at hi( brother2( ob(ervation abo)t the lack of fear in teena"e boy(. 6If I
told yo) +hy I "ot the-0 yo) +o)ldn2t believe -e.8
They took off +alkin" in the direction the boy( had !ointed.
6Oh0 try -e08 Michael coa3ed hi( brother0 "rinnin". 6With (even year( difference in
o)r a"e(0 it2( already like +e2re in different "eneration(. I find the +orkin"( of yo)r
yo)n"er0 albeit -ar"inally intelli"ent -ind0 endle((ly fa(cinatin".8
6After the divorce0 yo) co)ld tell Dad +ondered ho+ -)ch hi( art contrib)ted to hi(
!roble-( +ith Mo-. I +a( "lad he didn2t "ive it )!0 (o I "ot the tat to re-ind -e to
re(!ect -y art no -atter +hat el(e ha!!en( in life. I like the tat0 b)t I "ot the !iercin"(
(!ecifically beca)(e they (care !eo!le0 and frankly they kee! -o(t of the +o-en a+ay08
Shane (aid on a (i"h.
Michael looked (ide+ay( to (ee if Shane +a( ,okin" a( )()al and +a( ()r!ri(ed to
find hi( brother2( face co-!letely +itho)t a-)(e-ent for once. 6Why the hell +o)ld yo)
+ant to kee! +o-en a+ay; <o) (erio)( abo)t (o-eone;8
6o0 I2- ,)(t tired of one ni"ht (tand(. Dad +a( ri"ht. I don2t even re-e-ber their
na-e( or anythin" el(e abo)t the-. I2d like to have a nor-al "irlfriend0 (o-eone to han"
+ith in(tead of ,)(t5yo) kno+ +hat I -ean08 Shane (aid0 fro+nin".
Michael nodded0 and for once he didn2t tea(e back. 6I +ondered +hen yo) +ere ever
"oin" to "et over An"ela and be nor-al a"ain.8
6Thi( i( not abo)t her08 Shane denied. 6Why +o)ld yo) think that;8
6Aren2t yo) the one +ith the !(ych de"ree;8 Michael a(ked0 incred)lo)( that Shane
hadn2t fi")red it o)t for hi-(elf. 6<o) haven2t "one near any (-art +o-an (ince yo) t+o
broke )!. <o) !robably don2t even like all tho(e le""y blonde(.8
Shane la)"hed. He +a( di(ill)(ioned0 not dead fro- the +ai(t do+n. 6If yo) (erio)(ly
tho)"ht that0 yo)2d be +ron". I haven2t "iven )! (lee!in" +ith bea)tif)l +o-en. I ,)(t
+ant the- to have (o-e real !er(onality to "o +ith the "reat body. And it +o)ld be nice
if they co)ld talk abo)t (o-ethin" other than the +ay they look.8
6<eah08 Michael (aid on a la)"h. 6<o)2re done +ith the ()!erficial blonde(0 +hich
,)(t leave( -ore for the re(t of )(. I have a tho)(and dollar( that (ay( yo) end )! +ith a
tiny (-art +o-an +ho t)rn( yo) in(ide o)t before yo) even "et yo)r doctorate a!!roved.
The relation(hi! +ill be (o (hockin" to yo) that yo)2ll have to devote a +hole cha!ter to
it in that book yo) clai- to be +ritin".8
Shane tho)"ht abo)t the di((ertation lan")i(hin" in hi( de(k at ho-e +aitin" for hi-
to (end it o)t for revie+. He +a( clo(e0 very clo(e to bein" done. A( (oon a( the ne3t
"ra!hic novel +a( o)t to the inker0 he co)ld ea(ily "o back to +orkin" on the di((ertation.
If he did0 he co)ld !robably fini(h hi( de"ree in Dece-ber if he +anted.
6<o)2re on08 Shane told hi( brother at la(t0 tellin" hi-(elf not to +orry even +hen
Michael la)"hed. 6<o) ,)(t lo(t a tho)(and dollar( bro. <o) better head back to yo)r
+ork +hen +e "et thi( done. Make ()re yo) have the -oney by Dece-ber. I2- fini(hin"
-y doctorate thi( year.8
Michael ,)(t la)"hed at hi( declaration. 6Well0 the ink i(n2t dry yet on anythin"
e3ce!t that tattoo on yo)r ar-.8 Hi( attention +a( ()ddenly ca)"ht by (everal kid(
carryin" !aintbr)(he( and cleanin" ra"( into a roo- in the hall+ay. 6Shane0 I think +e
fo)nd the art roo-.8
When they +alked to the door0 they (a+ a tall0 +ild/haired +o-an in ti"ht faded
,ean( and co+boy boot( -illin" aro)nd the roo-. She +a( a "ood (i3 inche( taller than
-o(t of the (t)dent(.
Shane +hi(tled )nder hi( breath. 6Wo+08 he (aid0 -akin" Michael ch)ckle be(ide
hi-.
6<eah. And (he look( ,)(t that "ood fro- every an"le08 Michael (aid ea(ily. 6She
like( -y art. I +ant to kee! her.8
6'ou +ant to kee! her; Why; <o) "ot (o-ethin" "oin" on for Dad2( +o-an;8 Shane
a(ked in (hock0 -akin" hi( brother la)"h a"ain.
6<eah0 I do08 Michael (aid ea(ily0 (tarin" at hi( brother +ith +hat he ()(!ected +ere
la)"hin" eye(. 6I2- -ercenary0 b)t it2( not a( cree!y a( it (o)nd(. I +ant another arti(t in
the fa-ily and a (te!-other +ho i(n2t "oin" to -ake Dad feel ")ilty for +hat he love( to
do. We2ve all ended )! +ith +o-en +ho critici9ed or o)tri"ht hated o)r art. <o)2d think
-akin" -oney at (o-ethin" +o)ld !rove it +a( +orth doin"0 b)t no5that2( not eno)"h
either.8
Shane (nickered at the tirade he2d heard a h)ndred ti-e( (ince their !arent2( divorce
and !)t a hand on hi( brother2( (ho)lder. 67ee0 Michael0 +hy don2t yo) tell -e ho+ yo)
really feel;8
6<o)2re l)cky +e2re in a (chool08 Michael +arned.
Shane la)"hed and (hook hi( brother2( (ho)lder. 6Rela30 bro. We2re here. We2ll do
+hat +e can for Dad. We2ll have to +ork on )( (o-e other ti-e.8
Michael rolled hi( eye( to the ceilin"0 b)t ended )! -akin" eye contact +ith =e((ica
Daniel( a( hi( "a9e ca-e back do+n. She +alked acro(( the roo- and (tood in front of
the-0 hand( on her hi!(.
6Mr. &ar(on58 =e((ica be"an.
65Michael08 he corrected :)ickly0 holdin" )! a hand to (tall her :)e(tion( and
co--ent(. 6And thi( blond "iant ne3t to -e i( -y yo)n"er brother Shane.8
=e((ica had to look )! (li"htly to -eet the "a9e of the tall -an flankin" Michael
&ar(on. She (t)died hi( eyebro+ !iercin" and tattoo. The inti-idatin" body art didn2t
-atch hi( eye(0 (he concl)ded. Hi( eye( +ere tho)"htf)l0 carin"0 and intelli"ent. To her
arti(tically trained eye0 he +a( obvio)(ly a bi" faker0 even if a c)te one.
She (norted and narro+ed her "a9e )ntil her eye( +ere (lit(.
6Who are yo) tryin" to (care +ith that di(")i(e08 =e((ica a(ked0 lettin" her "a9e rake
Shane fro- head to toe. 6I had the )nfort)nate !lea()re of -eetin" yo)r -other. <o)
look ,)(t like her +ith all that ,e+elry yo)2re +earin".8
Michael b)r(t o)t la)"hin"0 b)t (to!!ed at Shane2( "lare.
6Maybe redhead( have a nat)ral i--)nity to yo)08 Michael (aid0 (hr)""in"0 earnin"
an even -ore f)rio)( look. 6<o) kno+0 like they do to !oi(on ivy.8
6That2( a -yth08 Shane retorted0 then (i"hed at takin" the bait hi( brother loved to
di(h o)t. Shane looked a+ay fro- Michael0 back to the !er(on they ca-e to (ee. He
reached o)t a hand to her. 6It2( a !lea()re to -eet yo)0 M(. Daniel(. We ca-e by to (ee if
+e co)ld talk to yo) abo)t a (it)ation +e have +ith o)r father.8
=e((ica took Shane2( hand0 (hook it briefly0 then dro!!ed it. The yo)n"er &ar(on
(o)nded like he belon"ed in a ()it and tie in(tead of ri!!ed ,ean( and T/(hirt +ith a rock
band on it.
6Well0 yo)r brother2( -anner( are nicer than yo)r( at lea(t08 =e((ica (aid0 (+in"in"
her "a9e to a (till (nickerin" Michael before +alkin" back into the roo- and a+ay fro-
both of the-. 6I2- (orry0 b)t yo)r father and I have nothin" -ore to (ay to each other. I
think it2( very (+eet of the t+o of yo) to co-e by on hi( behalf0 b)t I2- ,)(t not
intere(ted.8
6That2( too bad. Dad2( really intere(ted in yo)08 Shane re!lied (oftly back0 -irrorin"
her (!eech and tone. 6In fact0 Dad +a( (o intere(ted in yo) that he looked yo) )! at the
library the other day. He kno+( abo)t +hat ha!!ened to yo)0 and he (!ent three ho)r(
(t)dyin" yo)r art.8
=e((ica heard the -ild acc)(ation in Shane2( tone0 b)t (he +a(n2t offended. She
ad-ired hi( nerve0 b)t ref)(ed to let hi-0 or hi( char-in" brother0 convince her to "et
involved +ith a -an her in(tinct( +ere +arnin" her a"ain(t. She e(!ecially ref)(ed to be
infl)enced by the fact that they obvio)(ly loved their father eno)"h to co-e and confront
her0 tho)"h it +a( dreadf)lly a+k+ard.
S)re0 it +a( !roof Will2( (on( had -ore inte"rity than -o(t yo)n" !eo!le0 b)t =e((ica
(till didn2t have to feel obli"ated to care abo)t +hat +a( "oin" on +ith a -an (he +a(n2t
even datin". Be(ide(5+hatever Will +a( feelin" ri"ht no+0 he +o)ld ()rvive it. =e((ica
co)ldn2t +orry abo)t Will +hen (he had her o+n e-otional ()rvival to +orry abo)t.
T)rnin" her back to Michael and Shane0 =e((ica +ent back to tidyin" the roo-. The
(t)dent( had all vani(hed0 and a( )()al0 -o(t had not !)t their art tool( back in (tora"e.
Ty!ical0 =e((ica tho)"ht0 very ty!ical. It +o)ld take another half ho)r of cleanin"
before (he co)ld leave for the day.
6So no+ Will kno+( all abo)t -e and -y terrible !a(t. If I co)ld have0 I +o)ld have
-ade ()re he never fo)nd o)t08 =e((ica (aid hone(tly. 6There +a( no rea(on for hi- to
ever have to kno+.8
Michael cleared hi( throat. Revealin" a hard tr)th al+ay( choked hi-0 b)t he had
learned in hi( life that he co)ldn2t hold it in(ide and (tay (ane.
6O)r -other told hi-08 Michael (aid :)ietly. 6She reco"ni9ed yo)0 b)t I had already
(tarted fi")rin" it o)t -y(elf. Whatever Dad2( idea( abo)t +ho yo) +ere +hen he -et
yo)0 he didn2t (ee thi( co-in". <o) have to )nder(tand5he2( the kind of ")y +ho crie(
at the (ad !art of -ovie(. Since he care( a hell of a lot abo)t yo)0 needle(( to (ay he took
findin" o)t yo)r tr)th !retty hard.8
6Well0 I a!!reciate it -i"ht have (hocked hi-0 b)t I don2t need hi( !ity or anyone2(08
=e((ica (aid confidently0 carryin" ite-( to (tack by the (ink0 and carryin" a ra" back to
+i!e the no+ e-!ty table(. 6It all ha!!ened thirty year( a"o. I al-o(t never think abo)t it
any-ore. I took the action( that -ade (en(e to -e at the ti-e. I have a "ood life and I
re"ret nothin".8
6Ho+ do yo) feel abo)t Dad2( re"ret( abo)t ho+ he2( handled thin"( +ith yo);
Wo)ld yo) +ant deal +ith that;8 Shane a(ked0 !lea(ed that (he finally (to!!ed +i!in"
the table( to li(ten. 6He2( -ade hi-(elf ill +orryin" abo)t ho+ he2( treated yo).8
6What in the +orld +o)ld Will have to re"ret +ith -e; <o) father never did anythin"
terrible. He "ot a little an"ry +ith -e once0 b)t I2- a hell of lot to)"her than that. He
ca-e to hi( (en(e( lon" before I felt the need to5-ai- hi-08 =e((ica (aid on a la)"h0
re-e-berin" at the la(t -in)te to kee! her lan")a"e le(( e3!re((ive +ithin the (chool
+all(.
6Wo)ld yo) be +illin" to co-e tell hi- the (a-e thin";8 Shane a(ked. 6He2( been in
hi( roo-0 broodin" and not eatin"0 (ince he fo)nd o)t abo)t yo) three day( a"o. 'ir(t he
cried hi-(elf (ick0 and no+ he think( he2( the +or(t -an in the +orld. He2( convinced
that he2( (carred yo) f)rther. I2- ()re he2( re!layed every interaction yo)2ve had and not
(een any of the- in a "ood li"ht.8
=e((ica (to!!ed0 (+allo+ed hard0 and clo(ed her eye(. She co)ldn2t bear to think of
Will ()fferin" for her0 (o (he (i-!ly ref)(ed to ackno+led"e it.
6<o)r father i( a (-art -an. He2ll event)ally "et over thi(. The rea(on I2- not
intere(ted in hi- ha( nothin" to do +ith hi- "ettin" an"ry and ki((in" -e +hile he +a(
)!(et. He ki((ed -e t+ice after that and (ho)ld kno+ that I5+ell0 +hatever. Will2( a
"ro+n -an. He can fi")re thi( all o)t on hi( o+n.8
6Maybe08 Shane a"reed ea(ily. 6He co)ld !robably "et over it -)ch fa(ter if yo)
+o)ld co-e talk to hi-.8
Michael +alked over clo(er and looked aro)nd her )ntil (he finally -et hi( "a9e.
=e((ica had to clo(e her eye( to (h)t o)t the (incerity in hi( !leadin" look.
64lea(e0 co-e (ee Dad08 Michael !leaded0 not carin" abo)t be""in". 6<o)2re all he
can talk abo)t no+ that he kno+(. We2re really +orried he2( not "oin" to "et over thi(
)ntil he kno+( he ha(n2t done yo) any (erio)( har-. Seein" yo)r ra!e art -ade hi- feel
")ilty for ho+ he2( treated yo).8
Da-n Will and hi( (en(itive (on(0 =e((ica tho)"ht. She o!ened her eye( then0 b)t
in(tead of lookin" at Michael0 (he ended )! lookin" directly into Shane2( (oft0 +orried
"a9e. If that "iant -an "ot teary/eyed (he +o)ld be a "oner0 =e((ica tho)"ht.
6What2( the tattoo on yo)r ar- abo)t;8 =e((ica a(ked to di(tract the- fro- their
!leadin"0 noddin" at the ink !eekin" fro- the ed"e of Shane2( (leeve.
Shane took the chan"e of ()b,ect +ith "race. He co)ld (ee =e((ica Daniel( +a(
+re(tlin" +ith her(elf abo)t "ettin" involved.
6I2- a "ra!hic noveli(t. Thi( i( -y hero08 Shane (aid0 !)llin" )! hi( (leeve to hi(
(ho)lder (o (he co)ld (ee the +hole !iece. 6I call hi- The (inged Protector.8
6I2ve read yo)r +ork. My ne!he+ love( tho(e book(08 (he told Shane0 (i"hin". 6<o)
definitely kno+ ho+ to create a hero.8
6I )(ed a "reat role -odel08 Shane (aid0 not afraid to )(e the o!enin" (he
)nkno+in"ly handed to hi-. 6He2( havin" a dark -o-ent ri"ht no+ and ha( locked
hi-(elf in hi( roo- to brood. Want to be the heroine in thi( (tory and (ave hi-;8
6I do)bt I2- a( "ood a( yo)r heroine(0 b)t at lea(t that2( an ori"inal line to take in
yo)r ar")-ent08 (he (aid :)ietly.
To kee! fro- b)r(tin" into tear(0 =e((ica t)rned and looked do+n at Michael fro- her
fe+ e3tra inche(.
6<o) look ,)(t like yo)r father08 (he told hi- re(entf)lly. 6B)t yo)2re not a( nice a(
he i(0 are yo);8
6o08 Michael (aid0 )n()r!ri(ed at her ob(ervation. 6I2- too hone(t to be con(idered
nice. Shane look( like Mo-0 b)t I "ot the re(t of her !er(onality. Shane2( -ore like Dad
on the in(ide.8
6Well0 I2- not very nice either0 certainly not a( nice a( yo)r father. I really0 really do
not +ant to do thi(. I feel a need to (ave -y(elf08 =e((ica told Michael0 "ainin" a relieved
(-ile fro- hi- a( he fi")red o)t +hat (he +a( ad-ittin". 6I2- not ()re +hat "ood it +ill
do0 b)t I2ll be over later toni"ht. I +ill e3!ect yo) t+o to -ake yo)r(elve( (carce after I
"et there. I don2t +ant an a)dience +hen I talk to Will abo)t -y !er(onal (t)ff.8
6<o) have o)r +ord08 Shane !ro-i(ed0 "rinnin" in relief. 6I +on2t let Michael (tay
and li(ten0 no -atter ho+ -)ch he be"(.8
6I a- di(o+nin" yo) a( -y brother08 Michael told hi-. 6Don2t believe hi-0 =e((ica.
He trie( to -ake -e look bad all the ti-e.8
=e((ica la)"hed tiredly at their bickerin". On i-!)l(e0 (he reached o)t to h)"
Michael. 6I bet yo) inherited -ore of yo)r father2( !er(onality than yo) reali9e0 and I (till
really like yo)r art.8
6I like yo)r( too0 e(!ecially the ne+ (t)ff08 Michael told her0 h)""in" back. 6Thank(
for co-in" to (ee Dad. We really are +orried.8
6Co-in" over toni"ht (till doe(n2t -ean that I2- intere(ted in hi-08 =e((ica told
Michael0 (trai"htenin" and "oin" back to her +ork.
Michael ,)(t (-iled a( he +alked back to Shane. 6<eah0 b)t Shane and I have faith in
Dad bein" able to chan"e yo)r -ind.8
6Don2t co)nt on it08 =e((ica +arned0 !)ttin" her hand( on her hi!( a"ain.
Shane and Michael e3chan"ed a kno+in" look b)t only (-iled at her a( they left.
After they had "one0 =e((ica (tood in her cla((roo- (hakin" her head and (i"hin".
She2d had (o-e very )n)()al -en !a(( thro)"h her life over the year(0 b)t thi( +a( the
fir(t ti-e (he2d ever had (o-eone2( "ro+n children !layin" -atch-aker. Wor(e than
Brooke !)(hin" Will to ki(( her0 hi( (on( +ere act)ally ho!in" their father +o)ld (ed)ce
her. If (he hadn2t been !ractically ill her(elf abo)t kno+in" Will had (een +hat had
ha!!ened to her0 =e((ica +o)ld have la)"hed -ore at their involve-ent.
A( it +a(0 (he +a( (tr)""lin" da-n hard not to break do+n abo)t Will findin" o)t
that (he had been ra!ed. Tho)"h +hy (he had ever held the fanta(y that (he +a( "oin" to
avoid Will findin" o)t +a( beyond her. Her violent !a(t had r)ined every relation(hi!
=e((ica had had for (o lon" that (he had learned to in()late her(elf fro- the !ity0 the
reaction0 and the !hy(ical +ithdra+al +hen the -an (he +a( (lee!in" +ith fo)nd o)t.
It +a( at lea(t a little ea(ier +ith Will beca)(e they +eren2t lover(. It +a( al(o a little
harder beca)(e (he kne+ her !a(t +o)ld !revent the- fro- ever bein" lover( no+. B)t
+hat did (he care0 any+ay; 7ettin" -ore involved +a( +hat her in(tinct( +ere +arnin"
her not to do.
Maybe they co)ld be friend(0 =e((ica -)(ed0 (niffin" back tear( and +i!in" her no(e
on the (leeve of her !aint/covered (hirt. Will +o)ld !robably be okay +ith that no+. He
+o)ld !robably be one of tho(e -en +ho felt the need to (ave her fro- her (e3)ality. She
had kno+n !lenty of tho(e.
Tear( of re"ret flo+ed (teady a( =e((ica locked the door and +alked to her car. She2d
had to "ather a handf)l of toilet ti(()e fro- the bathroo- to (te- the flo+.
De(!ite her a(()rance( to her(elf that (he +a(n2t intere(ted0 it +a( (till da-n hard to
acce!t Everett Willia-( +a( never a"ain "oin" to back her a"ain(t a booth or hold her too
ti"htly in hi( ar-(. 4layf)lly re(trainin" her +a( the kind of thin" her h)(band )(ed to do
to her0 the kind of action (he hadn2t let anyone do (ince hi-. At lea(t0 (he hadn2t tolerated
it fro- anyone )ntil Will had co-e alon".
6Da-n yo)0 Will08 =e((ica (aid0 c)r(in" hi- a"ain for +hat (he felt.
Cha!ter I
6Shane0 I2- fine08 Will told hi( yo)n"e(t (on0 +ho (at ar-(/cro((ed in a chair be(ide
hi( bed. 6I2- not ill. I2- ,)(t not feelin" very (ocial. <o) and Michael "o on and eat
+itho)t -e. I2ll "rab (o-ethin" later.8
6<o)2re lyin"08 Shane acc)(ed baldly0 not flinchin" fro- the +eak "lare hi( father
-ana"ed to (end hi( +ay. 6<o) need to eat a nor-al -eal. It2( been three da-n day(0
Dad.8
6&ook0 yo) b)llied -e into the (ho+er and I took one. I2- "oin" to re(t no+0 and
then I2ll "et )! and eat later. Don2t yo) have a date or (o-ethin";8 Will de-anded0
kno+in" Shane co)ld be ,)(t a( (t)bborn a( he )nder the ri"ht circ)-(tance(.
6Michael and I are "oin" o)t. We don2t +ant to +orry abo)t yo) +hile +e2re "one0 (o
+e "ot yo) a baby(itter08 Shane told hi-0 ho!in" hi( Dad +o)ld er)!t in an"er over it.
67ood5they can +atch T@ and I2ll (lee!08 Will (aid re(entf)lly0 (tretchin" back o)t
on the bed0 caref)l to kee! hi( +ide/o!ened eye( foc)(ed on ,)(t the ceilin". If he clo(ed
hi( eye( too lon" +itho)t really (lee!in"0 he +o)ld ,)(t (ee her art all over a"ain. He2d
(ee !iece after !iece of fo)r fi")re(0 three -en doin" )n(!eakable thin"( to a +o-an0 an
obvio)(ly !re"nant +o-an.
At the tho)"ht of +hat (he had de!icted in her +ork0 hi( (to-ach clenched. Will +a(
(ei9ed by )r"e( (o violent he +a( fri"htened of +hat he -i"ht do )nder their infl)ence. It
+a( the clo(e(t he2d ever co-e to +antin" to kill (o-eone. Each -an had only (erved a
ter- of ten year(0 and all three +ere o)t no+. Will tho)"ht a lifeti-e in !ri(on +o)ld
never have been eno)"h !)ni(h-ent for +hat they had done.
He al(o tho)"ht -akin" the ra!e art +a( the brave(t act of creatin" he had ever (een
done by anyone. either the ra!i(t( nor the +orld +o)ld ever be able to for"et it a( lon"
a( kno+led"e of =e((ica Daniel( and her +ork ()rvived.
essica0 Will tho)"ht0 hi( heart contractin" +ith !ain for her. She !robably (till
carried +hat had ha!!ened in(ide her like a tickin" bo-b. She !robably had -e-orie(
and tri""er( that defied analy(i(. Her da)"hter Brooke0 the +o-an he2d -et0 +a( the
child that had ()rvived the attack. And =e((ica had lived thro)"h it too0 if yo) co)ld call
never lovin" anyone a"ain livin"0 Will concl)ded.
He re-e-bered !)llin" =e((ica acro(( hi- a( (he rode hi( thi"h0 ho+ they had both
been t)rned on and tryin" to co-e to ter-( +ith it. The tho)"ht of never havin" that
innocent level of aro)(al +ith her a"ain -ade Will +ant to (lee! and ,)(t for"et abo)t
ever "ettin" )!. Three day( a"o he had "otten everythin" in the +orld he +anted0 and
learnin" abo)t her !a(t +a( like havin" it br)tally yanked a+ay.
6Dad08 Shane yelled0 cla!!in" hi( hand( to"ether lo)dly. 6Sto! that. Sto! driftin" off
and !ay attention to -e. Michael and I are "oin" to be leavin" (hortly. I +a( (ayin" yo)
can (end )( a te3t +hen yo) +ant )( to co-e ho-e.8
Will did clo(e hi( eye( then0 (i"hin" at the ed"e of !anic in Shane2( tone. He +a(n2t
intentionally tryin" to +orry anyone. He ,)(t needed (o-e ti-e to fi")re o)t ho+ to be
rea(onable abo)t thi( infor-ation before he +ent in(ane.
Will finally heard the doorbell rin"in" and +a( relieved. It -eant both boy( +o)ld be
leavin" (oon. He2d !)ll hi-(elf to"ether )ntil they left and then (end the +ell/-eanin"
baby(itter a+ay a( (oon a( the boy( +ere "one.
All he +anted +a( to be alone.
***
Michael !)lled o!en the door and (a+ a fre(hly (ho+ered0 (till +et/haired +o-an
(tandin" there. She (-elled lovely0 b)t looked +ay too fra"ile to be dealin" +ith hi(
father.
And (he2d been cryin".
Seein" her red and (+ollen eye( tore at Michael2( ")t. He had a fleetin" -o-ent of
+onderin" if it +a( ri"ht to a(k for =e((ica2( hel! +hen (he didn2t look a +hole lot better
than hi( Dad did at the -o-ent. Then he !)(hed hi( concern a(ide. Maybe hi( father
+a(n2t the only !er(on +ho needed to talk0 Michael decided.
6Everythin" took lon"er than I antici!ated08 =e((ica e3!lained. 6'inally0 I ,)(t decided
to co-e over a( I +a( beca)(e I co)ldn2t !)ll -y(elf to"ether -ore.8
Michael (hook hi( head. 6Don2t a!olo"i9e. <o) look "reat0 and +e2re "lad yo)2re
here. Shane ha( finally lo(t !atience. Dad kee!( driftin" off +hen +e try to talk to hi-
and can2t (ee- to hold a conver(ation for t+o -in)te(.8
=e((ica nodded and let o)t the (i"h (he had been holdin" in for ho)r(.
6Can I call yo) (o-ethin" other than M(. Daniel(; 'or-ality (ee-( odd in thi(
(it)ation08 Michael (aid.
6S)re. Call -e =e((ica08 (he a"reed :)ietly. 64oint -e to hi- (o I can "et thi( over
+ith.8
Michael reached o)t hi( hand and took one of =e((ica2( in hi(. 6Thank yo) for doin"
thi( =e((ica5+hatever ha!!en(. Shane and I are leavin" a( (oon a( yo) "ive )( the
+ord.8
=e((ica nodded and (i"hed. She took a dee! breath0 and Michael (:)ee9ed her hand.
6Okay08 (he (aid0 6let2( "et thi( confrontation over +ith.8
***
6Dad0 yo)r baby(itter i( here08 Shane (aid0 +hen he (a+ Michael and =e((ica Daniel(
(tandin" in the door+ay of the bedroo-. 6Wake )! and (ay hello.8
Will o!ened hi( eye( and rolled hi( head to the (ide. When he (a+ =e((ica0 he rolled
hi( head back and clo(ed the- a"ain.
6Whatever yo) think yo)2re doin" boy(0 (to! ri"ht no+08 he ordered. 67o a+ay0
=e((ica. Don2t let the(e t+o t)" on yo)r heart(trin"(. They2re -a(ter -ani!)lator(0 +hich
I a- bla-in" on their -other. I kno+ yo) +o)ld never have (ho+n )! here if they hadn2t
coa3ed yo) into it.8
It +a( the tr)th0 =e((ica conceded0 +hen (he heard Will (ayin" the +ord(0 and any
other ti-e (he +o)ld not have been +orried abo)t confe((in" to it. She had tho)"ht the
boy( had been e3a""eratin" abo)t Will2( condition. o+ (he co)ld (ee they had not told
her ho+ bad it really +a(.
=e((ica +alked into the bedroo- and (-artly (-acked the botto- of one of Will2(
bare feet0 -akin" hi- yel!. He +a( +earin" (+eat( that had (een better day( at lea(t
t+enty year( a"o0 and he looked like he hadn2t (haved in (everal -onth(.
6<o) co)ld have at lea(t (haved08 (he (aid ca)(tically. 6<o) look like a deran"ed
(erial killer.8
Will2( eye( lit +ith an"er for a -o-ent a( he took in her +et hair. 6&ook +ho2(
talkin". <o) look like a +et do".8
Well0 they +ere off to a "ood (tart0 =e((ica tho)"ht. She +alked to the bed and (at on
the ed"e of it takin" off her (hoe(.
Shane averted hi( "a9e and !retended not to be intere(ted in the +o-an cra+lin" into
bed +ith hi( father a( he a(ked the inevitable :)e(tion. 6>h5are yo) ready for )( to
leave no+;8
6ot yet08 =e((ica (aid (-oothly. 6<o) can leave +hen Will tell( yo) to "o.8
6Tell them to go? <o)2ve "ot to be kiddin". I2ve been tryin" to "et the- to leave -e
the hell alone for day(08 he declared. Then he looked at each (on individ)ally for a co)!le
of -o-ent(. 67o. &eave no+.8
6ot yet08 =e((ica (aid fir-ly to the boy(0 "ratef)l they +ere obeyin" her and not
Will. She (+)n" her le"( )! be(ide hi( on the bed. 6Move over.8
6o08 Will (aid. 67o a+ay.8
He clo(ed hi( eye( to (h)t o)t the (i"ht of her. It +a( bad eno)"h he had to (-ell her.
She -)(t have ,)(t taken a (ho+er and +a(hed her hair. De(ire c)rled in(ide hi-0 b)t
Will r)thle((ly !)(hed it a+ay. ever a"ain0 he vo+ed. ever a"ain +o)ld he !)(h
)n+anted attention on thi( +o-an. She co)ld (tri! and fondle her(elf0 and he (till
+o)ldn2t lay a hand on her.
6'ine08 =e((ica (aid0 t)rnin" to her (ide and (tretchin" o)t her len"th on +hat little
bed Will +a( allo+in" her. 6If I fall onto the floor0 it +ill be yo)r fa)lt if I "et h)rt.8
Will (cooted over then0 -ovin" hi( head to another !illo+ and hi( body to the other
(ide of the :)een bed. 6There. Ha!!y no+;8
=e((ica (t)died hi- a( (he -oved her body clo(er to hi(. 6o. I2- not ha!!y0 b)t I2-
not c)rled )! in a ball broodin" in -y bed either. Sto! doin" thi( ()lkin" thin" and talk to
-e. Send yo)r (on( a+ay (o +e can be alone0 b)t tell the- yo)2re okay fir(t. They2ve
been +orried (ick abo)t yo). o+ I can (ee +hy. I didn2t kno+ bein" (t)bborn co)ld t)rn
into a chronic illne(( )ntil I (a+ yo) today.8
6I don2t need yo)r fal(e (y-!athy. =)(t +hy the hell are yo) here any+ay;8 he
de-anded. 6<o)2re not intere(ted0 re-e-ber;8
=e((ica rolled to her back and looked )! at the ceilin". 6I lied. I +a( (cared of yo)0 (o
I lied.8
6Well0 for the record0 I +ill never do anythin" to (care yo) a"ain. I2- (orry I did the
fir(t ti-e. o+ "o a+ay08 Will (aid :)ietly0 the knot( ret)rnin" to hi( (to-ach.
6I didn2t -ean I +a( afraid of yo) !hy(ically. I2- afraid of ho+ yo) -ake -e feel.
The la(t ti-e I +a( thi( e-otionally involved +ith a -an0 he left -e and died. Are yo)
!lannin" to die on -e too;8 =e((ica a(ked0 her throat ti"ht.
The "en)ine !ain in her +ord( took the an"ry bl)(ter ri"ht o)t of hi-. Will rolled to
hi( (ide0 !)ttin" an ar- aro)nd her +itho)t thinkin" abo)t it. 6o. I2- not "oin" to die.8
=e((ica !atted hi( ar-. 67ood. o+ tell Michael and Shane to "o have dinner and
catch a -ovie0 and that they can co-e back in a co)!le of ho)r(.8
Will looked at hi( (on( (tandin" in the door+ay to"ether0 face( dra+n ti"ht in concern
for both =e((ica and hi-. They had been +orried abo)t hi- for day(0 and no+ they +ere
+orried abo)t leavin" =e((ica alone +ith hi-. He co)ld (ee it in the +ay they +ere tryin"
not to "lare at hi-.
In hi( +hole life0 Will co)ldn2t re-e-ber ever feelin" le(( like a "ood -an. Hi( (on(
didn2t tr)(t hi- ri"ht no+ to treat her +ell. He clo(ed hi( eye(0 breathed :)ietly a fe+
-o-ent(0 and ti"htened hi( hold on =e((ica. Hi( relief to be +ith her a"ain +a( !rofo)nd0
and he decided to (to! fi"htin" it.
When he o!ened hi( eye(0 Will looked at hi( (on( +ith (incere re"ret. 6I2- (orry I
+orried yo). Make ()re yo) lock the door on yo)r +ay o)t08 he (aid (oftly to the-.
6=e((ica and I are "oin" to be fine. I love yo) both.8
6We love yo) too0 Dad. Call )( if yo) need )(08 Shane (aid.
6We2ll be fine08 =e((ica (aid. 6<o)r father and I are "oin" to be friend( if he2( (till
alive +hen yo) "et ho-e.8
Michael la)"hed nervo)(ly. 6o killin" allo+ed in -y ho)(e. <o) ()re yo) don2t
+ant a cha!erone;8
67o a+ay0 Michael08 Will ordered0 feelin" =e((ica2( la)"hin" belly )nder hi( ar-.
He and =e((ica li(tened to the boy( +alk do+n the hall+ay0 "ather )! key( and
,acket(0 and head o)t the door. There +a( a dee! (ilence in the ho)(e after they had "one.
=e((ica t)rned her head to Will and let her tear( flo+ at la(t. She had never +anted
anythin" abo)t her to ca)(e hi- thi( -)ch e-otional !ain. She had never +anted it to
bother any -an0 b)t her re"ret for Will2( ()fferin" +a( ten ti-e( -ore than (he )()ally
allo+ed her(elf. All (he co)ld do +a( try to e3!lain.
6&ook0 yo) never h)rt -e the +ay yo)2ve been i-a"inin". I kne+ event)ally yo)2d
di(cover -y !a(t0 and I ad-it it had occ)rred to -e that I +o)ld need to talk +ith yo)
after yo) fo)nd o)t. I +a( ,)(t tryin" to (!are -y(elf "ettin" -ore involved0 (o it took
yo)r (on(2 interference to -ake -e do +hat +a( ri"ht.8
=e((ica !)lled a ti(()e fro- her ,ean( !ocket and )(ed it on her eye(. 6The only h)rt
yo) have ever ca)(ed -e i( in re-indin" -e too -)ch of the boy I -arried lon"0 lon"
a"o.8
Will tilted hi( head do+n. It had not occ)rred to hi- that he +o)ld re-ind =e((ica of
anyone. She +a( the fir(t +o-an like her he2d ever -et. He2d ,)(t a(()-ed he +o)ld be
)ni:)e to her a( +ell. To be fair0 he ")e((ed Steve &i!ton had tried to tell hi- he +a(n2t
ori"inal +hen he -entioned all the -en =e((ica had dated.
Male arro"ance0 Will ad-itted0 +a( not (o-ethin" a -an co)ld ea(ily di(card0 no
-atter ho+ old he +a(. 6Hel! -e )nder(tand. Tell -e abo)t yo)r h)(band.8
=e((ica clo(ed her eye(. The la(t thin" (he +anted to talk to Will abo)t +a( another
-an +hen (he +a( lyin" in hi( ar-(. Ho+ever0 (he kne+ Will +a( not "oin" to re(t )ntil
he +a( convinced that +hat (he +a( tellin" hi- +a( the tr)th.
=e((ica took a breath and ,)(t be"an. 6I +a( (till a child +hen I -arried athan. My
h)(band +a( -y fir(t lover0 and a very in(i(tent0 hi"hly (e3)al -an. I loved hi- -adly
and a( hi( +ife "ladly "ave hi- +hatever he +anted fro- -e. B)t I2ve never been able0
no -atter ho+ -)ch thera!y I had0 to (e!arate +hat ha!!ened to -e fro- the (e3)ality I
e3!erienced +ith hi-. They +ere too clo(e to"ether in -y ti-eline. The violence I
end)red took hi( -e-orie( fro- -e. 'or year( after the ra!e0 I had no "ood -e-orie( of
(e3 at all. My thera!i(t called it 4o(t Tra)-atic Stre(( Di(order. It doe(n2t ,)(t ha!!en to
(oldier(. It can ha!!en to anyone.8
=e((ica t)rned her head a+ay fro- Will2( intent "a9e to (tare at the ceilin" a"ain.
6When yo) ki((ed -e to (to! -e fro- talkin"0 yo) re-inded -e of -y h)(band athan.
'rankly0 I2- not ()re I2- ready to re-e-ber hi- or +hat he )(ed to do to -e. I +a(
!retty (hocked that I tolerated it (o lon" +itho)t (to!!in" yo).8
6I +a(n2t tryin" to re-ind yo) of the !a(t08 Will (aid (oftly. 6I never -eant to h)rt
yo) in any +ay at all.8
6I kno+. Don2t care abo)t -e thi( -)ch0 Everett Willia-(. Don2t d+ell on !ain that
i( thirty year( old for -e. I have e-otional (car ti(()e on to! of e-otional (car ti(()e
b)ilt )! in(ide -e. I ref)(e to bla-e -y(elf for yo)r !ain0 and carin" abo)t yo)r -ental
condition i( a re(!on(ibility I do not +ant ri"ht no+08 =e((ica told hi-.
Will !)t hi( forehead a"ain(t =e((ica2( (ho)lder for a -o-ent0 then bro)"ht hi( "a9e
back to her(.
6Well0 I -ay re-ind yo) of yo)r dead h)(band0 b)t +hether yo) like it or not0 yo)2re
-y fir(t. <o)2re the fir(t +o-an to !ick -e )! in year(0 the fir(t I +anted to ki(( (o badly
I ached0 and (i-!ly the fir(t I have +anted to -ake love to in a lon" ti-e. When Ellen
interr)!ted )( in the co)rtyard0 I +a( )!(et at her for doin" it0 and that +a( the fir(t ti-e I
had really felt divorced. It2( too late to a(k -e not to care abo)t yo). <o)2re the only
+o-an I +ant. o+ tell -e the tr)th. Do I (care yo) !hy(ically;8 Will a(ked0 the
:)e(tion not -)ch -ore than a +hi(!er bet+een the-.
6o. <o) don2t. What i( it +ith yo) -acho -en; I2- not (cared of yo) even tho)"h I
kno+ yo) can over!o+er -e +ith yo)r "reater (tren"th08 =e((ica (aid (arca(tically.
6That2( biolo"ically tr)e +ith a lot of -en0 Will. De(!ite +hat ha!!ened bet+een )(0 and
-y reaction to it0 it never occ)rred to -e that yo) +o)ld intentionally +ant to h)rt -e.
I2- not lyin" abo)t that. I +o)ldn2t have cra+led into bed be(ide yo) or let yo)r (on( talk
-e into co-in" here if I +a( !hy(ically afraid of yo). If yo) kne+ -e better0 yo)2d have
no tro)ble believin" that.8
6<o) -i"ht chan"e yo)r -ind if yo) kne+ ho+ violent I can be +hen I2- )!(et08
Will (aid hone(tly. 6If I (a+ tho(e -en today that h)rt yo)0 I +o)ld (till +ant to kill
the-0 even thirty year( later. They (ho)ld never have been (et free. I2ve (een yo)r art. I
can never !retend other+i(e.8
He -oved hi( hand on her ar- in (oothin" circle(0 and then +ra!!ed a le" acro(( both
of her(. He ho!ed it felt co-fortin" and !rotectin" to her in(tead of re(trictin".
6If I fo)nd a +ay to be alone +ith the -en that h)rt yo)0 I2d !robably kill the-
+itho)t re-or(e08 Will (aid0 (!layin" one lar"e hand acro(( her (to-ach0 coverin" +here
her da)"hter +o)ld have been. 6<o) co)ld -ake an ar")-ent that I2- not -)ch better
than tho(e -en.8
=e((ica (tared hard at the ceilin". 4a(t conver(ation( +ith other -en -er"ed into thi(
one +ith Will. Mo(t -en +ere "ood in(ide0 (he had learned. Mo(t -en felt like Will did.
either hi( +ord( nor hi( attit)de +ere a ()r!ri(e to =e((ica. Other -en had tried to love
her de(!ite the !a(t0 b)t it ,)(t hadn2t +orked o)t for lon".
6Will0 I believe yo) +o)ld only )(e yo)r (tren"th to !rotect -e08 =e((ica told hi-0
rollin" to her (ide and into hi( ar-(. 6So hold -e ti"htly and let2( (lee! to"ether. Make
-e feel (afe and cared for toni"ht0 and -aybe +e2ll both "et (o-e re(t.8
Will !)t hi( ar-( aro)nd her0 caref)l not to hold her too ti"htly0 de(!ite +hat (he
re:)e(ted. He !)lled her body a"ain(t hi( to co-fort both of the-0 and +ithin a fe+
-in)te( they both drifted off into an e-otionally e3ha)(ted (lee!.
***
When Michael and Shane ca-e ho-e (everal ho)r( later0 they fo)nd their father and
=e((ica (lee!in" !eacef)lly to"ether on the bed0 +ra!!ed in each other2( ar-(.
6Well0 at lea(t he ke!t her here08 Michael (aid +i(tf)lly. 6I2- not +akin" the- )!.8
Shane (hook hi( head. 6It2( a "ood (i"n0 b)t it doe(n2t nece((arily -ean thin"( +ill
+ork o)t. If they +ant each other b)t aren2t actin" on it0 then thi( i( ,)(t a te-!orary
tr)ce.8
6Well0 I2- not li(tenin" to yo)r analy(i( toni"ht0 bro08 Michael (aid :)ietly0 +alkin"
+ith Shane to the door. 6I2- ,)(t lettin" the- (lee! and +i(hin" for a ha!!y endin".
There2( nothin" +ron" +ith that.8
6o5no there i(n2t08 Shane a"reed. 6Call if yo) need -e. Serio)(ly. I don2t -ind.8
Michael thre+ hi( ar-( aro)nd hi( brother and h)""ed hi- hard before lettin" hi-
"o. 6<o) really are the be(t -an I kno+ ne3t to Dad.8
67ee90 Michael. I +a( tired of the le""y blonde( any+ay. Take the-. Take the- all.
=)(t (to! +ith the h)""in" already08 Shane (aid on an e-barra((ed "roan +hen Michael
la)"hed and let hi- "o.
Cha!ter J
Beca)(e he2d (!ent (everal de!re((in" day( (lee!in"0 Will a+oke at fo)r in the
-ornin" (till +ra!!ed aro)nd =e((ica. He )(ed the bathroo- to (have and br)(h hi( teeth
before he cra+led back into the bed to hold the (till (lee!in" +o-an a"ain.
He lay a+ake for al-o(t an ho)r ,)(t holdin" her and (t)dyin" her face a( the roo-
bri"htened +ith -ornin" li"ht. He )(ed the ti-e to learn every ()rface and -e-ori9e
every line0 crevice0 and hollo+. If he never (a+ =e((ica Daniel( a"ain after today0 Will
tho)"ht0 he +o)ld no+ al+ay( re-e-ber eno)"h to carve her face.
At al-o(t e3actly (i3 thirty0 her eyelid( finally fl)ttered and o!ened. 4robably her
nor-al +ake )! ti-e0 Will tho)"ht (-ilin". She didn2t look ()r!ri(ed to (ee hi-0 b)t (he
did brin" )! an e3!lorin" !al- to hi( no+ (-oothly (haven face.
6Thank( for not -akin" -e +ake )! to a (erial killer08 (he (aid0 (-ilin" (oftly.
Will la)"hed at her tea(in". 6I fi")red I o+ed yo) that -)ch for (tayin" the ni"ht.8
He br)(hed her hair back and c)!!ed her cheek. 6<o) have an e3!re((ive face0
=e((ica Daniel(. I really +o)ld like to ki(( it "ood -ornin".8
Before (he co)ld for-)late an an(+er thro)"h the brain fo"0 Will2( !e!!er-int
flavored -o)th +a( on her(0 hi( teeth nibblin" her li!(0 hi( ton")e (+ee!in" the area hi(
teeth "ra9ed. De(ire (hot thro)"h her like a li"htnin" bolt brin"in" in(tant and co-!lete
aro)(al +ith it. She c)rled her fin"er( into the -aterial coverin" hi( (ho)lder(.
ever takin" hi( -o)th fro- her(0 Will rolled onto =e((ica like they +ere already
lover(0 linin" their hi!( to"ether0 ()""e(tin" the be(t of all !o((ible +ay( to +ake )!. Hi(
heart beat in ti-e to the blood r)(hin" thro)"h all of hi-.
This #oman0 Will tho)"ht -ovin" in(tinctively a"ain(t her0 this #oman +a(
definitely the one he +anted.
=e((ica co)ld feel Will2( erection (trainin" a"ain(t her thro)"h hi( thin (+eat( that
revealed everythin" he co)ld offer. And he co)ld certainly offer a lot0 (he concl)ded0
(i"hin" in ha!!ine(( to be )nder hi-. Will2( +ei"ht bore do+n on her a( he ki((ed her
-ore dee!ly0 and =e((ica "roaned at the increa(in" !re(()re of hi( -o)th. Then it +a(
(i-!ly the -o(t nat)ral thin" in the +orld to !art her le"( and let Will and hi( i-!re((ive
hardne(( fall bet+een the-0 to (hift )nder Will )ntil hi( erection +a( cradled inti-ately
a"ain(t her.
<e(0 (he tho)"ht. 7od ye(0 and no+.
When Will rocked hard bet+een her thi"h(0 the only thin" =e((ica +anted -ore than
hi- in(ide her +a( to have their clothe( -a"ically "one (o (he co)ld feel hi( (kin on her(.
She ran hand( do+n Will2( back0 !)lled hi( hi!( into her(0 and al-o(t cli-a3ed +hen
Will !)(hed hard eno)"h a"ain(t her to -ove both her and the bed. She "roaned a"ain(t
hi( -o)th and +a( thrilled +hen he ki((ed her harder in re(!on(e.
The hell +ith +orryin"0 (he tho)"ht di99ily0 hone(tly +antin" Everett Willia-( -ore
than (he co)ld re-e-ber +antin" a -an in a really lon" ti-e. Tired of holdin" back0
=e((ica reali9ed there +a( no lon"er any choice abo)t bein" le(( involved.
Her heart e3!anded +ith the deci(ion and beat frantically in antici!ation.
B)t +hen (he (tarted to !)ll off hi( (hirt0 Will deliberately -oved o)t of the reach of
her hand(. =)(t a( :)ickly a( he had rolled onto her0 Will rolled off and -oved to the
other (ide of the bed0 !)ttin" all the di(tance he co)ld bet+een the-.
6I2- (orry08 he (aid0 hi( voice ra""ed fro- the effort to breathe in hi( aro)(ed (tate.
6I "ot5carried a+ay. I didn2t -ean to cra+l on to! of yo) like that.8
St)nned0 =e((ica co)ld only look at Will a( if he +a( in(ane0 and then (he reali9ed he
-eant they +ere really (to!!in".
Well0 (he +a( +ide a+ake no+0 =e((ica decided0 (tarin" at the ceilin" in (hock +hen
(he co)ld no lon"er bear to look at Will2( ")ilty e3!re((ion. She +a( breathin" like an
e3ha)(ted -arathon r)nner and achin" in !lace( (he kne+ (he +o)ld feel all day. Her
le"( (till tre-bled +ith aro)(al and +antin" hi- back bet+een the-. She c)r(ed Will and
hi( -i("ivin"( for r)inin" the -o(t (incere -o-ent of de(ire (he co)ld ever re-e-ber
feelin".
6Will0 if yo) didn2t inter!ret -y action( ,)(t no+ a( an indication of -y +illin"ne((0
yo) are definitely not a( (-art a( I tho)"ht yo) +ere08 =e((ica (aid ti"htly. 6Or el(e yo)
(till have a hell of a lot to learn abo)t +o-en even at yo)r a"e.8
6I ref)(e to force yo) or coerce yo) into doin" anythin" el(e +ith -e yo) don2t
+ant08 Will (aid fir-ly. 6Sed)cin" yo) +hen yo) aren2t f)lly a+ake +a( not fair either.
That2( +hy I (to!!ed.8
6Did I act like yo) +ere forcin" -e; Wa( I not !art of the da-n (ed)ction;8 =e((ica
a(ked0 not carin" that her e-!hatic tone revealed ho+ far beyond rational thinkin" (he
+a(. 6What the hell did yo)r +ife do to let yo) kno+ (he +a( okay +ith yo)r (e3)al
advance(; I did everythin" b)t be" yo) to be in(ide -e. If yo) hadn2t -oved a+ay0 I +a(
only a fe+ (econd( fro- doin" that. <o) felt -e reachin" for yo)r (hirt to )ndre(( yo).8
Will (i"hed0 and "ritted hi( teeth. 6Okay0 ye(. I kne+ yo) +anted -e0 b)t thi( i( not
the ri"ht ti-e. I2- not "oin" to take advanta"e of yo). And bein" +ith yo) i( ()re a( hell
not the (a-e thin" a( bein" +ith Ellen.8
6Oh0 yo) -ade that very clear ,)(t no+08 =e((ica (aid har(hly. She (at )! and (+)n"
her feet to the floor0 "ivin" Will her back (o he +o)ldn2t (ee ho+ -)ch hi( re,ection had
h)rt her. 6I "et that I2- da-a"ed "ood(0 a fra"ile +o-an0 (o-eone yo) can2t be
!a((ionately hone(t +ith no+. Don2t yo) think I2ve been do+n thi( road before;8
6That i( not +hat I -eant08 Will (aid0 ()r!ri(ed and h)rt by her inter!retation of hi(
(elf/control. 6&ook5can +e talk abo)t thi( toni"ht; I kno+ yo) have to "o to +ork
(hortly.8
=e((ica (tood0 "rabbed her (hoe(0 +alked to the chair and (tarted !)ttin" the- on.
6o. We can2t talk toni"ht. I have !lan( toni"ht.8
6<o) "ot (o-ethin" -ore i-!ortant to do than talkin" thi( o)t;8 Will a(ked0 fi"htin"
not to be (erio)(ly h)rt by her ref)(al.
6<e(. I have a date +ith a -an +ho doe(n2t kno+ anythin" abo)t -e other than I
(ee- like a f)n +o-an. It beat( the hell o)t of lookin" at the !ity in yo)r eye( any day08
(he (aid hone(tly.
6'ou have a date?8 Will a(ked0 di(belief in hi( tone. 6After yo) ca-e over here and
cra+led into bed +ith -e0 and then ad-itted yo) +ere intere(ted in -e0 yo) have a da-n
date toni"ht; What did yo) do; Make the date before yo) even ca-e over here
ye(terday;8
6<e(. That2( e3actly +hat I did08 =e((ica (aid0 -ockin" hi( an"er. 6I !lan to have a
date every ni"ht for the ne3t t+o +eek( )ntil thi( +hole thin" +ith yo) blo+( over. I
don2t have the ti-e or the inclination to +ork thro)"h yo)r -a(c)line ")ilt co-!le3e(
ho!in" +e -i"ht event)ally "et to (o-e (ort of nor-al relation(hi!. De(!ite -y
-i("ivin"(5+hich i( a lon" da-n li(t5I offered -y(elf to yo) t+o -in)te( a"o0 and
yo) ref)(ed the offer. That -ake( thin"( !retty (i-!le for -e0 Will.8
6What if I had acce!ted yo)r offer; What if I2d -ade yo) late for +ork and did +hat I
+anted +ith yo) any+ay; Wo)ld yo) (till have a date toni"ht;8 Will a(ked0 )nable to
kee! the belli"erence fro- hi( tone.
6I ")e(( +e2ll never kno+08 =e((ica ad-itted0 her voice ()ddenly :)iet and (ad. 6I
never -eant to fall a(lee! here or to let yo) ki(( -e thi( -ornin". I never +anted yo) to
kno+ the tr)th abo)t -e0 and for da-n ()re I don2t +ant the !ity yo) no+ feel for -e. I
"ot over the ra!e0 Will. I2ve been (e3)ally inti-ate +ith a lot of "ood -en +ho have
treated -e +ell0 and the "ood (e3 la(t( )ntil they find o)t +hat ha!!ened. Then they
beco-e like yo) and end )! re-indin" -e of the !a(t0 +hich brin"( the (ha-e all back
like it +a( ye(terday. Se3 and (ha-e do not -i3 +ell.8
6<o)2re ,)(t not "oin" to c)t -e a break here0 are yo);8 Will a(ked0 an"ry at her
no+0 an"ry eno)"h to (ay )"ly thin"(0 an"ry eno)"h to thro+ =e((ica back onto the bed
and -ake ()re (he kne+ ho+ -)ch he +anted +hat (he had offered hi-.
It +a(n2t abo)t not +antin" her. It +a( abo)t doin" the ri"ht da-n thin" by both of
the-. And it didn2t hel! hi( already ra+ e-otion( to kno+ he +a( an"ry eno)"h to
de-on(trate hi( o+n ver(ion of !o((e((ive violence. He +a(n2t ()re of hi( bo)ndarie( thi(
-ornin". He hadn2t been ()re of the- in three day(. Ho+ +a( he ()!!o(ed to ,)(t "et
over everythin" in a (in"le ni"ht of bein" in her ar-(;
Hell. He didn2t even +ant to let her o)t of hi( (i"ht today. He for da-n ()re +a(n2t
ca!able of bein" rational abo)t hi( action( yet.
6I +ant yo)0 and I care abo)t yo)08 Will (aid0 (ittin" )! in bed to "lare at her.
6Well0 obvio)(ly not a( -)ch a( I +ant yo)0 Will08 =e((ica (aid0 -archin" o)t of the
bedroo- and do+n the hall0 yellin" a( (he +ent. 6If I2d been (hot in(tead of ra!ed0 yo)2d
have been in(ide -e a fe+ -in)te( a"o +itho)t a (econd tho)"ht abo)t it. So don2t
!atroni9e -e. <o) (to!!ed ,)(t no+ beca)(e I +a( ra!ed. I2- not the one +ith the
!roble-5yo) are. <o) don2t kno+ yet ho+ yo) feel abo)t it.8
Will bo)nded to hi( feet and (to-!ed after her to the front door.
6I (to!!ed for a lot of rea(on(0 none of +hich had to do +ith not +antin" yo). If yo)
(lee! +ith tho(e -en yo)2re datin"0 yo) +ill be cheatin" on -e5on )(0 =e((ica. Tho(e
other -en +ill be nothin" -ore than ()b(tit)te(08 Will +arned0 ho!in" +hat he told her
+a( a( -)ch the tr)th a( he felt like it +a(.
6<o) (till don2t "et it. I don2t care if the other -en are ()b(tit)te(08 =e((ica (aid0 her
hand on the doorknob to en()re her e(ca!e. 6Do yo) kno+ +hat the ()cce(( rate i( for
relation(hi!( to ()rvive +hen the +o-an ha( been ra!ed0 Will; It2( le(( than ten !ercent.
That -ean( ninety !ercent of all relation(hi!( a ra!ed +o-an ever ha( in her life +ill
likely break )! d)e to 4TSD i(()e( fro- the ra!e. I have to date a lot of -en to find the
ten !ercent of relation(hi!( that -i"ht act)ally +ork o)t for -e. I ref)(e to feel ")ilty
abo)t lookin".8
6=e((ica08 Will (aid0 an3io)( for her to hear hi- at little0 believe hi- +hen he (aid
ho+ he felt. 6<o) can (to! lookin". I2- the ri"ht -an for yo). I (+ear it. I2- the one
yo)2ve been (earchin" for +ho +ill )nder(tand it all. I ,)(t have to "et -y head (trai"ht.
<o) need to "ive -e a little ti-e.8
6If yo) +ere the ri"ht -an08 =e((ica (aid0 her voice tired0 her body (till yearnin" for
hi(0 6yo)2d have been "ratef)l for +hat I +anted to "ive yo) thi( -ornin"0 and for da-n
()re not t)rned -e do+n +hen I +a( finally ready to take a chance on )(. <o)2re a "ood
-an0 Everett Willia-(0 b)t yo) ,)(t !roved yo)2re not the ri"ht one for -e.8
6'es. % am08 Will hi((ed0 +hen he +anted to (+ear and yell )ntil (he li(tened to hi-.
6% damn #ell am the right man.8
Will (la--ed a hand on the front door to clo(e it and to !revent her e(ca!e. Then he
)(ed one (hakin" hand to t)rn a ()r!ri(ed =e((ica aro)nd0 and !)(h her back a( "ently a(
he co)ld a"ain(t the door. It killed hi- to )(e force to re(train her0 b)t he had to -ake
()re (he heard hi-. He ab(ol)tely co)ldn2t let her o)t the door to r)n a+ay )ntil he2d
"otten thro)"h to her.
6&i(ten to -e0 yo) da-n (t)bborn +o-an08 he (aid har(hly. )<o) (aid I re-inded
yo) of yo)r h)(band. Do yo) kno+ +hy; It2( beca)(e I2- affected the (a-e +ay athan
Daniel( +o)ld have been if he2d lived to kno+ hi( +ife had been violently ra!ed. Can2t
yo) look at it fro- -y (ide for even one -o-ent;8
6o. I do not +ant to (ee ho+ yo) feel abo)t -y thirty/year/old !a(t. &et -e "o0
Will08 =e((ica ordered.
6I can2t let yo) "o. I need yo) in -y life0 =e((ica. If yo) can2t for"ive -e
i--ediately0 "ive -e t+o +eek( at lea(t08 Will ordered har(hly0 even +hile (he (hook
her head fro- (ide to (ide0 6Promise me5!ro-i(e -e not to (lee! +ith anyone el(e for
t+o +eek(. That2( not a lon" ti-e. If I can2t convince yo) of -y feelin"( in t+o +eek(0
or +e2re (till fi"htin" abo)t thi(0 I2ll leave yo) alone to do +hat yo) like. <o) can even
have the ()!er/(i9ed bo3 of condo-( I bo)"ht beca)(e I ()re a( hell a- not "oin" to )(e
the- +itho)t yo).8
6Sto! -akin" f)n of -e08 =e((ica co--anded lo)dly0 !)nchin" Will hard in the
(ho)lder. 6I don2t care ho+ noble yo) think yo) are. I ref)(e to a!olo"i9e for -y life or
-y datin" habit( +hether yo) )nder(tand the- or not.8
Will co)ld (ee her )n+illin"ne(( to h)rt hi- in her "a9e0 b)t it +a( !robably too
-)ch to e3!ect her to ad-it it +hen (he +a( (o )!(et +ith hi-.
6I don2t +ant an a!olo"y or a da-n ,)(tification. All I +ant i( t+o +eek(0 =e((ica08 he
(aid0 fi"htin" the )r"e to (i"h in relief a( he +atched her clo(e her eye( and dro! her head
to her che(t. =e((ica +a( never "oin" to find a -an +ho +anted her the +ay Will kne+ he
did.
64ro-i(e -e08 Will (aid :)ietly0 the +ord( a !lea no+ -ore than a co--and.
He +a(n2t an idiot. The only idiotic thin" Will had done +a( not take +hat (he
offered +hen he2d been +aitin" (o lon" for her to +ant hi- back. All thi( ti-e they2d
(!ent ar")in" co)ld have been (!ent doin" (o-ethin" el(e. If he co)ld +ind the clock
back ,)(t fifteen -in)te(0 Will tho)"ht0 they2d both be havin" an or"a(- ri"ht no+. The
idea of ho+ clo(e they had been -ade hi- cra9y.
6o. o !ro-i(e(08 =e((ica (aid coldly0 b)t then +a( (hocked +hen Will fiercely
covered her -o)th +ith hi( de-andin" one a"ain.
Hi( hand( (lid do+n behind her0 lifted her hi!( to ali"n +ith hi( a"ain0 and ,)(t like
that they +ere back to +here they had been in the bedroo- before he2d rolled off her.
A"ain0 her aro)(al +a( in(tant and co-!lete. If her -o)th had been free0 =e((ica +o)ld
have (i-!ly be""ed Will to take her back to bed0 even +ith her co--on (en(e +arnin"
her to r)n no+ before it "ot +or(e.
With hi( -o)th on her( a"ain0 Will co)ldn2t believe ho+ :)ickly the heat "re+
bet+een the-. Oh "od0 +hy hadn2t he ,)(t taken +hat (he offered thi( -ornin"; When
Will finally forced hi-(elf to let her "o0 hi( body +a( (crea-in" for her(. He +a( !retty
()re he2d never +anted a +o-an :)ite (o -)ch in hi( entire life. Today +a( "oin" to be a
-i(erable0 fr)(tratin" day +itho)t even a chance of bein" in(ide her.
6Honor thi(. 7ive -e t+o +eek(08 Will ordered fiercely0 ki((in" her hard one -ore
ti-e. Then he o!ened the front door and !)(hed a very ()r!ri(ed =e((ica Daniel( o)t(ide
the ho)(e0 (la--in" the door clo(ed behind her (!)tterin" !rote(t(0 and thro+in" the
deadbolt to kee! hi-(elf in(ide.
If he hadn2t done all that0 he +o)ld have cha(ed do+n the (ide+alk after her.
When he heard her +alk a+ay (+earin"0 Will leaned hi( forehead a"ain(t the locked
door0 c)r(in" hi-(elf a"ain for not ,)(t (inkin" into her +hen he2d had the chance. He
t)rned aro)nd to find hi( (on Michael (tandin" in the kitchen door+ay (i!!in" coffee and
(-ilin" at hi-.
6Sorry. I didn2t intend to eave(dro!0 or +atch the (ho+. <o) t+o +ere ,)(t oblivio)(
of -e08 he (aid0 takin" in hi( Dad2( +ild eye( and fl)(hed face +ith intere(t. 6Want (o-e
coffee no+ or after yo)r cold (ho+er;8
6Don2t (tart +ith -e. <o)r tea(in" i( "ettin" to be -ore like Shane2( every da-n day
I2- here08 Will (aid darkly. It +a( all he co)ld do not to t)rn Michael into a tar"et for hi(
fr)(tration +ith =e((ica.
6Well0 lately yo)2re "ivin" -e a +hole ne+ o!inion of yo) too0 Dad08 Michael told
hi- hone(tly0 not even tryin" to hide the (-irk. 6I2- (tartin" to )nder(tand +here Shane
and I "ot o)r5+ell0 never -ind.8
When hi( father had (to!!ed =e((ica Daniel( fro- leavin"0 +hen he had ordered her
not to (lee! +ith other -en0 Michael had had to (to! hi-(elf fro- hollerin" o)t hi(
()!!ort. It +o)ld definitely not have endeared hi- to =e((ica0 +ho already had a (e-i/
!oor o!inion of hi-. So he2d (ettled for a :)iet fi(t in the air in the kitchen.
6I have a ne+fo)nd re(!ect for yo) after ho+ yo) handled thi( -ornin"0 tho)"h I
have to tell yo)0 if that had been -e +ith Carrie0 I +o)ld never have ref)(ed her
anythin". I don2t kno+ ho+ yo) -ana"ed it +ith =e((ica08 Michael (aid (incerely0 takin"
a lon" drink of coffee.
6I -ana"ed it beca)(e I +ant -ore than (he2( "iven tho(e other ")y(. I +ant it all08
Will (aid fiercely0 r)nnin" a hand thro)"h +hat +a( left of hi( hair. 6I don2t +ant her !ity
any -ore than (he +ant( -ine. I +ant her in -y life0 +illin" and acce!tin" of +hat i(
bet+een )(.8
67reat08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin" and +alkin" into the kitchen. 6I +ant that for yo)0
too. I -i"ht even be able to hel! yo) -ake that ha!!en.8
He !o)red hi( father a c)! of coffee +hen he noticed he2d follo+ed hi- into the
kitchen. Ah, the dead really has returned to life0 Michael tho)"ht relieved0 lettin" hi-(elf
(-ile at hi( father in a!!roval. He +o)ld need to (hare the ne+( +ith Shane (o hi(
brother co)ld (to! +orryin" a( +ell.
6Hel! -e;8 Will a(ked0 al-o(t fearf)l abo)t +hat hi( "rinnin" (on had in -ind.
6Ho+ can yo) hel! -e;8
6I kno+ +here =e((ica Daniel( i( "oin" to be on her5+hat did yo) call it5oh yeah0
her damn date toni"ht08 Michael (aid0 "rinnin" at the ()dden look of deter-ination in hi(
father2( "a9e. He +o)ld love nothin" -ore than to hel! hi( father b)(t )! =e((ica2( date.
6Where i( (he "oin" to be;8 Will de-anded0 ()r!ri(ed.
6There2( an art (ho+ in Cincinnati. =e((ica i( re"i(tered to (ho+ (everal !iece( of her
va"ina art08 Michael (aid.
6@a"ina art;8 Will re!eated the )nfa-iliar !hra(e. 6What2( that;8
6A celebration of the feminine08 Michael :)oted caref)lly0 )(in" the art (ho+2(
de(cri!tion of it. 6She2( only relea(ed the ne+ +ork in the la(t year or (o. <o)2ll have to
(ee it to )nder(tand it0 b)t tr)(t -e0 yo)2re "oin" to like her ne+ art a +hole lot -ore than
her other (t)ff. Mo(t of the- are "la((0 +hich only -ake( the- better. I bid on the one I
+anted already0 and I2- the hi"he(t bidder (o far. I (a+ it +hen I -et her la(t year0 b)t I
confe(( I ()b-itted the bid )nder an alia( to kee! her fro- findin" o)t it +a( -e.8
Will la)"hed and (hook hi( head. Beca)(e Michael2( na-e +a( (o +ell kno+n in the
art co--)nity0 he often t)rned in cloaked bid( on art !iece(. He didn2t +ant other( to
kno+ he +a( ()ch a !atron of the art(. 6I can (ee yo)2re dyin" to tell -e0 Michael. What
na-e did yo) )(e thi( ti-e;8
Michael (-iled0 "lad to (ee hi( father back to nor-al5or al-o(t nor-al. 6I )(ed the
Willia- &ar(on identity. When =e((ica find( o)t0 (he2ll think it2( yo).8
Will (!it coffee all over the table +hile Michael la)"hed. He !)lled a handf)l of
!a!er na!kin( fro- a nearby holder.
6Do)btf)l08 he (aid0 -o!!in" )! the (!ill. 6Since (he think( -y na-e i( Everett
Willia-( and that I2- ,)(t an arti(t.8
6<o) never told her yo)r real na-e;8 Michael a(ked0 +onderin" +hy hi( father
+o)ld +ant to hide hi( for-er day ,ob fro- a fello+ teacher.
6It ha(n2t e3actly had ti-e to co-e )!08 Will defended.
6Do yo) think (he2d be le(( intere(ted in yo) if (he kne+;8 Michael a(ked0 tr)ly
!)99led.
6It2( not that08 Will (aid. 6I ,)(t +anted to -ake ()re the ne3t +o-an )nder(tood I
+a( an arti(t fir(t. I didn2t +ant to be +ith anyone +ho didn2t acce!t it.8
6Well0 I think yo) hit the ,ack!ot in =e((ica Daniel(. I can2t i-a"ine a +o-an +ho
co)ld )nder(tand yo) or yo)r +ork any better08 Michael told hi-. 6I2- da-n envio)(.8
6I2ll tell her abo)t the other career event)ally. I intended to tell her before no+. I
")e(( I liked her thinkin" I +a( ,)(t (o-e rebel biker arti(t ty!e08 Will (aid0 r)nnin" a
hand thro)"h hi( re-ainin" hair.
Watchin" hi( father do the &ar(on/-ale/hair/(+ee!/thin" a"ain -ade Michael la)"h.
6<o) are a "en)ine rebel biker arti(t ty!e0 Dad. <o) al+ay( have been0 b)t no+ yo)
"et to be that all the ti-e. Mo- -ay not have liked that !art of yo)0 b)t it2( al+ay( been
+ho yo) +ere on the in(ide. =e((ica (ee-( to like it fine. I (a+ yo) t+o ki((in" +hen yo)
+ere covered in -arble d)(t. She had +hite !al- !rint( on her a(( +hen (he left08
Michael (aid0 en,oyin" hi( father2( fl)(hed face.
6She did not08 Will denied0 the heat "ro+in" a( he re-e-bered ki((in" her.
6<o) kno+ I don2t lie abo)t tho(e thin"(. Mo- even -entioned it08 Michael (aid0
hea!in" the e-barra((-ent on hi( father2( head +itho)t re-or(e. 6And frankly0 it +a( a
"ood thin" for both of tho(e +o-en to kno+ the tr)th abo)t yo)r intention(.8
6Shane really i( "oin" to -ake a fort)ne +ritin" a da-n book abo)t )( one day08 Will
co-!lained0 cro((in" hi( ar-(.
67ood08 Michael (aid. 6He need( to -ake -ore -oney. He2( "oin" to o+e -e a
tho)(and dollar( +hen he fini(he( hi( di((ertation thi( Dece-ber.8
6Did he (ay he +a( fini(hin";8 Will a(ked0 c)rio(ity overridin" hi( te-!er abo)t
dealin" +ith Michael2( ver(ion of hone(ty. 6That +o)ld be "reat. I hadn2t (een any -ore
bill( for t)ition. I (ort of a(()-ed he te-!orarily dro!!ed o)t.8
6o. We -ade a bet. I bet hi- he +a( "oin" to fall in love +ith a tiny0 (-art +o-an
before he fini(he(08 Michael (aid +ith "lee. 6Thi( i( "oin" to be the ea(ie(t -oney I2ve
ever -ade. &a(t ni"ht I h)""ed hi-0 and he offered -e all hi( blonde(. He even
confe((ed that the !iercin"( +ere to (care the +o-en a+ay. I2- )(in" the !o+er of
()""e(tion on the !(ych -an. I love it.8
6And to think I +a( +orried Shane +a( never "oin" to "ro+ )!08 Will (aid0 i"norin"
Michael2( ,okin" and (-ilin" at the idea of Shane tryin" to (care a+ay the "irl(. That boy
had never had to cha(e any fe-ale. They fell at hi( feet0 and he !icked one )! no+ and
a"ain. Will co)ld (ee the lo"ic of +hy Shane +o)ld choo(e to alter hi-(elf to di(co)ra"e
the-.
6<o) need to (et a "ood e3a-!le for Shane and -e0 Dad. 7et yo)r divorced (hit
to"ether and co-e +ith -e to the art (ho+08 Michael (aid. 6Shane and I can hel! yo)
look "ood eno)"h to (ed)ce =e((ica a+ay fro- anybody.8
6Boy0 I +a( (lee!in" +ith +o-en lon" before yo) ca-e into e3i(tence. I can do -y
o+n (ed)cin". Thank( any+ay08 Will told hi( olde(t (on dryly.
6It +ill be harder lookin" like yo) c)rrently do. 'ace it0 yo) need a little )!datin"0
Dad. <o) have to look better than her date0 +ho -ay be clo(e to -y a"e08 Michael (aid
on a la)"h.
67reat0 Michael. Thank( for the !e! talk08 Will (aid dryly.
6&ook0 the +o-an i( +orth at lea(t b)yin" (o-e ne+ clothe( for0 i(n2t (he;8 Michael
a(ked0 (i!!in" hi( coffee and fi"htin" not to (-ile too -)ch.
6I ")e(( I co)ld )(e (o-e ne+ clothe(0 b)t no !iercin"( or tattoo(08 Will (aid fir-ly.
6I hate older -en +ho do that0 and I dra+ the line at -)tilation. I don2t need to try to
i-itate yo) or Shane.8
Michael !)lled o)t hi( cell and held )! a hand a( he !)(hed a b)tton to dial.
6Hey0 Shane. <eah0 of co)r(e it2( (even/thirty in the -ornin". &ook0 +e need to "et
Dad a ne+ look (o he can "o b)(t )! =e((ica2( date toni"ht and (ed)ce her. o0 not yet.
She (tayed all ni"ht0 b)t he t)rned her do+n thi( -ornin". I don2t kno+. He ,)(t did.8
Will +atched Michael direct hi( i-!atient "a9e to the ceilin" a( he +aited for Shane
to fini(h +hat he +a( (ayin".
6I don2t kno+ +hy Dad t)rned her do+n. Co-e over here and analy9e hi- yo)r(elf08
Michael (aid into the !hone0 la)"hin" a( hi( father !)t hi( head in hi( hand(.
6o+ li(ten. <o)2re not hearin" -e. We2re ,)(t "oin" to "et Dad )!dated (o he look(
better than the other -en in =e((ica2( life. I think +e (ho)ld do +hat yo) ()""e(ted and
b)y hi- a "reat ,acket to +ear +ith hi( ,ean(. Oh0 and (o-e ne+ boot( too0 bi" eno)"h to
-ake hi- at lea(t a fe+ inche( taller than her. <eah0 +e +ant hi- to be yo)r hei"ht.
7reat. Co-e on over. I2ll -ake breakfa(t.8
6I -ean it0 Michael. o !iercin"( or tattoo(08 Will (aid fir-ly0 "larin" at hi( olde(t
(on a( he h)n" )! the !hone. 6Don2t even a(k.8
6Tr)(t -e08 Michael (aid0 "rinnin". 6I look ,)(t like yo). I kno+ e3actly +hat need(
to be done. It2( like !lannin" -y f)t)re.8
Cha!ter %$
The co-!lete lack of hair on hi( head +a( hard to "et )(ed to0 even tho)"h Will had
to ad-it bein" co-!letely bald looked -)ch better than (!ortin" a "iant bare (!ot on to!.
He tho)"ht of all the -ovie (tar( and (!ort( fi")re( +ith (haved head( a( he checked o)t
hi( o+n in the -irror0 and he fi")red the boy( had been ri"ht abo)t "ettin" rid of hi( hair.
ot that Will tho)"ht he looked like a -ovie (tar no+0 b)t hi( (haved head definitely
(hifted the foc)( to the re(t of hi-0 +hich had for the la(t decade looked better than hi(
head.
The bro+n t+eed ,acket +a( "reat0 and he liked it a lot. And the boot( +ere
()r!ri(in"ly co-fortable de(!ite the thick heel.
A( Will (t)died hi-(elf in the fittin" roo- -irror0 he liked +hat he (a+. Or at lea(t
he -o(tly liked it all. He reached t+o fin"er( )! to !lay +ith earrin" no+ "racin" hi(
earlobe0 (till tryin" to fi")re o)t ho+ hi( (on( had talked hi- into it. He +a( "ettin" (oft
a( he "ot older0 Will decided. He )(ed to be a lot better at (ayin" no to the- and -eanin"
it.
Si"hin"0 Will (trode o)t of the fittin" roo- to the (ale( floor +here hi( (on( +aited
!atiently to check hi- o)t.
Shane nodded and "rinned +hen he (a+ hi-. 6ice08 he (aid in a!!roval. Hi( father
+a( !ractically eye/to/eye +ith hi- no+.
Michael ,)(t (-iled a( hi( "a9e (+e!t over hi( father. Then he (-iled -ore +hen he
(a+ (everal +o-en "ivin" hi( father the once over before re!eatin" it (everal ti-e(. They
had been lookin" at Michael0 and then Shane0 )ntil hi( father +alked o)t of the fittin"
roo- al-o(t a( tall a( Shane and -)ch0 -)ch better dre((ed.
=e((ica Daniel( +a( in for a real ()r!ri(e0 Michael decided0 and -aybe (o-e
co-!etition if (he ke!t !layin" hard to "et. Hi( father ()re didn2t look like (o-e r)n/of/
the/-ill retiree no+. Michael ,)(t had to (ay (o-ethin" abo)t +hat he +a( (eein".
6Dad0 if the (ale( "irl( had (een yo) roll in on yo)r bike0 yo) co)ld have "otten laid
ri"ht here in the fittin" roo-08 he tea(ed.
6Michael0 that2( eno)"h08 Will (aid har(hly. 6<o)2re bein" cr)de.8 And it didn2t hel!
that he co)ld definitely i-a"ine =e((ica and hi- in that ti"ht little roo- to"ether. He
barely fo)"ht off the fr)(trated (i"h.
Michael (a+ one +o-an !oint hi( dad o)t to another +o-an and "rinned. 6o. I2-
,)(t bein" hone(t abo)t ho+ "reat yo) look. =e((ica i( da-n l)cky yo) don2t think like
Shane or I do.8
Will looked at hi-(elf (tandin" ne3t to both hi( very attractive (on(. He had to ad-it
that he did look yo)n"er and -ore confident. o -atter ho+ he felt on the in(ide0 he
+a(n2t "oin" to be -i(taken for an old +a(hed/o)t ")y dre((ed like he +a(.
6I do like -o(t of thi(0 b)t i( the earrin" really nece((ary;8 Will a(ked0 to)chin" hi(
earlobe a"ain.
Thi( "ot a ch)ckle o)t of Shane0 +ho )! to no+ had ,)(t been noddin" at +hat
Michael (aid.
6<e(. =e((ica i( "oin" to love the earrin"08 Shane told hi- fir-ly0 !)llin" hi( dad2(
hand a+ay fro- hi( ear. 6There2( (o-ethin" abo)t the contradiction of a "iant -an
+earin" a tiny !iece of ,e+elry. It (ay( yo) can break the bed b)t be co-!letely (en(itive
+hile doin" it.8
Will (norted. 6Oh0 "ood5(en(itive0 b)t e3tre-ely horny. That +a( e3actly the look I
+a( "oin" for08 he +hi(!ered dryly0 -akin" the- both la)"h.
67reat. Then yo)2re all (et08 Michael re!lied0 la)"hin". 6Want to ride to Cincinnati
+ith -e or drive yo)r(elf;8
6I2ll "et there on -y o+n08 Will (aid0 6if I have any -oney left for "a( after all thi(.8
6Dad0 it2( a fe+ h)ndred dollar(. When +a( the la(t ti-e yo) bo)"ht ne+ clothe(;8
Shane a(ked. 6I bet it +a( before yo) and Mo- broke )!.8
6Okay. <o)2re !robably ri"ht08 Will (aid. 6&i(ten0 I2- headin" to the caf? for a bit to
try o)t -y ne+ look. I2ll (ee yo) at the art (ho+.8
***
6Hey0 Melanie. Brent. Ho+2( it "oin";8 Will (aid0 cli-bin" on a bar (tool at the
co)nter. Hi( "a9e took in the cro+ded table( +ith a (-ile. 6&ook( like b)(ine(( i( (till
boo-in".8
Melanie and Brent Madi(on both +alked over to hi- like 9o-bie( and (tood lookin"
at hi- in (hock.
6What;8 Will a(ked. 6I( everythin" okay;8
6<o)5+ell. . .I -ean08 Melanie (ta--ered0 and then fl)(hed. She -i"ht have
-elted to the floor in (hock if her h)(band hadn2t !)t an ar- aro)nd her (ho)lder( for
()!!ort. 'ir(t the (tool thin" and no+ the hot/")y look. It +a( al-o(t -ore than her brain
co)ld take in abo)t Willia- &ar(on.
6ice earrin"0 Mr. &ar(on08 Brent (aid bree9ily0 )nable to (tifle a "rin at the (i"ht.
Will2( hand +ent a)to-atically to hi( earlobe. 6I2ve had it for (everal ho)r( no+ and
al-o(t for"ot abo)t it. I told -y (on Shane it +a( too -)ch.8
Brent -oved hi( ar- do+n to (:)ee9e hi( +ife2( hand a( he (hook hi( head and
(-iled at Willia- &ar(on.
6o. It look( "ood. ice hairc)t too0 Mr. &ar(on. Make( yo) look yo)n"er08 Brent
(aid a( ca()ally a( he co)ld. 6In fact0 yo) look (o "ood that I -ay have to (have -y head
no+ to co-!ete.8
Will la)"hed at the idea of Brent (havin" hi( f)ll0 thick hair all off. He kne+ he +a(
tea(in". 6<eah0 ri"ht. A (haved head i(n2t "reat0 b)t at lea(t it beat( the bald (!ot.8
Melanie +alked )! and !eered into hi( face. 6I( that really (till yo)0 Will;8
Will ran hand over hi( face0 tryin" to -ini-i9e the e-barra((ed fl)(h. 6Why; I( thi(
all too -)ch; I let -y (on( do thi( to -e. They (aid I needed )!datin".8
Melanie (hook her head fro- (ide to (ide. 6It2( not too -)ch. <o) look "reat0 ,)(t
very different. <o) don2t look5+ell0 yo) don2t look a( old a( -y dad any-ore.8
6I (till feel a( old a( yo)r dad08 Will (aid (oftly0 (-ilin" re"retf)lly. He had never
-inded bein" a ()rro"ate father to any child.
6Ha( =e((ica (een yo) yet;8 Melanie a(ked.
Will (hook hi( head. 6o. A!!arently0 (he ha( a date toni"ht08 he (aid0 fro+nin". 6I
co)ldn2t talk her o)t of it0 b)t I2ll !robably (ee her at the art (ho+.8
6I +i(h I co)ld be there +hen (he (ee( yo)08 Melanie (aid earne(tly0 a( (he !o)red
hi- a c)! of coffee. 6I2d love to (ee the look on the -ath teacher2( face too.8
6Math teacher; I( that +ho2( (he datin" toni"ht;8 Will de-anded0 "larin" at Melanie.
6<o) can2t be -ad at the -e((en"er08 (he told hi-0 archin" an eyebro+ at hi( "lare.
6I (ho)ldn2t have (aid anythin". It2( ,)(t that yo)2re "oin" to (hock Ada- +hatever/hi(/
na-e/i( too. <o) don2t look like anyone2( "ray/haired dad any-ore. <o) look like a
-ovie hero.8
6Movie hero; Oh "ood0 that2( e3actly the look I +a( "oin" for08 Will (aid
(arca(tically0 rollin" hi( eye( and la)"hin" at +hat he +a( ()re +a( a ,oke. 6I +a( "oin"
to leave a "ood ti! any+ay yo) kno+. <o) don2t have to flatter -e.8
Melanie looked at her h)(band0 +ho bit hi( li! and (tared at the floor to kee! fro-
la)"hin" o)t lo)d. It +a( very obvio)( to both of the- that Willia- &ar(on had no cl)e
ho+ bi" the tran(for-ation +a(.
Cha!ter %%
=e((ica had chained off her area and left her art )nattended for a (hort +hile to +alk
aro)nd +ith her e-barra((ed date +ho obvio)(ly didn2t )nder(tand the arti(tic val)e of a
"la(( va"ina. After he2d critici9ed (everal other arti(t(2 +ork0 incl)din" Michael &ar(on2(
-etal (c)l!t)re(0 =e((ica +a( fed )! +ith tryin" to be !olite and had left Ada- to bro+(e
alone (o (he co)ld ret)rn to her o+n +ork.
A( =e((ica neared her di(!lay table0 (he (a+ (o-eone had (te!!ed aro)nd the ro!e
barricade. All (he co)ld (ee +a( the -an2( back a( he reached o)t a tentative fin"er to
(troke the finely crafted clitori( on the *lue *la+e -odel. =e((ica (hivered and la)"hed at
her(elf for doin" (o0 lettin" her "a9e o!enly ad-ire the -an fro- behind. He +a( a little
taller than (he +a(0 broad (ho)ldered0 and co-!letely bald +ith an earrin".
And if the front looked a( "ood a( the back0 he +a( al(o "oin" to be totally hot. Her
intere(t had her (-ilin" at her carnal tho)"ht(. Maybe her attraction for Will hadn2t
r)ined her for other -en after all0 (he -)(ed. In fact0 (he -i"ht even be te-!ted to a(k
the -an o)t for a drink. It +o)ld "ive her an e3c)(e to (end Ada- on hi( -erry +ay0 and
one ")aranteed to -ake ()re he2d never a(k her o)t a"ain.
Will0 on the other hand0 +o)ld not be !lea(ed. =e((ica tho)"ht of the !ro-i(e he2d
tried to e3tort fro- her thi( -ornin" and (i"hed. There +a( (i-!ly no rea(on to feel
")ilty. It +a(n2t like (he had a"reed.
She r)thle((ly !)(hed a+ay her -e-orie( of ki((in" Will and i--ediately i-a"ined
Brooke callin" her 6chicken8 a"ain. Well0 (he +a( a chicken abo)t "ettin" -ore involved
+ith Will. So +hat; The (e3y bald (tran"er looked a lot (afer to her and a lot le(( tro)ble.
6&ook( like yo)2re a -an +ho kno+( hi( +ay aro)nd one of tho(e08 =e((ica (aid0
intentionally tea(in" hi- (o (he co)ld ,)d"e hi- by hi( re(!on(e.
Will (-iled at the flirtatio)( tone he hadn2t heard fro- =e((ica in a +hile0 b)t he
didn2t t)rn for a -o-ent.
6Oh0 I2ve to)ched a fe+ of the(e in -y ti-e08 he (aid finally +ith a la)"h0 t)rnin" and
-eetin" her "a9e directly. 6B)t I think I !refer the real one( to art.8
6(ill?8 =e((ica all b)t choked0 her ar-( )ncro((in" a( (he ca-e a bit clo(er to (t)dy
hi-. She looked do+n to hi( boot( and back )! to the to! of hi( (haved head. 6That2( a
very nice look for yo). I really like yo)r earrin".8
Will -ade a -ental note to thank Shane later. Hi( (on2( other co--ent had al(o been
dead on too beca)(e he co)ld definitely (ee hi-(elf (tretchin" the li-it( of a bed +ith thi(
+o-an toni"ht. In fact0 he had never (een =e((ica look (o te-!tin". Me-orie( of ho+
clo(e he2d co-e to en,oyin" all of her thi( -ornin" ca-e r)(hin" back.
6<o) look !retty "ood yo)r(elf0 M(. Daniel(. I kne+ yo) had le"(0 b)t not -ile lon"
one( that +ent all the +ay )! to heaven08 Will (aid0 tea(in".
Hi( "a9e dro!!ed to her lo+/heeled (hoe( and (lo+ly -ade it( +ay )! to the deni-
(kirt (to!!in" (everal inche( above her knee(. He co)ldn2t :)ite (ee over her head0 b)t he
+a( lookin" do+n at her for the fir(t ti-e (ince they had -et. The r)(h it "ave hi- !)t a
+icked (-ile on hi( face that Will ()(!ected +o)ld have only -ade =e((ica -ad if (he
kne+ the ca)(e.
Over the (hort (kirt0 =e((ica +ore a "a)9y +hite to! and a deni- ve(t too (-all to
b)tton over her brea(t(. Will forced hi( "a9e a+ay fro- the- before he "ave in to the
)r"e to reach for her.
In(tead0 Will looked at her +avy red hair and the lon" -etal hoo!( al-o(t br)(hin"
her (ho)lder(. He )(ed a fin"er and (ent one hoo! (+in"in"0 a!!reciatin" the flirty (-ile
it bro)"ht to =e((ica2( face.
6I like yo)r earrin"(0 too08 Will (aid0 dr)nk +ith the need to "et her alone and try to
a!!ea(e the ache he had for her.
=e((ica la)"hed ca)tio)(ly at Will2( inten(e !er)(al. *i((in" her (o de(!erately thi(
-ornin"0 Will had ta3ed her nervo)( (y(te- to it( li-it(. o+ he +a( -akin" her
a+arene(( -)ch +or(e +ith hi( ne+ look and o!en flirtin".
Tho)"h (he +ondered +hat had !o((e((ed Will to -ake the(e chan"e(0 =e((ica
!)(hed do+n the an(+er that ca-e i--ediately to -ind. o0 (he +a(n2t "oin" to believe
Will had -ade the(e chan"e( for her0 (he decided0 no -atter ho+ thrilled (he -i"ht be to
think it. ot that (he #as thrilled. It +a( -o(tly ()r!ri(e5,)(t ()r!ri(e.
Well0 okay0 (he had to ad-it that Will did look really "ood.
And ,)d"in" fro- her reaction even before (he reco"ni9ed hi-0 =e((ica concl)ded (he
+a( !robably al+ay( "oin" to be attracted to Will. A (cary tho)"ht0 b)t not one (he
+anted to analy9e +hile (-ellin" hi( colo"ne and thinkin" abo)t ki((in" hi-.
6So +hat do yo) think of -y art08 =e((ica (aid0 tryin" to di(tract her(elf fro- her
hy!era+arene(( of Will by noddin" +ith her chin to the table.
6I like it better than yo)r earlier +ork08 Will (aid hone(tly. 6And I2- finally
)nder(tandin" ho+ yo) fi")red o)t -y (ecret( (o :)ickly. We2re kindred (o)l( in lookin"
to o)r o+n bodie( for in(!iration.8
6I kno+ it2( bold to (ho+ ()ch an inti-ate !art of yo)r(elf to the +orld0 b)t I +anted
to celebrate -y (e3)ality and enco)ra"e other( to do the (a-e. I think !eo!le either "et it
or they don2t. I2- ()re yo) kno+ ho+ challen"in" it can be to have an arti(tic vi(ion that
e-barra((e( !eo!le08 (he (aid to Will.
6<e(08 Will (aid (oftly. 6I kno+ e3actly ho+ that i(.8
=e((ica2( "a9e +a( locked on hi( and in her face Will (a+ both )nder(tandin" and
acce!tance. It +a( the (a-e look (he2d "iven hi- in Berea. He ,)(t hadn2t been ready for
it then.
6=e((ica0 +hat yo) (aid thi( -ornin"5+ell0 yo) +ere ri"ht abo)t -e bein" ca)"ht )!
in -y o+n reaction(. It act)ally hel!( -e to (ee +hat yo) feel co-fortable revealin" to
the +orld. <o)r boldne(( hel!( -e believe yo) +hen yo) (ay yo)2re over the !a(t.8
6Well0 I think I a- for the -o(t !art0 and I +ork really hard to live only in the
!re(ent. I2- ")e((in" -y art and -y (e3)ality are linked in +ay( only -y thera!i(t co)ld
ever )nder(tand. I2- ()re (he (hake( her head in di(-ay abo)t -e after every (e((ion08
(he (aid la)"hin". 6'ort)nately0 arti(t( are e3!ected to be (cre+ed )! -entally0 (o I can
!retend it2( nor-al.8
A( =e((ica re-oved the ro!e barricade0 Will +alked back to the bl)e "la(( !iece he2d
been e3!lorin" +hen (he +alked )!. It +a( da-n -e(-eri9in"0 ,)(t like Michael had
(aid. He t)rned the !artial tor(o !iece a+ay fro- hi- (o that it +a( lyin" in a -ore
nat)ral direction0 and covered the !iece +ith the !al- of hi( hand.
6The(e !iece( are very (en()al. Thi( !artic)lar one fit( -y hand ,)(t like it +a( -ade
(!ecifically for -e08 Will (aid0 !)r!o(ely kee!in" hi( voice lo+ (o only =e((ica co)ld
hear.
6Too bad. It2( already (old0 or at lea(t I think it i(08 =e((ica infor-ed hi-0 forcin" the
+ord( o)t of her ()ddenly dry throat. 6What i( Michael2( -iddle na-e;8
=e((ica +atched Will (trokin" the "la(( and had to (tifle a "roan at the (i"ht of hi(
hand -ovin" on it. Her i-a"ination had no !roble- -entally (hiftin" hi( to)ch to her
body in(tead. In fact0 (he had been thinkin" abo)t hi- to)chin" her all day even tho)"h
(he had tried hard not to do (o. Ada- hadn2t !roved to be a( -)ch of a di(traction a( (he
had ho!ed.
Will didn2t feel even a little bit of re-or(e rattin" o)t hi( o+n (on to !revent havin"
to tell =e((ica abo)t the re(t of hi( life. Toni"ht he !referred to talk to her abo)t her art
+hile (he +a( in the -ood to talk to hi-. Will decided he +o)ld ,)(t have to confe((
later. It +a(n2t like he +a( "oin" to have to lie.
6Hi( -iddle na-e i( Willia-. Hi( f)ll na-e i( Michael Willia- &ar(on08 Will (aid
caref)lly0 r)nnin" hi( !al- do+n to c)! the botto- of the !iece and then back )! to the
to!.
6I +a( ")e((in" that08 =e((ica (aid hoar(ely0 )nable to look a+ay fro- +hat Will +a(
doin". 6Michael i( the hi"h bidder on *lue *la+e.8
6ot ()r!ri(in". My elde(t (on i( a (o-e+hat (ecret !atron of the art( and ha(
e3ce!tional ta(te08 Will (aid (oftly0 likin" the !ink fl)(h cree!in" )! =e((ica2( neck and
face. 6I really like the reali(- yo)2ve !)t into the !iece(. They2re irre(i(tible beca)(e of
it. The only thin" that +o)ld -ake the- -ore reali(tic i( if they +ere heated.8
When Will bro)"ht hi( !al- )! thi( ti-e0 hi( (li!!ed hi( -iddle fin"er in(ide the
(y-bolic entrance bored thro)"h the center of "la((.
6I can2t (ee- to to)ch the end of thi( t)nnel +ith -y lon"e(t fin"er. Ho+ dee! doe( it
"o;8 Will a(ked0 (choolin" hi-(elf to look in:)i(itive and to kee! the "rin off hi( face.
When he finally looked directly at =e((ica0 Will (a+ her breathin" +a( erratic. If the
+o-an +a(n2t abo)t to i-!lode +ith aro)(al0 he2d eat hi( ne+ boot(.
=e((ica (tarted to take t+o (te!( to+ard hi-0 b)t the -ath teacher (to!!ed her +ith a
hand on her ar-. 7rinnin" at her fr)(trated look0 Will re-oved hi( fin"er and hand fro-
the art and t)rned it back aro)nd to face the "eneral !)blic.
When he looked back0 =e((ica +a( (co+lin" at the -an +ho +a( to)chin" her. Will
co)ldn2t have been ha!!ier +ith the (it)ation0 e(!ecially +hen he heard the -an a(kin" if
(he +a( okay and co--entin" on her face bein" fl)(hed.
Maybe (he (ho)ld feel -ore ")ilty0 =e((ica tho)"ht0 lookin" at Ada-0 +ho(e face +a(
the !ict)re of concern for her. Then (he looked at Will0 +ho had covered hi( -o)th to
hide +hat (he kne+ +a( a (elf/(ati(fied "rin. Will had been intentionally tryin" to (ed)ce
her. Hell0 he had (ed)ced her.
ot only had Ada- not even reco"ni9ed Will0 he al(o hadn2t noticed +hat Will +a(
doin" to her art. He +a( too b)(y avoidin" even lookin" at the table.
It +a( the la(t (tra+ in her relation(hi! +ith hi-.
6Ada-0 never interr)!t a +o-an on the ver"e of a cli-a308 =e((ica (aid0 ()ddenly
tired of bein" nice to even a "ood/lookin" -an +ho +a( never "oin" to )nder(tand her.
6&ook0 I kno+ yo)2re bored (illy here. Why don2t yo) "o on ho-e; I2ll catch a ride +ith
(o-eone.8
Will b)r(t o)t la)"hin" then0 dra+in" both their "a9e(. 6I2ll be ha!!y to do it. I2ve
been +antin" to "ive yo) a ride (ince I -et yo).8
=e((ica looked at Will0 a (-ile t+itchin" at the corner( of her -o)th. She looked back
at a re(i"ned Ada- b)t didn2t feel a bit of re-or(e for +hat (he +a( abo)t to do. It +a(
+ay !a(t ti-e to -ove on.
6Mr. Willia-( i( a nei"hbor of -ine. Hi( (on i( (ho+in" hi( art here and i( the
hi"he(t bidder on one of -y !iece(08 (he (aid0 e3!lainin" a+ay Will2( inn)endo.
Will +atched the -ath teacher (i"h in re(i"nation0 ki(( =e((ica2( cheek0 and +alk off
de,ected. He felt a little (orry for hi- b)t co)ldn2t hel! feelin" !ro)d of hi-(elf.
6=)(t (o yo) kno+0 yo) +on2t (hake -e off a( ea(y a( yo)r boy/toy08 Will +arned0
(-ilin" at her.
6=)(t (o yo) kno+0 I lied abo)t the cli-a3 to e-barra(( Ada- into leavin"08 =e((ica
told Will0 t)rnin" her e3!re((ion into a re"retf)l "ri-ace.
67ive -e five -in)te( alone +ith yo)0 and yo)2ll never lie abo)t a cli-a3 +ith -e
a"ain08 Will !ro-i(ed0 narro+in" hi( "a9e on the !)l(e beatin" -adly at her throat.
6'ive -in)te(; That2( a little r)(hed don2t yo) think;8 (he a(ked.
6ot after a -onth of fore!lay08 Will (tated. 6B)t don2t +orry0 once i(n2t "oin" to be
eno)"h. I !ro-i(e +e2ll both "et there before the evenin" i( over.8
=e((ica reached into the !ocket of her (kirt and !)lled o)t the !acket (he2d carried
+ith her like a tali(-an. 6'ine. It2( ti-e to !)t )! or (h)t )! a( they (ay. <o) better be
(erio)(.8
Will bit hi( li! to kee! the (ho)t in0 took a dee! breath0 and +alked to (tand in front
of her. 6Why i( that in yo)r !ocket; Were yo) !lannin" to )(e it +ith (o-eone el(e;8
6o08 =e((ica told hi- (incerely. 6I +a( carryin" it to re-ind -e of yo)r re:)e(t. <o)
kno+0 like carryin" "arlic to +ard off va-!ire(. I fi")red yo)r condo- +o)ld +ard off
other -en !)ttin" a -ove on -e )ntil I co)ld fi")re o)t +hat to do abo)t yo).8
She reached o)t her fin"er( and t)cked the condo- into the !ocket of Will2( no+
very ti"ht ,ean(. =e((ica co)ldn2t hel! "loatin" a little over hi( di(co-fort and for finally
"ivin" hi- the condo- back.
6If yo) don2t !)t o)t thi( ti-e0 Everett Willia-(0 I2ll !robably kill yo)08 =e((ica
+arned.
Will (norted0 leaned do+n0 and once a"ain !)t hi( -o)th fir-ly over =e((ica2( to (h)t
her )!. He didn2t )(e hi( hand( )ntil =e((ica thre+ her ar-( aro)nd hi- and cl)n". When
hi( ar-( ca-e aro)nd her0 all hi( thinkin" narro+ed to ,)(t +onderin" ho+ (oon he co)ld
be +ith her.
6I2- ready to find the neare(t broo- clo(et or bathroo-08 Will told her0 liftin" her to
her toe( and leanin" back +ith her )ntil (he +a( !re((ed on hi- every+here. 6I need to
be in(ide yo) and I need it no+.8
6Sorry. ,o# doe(n2t +ork for -e. I (till have t+o !iece( of art to (ell. Ho+ abo)t -y
hotel roo- in three ho)r(;8 =e((ica a(ked. 6I +a( never intendin" to ret)rn ho-e +ith
Ada-. I !lanned to rent a car and vi(it the art -)(e)- to-orro+. I +a( tryin" not to r)in
hi( evenin" too early.8
6<o) +ere ri"ht to c)t hi- loo(e0 =e((ica. <o) +ere never "oin" to be ha!!y +ith a
-an (o afraid to to)ch a va"ina08 Will (aid on a la)"h0 +hich ca)(ed her to !)ll back and
al-o(t (te! o)t of hi( ar-(.
6Aren2t yo) the co-edian toni"ht;8 Cocky had never a!!ealed to her. The attit)de in
Will2( +ord( (aid he +a( too ()re of her "ivin" in to +hat he +anted0 (o (he "ave hi- a
"lare.
6Anyone co)ld (ee the -ath teacher +a( never "oin" to a!!reciate yo)r art. Tr)(t -e0
yo) don2t +ant to tie yo)r(elf to a relation(hi! like that08 Will (aid0 hi( voice beco-in"
hard and ti"ht0 all tea(in" "one.
4)llin" her back into hi( ar-( -ore (tron"ly0 Will leaned into her and !)t hi( -o)th
on =e((ica2( neck0 )ncarin" of the attention they +ere dra+in". He ho!ed the onlooker(
+ere learnin" a little (o-ethin" +atchin" an older co)!le -ake o)t in !)blic. Will +a(
not lettin" =e((ica "o a"ain )ntil (he kne+ for ()re ho+ he felt abo)t her. He2d ()ffered
all day and +a(n2t !lannin" to re!eat that -i(take.
6I didn2t (end Ada- a+ay beca)(e of -y art0 Will. I (ent hi- a+ay to be +ith yo)08
=e((ica (aid0 acce!tin" at la(t that there +a( no rea(on not to be hone(t abo)t her de(ire
for hi-.
67ood. I2ll (to! tea(in" and tell yo) (o-ethin" -ore (erio)( then. We need to -ake a
(to! on the +ay to yo)r hotel. I -eant +hat I (aid earlier. One condo- i( definitely not
"oin" to be eno)"h for )(08 Will +hi(!ered in her ear0 !)llin" her hi!( to hi(.
6o. It !robably +on2t be0 b)t let -e "o for no+0 Will08 =e((ica +hi(!ered back0
noticin" the i--ediate coolin" in hi( eye(. She reached o)t and cla(!ed one of hi(
tre-blin" hand( in one of her(0 +hich +a( (hakin" a( +ell. 6A -an +ith the nerve to
+ear an earrin" o)"ht to be confident eno)"h to handle a re:)e(t for little !er(onal
(!ace.8
Will (i"hed and nodded0 took a (te! a+ay0 b)t ke!t her hand in hi(.
6Can I !lay +ith yo)r va"ina to !a(( the ti-e;8 he a(ked0 !lea(ed +hen her face
fl)(hed a dee! red at hi( ()""e(tion.
=e((ica (t)ttered +hen (he tried to talk0 and endin" )! la)"hin". 6If yo) to)ch any of
-y va"ina( a"ain0 I2- "oin" to (crea- in fr)(tration. I +ant yo) to to)ch the real thin"
bad eno)"h a( it i(. I didn2t create the- a( (e3 toy(. They2re a58
65celebration of the feminine. <e(0 they certainly are that0 b)t they2re al(o (en()o)(
and be""in" by their very nat)re to be to)ched0 al-o(t a( -)ch a( the real one( do08 Will
(aid on a (i"h0 not botherin" to fi"ht the "rin +hen =e((ica cro((ed her ar-( a"ain. 6<o)
are a cr)el +o-an. I ")e(( I2ll ,)(t have to +ait )ntil Michael brin"( *lue *la+e ho-e.
Then yo) +on2t kno+ +hat I do to it.8
=e((ica (-acked Will in the che(t before +alkin" over to talk to (o-eone el(e lookin"
at her art.
***
By the end of the evenin"0 =e((ica ended )! (ellin" t+o of the three !iece( (he had
(ho+n. *lue *la+e +ent to Michael a( the hi"he(t bidder. Pink "loud +a( bo)"ht by a
+o-an +ho !lanned to di(!lay it in her ")e(t bathroo- to (hock her friend(.
or-ally0 =e((ica +o)ld have been "iddy abo)t the ()cce(( of (ellin" t+o of only
three !iece( of art. In(tead0 (he +a( foc)(ed on the -an (eated ne3t to her0 di99y +ith the
antici!ation of bein" inti-ate +ith hi-.
Will and hi( ne+ look +ere -ore than her +ill!o+er co)ld handle re(i(tin"0 (o (he
!)(hed her re-ainin" re(ervation( abo)t "ettin" -ore involved a(ide. Her da)"hter
Brooke had been ri"ht. There +a( never "oin" to be a -an after Will )ntil there had been
Will. It +a( like a (cientific fact of their attraction to each other.
6I +ondered +hat yo) drove other than the bike08 =e((ica (aid0 (-ilin" at the a-o)nt
of headroo- in the !ick/)! tr)ck. 6I never fi")red yo) for a tr)ck ")y0 b)t thi( i( a( nice
a( a car in(ide.8
6I reali9e it2( not very efficient or !artic)larly kind to the environ-ent. I2- ho!in"
they -ake a hybrid bi" eno)"h for -e (oon08 Will (aid0 (teerin" the tr)ck into the
!arkin" lot of the hotel =e((ica had indicated. 6I ,)(t can2t drive a co-!act car. <o)
(ho)ld (ee Shane tryin" to fold hi-(elf into hi( tiny (edan. It fit( hi- like a clo+n car0
b)t he (ay( he "et( "reat -ilea"e.8
=e((ica la)"hed a( (he i-a"ined the blond "iant (he -et drivin" a (-all car. 6I ad-ire
yo)n" !eo!le for carin" eno)"h to ()ffer. I )(ed to be that +ay +hen I +a( yo)n". I think
I o)t"re+ it +hen I t)rned forty. I reali9ed co-fort +a( i-!ortant to -e and that I didn2t
-ind !ayin" for it.8
6I hear yo)08 Will (aid0 t)rnin" off the tr)ck. 6Are +e brin"in" yo)r va"ina in +ith
)(;8
6Well0 I kind of tho)"ht yo) and I +o)ld both be "oin" to the roo- to"ether08 (he
(aid on a lo+ la)"h0 6oh5yo) -eant the la(t art !iece.8
Will la)"hed. 6<o) kne+ da-n +ell +hat I -eant.8
6I kne+ da-n +ell yo) +ere tea(in" -e08 =e((ica co)ntered.
6When +a( the la(t ti-e yo) necked in a tr)ck;8 Will a(ked0 la)"hin". 6Beca)(e I2d
really like to ki(( yo) ri"ht no+.8
6H---. . .that +o)ld be never08 =e((ica co--ented.
Will fli!!ed )! the con(ole bet+een the (eat(. 6Scoot over here0 then. I2ll "ive yo) a
little !revie+ of -y (kill(.8
67ee0 I don2t kno+0 Will. I2- not ()re yo)2re the kind of ")y I can tr)(t08 =e((ica
(aid0 "rinnin".
6I a- ab(ol)tely tr)(t+orthy abo)t the i-!ortant thin"(08 Will (aid (erio)(ly. He
reached for her and dra""ed a la)"hin" =e((ica acro(( to hi-. 6It2( (-art of yo) to +orry
abo)t the ne3t ho)r or t+o0 b)t I2ll try to be a "entle-an for a( lon" a( I can.8
6Well0 +hat +o)ld be the f)n in yo) doin" that;8 =e((ica !rote(ted0 t)rnin" her knee(
to+ard hi( in the (eat.
Will !)t a hand bet+een her knee( and r)bbed bet+een the-. 6Tell -e if I do
anythin" yo) don2t like0 okay;8 He ran hi( hand )! a little hi"her on one thi"h0 thrilled
+hen both of her le"( loo(ened to let hi( hand "o even hi"her.
=e((ica "roaned at Will2( (lo+ e3!loration. 6If I don2t (crea- stop at any !oint0
con(ider yo) have -y blanket !er-i((ion to kee! tryin" other thin"(.8
Will la)"hed a"ain(t her -o)th0 licked her li!( and nibbled a( he -oved hi( hand
hi"her and hi"her. He ran hi( fin"er( over her )nder+ear0 feelin" !hy(ical evidence of her
aro)(al +ith a thrill he2d all b)t for"otten. Da-n0 he +anted thi( +o-an.
6Ti-e to take thi( indoor(0 =e((ica0 )nle(( yo) +ant -e to inve(ti"ate the in(!iration
for yo)r art ri"ht no+. I already +ant to !retty da-n badly08 Will told her0 !re((in" on
her da-! )nder+ear +ith a hard kn)ckle ,)(t to -ake hi( !oint. 6I +ant to (ee the (o)rce
for yo)r art. And then I +ant to e3!erience it over and over a"ain.8
6Will08 =e((ica called0 her voice hoar(e. 6I +ant yo) to (to! no+.8
6<o) and yo)r lyin"08 Will cha(ti(ed (oftly0 the e3cited look on her face in(!irin"
hi-. 6I +arned yo) abo)t havin" to ()ffer the con(e:)ence(.8
Hi( fin"er( t)""ed at the to! of +hat he :)ickly di(covered +a( a fairly (-all !iece of
fabric and then delved do+n to +here he co)ld finally (li! t+o fin"er( in(ide her. 6M)ch
better than *lue *la+e5-)ch0 -)ch better. I definitely like the ori"inal ver(ion be(t.8
He !)(hed t+o fin"er( in a( dee!ly a( he co)ld0 al-o(t )ndone by her hone(ty +hen
=e((ica (hifted to "ive hi- "reater acce((.
6Ho+ dee! doe( thi( "o0 =e((ica; My fin"er( can2t reach the end of it.8
Will !)(hed a little farther0 a little harder0 thrilled +hen =e((ica "roaned and clo(ed
her thi"h( aro)nd hi( hand in -ild !anic. He co)ld feel ho+ clo(e (he +a( to an or"a(-.
ot forcibly !)(hin" her over the ed"e +a( definitely a heroic act of (elf/control for hi-.
6I bet yo) didn2t kno+ thi( i( yo)r l)cky day0 did yo) lady; I have (o-ethin" that2(
"oin" to reach all the +ay in(ide and fill yo) co-!letely )!. Are yo) intere(ted;8 Will
de-anded.
6<e(. Da-n it0 ye(08 =e((ica (aid0 rai(in" her(elf to -eet hi( -o)th +ith her o+n. She
!)lled hi( ton")e in(ide +hen he offered it0 ()ckin" it to (ho+ hi- +hat (he +anted. 6I2-
intere(ted no+5ri"ht no+.8
6In the !arkin" lot of the hotel or in yo)r roo-; <o)r call08 Will told her on a la)"h0
!layf)lly fi"htin" her :)iverin" thi"h( and !)(hin" hi( fin"er( even -ore fir-ly in(ide
her. He (troked her )ntil he +a( delirio)( +ith her reaction and the !)l(in" heat of her.
6WillK8 =e((ica called o)t0 ten(in" a( the fir(t +ave hit.
6<o)2re (o da-n hot0 I can2t hel! it08 Will told her0 defendin" hi( action( a( he
(troked +ith the e3!re(( !)r!o(e of -akin" her fly a!art for hi-0 beca)(e of hi-. 67o
ahead0 baby. One of ha( to have (o-e relief here. I took thi( too far0 b)t I co)ldn2t hel!
-y(elf. I2ll catch )! later5I !ro-i(e. 4lea(e ,)(t tr)(t -e and let "o.8
6Will08 =e((ica called hi( na-e0 thra(hin" in the (eat.
When the or"a(- hit f)ll/blo+n0 Will (troked in !erfect rhyth- to the !)l(in" in her
body. He kne+ ,)(t +hen to be hard and fa(t0 and ,)(t +hen to (lo+. It +a( a co)!le
-in)te( later before =e((ica recovered and ca-e back do+n to earth. Will2( fin"er( +ere
(till in(ide her b)t !atient no+.
7od ble(( older -en +ho kne+ +hat they +ere doin"0 =e((ica tho)"ht (-)"ly0
feelin" a loo(ene(( in her li-b( that +a( thoro)"hly rela3in".
6<o) are (o incredibly bea)tif)l +hen yo) let yo)r(elf "o08 Will told her0 b)ryin" hi(
face in her neck a( (he throbbed "ently aro)nd hi( fin"er(. 64lea(e do it a"ain for -e
later. Do it +hen I2- in(ide yo) ne3t ti-e.8
6Will08 =e((ica (aid +ith a -ildly e-barra((ed la)"h. 6Why are +e -akin" o)t in a
car like teena"er(; I have a !erfectly "ood hotel roo- re(erved in(ide.8
6I co)ldn2t +ait08 he (aid0 c)!!in" her entire crotch area in hi( lar"e hand0 loathe to
re-ove hi( fin"er( fro- her +ar-th. He hadn2t even "otten aro)nd to e3!lorin" yet. He
+anted everythin" all at once. 6I +i(h I co)ld find a +ay to tran(!ort )( to a bed +itho)t
havin" to (to! to)chin" yo).8
6I have to "o "et a roo- key. Do yo) +ant to co-e +ith -e or +ait;8 =e((ica a(ked.
Will la)"hed and rel)ctantly !)lled hi( hand( a+ay fro- her. 6I( that a rhetorical
:)e(tion;8
=e((ica (norted at hi( inn)endo. 6Co-e on. either of )( ha( any clothe(0 (o +e2ll ,)(t
"o "et the roo- to"ether. &eave the va"ina in the tr)ck.8
6Oh no08 Will (aid0 o!enin" the door and cli-bin" o)t. Hi( body +a( (tiff +ith
lon"in". He +a( !robably a kid the la(t ti-e he +a( thi( bad off and needin" relea(e. 6I
a- not leavin" anythin" that "ood in the tr)ck )nattended. I +ant it +here I can kee! -y
eye on it. I2- ,)(t that kind of ")y.8
6Don2t be (illy08 =e((ica (aid0 (lidin" o)t her (ide on +obbly le"(. The -an had
de(troyed her. And no+ he +anted to do it a"ain0 !robably needed to do it a"ain0 (he
conceded.
When (he (a+ Will cradlin" her va"ina art "ently in hi( ar-(0 =e((ica ()ddenly didn2t
care ho+ -)ch tro)ble he +a( "oin" to be for her. It +a( nice to be +ith a -an +ho
val)ed her art and her. It +a( nice to +ant (o-eone like that. And it +a( al(o nice to be
+ith a -an +ho val)ed her !lea()re a( -)ch a( hi( o+n0 =e((ica tho)"ht0 re-e-berin"
the (heer confidence of hi( to)ch.
&ookin" at Will a( they +alked to the lobby0 =e((ica +a( a+are all over a"ain of ho+
"ood he looked no+. She had liked the +ay he looked before0 b)t he +a( irre(i(tible +ith
the (haved head and earrin"0 not to -ention the lon" hard body and ha9el eye( f)ll of
!a((ion.
She (-iled at her lon"in" for hi- and -ade a :)iet deci(ion to ride Everett Willia-(
)ntil he (crea-ed for -ercy ,)(t a( (oon a( they "ot to their roo-. The tho)"ht bro)"ht
on a re()r"ence of aro)(al to a level that =e((ica had never felt before in her life. Her
+hole body flooded +ith heat and (he had to +ork on rei"nin" in her tho)"ht( a( they
+aited their t)rn to check in.
6That2( a !retty +icked look08 Will (aid conver(ationally0 +onderin" +hat tho)"ht(
had =e((ica2( face t)rnin" (everal (hade( of !ink. Then he +ondered if they +ere
tho)"ht( abo)t hi-5or abo)t the-.
6<o) offered -e a ride earlier. Did yo) -ean it;8 =e((ica a(ked ca()ally to Will0 even
a( (he t)rned her attention to the fe-ale ni"ht clerk. 6Re(ervation for =e((ica Daniel(0 b)t
I need to )!"rade that to a do)ble.8
6o !roble-08 the fe-ale clerk (aid0 (-ilin" and "ivin" Will an a!!reciative "lance.
=e((ica (-iled at the "irl and then looked back at Will.
6Well0 did yo) -ean it;8 =e((ica de-anded.
6Any+here0 anyti-e0 and on anythin" I o+n08 Will (aid0 "rinnin". 6I( that the an(+er
yo) +anted;8
=e((ica la)"hed and took the t+o key card( the clerk handed her.
6<e(. Too bad yo) drove the tr)ck08 (he ,oked a( they +alked thro)"h the lobby.
67ive -e a fe+ -in)te(0 and I can (ho+ yo) (o-ethin" -ore f)n than -y bike08 Will
(aid0 trailin" after her (-ilin".
=e((ica cro((ed her ar-( a( they +aited for the elevator. 6I don2t kno+. It -ay take
yo) lon"er than five -in)te( thi( ti-e. The ed"e i( kind of off for -e no+. <o) did a
"ood ,ob earlier.8
Will (norted and "rinned. 6I kno+ +hat yo)r +icked look -eant0 lady. <o)2ll be all
over -e before the elevator "et( to o)r floor.8
=e((ica (norted her(elf. 6Drea- on. There are only three floor( total0 Mr. Willia-(.8
The elevator door( o!ened0 and they (te!!ed in(ide a( the only occ)!ant(. Will (et the
art !iece "ently on the floor. When he (trai"htened0 he !)(hed =e((ica )! a"ain(t the +all
and had hi( hand( )! her (kirt and on her rear before (he co)ld "et a +hole la)"h o)t of
her -o)th. Hi( ton")e (troked in and o)t of her -o)th (everal ti-e(0 and =e((ica +ra!!ed
her(elf aro)nd hi- to "et clo(er. It +a( like they had ,)(t left off fro- thi( -ornin".
The din" of the elevator and the door( o!enin" -ade Will la)"h at hi-(elf.
6Okay0 I +a( only bl)ffin"08 he (aid0 lettin" =e((ica2( (kirt fall back do+n and
bendin" to !ick )! the art on hi( +ay o)t.
=e((ica follo+ed hi- to the roo-0 (lid a key card0 and o!ened the door to !rivacy at
la(t. Her clothe( +ere -o(tly "one before Will -ana"ed to (et the art on a b)rea). She
+a( !)(hin" hi- do+n to the bed0 and )nfa(tenin" hi( clothe( before Will co)ld :)ite
take it in.
Hi( feet +ere (till on the floor0 even a( hi( ,ean( fell aro)nd hi( ankle(. The condo-
+a( o)t of hi( !ocket0 and he la)"hed +hen =e((ica ri!!ed it o!en +ith her teeth. Then
her hand( +ere on hi-0 the condo- +a( on hi-0 and =e((ica +a( (lidin" do+n on hi-
before he co)ld really fatho- her intention(. Everythin" (he +a( doin" +a( +hat he
+anted any+ay.
Will clo(ed hi( eye( and !rayed he2d la(t at lea(t a fe+ -in)te(.
=e((ica re-oved Will2( ,acket and (hirt +hile (he rocked her hi!(. She ran her hand(
over the (ho)lder( and che(t (he had lon" ad-ired.
>nfort)nately0 (he +a( havin" a hard ti-e en,oyin" the e3!loration. =)(t a( Will had
!ro-i(ed0 =e((ica ro(e and fell on an erection that filled her co-!letely. He +a(n2t the
fir(t -an like hi- (he2d kno+n0 b)t Will +a( definitely the -o(t talented +ith )(in" +hat
he had a( he b)cked beneath her.
6Ho+ clo(e are yo);8 Will de-anded0 "rittin" hi( teeth and "ri!!in" her hi!( hard.
6Don2t +orry abo)t -e. I2- ,)(t takin" that ride yo) !ro-i(ed08 =e((ica told hi- +ith
a la)"h. 6Screa- if yo) +ant0 Will. It2( yo)r t)rn0 and I +ant all of yo).8
Will o!ened hi( eye( +ide0 hi( "a9e borin" into her(. 6That2( +hat I +ant a( +ell08 he
(aid hone(tly. 6So "ive it to -e then. 7ive -e everythin"0 =e((ica Daniel(. Do it +hile
I2- in(ide yo) thi( ti-e.8
He !)(hed )! to+ard( her )(in" hi( elbo+(0 forcin" her to chan"e her an"le0 forcin"
her to (eek her o+n !lea()re +hile (he +a( +orkin" on hi(. Will co)ld (ee the -o-ent
=e((ica +ent over. He co)ld feel the throbbin" in(ide her be"in and it +a( even better
than anythin" he2d i-a"ined.
6I a- ab(ol)tely never "oin" to "et tired of (eein" yo) do that08 Will !ro-i(ed. 6o+
it really i( -y t)rn. I2- dyin" here.8
He "rabbed her hi!( and ()r"ed )! in(ide her0 thr)(tin" )!+ard over and over )ntil he
bla(ted o)t of hi-(elf and to)ched the (tar( that had =e((ica2( na-e on the-. When (he
fell +eakly acro(( hi( che(t after+ard0 Will la)"hed and h)""ed her e3ha)(ted body to
hi(.
6Make ()re and tell the -ath teacher that I ke!t -y !ro-i(e to "ive yo) a ride08 Will
told her. 6In fact0 I2ll tell hi- -y(elf if yo) +ant.8
6Will5(to!. I never (le!t +ith Ada-08 =e((ica (aid on a la)"h. 6I had no intention of
it. He +a( ,)(t !lea(ant0 )nde-andin" co-!any.8
Will (-iled a"ain(t the to! of her head. 6Who2( on the (ched)le for to-orro+ ni"ht;
I +ant to -ake ()re the ne3t ")y kno+( too.8
6o one no+08 =e((ica (aid :)ietly.
Will lay very (till beneath her0 la)"hter dyin" at her +ord(. He hadn2t -i((ed the
he(itation in her declaration.
6I( that ()ch a bad thin";8 he a(ked :)ietly0 liftin" her hair fro- her face and fannin"
it do+n her back.
6I2ll have to think abo)t it later08 =e((ica told hi- hone(tly. 6Can +e talk abo)t it after
+e "et back ho-e; I really ,)(t +ant to en,oy thi( ti-e +ith yo).8
Will (t)died the ceilin". If he r)(hed her0 (he +a( "oin" to r)n fro- hi-. That left
hi- +ith really no choice.
6I co)ld en,oy thi( a lot -ore if all -y clothe( +eren2t aro)nd -y ankle(08 Will (aid0
t+i(tin" a (trand of =e((ica2( hair aro)nd hi( fin"er. 6B)t I have to "et dre((ed a"ain
beca)(e I left the re(t of the condo-( in the tr)ck. I2- in a no/+in (it)ation +ith -y
clothe( for a little +hile. Can +e order a !i99a +hile I -ake the tri! o)t and back; I2-
(tarved.8
=e((ica la)"hed a"ain(t hi( che(t0 a-)(ed abo)t Will a(kin" !er-i((ion to order food.
What kind of hard/hearted +o-an did he think (he +a(;
6Sorry0 I can2t let yo) order !i99a yet. I like to (tarve -y (e3 (lave(. I only let the-
eat after the third or"a(-. <o) o+e -e one -ore0 and then I2ll feed yo)08 =e((ica (aid
(arca(tically.
6'ine08 Will (aid0 !)(hin" her off hi- "ently and rollin" her (o (he landed on the (ide
of the bed. Then he reali9ed =e((ica +a( (till +earin" her bra0 a very nice +hite lace bra.
Ho+ had he -i((ed the lacy )nder+ear; She (cra-bled hi( brain0 he decided.
6I ha!!en to kno+ a very fa(t +ay to "ive a +o-an a cli-a30 b)t I2- not ()re yo)
can handle it ri"ht no+. I kno+ yo) +eren2t !lannin" on havin" the (econd one (o (oon08
Will (aid0 a( !ro)d a( any ei"hteen/year/old +ho had ,)(t (cored. It +a( ho+ =e((ica
Daniel( -ade hi- feel.
6I a- fine08 =e((ica (aid +ith a ya+n0 la)"hin" at hi( bravado. 6I can handle anythin"
yo) can di(h o)t. By the ti-e yo) "et back fro- the car0 I2ll be rarin" to "o.8
She +a( tea(in"0 of co)r(e0 b)t =e((ica +a(n2t "oin" to let Will o)t/bra" her.
6If yo) fall a(lee!0 I2- orderin" !i99a0 and then +akin" yo) )! (o I can earn it
hone(tly08 he +arned.
=e((ica la)"hed a( (he clo(ed her eye(. The -an ()re talked a "ood (tory0 (he tho)"ht
(lee!ily. Will had had a body/n)-bin" cli-a3 +ith her. She had felt it too beca)(e he
had been (o dee!ly in(ide her +hen it ha!!ened. There +a( no +ay Will +a( "oin" to
o)tla(t her toni"ht. o +ay.
She +oke )! a fe+ -in)te( later to Will +hi(!erin" a"ain(t her brea(t(. 6=e((ica
honey0 +e have to h)rry. The !i99a i( "oin" to be here in t+enty -in)te(.8
=e((ica la)"hed0 feelin" the heat of hi( -o)th on her brea(t(0 and then (he reali9ed hi(
fin"er( +ere (trokin" in(ide her a"ain. Well0 at lea(t t+o of the- +ere. Other( +ere
(li!!in" (tra!( fro- her (ho)lder and t)""in" do+n the ed"e of her bra. The ni!!le he
ton")ed ro(e )! to -eet hi-.
6Hello there0 "or"eo)(08 Will (aid to her ni!!le0 -akin" =e((ica la)"h before he
clo(ed hi( -o)th over it. The t)""in" of hi( -o)th and the rhyth- of hi( fin"er( +ere
heaven. The -an had a -a(ter to)ch +hen it ca-e to aro)(in" her. It +a( very nice to
,)(t rela3 and en,oy +hat he +a( doin".
When =e((ica arched to the t)""in" of hi( -o)th0 Will let "o of her to la)"h. 6If +e
had -ore ti-e0 I2d let it ha!!en or"anically0 b)t +e have to h)rry. 4i99a i( "oin" to be
here (oon.8
He -oved do+n her body0 and covered everythin" bet+een her le"( and above hi(
thr)(tin" fin"er( +ith hi( -o)th. Will licked (everal ti-e(0 ()cked0 and then licked (o-e
-ore )ntil =e((ica thra(hed and throbbed.
6WillK 4lea(e08 =e((ica be""ed0 )n()re e3actly +hich +onderf)l thin" (he +anted hi-
to do a"ain0 b)t (he needed hi- to do (o-ethin" before (he died of bein" tort)red.
6I kno+ it doe(n2t (!eak +ell of -y character0 b)t I2- never "oin" to "et tired of
hearin" yo) be" -e for relea(e either. I2ll try really hard not to take advanta"e of it a( +e
"o alon"08 Will told her0 ret)rnin" to ()ck in rhyth- +ith hi( (trokin".
The re()ltin" or"a(- fro- t+o -in)te( of that tore thro)"h =e((ica the +ay a violent
(tor- (hake( a ho)(e and everythin" in it. Will had to hold her do+n +hile he ab(orbed
the la(t of the +ave(. =e((ica co)ldn2t even -ove +hen Will finally cra+led back )! the
bed to "rin do+n at her.
6Ten -in)te(0 lady. <o) +ere !retty fa(t08 he told her0 leanin" on one elbo+0
+atchin" her fi"ht to breathe nor-ally. =e((ica looked at hi- +ith blank eye(0 (till da9ed
fro- their love-akin". Will (i"hed0 thinkin" ho+ -)ch he loved (eein" her co-!letely
bef)ddled and kno+in" he +a( the rea(on.
There +a( knock on the door a -in)te later0 and Will la)"hed at +hat a clo(e call it
had been +ith their ti-in". Rollin" off the bed0 he fli!!ed one (ide of the bed(!read )!
and over =e((ica to cover her -o(tly naked body (till (!ra+led in e3ha)(tion.
6Evidently0 the !i99a didn2t take very lon" either. Wake )! and have (o-e +ith -e08
Will invited.
&)red by hi( voice0 =e((ica (at )! in the bed0 not f)lly reali9in" her bra +a( (till
!artially off. The fli!!ed/over cover !ooled at her +ai(t and (he looked do+n at it0 not
co-!letely ()re ho+ it had co-e to be there either. She (a+ Will at the door0 b)t he
(ee-ed (o far a+ay.
Will "lanced back over hi( (ho)lder a( he co)nted o)t bill( for the delivery boy. He
(hook hi( head at the a!!ealin" (ite =e((ica -ade (ittin" )! in bed all be-)(ed at the
+orld0 bra (tra!( off her (ho)lder(0 and hair lookin" like he2d had hi( hand( in it for
ho)r(. He (i"hed0 kno+in" that hadn2t ha!!ened yet either. She2d -e((ed it )! thra(hin"
in her e3cite-ent.
6Here08 Will (aid0 handin" the boy (everal bill(0 and (hakin" hi( head at the kid2(
-e(-eri9ed "a9e. 6To (ati(fy yo)r obvio)( c)rio(ity0 that2( +hat a (ati(fied +o-an look(
like. It2( +orth fi")rin" o)t +hat to do (o yo) can "et one to look that +ay for yo).8
6Ho+ did yo) "et (o "ood;8 the boy a(ked0 (neakin" another look at =e((ica0 +ho
finally t)""ed )! a bra (tra! and rai(ed the cover to her che(t a( a+arene(( of her -o(tly
naked condition ret)rned.
6&ot( and lot( of !ractice08 Will (aid to hi-0 6b)t it only +ork( that !erfectly +ith the
ri"ht +o-an. She2( the be(t one I2ve fo)nd (o far.8
6<o) "ot -e convinced08 the kid (aid0 lookin" in envy at =e((ica one la(t ti-e.
6En,oy yo)r !i99a0 d)de.8
Will clo(ed the door and +alked back to the bed0 (ettin" the (!icy !i99a in the -iddle
of it.
6Why do yo) have (o -)ch ener"y;8 =e((ica a(ked tiredly. 6Why aren2t yo)
e3ha)(ted;8
6I2ve been (lee!in" ro)nd the clock for (everal day(08 Will (aid ea(ily. 6Don2t +orry0
I2ll !a(( o)t later and yo)2ll have a hard ti-e +akin" -e in the -ornin".8
=e((ica !icked )! a (lice of !i99a and took a bi" bite. 6I like !e!!eroni and
-)(hroo-.8
Will leaned over to lick !i99a (a)ce fro- her li!. 6I like yo)0 b)t the !i99a i( "ood
too.8
6Will08 =e((ica be"an0 b)t (to!!ed beca)(e (he +a( not ()re +hat (he intended to (ay
to hi-. He +a(n2t actin" at all like (he tho)"ht he +o)ld. He al(o +a(n2t the ty!e of lover
=e((ica tho)"ht he +o)ld be.
Will +a( dark and broodin" at ti-e(0 intelli"ent and tho)"htf)l at ti-e(0 and
de-andin" a( hell in bed. Well0 not e3actly de-andin"0 =e((ica tho)"ht5-ore like
in(i(tent on havin" hi( +ay. The -an had certainly !roved he co)ld "ive her !lea()re
+hether (he believed it +a( !o((ible or not. She2d had three or"a(-( to hi( one thi(
evenin".
She (t)died hi- a( (he che+ed0 tryin" to decide if Will2( (e3)al talent +a( a "ood
thin" or "ave hi- an )nfair advanta"e. She +a( al(o +onderin" ho+ +orried (he o)"ht to
be abo)t the +ay he -ade her feel.
Will rai(ed an eyebro+ a( he (tarted eatin" hi( (econd (lice. 6Did I -i(( the :)e(tion;
I don2t re-e-ber hearin" one0 b)t I can all b)t (ee the "ear( in yo)r brain t)rnin".8
6I ")e(( I for"ot +hat I +a( "oin" to (ay08 =e((ica (aid0 fini(hin" her (lice. 6If yo)
have (o-e (oda0 yo)2re -y ne+ be(t friend.8
Will reached to a ni"ht(tand and handed her a cold (oda. When (he looked at it in
conf)(ion0 he la)"hed and took it back. He )nt+i(ted the ca! to o!en the bottle before
handin" it to her a"ain.
6My hero08 =e((ica finally (aid0 la)"hin" (oftly before takin" a drink.
6Hero0 I2- not ()re abo)t0 b)t I like the idea of bein" yo)r be(t friend0 =e((ica
Daniel(08 Will told her (oftly. 6We2ll have to call o)r(elve( be(t/friend(/+ith/benefit(
tho)"h0 (ince I can2t look at yo) +itho)t +antin" to be in(ide yo) a"ain.8
6Will0 I don2t think. . .8 =e((ica be"an0 then (h)(hed +hen Will !)t t+o fin"er( over
her -o)th.
6I !ro-i(e yo) can (ay +hen it ha!!en(08 he (aid (oftly. 6I ,)(t +anted yo) to kno+
that I (till +ant yo).8
6I (till +ant yo) too08 =e((ica (aid0 (i"hin" and fro+nin". 6<o)2re addictive.8
6Are yo) "ettin" (enti-ental over (e3;8 Will ,oked0 lookin" at hi( !i99a to kee! fro-
+onderin" +hat it +a( abo)t the- to"ether that +a( -akin" her fro+n (o -)ch.
6Senti-ental; I a(()re yo) I a- not (enti-ental. I a- !ractical08 =e((ica ar")ed0 hi(
tea(in" (trikin" an irritation cord in her. 6Stand )! and take off yo)r clothe(.8
6What; o+;8 Will a(ked0 la)"hin". 6I2- eatin". Be(ide(0 I tho)"ht yo) +ere too
tired.8
6Take off yo)r clothe(08 =e((ica ordered. 6I can2t ar")e +ith (o-eone +ho ha( on
-ore clothe( than I do.8
Will looked at her (tate of )ndre((0 then (tood to dro! hi( !ant( and )nder+ear on the
floor. He (at back do+n on the bed +ith nothin" b)t hi( T/(hirt (till on. 6Okay. We2re
-o(tly even no+. I don2t +ear a bra.8
=e((ica reached behind her and )n(na!!ed her bra. 6There. Ha!!y;8
Will2( "a9e +ent to her )nbo)nd brea(t( a( the lacy bra (lid for+ard and off her ar-(.
He (-iled at her !erky ni!!le(. 6<o) look da-n fine for a forty/year/old +o-an08 he
(aid0 !eelin" off hi( (hirt.
6In three year(0 I2- "oin" to look da-n fine for a fifty/year/old one too08 =e((ica (aid
+ith a la)"h.
6'ifty; <o)2re "oin" to be the hotte(t fifty/year/old ever08 Will a"reed0 !lea(ed that
the a"e difference bet+een the- +a(n2t a( lar"e a( he2d fir(t tho)"ht. He liked the idea of
the- bein" e:)al( in a( -any +ay( a( !o((ible.
He to((ed the !i99a bo3 on the floor0 and rolled over to hook an ar- aro)nd =e((ica.
6I2- "oin" to like (lee!in" naked ne3t to yo)r incredible brea(t(.8
6Ho+ in the hell did yo) +ait a year;8 =e((ica de-anded. 6Why +eren2t yo) doin"
+hat every other divorced -an doe( and beddin" every available +o-an yo) co)ld
find;8
6And then +hat;8 Will a(ked0 hi( belief in hi( o+n lo"ic )nchan"ed. 6What ha!!en(
the ne3t day; I -ade the choice to +ait beca)(e I didn2t +ant the ne3t day (t)ff. The day
yo) ca-e to the ho)(e and I "ot -ad at -y e3 for interr)!tin" )(0 I kne+ I had been
+aitin" for yo). And let -e tell yo)0 yo) ()re a( hell +ere +orth it0 lady.8
6Will08 =e((ica (aid ti"htly0 clo(in" her eye( to hi( earne(tne((. 6I2- not the kind of
+o-an -en +ait on. I2- fickle and )n()re. I2- carryin" aro)nd eno)"h e-otional
da-a"e for t+o or three nor-al +o-en.8
6Maybe08 Will (aid :)ietly. 6Maybe yo) are tho(e thin"(. B)t yo) are al(o a
co)ra"eo)( +o-an and a tr)e arti(t +ho !)t( the conviction of her vi(ion into +hat (he
create(. <o)2re the kind of +o-an +ho i( (o !ainf)lly hone(t +ith the -en in yo)r life
that yo) (care( -o(t of the- off. The -ath teacher +a( (o inti-idated that he didn2t even
re(!ond to yo)r cli-a3 co--ent.8
Will rolled onto her0 and )(ed hi( le"( to !re(( bet+een her(. 6<o)2re al(o the ty!e of
+o-an that a -an co)ld (!end hi( life e3!lorin" and never "et to the botto- of no -atter
ho+ +ell endo+ed he i(.8
=e((ica (+allo+ed the tear( that threatened and la)"hed in(tead0 reali9in" ho+ often
(he tended to be in that conflicted condition aro)nd Will.
6I2- !retty ()re I felt yo) hit the end of the t)nnel earlier08 (he ,oked.
Will let her -ake the !hy(ical ,oke beca)(e he co)ld (ee that =e((ica +a( +ay too far
o)t(ide her e-otional co-fort 9one.
6Stran"e0 I don2t re-e-ber bein" that far in(ide yo)08 he lied0 (tarin" hard into her
eye( even a( he +a( (-ilin". 6I2- !retty ()re I +o)ld have re-e-bered that. Why don2t
yo) !rove it to -e;8
=e((ica (norted. 6Do yo) hone(tly think that line i( "oin" to +ork; <o) kno+ da-n
+ell yo) +ore -e o)t.8
6It +a( +orth a (hot08 Will (aid. 6Ho+ abo)t if I be";8
6<o) co)ld try0 b)t I2- a hard/hearted +o-an5,)(t a(k -y (e3 (lave08 =e((ica (aid0
fi"htin" not to la)"h no+.
6Ho+ abo)t I tell yo) yo)2re bea)tif)l; That I love yo)r incredible body08 Will told
her. He leaned to the (ide0 lifted one of her brea(t(0 and th)-bed the end to attention.
6<o)r brea(t( are -ore re(!on(ive than a +o-an half yo)r a"e. I( that ,)(t yo) or i( it
(o-ethin" I2- doin" ri"ht;8
67ood :)e(tion08 =e((ica ad-itted. 6The "irl( (ee-ed to really like the +ay yo)
talked to the- earlier. I don2t re-e-ber that bein" the ca(e before.8
Will la)"hed. 6Well0 the feelin" i( -)t)al. I like the- too08 he (aid0 rollin" off her
and cradlin" her a"ain(t hi-. 6I think I2- okay bein" the c)rrent favorite.8
6Will08 =e((ica (aid hi( na-e0 her throat ti"ht +ith an3iety. She +a( not "oin" to
re"ret her life0 not "oin" to re"ret ()rvivin"0 not "oin" to feel a(ha-ed for beddin" "ood
-en before thi( e3ce!tional one.
6Shh. . .let2( (lee! no+. Ho+ can yo) (till be talkin" abo)t (e3; <o) +ore -e o)t08
Will (aid (lee!ily.
6It +a(n2t the (e3 that +ore yo) o)t. It +a( all the carb( in the !i99a08 =e((ica (aid
bri(kly. 6Didn2t yo) !ay attention in (cience cla((;8
6ot even all the ti-e I ta)"ht it08 Will (aid0 la)"hin" and driftin" off to (lee!. 6Of
co)r(e0 nobody ever think( (ocial (cience( are real (cience( any+ay.8
=e((ica looked at Will0 !)99led at hi( la(t co--ent. The -an "ot really (illy +hen he
+a( tired. She la)"hed and !)lled the cover( fro- )nder both of the- and cli-bed in
ne3t to hi- on the (heet(.
Cha!ter %#
Will let hi-(elf into Michael2( ho)(e late S)nday evenin". He +a( (cr)ffy and
needed a (have b)t totally ha!!y +ith the +ay the +eekend had "one. They had (!ent
Sat)rday "ettin" to kno+ each other0 and it had been al-o(t three o2clock S)nday
afternoon before he and =e((ica had even left the hotel.
It had c)t their ti-e at the -)(e)- to a co)!le of ho)r(0 b)t they had only +alked
aro)nd holdin" hand( in(tead of lookin" at art any+ay. He hadn2t been able to (to!
to)chin" her0 and ,)d"in" by ho+ often (he2d leaned her brea(t a"ain(t hi( ar-0 =e((ica
hadn2t been -)ch better off.
He -i((ed her even no+.
6Dad0 that2( the very be(t I2ve (een yo) look in a lon" ti-e08 Michael (aid +ith a
la)"h. He (tood in the kitchen door+ay drinkin" a beer and "rinnin". 6I +on the bid on
*lue *la+e.8
Will "rinned at hi( (on. 6<e(0 I kno+. I (!ent a lot of ti-e thi( +eekend "ettin" to
kno+ the arti(t.8
Michael la)"hed0 feelin" only -ildly envio)(. He ,)(t +anted (o-eone like her0 or
-ore to the !oint0 he +anted the +o-an he +anted0 to be like =e((ica. He2d be +ay okay
havin" =e((ica a( a (te!-other. It +a( a (te! in the ri"ht direction for the -en in hi(
fa-ily.
6So +hen2( the +eddin";8 Michael a(ked0 fi")rin" he2d ,)(t !lant a (eed.
6It +a( ,)(t a +eekend0 Michael08 Will (aid ter(ely0 r)nnin" a hand over hi( head a(
he +alked !a(t hi( (on to retrieve a beer fro- the refri"erator. It +a( the fir(t ti-e he had
-i((ed hi( hair in (everal day(.
6Wa( it;8 Michael a(ked. 6<o) look a+f)lly content for it to have been ,)(t (e3. <o)
look al-o(t ha!!y0 Dad.8
Will (at at the table0 took a lon" drink0 and r)bbed the cold0 (+eaty bottle acro(( hi(
forehead. 6o. I ")e(( it +a(n2t ,)(t a +eekend for -e0 b)t it +a( for =e((ica. I (ed)ced
her and -ade her +ant -e0 b)t that2( not the (a-e thin" a( her +antin" +hat ha!!ened
bet+een )(.8
Will took another lon" !)ll on hi( cold beer. 6=e((ica doe(n2t +ant to be in love +ith
-e and i( "oin" to fi"ht like hell not to be08 he (aid0 hi( voice ro)"h +ith the ed"e( of
!anic he co)ldn2t let hi-(elf foc)( on. 6I re-ind her of her h)(band. She2( not over hi-
yet.8
6Her h)(band; She +a( -arried at (eventeen for not even a year before he died. Ho+
can (he (till be in love +ith hi- after all thi( ti-e;8 Michael a(ked0 (ittin" acro(( fro-
hi( father and fro+nin".
6I don2t kno+0 b)t I kno+ that2( the !roble-. She o!enly co-!ared -e to hi-
(everal ti-e(0 and ha( !robably -entally co-!ared -e to athan Daniel( do9en( of
other(. It2( +hat2( (carin" her a+ay fro- -e5that0 and beca)(e (he ()(!ect( I2- in love
+ith her08 Will (aid.
6I( (he ri"ht;8 Michael a(ked0 -entally cro((in" hi( fin"er(.
6Where did yo) decide to !)t her art;8 Will a(ked in(tead0 tryin" to chan"e the
()b,ect. He +a(n2t ready to talk abo)t ho+ co--itted he already felt to =e((ica Daniel(.
Michael -erely "rinned at hi( father2( avoidance of hi( :)e(tion0 +hich +a( it( o+n
an(+er. 6I !)t her art +here it +ill be -o(t a!!reciated08 he (aid.
Affection bet+een the- had al+ay( been o!enly (ho+n0 (o Michael +alked over to
the chair0 leaned do+n to h)" hi( father0 and ki((ed hi( (cr)ffy cheek. 6I love yo)0 Dad.8
Hi( father a)to-atically reached )! to h)" back0 a refle3 action of a lifeti-e of
(incere affection. &ove0 (tron" and tr)e0 +a(hed over Michael a( it al+ay( did. He kne+
not -any -en felt loved and acce!ted the +ay he did by a !arent. He never took it for
"ranted0 no -atter ho+ -any other thin"( in hi( life he didn2t handle ri"ht.
6&ook5+hatever yo) do5don2t knock it off the ni"ht(tand08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin".
6It co(t -e three tho)(and dollar(.8
Will ran a hand over hi( face0 re-e-berin" ho+ he )(ed that !iece of art to (ed)ce
=e((ica. He +o)ldn2t be able to look at it +itho)t re-e-berin" her reaction and her
(endin" Ada- a+ay.
6It +a( +orth every cent yo) !aid08 Will (aid. And not -ust for its artistic value0 Will
tho)"ht.
6Of co)r(e it +a( +orth it08 Michael (aid +ith h)ff. 6I have e3ce!tional ta(te.8
6So do I08 Will (aid0 fini(hin" hi( beer and ri(in". 6That2( +hy I had to have the
ori"inal. Think I2ll take a (ho+er and "o to bed. I haven2t been thi( tired in a +hile.8
6<eah0 I fi")red =e((ica +o)ld be the kind of +o-an to +ear a -an o)t08 Michael
(aid irreverently0 headin" o)t of the kitchen only a co)!le (te!( in front of hi( father.
Will reached o)t and (-acked Michael on the back of hi( head a( he follo+ed hi-
do+n the hall. 6<o) are not allo+ed to think of =e((ica that +ay.8
Michael la)"hed. 6Da-n. I !)t *lue *la+e in yo)r roo-. What -ore do yo) +ant
fro- -e;8
6=e((ica2( -ine0 boy. 7et yo)r -ind off her and "o find a yo)n"er -odel08 Will
ordered.
6'ine. What abo)t her da)"hter;8 Michael a(ked0 la)"hin" and tea(in".
6She2( a teacher08 Will (aid. 6A colle"e !rofe((or54hilo(o!hy0 I think.8
Michael -ocked (hivered. 6o5not for -e. Way too brainy. I ")e(( I2ll have to take
(o-e of tho(e le""y blonde( Shane offered.8
6What abo)t Carrie;8 Will a(ked. 6<o) "ivin" )! on her;8
Michael fro+ned. He +a( never "oin" to be able to co-!letely "ive )! on Carrie
Addi(on0 b)t he +a(n2t "oin" to (tand by and +atch her -arry the third +ron" ")y either.
6She2( en"a"ed a"ain0 and I a- tired of bein" the -oth to her fla-e. It2( !ainf)lly
obvio)( I2- not +hat (he +ant(08 Michael (aid (oftly.
6I( (he afraid of yo) for (o-e rea(on;8 Will a(ked. 6I never tho)"ht to a(k that
:)e(tion before0 b)t =e((ica ha( certainly (ho+n -e that (o-eti-e( +o-en are afraid to
"et e-otionally involved0 even +ith tr)(t+orthy -en.8
Michael re-e-bered their one e3traordinary ni"ht to"ether (everal +eek( a"o. She
had (tood in hi( lar"e(t art !iece0 lookin" )! at the t+i(ted -etal0 and then looked at
Michael +ith tear( in her eye(. Her tear( had (ed)ced hi-0 and he had ki((ed her +ith hi(
heart o!en. She had even taken hi- ho-e. Defen(e( do+n for the fir(t ti-e (ince he2d
kno+n her0 Carrie had "iven Michael everythin" (he had a( a +o-an that ni"ht. In hi(
-ind0 it had been the -o(t !erfect fir(t ti-e +ith a +o-an he2d ever had.
The ne3t -ornin"0 Carrie +o)ldn2t even look at hi- and had hidden in the bathroo-
)ntil he2d "one. Michael (till had no cl)e +hat had ha!!ened0 b)t he ()re a( hell co)ldn2t
a(k for an e3!lanation fro- a +o-an +ho +a( (o obvio)(ly a(ha-ed of havin" been
+ith hi-. He drea-ed of their ti-e to"ether daily and hadn2t been able to to)ch a +o-an
(ince. He for da-n ()re co)ldn2t believe Carrie had "otten en"a"ed already. It hadn2t
even been a -onth yet.
Michael ran an a"itated hand thro)"h hi( hair. 6I2- done. I have to be. I "ave it -y
be(t (hot0 and that2( all yo) can do. She2( en"a"ed to another ")y a"ain0 and I2- tired of
co-!etin".8
Will nodded0 thinkin" abo)t hi( +eekend +ith =e((ica and ho+ he had tried to "ive
her all he had0 to take all (he +a( +illin" to "ive hi-.
6<e(08 he (aid0 a"reein" +ith hi( elde(t. 6That2( all yo) can do.8
***
Three day( later Michael (tood at the !atio door lookin" o)t into the co)rtyard
+atchin" hi( father chi(elin" a+ay at the (tat)e that +a( clo(e to bein" a f)ll fi")re no+.
Another David +a( f)lly e-er"in"0 he tho)"ht0 only half li(tenin" to Shane2( ar")-ent in
hi( ear.
6I can2t take -o- in ri"ht no+. I have to fini(h the initial dra+in"( by the +eekend.
&et2( !)t her in a hotel roo-. I2ll even !ay08 Shane (aid. 6It +ill al(o kee! -e fro-
havin" to hire a cleanin" (ervice to di" -e o)t of -y chao( here.8
6We can2t do that. She2( -akin" -e feel ")ilty beca)(e I took Dad in0 and her
feelin"( +ill be h)rt if one of )( doe(n2t take her08 Michael told hi( brother.
6Of co)r(e (he2( -akin" yo) feel ")ilty0 that2( ho+ Mo- "et( her +ay. I love her0
b)t no one +ant( to live +ith (o-eone con(tantly criti:)in" the-08 Shane (aid0 fr)(trated
a( any kid +a( at havin" to deal +ith divorced !arent(. 6It2( kind of intere(tin" that &)ke
forced her o)t of the ho)(e thi( ti-e. He never did that before.8
6Everybody ha( a line of no ret)rn08 Michael (aid0 thinkin" of ho+ he c)rrently felt
abo)t Carrie.
6Can Dad (tay +ith =e((ica;8 Shane a(ked0 the lo"ic of the (ol)tion (ee-in" !retty
obvio)( to hi-.
Michael +a( (ilent for a co)!le of heartbeat(. 6Shane0 Mo-2( not +antin" -e to a(k
hi- to leave. She ,)(t +ant( to (tay here0 too. I think (he +ant( Dad back.8
6o +ay08 Shane denied. 6Why do yo) think that;8
6Beca)(e (he told -e5yo) kno+ (he tell( -e f)ckin" everythin" like I2- her be(t
"irlfriend or (o-ethin". And for the record0 I +ant a (hare of the !rofit( if yo) !)t that
(hit in yo)r book08 Michael de-anded0 hi( la)"h (ardonic. 6Mo- (aid (he -i((e( the
+ay Dad -ade her feel !rotected and cared for like (he +a( a (!ecial !er(on. She (aid (he
-i"ht have -ade a -i(take leavin" hi- for &)ke.8
6Ha( (he (een Dad (ince he +a( +ith =e((ica;8 Shane a(ked.
6o08 Michael (aid. 6She +o)ld not be !lea(ed +ith ho+ contented he look(. B)t the
other !roble- i( Dad ha(n2t (een =e((ica all +eek. He2( been carvin" !retty -)ch )ntil he
dro!(0 then he (lee!(0 "et( )!0 and (!end( another t+elve ho)r( on it. =e((ica2( avoidin"
hi-. Dad think( (he2( (till in love +ith her dead h)(band.8
Shane2( dee! (i"h reached all the +ay thro)"h the !hone.
6Aren2t thin"( ()!!o(ed to "et better a( yo) a"e; Where the hell i( all that +i(do-
!eo!le kee! talkin" abo)t; And +hy can2t o)r !arent( find any of it;8 Shane de-anded.
6Beat( the hell o)t of -e08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin". 6So +hat a- I "oin" to do; I have
the e3tra roo-. I don2t think Dad +o)ld care all that -)ch0 b)t -y in(tinct( are +arnin"
-e Mo- +ill take advanta"e of the (it)ation.8
6Talk to Dad abo)t it08 Shane advi(ed. 6There2( really no other choice. I need t+o
day(0 and then I can take +hichever one yo) don2t +ant to deal +ith.8
6I ")e(( I co)ld have the- both here for t+o day(. Maybe it -i"ht force Dad into
trackin" =e((ica do+n and (eein" +hat2( )! +ith her08 Michael (aid. 6He2( "ivin" her too
-)ch (!ace.8
6I definitely a- "oin" to o+e yo) for (o-e of -y book content. Mo(t children of
divorced !arent( +ant the- to reconcile. Why don2t yo);8 Shane a(ked. 6I -ean5I
don2t either0 b)t +hat2( yo)r rea(on;8
6=e((ica "et( hi-. =e((ica "et( hi( art. Mo- +ill clean -y kitchen0 (co)r -y !ot( and
!an(0 and -y refri"erator +ill be f)ll of "reat food. She +ill al(o co-!lain abo)t the
-etal in the co)rtyard and tell -e I need c)rtain( on the !atio door to block the vie+08
Michael (aid. 6I +ant Mo- to "o back to &)ke. She +a( ha!!ier +ith hi-. What2( yo)r
rea(on;8
6I a"ree +ith yo) abo)t Mo- and &)ke. I "ot okay +ith the- !retty fa(t a( a co)!le
beca)(e anyone can (ee they +ant the (a-e thin"( in life. Mo- al+ay( +anted thin"(
Dad didn2t +ant08 Shane e3!lained. 6I -i(( the fa-ily )nit0 b)t not the con(tant (tr)""le.
My a+arene(( i( +hy I cho(e !(ycholo"y a( a field of (t)dy.8
6<o) al+ay( took colle"e +ay too (erio)(ly. In the f)t)re0 try drinkin" and (lee!in"
aro)nd08 Michael advi(ed. 6It2( le(( +ork than beco-in" a reno+ned !(ycholo"i(t0 and a
lot -ore f)n.8
6Call -e back later and let -e kno+ +hat ha!!en(08 Shane (aid0 i"norin" Michael2(
other co--ent(.
6S)re08 Michael (aid0 clickin" off hi( cell !hone.
He rolled hi( eye( to the ceilin"0 and then bro)"ht the- back to the -an at the end of
hi( co)rtyard +earin" a breathin" -a(k and covered in eno)"h -arble d)(t to look like a
"ho(t. The (-oothin" !ha(e +a( al+ay( the -e((ie(t.
6o !roble-. I2ll ,)(t tell Dad that Mo- i( -ovin" in for t+o day(. It2( not like -y
life i(n2t in(ane eno)"h a( it i(08 Michael co-!lained to the +all(.
***
The fir(t day all three of the- +ere in the ho)(e0 Ellen co)ldn2t hel! noticin" the -en
avoided her by (tayin" o)t in the co)rtyard all day. Michael +a( )(in" a fire !it to bend
-etal into circle(. A !ile of at lea(t thirty r)(ty rin"( +a( no+ hea!ed )! near the !atio
door.
Ellen &ar(on Cannon co)ldn2t hel! +onderin" +hat her (on had a"ain(t c)rtain( that
+o)ld (hield the -e(( fro- the ho)(e. She toyed +ith the idea of b)yin" and han"in"
(o-e for hi- any+ay0 b)t Michael +a( already i-!atient +ith her. She didn2t +ant to
ri(k hi- "ettin" -ore )!(et.
ot that Will +a( -)ch better. He certainly hadn2t (!ent any ti-e +ith her (ince (he
arrived. The (haved head and the earrin" +ere a (hocker0 b)t the di(tant look in hi( eye(
+a( the -o(t di(a!!ointin". They had al+ay( been clo(e. Even +hen (he2d been datin"
&)ke0 Will had al+ay( li(tened +ith a (y-!athetic ear. &o(in" hi( concern for her
ha!!ine(( had bothered her -ore than (he tho)"ht it +o)ld. In fact0 it al-o(t bothered her
-ore than &)ke2( )lti-at)-( abo)t their -arria"e.
Barely forty and in the )!(+in" of hi( career at a la+ fir-0 her yo)n"er h)(band
+anted her to be all abo)t hi( +ork and hi( life. Tr)thf)lly0 -o(t of the ti-e (he +a(
ha!!y to entertain hi( client( and co+orker( at the cabin. He al(o had (o-e nice friend(0
and they did -any f)n thin"( a( a "ro)!. &ately tho)"h (he +a( tired of feelin" like
nothin" -ore than a (ervant in her o+n ho-e. She didn2t like bein" taken for "ranted.
Her e3/h)(band and (on( had been -)ch -ore a!!reciative of her.
Co-!arin" her one/year -arria"e to &)ke Cannon to the thirty/!l)(/year -arria"e to
Willia- &ar(on had beco-e a habit lately. If (he2d only acted on her re-or(e (ooner0
Will -i"ht not be (o ena-ored +ith the Daniel( +o-an. She co)ldn2t be that -)ch f)n
in bed0 Ellen rea(oned. Her friend that +a( ra!ed co)ld barely (tand (e3 any-ore0 and her
h)(band had "iven )! after a co)!le of year( and filed for a divorce. Ellen kne+ Will
+a(n2t "oin" to be able to live very lon" +ith a +o-an +ho +a(n2t a( !a((ionate a( he
+a(. Hi( libido had not di-ini(hed -)ch +ith a"e.
It +a( the idea that Will +a( finally -ovin" on fro- their divorce that bothered Ellen
the -o(t. 'or the h)ndredth ti-e in ,)(t the la(t -onth0 Ellen +ondered +hether (he had
-ade a -i(take in leavin" Will and the (ec)rity he had "iven her. Her e3/h)(band +a(
"reat in bed0 b)t Ellen !referred &)ke2( ele"ant love-akin" to Will2( -ore earthy
a!!roach. Still0 both -en +ere enth)(ia(tic lover( and (he had never lacked for !hy(ical
(ati(faction +ith either of the-.
If it +a(n2t for the adole(cent -otorcycle habit and the naked (tat)e(0 Willia- &ar(on
-i"ht have been the !erfect -an and (he +o)ld (till be +ith hi-. Well0 and -aybe it
+o)ld have been nice if Will2( idea of a "ood ti-e +a(n2t "oin" to art -)(e)-( or
+alkin" thro)"h "arden(. or-al !a(ti-e( like (!ort( and +atchin" televi(ion +ere
forei"n conce!t( to Will for rela3ation. ot that Will ever rela3ed really0 the -an co)ld
+ork on hi( naked (tat)e( fro- da+n )ntil d)(k0 and often did.
o0 Will hadn2t been !erfect for her0 b)t he had been a "ood -an. And in all the ti-e
(he2d been +ith hi-0 he had al+ay( been a!!reciative of her. She ,)(t hadn2t reali9ed it
)ntil lately.
Ellen (i"hed and +ondered if cookin" dinner +o)ld +ar- Michael and Will )! to her
!re(ence. When the doorbell ran"e0 (he +ent a)to-atically to an(+er it.
6M(. Daniel(08 Ellen (aid +ith a fro+n0 not likin" that (he had to look )! a "ood (i3
inche( at the +o-an (tandin" on Michael2( (too!. 64lea(e co-e in.8
=e((ica +a( e:)ally ()r!ri(ed to (ee Will2( e3/+ife (tandin" in the ho)(e lookin" like
(he belon"ed there. She c)r(ed the )r"e that had bro)"ht her over here in the fir(t !lace0
b)t (ince (he +a( already cro((in" the thre(hold0 (he fi")red (he -i"ht a( +ell do +hat
(he ca-e to do.
6I ca-e to (ee Will08 =e((ica (aid at la(t. Ho+ever0 her re(olve abo)t havin" a heart/
to/heart abo)t her a!!rehen(ion of their relation(hi! (i-!ly fled in the face of her
annoyance over the +o-an2( !re(ence in the ho)(e.
6<e(. I fi")red yo) +ere here for hi-08 Ellen (aid dryly0 clo(in" the door behind her.
6Will i( +orkin" in the co)rtyard. He2( been there !ractically non/(to! (ince I "ot here
ye(terday.8
6I (ee08 =e((ica (aid0 not really (eein". B)t ho+ did yo) re(!ond to that (ort of
co--ent fro- yo)r lover2( e3/+ife; All =e((ica co)ld think abo)t +a( that the +o-an
had been there overni"ht. Maybe (he2d +aited one day too lon" to co-e talk to Will.
Ellen -otioned o)t the !atio door. 6<o)2re +elco-e to "o on o)t if yo) don2t -ind
the chao( "oin" on o)t there. Michael i( thro+in" -etal every+here.8
6It2( intere(tin" to (ee Michael +ork. What2( hi( ne+ !iece "oin" to be like;8 =e((ica
a(ked0 tryin" to -ake !olite conver(ation.
6R)(ty0 bent -etal ,)(t like hi( other !iece( I i-a"ine08 Ellen (aid in re(!on(e. 6I2-
afraid I2- not a fan of -y (on2( art. Hi( hi"h conce!t (y-boli(- i( lo(t on a lo+ly -ath
teacher.8
.ath teacher? Mentally rollin" her eye(0 =e((ica filed that little tidbit a+ay for the
ne3t ti-e Will tea(ed her abo)t Ada-.
6I (a+ Michael2( "iant -etal -an at the &o)i(ville 'air"ro)nd(. It -ade -e hi( fan
for life08 =e((ica told her0 "ivin" the +o-an a ti"ht (-ile. 6I al(o (a+ (o-e of hi( other
+ork in Cincinnati la(t year. That (-aller !iece he did for the city !ark ha( the -o(t
bea)tif)l color treat-ent on it. Michael (aid it +a( r)(t/!roofin"0 b)t the blood/red
dri!!in" fini(h -ake( an i-!re((ion.8
6<o)r arti(tic ob(ervation( are lo(t on -e08 Ellen (aid +ith a la)"h. 6I do a!!reciate
there (ee-( to be an a)dience of (o-e (ort for hi( +ork.8
6Well0 bein" an art teacher0 I ")e(( I2- a fan of all art. Will took -e to (ee hi( +ork
at the art center in Berea on o)r fir(t date08 =e((ica (aid0 tired of hearin" the +o-an2(
di(-i((al of Michael2( +ork. 6Hi( David (tat)e there +a( (o reali(tic I co)ldn2t (to!
-y(elf fro- the to)chin" it. I think I -i"ht have e-barra((ed Will +ith -y reaction.8
6Do)btf)l08 Ellen (aid0 (-irkin". 6Al-o(t every +o-an doe( (o-ethin" cr)de to the
-an !art( on hi( -arble -en. Will )(ed to "rin like an idiot +hen he ca)"ht a +o-an
(neakin" a feel. I +o)ld have been ,ealo)(0 b)t Will i(n2t the kind of -an to (hift hi(
attention rando-ly fro- +o-an to +o-an.8
=e((ica nodded0 offerin" a ti"ht (-ile. 6Will told -e he +a( a one/+o-an kind of
")y. Still0 it2( "ood to hear it fro- a +o-an he +a( once co--itted to.8
6M(. Daniel(0 I think it2( only fair to +arn yo) that I2d like to be that one +o-an in
Will2( life a"ain. I2ve decided I -ade a -i(take divorcin" -y h)(band08 Ellen (aid
fir-ly0 +atchin" for e-otion in =e((ica2( eye(.
=e((ica had r)n into her (hare of ,ealo)( e3/+ive( and "irlfriend( over the year(0 (o
Ellen Cannon2( declaration did not bother her. The only thin" (he +ondered abo)t +a(
+hether Will had any feelin"( left for the +o-an. Since (he con(idered her relation(hi!
to Will te-!orary any+ay0 (he decided in that -o-ent of holdin" the +o-an2( "a9e to
kee! hi- for the d)ration. Will2( e3/+ife +o)ld ,)(t have to +ait for her (econd chance.
6I2- afraid yo)2re one +eekend late +antin" Will back. o+ yo)2re "oin" to have to
+ait )ntil he "et( tired of -e fir(t. That -ay take a +hile08 =e((ica +arned (oftly b)t ,)(t
a( fir-ly.
Ellen +atched =e((ica Daniel( (lide o!en the "la(( !atio door and (te! o)t.
So that +a( the rea(on for Will2( e-otional di(tance0 Ellen tho)"ht. He +a( (lee!in"
+ith the Daniel( +o-an. 'ort)nately the relation(hi! +a( (till ne+0 and not r)nnin"
(-oothly if =e((ica2( face +a( tellin" the tr)th. ot once had the +o-an (-iled or looked
ha!!y abo)t her relation(hi! +ith Will.
She needed to +ork :)ickly0 Ellen decided. She needed to -ake ()re Will kne+ her
intention( before he (!ent any -ore ti-e +ith the Daniel( +o-an.
Cha!ter %B
6Hey08 Michael (aid0 +atchin" =e((ica halt and (-ile at the -etal acro(( the fire !it.
6Do yo) en,oy !o)ndin" the -etal into co-!liance; A f)rnace +o)ld be -ore
!ractical for that -)ch effort08 =e((ica (aid0 (-ilin". 6The -etal +o)ld bend like a
cooked e"" noodle.8
6It +o)ld al(o be -ore e3!en(ive08 Michael (aid +ith a "rin. 6I did learn to !o)nd
+ith both hand( (o I +o)ldn2t end )! +ith one ()!er/(i9ed ar-.8
He -ade a (i"n to indicate ho+ -)ch lar"er hi( ri"ht bice! co)ld be.
=e((ica la)"hed. 6What are yo) +orkin" on;8
Michael looked at the rin"( in a !ile. 6Weddin" !re(ent08 he (aid coldly. 6I +anted to
-ake ()re the love of -y life ha( (o-ethin" to re-e-ber -e by thi( ti-e aro)nd +hen
(he -arrie( the +ron" da-n -an a"ain.8
=e((ica rai(ed an eyebro+ at both hi( an"er and hi( !a((ionate re(ent-ent.
6Sorry08 Michael (aid. 6I2ve been intere(ted in -y event( !lanner for a fe+ year(
no+. We "ot clo(e a fe+ +eek( a"o0 b)t (he d)-!ed -e +itho)t (ayin" +hat +ent
+ron". o+ I hear (he2( "ettin" -arried a"ain. Thi( i( -arria"e n)-ber three for her.8
=e((ica looked at the !ile of -etal rin"( and back at Michael. Hi( need to !er(onally
!o)nd that lar"e !ile of (y-bolic +eddin" band( ()ddenly -ade a lot of (en(e.
6R)(t/treat the fini(hed !iece like yo) did the one in Cincinnati. Make it (o it look(
like yo) bled all over it. It +ill -ake a (tron"er !oint08 (he advi(ed.
Michael (-iled and (i"hed at the "reat ()""e(tion. 67o ki(( -y father and -ake hi-
look like he did +hen he ca-e ho-e S)nday. He2( been (lee!in" +ith yo)r va"ina and
tryin" to "ive yo) (!ace.8
=e((ica (i"hed and (hook her head ne"atively. 6I2- ()re "lad -y da)"hter live( in
Ohio. I don2t think I co)ld handle -y o+n ad)lt child interferin" in -y datin" life. <o)
and yo)r brother are bad eno)"h.8
6I ")e(( yo) (a+ Mo-08 Michael (aid0 i"norin" her co--ent abo)t interferin". He
+a( (afe")ardin"0 even if =e((ica didn2t kno+ it.
She nodded and looked do+n0 not really havin" anythin" re-otely nice to (ay abo)t
Michael2( -other.
6Don2t let Mo- bother yo). She -o(tly a "ood +o-an0 b)t (he can be -ore
-elodra-atic than an an"ry arti(t08 Michael (aid0 fro+nin". 6Her h)(band kicked her o)t.
Shane i( takin" her thi( +eekend.8
=e((ica nodded a"ain0 (ayin" nothin" in ret)rn. She co)ldn2t tell a (on5even an ad)lt
one5that hi( -other +anted hi( father back. It +a( every divorced kid2( drea-. She al(o
co)ldn2t tell Michael that (he +a( (till intendin" to break )! +ith hi( father event)ally0
b)t that hi( -other2( co--ent( had chan"ed her -ind abo)t doin" it today. Ellen
Cannon2( +arnin" had (ho+n =e((ica the reality of +hat Will -i"ht end )! doin" after
her. >! )ntil today0 it had been theoretical. She2d be a fool not to +onder if Will had at
(o-e !oint ,)(t been +aitin" for hi( +ife to co-e aro)nd.
=e((ica (i"hed at her tho)"ht( and cha(ti(ed her(elf for +orryin" abo)t it. She had
learned over the year( to be (elfi(h abo)t takin" +hat (he +anted beca)(e -o(t of her
relation(hi!( never la(ted lon" any+ay.
7ranted0 (he +a( -ore conflicted abo)t Will than the ty!ical -an (he dated.
4anicked a( (he +a( abo)t (tayin" involved +ith hi-0 +hile facin" do+n Ellen0 (he
had beco-e e:)ally !anicked abo)t never havin" hi- a"ain. *no+in" Will -i"ht decide
to "o back to the +o-an0 all =e((ica +anted no+ +a( -ore ti-e. She +anted at lea(t a
fe+ -ore ni"ht(0 a fe+ -ore -e-orie(. If Will +anted to "ive the- to her0 =e((ica +a(
"oin" to be (elfi(h eno)"h to take the-. Hi( e3 +a( ,)(t "oin" to have to +ait her t)rn0
and =e((ica +a( not (orry abo)t lettin" the +o-an kno+ (he con(idered Will her( for the
-o-ent.
=e((ica +alked re(ol)tely to (tand in Will2( line of (i"ht0 +aitin" for hi- to (ee her.
Still ab(orbed in hi( ta(k of (andin" a+ay the chi(el -ark( on the (tat)e2( chin0 it +a(
a fe+ -o-ent( )ntil Will (a+ =e((ica (tandin" there :)ietly +atchin" hi-. He +alked to
hi( tool( table and !)t hi( e:)i!-ent all do+n. He br)(hed hi-(elf off a( be(t he co)ld0
re-ovin" hi( breathin" -a(k a( !art of the !roce((.
6It took yo) lon" eno)"h to co-e (ee -e08 Will (aid0 (te!!in" in clo(e to her. She
reached o)t and to)ched hi( earrin" and then ran a hand over hi( (ho)lder.
6I5I needed (o-e ti-e to think abo)t the chan"e in o)r relation(hi!08 =e((ica (aid.
6Co-e to any concl)(ion( yet;8 Will a(ked0 reachin" aro)nd her and t)""in" her hi!(
fl)(h to hi( to re-ind her of ,)(t ho+ -)ch thin"( had chan"ed.
6one at all08 =e((ica re!lied0 (i"hin". 6I ran o)t of !atience +ith -y(elf and ca-e to
(ee yo) any+ay.8
6I (+ear I didn2t !lant -y e3/+ife in the ho)(e to -ake it harder or to !)ni(h yo) for
-akin" -e +ait08 Will (aid0 "rinnin" even +hen hi( eye( +ere (erio)(.
67ood to kno+08 =e((ica (aid0 tryin" for a tea(in" (-ile and not really "ettin" there.
6Hey08 Will (aid0 (eein" her do)bt( a( clearly a( if (he had voiced the +ord(. 6<o)
kno+ ho+ it i( bet+een )(. We talked abo)t thi(.8
6Well0 I tho)"ht I did. o+ I2- not (o ()re. I2- havin" a hell of ti-e fi")rin" it o)t
after (eein" yo)r e3 here. 7ot (o-e +ay to convince -e;8 =e((ica a(ked0 not really
tea(in" at all.
6ot +ith Michael and Ellen +atchin"0 b)t if yo) take -e ho-e +ith yo)0 I think I
can !)t all yo)r fear( to re(t. Mine0 too. Have yo) had any date( thi( +eek I need to
+orry abo)t;8 Will a(ked0 (eein" the an(+er fla(h in her "a9e even before (he tilted her
chin.
He la)"hed at her irritation and !)lled her clo(er. 67ood to kno+ +e2re both bein"
-ono"a-o)(08 he (aid0 tiltin" her back over hi( ar-. 6I2ve +orked too hard today to do
any co-!etin".8
Will !)t hi( ea"er -o)th on her(0 and her "roan of (ati(faction vibrated both of the-.
When he !)lled a+ay0 Will -oved the- both fro- the line of (i"ht of Michael and the
!atio door ,)(t in ca(e Ellen +a( (!yin". He !re((ed =e((ica a"ain(t hi( (tat)e0 +hich in
t)rn !re((ed David %H2( -arble !eni( into the (-all of her back.
6To)ch -e08 he +hi(!ered. 6Sho+ -e yo) +ant -e (o I can "et thro)"h the ne3t fe+
ho)r( +itho)t bein" in(ide yo).8
6Will; Do yo) reali9e +hat yo)2ve backed -e into;8 =e((ica de-anded0 !)ttin" her
hand on hi( d)(ty ,ean( and feelin" hi- co-e in(tantly alive for her. A( (he (troked Will0
(he co)ld feel the hard -arble !re((in" a"ain(t her back. She -)ch !referred the real one0
=e((ica tho)"ht0 (trokin" -ore fir-ly.
Will la)"hed and leaned into her hand to en,oy the -o-ent.
6<e(. I only +i(h I co)ld be that hard +ith yo)08 he ,oked.
6If yo) "et any harder0 +e2re "oin" to end )! (hockin" yo)r (on08 =e((ica (aid0
!re((in" her face a"ain(t hi( d)(ty neck.
6Okay0 -aybe yo)2re ri"ht08 Will (aid la)"hin". He co)ldn2t hel! noticin" (he didn2t
-ention carin" if Ellen (a+0 b)t he +a( +i(e eno)"h not to "loat abo)t it. 6Maybe yo)2re
ri"ht abo)t (hockin" Michael. &et "o of -e0 +o-an.8
6o0 not yet. <o) (tarted thi(. I need a little (o-ethin" for -e no+08 =e((ica told hi-0
(lidin" hand( fro- the front of hi- to !)t the- behind hi( hi!( and arch her(elf a"ain(t
hi- to r)b )ntil the aro)(al (!read thro)"h her. 6<e(0 I definitely need yo) to co-e ho-e
+ith -e. Clean )! and -eet -e there in an ho)r.8
'eelin" her heat even thro)"h all the deni- bet+een the-0 Will rocked a"ain(t
=e((ica. There +a( "reat relief to be in her ar-( a"ain and to kno+ (he (till +anted to be
+ith hi-. Each day that !a((ed +itho)t hearin" fro- her0 he had "ro+n -ore afraid
=e((ica had o!ted to be in denial abo)t it.
6Can I co-e back to-orro+ ni"ht too;8 Will a(ked. 6I don2t +ant to be here ri"ht
no+. The ho)(e i( too cro+ded0 if yo) kno+ +hat I -ean.8
6Brin" the bike and (tay for the +eekend08 =e((ica (aid0 !)(hin" hi- a+ay +ith her
hand(. 6We2ll "o for a ride S)nday and find (o-e!lace to have breakfa(t.8
Will (-iled at her +illin"ne(( to take another bike ride +ith hi- and -et her "a9e
levelly. He co)ld already feel her +ra!!ed aro)nd hi-0 feel her (i"h of !lea()re a"ain(t
hi( back. It +a( the ha!!ie(t tho)"ht he2d e3!erienced in year(. He fell the re(t of the +ay
in love +ith =e((ica Daniel( +itho)t any re"ret.
6Better "et ready to hear ho+ I feel abo)t yo)08 he +arned her. 6I2ve been lookin" all
-y life for a +o-an +ho liked to ride -e and -y bike.8
=e((ica +a( already (hakin" her head at hi( tea(in". 6Don2t !)(h -e0 Will. I had a
hard eno)"h ti-e co-in" over here. I (till have the )r"e to r)n like hell fro- +hat yo)
-ake -e feel. Dealin" +ith yo)r e3 did not -ake -e feel better abo)t thin"(.8
6<o) have no co-!etition and I2ll (ee yo) in a ho)r08 he called after her0 (-ilin" at
the +hite -ark( on the back of her ,ean( a( (he +alked a+ay.
After =e((ica had e3ited thro)"h the !atio door0 Michael leaned aro)nd hi( +ork and
looked at hi( dad0 +ho +a( "rinnin" a"ain5thank 7od. A( the elde(t (on0 he didn2t care
if he +a( bein" di(re(!ectf)l or not0 he ,)(t had to kno+ if it +a( intentional.
6Did yo) do that on !)r!o(e ,)(t no+;8 Michael a(ked.
6I( there an an(+er to that :)e(tion that yo) +on2t hara(( -e abo)t;8 Will a(ked in
ret)rn0 h)rryin" back to hi( table to !)t a+ay hi( tool( +ith the (o)nd of Michael2(
la)"hter echoin" thro)"h the co)rtyard.
He hadn2t !)t hand!rint( on =e((ica on !)r!o(e0 Will tho)"ht0 b)t he +a(n2t (orry
abo)t the- either. He ho!ed Ellen (a+ the- and kne+ +hat they -eant. He didn2t +ant
to have to e3!lain it to hi( e3/+ife0 b)t he +o)ld if he had to.
***
&ater0 Will +a( in ()ch a r)(h to "et (ho+ered0 !acked0 and over to =e((ica2( that he
-o-entarily for"ot Ellen +a( there. He +alked fro- the bathroo- to hi( bedroo- +ith
only a to+el +ra!!ed aro)nd hi-0 an ea(y habit he had "otten into +hen there had been
,)(t Michael and hi- in the ho)(e.
When he +alked into the bedroo-0 he +a( ()ddenly +i(hin" like hell he had "otten
dre((ed in the bathroo-. Ellen +a( (ittin" on the bed +ith *lue *la+e in her hand(0
t)rnin" it aro)nd a( if it +a( !)99le (he +a( tryin" to fi")re o)t.
6I( thi( +hat (he2( -akin" for art no+;8 Ellen (aid0 -ildly di(")(ted. She !)t it on
the bed be(ide her. 6I ")e(( it2( better than the ra!e art. Tho)"h I2ve "ot to (ay it look(
too -)ch like a +o-an2( !rivate area. I ()!!o(e the color( are nice eno)"h.8
6It2( called a va"ina0 Ellen08 Will (aid. 6<o) have a colle"e de"ree. <o)2re allo+ed
to )(e the ri"ht anato-ical ter-(.8
An"ry at hi-(elf for en"a"in" yet another ti-e in an ar")-ent abo)t art (o (i-ilar to
the other tho)(and they2d had over the year(0 Will t)rned hi( back to her. He +ent to hi(
dre((er and !)lled o)t clothe( to to(( on the bed.
6What are yo) doin" in -y roo-;8 he a(ked fiercely0 delvin" into another dra+er for
-ore clothe(. He +alked back to the bed and fo)nd Ellen (ittin" ne3t to hi( clothe( +ith
one hand on to! of the-.
6Willia-0 don2t "o to her. <o)2re not -akin" the +o-an ha!!y. Haven2t yo) noticed
the an3iety on her face +hen yo)2re aro)nd;8 Ellen i-!lored.
>(in" an a((ertive -ove va(tly fa-iliar to both of the-0 (he !)t her hand on Will2(
hi! and ran it do+n hi( thi"h0 (neakin" it thro)"h the to+el fla! at the la(t -in)te. She
(troked hi- and -ade ()re he felt her !oli(hed nail( li"htly (corin" hi( abdo-en +ith
every -otion. A fe+ (econd( later (he "ot the reaction (he had ho!ed for and +a(
acc)(to-ed to +ith Will. Her heart lea!t at the tho)"ht of +hat it -eant and (he (:)ee9ed
harder to re+ard hi-.
6ice -ove08 Will (aid coldly0 (tarin" into the ()r!ri(ed "a9e of a +o-an he2d once
tho)"ht he2d (!end hi( life +ith )ntil he died. 6o+ "o back to &)ke and )(e it +ith hi-.
I2- not yo)r h)(band any-ore.8
When her hand dro!!ed a+ay0 Will i--ediately -oved o)t of her reach. >ncarin"
any lon"er +hat (he tho)"ht0 he !)lled off the to+el and !)lled on brief( +hile (he
+atched. He t)cked hi( no+ +itherin" erection into !lace +ith no tho)"ht of (!arin"
Ellen the e-barra((-ent of hi( re,ection.
6I2- leavin" &)ke08 Ellen (aid (oftly. 6He doe(n2t a!!reciate -e like yo) did.8
6That2( yo)r !roble- to +ork o)t +ith hi-08 Will (aid0 not inclined to be ()!!ortive
or carin" in any +ay at all. In fact0 he -i"ht never be ()!!ortive of Ellen a"ain.
He +a( (tirred )! and fr)(trated +ith her for tryin" to (ed)ce hi-. He +a( an"ry +ith
hi-(elf for lettin" Ellen "et a( far a( (he did0 even if it +a( ,)(t a 4avlov2( do" kind of
re(!on(e bro)"ht on by thirty/three year( of -arria"e. Will hadn2t done anythin" he
re"retted in a lon" ti-e0 and no+ he felt a(ha-ed of hi-(elf. He2d a(ked =e((ica not to
date0 b)t then he2d let Ellen to)ch hi-0 (troke hi- for !ity2( (ake. Why hadn2t he ,)(t
(-acked her hand a+ay; He -i"ht have to (ho+er a"ain no+ to "et over the feel of her
hand( on hi-.
Will !)lled on ,ean( and a bl)e T/(hirt Michael had "iven hi- that (aid A !culptor&s
Life %s "arved %n !tone on it. It +a( one of hi( favorite !o((e((ion(. ot that he cared
-)ch abo)t +hat he +a( +earin"0 hi( -ain !riority at the -o-ent +a( ,)(t to be dre((ed
eno)"h to "o o)t in !)blic. He needed to "et o)t of the ho)(e and a( far a+ay fro- Ellen
a( !o((ible.
6Will0 that +o-an can2t be better in bed than -e. <o) and I can have all +e had0 and
-aybe even -ore beca)(e I +o)ld be -ore a!!reciative thi( ti-e aro)nd08 Ellen (aid
:)ietly. 6At lea(t think abo)t )(.8
6o thank(0 I2- ,)(t not intere(ted08 Will (aid0 -eanin" it. 6I tried to reconcile +ith
yo) after +e (e!arated5before yo) ever -arried. I -i"ht have been able to for"ive yo)
for &)ke then0 b)t not no+. <o)2re a -arried +o-an0 Ellen. <o) need to act like one and
+ork thin"( o)t +ith yo)r h)(band.8
6Willia-08 Ellen (aid0 her voice ri(in" +ith her a"itation. 6Sto! thinkin" like a -an
for a -in)te and at lea(t try to be lo"ical. Bein" a ra!e ()rvivor0 =e((ica Daniel( !robably
ha( a -ile/lon" li(t of thin"( (he2( )n+illin" to do +ith yo) in bed. My friend S)(an2(
h)(band left her beca)(e (he ,)(t co)ldn2t "et !a(t the other -en ab)(in" her. <o)2ll be
bored +ith the Daniel( +o-an before a year i( done.8
6o0 I +on2t be bored. If =e((ica and I ever had a !roble-0 I2d "o to thera!y +ith her
to try to +ork it o)t. If that +a( ever the ca(e5+hich it i( definitely not at the -o-ent.
<o) never did )nder(tand the healin" !o+er of art0 Ellen. <o) didn2t "et it for the +hole
thirty/three year( +e +ere to"ether08 Will told her (adly. 6B)t it +o)ld be da-n hel!f)l
to both yo)r (on( if yo) co)ld ,)(t o!en yo)r -ind and try to "et it5even a little bit.
<o)r (on( are arti(t(. <o) need to (tart acce!tin" that art i( both their career and their
life0 even if yo) never acce!ted that it +a( -ine.8
Will !)(hed all hi( clothe( into a back!ack. Then at the la(t -in)te0 he (coo!ed )!
=e((ica2( art !iece.
6See thi(; =e((ica2( art ha( "one fro- ra!e (cene( to a celebration of +hat i(
+onderf)lly fe-inine. =e((ica Daniel( healed her(elf lon" before I ca-e alon". In thirty
year( of relation(hi!( +ith -en on her ter-(0 (he2( had -ore lover( than I can bear
thinkin" abo)t. 'rankly0 I had to (tand in line to "et a da-n date +ith her. Even thi(
+eekend0 I had to literally cha(e off a -an ten year( yo)n"er than -e08 Will (aid0 likin"
the (hocked look on Ellen2( face. 6That2( ho+ -)ch I +anted that +o-an0 and I (till do.
o+ that I have -y chance +ith her0 I2- !)ttin" everythin" I a- into -akin" it +ork.8
Will added the art !iece to the content( of hi( back!ack0 afraid to leave anythin" of
=e((ica2( in the ho)(e +hile Ellen +a( there. He 9i!!ed the !ack (h)t and cli!!ed the
(ec)rity fa(tener( he al-o(t never )(ed. The e3tra !reca)tion ,)(t (ee-ed nece((ary.
Then he +alked o)t and left Ellen (ittin" on the bed.
At the end of the hall+ay0 Michael +a( co-in" o)t of the kitchen +ith a "la(( of
+ater.
6*lue *la+e i( co-in" +ith -e )ntil yo)r -other -ove( o)t08 Will told hi-. 6I don2t
+ant her t)rnin" it into a door (to! +hile I2- "one.8
Michael rai(ed hi( eyebro+(. It +a( a reference to hi( -other2( ty!ical reaction to
receivin" a !iece of art fro- her (on(. And it +a( an ancient ar")-ent bet+een hi(
!arent(.
6It2( not in()red yet08 Michael +arned0 not +orryin" abo)t it( (afety (o -)ch a( he
+a( hi( dad2( (tate of -ind. 6Don2t "o +reckin" yo)r bike today.8
6Tr)(t -e08 Will (aid lo)dly0 lookin" back do+n the hall and (eein" Ellen +alk o)t of
hi( roo-. 6=e((ica Daniel(2 va"ina i( al+ay( "oin" to be (afe in -y hand(.8
Michael (!)ttered and co)"hed a( the +ater +ent do+n +ron". Hi( -other rolled her
eye( and (hook her head a( Will (la--ed the front door after hi-.
Cha!ter %E
Will coa(ted the bike to a (to! on the (treet in front of =e((ica2( ho)(e. When he "ot
hi( hel-et off0 he (a+ her (ittin" on her +indo+ led"e0 leanin" o)t and (-ilin" do+n at
hi-.
64)ll the bike into the drive+ay08 (he directed. 6I2ll be ri"ht do+n to let yo) in.8
Will backed )! the Harley and rode it into the drive+ay ,)(t a( =e((ica ca-e o)t of
the ho)(e. She +a( (-ilin" hard and al-o(t la)"hin"0 re-indin" hi- of +hat (he had
been like the fir(t ti-e they +ent o)t. He had +ondered if he +a( ever "oin" to (ee that
level of ha!!ine(( in her a"ain.
6<o) look "ood on that black -on(ter08 =e((ica told hi-. 6Car( never did it for -e0
b)t I "et a fl)tter ,)(t thinkin" abo)t ridin" aro)nd +ith yo) on the bike.8
6<o) kno+0 -y (on Shane told -e to (have -y head0 "et an earrin"0 and ride aro)nd
on the bike to !ick )! +o-en. I ")e(( yo)2re !roof that it +ork(08 Will (aid0 reachin" o)t
to t)" her to hi- by the front of her (hirt.
Then Will t)rned her (ide+ay( and -ane)vered her to (it in front of hi- on the a-!le
(eat. 6*i(( -e0 =e((ica. <o) have no idea ho+ -)ch I need it ri"ht no+.8
6*i(( yo) in broad dayli"ht in -y drive+ay;8 =e((ica a(ked0 a-)(e-ent liftin" the
corner( of her -o)th.
She felt li"hter ()ddenly0 li"hter and ha!!ier no+ that Will +a( +ith her.
She felt li"hter (till +hen (he reali9ed Will had for"otten a"ain to be caref)l +ith her.
One hand +a( in her hair t)""in" her head back for a (o)l/(tealin" ki((. The other
)nerrin"ly fo)nd her brea(t to (:)ee9e and lift it0 effectively -akin" her "roan into hi(
-o)th at the !lea()re of hi( to)ch.
Reali9in" +here they +ere0 and ho+ fa(t thin"( +ere "ettin" a+ay fro- hi( control0
Will -oved hi( hand fro- her brea(t to her back +here he co)ld (lide her hi!( -ore
inti-ately bet+een hi( le"(.
6<o) kno+08 =e((ica (aid0 !)llin" her -o)th fro- hi(. 6I have a !erfectly "ood ho)(e
+ith a kin" (i9e bed. We co)ld take thi( in(ide.8
6I tho)"ht yo)2d never a(k08 Will (aid0 boo(tin" her )! to (tandin" +ith a hand )nder
her rear.
6<o)2re a very !hy(ical -an0 aren2t yo);8 =e((ica (aid on a la)"h. 6Tho)"h I have to
(ay yo) (ee- to have t)rned -anhandlin" into an art for-.8
Will cli-bed off the bike and looked at her +ith concern. 6Do I (care yo);8
6o08 =e((ica denied irritably0 +alkin" off and leavin" hi- to follo+ her )! the
(ide+alk. 6It (care( -e that I2- (tartin" to like yo)r -acho (ide. I2ve (!ent -o(t of -y
life avoidin" the kind of -an yo) are.8
Will fro+ned0 thinkin" abo)t that a -o-ent. 6What kind of -an i( that;8
=e((ica looked at hi- and (hr)""ed a( they (te!!ed thro)"h her door. 6The kind of
-an +ho2( bi" eno)"h and (tron" eno)"h to do !retty -)ch anythin" he +ant(. I learned
that early on +ith yo)0 re-e-ber; I al-o(t had to h)rt yo) to break yo)r hold on -e.8
6Have I done anythin" (ince then to -ake yo) feel that +ay a"ain;8 Will a(ked0
(ettin" hi( bike hel-et on a +ell/)(ed +ooden bench in the hall+ay +ith (everal !air( of
(hoe( lined )! )nder it. He !)t hi( back!ack ne3t to the hel-et and )n9i!!ed hi( ,acket.
=e((ica o!ened a clo(et and took o)t a han"er. 6Han" yo)r ,acket on the !e"( above
the bench. &eave it there. I like the +ay it look( ne3t to the hel-et.8
She +aited )ntil Will +a( han"in" )! the ,acket to an(+er hi( :)e(tion. 6I don2t
kno+08 (he (aid flatly.
6What;8 Will a(ked0 hi( face a !)99led fro+n.
6I don2t kno+ if yo)2ve done anythin" that ha( bothered -e a( -)ch. I can2t think of
anythin"0 b)t yo) definitely -ake -e feel nervo)( and a bit on ed"e08 =e((ica (aid
hone(tly.
6Do I -ake yo) an3io)(;8 Will a(ked.
=e((ica +aited a fe+ heartbeat(. 6I ")e(( that2( a fair de(cri!tion.8
Da-n Ellen for bein" ri"ht0 Will tho)"ht. Da-n her for !lantin" do)bt( in hi( head.
=e((ica +alked )! to Will and ran her fin"er( over hi( li!(. 6That doe(n2t -ean I +ant
yo) to chan"e anythin" yo)2re doin". If yo) (to! bein" yo)r(elf0 I +ill never fi")re it o)t.
Then +e both lo(e by not kno+in" ho+ it i( bet+een )(. I2- bein" hone(t +ith yo)
beca)(e I2ve ta)"ht -y(elf not to !)t )! front(. o+ ki(( -e (o I can l)re yo) to bed.8
Will !icked )! hi( back!ack and took the one "iant (te! into her that covered the
re-ainin" e-!ty (!ace bet+een the-. He didn2t to)ch her other than to !re(( hi( li!( to
her(. It +a( =e((ica +ho "roaned0 "rabbed hi( T/(hirt +ith t+o hand(0 and dee!ened their
ki((.
Will ended )! la)"hin" a"ain(t her -o)th +hen he "ot hi( ton")e back.
6<o) kno+0 I2- not the only a""re((ive one in o)r relation(hi!. <o) do yo)r o+n
(hare of "rabbin"0 lady. Don2t for"et to factor that into yo)r thinkin"08 Will told =e((ica0
!)ttin" hi( -o)th back on her( +ith a little -ore a""re((ion thi( ti-e.
=e((ica !)lled free and t)""ed on hi( hand. 6Ho)(e to)r later08 (he (aid. 6Bedroo- i(
)!(tair(. Co-e +ith -e.8
6Be(t offer I2ve had all day08 Will (aid0 la)"hin"0 lettin" =e((ica t)" hi- alon" behind
her.
Will follo+ed =e((ica )! a (et of anti:)e +ooden (tair( and into a roo- +ith airy
c)rtain( and layer( of cover( on the bed alon" +ith !illo+( of every (i9e. Mo(t of the
f)rnit)re +a( +orn and fra"ile0 too fe-inine for Will to feel co-!letely at ea(e.
'ort)nately0 the bed (ee-ed like the (t)rdie(t !iece in the roo- and it +a( the only one
he cared abo)t at the -o-ent.
6<o)2re +ay -ore "irly than yo) look08 Will (aid (oftly0 (ettin" hi( back!ack do+n.
He )n9i!!ed a (ide !ocket and !)lled three condo-( o)t. 6o+ the lacy lin"erie -ake(
co-!lete (en(e.8
7rinnin" at the condo-( and hi( co--ent0 =e((ica !)lled her (hirt over her head
revealin" a !ink lace de-i/bra that barely re(trained her brea(t(.
6Do yo) ever +ear !lain cotton;8 Will a(ked0 to((in" the condo-( on the bed and
+alkin" to her.
6ot if I can hel! it08 =e((ica (aid0 clo(in" her eye( and leanin" into Will2( hand(
+hen he lifted her brea(t( and br)(hed the end( +ith hi( th)-b(.
They (tood like that at the foot of =e((ica2( bed0 +eavin" +ith the aro)(al b)ildin"
bet+een the-. =e((ica had her eye( clo(ed in bli((0 and Will co)ldn2t look a+ay fro- her
face.
6=e((ica0 I kno+ +hat I +ant. Tell -e +hat yo) +ant08 Will entreated (oftly. 6I really0
really +ant to "ive yo) +hat yo) +ant.8
=e((ica reached behind her and )nhooked her bra. It fell ea(ily fro- her (ho)lder( and
acro(( Will2( hand( (till on her brea(t(. 6Okay. I +ant to feel yo)r hand( on -e for real.8
Will fl)n" the bra acro(( the roo- and it landed in a chair. He to)ched her brea(t(
a"ain0 care((in" their f)llne(( and the ti"ht b)d( that beckoned hi- to do -ore.
6I (a+ yo)r bl)e lacy bra and a !revie+ of the(e +hen yo) flirted +ith -e at the caf?.
I +anted to do thi( then. I +anted to do -ore. I +anted to lift yo) into -y la! on one of
tho(e bar (tool( and (ho+ yo) ,)(t ho+ incredibly (e3y I tho)"ht yo) +ere08 Will told
her0 hi( voice (o h)(ky +ith de(ire he co)ld barely (!eak.
6Oh0 I re-e-ber. I (ho+ed yo) -y bra on !)r!o(e. I a(ked yo) for a ride then0 b)t
yo) t)rned -e do+n08 =e((ica (aid0 la)"hin" a( Will (at on the bed and !)lled her acro((
hi( la! +ith one of her knee( on each (ide of hi( le"(.
6I +a( bein" a bi" chicken0 b)t I have (ince "otten over it. =e((ica Daniel(0 yo) can
ride anythin" of -ine yo) +ant08 Will (aid0 liftin" )nder her ar-( )ntil her brea(t( +ere
level +ith hi( -o)th.
He took one !retty !ink b)d bet+een hi( teeth and t+irled hi( ton")e aro)nd it )ntil
=e((ica called o)t hi( na-e. She !)t a hand behind hi( head to hold hi- in !lace0 b)t Will
,)(t (hook hi( head a"ain(t her and la)"hed (oftly. He ea(ed her back into hi( la! before
tran(ferrin" hi( attention to the other (ide. She bent back+ard in ec(ta(y0 rai(in" her
brea(t( hi"her to hi-.
Will la)"hed (oftly a( =e((ica -oaned0 and then he had to catch her +hen (he al-o(t
fell back+ard off hi( la!.
6I2- not tryin" to tort)re yo)08 he !ro-i(ed0 hearin" the ro)"h ed"e of de(ire in hi(
voice. 6I ,)(t like (eein" yo) +earin" !a((ion and not -)ch el(e. I (till can2t "et over ho+
-)ch better (e3 i( +ith yo).8
o+ that co--ent had her o!enin" her eye( and -eetin" Will2( "a9e +ith her o+n.
6What do yo) -ean;8 =e((ica a(ked. 6I tho)"ht yo) had a "ood -arria"e.8
6It +a( "ood in -any +ay(. And I +a( faithf)l0 b)t the la(t year or t+o the (e3 +a(
!ractically non/e3i(tent. Ellen +a( already (eein" &)ke d)rin" the la(t (i3 -onth( +e
+ere -arried0 b)t I didn2t kno+ it for a lon" ti-e08 Will told her. 6She had !)lled a+ay
fro- -e totally by then0 and I co)ldn2t do -)ch abo)t it. We +eren2t really lover( any
-ore0 b)t by that !oint I +a( lo(in" (o little I co)ldn2t care either.8
Will !)lled her hair to the front over her (ho)lder. He co-bed it +ith hi( fin"er( and
let the- drift over her brea(t( +hile (he +atched.
6I can hardly believe yo)2re real5the +ay yo) re(!ond0 the +ay yo) ki((0 the +ay
yo) clo(e yo)r eye( and ,)(t let -e en,oy yo). <o)2re the +o-an -en think abo)t0 b)t
-o(tly think they +ill never find08 Will (aid.
Hi( !rai(e (+elled her heart to b)r(tin"0 b)t it al(o e-barra((ed her.
6There are a lot of +o-en like -e lookin" for -en like yo)08 =e((ica (aid (incerely.
6o+ yo) +o)ldn2t even have to !ay attention to (ee the-. <o) look (o "ood0 they2ll fall
at yo)r feet.8
6I think yo) have -e conf)(ed +ith -y (on0 Shane08 Will (aid on a la)"h.
6o5I kno+ e3actly +ho yo) are08 =e((ica (aid. 6<o)2re a "reat father0 a "ood
friend0 a nice -an0 a very talented (c)l!tor0 and the -o(t !atient0 thoro)"h0 enth)(ia(tic
lover I2ve ever had.8
=e((ica (-iled and traced hi( li!( +ith her fin"er( and then felt hi( (-oothly (haven
face. He had (haved in hi( (ho+er. He had (haved for her. Matin" rit)al(0 =e((ica tho)"ht0
(trokin" the line of hi( ,a+ and do+n hi( neck. She had al+ay( a!!reciated the-.
6I like yo)r (hirt. <o) can +ear it a"ain to-orro+08 =e((ica (aid0 !)llin" it )! and
over hi( head before r)nnin" her fin"er( thro)"h the (-atterin" of black and (ilver c)rl(
that li"htly covered hi( che(t. She !re((ed her brea(t( into Will2( che(t0 her ni!!le(
!eakin" a"ain(t the friction of bein" that clo(e to hi-.
6I2ve tho)"ht abo)t bein" +ith yo) all +eek. I ke!t tellin" -y(elf it co)ldn2t have
been a( "ood a( I re-e-bered08 =e((ica +hi(!ered. 6o+ (ho+ -e ho+ nice it can be
Will0 b)t don2t be (o nice I can2t re-e-ber it clearly to-orro+.8
6=)(t !ro-i(e -e yo)2ll tell -e if I do anythin" yo) don2t like08 Will re:)e(ted.
6Okay. I don2t like thi(5I don2t like the con(tant +orry yo) have. <o)2re -akin" -e
a!!rehen(ive +hen t+o -in)te( a"o I ,)(t +anted yo)r -o)th on -e08 (he co-!lained.
Then (he (i"hed in a!!roval +hen Will li"htly !inched and (troked her ni!!le( )ntil
(he +a( aro)(ed a"ain.
6That2( -)ch better08 =e((ica (aid (incerely0 lookin" at hi- thro)"h -o(tly clo(ed
eye(.
Will "ro+led in re(!on(e to her !rai(e0 lay back on the bed0 and then lifted her hi!( to
literally thro+ her over hi( head.
=e((ica landed face do+n ,)(t belo+ her !illo+( and +a( (till la)"hin" +hen Will
cra+led )! on the back of her and (lid hi( hand( )nder her to c)! her brea(t( a"ain. He
n)d"ed her hi!( +ith hi(0 and (he (!read her le"( in both reaction and antici!ation.
6<o) have definitely "ot (o-e "reat -ove(08 =e((ica told Will0 en,oyin" the +ay he
-ade her feel (o co-!letely fe-ale and co-!letely +anted.
6Me; If yo) kee! bendin" yo)r knee( and backin" into -e0 I2- "oin" to "o in(ane.
e3t ti-e0 I2- "ettin" )( both co-!letely naked before +e ever hit a bed08 Will declared0
re-ovin" hi( hand( fro- her brea(t( and ea(in" hi-(elf off of her to kneel behind her.
He lifted and !)lled her hi!( back+ard a( he ()r"ed a"ain(t her0 already i-a"inin"
,)(t ho+ it +o)ld be to thr)(t in and o)t of her in thi( !o(ition.
6Can +e !lea(e/for the love of 7od/lo(e o)r clothe(0 =e((ica;8 he !leaded ro)"hly0
all b)t in(ane +ith l)(t.
Her -)ffled la)"hter a"ain(t the bedclothe( ca!t)red Will2( attention.
6What2( (o da-n f)nny;8 he a(ked0 lettin" her "o0 and rollin" her over (o he co)ld
!eer into her (-ilin" face.
6<o) don2t have to be"0 Will. =)(t let -e "o lon" eno)"h to )ndre((08 =e((ica (aid0
la)"hin". 6I2- ,)(t a( bad off a( yo) are. I +ant yo) even tho)"h yo)2re a cra9y -an in
bed.8
Will ro(e to hi( knee( a"ain and !)lled =e((ica to her(. He )n(na!!ed and )n9i!!ed
her ,ean( and let her do the (a-e to hi(. He !)(hed her ,ean( off her hi!(0 b)t (to!!ed at
her thi"h( +hen (he took hi( no+ achin" erection in her hand.
6I hone(tly have never +anted a -an (o -)ch in -y entire life08 =e((ica +hi(!ered.
6It2( (hockin" to -e that it2( al+ay( like thi( +ith yo).8
Will leaned hi( head +eakly on =e((ica2( (ho)lder a( (he (troked hi- to a level of
aro)(al he hadn2t had in year(. Her hand( +ere bli((f)l. And thi( +o-an0 Will tho)"ht0
thi( +a( the ri"ht one to be to)chin" hi-.
6Okay. On the co)nt of three +e2re "oin" to let each other "o0 fall to o)r back(0 "et
the re(t of o)r clothe( off0 and then find the da-n condo-( I thre+ (o-e+here over here
earlier08 Will ordered.
6'ine08 =e((ica (aid0 t)rnin" loo(e of hi- rel)ctantly0 r)nnin" fin"erti!( alon" +hat
(he had created. 6One. T+o. Three.8
They -oved a!art0 lay do+n0 and (hed their ,ean( at the (a-e ti-e0 thro+in" the- off
the (ide of the bed to the floor. Then they +ere both on their knee( a"ain lookin" for the
condo-(.
6I (+ear I to((ed three over here earlier08 Will vo+ed.
6I kno+ yo) did. I (a+ the- hit the bed08 =e((ica a"reed.
6Da-n it08 Will (aid0 +hen they +ere no+here to be fo)nd.
6&ook0 I can2t "et !re"nant08 =e((ica (aid at la(t. 6If yo) don2t -ind -y !a(t0 I
certainly don2t -ind yo)r(. I don2t )()ally do thi( +itho)t !rotection0 b)t I2- +illin" to
-ake an e3ce!tion +ith yo)0 Will.8
6=e((ica08 Will +hi(!ered0 cra+lin" over and !)(hin" her to her back. She let her le"(
fall o!en in +elco-e and Will acce!ted the invitation +ith "ratit)de0 (lidin" into her
+elco-in" +etne(( +ith incredible relief. 6I +anted thi( level of inti-acy all alon". I2-
fallin" in love +ith yo). I kno+ yo) don2t +ant to hear it yet0 b)t yo)2re "oin" to feel it
every ti-e +e do thi( any+ay.8
6Will08 =e((ica (aid brokenly0 archin" )! and (trainin" a"ain(t hi( hardne((0 all the
+hile (tr)""lin" to !)t a(ide hi( confe((ion. 67od it feel( a-a9in" to have yo) in(ide -e.
&e(( talkin"0 -ore -ovin".8
Will la)"hed at her de-and. After +hat he2d ,)(t ad-itted0 he +a( "ratef)l =e((ica
+a(n2t a(kin" hi- (to!0 beca)(e he co)ldn2t have. &ike her0 he co)ld feel everythin" (o
-)ch -ore +itho)t the condo- and +a( lo(t in the +onder of it.
When =e((ica bro)"ht her knee( )! alon"(ide hi( hi!( and rai(ed her(elf )! to hi- to
+ra! ar-( aro)nd hi( che(t0 he felt hi-(elf hit the botto- of her +ith a !o((e((ive thrill
that (hocked hi-. It +a( like findin" the !lace he belon"ed at la(t.
They -oved to"ether0 and then took t)rn( -ovin" aro)nd each other a( they en,oyed
the (-ooth (li! and (lide of their bodie( +ith nothin" b)t (kin a"ain(t (kin. Their
-ove-ent( +ere (lo+ and ()re in the late afternoon li"ht a( they +atched each other
cli-b and cli-b.
And ,)(t a( Will feared =e((ica +a(n2t "oin" to "et there before he did0 he felt the
throbbin" in(ide her be"in. He let hi-(elf follo+ her over the ed"e and rocked a"ain(t her
)ntil the +ave( had !a((ed for both of the-.
6We2ll try a ne+ !o(ition ne3t ti-e08 Will (aid0 ki((in" hi( +ay acro(( her cheek and
do+n her neck. 6I ,)(t co)ldn2t +ait any lon"er.8
6either co)ld I08 =e((ica (aid breathle((ly0 r)nnin" her hand( over Will2( hi!(.
6either co)ld I.8
Cha!ter %F
A co)!le ho)r( later0 they ordered Chine(e food and ate in =e((ica2( lar"e kitchen
+ith it( ancient b)t (t)rdy far- table and (i3 le(( (t)rdy -i(-atched chair(.
Will co)ldn2t (to! lookin" at her. =e((ica had !)t on cro!!ed le""in"( fallin" ,)(t
belo+ her knee( and the +hite "a)9y (hirt (he2d +orn to the art (ho+ la(t +eekend. She2d
left the bra off and her brea(t( (+ayed "ently +ith every -ove-ent. She +a( (o )tterly
(e3y and fe-inine0 it +a( all Will co)ld do to be civili9ed and kee! hi( hand( to hi-(elf
+hile they ate.
6So do yo) o+n thi( ho)(e;8 Will a(ked0 forkin" in bite( of (+eet and (o)r !ork0 and
tryin" to di(tract hi-(elf fro- +atchin" =e((ica2( brea(t(.
6o08 =e((ica ad-itted. 6I rent. I2ve tho)"ht abo)t b)yin" b)t ,)(t co)ldn2t brin"
-y(elf to b)y a ho)(e I barely like. I -ean5it2( a nice ho)(e0 ,)(t not -y drea- ho-e.8
6o offen(e0 b)t thi( ho)(e doe(n2t (ee- very ()!!ortive for yo)r art. Where do yo)
do yo)r +ork;8 Will a(ked0 tr)ly +antin" to kno+.
6I have a friend +ho o+n( a "la(( blo+in" b)(ine(( in Rich-ond. I borro+ hi( +ork
area +hen the -ood hit(08 =e((ica (aid +ith a (hr)". 6I2ve been a!athetic lately abo)t -y
+ork and don2t have a (tron" eno)"h de(ire to create anythin". I2ve only -ana"ed one art
!iece every (i3 -onth(.8
She (to!!ed eatin" her ca(he+ chicken and (i"hed. 6My life feel( (ta"nant. I have
eno)"h ti-e (erved in the (chool (y(te- to retire0 b)t +hat +o)ld I do then;8 (he a(ked0
(hr)""in" her (ho)lder(. 6I2- not -akin" a livin" fro- -y art the +ay yo) or yo)r (on(
do. 7la(( va"ina( are not e3actly in "reat de-and0 no -atter ho+ !retty or (en()al.8
6I like yo)r va"ina art. *ee! doin" it08 Will ordered0 la)"hin". 6I al(o like +hat yo)
did for Melanie and Brent. The caf? ha( been ho!!in" b)(y (ince yo) !)t )! art there. I
bet other b)(ine((e( +o)ld !ay yo) for (i-ilar effort(.8
6<eah0 that +a( really f)n. Do yo) kno+ I2- afraid to "o to the cafe no+ for fear
they2ll !)t -e to +ork a"ain; They kee! threatenin" to hire -e +hen I retire08 =e((ica
(aid on a la)"h. 6So-eho+ (lin"in" chicken (alad( and !o)rin" "allon( of iced tea every
day ,)(t doe(n2t a!!eal to -e a( a ,ob. I2- +aitin" )ntil Brent and Melanie hire real hel!
before I vi(it a"ain.8
Will la)"hed. 6They -i(( yo). I kno+ thi( for a fact beca)(e they a(k abo)t yo)
every ti-e I "o there.8
6I -i(( the- too08 =e((ica (aid0 (-ilin".
6Wo)ld yo) (till have to +ork if yo) retired;8 Will a(ked0 tryin" to dance aro)nd the
bi""er financial :)e(tion(0 b)t he +anted to kno+ her (it)ation beca)(e he cared abo)t
her.
If he +ent by the f)rni(hin"( of her ho)(e0 Will +o)ld ")e(( the an(+er +a( ye( to
hi( :)e(tion. =e((ica +a( (trainin" the -eanin" of 6(habby chic8 in ,)(t abo)t everythin"
he2d (een e3ce!t the bed and kitchen table. At hi( (i9e and +ei"ht0 !retty -)ch
everythin" el(e in her ho)(e +a( at ri(k aro)nd hi-. He +a( ()r!ri(ed it +a(n2t aro)nd
her.
6o5I ")e(( I +o)ldn2t have to +ork. I co)ld live okay on -y retire-ent. I al(o
have (o-e inve(t-ent( left fro- -y early art+ork even after I !aid for Brooke2( colle"e
ed)cation +ith a lar"e ch)nk of the-. She2( done the la(t fo)r year( on a((i(tant(hi!( and
a+ard(0 and (he +orked !art/ti-e. I don2t have cha-!a"ne ta(te( in -)ch of anythin"0 (o
I2ve fo)nd it ea(y to live +ithin -y -ean(08 =e((ica (aid +ith a (hr)". 6I +orry -ore
abo)t boredo- than anythin" el(e. I like to kee! b)(y.8
6I hear yo). When I2- +orkin" on a !iece0 I "et !hy(ically tired lon" before I lo(e the
de(ire to (to! carvin". I2- al(o "ettin" (lo+er a( I "et older08 he (aid0 la)"hin". 6I !ad
-y contract( +ith an e3tra -onth no+ ,)(t in ca(e (o-ethin" take( -e lon"er than it )(ed
to.8
6Well0 yo)r +ork i( +orth the +ait. I2- ()re yo) hear that all the ti-e08 =e((ica (aid
+ith a (-ile. 6And yo)r e3/+ife told -e abo)t the !erk yo) "et +atchin" +o-en co! a
feel of yo)r (tat)e(2 a((et(. I kno+ I co)ldn2t kee! -y hand( off the fir(t ti-e I (a+ ho+
reali(tic the anato-y +a( on the (tat)e in Berea.8
Da-n Ellen and her -o)th0 Will tho)"ht. He had all b)t for"otten =e((ica had talked
to her. o+ Will had to ad-it that if hi( e3/+ife had told =e((ica abo)t hi- la)"hin" over
the +o-en0 Ellen !robably +o)ldn2t he(itate to bra" to =e((ica abo)t +hat ha!!ened in
the bedroo- today. It -ade hi- -ad at hi-(elf all over a"ain for re(!ondin" at all.
Will fro+ned and !)t do+n hi( fork.
6Well0 it +a( al+ay( f)n for -e to (ee the deli"ht on their face( a( they to)ched a
(tat)e2( -arble !eni( +ith reverence0 b)t I never took advanta"e of anyone2( innocent
!lea()re08 he told her (incerely.
=e((ica (to!!ed eatin" a( (he reali9ed Will2( tone +a( -)ch le(( rela3ed no+. She
!icked )! her (oda and (i!!ed a( (he +atched hi- look for +ord(.
Will hated that he +a( "oin" to have to ri(k the ea(y ca-araderie bet+een =e((ica and
hi- (o (oon0 b)t thi( kind of (ecret +a( far -ore (i"nificant than (i-!ly not tellin" her
abo)t a !revio)( ,ob. 6Thi( di(c)((ion re-ind( -e of (o-ethin" -ore (erio)( I ")e(( I
need to (hare +ith yo).8
6Well0 the e3!re((ion on yo)r face i( -ore (cary than anythin" yo) co)ld tell -e. =)(t
(ay it :)ickly08 =e((ica ()""e(ted. 6Be hone(t and brave. That2( all +e can be +ith each
other. Tr)(t -e0 I kno+. I2ve in been thera!y for thirty year(.8
6'ir(t0 let -e ,)(t (ay that nothin" of any (i"nificance ha!!ened08 Will (aid0 holdin"
her "a9e.
=e((ica lifted an eyebro+ and tilted her head. 6The old nothing really happened (tory0
h)h; That2( o-ino)(0 b)t let -e ")e((. Did Ellen try to (ed)ce yo);8
6Why in the +orld +o)ld yo) ")e(( that;8 Will a(ked0 (hocked at ho+ fa(t =e((ica
had ")e((ed.
=e((ica (i"hed and +ent back to her ca(he+ chicken. 6Oh0 I2- not ")e((in". <o)r e3/
+ife +arned -e thi( afternoon (he +a( "oin" to try and "et yo) back. What did (he do;
Wait for yo) and try to co! a feel +hen yo) "ot o)t of the (ho+er;8
6Did yo) have a da-n ca-era in(talled in -y bedroo- the ni"ht yo) (!ent +ith -e;8
Will a(ked0 lookin" !ained and )!(et at her acc)racy. 6<e(. I for"ot (he +a( there and
(he +a( +aitin" in -y bedroo- after I (ho+ered. My brief re(!on(e to her hand( on -e
+a( ,)(t an old habit that ca-e back to ha)nt -e -o-entarily. I (hook her off and ca-e
over here to yo).8
67ood08 =e((ica (aid0 lickin" her fork and favorin" Will +ith a l)(ty "a9e. 6I2- not
done +ith yo) yet. Ellen had her t)rn. o+ yo)2re -ine for a +hile. I told her that thi(
afternoon.8
6I ")e(( no+ I )nder(tand ho+ freaked o)t yo) +ere +hen I talk to Steve &i!ton08
Will (aid0 ()r!ri(ed +hen =e((ica only la)"hed. He (t)died her for a fe+ -o-ent(0
a-a9ed +hen =e((ica re()-ed eatin" a( if nothin" (hockin" had been di(c)((ed.
6<o) don2t (ee- very )!(et abo)t it. Why are yo) not +antin" to kill -e5or her for
that -atter;8 Will a(ked0 +onderin" if he2d been +ron" abo)t ho+ -)ch =e((ica liked
hi-.
6I don2t like dra-a0 and I haven2t been ,ealo)( (ince hi"h (chool. If yo) "en)inely
+anted yo)r e30 yo)2d be +ith her and not +ith -e. If yo) +ere doin" )( both0 Ellen
+o)ld have follo+ed yo) over here beca)(e I can tell yo)r e3/+ife +o)ld hate (harin"08
=e((ica (aid0 takin" another bite before fini(hin". 6Since I don2t believe either of tho(e i(
the ca(e0 I (ee no rea(on to be in a killin" -ood. o+0 if the +o-an trie( to bra" to -e
abo)t -akin" yo) "et it )!0 ,)(t kno+ I2- "oin" to thank her for (endin" yo) to -e
already !ri-ed and tell her everythin" +e did in "reat detail.8
=e((ica2( +ord( +ere ter(e0 b)t Will clearly heard the tr)th of her intention( in her
voice. It +o)ld be -ildly (ati(fyin" to (ee Ellen "et that e-barra((ed0 he tho)"ht. Then
+hat =e((ica had (aid finally hit hi( brain.
6Ellen did not !ri-e -e0 da-n it. If anythin"0 (he -ade -e a(ha-ed of -y(elf. She2(
a -arried +o-an and (he2( not the one for -e any lon"er. It +a( old habit and it la(ted
all of five (econd(. I (hook her off08 he (aid fir-ly0 takin" another bite of hi( food and
che+in" forcibly.
6Will0 yo) don2t have to be )!(et. I believe yo)2re the innocent in thi(08 =e((ica
!rote(ted +ith a (hort la)"h.
6Don2t yo) even care that I let her to)ch -e;8 Will a(ked. 6If Ada- had to)ched yo)
inti-ately at the art (ho+0 I2d have at lea(t +anted to break hi( da-n ar-.8
6&et -e "et thi( (trai"ht. <o) act)ally +ant -e to -ake yo) feel +or(e abo)t +hat
ha!!ened than yo) already do;8 =e((ica a(ked in ret)rn. 6<o) +ant -e to do thi( even
tho)"h I kno+ f)ll +ell Ellen +a( the villaine(( in +hat occ)rred;8
6<e(08 Will be"an0 then chan"ed hi( -ind after hearin" ho+ ridic)lo)( it (o)nded.
6o. I2- not ()re. What +o)ld yo) have done if I had "iven in to her;8
That "ot a f)ll belly la)"h o)t of =e((ica. She co)ld (ee it had taken a lot of nerve for
Will to tell her +hat ha!!ened +ith hi( e3/+ife. The lea(t (he co)ld do +a( (troke hi( e"o
abo)t it0 (he tho)"ht +ickedly.
6If yo) had "iven in to yo)r e30 I2d have had to kill yo) both0 and then coerce an old
lover to hel! -e b)ry yo)r bodie( in -y back yard. I2- really "lad yo) didn2t let that
ha!!en08 =e((ica (aid0 blo+in" hi- a ki(( acro(( the table. 6I like +hat yo) did do -)ch0
-)ch better. Today +a( e3traordinary. I have to ad-it it +a( -)ch better +itho)t the
condo-. I haven2t let a -an kno+ the real -e in year(.8
6Da-n it0 =e((ica08 Will (aid0 hi( face fl)(hin" +ith aro)(al beca)(e he +anted badly
to be in(ide her that +ay a"ain. 6<o) are certainly not like other +o-en.8
6o0 I2- not08 (he a"reed. 6I2ve been tellin" yo) that all alon".8
=e((ica "ot )! fro- her chair and +alked to hi(. S)r!ri(in" hi-0 (he "rabbed the
botto- of hi( ladder/back chair and t)rned it (ide+ay( (o (he co)ld (traddle hi( la!.
4)llin" the "a)9y (hirt over her head and fro- her body0 (he let it dro! to the floor )ntil
(he +a( ha!!ily naked fro- the +ai(t )!. 6I2- too hone(t to be like other +o-en0 b)t
there are advanta"e( to bein" +ith a +o-an like -e. Want to hear -e tell yo) in detail
+hat I +ant ne3t fro- yo);8
6<o) have no idea ho+ -)ch08 Will (aid0 c)!!in" her brea(t( in hi( hand(0 clo(in"
hi( eye( +ith ho+ "ood it felt.
Okay0 Will decided0 hi( hand( ha!!ily f)ll of the -oanin"0 aro)(ed +o-an of hi(
drea-(. He +a( done bein" a re")lar ")y. He ,)(t +anted to be =e((ica2( ")y0 +hatever
the hell that -eant. Eyelid( droo!in"0 =e((ica leaned into hi( hand(0 h)--in" +ith
!lea()re a( he cradled and -a((a"ed her brea(t(. He +a( infinitely "ratef)l that +hat he
did (ee-ed to !lea(e her.
6What do yo) +ant;8 Will a(ked in a ro)"h +hi(!er0 (:)ee9in" fir-ly )ntil her eye(
o!ened and held hi(.
6'ir(t0 I +ant to fill )! the "i"antic cla+foot t)b that l)red -e into rentin" thi( old
creakin" ho)(e and (oak +ith yo) )ntil +e rela3. Then I2- "oin" to +a(h a+ay the
-e-ory of yo)r e32( hand( on yo) and re!lace the- +ith a -)ch better ver(ion of -ine
doin" +onderf)l thin"( to "et yo) in the !ro!er -ood. Then I2- "oin" to bend over that
ca(t iron t)b +hich i( bolted to the floor and let yo) do +hat +e didn2t "et to do today
beca)(e +e +ere too da-n an3io)(08 =e((ica (aid0 !)ttin" her hand( over Will2( a( he
-a((a"ed. 6I2- tired of ,)(t thinkin" abo)t ho+ "reat it2( "oin" to be.8
6I (+ear yo) -ake -e harder than the (tone I carve08 Will (aid0 lettin" "o of her
brea(t( and !)llin" her ti"htly a"ain(t hi-. He reached (ide+ay( to the floor and !icked
)! her (hirt. 6&ook5!)t thi( back on and let2( fini(h dinner fir(t. I can +ait a little
lon"er. It2( a !erk of bein" -y a"e.8
6'our age? Don2t kid yo)r(elf08 =e((ica (aid0 (lidin" off Will2( la! and (tandin".
6<o) -ake love +ith ten ti-e( -ore enth)(ia(- than any -an I2ve ever kno+n of any
a"e. I find -y(elf daydrea-in" all the ti-e abo)t +hat yo)2re "oin" to do -e ne3t.8
6Okay0 that2( the official li-it of -y !atience. Da-n it0 =e((ica08 Will (aid0 la)"hin"
and "rabbin" her hand. 6Bein" +ith yo) i( already like bein" a kid a"ain0 and I ")e(( I2-
(till -akin" )! for a year of nothin". Co-e on0 let2( "o take that bath. We2ll +ar- )!
food later.8
He t)""ed her alon" behind hi- and led her )! the (tair( to the bathroo-.
***
An ho)r later0 +ith only her knee( no+ ()b-er(ed in the +ar- +ater0 =e((ica "ri!!ed
the ro)nded ed"e( of the ca(t iron t)b to brace her(elf a( Will thr)(t (teadily and fir-ly
fro- behind her. Her ar-( be"an to (hake +ith the effort of holdin" her body )! a( (he
felt the fir(t +ave of a deva(tatin" cli-a3 roll thro)"h her.
6Harder08 (he de-anded0 her voice echoin" off the bathroo- +all(. Will la)"hed
ro)"hly0 b)t (till re(!onded to the a)thority in her re:)e(t0 ()r"in" a"ain(t her hi!( to
-eet her de-and.
6=e((ica08 Will (aid0 (lidin" hi( hand( aro)nd her thi"h( and )! the in(ide of the- to
c)! her. 6I can feel yo) "oin" over. &et "o no+0 baby. 4lea(e let "o. I need yo) to5oh
7od5ye(. That2( it.8
Her (crea- of relea(e bo)nced aro)nd the roo- and Will (hook violently a( he fo)nd
hi( o+n relea(e at the (a-e ti-e. He +a( tra!!ed in(ide =e((ica0 held there by the (heer
ani-al force of their ,oinin". It +a( )n:)e(tionably the be(t (e3 he had ever e3!erienced0
and the !lea()re la(ted lon"er than he2d even kno+n +a( !o((ible for a -an. When it +a(
done0 he +a( di99y.
6Are yo) okay;8 Will a(ked finally0 +ra!!in" hi-(elf co-!letely aro)nd =e((ica
fro- behind0 !)llin" her )!ri"ht and back a"ain(t hi-. He !)lled her hair to one (ide0 and
lovin"ly ki((ed her neck. He !al-ed a brea(t +ith one hand and held her (to-ach +ith
hi( other. 6I2ve never5-y 7od0 I have no +ord( for ho+ -)ch I like +hat +e ,)(t did. It
+a( tr)ly a (!irit)al e3!erience.8
6I2ve certainly never had an or"a(- la(t that lon".8 =e((ica (aid0 rela3in" a"ain(t Will
a( he held her0 her hand( on hi( ar-(. He -ade her feel (o fe-inine0 (o yin to hi( yan".
67lad to hear the !lea()re +a( -)t)al. I +a( ,)(t thinkin" the (a-e thin" -y(elf08
Will (aid0 la)"hin" and vibratin" the- both. He2d al+ay( heard abo)t t+o !eo!le
beco-in" one0 b)t he2d never co-e clo(e )ntil thi( -o-ent. 6The !l)( of a"in" for -e
ha( been lon"er or"a(-(0 b)t I2ve never had one la(t a f)ll -in)te before. I al(o don2t
think I2ve ever felt (o !hy(ically connected to a +o-an.8
6Well0 I2ve never done thi( !o(ition before08 =e((ica confe((ed. 6It take( a lot of tr)(t
to t)rn a+ay fro- a lover2( face0 to tr)(t (o-eone behind yo). I +a( never +illin" before
yo). I have to ad-it yo) are the -o(t a-a9in" lover I2ve ever had0 Will.8
Will ti"htened hi( e-brace0 ki((in" her neck and leavin" hi( -o)th on her (kin. 6If
+e2re "ood to"ether0 it2( beca)(e I2- in love +ith yo)0 =e((ica Daniel(.8
=e((ica leaned back in hi( ar-( and clo(ed her eye(. 6All I can !ro-i(e yo) i( that I
+ill be faithf)l )ntil yo) "et tired of -e and (end -e a+ay.8
6Then yo)2re "oin" to be -ine for the re(t of yo)r life beca)(e I a- never (endin"
yo) a+ay08 Will +arned.
Cha!ter %G
When hi( -other drove a+ay to "o to hi( brother2( ho)(e0 Michael &ar(on +a( ha!!y
to be alone at la(t. Hi( father +a( at =e((ica2( (till and likely +o)ldn2t be ho-e )ntil late
S)nday. That left all Sat)rday evenin" and the +hole ne3t day for Michael to en,oy the
!eace and :)iet of havin" hi( ho)(e all to hi-(elf. He loved hi( !arent( and +a( "lad he
+a( able to hel! the-0 b)t it +a( da-n nice to be alone a"ain even if +a( ,)(t for a
co)!le of day(.
In fact0 Michael +a( ha!!y eno)"h not to feel bad for not havin" a date.
When he +a( three beer( and -o(t of a !i99a even ha!!ier (till0 Michael +a( thinkin"
he2d have an early ni"ht. The doorbell rin"in" ,arred hi- fro- hi( rela3ation b)t
fort)nately didn2t era(e it. He looked at the clock0 +onderin" +ho co)ld !o((ibly be
vi(itin" at ei"ht/thirty on a Sat)rday ni"ht.
When he o!ened the door0 he +a( (hocked to (ee a very ill/lookin" Carrie Addi(on
(tandin" on hi( door(te!. It +a( all he co)ld do not to catch her )! in hi( ar-(.
6Michael08 (he (aid in "reetin". 6I2- (orry I didn2t call. I didn2t kno+ +hat to (ay5
(o I ,)(t decided to co-e (ee yo) in(tead. Can I co-e in and talk to yo);8
Michael co)ldn2t hel! noticin" the !olite (-ile on her li!( never :)ite reached her
eye(.
6S)re08 Michael (aid. 6<o) look +i!ed o)t0 Carrie. What2( )!;8
6Do yo) -ind if +e (it; I2- not feelin" +ell0 and (tandin" for too lon" -ake( it
+or(e08 (he told hi-.
6S)re. Co-e on in08 he (aid. He led her to the kitchen and t)rned on a li"ht. 6I( thi(
okay;8
She (at in a kitchen chair +itho)t +aitin" for an invitation. 6I looked )! yo)r !er(onal
infor-ation to "et yo)r addre(( in ca(e yo)2re +onderin" ho+ I kne+ +here yo) lived. I
nor-ally +o)ld never do ()ch a thin"0 b)t I needed to contact yo) o)t(ide of +orkin"
ho)r(.8
6I don2t have a !roble- +ith yo) kno+in" +here I live or +ith yo) contactin" -e
o)t(ide of b)(ine(( ho)r(08 Michael (aid dryly0 takin" a chair acro(( fro- her. 6<o) look
(erio)(ly (ick. What2( +ron";8
6othin" that +on2t be fi3ed in a fe+ -onth(08 Carrie (aid0 lookin" at the darkened
!atio and (eein" the (hado+ o)tline( of -etal and the tool( (he ")e((ed Michael )(ed in
hi( +ork.
She clo(ed her eye( to kee! fro- "ettin" di99y. The nervo)( an3iety (he felt +a(
-akin" the na)(ea +or(e. When (he o!ened her eye( a"ain0 it +a( to (ee Michael (tarin"
at her in concern.
Carrie co)ld i-a"ine thi( +a( +hat Michael had looked like (tandin" o)t(ide her
bathroo- door the -ornin" after +hile (he had (obbed +ith re"ret for (!endin" the ni"ht
+ith hi-. A tear e(ca!ed one eye and then the other. She +atched Michael (tand )! to
co-e to her0 b)t (he (hook her head and -otioned for hi- to (it back do+n. Reachin"
into the na!kin holder on the table0 (he !)lled o)t a !a!er na!kin and +i!ed a+ay the
tear(.
6I2- !re"nant08 Carrie (aid flatly. 6And it2( yo)r child. I hadn2t been +ith anyone for
three -onth( before yo). There ha(n2t been anyone after.8
6B)t yo)2re en"a"ed08 Michael (aid in !artial denial0 the (hock too "reat to take in.
Carrie +a( havin" a child; Hi( child; Hi( eye( +ent to her (to-ach area0 b)t of co)r(e
(he +a( a( (li- a( ever.
6I +a( en"a"ed. I2- not any -ore08 Carrie (aid :)ietly0 another tear e(ca!in". 6I
co)ldn2t -arry one -an +hen I +a( !re"nant +ith another -an2( child. And for the
record0 I2- not havin" an abortion. To- a(ked0 b)t I (aid no.8
6Carrie0 +e )(ed !rotection every ti-e08 Michael (aid. 6Didn2t +e;8
Carrie clo(ed her eye( and nodded. 6A( far I can re-e-ber0 ye(. I recall +e )(ed a
condo- every ti-e08 (he a"reed. 6Michael0 I don2t think yo) did thi( to -e on !)r!o(e. I
ho!e yo) kno+ I certainly didn2t intend to "et thi( +ay. A( a habit0 I (tay on birth control
and )(e condo-(. Wo-en )(in" -y ty!e of !revention )()ally take -onth( to conceive. I
can2t e3!lain ho+ thi( ha!!ened. The te(t at the doctor2( office +a( !o(itive and the
reality of it i( -akin" -e very (ick. I2- ,)(t a little over five +eek( alon".8
6Can I "et yo) (o-ethin"; So-e +ater or a (oda;8 Michael a(ked0 needin" to (tall
and "ive hi-(elf a -o-ent or t+o to ab(orb the (hock that he2d (o-eho+ "otten Carrie
!re"nant.
6Ice +ater !lea(e08 (he (aid (oftly.
He "ot )! to "et a "la(( fro- the cabinet and +alked to the refri"erator in a trance.
6&ook0 Michael0 I kno+ it -i"ht be hard to believe yo)2ve been the only one for
(everal -onth(0 b)t I ho!ed yo) -i"ht "ive -e the benefit of the do)bt beca)(e of o)r
+orkin" relation(hi!08 (he (aid (erio)(ly. 6I +o)ldn2t lie to yo) abo)t (o-ethin" thi(
i-!ortant.8
He bro)"ht the ice +ater back to the table and (at back do+n acro(( fro- her. 6<o)
can co-!letely (to! +orryin" abo)t that. I believe yo).8
Carrie (tared at hi- in (hock. 6I5I kno+ -y behavior after +e +ere to"ether -)(t
have (ee-ed in(ane to yo).8
Michael nodded. 6It did0 b)t frankly yo) "ettin" en"a"ed a"ain (ee-ed -ore in(ane
to -e08 he (aid. 6I co)ldn2t )nder(tand +hat I did (o +ron" that yo) +o)ldn2t even
di(c)(( +hat ha!!ened +ith -e.8
6I +a( already en"a"ed to To- +hen +ere to"ether. To- and I +ere not5+ell0 +e
+ere5+aitin"08 (he fini(hed la-ely. 6What I did +ith yo) +a( ,)(t tr)ly a -o-ent of
+eakne(( on -y !art. It +a( that da-n !iece of art0 Anguish. <o)r art (ed)ced -e.8
6Well0 I2- "lad beca)(e nothin" el(e had +orked )! to then08 Michael (aid har(hly.
He felt cha(ti(ed for hi( co--ent and hi( tone +hen Carrie t)rned her face a+ay
fro- hi- and t+o -ore tear( ran do+n her face.
6Sorry. I +a(n2t tryin" to be a (-art/a((. Bein" +ith yo) +a( the -o(t a-a9in" fir(t
ti-e I2ve ever had in -y life. I haven2t been able to to)ch another +o-an (ince08
Michael (aid. 6What did I do that ni"ht that +a( (o horribly +ron";8
She +i!ed her eye( and lifted her chin0 not yet -eetin" hi( "a9e. =)(t tell hi-0 (he
ordered her(elf. Tell Michael &ar(on the tr)th0 and tell hi- +hy yo) told hi- abo)t the
baby. <o) are not "oin" to be able to do thi( alone.
6I2ll tell yo) if yo) (till +ant to kno+ after I a(k the :)e(tion I ca-e here to a(k yo)08
Carrie (aid :)ietly.
6Okay08 Michael (aid0 leanin" back in hi( chair. 6A(k.8
6I +ant to kno+ if yo) +ant o)r child to rai(e0 beca)(e I don2t +ant it. I2- not a bad
!er(on0 b)t I2ve "one thro)"h eno)"h in -y life0 and I can2t do thi(. So if yo) don2t +ant
the baby0 yo) don2t have to "ive it another tho)"ht. I2ll arran"e for an ado!tion and never
tell anyone it2( yo)r(. I didn2t even tell To- +ho the father +a(.8
Michael all b)t knocked hi( chair over (tandin" )!. Carrie didn2t +ant hi( child.
Hearin" it fro- her +a( like bein" (tr)ck acro(( the face +ith a (led"eha--er.
He +alked to the !atio door in a da9e and (tared o)t into the darkne((. 4re((in" hi(
forehead to the cool "la(( of the door0 he let hi-(elf think of the attraction bet+een
Carrie and hi-. After +aitin" for (everal year( to be +ith her0 he had been in(ide her
-ore than o)t of her for the entirety of the ni"ht. The fire bet+een the- had b)rned hot0
and Michael (till felt that (a-e level of lon"in" for her. If that fire had -elted Carrie and
hi- to"ether to create a child0 he rea(oned0 that child +a( a creation of hi( every bit a(
-)ch a( any !iece of art he2d -ade +ith hi( hand(.
Michael rai(ed hi( forehead fro- the "la(( and t)rned back to the +o-an (ittin"
:)ietly in the chair. He had (een her orderin" and co--andin" an ar-y of !eo!le in her
event( b)(ine(( +ith a !reci(ion any -ilitary "eneral +o)ld a!!reciate. Toni"ht0 (he
looked v)lnerable and defeated. Hi( heart h)rt to reali9e he and hi( )n+anted child +ere
the ca)(e of her di(tre((.
6<e(. I +ant o)r child08 he (aid fir-ly0 +alkin" back to the table and forcin" hi-(elf
to (it for a third ti-e. 6Whatever yo) need fro- -e0 yo) have it. I2- "lad yo) didn2t "et
an abortion and -arry To-. I2- "lad yo) looked -e )! and told -e abo)t the !re"nancy.
A( far a( I2- concerned0 yo) did all the ri"ht thin"(.8
6Are yo) ()re;8 Carrie a(ked hi-0 tho)"h (he (a+ the re(ol)tion in hi( face. She ,)(t
+anted to hear hi- once -ore (ay he +o)ld take care of their baby before (he laid the
re(t of her (in( at Michael &ar(on2( feet.
6&et -e !)t it thi( +ay. I +ant any child I created +ith yo) )nder any condition(08
Michael (aid e-!hatically. 6I don2t have any idea ho+ to -ake yo) believe -e other than
to (ho+ yo) over ti-e.8
6Okay08 Carrie (aid. a)(ea threatened to over+hel- her a"ain0 b)t (he !)(hed it
do+n. 6I2- "oin" to believe yo).8
6o+ tell -e +hat +ent +ron" bet+een )(08 Michael de-anded :)ietly0 kee!in" hi(
tone a( (oft a( he co)ld. Whatever it +a(0 he intended to fi3 it.
Carrie looked at her hand( and then back into Michael2( deter-ined "a9e. He2( not
the carele(( boy he +a(0 (he tho)"ht0 b)t it didn2t chan"e the bi""er thin"(.
6When I +a( a (o!ho-ore in colle"e0 I +a( cra9y abo)t thi( ")y +ho +a( a (enior.
One ni"ht I +ent to a !arty and ended )! in bed +ith hi-. We had both been drinkin"0
b)t I +a( (t)!id eno)"h not to care. It +a( -y fir(t ti-e to have (e3 +ith anyone. I "ot )!
after+ard to "o to the bathroo-. When I ca-e back to the bed +e had been )(in"0 the boy
+a( already "one. I "ot dre((ed and +ent back to the !arty +here I fo)nd hi- holdin"
one blonde on hi( la! +hile another clone of her leaned on the ar- of hi( chair. I don2t
even think he reali9ed he2d ,)(t taken -y vir"inity and di(carded -e (i3 (econd( later.
<o)n" +o-en can be (t)!id and naCve abo)t ()ch thin"(. I +a( both. It +a( obvio)(
bein" +ith -e had -eant virt)ally nothin" to hi-.8
Michael clo(ed hi( eye( at the a-o)nt of !ain in her e3!re((ion. After +atchin"
Carrie -arry and divorce t+ice0 he +a( e-!athetic abo)t ho+ -)ch it h)rt to (ee the
!er(on yo) +anted be +ith (o-eone el(e.
6I2- (orry yo) +ere h)rt. The ")y +a( a ,erk for +hat he did to yo)0 b)t I +a( ,)(t a(
carele(( at hi( a"e. I drank and !artied !retty hard in colle"e. I event)ally "ot over it0 or
+hatever it i( that yo)n" -en do to finally "ro+ )!08 Michael (aid.
Carrie (hook her head. 6That2( a "reat rationali9ation if yo)2re a yo)n" ")y (o+in"
+ild oat(0 and not (o "reat for the yo)n" +o-an +ho end( )! bein" the field he2(
!lo+in".8
Michael (aid nothin" in re(!on(e to her co--ent. At thi( !oint0 he kne+ better than
to la)"h. In(tinct told hi- Carrie +a(n2t tryin" to -ake a ,oke. He +atched her clear her
throat and take in a dee! breath before (he contin)ed her (tory.
6A -onth after I2d been +ith the ")y0 I fo)nd o)t I +a( !re"nant +ith hi( child. Since
I didn2t +ant the baby of a -an +ho co)ldn2t tell one +o-an fro- the other0 I had an
abortion and never (aid anythin" abo)t it to anyone. I didn2t tell -y !arent(0 -y (i(ter(0
or confe(( to -y -ini(ter. <o)2re the fir(t !er(on I have ever told. Re"ardle(( of +hy the
")y behaved a( he did0 I2ll never be able to for"et hi- or +hat I did a( a re()lt of +hat
ha!!ened bet+een )(.8
6"arrie08 Michael (aid0 hi( heart breakin" for the !ain (he had held in(ide all the(e
year(.
It +o)ld have been a+f)l to "o thro)"h that e3!erience alone. Michael reached o)t a
hand to !ick )! one of her(. It +a( li-! and cold in hi(0 no life to it at all. He felt a
()dden need to inf)(e her +ith hi( ener"y0 b)t Carrie +ent on talkin"0 "ivin" hi- no
choice b)t to li(ten.
67ettin" an abortion i( a terrible e3!erience0 Michael. Since I had "en)inely cared
abo)t the ")y0 I +a( deva(tated after+ard +hen I reali9ed I had +illin"ly killed a !art of
both of )(. I "rieved for -onth(. When I finally ca-e to ter-( +ith -y(elf0 I vo+ed I
+o)ld never have an abortion a"ain0 no -atter +hat the circ)-(tance(.8
Carried looked at hi-0 held hi( "a9e and (a+ the concern he felt for her no+. There
+a( a flicker in(ide her0 and then (he re-e-bered ho+ -)ch !ain he had ca)(ed her. She
!)(hed the flicker a+ay.
6So here I a- in yo)r kitchen tryin" to kee! that !ro-i(e to -y(elf even tho)"h I +a(
carele(( eno)"h to end )! "ettin" !re"nant by yo) for a (econd ti-e in -y life08 (he (aid0
+atchin" the horror co-e into hi( face.
Michael !)lled hi( hand a+ay fro- her. 6<o)2re (ayin" it +a( -e; <o)2re (ayin" I
+a( the ")y in colle"e +ho took yo)r vir"inity and "ot yo)r !re"nant;8
6<e(08 Carrie (aid0 (tandin"0 !re!arin" to r)n if (he needed to. 6It +a( yo). It +a( yo)
back then0 and 7od hel! -e0 it2( yo) a"ain no+. I tho)"ht in a to+n the (i9e of &e3in"ton
that I +o)ld never have to be aro)nd yo) ever a"ain after colle"e0 b)t the )niver(e
(ee-ed to have other !lan( for -e.8
6<o)2ve been (tayin" a+ay fro- -e on !)r!o(e;8 Michael a(ked0 the :)e(tion all b)t
chokin" hi-. All the ti-e he2d cha(ed her and (he2d been r)nnin" like hell in the other
direction.
6<e(. I (tayed a+ay in every +ay I co)ld. It +orked for a n)-ber of year(. In -y
ori"inal !ro,ect(0 I ref)(ed to !lan art event(. Then three year( a"o0 I ()ddenly co)ldn2t
talk -y bo(( o)t of a((i"nin" -e to yo) beca)(e he +anted )( to +ork to"ether. What the
hell co)ld I (ay; Ho+ co)ld I ref)(e +itho)t lookin" )n!rofe((ional; I +a( the be(t at
+hat I did0 and 4a)l +anted -e to +ork +ith yo). Then to -y ()r!ri(e yo)r art event(
accelerated -y career0 (o I re(olved to find a +ay to live +ith o)r b)(ine(( relation(hi!
de(!ite the !a(t08 (he e3!lained.
6I +a( attracted to yo) the fir(t ti-e 4a)l introd)ced )( three year( a"o08 Michael
(aid0 hi( innate hone(ty r)lin" hi( ton")e. 6<o)2ve been -arried and )navailable t+ice in
t+o year(. The +o-en I dated other than yo) never really -attered to -e. Every ti-e
yo) +ere (in"le0 I tried to be +ith yo). <o) kno+ that.8
6<e(0 b)t no+ yo) can )nder(tand +hy I didn2t5and (till don2t5+ant to be
involved +ith yo). Stayin" a+ay (ee-ed the only choice to -e0 b)t I hear cra9y !eo!le
never think they2re cra9y0 only other !eo!le do08 (he (aid0 (i"hin" and lookin" a+ay fro-
hi-.
6Carrie0 all I have +anted in the la(t three year( i( a chance to "et to kno+ yo)08
Michael declared. 6Ho+ are tho(e +o-en I dated any different than the -en yo)
-arried; If yo) had dated -e0 yo) +o)ldn2t have -arried the-.8
6I don2t think yo)2re hearin" -e0 Michael. Ho+ can I -ake thi( clear to yo); When I
decide to (!end the re(t of -y life +ith a -an and have hi( children0 it2( "oin" to be +ith
a -an I can fall in love +ith and tr)(t co-!letely. That +ill never be yo)08 Carrie (aid
fir-ly. 6Every ti-e I look at yo)0 I only (ee the boy that h)rt -e. I don2t like the +ay yo)
are +ith +o-en.8
Michael (tood and +alked a+ay fro- her0 too horrified by +hat (he +a( (ayin" to be
able to think abo)t all it -eant. All thi( ti-e he had loved her0 cha(ed her0 and (he had
hated0 feared0 and loathed hi- for the -i(take( of their !a(t. In(tead of hi- bein" a -oth
to her fla-e0 it looked like it had been the other +ay aro)nd. Or -aybe it +a( both. 7od
hel! hi-0 even after all (he2d (aid he (till +anted her.
6So yo)2re !robably +onderin"0 if I hated yo) (o -)ch all thi( ti-e0 then +hy did I
cra+l into bed +ith yo) a -onth a"o;8 Carrie a(ked the obvio)(.
Michael t)rned aro)nd to look at her0 hi( o+n !ain findin" it( +ay into hi( +ord( a(
he an(+ered. 6&et -e ")e((0 yo) +ere !lannin" to (lee! +ith -e and d)-! -e; Or did
yo) ,)(t intend to e-barra(( -e +ith yo)r re,ection the ne3t -ornin" and ho!e I +o)ld
(!end all the +eek( that follo+ed bein" -entally tort)red tryin" to fi")re o)t +hat I had
done +ron";8
6o. It +a( act)ally nothin" like that at all. At the art (ho+ la(t -onth0 I (tood )nder
all that t+i(ted -etal in Anguish and +ondered ho+ yo) co)ldn2t (ee that yo) had created
a re!lica of the !ain that +a( in(ide -e for yo) all thi( ti-e. When yo) ki((ed -e +hile I
+a( cryin"0 I (i-!ly broke. When yo) +ere in(ide -e all ni"ht0 I +a( like a dr)" addict
+antin" fi3 after fi3. B)t the ne3t -ornin"5the ne3t -ornin" I hated -y(elf for -y
+eakne((. Beca)(e it +a( +onderf)l0 I hated yo) even -ore for not re-e-berin" that
yo) had once been in(ide -e all tho(e year( a"o.8
Carrie !icked )! the ice +ater +here (he (tood0 drank half and !)t the "la(( back on
the table. She !)t a (hakin" hand on the chair for ()!!ort.
6I didn2t tell yo) -y (tory to -ake yo) feel bad abo)t colle"e or +hat +e did a -onth
a"o. I ,)(t +ant yo) to kno+ +hy I really can2t (!end the re(t of -y life lettin" yo)
de(troy -e over and over. 'or the record0 I don2t hold yo) any -ore acco)ntable for the
colle"e (t)ff than I hold -y(elf. It +a( -y fa)lt for havin" )n!rotected (e3 +ith a
dr)nken ")y. I con(idered that the end of o)r (hort0 !athetic (tory back then08 (he (aid.
6What ha!!ened bet+een )( a -onth a"o0 I can2t e3!lain co-!letely0 not even to
-y(elf.8
6Carrie5I2- (orry abo)t +hat ha!!ened +hen +e +ere in colle"e08 Michael (aid0 hi(
voice barely a +hi(!er. 6All I re-e-ber i( (o-e "eneric t+o year( of an e-!tine(( I
finally "ot tired of and o)t"re+.8
6I ")e(( that2( -y !oint0 Michael. <o) don2t re-e-ber it0 b)t I +ill never be able to
for"et08 Carrie (aid. 6What ha!!ened the fir(t ti-e i( the rea(on I2- -akin" -y(elf co-e
tell yo) no+. Other+i(e0 I -i"ht have done a( To- a(ked and (tarted over +ith hi-.8
6Or yo) -i"ht have dated -e +hen I a(ked yo) the fir(t ti-e08 Michael told her.
6I +o)ld never have dated yo) beca)(e yo) have !oor ta(te in bed !artner(. A-on"
the other +o-en yo) +ere (eein" +hen +e -et0 yo) +ere datin" Erin then0 re-e-ber;8
Carrie (aid li"htly. 6She -ade a (!ecial !oint of tellin" everyone in the office all the
thin"( yo) liked to do to her in bed.8
6Well0 (hit08 Michael (!at. 6It2( not -y fa)lt (he +a( indi(creet.8
6Ho+ abo)t An"ela or Da!hne;8 Carrie a(ked. 6And I (ee- to recall (everal other(
be(ide( the-. The t+o blonde( yo) +ere +ith at the !arty +ere fro- -y (orority. I "ot to
hear in "reat detail ho+ they co-!eted in bed for yo)5to"ether. So ho+ -)ch have yo)
really chan"ed (ince colle"e0 Michael; My action( (ee- to indicate I2- (till ,)(t a( (t)!id
a( I +a( then. I2- not ()re !eo!le ever "ro+ )!. I don2t believe yo) have +hen it co-e(
to +o-en.8
She t)rned a( if to leave b)t (to!!ed and looked at the floor a( (he fini(hed.
6I +o)ld rather have nothin" -ore to do +ith yo)0 b)t I (i-!ly can2t do the +ron"
thin" a"ain. *illin" one of o)r children +a( all the evil I had in -e for a lifeti-e. o+ I
,)(t +ant to find a (ol)tion I can live +ith and try to "o on. I can2t rai(e a child +hen I
don2t even like the father. So if yo) +ant o)r baby0 yo) can have it. <o) (ee- to have
"ro+n into a -o(tly decent -an de(!ite yo)r +o-ani9in"08 Carrie (aid.
Michael +anted to find +ord( to e3!lain to her ho+ e-!ty it +a( to fill yo)r ho)r(
+ith +o-en other than the one yo) +anted0 b)t he co)ldn2t. All he fo)nd in(ide +a( the
(a-e level of de(ire for Carrie Addi(on that he al+ay( (ee-ed to have +hen he +a( near
her. He +anted her in hi( life0 +anted to "et to kno+ her. So-ethin" abo)t her called to
every in(tinct he had.
6Carrie08 Michael (aid :)ietly0 6yo) are the ideal for -e. I2ve re"retted -any of the
+o-en I2ve kno+n0 b)t I a- not (orry for bein" +ith yo) a fe+ +eek( a"o. That2( a
ni"ht I +ill never for"et. I didn2t -ean to "et yo) !re"nant0 b)t I +ill do the ri"ht thin"
for yo) and o)r child. <o) have -y +ord.8
She +alked to the kitchen door+ay. 6Don2t an(+er -e no+. Think abo)t it for a fe+
day(0 and then yo) can let -e kno+ for ()re.8
6I can tell yo) that an(+er already beca)(e I kno+ +hat I +ant. I +on2t chan"e -y
-ind abo)t yo) or the baby08 Michael (aid0 -eanin" it even +hen he had no idea ho+ he
+a( "oin" to -akin" it +ork.
6Well0 be ()re abo)t the baby08 Carrie advi(ed (oftly. 6I2ve learned the hard +ay that
the con(e:)ence( of (o-e bad deci(ion( la(t a lon" ti-e.8
Michael heard the front door click and kne+ (he had "one. He had kno+n better than
to try to (to! her. It +a( obvio)( Carrie co)ldn2t +ait to be a+ay fro- hi- after +hat
(he2d (hared. He "ot a beer o)t of the refri"erator0 (at at the table0 and drank it +hile he
(tared at the half "la(( of +ater (he2d left behind.
He tho)"ht of hi( father c)rled )! in the bed )!(et over +ron"( he2d i-a"ined he
done to a +o-an he cared abo)t. Hi( (y-!athy to that (it)ation "re+ a h)ndred/fold.
Certainly hi( reaction to Carrie "ettin" -arried each ti-e had not been "ood0 and he2d
"one a little overboard +ith datin" to for"et her each ti-e. B)t no one he2d dated over the
la(t three year( had -eant anythin" to hi-. Hi( fondne(( for Erin0 +ho )ntil toni"ht he
had con(idered a "ood friend0 had no+ di--ed a( +ell +ith findin" o)t (he2d been (o
indi(creet.
Only bein" +ith Carrie had ever felt ri"ht to hi-. She +a( the +o-an he ached for0 a(
hi( dad +o)ld (ay. At lea(t he no+ kne+ there +a( a fire in Carrie Addi(on that b)rned
,)(t a( hotly for hi-. T+o h)(band( and a !otential third hadn2t been able to kee! her o)t
of hi( ar-( a -onth a"o. Michael intended to find o)t +hat it +a( that dre+ the-
to"ether over and over no -atter +hat they did.
Maybe he co)ldn2t chan"e the !a(t0 Michael decided0 b)t he co)ld definitely bend
and (ha!e the !re(ent. One +ay or another0 he +a( "oin" to be Carrie Addi(on2( ne3t
h)(band0 even if only for the ne3t (even or ei"ht -onth(. D)rin" that ti-e0 Michael
+o)ld try to balance hi( kar-ic debt to her +ith kindne(( and ()!!ort. Then after the
baby +a( born0 if (he (till +anted to leave0 Michael +o)ld find the co)ra"e to "ive her a
divorce and hel! her find +hatever life (he +anted +itho)t hi- and the baby.
A( Michael drank the re(t of hi( beer0 he tho)"ht of the !ile of -etal rin"( in the
co)rtyard. It +a( ironic that he had been creatin" the fo)r/foot/tall (c)l!t)re of -)lti!le
+eddin" band( to re-ind Carrie of her -)lti!le -arria"e(.
o+ Michael +a( !)ttin" hi-(elf ne3t in line to beco-e one of her h)(band(0 and it
+a(n2t (o da-n a-)(in" any-ore. Hi( arro"ance had b)rned to a(he( in the (a-e fire
(o)rce that created hi( child.
So in(tead of havin" the la9y day he2d intended to-orro+0 Michael decided he +a(
"oin" to b)y the !)re(t "old he co)ld find and -ake a (et of -atchin" +eddin" rin"(. In
the -etal he +o)ld etch the tr)th and ho!e Carrie +o)ld be (ed)ced by hi( art one -ore
ti-e.
Cha!ter %H
Will +oke in the dark and heard (o-eone callin" o)t in !anic. It took a co)!le
-o-ent( for hi- to reali9e that +hat had a+akened hi- +a( =e((ica to((in" and t)rnin"
in the bed be(ide hi-. She +a( havin" a drea- and callin" o)t in di(tre((.
6o. 4lea(e. Don2t do thi(. I2- -arried. athan5athan08 (he called0 finally la!(in"
into ")t/+renchin" tear(.
Will !)t one ar- over her for co-fort0 tryin" to avoid re(trainin" her.
6=e((ica08 he called lo)dly0 (cared and h)rtin" for the tor-ent (he +a( in. 6=e((ica0
+ake )!. Honey0 yo)2re drea-in".8
=e((ica o!ened her eye( and flinched a+ay fro- Will0 then rela3ed a"ain a( her vi(ion
cleared and foc)(ed on hi-.
6Oh0 7od. That +a( a+f)l08 (he (aid0 !attin" Will2( ar- acro(( her. 6That ha(n2t
ha!!ened to -e in a really lon" ti-e. Thank yo) for +akin" -e )!.8
Will cradled her in hi( ar-(0 holdin" her a( ti"htly to hi- a( he dared. 6<o) +ere
callin" for yo)r h)(band08 he (aid.
6<e(08 =e((ica a"reed hoar(ely. 6It2( a drea- I2ve had -any ti-e( before. It2( ,)(t
been a +hile (ince the la(t ti-e.8
6<o) tried to think of athan d)rin" the ra!e;8 Will a(ked (oftly0 liftin" hi( ar- fro-
her (to-ach0 to let hi( hand (troke back her hair.
=e((ica +aited a lon" ti-e before an(+erin". 6<e(. B)t it didn2t -ake any difference.
They +o)ldn2t (to!. One of the- kne+ athan +a( dead.8
Will fo)"ht back the ()r"e of an"er he felt. Thi( +a( not the ti-e to e3!re(( it. =e((ica
needed relief0 not to be +orried abo)t hi-.
6Well0 I can (ee +hy yo) +o)ld call for athan08 Will (aid0 (oftly r)bbin" her ar-(
and t)ckin" the cover over her bare (ho)lder(. 6I2- ()re yo)r h)(band +o)ld have
(to!!ed it fro- ha!!enin" if he co)ld have. I2- ()re he2( been "ratef)l for every "ood
-an yo)2ve kno+n (ince. In fact0 I a- ab(ol)tely0 !o(itively ()re of that beca)(e I feel
the (a-e +ay no+. I2- not ,ealo)( of yo)r !a(t any-ore.8
Tear( ran do+n both (ide( of =e((ica2( face and into her hair. Will2( +ord( +ere a
(oothin" (alve to the ne+ly reo!ened +o)nd in her.
6I tho)"ht all the re-e-berin" +a( behind -e. I haven2t tho)"ht abo)t the ra!e or
athan in year(. It2( ,)(t that yo)508 =e((ica (to!!ed her(elf fro- the co-!ari(on.
6It2( okay. <o) can (ay it5I re-ind yo) of yo)r h)(band08 Will fini(hed.
6<e(08 =e((ica (aid0 tear( -akin" her voice thick. Her heart h)rt for bein" )nfair to
Will.
Will looked at her tear(0 and they called to hi- for a (ol)tion. So he o!ened hi( -ind
and fo)nd one. He co)ld li(ten and be her friend.
6Tell -e abo)t +hat it +a( like to be +ith yo)r h)(band08 Will +hi(!ered0 ki((in" her
(ho)lder in the dark.
6I can2t do that08 =e((ica !rote(ted. 6It2( not fair to yo)0 and I ,)(t5can2t.8
6What ha!!ened +a(n2t fair to yo) or athan. Scre+ fair08 Will told her. 6I2- not
"oin" to be ,ealo)( of a "ood +o-an +ho loved a "ood -an. And yo) have a ri"ht to
tho(e -e-orie(. Tell -e ho+ he -ade love to yo)0 =e((ica. What did yo)r h)(band do;8
6I2- not "oin" to talk to yo) abo)t thi(. Be(ide(0 I don2t re-e-ber any-ore08 =e((ica
denied0 tear( b)rnin" and flo+in". It +a( even !artly tr)e. She and athan had been
barely -ore than children +hen they +ere -arried.
6&et2( (tart +ith little thin"(08 Will coa3ed. 6Ho+ did athan ki(( yo);8 =e((ica +a(
:)iet for (o lon"0 Will tho)"ht (he -i"ht have fallen back to (lee!. He (troked her hair
a"ain. 6Tell -e0 honey. Ho+ did yo)r h)(band ki(( yo);8
6He ki((ed -e like he had to or "o cra9y08 =e((ica re!lied at la(t0 the +ord( b)rnin"
her throat.
6Okay. That -ake( !erfect (en(e. o+ tell -e the favorite -ove he did +ith yo)08
Will enco)ra"ed0 r)bbin" her ar-(.
6I can2t08 =e((ica (aid0 (hakin" her head. 6I can2t talk to yo) abo)t +hat I2ve done
+ith other -en.8
6It2( okay. I +o)ldn2t +ant to kno+ abo)t +hat yo) did +ith Steve &i!ton0 b)t I
ab(ol)tely +ant to hear abo)t athan Daniel(. It2( a conte3t)al intere(t. Di! into that
hone(ty yo)2re al+ay( bra""in" abo)t and tell -e08 Will (aid fir-ly0 hi( hand( on her
-ore in(i(tent than before to kee! her fro- t)rnin" a+ay.
=e((ica clo(ed her eye( and let the ra""ed (i"h (he2d been holdin" back e(ca!e.
6athan +o)ld hold -y brea(t and th)-b the ni!!le to -ake it hard +hile he 'rench/
ki((ed -e08 =e((ica (aid0 feelin" evidence of Will2( aro)(al !re((in" a"ain(t her le" and
hi( ch)ckle in her ear. She (i"hed +i(tf)lly at ho+ (i-!le it all (o)nded and ho+
co-forted (he felt in Will2( e-brace. 6We +eren2t very advanced then.8
6It2( (till a "reat -ove08 Will (aid frankly0 hi( hand findin" her brea(t and c)!!in" it
li"htly. 6Anythin" el(e;8
Her (ilence told hi- there +a(0 (o he !re((ed.
6Ho+ a""re((ive +a( he in "ettin" in(ide yo);8 Will +hi(!ered the :)e(tion.
6He5he +a(n2t a( caref)l a(5he )()ally ,)(t -ade ()re I +a( really ready and then
(lid in(ide in one -ove08 =e((ica ad-itted.
Will la)"hed (oftly. 6Da-n i-!atient yo)n" -en.8
=e((ica la)"hed and (niffled in ret)rn. 6It had it( char-( at the ti-e.8
Will ki((ed =e((ica2( teary eye(. 6The ,oy( of yo)th0 ri"ht; What did yo)r h)(band
call yo) in bed0 =e((ica;8
6I can2t tell yo) that5be(ide(0 it2( e-barra((in"08 (he (aid0 her voice breakin" in
(ha-e.
6essica08 Will (aid fir-ly0 in a tone that nor-ally "ot co-!liance fro- -o(t !eo!le.
6An(+er -y :)e(tion.8
6Luscious08 =e((ica ad-itted (oftly. 6athan called -e that beca)(e he (aid he liked
the +ay I ta(ted.8
6Well da-n5no +onder yo) "et )( conf)(ed0 it2( )ncanny ho+ -)ch he and I are
alike08 Will co--ented0 -akin" =e((ica la)"h.
6<e(0 and yo) both talk +ay too -)ch d)rin" (e308 =e((ica (aid hoar(ely0 half/
la)"hin"0 half/cryin". 6I can2t believe I2- tellin" yo) thi(.8
Will bit hi( li! to kee! fro- (i"hin". De(!ite +hat he !ro-i(ed0 he +a( no+ officially
,ealo)( of a dead -an. 6<o) are a very (e3y and a-a9in" +o-an0 =e((ica Daniel(.
athan +a( a l)cky -an to have a +ife +ho loved hi- a( -)ch a( yo) did. I bet yo)
loved hi- back ,)(t a( -)ch.8
6<e(08 =e((ica (aid0 voice chokin" +ith the tear( (he co)ldn2t (to!. 6I loved hi-. I
tr)ly loved hi-.8
6Of co)r(e yo) did08 Will (aid :)ietly0 holdin" her a( (he cried and "rieved.
>nfort)nately0 the heartfelt declaration of love +a(n2t (o-ethin" Will had been
e3!ectin" to hear her (ay abo)t any other -an b)t hi-. =e((ica had told Will (he had
never loved any -an (ince her h)(band0 b)t it +a( (till da-n hard to hear ho+ ea(ily
=e((ica had (aid tho(e +ord( abo)t athan Daniel(. Havin" in(i(ted on the conver(ation0
Will had no one to bla-e b)t hi-(elf for ho+ di(a!!ointed it -ade hi- feel.
=e((ica cried her(elf (oftly to (lee! +hile Will held her clo(e in the dark. He
+ondered +hat hi( chance( for a f)t)re +ere +ith a +o-an +ho +a( (till very -)ch
another -an2( +ife in her heart.
***
They +ent for a lon" bike ride thro)"h the hor(e far-( on the +ay to eat breakfa(t
S)nday -ornin". Will en,oyed havin" =e((ica !re((ed inti-ately alon" the back of hi-0
(o he let hi( (en(e of content-ent override hi( other concern(.
He had a+akened to a f)lly dre((ed =e((ica ki((in" hi( ,a+ line and tea(in" hi- abo)t
(lee!in" hi( life a+ay. Seein" her (-ilin" b)t (till an3io)( e3!re((ion0 he2d :)ickly
decided to !)t a(ide +hat ha!!ened in the ni"ht0 tellin" hi-(elf he +o)ld think abo)t it
later. =e((ica looked and acted -o(tly okay0 and that +a( the -o(t i-!ortant thin"0 even
if (he (till +a(n2t her ty!ical carefree and ha!!y (elf.
>ntil the an3iety left her0 he +a(n2t "oin" to di(c)(( +hat had been (aid in the dark.
He +a(n2t ()re he +a( ready to hear ho+ =e((ica felt abo)t her dead h)(band0 e(!ecially
if (he (till lon"ed for hi-. In(tead0 Will decided to foc)( only on en,oyin" the bike ride
and ,)(t bein" +ith her.
They !)lled into a local or"anic re(ta)rant in Mid+ay kno+n for it( "reat food and
f)n at-o(!here. When Will t)rned off the bike0 =e((ica cli-bed off and re-oved her
hel-et0 (hakin" her hair loo(e. She bent to the -irror to check her a!!earance and
"ri-aced at +hat (he (a+. Will "rinned and !)lled the ink !en fro- hi( !ocket that (he
had )(ed before to (ec)re her hair. The bea-in" (-ile =e((ica "ave hi- +a( all the
re+ard he co)ld have a(ked for.
6My hero08 =e((ica (aid0 takin" the ink !en fro- Will and "rinnin".
6It ha(n2t been o)t of -y !ocket (ince yo) "ave it back. I ho!e yo) kno+ it +a( really
hard to ride a+ay fro- yo) that day kno+in" yo) +ere )!(et +ith -e08 Will told her.
She t+irled her hair )! and leaned into Will for a thank/yo) ki(( a( (he (lid the ink
!en into her hair.
6Re(o)rcef)l -en on (e3y black bike( are i-!o((ible to re(i(t for lon"08 (he told hi-0
cl)tchin" hi( (hirtfront for a -o-ent. 6E(!ecially tall0 hand(o-e one( offerin" to !ay for
breakfa(t.8
6S!eakin" of breakfa(t0 I (-ell (o-ethin" +ith bacon08 Will (aid0 hi( (to-ach
"ro+lin". 6Or i( that a ne+ !erf)-e yo)2re +earin";8
6o +ay. If I bo)"ht (o-ethin" to +ear here0 it +o)ld (-ell like a "iant bl)eberry
-)ffin5(!lit0 b)ttered0 and "rilled08 =e((ica infor-ed hi-0 6and !robably +o)ld have
(tron" fra"rance note( of (o-e (ort of flavored coffee.8
Will la)"hed and took her hand a( they +ent in(ide. They talked and la)"hed over
breakfa(t and ,oked +ith other re(ta)rant !atron( +ho co)ldn2t hel! (tarin" at the
(trikin"0 tall0 older co)!le dre((ed in -otorcycle "ear.
6So ho+ lon" yo) t+o been -arried;8
=e((ica !a)(ed -id/bite of her -)ffin and fro9e at the :)e(tion fro- (o-eone acro((
fro- the-. Her "a9e +ent to Will2(0 +hich +a( on her and not on the elderly "entle-an
a(kin" the :)e(tion.
After a (hort +hile0 Will t)rned hi( "a9e to the -an2( and an(+ered (-oothly.
6So-eti-e( it feel( like thirty year(. So-eti-e( it feel( like t+o -onth(.8
The -an la)"hed and (hook hi( head at Will2( an(+er. =e((ica (+allo+ed the -)ffin
bite0 b)t had to cha(e it +ith coffee (till hot eno)"h to b)rn her ton")e.
6That2( hone(t0 don2t yo) think;8 Will finally a(ked =e((ica0 takin" a bite of hi(
breakfa(t (and+ich +hile he +aited to (ee +hat (he +o)ld (ay.
=)(t like that5+hether they +ere ready to di(c)(( it or not5their talk la(t ni"ht +a(
han"in" o)t there bet+een the-0 de-andin" to be ackno+led"ed0 de-andin" to be !)t to
re(t (o-eho+. Only =e((ica didn2t kno+ ho+ to !)t it to re(t. It had a+akened her at F
a.-.0 and (he had -entally +orked t+o ho)r( on (ettin" it a(ide ,)(t (o (he +o)ldn2t
brood abo)t it today.
=e((ica (tared at Will a( (he (i!!ed her coffee0 debatin" on ho+ hone(tly to re!ly to
+hat he (aid. Since (he didn2t kno+ ho+ to an(+er in a +ay Will +o)ld )nder(tand0 (he
t)rned and (-iled at the -an +ho a(ked the ori"inal :)e(tion.
6I -ade the -i(take of confe((in" to Will that he re-inded -e of -y h)(band +ho
died thirty year( a"o. I don2t kno+ if he2( ever "oin" to let -e for"et it. The tr)th i( Will
and I have only kno+n each for a co)!le of -onth(08 =e((ica (aid li"htly0 breakin" off
another bite of -)ffin to (t)ff in her -o)th to (to! her(elf fro- (ayin" -ore.
6T+o -onth(; <o) t+o ()re act like a -arried co)!le08 the -an2( +ife (aid0 ,oinin"
into the tea(in". 6<o) thinkin" abo)t kee!in" hi-0 honey;8
=e((ica tilted her head at the +o-an2( tea(in" :)e(tion0 and (-iled +ickedly aro)nd a
bite of -)ffin. Tea(in" (he co)ld handle.
6Well0 I have to (ay that no+ and a"ain it (ee-( like a "ood idea. Did yo) (ee the (i9e
of hi( bike in the !arkin" lot; That -achine i( a-a9in"0 and Will "ive( a "ood ride08 (he
(aid in her be(t (e3y voice0 her a-)(ed "a9e on Will a( he reacted to her +ord(.
6Hot coffee08 Will (aid to the co)!le0 fl)(hin" and co)"hin" to clear hi( throat.
=e((ica held hi( "a9e acro(( the table and Will +atched her eat bite after bite of
-)ffin0 lickin" the re-ainin" bl)eberry and b)tter fro- her fin"er( on the la(t one. He
+a( co-!letely )nable to hold back a (i"h0 b)t he bore her tea(in" by !lannin" +hat he
+a( "oin" to do to her +hen they "ot back to her !lace.
6=e((ica and I have a lot of f)n to"ether08 Will (aid0 (-ilin" at =e((ica0 kno+in" hi(
"a9e +a( +arnin" her he +o)ld (eek retrib)tion. 6It only "et( intere(tin" +hen +e fi"ht.8
6<o) kno+0 I cannot believe ho+ h)n"ry I ()ddenly a-08 =e((ica (aid0 leanin" over
the table to !l)ck a bit of bacon off hi( !late0 and lettin" hi- look do+n her (hirt at the
leo!ard !rint bra (he had +orn. Thirty year( of datin" had ta)"ht her -any +ay( to
di(tract -en and kee! the- fro- delvin" too dee!ly into her !(yche or a(kin" too -any
:)e(tion(.
Will looked do+n =e((ica2( (hirt a( he (i!!ed hi( coffee0 +onderin" ho+ he +a( ever
"oin" to convince her to devote her(elf to one -an. o -atter ho+ -)ch =e((ica tea(ed
or flirted0 Will kne+ "reat (e3 alone +a( never "oin" to be eno)"h for hi-. Even if he
believed =e((ica2( flattery abo)t bein" the be(t lover (he2d ever had0 Will no+ kne+ hi(
co-!etition for her heart +a(n2t ")y( like Steve &i!ton or the -ath teacher.
It +a( athan Daniel( that =e((ica called o)t for in her drea-(. Will had no idea ho+
any live -ale co)ld ever co-!ete +ith a "ho(t (he (till loved.
***
After breakfa(t0 they rode over to @er(aille( and then loo!ed back the +ay they had
fir(t co-e to en,oy the (cenery thro)"h the hor(e far-( a"ain. It +a( a bea)tif)l0 cri(!
day0 and the bree9e +a( !erfect.
When they "ot back to the ho)(e0 Will h)n" )! hi( ,acket and to((ed hi( hel-et on the
bench. He took =e((ica2( hand and t)""ed her into hi( ar-(0 !)llin" the (hirt fro- her
body and to((in" it be(ide the hel-et. He !)lled hi( o+n over hi( head and to((ed it there
a( +ell. When he leaned back +ith her in hi( ar-(0 (he ran re(tle(( hand( over hi- and
ended )! )n(na!!in" hi( ,ean( al-o(t like a refle3 action.
6=)(t (o yo) kno+08 Will (aid ro)"hly a( her hand( e3!lored hi-0 6thi( ti-e i( "oin"
to be ,)(t for -e. I2ll try to -ake ()re yo) "et there0 b)t no !ro-i(e(.8
=e((ica )n9i!!ed hi- and (li!!ed a hand in(ide the front of hi( ,ean(. 6Okay. Tell -e
+hat yo) +ant.8
6I2- "oin" to -ake thi( really (i-!le. I +ant to take yo) )!(tair( and try to break
yo)r "irlie bed a"ain08 Will told her (oftly. 6And I +ant yo) to look -e in the eye +hile I
do it.8
=e((ica (hook in antici!ation and her hand tre-bled a( it c)!!ed Will2( "ro+in"
de(ire for her. 6&et2( "o08 (he (aid hoar(ely0 rel)ctantly re-ovin" her hand.
They +alked )!(tair( to"ether and in the bedroo- (hed the re(t of their clothe(. When
they +ere both co-!letely naked0 Will ki((ed =e((ica and !)lled her do+n be(ide hi- on
the bed. Then he rolled her (ide+ay( and !)(hed her back0 -ovin" over her )ntil he co)ld
feel her heart beatin" frantically.
6E3cited or (cared;8 he a(ked0 !re((in" hi( li!( to the (ide of her neck.
6Both08 =e((ica an(+ered hone(tly. 6Will0 I think yo)2re al+ay( "oin" to (care -e a
little. I2- ,)(t not )(ed to a -an +ho e3cite( -e a( -)ch a( yo) do. It2( like yo) have a
!o+er over -y aro)(al that -ake( -e nervo)(.8
6If yo) e3!ect -e to a!olo"i9e for that0 yo)2re "oin" to have a hell of a lon" +ait08
Will (aid0 bracin" hi-(elf at the entrance to her body. 6&et -e in(ide yo)0 =e((ica. Invite
-e in.8
6What do yo) -ean;8 (he a(ked0 feelin" ,)(t the fin"erti!( of one of Will2( hand(
(ki--in" the in(ide of her thi"h.
She bent her knee and rai(ed her le" to "rant hi- -ore acce((.
6<o) kno+ e3actly +hat I -ean0 or at lea(t yo)r body (ee-( to kno+08 Will told her.
6Ho+ ready are yo);8
6Why don2t yo) find o)t for yo)r(elf;8 (he a(ked0 her body fl)(hed a( hi( fin"erti!(
e3!lored b)t never +ent +here (he needed the- -o(t0 +here he +o)ld have kno+n the
an(+er to hi( :)e(tion. In(tead0 he !re((ed ,)(t the ti! of hi( erection into her.
6I( thi( for -e;8 Will a(ked0 !)(hin" into her a fraction and (to!!in".
6<e(08 (he (aid0 archin" her hi!( to offer -ore0 -oanin" in !rote(t +hen Will didn2t
dee!en the contact.
6Are yo) ()re;8 he a(ked a"ain(t her -o)th. 6I only +ant +hat2( -ine.8
6If thi( i( a :)i90 the an(+er i( ye(. Da-n it. <e(08 =e((ica (aid fiercely. 6I +ant yo).
Do yo) al+ay( have to talk (o -)ch;8
She +atched Will2( "a9e darkened and eye( narro+ at her critici(-.
6*ee! yo)r eye( o!en or I (to!08 he told her0 (lidin" in a little -ore0 (to!!in"0 and
retreatin" +hen (he clo(ed her eye( in !lea()re. 6o. &ook at -e. I +ant to be ()re yo)
(ee -e. Today i( -y t)rn0 and I +ant yo) to +ant -e5only -e.8
=e((ica forced her eye( o!en to hold Will2( "a9e a( he (lid into her inch by a"oni9in"
inch. When (he felt hi- "o in a( far a( he co)ld0 (he +atched hi( face a( he !)lled al-o(t
all the +ay o)t0 and (a+ the fla(h in hi( eye( a( he drove hard into her0 (la--in" hi( hi!(
to her( in !o((e((ion. =e((ica lifted both knee( and braced for the ne3t thr)(t and really
had to +ork at kee!in" her "a9e on hi( fierce one. One -ore thr)(t +ith hi- lookin" at
her that +ay and (he +a( "oin" to (hatter beneath hi- +itho)t fine((e.
6=e((ica0 I +ant the !o+er yo) "ive -e over yo). I +ant to be the only one yo) let
in(ide for the re(t of o)r live(. So factor that into yo)r thinkin"08 Will de-anded ro)"hly0
ca)"ht on the ed"e of (anity by +hat he +a( doin". 6I +a( tryin" like hell not to (ay
anythin" (o !o((e((ive0 b)t da-n0 lady5I can2t (ee- to ever be +ith yo) +itho)t
thinkin" of yo) a( co-!letely -ine.8
6Will08 =e((ica (aid0 her heart e3!andin" a"ain )ntil (he tho)"ht for ()re it +o)ld
b)r(t in her che(t.
6Oh (h)t )!0 yo) talk too -)ch08 he (aid har(hly0 la)"hin" at her. 6&e(( talkin"0 -ore
-ovin". And look at -e0 da-n it.8
=e((ica held hi( "a9e a( he de-anded0 )ntil the +ave hit. Then her head rolled back a(
her body ro(e )! a"ain(t hi(. =e((ica heard Will -ake a (o)nd above her0 the (o)nd a
")tt)ral "roan that ca-e fro- dee! +ithin hi-0 and then he called her na-e a( (he
in(tinctively ti"htened aro)nd hi-. All thro)"h her cli-a30 Will2( body (taked it(
!o((e((ion of her( )ntil =e((ica finally felt hi( relea(e (+ee! over hi-.
A( they lay in the broad dayli"ht (ide+ay( acro(( her bed after+ard0 =e((ica +ra!!ed
an e3ha)(ted Will in her ar-( and held hi- a( he (li!!ed :)ietly into (lee! on to! of her.
She didn2t -ove hi-0 nor did (he +ant to di(connect the-. In(tead0 (he tho)"ht abo)t the
conflictin" e-otion( Will bro)"ht to her each and every ti-e they +ere to"ether.
Their di(c)((ion la(t ni"ht had "iven her the "ift of (o-e old0 (+eet -e-orie( back.
That didn2t -ean (he +o)ld ever )(e Will a( a ()b(tit)te0 tho)"h (he co)ld )nder(tand
Will -i"ht have concern( abo)t it.
Today0 Will had (elfi(hly de-anded e:)al ti-e +ith her. =e((ica2( heart beat hard a(
(he tho)"ht abo)t ,)(t ho+ -)ch (he had +anted to "ive Will hi( o+n ti-e0 ho+ -)ch
(he had +anted to obey hi( direction(0 and ho+ clo(e (he had been to a"reein" that he
co)ld have all he +anted of her forever.
B)t an )ne3!ected (ide benefit of la(t ni"ht +a( an )nder(tandin" of the (o)rce of her
recent 4TSD (y-!to-(. A( cra9y a( it (ee-ed after thirty year(0 =e((ica reali9ed (he
+a(n2t over the death of her h)(band. It +a( like the ra!e had di(r)!ted her "rievin" for
athan. In(tead of "oin" thro)"h it0 (he had ,)(t (et it a(ide )ntil (he had (tartin" fallin"
in love +ith a -an +ho (o-e (i-ilar trait(.
&a(t ni"ht0 (he had re-e-bered her -arria"e0 and in re-e-berin" had -i((ed
athan Daniel( +ith her entire bein"0 even tho)"h (he +oke thi( -ornin" nothin" b)t
"ratef)l to (ee Will2( (lee!in" for- be(ide her in bed. It +a( conf)(in"0 !ainf)l0
+onderf)l0 and )!(ettin" all at the (a-e ti-e.
=e((ica decided (he +a( "oin" to have to -ove )! her yearly -aintenance
a!!oint-ent +ith her thera!i(t. She needed to find o)t if there +a( a !o((ibility that (he
-i"ht act)ally be able to love another -an.
Cha!ter %I
When Will ca-e ho-e S)nday evenin"0 Michael +a( in the co)rtyard feedin" a fire
in hi( "a( fire !it +ith a (-all black kettle on the "rate. In(tead of hi( c)(to-ary !onytail0
Michael2( lon" hair +a( han"in" free to the -iddle of hi( back. Will (-iled beca)(e hi(
(on looked like a +i9ard bent over a ca)ldron. Whatever he +a( bre+in"0 the look of
concentration on hi( (on2( face +o)ld be very inti-idatin" to anyone +ho didn2t kno+ it
+a( ,)(t ho+ Michael looked +hen he +a( ab(orbed in hi( +ork.
Will (lid the !atio door o!en and +alked o)t to ,oin hi-. Michael2( head ca-e )!0
and he nodded0 b)t (aid nothin" in "reetin". He +alked a little clo(er and !eered into the
kettle.
6I( that "old;8 Will a(ked0 ()r!ri(ed to (ee the -olten li:)id.
6<e(. I2- -akin" +eddin" rin"(08 Michael (aid0 finally -eetin" hi( father2( "a9e. He
(i"hed0 and then ,)(t (aid the +ord(. 6I2- "ettin" -arried0 Dad.8
Will arched an eyebro+. Hi( olde(t (on2( facial e3!re((ion( had al+ay( (aid -ore
than hi( +ord( ever had. What Will (a+ in Michael2( face +a( a co-bination of co-!lete
(hock and ab(ol)te deter-ination. 6Mo(t !eo!le ,)(t b)y rin"( the(e day(.8
6ot a -etal (c)l!tor0 and not for thi( +o-an08 Michael (aid (incerely. 6When I !)t
thi( rin" on her fin"er0 I +ant to have breathed life into it -y(elf. My every interaction
+ith her fro- here on o)t i( "oin" to co--)nicate -y co--it-ent.8
6So-ethin" ha!!en thi( +eekend yo) +ant to tell -e abo)t;8 Will a(ked0 r)nnin" a
hand over hi( face. Seein" Michael in thi( hell/bent deter-ined (tate +a( like +indin"
back the clock thirty year( for hi-.
6I haven2t a(ked her to -arry -e yet0 b)t I2- "oin" to thi( +eek08 Michael (aid
:)ietly. 6She2( havin" -y baby0 and I intend to -arry her +hether +e (tay that +ay or
not.8
Will (tood for fe+ -o-ent( (ayin" nothin" a( he ab(orbed the f)ll -a"nit)de of +hat
Michael +a( (harin". He (t)died the -old( (tandin" by +aitin". One +a( (-aller and
obvio)(ly a +o-an2( rin". The other +a( it( -ate. Hi( ")e(( +a( that it +o)ld never "et
any -ore (erio)( for Michael than craftin" the band he +o)ld )(e to bind the +o-an he
+anted to hi-.
When he finally forced hi( "a9e to Michael2( deter-ined face and hard ,a+ a"ain0 for
a -o-ent all Will co)ld (ee +a( the (en(itive0 e-otional boy he2d been. o+ that boy
+a( "oin" to be a father. Will kne+ f)ll +ell all the chan"e( that -eant0 and they +ere
enor-o)(. After the baby ca-e0 Michael +o)ld never be a boy a"ain. He co)ld only ho!e
hi( (on +a( )! to the challen"e.
6Carrie Addi(on;8 Will a(ked finally0 tho)"h it hardly needed a(kin". He kne+
Michael hadn2t been o)t +ith anyone el(e b)t her in a co)!le -onth(.
Michael2( eye( fla(hed at the na-e. 6<e(. Carrie Addi(on. She ca-e to (ee -e la(t
ni"ht to tell -e I2- "oin" to be a father. I called Dietrich thi( -ornin" and -ade hi- (ell
-e "old today beca)(e I +anted to "et the(e done +hile I2- in(!ired. I2- -akin" her( a
co--on (-all (i9e and thicker. It +ill be ea(y to heat and (tretch it +hen I "et the e3act
-ea()re-ent. If I have -y +ay0 yo) and I are "oin" to "et a !er-anent roo--ate in a
+eek or (o. I ho!e yo)2re okay +ith that.8
6S)re0 I2- fine +ith it. I need to look for -y o+n !lace any+ay. What ha!!en( if
Carrie doe(n2t +ant to live +ith yo);8 Will !o(ed0 tryin" to -ake ()re hi( (on reali9ed
that he +a(n2t "oin" to be able to force the +o-an to do anythin"0 !re"nant or not.
6Carrie2( (ick all the ti-e and can2t take care of her(elf. She need( -e to a"ree to
certain thin"(0 (o I2- -akin" -arria"e and livin" here a condition of o)r5contract)al
a"ree-ent. It2( not like (he ha(n2t been -arried before08 Michael (aid har(hly0 not
+antin" to re-e-ber that (he (aid (he -arried tho(e other -en ,)(t to (tay a+ay fro-
hi-.
In fact0 all la(t ni"ht he2d tho)"ht abo)t ho+ lon" he2d +anted Carrie0 ho+ -any
year( he2d felt like (he (ho)ld be +ith hi-. So he had decided he +o)ld ,)(t "et over
h)(band( one and t+o0 and Carrie Addi(on +a( ,)(t "oin" to have to "et over the bad !a(t
+ith a (elfi(h boy Michael no lon"er re-e-bered.
Then after he -arried her0 he +a( "oin" to -ake the relation(hi! le"al in every +ay.
And +hen he -ade love to hi( +ife0 it +a( "oin" to be even -ore -eanin"f)l than the
ni"ht they conceived the baby. If Carrie ended )! leavin" hi- event)ally0 Michael
intended to -ake it a( hard a( !o((ible for her. He +anted to -ake (tayin" +ith hi- (ee-
like the only o!tion that -ade any (en(e.
6Dad0 did yo) ever do anythin" yo) re"retted +ith a +o-an;8 Michael a(ked finally.
Will !)t hi( hand( in hi( !ocket( a( he tho)"ht abo)t it. 6S)re0 I think everybody ha(
(o-ethin" in their love life they re"ret. If yo) date a lot0 it ,)(t increa(e( the odd( that
yo)2re "oin" to -e(( )!. So-eho+ +e all (ee- to -ove !a(t o)r -i(take( event)ally.
Why;8
6Carrie told -e +e "ot to"ether in colle"e and that I treated her badly. I don2t even
re-e-ber her0 b)t it2( tr)e I treated a lot of +o-en badly for a (hort !eriod of ti-e.
Maybe I2- beco-in" an even bi""er ba(tard beca)(e I2- not "oin" to let the !a(t "et in
the +ay of -arryin" her no+ that I have the chance.8 Michael looked at the "ro)nd and
not at hi( father.
Will co)ld tell that nothin" he (aid +a( "oin" to deter Michael fro- tryin" to force
Carrie to -arry hi-0 b)t +hat yo) (aid to a t+enty/year/old and +hat yo) (aid to a -an
headin" to a"e thirty/five +ere different thin"(. Hi( (on had lived too lon" to not have
-ade (o-e -i(take(0 b)t all a !er(on co)ld ever do +a( -ake it )! a( be(t they co)ld.
6Well0 every -an i( a ba(tard at (o-e !oint08 Will (aid caref)lly0 !)ttin" hi( hand( in
hi( !ocket( a"ain0 thi( ti-e to kee! fro- !hy(ically reachin" o)t to co-fort hi( ()fferin"
(on. 6'ro- -y !er(!ective0 it doe(n2t (ee- like yo) (tayed one. Other+i(e0 +hy +o)ld
(he have let yo) (!end the ni"ht recently; Carrie (ee-( like an intelli"ent +o-an. Maybe
(he ,)(t need( ti-e to acce!t that yo)2ve chan"ed.8
Michael (norted and (hook hi( head0 +antin" to cry at ho+ "ood hi( father +a(.
6I can al+ay( co)nt on yo) to (ee the bri"ht (ide. 7od0 I +ant to be ,)(t like yo)
+hen I finally "ro+ )!08 he (aid (adly0 liftin" the kettle and !o)rin" the li:)id "old
caref)lly into the tiny -old(. 6It2( tr)ly not ,)(t abo)t the baby. The baby i( ,)(t "ivin"
-e an e3c)(e. I +ant Carrie to be -y +ife. I2ve +anted her even +hen (he +a( -arried
to other -en. Even Shane can2t fi")re that cra9ine(( o)t.8
He (et the kettle on a nearby table to cool. Takin" a tiny r)bber -allet0 Michael
ta!!ed the -old( "ently to -ake ()re the air b)bble( left the no+ coolin" "old.
6<o) +ant to be like -e; Son0 yo) already are like -e08 Will (aid0 la)"hin" ro)"hly
a( they +atched the "old !ool and (olidify. 6That2( +hat "ot yo) into thi( -e((. <o)r
-other +a( !re"nant +ith yo) +hen +e "ot -arried. 7ranted0 +e -arried +hen (he +a(
only a co)!le -onth( alon"0 (o no one really kne+ b)t )(. We didn2t even tell o)r folk(
anythin" other than +e +ere tired of +aitin".8
Michael looked at hi( father and la)"hed. 6Serio)(ly; <o) knocked )! Mo- before
yo) -arried her;8
Will rolled hi( eye( at Michael2( de(cri!tion and (hr)""ed. 6It +a( ,)(t one of tho(e
attraction( too bi" to fi"ht. I had no re"ret( at the ti-e. either did yo)r -other. At the
ti-e0 I +anted both of yo) badly. She +anted the (a-e thin"(. We co)ldn2t (tay a+ay
fro- each other.8
He looked dee! into Michael2( eye( to -ake ()re hi( (on +a( hearin" all hi( +ord(.
6<o)r -other and I have al+ay( a"reed +e +o)ld have ended )! to"ether no -atter
+hat. That !art of o)r !a(t didn2t chan"e even +hen +e divorced. So-e relation(hi!( in
life ,)(t (ee- to be inevitable and ha!!en +hen they ha!!en. I have never )nder(tood
!eo!le +ho choo(e to (!end their entire life bein" in denial abo)t (o-eone they love. I2d
rather "o thro)"h the divorce a"ain than to not have yo) or Shane.8
6I "et that5I really do. I +ant both of the- (o -)ch it h)rt(. 7od0 -aybe I really a-
like yo)08 Michael (aid0 hi( -o)th c)rved into a half (-ile0 half (neer. 6I kno+ I o)"ht to
feel -ore ")ilt abo)t the !a(t. Maybe I +ill (o-eday. All I can think ri"ht no+ i( that (he
need( to be +ith -e (o I can take care of her and the baby. Anythin" el(e (ee-( too
+ron" to conte-!late. I don2t kno+ ho+ in the hell I2- "oin" to convince her to -arry
-e tho)"h.8
6Then +e2re both in the (a-e cl)b08 Will (aid :)ietly. 6Since I can2t "et =e((ica
!re"nant0 I2- "oin" to need to convince her to -ake the choice +illin"ly. That2( "oin" to
be to)"h (ince (he2( (till in love +ith her dead h)(band. I kno+ that for ()re no+. Tho(e
")y( (he dated +ere never in the r)nnin". I a-0 b)t (he ha( a thirty/year li(t of
re(ervation(.8
6Maybe (he (till love( a dead -an0 b)t =e((ica i( al(o cra9y abo)t yo). Carrie all b)t
hate( -e. E-otional black-ail -ay be all I have08 Michael (aid0 "rinnin" no+. 6B)t
before I "o that ro)te0 I2- "oin" to (ee +hat -y clever brother think( I (ho)ld do to +in
her over. I2- not "oin" to be able to hide thi( fro- hi-0 (o I -i"ht a( +ell )(e hi( (kill(. I
ho!e he2( not too di(a!!ointed in -e to hel!.8
6Well0 I don2t have a doctorate in !(ycholo"y0 b)t I ()""e(t (avin" black-ail a( a la(t
re(ort08 Will (aid. 6What co)ld yo) !o((ibly have on Carrie Addi(on to black-ail her
abo)t;8
6She +ant( (o-ethin" h)"e fro- -e08 Michael (aid ea(ily. 6I2- +illin" to do a
!ren)!tial a"ree-ent abo)t it (o lon" a( (he -arrie( -e.8
6She +ant( -oney;8 Will a(ked0 ()r!ri(ed and havin" tro)ble believin" Carrie +a(
-ercenary.
6o08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin". 6Carrie doe(n2t +ant -y -oney. The !roble- i( (he
+ant( nothin" at all0 incl)din" the baby or -e. I2ll have to !ro-i(e to "ive her freedo-
after the baby i( born. That -ean( I only have (even and half -onth( to chan"e her
-ind.8
6That2( a !retty bi" "a-ble if (he2( not intere(ted in a relation(hi! +ith yo)08 Will
(aid (lo+ly. 6I2- (orry (he doe(n2t +ant the baby0 Michael.8
6She ha( "ood rea(on(08 Michael (aid :)ietly0 6b)t I ho!e to chan"e her -ind.8
Michael (a+ the "old had hardened0 for-ed the rin"(. He !icked )! the ha--er and
(-a(hed the -old( aro)nd the- to free the "old.
6I2- only !lannin" to do thi( -arria"e "i" once08 Michael (aid0 r)thle((ly cr)(hin"
the !la(ter ca(tin"0 6and I +ill do -y be(t to (ha!e o)r relation(hi! to be +hat +e both
need. I ho!e one day I can thank -y child for hel!in" -e find a +ay into it( -other2(
heart. If that doe(n2t ha!!en0 I +ill at lea(t kno+ I did -y be(t. I2ll ,)(t have to love it
eno)"h for t+o !arent(.8
Will let the +orry +a(h over hi-0 b)t he (aid nothin". He2d (een Michael the
-ornin" he2d co-e ho-e fro- Carrie2( deva(tated abo)t her (endin" hi- a+ay. It +a(
ea(y to )nder(tand Michael2( deter-ination to have the +o-an in hi( life. Will felt both
ad-iration and concern0 feelin"( that he e3!erienced fre:)ently +ith both hi( (on(.
Michael +a( a lot like hi- +hen it ca-e to love and fidelity. Ho!ef)lly0 Carrie +o)ld
reco"ni9e and a!!reciate that trait over ti-e.
He +atched Michael in(!ect the "old band( and then (-ile a( the rin"( clinked
to"ether in hi( hand. =)d"in" fro- the "lint of (ati(faction in hi( (on2( eye(0 it (ee-ed
Michael had indeed inf)(ed the rin"( +ith hi( e-otion(. He only ho!ed Carrie Addi(on2(
nat)re t)rned o)t to be a( -alleable a( the "old.
Will left Michael (-oothin" the ed"e( fro- the band(. A( he headed to hi( roo- and
bed0 he !ro-i(ed hi-(elf that he +a( "oin" to (to! +orryin" abo)t Michael and Carrie
"ettin" -arried and think !o(itively abo)t the (it)ation.
He decided to let hi-(elf drea- for a +hile abo)t +hat bein" a "randfather +a( "oin"
to be like.
Cha!ter %J
6Retire-ent already; Wo+. <o)r re!lace-ent certainly didn2t la(t lon". <o)2re
obvio)(ly to)"her than I "ave yo) credit for0 Dad08 Shane conceded0 !ickin" thro)"h the
bo+l of bri"ht red a!!le( on the kitchen table )ntil he fo)nd one he liked.
He ca-e back to lean on the cabinet neare(t the (ink +here hi( father +a( loadin" the
di(h+a(her. Shane !referred to look at a !er(on2( face a( they talked.
6Ray only took the ,ob a( !rinci!al beca)(e I talked hi- into it. He +a( ready to (to!
teachin" +hen I left. It +o)ldn2t be ri"ht if I didn2t at lea(t -ake an a!!earance at hi(
retire-ent dinner08 Will (aid0 thinkin" o)t lo)d -ore than addre((in" the co--ent to hi(
(on. 6B)t I a- not lookin" for+ard to (ho+in" )! +ith -y bald head (hinin".8
6If yo)2re (elf/con(cio)( abo)t yo)r (haved head0 +ear a cool hat08 Shane (aid0 takin"
a h)"e bite o)t of the a!!le he (na""ed. 6I bet Michael ha( (o-e hat(. All arti(t( +ear
cra9y hat(. Re-e-ber +hen Michael )(ed to !retend to be 'rench. Man0 I +i(h +e had
(o-e of that on video.8
6I2- not (elf/con(cio)( abo)t -y head08 Will denied ea(ily0 i"norin" Shane2(
co--ent abo)t Michael. 6I ,)(t don2t +ant to be the total to!ic of conver(ation all ni"ht
+ith everyone +ho )(ed to kno+ -e dra""in" everyone el(e over +ho doe(n2t ,)(t to (ee
-y co-!letely bald head. Then on to! of that0 (o-e of the- are (till tryin" to hook -e
)! +ith +o-en to date.8
6Dad0 yo) look "reat08 Shane (aid la)"hin". 6It2( been al-o(t t+o (chool year(.
4eo!le +ill e3!ect yo) to have chan"ed (o-e in that ti-e.8
6They +ill not e3!ect their for-er !rinci!al to have a (haved head and be +earin" a
earrin". Tr)(t -e08 Will (aid e-!hatically0 "ainin" a la)"h fro- Shane.
Shane "rinned0 )nda)nted by hi( father2( co-!lainin". 6B)t I +a( ri"ht0 +a(n2t I;
=e((ica really liked the earrin"0 didn2t (he;8 he de-anded0 !ointin" the half/eaten a!!le at
hi( father. 6I2- rarely ever +ron" +hen it co-e( to +o-en. It2( a "ift.8
Will (hook hi( head. Hi( yo)n"e(t attracted -ore +o-en than any other ad)lt -ale
he2d ever -et. Shane oo9ed 6"ood ti-e8 doin" nothin" -ore than ,)(t leanin" a"ain(t the
co)nter and "rinnin".
6<e(. =e((ica liked it08 Will ad-itted0 !lacin" the la(t of the di(he( into the
di(h+a(her. 6It +a( one of the fir(t thin"( (he noticed.8
6There2( the an(+er then to both yo)r !roble-(. Take =e((ica alon" a( yo)r date08
Shane (aid0 (-ilin" and (hr)""in". 6Her !re(ence +o)ld e3!lain everythin"0 (to! !eo!le
fro- fi3in" yo) )!0 and yo) +o)ldn2t have to deal +ith the tea(in" abo)t yo)r head
beca)(e (he2d inti-idate the- +ith her !re(ence.8
Will (i"hed. 6I like yo)r thinkin"0 b)t I can2t a(k her.8
6Why;8 Shane a(ked incred)lo)(ly0 -ana"in" to (+allo+ a -o)thf)l of a!!le a( he
+atched hi( father2( ")ilty e3!re((ion "et even -ore (o. 6It2( a retire-ent dinner. She2( a
teacher too. I(n2t (he the !erfect date;8
6She2( !erfect in a lot of +ay(08 Will (aid (incerely. 6B)t =e((ica think( I2- only an
arti(t. I never told her anythin" el(e.8
6So tell her08 Shane (aid0 +rinklin" hi( face and (hr)""in" 6What2( the bi" deal; It2(
not like yo)2re a(ha-ed of +hat yo) did for a livin". I -ean0 yo) aren2t5are yo);8
6o0 b)t I2- a(ha-ed that I +aited (o lon" to tell =e((ica abo)t (o-ethin" that +a( a
bi" !art of +ho I2ve been -o(t -y life08 Will (aid. 6I2- a(ha-ed I ke!t (o-ethin" (o
(i-!le fro- her. I ke!t -eanin" to tell her0 e(!ecially a( +e ke!t "ettin" clo(er. It ,)(t
never (ee-ed to co-e )! at the ri"ht ti-e. I ")e(( I2ve been +aitin" to +ork it into the
conver(ation0 b)t +e2ve had bi""er thin"( to deal +ith that (ide/tracked -e fro-
confe((in".8
Will (tared o)t the +indo+ over the (ink. Thi( +a(n2t a bi" deal. 6o0 I2- "oin" to
Ray2( dinner alone0 and then I2ll tell her after. =e((ica can "o +ith -e to the ne3t one.8
6Mo-2( "oin"08 Shane (aid0 to((in" the a!!le core in tra(h. 6I think (he2( "oin" by
her(elf too. When &)ke called la(t ni"ht0 (he -entioned it to hi-0 b)t I think he (aid no.
She cried for an ho)r after (he h)n" )!. It2( not +orkin" o)t (o "ood for the-.8
6<eah. <o)r -other -ake( ()re I2- f)lly a+are that it i(n2t +orkin" o)t for the-08
Will (aid bitterly. 6<o)2re not thinkin" (he and I +ill "et back to"ether are yo);8
67od0 no08 Shane (aid earne(tly. 6Mo- and &)ke "en)inely (ee- like they belon"
to"ether. They both en,oy the (a-e !retention(5I -ean0 activitie(. I2- ,)(t feelin" (orry
for Mo-. She (ee-( h)rt and conf)(ed abo)t +hat &)ke e3!ect( fro- her. I al(o don2t
think (he2( very ha!!y +ith her life in "eneral.8
Will kne+ Shane al+ay( had a (oft (!ot for Ellen and her -elodra-a. Hi( (on had
even once (erio)(ly dated a +o-an that co)ld have been Ellen2( clone in everythin"
e3ce!t hair color0 co-!lete +ith a ne"ative attit)de to+ard hi( art.
Will (i"hed a"ain0 thi( ti-e +ith re(i"nation. 6<o) +ant -e to talk to her0 don2t yo)0
(on;8
6I ,)(t think that yo) and Mo- need to contin)e to +ork on bein" friend(08 Shane
(aid. He !)nched hi( father li"htly in the ar-0 (till knockin" hi- (ide+ay( fro- the (ink0
-akin" both of the- la)"h. Shane +a( fa-o)( in the fa-ily for breakin" thin"( beca)(e
of hi( (tren"th.
6I read that it2( "ood for the children of divorced !arent( to kno+ their -other and
father have a (olid relation(hi!0 de(!ite their difference(08 he told hi( father.
6Really; Are yo) "oin" to e3!ect =e((ica to follo+ yo)r (a"e advice if (he beco-e(
yo)r (te!-other0 Dr. &ar(on; I can tell yo) yo)r biolo"ical -other ha( already b)rned the
friend(hi! brid"e +ith =e((ica a co)!le of ti-e(08 Will (aid0 flickin" Shane (har!ly +ith
the end of the di(h to+el and -akin" hi- yel!. 6If yo) +ant to hel! (o-eone0 talk to
yo)r -other abo)t yo)r theorie( of friend(hi!. She2( in "reat need of (o-e co)n(elin"
abo)t honorin" !eo!le2( !er(onal bo)ndarie(.8
Shane (nickered. 6<o) don2t have to )(e -y lin"o to try and (often the tr)th0 Dad.
Michael already told -e Mo- -ade a !a(( at yo)08 he (aid0 la)"hin" o!enly. 6My
brother i( bribin" -e for a (hare of the !rofit( fro- -y book.8
Will (norted abo)t the book. 6Michael talk( too -)ch. He need( to +orry abo)t hi(
o+n life -ore08 he (aid0 (tarin" o)t in the co)rtyard.
Shane (t)died the +orry in hi( father2( "a9e. He had tried really hard not to be the
ca)(e over the la(t co)!le of year(. That2( +hy he had !aid for the re(t of hi( ed)cation
hi-(elf +hen he (a+ hi( !arent( +ere havin" !roble-( "ettin" alon". He didn2t +ant to
be an additional b)rden.
6Well0 I ,)(t +ant yo) to kno+ that I )(e a condo- every ti-e +ith no e3ce!tion( ,)(t
like yo) -ade -e !ro-i(e to do +hen I +a( a teena"er08 Shane (aid (incerely. 6<o) do
not have to +orry abo)t -e "ettin" anyone !re"nant. It2( not "oin" to ha!!en.8
6Michael (aid he and Carrie )(ed one every ti-e a( +ell08 Will (aid :)ietly.
6So-eti-e( the )ne3!ected ,)(t ha!!en(0 Shane. That2( +hy it2( "ood to be (elective and
only "et to that level of inti-acy +ith +o-en yo) "en)inely like. If it doe( ha!!en0 yo)
really +ant it to be +ith a +o-an yo) care abo)t or love0 not ,)(t (o-e rando- (tran"er
yo) !icked )! in a bar.8
6I (to!!ed !ickin" )! +o-en too08 Shane bl)rted. 6I -ean5yo) don2t have to +orry
abo)t -e "ettin" (o-e rando- +o-an !re"nant. I2- not doin" the bar thin" any-ore. I
haven2t been +ith a +o-an at all in al-o(t five -onth( no+. I ,)(t +a(n2t broadca(tin"
the fact.8
Will t)rned and (tared at hi( (on in o!en/-o)thed (hock. 6Serio)(ly;8
Shane nodded and held hi( father2( "a9e. 6If I hadn2t already (to!!ed0 I +o)ld have
+hen Michael told -e +hat ha!!ened to hi-. I hone(tly don2t +ant that to ha!!en to
-e.8
6I kno+ +aitin" "et( a little lonely0 b)t bein" (elective doe(n2t -ean the ri"ht one
+on2t co-e alon" (ooner than yo) think08 Will a(()red hi( (on. 6Tr)(t -e. I ,)(t (to!!ed
by the caf? for coffee0 and the ne3t thin" I kne+ I +a( 9i!!in" to Berea +ith a (e3y
redhead +ra!!ed aro)nd -e on the bike.8
67od0 that (o)nd( "ood08 Shane (aid0 (i"hin". 6I2d like to ,)(t have a "irlfriend to do
thin"( +ith +hen I +a(n2t +orkin". That2( act)ally +hat I +ant.8
6Well0 havin" a "irlfriend i( "ood08 Will (aid0 noddin". 6Havin" a +ife i( even better0
b)t that -ay take a +hile to ha!!en. The be(t relation(hi!( al+ay( (ee- to need the -o(t
+ork.8
6Well0 -y -oney i( on yo) -arryin" =e((ica08 Shane (aid0 (-ilin". 6Michael tho)"h
i( "oin" to need (o-e divine intervention beca)(e he doe(n2t (tand a chance in hell of
-akin" )! for +hat he did to Carrie in colle"e. He doe(n2t even "et +hy it (till h)rt( her0
b)t that kind of betrayal ca)(e( (o-e -a,or da-a"e. Tr)(t i(()e( are !robably "oin" to
co-e )! ti-e and a"ain in their relation(hi!0 even if by (o-e -iracle (he end( )! (tayin"
-arried to hi-. Their odd( are not "ood. I told hi- that he need( to (tart !lannin" on
bein" a (in"le father.8
6Maybe0 b)t (o-eti-e( yo) ,)(t have to believe in +hat yo) feel and "o for it08 Will
told hi( yo)n"e(t. 6Scre+ the odd(.8
6!cre# the odds08 Shane re!eated. 6o+ that (o)nd( like a "ood cha!ter title for -y
book. I think it belon"( on the one abo)t the father +ho re-arrie( a tall (e3y redhead
after hi( tra)-atic divorce fro- the cool (e3y blonde +ho thre+ hi- over for a yo)n"er
-an.8
Will flicked hi- (har!ly +ith the di(h to+el a"ain0 (endin" Shane da(hin" for the
kitchen door +hile he la)"hed.
*** *** ***
6=e((icaK It2( (o "ood to (ee yo). I2- (orry to "et yo) in (o late in the day0 b)t I a(ked
the office to (ched)le yo) a( (oon a( !o((ible. I can2t (tay over0 b)t ho!ef)lly +e can (till
"et to (o-e of +hat yo) need to talk abo)t. My note( (aid yo) had a ne+ i(()e to
di(c)((.8
=e((ica (-iled at the +o-an +ho +a( a decade older than her0 b)t looked a decade
yo)n"er +ith her tri- !ink ()it and a fa(hionable hairc)t that a r)n+ay -odel +o)ld
envy.
6Dr. Whit-ore0 are yo) hidin" the fo)ntain of yo)th (o-e+here and not (harin"; I
(+ear yo) look yo)n"er every year08 =e((ica told her. 6<o) co)ld !ractically !a(( for -y
da)"hter.8
6&ook +ho2( talkin"08 the +o-an re!lied +ith broad (-ile. 6<o)r body (till look(
like it did +hen I -et yo)0 or at lea(t like it did after Brooke +a( born. S)!er -odel(
+o)ld kill for yo)r tri- fi")re.8
6My fi")re i( an o!tical ill)(ion created by :)ality (!ande3 and e3!en(ive lace
()!!ort bra(08 =e((ica tea(ed. 6My brea(t( have ()cc)-bed to "ravity at la(t. It -ake( -e
(ad even tho)"h the ")y I2- +ith ri"ht no+ doe(n2t (ee- to -ind that they (+ay in the
bree9e. He (ee-( to think it2( (e3y. I really a!!reciate that abo)t hi-.8
6I( that +hat yo) need to talk abo)t today;8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked0 leanin" e3citedly
on the de(k. 6I2d love to hear abo)t a ne+ ")y. I( he a( y)--y a( all yo)r other(;8
=e((ica (i"hed at the old ter- they2d (hared for all the year( (he2d been (eein" the
(a-e thera!i(t.
6<e(. Will i( very y)--y. The !roble- i( that he re-ind( -e of athan. I2ve been
havin" drea-(. So-e of the -e-orie( of -y ti-e +ith athan are (tartin" to ret)rn.8
6Really; After all thi( ti-e0 that2( !retty a-a9in". Doe( thi( (ee- like a "ood thin" to
yo);8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked caref)lly.
6I don2t kno+08 =e((ica (aid hone(tly. 6He5Will re-ind( -e of athan in -any
+ay( and enco)ra"e( -e to re-e-ber hi-. I don2t "et the- conf)(ed0 b)t I al(o don2t
kno+ ho+ I feel abo)t either -an (o-eti-e(. Do yo) think I co)ld (till be "rievin" for
athan after all thi( ti-e; Every ti-e I think abo)t ho+ I feel abo)t Will0 I (tart to feel
")ilty and think of athan. I( that nor-al;8
Dr. Whit-ore la)"hed. 6Anythin" can be nor-al. The :)e(tion i( doe( it feel nor-al
to yo); If it doe(0 then it2( nor-al.8
6I2ve never cared abo)t any other -an eno)"h to +alk thro)"h yo)r office door and
talk abo)t -arryin" a"ain0 (o no5+hat I feel abo)t Will doe(n2t feel nor-al to -e08
=e((ica (aid0 clo(in" her eye(. 6B)t the idea of never bein" +ith hi- a"ain feel( +or(e.8
6Are yo) fallin" in love at la(t;8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked0 tryin" not to (o)nd a(
()r!ri(ed a( (he felt. 6What +a( hi( na-e a"ain5Will;8
=e((ica nodded. 6<e(. Will5Everett Willia-(. I like hi-. I care abo)t hi-. I don2t
+ant to date other -en. Do yo) think I2- fallin" in love +ith hi-; I never loved the
other ")y(.8
6<o)2ve for"otten ho+ thi( +ork(08 Dr. Whit-ore tea(ed. 6I2- the thera!i(t and I "et
to a(k the :)e(tion(. <o) have to an(+er the-. So +hat do yo) like abo)t thi( -an;8
6Will i( a (tone (c)l!tor. He doe( n)de(08 =e((ica confir-ed. 6They2re incredible.
That2( all he doe( a( far a( I can tell0 b)t he (ee-( to -ake a "ood livin" fro- it.8
6Why +o)ld yo) care if the -an i( financially ()cce((f)l;8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked. 6I(
hi( ()cce(( i-!ortant to yo);8
=e((ica ()ddenly had tro)ble (+allo+in" !a(t the l)-! in her throat. 6It2( i-!ortant to
-e for Will to be ha!!y.8
Dr. Whit-ore leaned over her de(k and (-iled at =e((ica. 6Do yo) kno+ +hat +o)ld
-ake Will ha!!y;8
=e((ica (:)ir-ed in her chair. 6Bein" +ith -e5bein" -arried to -e. That2( +hat
Will (ay( he +ant(.8
6Ho+ abo)t yo); What do yo) +ant;8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked0 tryin" to (ettle her
heartbeat a( (he (t)died the fl)(hed face of a +o-an +ho had (tr)""led her +ay o)t of
the darkne(( of her !a(t. If anyone ever de(erved a ha!!y endin" and a h)(band +ho
loved her -adly0 =e((ica Daniel( did.
6I don2t kno+ +hat I +ant5other than to not be conf)(ed08 =e((ica (aid (oftly.
6Do yo) +ant Will;8 Dr. Whit-ore a(ked.
6<e(08 =e((ica (aid0 breathin" a (i"h of relief to be able to (ay at lea(t one thin" +ith
confidence.
6Do yo) +ant to kee! Will in yo)r life;8 Dr. Whit-ore de-anded (oftly.
=e((ica (earched for that an(+er and fo)nd it +aitin" in the (a-e !lace a( the other
one. 6<e(. I +ant to kee! hi- in -y life. It2( been a lon" ti-e (ince I2ve +anted to
e3tend a relation(hi!.8
6So (tart there08 Dr. Whit-ore (aid. 6Make kee!in" Will in yo)r life okay for
yo)r(elf and ,)(t (ee ho+ it "oe(. Co-e back in abo)t a -onth and +e2ll talk abo)t
+hether yo) are fallin" in love a"ain.8
6What abo)t the -e-orie( of athan;8 =e((ica a(ked.
Dr. Whit-ore (tood and +alked to her book(helf. She !)lled a book and bro)"ht it
over to =e((ica. 6Take thi( and read it. Thi( book offer( (o-e !ractical +ay( to deal +ith
yo)r "rievin". I believe yo)2ll find it hel!f)l. Mo(t "rievin" i( ,)(t a !roce(( of lettin" "o.
<o)2re a -a(ter at that0 =e((ica. So )(e tho(e (kill( to hel! yo)r(elf let "o of athan. I
believe it2( ti-e.8
6I( there any +ay aro)nd re-e-berin" or "oin" thro)"h all the cryin" (t)ff;8 =e((ica
a(ked.
6o. ot really. If yo) have a b)nch of "rievin" (tored )!0 yo) have to let it o)t. B)t
the bi" "rief event)ally !a((e(0 and then if yo)2re l)cky0 (+eet -e-orie( lin"er. There2(
no one !roce(( that +ork( for everyone08 Dr. Whit-ore (aid kindly. 6In the -eanti-e
tho)"h0 I +o)ld ()""e(t yo) li-it talkin" in bed (o yo) +on2t accidentally call Will by
athan2( na-e. I2ve kno+n that to ca)(e !roble-(.8
=e((ica fl)(hed re-e-berin" all the ti-e( (he f)((ed at Will for talkin" too -)ch.
6I don2t like to talk any+ay08 (he (aid0 half la)"hin". 6It -e((e( +ith -y
concentration. I don2t like -y lover( to talk either.8
T)ckin" the book )nder one ar-0 (he (tood to leave0 and (o did Dr. Whit-ore.
6Do co-e back in a -onth08 Dr. Whit-ore entreated. 6&et2( -ove yo) !a(t thi(
:)ickly.8
6S)re08 =e((ica (aid0 not really intendin" to vi(it a"ain. 6S)re. I can do that.8
***
A"ain(t hi( better ,)d"-ent0 Will drove by Shane2( and !icked )! Ellen on the +ay to
the retire-ent dinner. He really +anted to reach (o-e (ort of !latonic level of friend(hi!
+ith hi( e3/+ife0 b)t didn2t hold -)ch ho!e Ellen +o)ld -eet hi- on that !layin" field.
He +o)ld try for Michael and Shane2( (ake0 b)t they +ere hi( only rea(on(.
6I really didn2t feel like drivin". Thank( for "ivin" -e a lift08 Ellen (aid :)ietly. 6I
al(o didn2t +ant to (!end another evenin" alone +ith Shane. The only ti-e that boy ever
(it( i( +hen he2( dra+in". Then a bo-b co)ld "o off and he +o)ldn2t notice.8
Will la)"hed and nodded. 6At lea(t he2( learned to foc)( all that ener"y on one or t+o
thin"(. I (till don2t kno+ ho+ he "ot thro)"h (chool and did (o +ell. Re-e-ber the t)tor(
thro)"h -iddle (chool +ho (aid he2d never be able to concentrate lon" eno)"h to learn
anythin";8
6Re-e-ber the hi"h (chool co)n(elor tellin" )( +e +o)ld be +a(tin" -oney if +e
(ent hi- to colle"e;8 Ellen a(ked0 (-ilin" at Will.
6Oh ye(. We al+ay( kne+ the co)n(elor +a( +ron". Michael (aid Shane2( "oin" to
()b-it hi( di((ertation for revie+ thi( year08 Will (aid !ro)dly.
Ellen2( eye( +ere h)"e. 6Well0 +hy ha(n2t Shane (aid anythin" to )( abo)t it;8
6I don2t think he +ant( )( to kno+ )ntil it2( done. So don2t (ay anythin"08 Will (aid0
"rinnin". 6I2- ()re he2ll tell )( event)ally. Act)ally0 I think Michael dared hi- into
fini(hin" hi( de"ree. They have a tho)(and dollar bet ridin" on it.8
Ellen la)"hed0 leaned her head back0 and clo(ed her eye(. 6Reckle(( heathen(. <o)r
(on( are heathen(0 b)t brilliant0 hand(o-e one(. Thank yo) for bein" a "ood father0
Willia-. I tr)ly a- "ratef)l for that and ho+ yo) (tay (o involved in their live(. &)ke2(
da)"hter barely even talk( to hi-.8
6Well0 yo) al+ay( +anted a "irl. Maybe yo) can +in her back to the fa-ily08 Will
(aid ea(ily. 6It can be another cha!ter in Shane2( book. We2ll be that +eird blended
fa-ily everyone talk( abo)t0 and +e2ll ()e Shane for a (hare of the -oney he -ake(
d)rin" the T@ intervie+( abo)t )(.8
Ellen +a( o!enly la)"hin" no+. 6Shane and hi( da-n book. Are +e really that
a+f)l;8
Will (to!!ed la)"hin" and "lanced over at the +o-an he2d (!ent -o(t of hi( life
+ith0 b)t no lon"er +anted in the (a-e +ay. 6We2re not a+f)l at all. We2re ,)(t chan"in"
and tryin" to do it +ith a( -)ch "race a( !o((ible.8
6'orcin" )( to chan"e +a( -y fa)lt08 Ellen (aid -oro(ely. 6I beca-e terribly
)nha!!y +ith both of )( and ,)(t co)ldn2t fi")re o)t +hat to do abo)t it. When I -et
&)ke0 he -ade -e ha!!y a"ain for the fir(t ti-e in year(. My leavin" +a( never abo)t
yo)0 Will. It +a( ,)(t abo)t (o-e re(tle((ne(( in -e. I ho!e yo) can believe that.8
6I2d like to believe it. So +hy the !re(( to "et -e back; I kno+ yo) (till love yo)r
h)(band08 Will told her (har!ly.
Ellen looked at her hand(. 6<e(. I (till love &)ke and I +ant hi-0 b)t he2( not -akin"
-e ha!!y any-ore0 either. I feel like hi( (ocial director -ore than hi( +ife. 'rankly0 I
+a( le(( -i(erable +ith yo) than I a- +ith hi- no+. &)ke (ay( he can2t (tand (eein" -e
)nha!!y0 b)t I don2t kno+ ho+ to fi3 -y(elf. I2- in the (a-e !lace I +a( ri"ht before +e
divorced.8
6So let -e "et thi( (trai"ht5yo) ,)(t +anted -e back beca)(e I +a( the le((er of t+o
evil( and -ore tolerant of yo)r -i(erable !er(onality08 Will ()--ed )!0 "rinnin".
Ellen (i"hed and (hook her head. 6It2( not a( bad a( yo)2re -akin" it (o)nd.8
6It2( not "ood either08 Will declared0 la)"hin". 6I don2t +ant to be yo)r back/)! !lan0
Ellen. Have yo) told &)ke ho+ yo) feel; Maybe he -i"ht have (o-e idea( abo)t ho+ to
-ake yo) ha!!y.8
Ellen nodded. 6He2( lo"ical0 b)t not in the (a-e +ay I a-. He didn2t even "et -ad at
-e +hen I told hi- I +a( )nha!!y in o)r -arria"e. He ,)(t +ithdre+0 and no+ +e2re
hardly talkin". He +o)ldn2t co-e +ith -e toni"ht. I2- ")e((in" I2ll be "ettin" divorce
!a!er( fro- hi- (hortly. &e"al (!eed i( a (ide benefit of -arryin" a la+yer.8
Will (i"hed in (y-!athy b)t fir-ed hi( tone to -ake ()re Ellen kne+ he +a( (erio)(.
6Well0 I2- (orry abo)t the !roble-( bet+een yo) and &)ke0 b)t yo) need to "et yo)r (hit
(trai"ht abo)t -en.8
She (hr)""ed. 6I kno+. I bro)"ht thi( on -y(elf. Maybe I2ll -ove in +ith Michael
and hi( ne+ bride after the baby co-e(. I can be a live/in "rand-other. That +ill "ive -e
(o-ethin" to do.8
Will roared +ith la)"hter. 6<o)2re "oin" to +ant to (teer clear of that co)!le )nle((
they be" for hel!. I2- "ettin" -y o+n !lace in a co)!le of +eek( beca)(e Michael2(
ho)(e i( "oin" to be an e-otional +ar 9one for a +hile. They have a lot to +ork thro)"h.8
Ellen la)"hed. 6I kno+ yo)2re ri"ht. Michael and hi( (t)bbornne(( are not ea(y to live
+ith any+ay. So +hat do yo) think I (ho)ld do then; Retire-ent i( borin". &)ke2( career
"ave -e a hobby at lea(t. Witho)t hi-0 I have nothin" to do.8
6<o) have yo)r -a(ter2( de"ree. 7o back to teachin". Teach at the colle"e level thi(
ti-e. It +ill be a +hole ne+ "ro)! of friend( too08 Will ()""e(ted.
6I ")e(( that +o)ld be better than doin" nothin"08 Ellen (aid0 (i"hin". 6I can2t believe
yo)2re ha!!ier no+.8
6I took -y ti-e and +aited for the ri"ht !er(on to co-e alon". That2( !art of it08 Will
told her. 6The other thin" i(0 I have al+ay( had -y art. I kno+ yo) don2t "et it0 b)t it2(
the -o(t i-!ortant thin" I do +ith -y ti-e. When I (ee a fini(hed !iece0 it (ati(fie( -e in
a +ay nothin" el(e can.8
6I don2t re-e-ber yo) bein" (o diffic)lt to (ati(fy +hen +e +ere -arried. I kno+
I2- better in bed than (he i(08 Ellen (aid0 tryin" a bit of flirtin".
6There2( a lot I2- not "oin" to (ay to yo)0 b)t ,)(t kno+ I2ve "one to a +hole ne+
level +ith -y e3!ectation(08 Will +arned. 6=e((ica e3ceed( everythin" I tho)"ht I +anted
after I "ot over yo).8
Ellen reached over and !atted hi( hand. 6Don2t +orry. I +on2t !)t any -ore -ove( on
yo)0 b)t I +ill tell yo) that if I "et divorced0 yo) can co-e back to -e anyti-e yo)
+ant.8
6Better !)t all yo)r ener"y into (avin" yo)r -arria"e +ith &)ke. <o)2ll have a better
chance of bein" ha!!y08 Will advi(ed0 !)llin" into the !arkin" lot of Art2( 4lace
do+nto+n. 6I2- !lannin" on -arryin" =e((ica Daniel( a( (oon a( (he a"ree(.8
6Well "ood l)ck +ith that one08 Ellen (aid0 cli-bin" fro- the car. 6I think (he only
ever -arried the fir(t ")y.8
6That2( a tr)th0 b)t I intend to be the la(t -an in her life +hether (he -arrie( -e or
not08 Will (aid0 holdin" the door o!en +hile Ellen +alked in(ide.
***
6So +here i( thi( ")y yo) +anted -e to check o)t08 =e((ica a(ked her teacher friend0
S)(an Rafferty. 6I need to look :)ickly and "o. The ")y I2- datin" i( not "oin" to like
-e (co!in" o)t f)t)re -en to date +hen he2( not aro)nd. I2- feelin" ")ilty already.8
60uilty? <o)5the :)een of no re"ret(; Well rela30 thi( i( not a bar and yo)2re not
!ickin" anyone )!08 S)(an told her la)"hin". 6I +on2t even introd)ce yo) )nle(( yo)
+ant -e to. I ,)(t +anted yo) to see hi-.8
=e((ica (i!!ed her coke and (t)died her knee len"th black dre(( and (edate !)-!(0
both leftover( fro- her =ack the =erk day(. Datin" hi- +a( !robably the la(t ti-e (he
bo)"ht for-al clothe(. Wearin" the bland for-al clothin" al+ay( de!re((ed her0 b)t it
+a( ()ch hi"h :)ality that (he (aved the- for (chool event(. She co)ldn2t +ait to "et
ho-e and back into her ,ean(.
6Oh da-n08 S)(an (aid in a +hi(!er. 6He look( "reat0 b)t he ca-e in +ith hi( e3/
+ife. o+ I2- (orry I even talked yo) into co-in".8
=e((ica t)rned and her "a9e +ent i--ediately to the door0 +here (he (a+ Will
)(herin" Ellen in(ide. At fir(t0 all (he co)ld think +a( ho+ (illy Will looked in a hat.
Then the tr)th of +hat (he +a( (eein" hit her +ith the i-!act of a (e-i/tr)ck collidin"
+ith a co-!act car.
6Who5+hich ")y are yo) talkin" abo)t;8 =e((ica (aid0 fi"htin" to kee! the tre-ble
fro- her voice.
S)(an (i"hed. 6The ")y in the (illy hat i( the one I +anted yo) to (ee. Hi( na-e i(
Willia- &ar(on. He2( an ab(ol)te doll0 one of the nice(t -en that ever +alked the earth.
He +a( the !rinci!al at -y (chool for year(. Hi( +ife left hi- for a yo)n"er -an0 b)t I
hadn2t heard they had "otten back to"ether. The +o-an +a( al+ay( a !ill. I ho!e yo)
believe I2- tr)ly ()r!ri(ed.8
=e((ica (+allo+ed hard. 6S)re0 even !eo!le yo) think yo) kno+ +ell can ()r!ri(e yo)
(o-eti-e(08 (he (aid0 an"er at the (it)ation finally kickin" in and over+hel-in" the h)rt.
6Why don2t yo) introd)ce -e any+ay; &et2( liven )! the evenin" and "ive &ar(on2( e3/
+ife (o-ethin" to think abo)t.8
6Are yo) (erio)(;8 S)(an a(ked0 her eye( +idenin". 6Doe( &ar(on look that
intere(tin" to yo);8
6<e(. He doe(. In fact0 I2ve never been -ore intere(ted in a -an in -y life08 =e((ica
(aid0 the irony of her +ord( -akin" her tone far -ore enth)(ia(tic than (he +a( feelin".
6Well0 let2( do it then08 S)(an (aid on a la)"h. 6I +a( tryin" to !ay yo) back for
introd)cin" -e to Steve by findin" yo) an e:)ally "reat ")y. &ittle Mi(( E3/Wife better
look o)t if =e((ica Daniel( i( intere(ted in her -an.8
6<o) and Steve are both (+eetie(0 and I co)ldn2t be ha!!ier08 =e((ica (aid (incerely0
!)ttin" her !lan( for -)rder and -ayhe- on the back b)rner for a -o-ent. 6So-e of )(
have a lot harder ti-e findin" a "ood -an.8
6<o) had Steve once08 S)(an re-inded her0 tho)"h (he kne+ that +a( over lon"
before Steve landed in her life and took over her heart.
=e((ica (i!!ed her coke. 6o. I never really had Steve. I dated Steve0 b)t +e never
connected on the ()!er i-!ortant level(. What yo) t+o have i( the +ay it2( ()!!o(ed to
+ork.8
6So yo) think yo)2re "oin" to connect +ith Willia- &ar(on;8 S)(an a(ked0 lookin"
acro(( the roo- at the "iant -an +ho didn2t (ee- very intere(ted in anyone thi( evenin".
6I can ")arantee it08 =e((ica (tated e-!hatically.
S)(an la)"hed and tho)"ht for the -illionth ti-e (ince (he2d kno+n her that =e((ica
+a( the brave(t0 bolde(t +o-an (he had ever -et in her life.
6Well0 let2( do thi( then08 (he (aid bri"htly0 takin" =e((ica2( ar- and leadin" her
acro(( the roo-.
***
&)ke Cannon had been +alkin" aro)nd the cro+d lookin" for hi( +ife +hen he
(!otted her co-in" thro)"h the door +ith her e3/h)(band2( hand at her back. He had
-i((ed hi( +ife and had +ron"ly a(()-ed (he +o)ld -i(( hi- too -)ch to (tay a+ay
thi( lon".
Maybe he (ho)ld have ,)(t a"reed to co-e +ith her toni"ht0 he decided0 b)t it never
occ)rred to hi- (he2d hook )! +ith Will if he didn2t. Co-in" here +ith Will +a(
!robably ,)(t to (!ite hi-0 b)t (till it (t)n" hi( !ride. Hi( +ife2( lin"erin" ad-iration for
her e3 +a( one of -any (ore !oint( in their -arria"e that (till needed to be +orked o)t0
even tho)"h &)ke had never do)bted Ellen2( love for hi-.
Seein" the- "ettin" alon" bothered the hell o)t of hi-0 b)t it +a( ,)(t ,ealo)(y. Or at
lea(t &)ke ho!ed it +a(.
Ellen and her e3 co)ldn2t be "ettin" back to"ether. He ref)(ed to believe it. &ar(on
lo(t her0 &)ke tho)"ht bitterly0 and the -an needed to acce!t the fact.
Once he and Ellen +ere back to"ether0 &)ke +a( "oin" to -ake da-n ()re (he never
(!ent another ni"ht a+ay fro- hi-5(tartin" +ith toni"ht.
***
Will +a( talkin" to a "ro)! of !eo!le he hadn2t (een in year( and (o ab(orbed in the
conver(ation that he didn2t (ee the additional t+o +o-en (te! )! to hi( (ide. 'ro- the
corner of hi( eye0 Will did finally reco"ni9e S)(an Rafferty0 a teacher fro- hi( (chool0
+hen (he !laced a (oft hand on hi( (leeve.
6Will; I2d like yo) to -eet a friend of -ine. =e((ica0 thi( i( Willia- &ar(on. Will0 thi(
i( -y friend =e((ica Daniel(. She teache( art at Henry Clay Hi"h School08 S)(an fini(hed
and dre+ =e((ica for+ard.
Will fro9e in (hock a( he -et =e((ica2( acc)(in"0 f)rio)( "lare.
6Mr. &ar(on. Ho+ very intere(tin" to -eet yo). <o) look re-arkably like the -an
I2ve been datin" for t+o -onth(. <o) +o)ldn2t have an evil t+in +o)ld yo);8 =e((ica
(aid0 her tone darin" hi- to lie to her in front of +itne((e(.
Will +a( tryin" to think of +hat to (ay +hen Ellen (li!!ed an ar- aro)nd hi( +ai(t
fro- the back and (te!!ed to the other (ide of hi-.
Ellen (tarted to tell Will (o-eone +a( lookin" for hi- +hen her eye( rai(ed to the tall
redhead dre((ed in for-al black +ho +a( c)rrently "larin" do+n at her like (he +a( a
b)" that needed (:)a(hin".
6Either take yo)r hand( off Will or "et yo)r a(( kicked in !)blic08 =e((ica told Ellen0
(-ilin" a( the +o-an took t+o (te!( a+ay.
Everyone +ho had been talkin" to Will bit their li!( to kee! fro- la)"hin"0 b)t they
(till (li!!ed a+ay di(creetly. 4robably to "et a better vie+ of the +hole dra-a fro- a (afe
di(tance0 =e((ica tho)"ht -eanly0 +i(hin" (he co)ld bite o)t her ton")e for +hat (he had
(aid to Ellen and ho+ totally !o((e((ive it had (o)nded.
Then =e((ica felt a fir- hand on her ar- and t)rned to (ee a +ell/dre((ed0 hand(o-e
-an lookin" kindly into her eye(. He r)bbed her ar- in a friendly -anner and +alked
aro)nd her.
6If yo) kick Ellen2( a(( that +o)ld be a((a)lt0 and I2- afraid I +o)ld have to ()e.
She2( not al+ay( the nice(t !er(on0 b)t I can2t really let yo) !hy(ically har- -y +ife08
&)ke (aid0 +alkin" to hi( +ife2( (ide.
Ellen (tared )! at her h)(band in (hock and looked at Will0 +ho (till hadn2t (aid a
+ord. She looked at =e((ica0 and then back to &)ke.
6Thi( i( not +hat yo)2re thinkin"0 either of yo). Will and I are not here to"ether. I
(+ear0 he ,)(t "ave -e a ride08 Ellen (aid.
6Oh0 I have no tro)ble at all believin" Will "ave yo) a ride08 =e((ica (aid0 (nortin".
6,o# look08 Will (aid0 finally findin" hi( voice and "larin" back at =e((ica for the
in(in)ation. 6<o) kno+ da-n +ell that2( not +hat Ellen -eant. She2( not -y date. We
,)(t drove here to"ether. Tr)(t -e.8
6Tr)(t yo); <o) -ean5I (ho)ld ,)(t believe yo) beca)(e yo)2re ()ch an hone(t ")y0
.r. (illiam Larson; Do yo) have any other alia(e( yo)2re hidin" fro- -e;8 =e((ica
a(ked (ardonically0 cro((in" her ar-(.
6I didn2t -ean to not tell yo) abo)t bein" a !rinci!al. It ,)(t +a( one of tho(e +eird
thin"(08 Will (aid. 6It (ee-ed (o -)ch le(( i-!ortant than everythin" el(e that +a( "oin"
on.8
6S)re it did. I -ean I2ve been kee!in" all kind( of thin"( fro- -y life (ecret fro-
yo). By the +ay0 -y friend S)(an i( Steve &i!ton2( fianc?e. She bro)"ht -e here
(!ecifically to -eet yo). If (he had (aid yo)r da-n na-e before I "ot here0 I2d already be
(ho!!in" for the ne3t ")y I intend to date.8
6Wait. <o) -ean yo) already kno+ Will;8 S)(an a(ked0 conf)(ed5and alar-ed at
the f)ry and !ain (ho+in" in her friend2( face.
I"norin" everyone el(e aro)nd the-0 =e((ica conte-!lated Will +ith a co-bination of
di(")(t and di(a!!oint-ent. 6o. I don2t kno+ Will. I kno+ a -an na-ed Everett
Willia-(. Or at lea(t I tho)"ht I did0 b)t (lee!in" +ith (o-eone really doe(n2t "ive yo)
any in(i"ht( into +ho they really are. T+o -onth( and thi( -an never even told -e hi(
real na-e. Of co)r(e0 yo)2d think I2d have fi")red it o)t +hen I -et hi( (on0 .ichael
(illiam Larson. I ,)(t never tho)"ht to a(k the obvio)( :)e(tion beca)(e I +a( told over
and over and over ho+ -)ch Will hate( lyin". I ,)(t fi")red the children had taken their
-other2( na-e or (o-e other (tran"e thin".8
6&ook0 -aybe +e co)ld ,)(t "o (o-e+here -ore !rivate (o I can e3!lain. I (+ear I
never -eant to not tell yo)08 Will !leaded. 6Thi( i( not a bi" deal. I ,)(t +anted yo) to
kno+ abo)t -y art fir(t.8
6Ri"ht0 and that +orked o)t (o +ell for )(. Re-e-ber the fi"ht in Berea0 Will; >(in"
that (a-e rea(onin"0 I ")e(( fro- yo)r (tand!oint0 -e (eein" yo) +alk into a !lace I
didn2t kno+ yo) +o)ld be +ith yo)r hand on yo)r e3/+ife2( back i( al(o no bi" deal0
ri"ht;8 =e((ica a(ked.
6I ad-it it look( (tran"e08 Will (aid :)ietly. 6B)t it2( not +hat yo)2re thinkin".8
6<o) never even -entioned yo)r !lan( to -e toni"ht or that yo) intended to brin"
yo)r e3 a( yo)r date. I told yo) I had a (chool f)nction08 =e((ica (aid0 )ncro((in" her
ar-( and (i"hin". 6<o) told -e nothin".8
6I didn2t +ant to "et into it )ntil I co)ld e3!lain +hy I never told yo)08 Will (aid0 b)t
hi( defen(e (o)nded +eak even to hi( o+n ear(. 6And I didn2t brin" Ellen a( -y date. I
,)(t "ave her a ride.8 At her f)rio)( "lare0 Will bl)(hed. 6Da-n it =e((ica0 yo) kno+ +hat
I -ean.8
Tired of lookin" at Will2( ")ilty e3!re((ion0 =e((ica looked over at &)ke Cannon0 and
then at Ellen +ho (tared blankly at all of the-0 (till (ho+in" no (i"n( of re-or(e. The
need to even the (core +ith the +o-an +a( ()ddenly ,)(t too -)ch to fi"ht. o one
+o)ld ever have acc)(ed =e((ica of bein" noble0 beca)(e (he +a(n2t. T+ice no+ the
+o-an had -ade a fool of her +ith Will0 b)t there +a( not "oin" to be a third.
6Maybe ne3t ti-e yo) -ake a -ove on Will0 yo)2ll "et the re(!on(e yo) +anted fro-
hi- la(t +eekend. <o) +in0 Ellen. I "ive )!. <o) can have Will back no+. I2- done +ith
hi-.8
Ellen2( (hocked "a9e (+)n" to her h)(band0 +ho(e in,)red look -oved bet+een her
and Will in di(belief that all too ra!idly chan"ed to acce!tance.
6Okay. Well0 I ")e(( there2( no )(e +a(tin" -y ti-e cha(in" after yo)08 &)ke (aid0
t)rnin" on hi( heel and +alkin" to the door.
Ellen looked at =e((ica0 (till havin" tro)ble believin" the +o-an had (aid all (he had0
and then cha(ed o)t the door after her h)(band. 6&)ke08 (he called0 tryin" to "et hi- to
(to! and li(ten. She (till co)ldn2t believe he2d co-e lookin" for her.
6That +a( a !retty -ean thin" to do08 Will (aid0 fro+nin". He never +o)ld have
")e((ed =e((ica co)ld be (o vindictive0 not that Ellen didn2t de(erve a little of that heat.
6<e(0 it +a( co-!letely -ean0 b)t it +a( al(o br)tally hone(t. o+ if they +ork
thin"( o)t0 her h)(band +ill kno+ +hat kind of +o-an hi( +ife really i(08 =e((ica (aid
+itho)t re-or(e. 6And here2( a !iece of br)tal hone(ty for yo)5+e are over.8
6o0 +e2re not08 Will denied0 !)llin" the hat fro- hi( head0 hi( te-!er (tartin" to
flare a( hi( o+n fr)(tration "re+. 6<o)2re ,)(t -ad at -e. I can (ee +hy0 b)t I (+ear
toni"ht i( nothin"5ab(ol)tely nothin" like yo) think it i(. Ellen +a( never -y date.8
6Ri"ht. I2d (tick +ith that (tory -y(elf. It (o)nd( "reat. By the +ay0 kee! yo)r (on(
a+ay fro- -e too. I +ill not be nice to the- ne3t ti-e either. I never +ant to (ee any of
yo)r fa-ily ever a"ain08 =e((ica (aid.
She t)rned to look at the +o-an (he2d )(ed to bla(t Will. It +a( her (in"le re"ret of
the evenin". 6S)(an0 I2- (orry if I e-barra((ed yo). I +a( (hocked and5+ell0 I2- (orry.
I ,)(t co)ldn2t believe Will had ke!t (o-ethin" (o (i-!le fro- -e0 b)t I (ho)ld have told
yo) I kne+ hi- +hen yo) fir(t !ointed hi- o)t. It +a( a (hock to (ee hi- +ith hi( e3/
+ife and I overreacted.8
6Are yo) "oin" to be all ri"ht;8 S)(an a(ked0 i"norin" everythin" e3ce!t the (hattered
e3!re((ion on her friend2( face.
6I2- a ()rvivor08 =e((ica (aid eni"-atically. 6Tell Steve I (aid hi. I2ll (ee yo) ")y( at
the +eddin".8
=e((ica +alked to the door0 do+n the (te!(0 and o)t to the !arkin" lot on the (ide of
the b)ildin" +here a cryin" Ellen +a( (obbin" a( her h)(band (tood +ith hi( ar-(
cro((ed "larin" do+n at her. She +anted to +alk !a(t the-0 cli-b in her car0 and "et the
hell a+ay fro- anyone connected to the &ar(on fa-ily. In(tead0 (he +alked over to the
fi"htin" co)!le beca)(e (he +a(n2t :)ite a( hard/hearted a( (he +anted to be.
64lea(e tell &)ke I never cheated on hi-. I didn2t. I +o)ldn2t08 Ellen i-!lored.
6either did Will. He ha(n2t to)ched -e (ince the divorce. I (+ear.8
=e((ica looked at the "ood/lookin" -an +ith !ain in hi( "a9e and a clenched ,a+ that
+a( )nco-!ro-i(in" at that -o-ent. Ellen +a( "oin" to have to do a lot to "et back into
hi( "ood "race(0 b)t =e((ica kne+ it +ent both +ay(. Bein" eye/to/eye +ith the -an
hel!ed -ake ()re the -an held her "a9e a( (he (!oke.
6Mr. Cannon0 +hat I (aid +a( the tr)th0 b)t I don2t think anythin" ha!!ened. Don2t
"et -e +ron"0 I2- (till !lenty !i((ed abo)t Ellen flirtin" +hen (he kne+ Will and I +ere
lover(. I didn2t bother kickin" her a(( that day beca)(e Will did a "ood ,ob convincin"
-e he +a(n2t intere(ted in her any lon"er. I don2t !retend to kno+ ho+ the(e !eo!le
think0 b)t I have been in thera!y for thirty year(. If yo) love yo)r +ife0 it2( yo)r ,ob to
hel! her +ork o)t her !roble-(08 =e((ica (aid. Then (he t)rned and looked at Ellen. 6I
believe Will didn2t to)ch yo)0 b)t it +a(n2t beca)(e yo) didn2t try. <o)2re not the in,)red
innocent here0 and yo) need to ad-it that to yo)r(elf.8
6M(. Daniel(5=e((ica08 Ellen called. 6Will doe( love yo). That2( -o(tly +hat +e
talked abo)t on the tri! over here. I don2t kno+ +hy he didn2t tell yo) abo)t hi( teachin"
+ork0 b)t it2( nothin" co-!ared to ho+ -)ch he care( abo)t yo). <o) need to for"ive
hi-.8
6Really; Wo)ld I be for"ivin" Everett Willia-( the (tone (c)l!tor or Willia- &ar(on
the retired !rinci!al; Will ,)(t yanked -y tr)(t fo)ndation o)t fro- )nder -e and I don2t
kno+ +hat to believe any-ore. <o)2d be )!(et too if yo) +ere in -y (hoe(08 =e((ica
(aid.
Ellen ,)(t blinked at her a( =e((ica (hook her head and +alked on.
Cha!ter #$
T)ckin" the !a!er( he carried )nder hi( ar-0 and "ri!!in" a ,e+eler2( bo3 in hi( hand
to di(creetly hide it0 Michael +alked into the office( of The Main Event Marketin" and
4ro-otion Co-!any. He (-iled at the rece!tioni(t0 ()ddenly "lad he had never dated the
bea)tif)l blonde +ho (-iled at hi- in +elco-e each ti-e (he (a+ hi-.
6Hey0 Belinda. I( Carrie in;8 Michael a(ked.
6She i(0 b)t I2- not ()re (he2( (eein" client( today0 Michael. Carrie2( not been feelin"
+ell08 (he (aid (+eetly. 6Can I "ive her a -e((a"e;8
6Thi( i( not a b)(ine(( vi(it. It2( !er(onal0 and Carrie2( e3!ectin" -e. <o) can tell her
I2- here if yo) +ant08 he offered.
Belinda blinked and rai(ed her eyebro+( at hi( tone. 6She didn2t -ention yo) +ere
co-in" by0 b)t if (he2( e3!ectin" yo)0 then I ")e(( yo) can "o on back.8
6Thank(. I ,)(t need to dro! (o-ethin" off +ith her0 and then I2ll be on -y +ay08
Michael (aid0 ra!!in" the kn)ckle( of hi( free hand on her co)nter a( he +alked by.
Carrie2( door +a( -o(tly clo(ed0 b)t not co-!letely. He co)ld (ee thro)"h the crack
that (he had her head do+n on the de(k and a tra(hcan at her feet. There had to be
(o-ethin" (he co)ld take for the (ickne((0 Michael tho)"ht0 hi( o+n (to-ach contractin"
in e-!athy.
He knocked li"htly and !)(hed o!en the door. She rai(ed her head and tried to (it )!
(trai"ht +hen (he (a+ hi-. Michael clo(ed the door behind hi- and +alked over to (it in
the chair acro(( fro- her.
6Are yo) thi( (ick all the ti-e;8 he a(ked (oftly0 kee!in" hi( voice :)iet.
6It co-e( and "oe(08 Carrie (aid +eakly. 6I hear I only have t+o -ore -onth( of thi(
before it "et( better.8
6Well0 that2( de!re((in" a( hell08 Michael (aid (erio)(ly0 "ettin" a little la)"h o)t of
her +hen he +a(n2t even tryin". 6There ha( to be (o-ethin" yo) can take to hel! +ith the
(ickne((.8
6I2- "oin" to a(k to-orro+ at -y a!!oint-ent08 Carrie (aid. 6I (ho)ld have ,)(t
(tayed ho-e today0 b)t I haven2t been at +ork in over a +eek.
6I2d like to "o +ith yo) to the doctor to-orro+08 Michael told her. 6What ti-e i(
yo)r a!!oint-ent and +here;8
6<o) don2t have to do that08 Carrie (aid0 lookin" a+ay fro- hi-.
6I +ant to08 Michael (aid fir-ly. 6I have a lot of catchin" )! to do and a lot to learn
abo)t havin" a baby. I bo)"ht (o-e book(0 b)t I learn be(t by talkin" to !eo!le.8
6Michael0 yo) don2t have to +orry. I2ll do +hat I have to in order to take care of the
child and -e.8 She !)(hed her hair behind her ear( and a"ain tried to (it (trai"ht in her
chair. 6Why don2t yo) tell -e +hy yo)2re here; I2- ")e((in" yo) haven2t chan"ed yo)r
-ind.8
6o0 I haven2t chan"ed -y -ind. In fact0 I ca-e to a(k yo) to -arry -e08 Michael
told her0 +atchin" her face to (ee her reaction. The (hock +a( (+ift and drained the
re-ainin" color fro- her face. Well0 at lea(t (he +a(n2t yellin" at hi-. He kne+ (he
co)ld beca)(e he2d heard her yellin" at her cre+ on -any occa(ion(.
6o08 Carrie (aid fir-ly0 ab(ol)tely certain of her an(+er. She +a( not -arryin"
Michael &ar(on0 did not +ant to bind her(elf to a -an (he didn2t really like.
6I tho)"ht yo) -i"ht (ay no0 b)t I fi")red it +a( +orth a (hot to ,)(t a(k in the
traditional +ay fir(t08 Michael told her0 (li!!in" the !a!er( fro- )nder hi( ar- and
!)(hin" the- acro(( her !oli(hed de(k to her. 6Here are the rea(on( it2( a "ood idea. They
are all in a contract I had -y la+yer dra+ )!. It2( a !ren)!tial a"ree-ent that re:)ire( +e
-arry and (tay -arried )ntil baby i( born0 +hich +ill "ive -e )n:)e(tionable le"al ri"ht(
to o)r child after +e divorce. It al(o re:)ire( that +e live to"ether (o that o)r -arria"e
+ill (ee- le"iti-ate to the +orld and +hich +ill al(o -ake it ea(ier for -e to e(tabli(h
!arental ri"ht(.8
6What ha!!en( if I don2t -arry yo);8 Carrie a(ked0 her throat dry and her heart
ban"in" a"ain(t the +all( of her che(t. What Michael +a( (ayin" -ade her ()ddenly
reali9e that there +ere -any thin"( (he had not taken into con(ideration +hen (he2d
offered hi- the chance to rai(e their child.
6I have to "o thro)"h the -otion( of dra""in" yo) and the baby thro)"h co)rt to
!rove I2- the father0 +hich -ean( DA te(tin" and 7od kno+( +hat el(e. Then there
+o)ld be c)(tody a"ree-ent( and havin" to e3!lain +hy the birth -other doe(n2t +ant
any ri"ht( to the child. Every other alternative b)t -arria"e i( )"ly0 very !)blic in the
le"al record(0 and not "ood for any of )(. If yo) -arry -e0 I can have the child +hen +e
divorce and no one +ill :)e(tion it08 Michael (aid0 +orkin" to kee! hi( tone ne)tral and
hi( +ord( lo"ical0 b)t it +a( a battle he +a( lo(in". 6If yo) kee! lookin" at -e like I2-
the +or(t -an in the +orld0 I2- co-in" aro)nd the de(k to !rove I2- not.8
6o0 (tay +here yo) are08 Carrie (aid0 holdin" )! a hand and clo(in" her eye(. 6I ,)(t
5I ,)(t hadn2t tho)"ht abo)t it fro- the le"al (tand!oint. It2( hard to think of rational
ne3t (te!( +hen yo)2re thro+in" )! all the ti-e.8
6I can2t even i-a"ine ho+ yo)2re -ana"in" to "et thro)"h the day. So +ill yo) -arry
-e; <o)2ve been -arried and divorced t+ice already. I can be ,)(t a( civili9ed a( the
fir(t t+o ")y(08 he (aid caref)lly. 6Marry -e0 Carrie Addi(on. Make -e the le"al father
of o)r child. The !ren)!tial a"ree-ent ")arantee( yo) a divorce after the baby i( born
and i( three -onth( old. <o) don2t have to live +ith -e after yo) deliver the child. I
)nder(tand that +o)ld hard.8
Carrie fli!!ed a co)!le !a"e( of the !ren)!tial a"ree-ent0 (ki--in" the contract
ter-(. Everythin" (ee-ed to (ay e3actly +hat Michael had told her0 b)t it didn2t (ee-
real for her to be even con(iderin" -arryin" the -an +ho had ca)(ed her (o -)ch !ain.
6I need (o-e ti-e to look over thi( a"ree-ent0 and I -ay +ant chan"e(. Ho+ever0 I
do (ee that -arria"e +o)ld le"ally (i-!lify o)r5arran"e-ent08 (he ad-itted :)ietly.
6I( that a ye(;8 Michael a(ked0 +onderin" if it +a( really "oin" to be thi( (i-!le.
Carrie (earched Michael &ar(on2( "a9e0 lookin" to (ee ho+ "en)ine the -an +a(
bein" +ith her. She co)ldn2t tell -)ch0 b)t then her head +a( in a fo" of na)(ea any+ay.
6I ")e(( -arryin" yo) -ake( (o-e kind of (en(e08 Carrie (aid (arca(tically. 6It2( not
like it2( forever. What2( one -ore divorce in -y !er(onal re()-e any+ay; I don2t +ant
to have to do (o-e bo")( co)rt battle over yo)r ri"ht( to yo)r child either.8
6Thank yo) for a"reein" +ith -e0 b)t i( that a ye( to -y !ro!o(al;8 Michael a(ked.
6I ")e(( it2( a ye(08 (he (aid +earily.
67ood. Here2( a rin"08 Michael !)(hed the rin" bo3 acro(( the de(k. 6It co-e( back
to -e after the divorce0 b)t it +ill hel! )( b)ild a (tory that +ill !rotect yo)r re!)tation
here. There2( no rea(on for yo) to let thi( affect the career yo)2ve (!ent year( "ro+in".8
Carrie looked at the rin" container like it contained !oi(on0 b)t (he reached o)t a hand
and !)lled it to her. She +a( (o +eak (he co)ldn2t !ry o!en the ti"ht bo3.
Michael did ,)-! )! then and (talk aro)nd the de(k. He co)ldn2t (tand not hel!in"
her any lon"er. He !)t a hi! on the de(k to kee! a( -)ch di(tance bet+een the- a(
!o((ible. It +a( hard a( hell not to to)ch her.
6Here08 he (aid bri(kly0 !)llin" the bo3 o!en and takin" the rin" fro- in(ide.
Michael !icked )! Carrie2( left hand and (lid the dia-ond (olitaire on her fin"er. It
+a( ,)(t abo)t a !erfect fit and he co)ldn2t believe he2d ")e((ed it ri"ht +hen he2d had it
(i9ed.
6It !robably need( to be a little bi""er (o yo) can (till +ear it a( yo) "ain +ei"ht +ith
the baby.8
Michael let her hand dro! "ently back onto the de(k. Then he -oved back aro)nd to
the chair (o he +o)ldn2t "ive in to the te-!tation to !)ll her into hi( ar-( and hold her.
6The !ren)!tial a"ree-ent al(o (ti!)late( that I "o to all doctor2( vi(it( and check/)!(
a( +ell a( be allo+ed into the delivery roo-. If yo) ,)(t rebel at the delivery roo- idea0
I2ll try to )nder(tand0 b)t I +ant to be involved in the birth. If I have to do thi( alone later
5+ell0 I ,)(t +ant to kno+ all I can08 he (aid.
And I +ant to be there to take care of yo)0 Michael tho)"ht0 not likin" the fact that
the (tron" +o-an he +a( )(ed to (eein" looked like (he +a( "oin" to fall into a dead
faint any -o-ent.
Carrie (hook her head and (hr)""ed0 barely hearin" +hat Michael (aid. She +a( (till
(tarin" at the rin"0 +hich +a( a-a9in". 6It2( a bea)tif)l rin".8
6It +a( -y "rand-other2(0 b)t I had it reinforced +ith -ore "old.8 Michael +anted to
(-ile beca)(e (he liked the rin". Well0 he +anted to (coo! her )!0 hold her0 and (t)dy
ho+ the rin" looked on her hand0 b)t he kne+ that co)ldn2t ha!!en5not yet any+ay.
6I2ll be caref)l +ith the rin"08 Carrie (aid :)ietly. 6I "ave back rin"( to both -y e3e(.
I2- )(ed to the !roced)re.8
6<o) al(o need to kno+ that I told -y fa-ily the tr)th abo)t o)r (it)ation0 even -y
-other kno+( (o-e of it. They kno+ +e2re -arryin" for the (ake of the baby. They +ill
hel! )(0 and I need their hel!0 (o I didn2t +ant to have to lie to the-08 Michael told her.
6They +on2t ,)d"e yo). They2re ,)(t "lad +e2re choo(in" to have the baby. My -other
and father are thrilled to be "ettin" a "randchild.8
Carrie nodded0 o!ened a de(k dra+er0 and "rabbed a ti(()e. Cryin" had beco-e
another daily activity ,)(t a( -)ch a( bein" (ick +a(.
6So)nd( like yo) have a "reat fa-ily. I haven2t told -ine yet. They2re (till )!(et I "ot
divorced the fir(t ti-e0 -)ch le(( the (econd. I2- dreadin" +hat they2re "oin" to (ay
+hen I tell the- I2- !re"nant. I don2t think they +ill )nder(tand any of it.8
6So don2t tell the- the tr)th. It2( not +orth (tre((in" over it. Tell the- the (a-e (tory
yo) tell the office08 Michael (aid.
6What (tory i( that;8 Carrie a(ked (arca(tically0 (niffin".
Michael leaned for+ard0 -eetin" and holdin" her "a9e. 6Tell the- a( -)ch of the
tr)th a( yo) can -ana"e +ith a clear con(cience0 (tartin" +ith the fact that I2ve loved yo)
for year( and that yo) "ot !re"nant in a -o-ent of )n!lanned !a((ion. When they (ee )(
to"ether0 no one i( "oin" to think +e -arried for any rea(on other than love0 beca)(e
that2( ho+ I feel abo)t yo) and it2( "oin" to (ho+. Only yo) and I +ill kno+ there i( a
ti-e li-it and that yo) are likely never "oin" to love -e back. The detail( are o)r
b)(ine((.8
6Then I beco-e a( bad a( I2- acc)(in" yo) of bein". I2- ,)(t )(in" yo) to (ave
-y(elf08 Carrie (aid0 tearin" )! a( (he tho)"ht abo)t all the +ron"( that +o)ld not be
-ade ri"ht by +hat they +ere doin".
6It2( okay. I can handle the heat0 and I o+e yo)08 Michael (aid0 clenchin" hi( ,a+ in
deter-ination.
He leaned back in the (eat0 noticin" the color +a( finally co-in" back into her face.
Tellin" her fa-ily -)(t really be +orryin" her. 7od0 +a( he ever "ratef)l for hi( fa-ily0
even a( -e((ed )! a( they c)rrently +ere. They "ave hi- (hit over +hat ha!!ened +hen
he told the-0 b)t he kne+ they al(o +o)ld ()!!ort hi-. They +o)ld ()!!ort Carrie too.
6So I tho)"ht +e2d "ive !eo!le a little ti-e to ab(orb the en"a"e-ent0 and then "et
-arried in three +eek( before yo) (tart (ho+in"08 Michael (aid. 6In the -eanti-e0 I +ant
yo) to -ove into the ho)(e +ith -e and -y father. I2- in the !roce(( of -ovin" into a
")e(troo- (o yo) can )(e the -a(ter. It ha( a !rivate bath. <o) can have yo)r o+n (!ace
that +ay.8
6Why do yo) +ant -e in yo)r ho)(e;8 Carrie a(ked.
6<o) need (o-eone to hel! yo) )ntil the (ickne(( !a((e(. Then after that0 yo)2re
"oin" to need ()!!ort a( +ell0 even if it i( ,)(t to fi3 yo) dinner at the end of a lon" day.
I2ve had both -y divorced !arent( )nder -y roof lately. <o) can2t be any -ore tro)ble
than the-08 Michael (aid li"htly. 6I do dra+ the line at the >* ball"a-e(. The T@ i(
(olely -ine on "a-e day(.8
6That fi")re(08 Carrie (norted0 tryin" to ,oin in the +eak ,oke.
6There2( a (-all televi(ion in yo)r bedroo-. I2- not co-!letely (elfi(h08 Michael
(aid0 "rinnin".
Wa( (he act)ally a"reein" to thi( -adne((; She tho)"ht of her bathroo- at ho-e and
ho+ (he had been too (ick to clean )! after her(elf. That +a( !robably rea(on eno)"h to
let hi- hel! her. Thi( +a( hi( child after all. Her condition +a( hi( fa)lt a( +ell a( her(.
6I2- too (ick to t)rn do+n the offer08 (he told hi- finally. 6B)t I2- kee!in" -y o+n
!lace re"ardle(( of ho+ it look(. I +ant contin"ency cla)(e( in the !ren)!tial a"ree-ent
if it doe(n2t +ork o)t.8
Michael nodded hi( head. 6Send yo)r (ti!)lation( to the attorney li(ted on the
a"ree-ent. He2ll let -e kno+. I2ll "et back to yo) on anythin" I di(a"ree +ith.8
6Don2t read too -)ch into -y ca!it)lation0 Michael08 Carrie (aid tiredly. 6The
(it)ation i(n2t "ivin" -e -)ch choice.8
Michael (tood and +alked to the door. 6Co-e (!end a co)!le day( a( a trial0 and then
+e2ll -ove yo)r thin"( thi( +eekend. By then yo)2ll have (ettled into the (!ace.8
6If yo) +ant to -eet -e here to-orro+ at one0 yo) can drive -e to the doctor2(
a!!oint-ent08 (he (aid +eary of the +hole (it)ation. 6When I "et to feelin" better0 I2-
!robably "oin" to re"ret lettin" yo) talk -e into thi(.8
6We2ll deal +ith that +hen the ti-e co-e(08 Michael told her. 6<o) +ant -e to take
yo) ho-e;8
Carrie (hook her head. 6The +ave ha( !a((ed for the -o-ent. I need to "et a( -)ch
done a( I can before the ne3t one hit(.8
6See yo) to-orro+ then08 Michael (aid0 kee!in" hi( back to her. 6I2- "lad yo) like
the rin". It ()it( yo).8
Cha!ter #%
6Well0 at lea(t =e((ica2( not (till -ad at yo)08 Will (aid0 (i!!in" hi( cold coffee ,)(t
for (o-ethin" to do. 6I +o)ld have told her it +a( -y fa)lt that yo) didn2t tell0 b)t (he2(
not talkin" to -e.8
Melanie to!!ed off Will2( coffee to +ar- it )!. The -an +a( barely f)nctional.
6Any other ti-e (he +o)ld have la)"hed abo)t findin" o)t abo)t yo)r !a(t. It2( a (illy
thin" to be (o -ad abo)t0 and I2- not b)yin" that2( the !roble-08 Melanie (aid0 for once
takin" Will2( (ide over =e((ica2(. 6So-ethin" el(e i( "oin" on +ith =e((ica. She2( back in
thera!y. I only kno+ thi( beca)(e (he left here to "o there and accidentally -entioned it.
Then (he looked like (he +i(hed (he hadn2t.8
Will clo(ed hi( eye(0 feelin" the h)rt to the de!th( of hi-. It +a( athan0 he tho)"ht.
=e((ica had "one back to thera!y beca)(e (he +a( re-e-berin" athan. Al(o hi( fa)lt0 he
decided0 even a( he +ondered for the -illionth ti-e ho+ he -ana"ed to do (o -)ch
)nintentional da-a"e to the +o-an he loved.
6=e((ica ha( ()rvived a lot +or(e in her life than o)r relation(hi!08 Will (aid (oftly.
6I2- ()re +hat +e had +ill (ee- like nothin" -ore than a -inor (!eed b)-! alon" the
road of her life one day (oon.8
6I2- not +orried abo)t her "ettin" over yo). I2- +orried beca)(e (he2( (to!!ed
flirtin"08 Melanie (aid bri(kly. 6I2ve kno+n =e((ica Daniel( for over a decade. Men co-e
and "o0 b)t thi( i( the fir(t ti-e (he ha( "otten to a !oint +here (he doe(n2t flirt0 la)"h0 or
tea(e no -atter +hat a -an (ay( to her. 4oor old Mr. Bea)-ont +a( deva(tated +hen (he
didn2t ki(( hi- on the cheek +hen (he left the other day.8
67reat. It2( barely been a +eek and (he2( ki((in" other -en already08 Will (aid
-oro(ely.
6o0 it2( not "reat. Mr. Bea)-ont i( ninety/t+o. =e((ica al+ay( flirt( +ith hi- and
ki((e( hi- "oodbye.8 Melanie +i!ed the co)nter f)rio)(ly. 6She2( not ha!!y any-ore0
Will. That2( +hat al+ay( (et her a!art fro- other +o-en. =e((ica Daniel( +a( al+ay(
ha!!y +ith her(elf. She +a( -y role -odel.8
Will +anted the "ro)nd to ,)(t o!en )! and (+allo+ hi-. Hi( ")ilt over r)inin"
=e((ica Daniel(2 ha!!y life +a( (o heavy it +a( breakin" hi( back to (tand )! (trai"ht.
6I can2t fi3 thi( if (he +on2t talk to -e08 Will (aid (adly0 r)bbin" hi( face a( he (lid
off the bar (tool. He t)cked bill( be(ide hi( coffee c)! and !icked )! hi( hel-et. 6If yo)
have any ()""e(tion(0 let -e kno+.8
Melanie nodded and +atched Will +alk o)t the door. She co)ld think of nothin" thi(
ti-e to hel! either of the-. The be(t (he co)ld ho!e for +a( for =e((ica to co-e aro)nd.
***
6I kno+ it2( been a +hile (ince I ca-e by for a vi(it0 b)t I -et thi( -an I really
needed to talk to yo) abo)t. The f)nny thin" i( he2( a lot like yo).8
=e((ica dro!!ed to the "ra(( be(ide( athan Daniel(2 "rave and (at. The &e3in"ton
Ce-etery +a( a( bea)tif)l a( any !ark0 and yo) for"ot that if yo) didn2t vi(it -)ch.
6I2- thinkin" abo)t -arryin" hi-0 athan. What I feel for hi- ha( -ade it !retty
obvio)( to -e that I need to let "o of yo) co-!letely before I do.
She !l)cked at the "ra(( and ran a hand over the "ro)nd.
6<o) +ere a "ood h)(band for the (hort ti-e +e +ere to"ether. I kno+ yo) co)ldn2t
be there after the ra!e0 b)t I al+ay( tho)"ht yo) (o-eho+ (ent the "ood -en -y +ay to
hel! -e. I ,)(t never co)ld "et (erio)( abo)t any of the- tho)"h.8
=e((ica reached o)t and arran"ed the flo+er( (he2d bro)"ht +ith her in the little va(e
(he had b)ried in the "ro)nd by hi( head(tone year( a"o.
6Okay. So the -an2( na-e i( Willia- &ar(on. He2( both a retired !rinci!al and a
(tone (c)l!tor. I2- -ad at hi- ri"ht no+ beca)(e he5+ell0 it2( co-!licated. And (t)!id0
I ")e((0 if I believe everybody el(e. I think I have ri"ht to be )!(et0 b)t Dr. Whit-ore
(ay( I2- ,)(t lookin" for an e3c)(e to !)(h Will a+ay like I did +ith all the other -en
(ince yo). Do yo) think that2( tr)e;8 =e((ica a(ked (adly0 her voice (tartin" to :)iver a(
her eye( filled +ith tear(.
6<o) kno+0 I told -y(elf after I lo(t yo) that I +a( never "oin" to love any -an that
-)ch a"ain0 and I haven2t )ntil no+. Dr. Whit-ore kee!( tellin" -e I need to "o tell Will
I love hi- and talk thin"( o)t.8 =e((ica (niffed. 6I -i(( hi-0 athan. I don2t kno+ if that
-ean( I love hi- or not0 b)t I -i(( hi- -ore than I even -i((ed yo) +hen yo) died. I
ho!e yo) think thi( i( okay beca)(e I don2t think all the thera!y in the +orld i( "oin" to
chan"e ho+ I feel abo)t hi-.8
She (tood and looked do+n at the "rave0 (nifflin" and fi"htin" tear( +hile (he tried to
fini(h. 6Thi( i( !robably "oin" to be -y la(t "rave vi(it for a very lon" ti-e. I +o)ld
a!!reciate it if yo) +o)ld (tay o)t of -y drea-( beca)(e I really don2t +ant any -ore
conf)(ion. I2- "oin" to have to "o take on an e3/+ife +ho +ant( Will back0 and t+o of
the (+eete(t0 b)t -o(t interferin" ad)lt children on earth. Brooke i( "oin" to love the-0
b)t the &ar(on fa-ily i( not re(tf)l or ea(y. I need a clear -ind to deal +ith the-.8
=e((ica !)lled )! the botto- of her tee (hirt and )(ed it to +i!e her eye( and no(e.
6<o) kno+ that I2- )()ally not ()ch an e-otional -e((. Will ,)(t doe( thi( to -e.
It2( one of the -any rea(on( I tried not to "et involved +ith hi- for (o lon". B)t I don2t
think yo) can choo(e +ho yo) love.
She looked aro)nd the other "rave(. It +a(n2t her ti-e yet. And (he didn2t +ant to "o
before (he had lived and loved +ith everythin" in her. 6<o) kno+ I really loved yo)0
athan. Will i( the fir(t -an I2ve loved (ince yo)0 and I ,)(t needed to let yo) kno+
abo)t hi- before I try to -ake it +ork.8
6I ho!e +herever yo) are that yo) are ha!!y08 =e((ica added. 6Wi(h -e l)ck0 okay;8
She r)bbed her r)nny no(e on her (leeve a"ain a( (he +alked back to her car.
***
Michael carried Carrie2( overni"ht ca(e into hi( bedroo- and (et it on the bed.
6So thi( i( yo)r roo-. I haven2t co-!letely e-!tied the bathroo- yet0 b)t I2ll "et that
done before yo) -ove in08 he (aid0 (earchin" her fearf)l "a9e for (i"n( that (he +a( "oin"
to break and r)n. 64lea(e (to! lookin" like thi( i( a !ri(on cell. Can2t yo) (!in it a little
bit !o(itively in that b)(ine(( brain of yo)r(;8
Carrie (hook her head to clear the over+hel-in" conf)(ion (he felt. 6Sorry. <o)2ve
been "reat. <o) +ere "reat today and I5I don2t -ean to be )n"ratef)l for yo)r hel!.8
6Okay0 that2( -ore contrition than I can handle08 Michael (aid0 +alkin" to her and
!)ttin" hi( ar-( aro)nd her to h)" "ently. She fro9e in hi( ar-(0 b)t he ran co-fortin"
li"ht hand( over her back )ntil (he rela3ed a"ain(t hi- for a -o-ent. 6We2ve been
lover(. <o)2re carryin" -y child. <o) have to let -e try to be yo)r friend for a fe+
-onth( +hile +e deal +ith thi( (it)ation. I2- too e-otional a !er(on to +alk aro)nd here
bein" (toic +hile yo) h)rt.8
67ive -e a fe+ day(08 (he (aid0 !)llin" o)t of hi( ar-( and +alkin" a fe+ (te!(
a+ay. 6I2ll try to find (o-e +ay to think abo)t all thi( that +on2t be obno3io)(.8
6<o)2re not bein" obno3io)(08 Michael declared0 (hovin" hand( in hi( !ocket( to (to!
fro- reachin" for her a"ain. 6I ,)(t5look0 (ettle in and then co-e find -e. I2- +orkin"
on a ne+ !iece o)t in the co)rtyard. Dad2( o)t there fini(hin" a -arble b)(t that I think
yo)2d en,oy (eein". My -other i( !ickin" )! food on the +ay over. I ho!e the -edicine
+ill let yo) eat.8
6Okay08 Carrie (aid0 beca)(e it (ee-ed the only !olite an(+er to "ive. 6Thank(0
Michael.8
When Michael +alked o)t of the roo- and clo(ed the door (oftly behind hi-0 Carrie
colla!(ed on the bed and tho)"ht abo)t ho+ -)ch the roo- (-elled like hi-. It +a( the
only (cent that didn2t (ee- to (end her i--ediately r)nnin" to be (ick.
She (tretched o)t +ith her (hoe( (till on and clo(ed her eye(0 thinkin" (he2d ,)(t "ive
her(elf a fe+ -o-ent( to re(t. A co)!le -in)te( later (he +a( fa(t a(lee!.
***
6Carrie2( in the bedroo- (ettlin" in08 Michael told hi( father a( he +atched hi-
re-ove the d)(t fro- the b)(t2( brea(t( +ith a (oft br)(h. 6That2( ab(ol)tely (o-e of
yo)r be(t +ork.8
Will t)rned and looked at hi( (on. 6I kno+0 and thank(.8
6Why a b)(t;8 Michael a(ked. 6Why not a f)ll (tat)e; A @en)( de Milo +ith
=e((ica2( body and face +o)ld be an a-a9in" !iece of +ork. <o)r "irlfriend2( hot.8
6Overlookin" the hot co--ent fro- the ne+ly en"a"ed -an0 I2- ,)(t "oin" to tell
yo) I cho(e a b)(t beca)(e the look on =e((ica2( face i( +hat I -i(( the -o(t +hen +e2re
not to"ether08 Will (aid :)ietly. 6The fir(t ti-e I !icked her )! to "o o)t0 (he had the
-o(t ea"er0 o!en e3!re((ion I2ve ever (een on any +o-an over (eventeen. There are very
fe+ circ)-(tance( that !)t that level of ha!!ine(( on her face. I ho!e (he find( (o-eone
to do that for her a"ain. I carved +hat I +anted for her5for both of )(.8
6=e((ica2( co-in" back to yo)0 Dad. She ,)(t need( (o-e ti-e to "et over the fact (he
overreacted. I think I )nder(tand her. She and I are a lot alike08 Michael (aid. 6Da-n if
Shane2( to)chy/feely lin"o i(n2t r)bbin" off on -e.8
6Did I hear -y na-e bein" )(ed in vain;8 Shane (aid0 +alkin" )! to hi( brother and
father. 6Where2( the +o-an +e2re ()!!o(ed to -eet; 7ee Dad0 nice b)(t of =e((ica.8
6Thank(08 Will (aid0 (-ilin" at Shane2( )naba(hed a!!rai(al.
Shane +alked over and ran a hand over the (tat)e2( face and hi( fin"erti!( over her
brea(t(. When he looked at hi( father0 he (i-!ly co)ldn2t (tifle the la)"h at hi( dad2(
an"ry e3!re((ion.
6What; <o) created it. Better "et )(ed to it bein" to)ched. It2( da-n near irre(i(tible.
All yo)r (tat)e( are0 Dad08 Shane (aid0 "rinnin".
Will (i"hed and fro+ned at hi-. 64)t -y reaction in yo)r da-n book and yo) +ill
die a (lo+0 tort)o)( death. 'ather( have (acrificed their children thro)"ho)t hi(tory. I2-
(till yo)n" eno)"h to -ake another child to re!lace yo).8
Shane e3chan"ed a +icked look +ith Michael0 +ho +a( "rinnin" b)t (ayin" nothin".
6Tell -e yo) haven2t +anted to to)ch it.8
6Don2t look at -e0 bro. I have eno)"h !roble-(08 Michael (aid. 6I don2t need Dad
)!(et +ith -e.8
6<o)r -other -ove co-!letely o)t yet;8 Will a(ked Shane0 tryin" to "et the
conver(ation onto (o-ethin" other than the b)(t of =e((ica and ho+ a!!ealin" it +a(.
6I have the re(t of her (t)ff in -y car. She and &)ke are co-in" to dinner0 ri"ht;8
Shane (aid.
Michael nodded. 6<e(. I tho)"ht +e +o)ld do one dinner -eet and "reet +ith Carrie
to "et it over +ith :)ickly. She2( (till !retty (ick0 (o (he -ay end )! headin" to her roo-
for -o(t of the evenin". Mo- i( !ickin" )! the catered food I ordered. I didn2t +ant to
fill the ho)(e +ith cookin" (-ell( )ntil Carrie2( -edicine (tart( to take better effect. The
doctor (aid it +o)ld be t+o or three day(.8
Will !atted Michael on the (ho)lder. 6That +a( very tho)"htf)l. <o)r -other +a(
(ick both ti-e( (he +a( !re"nant. It2( really a+f)l +atchin" (o-eone "o thro)"h it. I
can2t i-a"ine ho+ it i( to be the one (ick for -onth( and -onth(.8
6If there2( anythin" I can do to hel!0 ,)(t let -e kno+08 Shane (aid0 kee!in" hi( voice
:)iet.
Michael nodded. 6=)(t try not to (care her +ith yo)r )"ly -)". Are yo) ever "oin" to
"et a hairc)t a"ain or (have on a re")lar ba(i(;8
Shane raked a hand thro)"h hi( (ho)lder len"th blond lock( and t)cked the- back
behind hi( ear(. 6There. I( that -ore re(!ectable;8
6o. It2( (till on yo)r head08 Michael (aid on a la)"h. 6B)t I ")e(( it +ill have to do.8
A ra! on the !atio door had the- all lookin" at the cool blonde (-ilin" and +avin" at
the-.
6Mo- look( (o -)ch ha!!ier. I don2t kno+ +hat ha!!ened0 b)t it +a( "ood08 Shane
(aid0 (-ilin".
Will looked at Ellen and +atched her (ettin" the food o)t on Michael2( kitchen table.
He +alked back to the b)(t of =e((ica.
6I ")e(( &)ke for"ave her08 Will (aid (oftly0 takin" a cloth and +i!in" the re(t of the
d)(t a+ay.
6<eah5thank( to =e((ica08 Shane (aid (har!ly. 6Mo- (aid (he (to!!ed in the !arkin"
lot and told &)ke it +a( hi( ,ob a( her h)(band to hel! her be ha!!y. Evidently0 he took
her advice.8
Will (to!!ed +i!in" to look at Shane. 6I think it +a( a to((/)! +ho =e((ica +a( -ore
an"ry +ith5-e or yo)r -other. I ")e(( it -)(t have been -e (ince (he act)ally talked to
Ellen and &)ke. Hell0 I +a( ,)(t the ")y (lee!in" +ith her. Why (ho)ld2ve =e((ica talked
to -e and "iven -e a chance to e3!lain;8
Shane looked at hi( brother. 6o+ I kno+ +here yo) "ot all that e-otional (t)ff
fro-. Dad +hine( ,)(t like yo) +hen he "et( )!(et.8
6(hines?8 Michael e3clai-ed. 6I do not +hine. I e3!re(( -y(elf in a healthy +ay0
and I2- abo)t to (it on yo) +hile Dad take( hi( t)rn e3!re((in" hi-(elf.8
Shane b)r(t o)t la)"hin". 6Well I ")e(( before yo) ")y( "an" )! on -e0 I2ll ,)(t "o
hel! Mo- in the kitchen.8
6R)nnin" a+ay +o)ld be a +i(e choice08 Will (aid0 fi3in" hi( yo)n"e(t (on +ith a
narro+ed "a9e. 6I2- !retty !hy(ically fr)(trated ri"ht no+. *ickin" yo)r a(( a!!eal( to
-e a( a healthy o)tlet for -y e-otion(0 Dr. &ar(on.8
Shane +alked off la)"hin"0 (ati(fied that the only e-otion the -en in hi( fa-ily
+o)ld be e3!re((in" thi( evenin" +a( (o-e b)ll(hit an"er.
Michael (tood there for a -o-ent fro+nin" at the !atio door after Shane had "one
in(ide.
6I do not +hine08 he (aid fir-ly0 hi( head t)rnin" (har!ly at hi( father2( belly la)"h.
6What2( (o f)nny;8
6If -y !arent( +ere (till alive0 I +o)ld tell the- ho+ "ratef)l I a- to be an only
child. Shane yank( yo)r chain0 and yo) (train on the end of it every ti-e08 Will (aid.
6One day yo)2re "oin" to learn not to let hi- (ee that he2( "ettin" to yo).8
6He in()lted yo) too08 Michael re-inded hi-0 "rinnin".
6<e(08 Will a"reed0 la)"hin" a"ain. 6B)t I don2t care a( -)ch abo)t +hat he think( a(
yo) do. He -ay be a boy "eni)( in hi( field0 b)t to -e he +ill al+ay( !ri-arily re-ain
-y (-art/a(( (on.8
6One day I2- "oin" to "et even08 Michael (aid0 cro((in" hi( ar-(.
Will (norted. 6Ri"ht. That2( very -at)re for a -an abo)t to "et -arried and beco-e a
father.8
6Beat( +hinin"08 Michael (aid0 en,oyin" hi( father2( rollin" la)"hter. He hadn2t heard
it -)ch lately. 6I2- "oin" to check on Carrie. Ho+ near done are yo);8
6I can (to! anyti-e. =)(t let -e kno+ +hen yo) +ant -e in(ide. I2- not keen on
-akin" ca()al conver(ation +ith yo)r -other and &)ke )ntil I have to.8
Cha!ter ##
Ellen kne+ Shane and &)ke +ere in the livin" roo- +atchin" the (!ort( hi"hli"ht(
for the +eek. She had (een Michael cree!in" do+n the hall and :)ietly into the -a(ter
bedroo-. The kitchen table +a( laden +ith food0 and it +a(n2t ti-e to -ake final
!re!aration(.
There +a( nothin" el(e to do no+ e3ce!t the one thin" Ellen Cannon didn2t +ant to
do0 b)t needed to. She needed to "o o)t to the co)rtyard and a!olo"i9e to her e3/h)(band.
So (lidin" the !atio door behind her0 (he +alked caref)lly thro)"h the co)rtyard to +here
Will +a( cleanin" hi( tool( and !)ttin" the- a+ay.
6Will;8 (he called0 then (to!!ed a( her eye( landed on the b)(t. 6Oh. That2( (o
bea)tif)l. &ook at her face. She look( radiant.8
6I( that act)ally a co-!li-ent on -y art;8 Will a(ked (arca(tically0 b)t (-ilin" to
(often the :)e(tion.
6<e(. It2( a co-!li-ent08 Ellen (aid :)ickly. 6And I can2t believe ho+ a-a9in"
=e((ica Daniel( look( in -arble.8
Will (hr)""ed. 6Thank(.8
6I2- (orry Will. I2- (orry I ca)(ed yo) "rief in yo)r ne+ relation(hi! and (orry I
tho)"ht only of -y(elf for a lon" ti-e. I never -eant to h)rt yo). I ,)(t co)ldn2t (ee- to
avoid it08 Ellen (aid0 her eye( tearin" )!. 6I2- ()re =e((ica +ill "et over thi(. She2( a
!a((ionate0 hotheaded +o-an0 b)t I don2t think (he2( totally )nrea(onable. In fact0 (he
(ee-( like the !erfect -atch for yo).8
6<eah0 +ell5yo) can tell her that ne3t ti-e yo) talk to her. She2( (till not talkin" to
-e. I tried callin" and "oin" by the ho)(e. She2( i"norin" -e !retty +ell08 Will (aid.
6If yo) +ant -e to "o talk to her0 I +ill. I o+e both of yo) that -)ch. &)ke ha( been
a different -an (ince (he talked to )( in the !arkin" lot. I don2t +ant to re!eat that a+f)l
ni"ht0 b)t it -ay end )! bein" the be(t thin" that ever ha!!ened to -y -arria"e. I2-
ha!!y0 Will. I +ant yo) to be ha!!y0 too.8 Ellen looked at the b)(t. 6I +ant yo) to be
ha!!y +ith =e((ica Daniel(.8
6*ee! (ayin" it. I2- (tartin" to believe yo)08 Will (aid0 clo(in" the bo3 and +alkin"
to +here Ellen (tood. 6I +o)ld like )( to be friend(5real friend(. We2re "oin" to be
"rand!arent(. Michael2( (it)ation i( not "ood0 and +e2re "oin" to need to hel! hi-. I
don2t +ant the kid( +orryin" abo)t )(0 too.8
6o. I a"ree +ith that08 Ellen (aid0 -eanin" it. She looked at the b)(t a"ain. 6In all
the year( +e +ere -arried0 yo) never carved -e0 Will. A relation(hi! that in(!ire( yo)r
art thi( -)ch i( +orth fi"htin" for0 don2t yo) think;8
6Ho+ can I fi3 it if the +o-an +on2t talk to -e;8 Will a(ked (adly0 lettin" hi( tr)e
fr)(tration (ho+ to a !er(on that had kno+n hi- thro)"h -any hard ti-e(.
Ellen "rabbed hi( ar-( and (hook hi- +hile (he la)"hed. 6Willia- Everett &ar(on0
)(e that incredible (t)bbornne(( of yo)r( to "o after her. Sto! feelin" (orry for yo)r(elf.8
Will la)"hed in ret)rn0 feelin" -ore ho!ef)l than he had in day(. It +a( the -o(t
nat)ral thin" in the +orld to !)t hi( ar-( aro)nd Ellen for a co-fortin" h)".
***
ot havin" the heart to +ake her yet +hen (he +a( (till (o !ale0 Michael had left
Carrie (till (lee!in" on the bed. They co)ld +ait another half ho)r0 he tho)"ht.
He (tarted to veer into the livin" roo- to han" +ith Shane and &)ke +hen the
doorbell ran". By!a((in" the livin" roo-0 he "lanced in the kitchen and (a+ hi( -other
+a( not aro)nd. So he headed to the door +onderin" if (he2d locked her(elf o)t(ide. The
la(t !er(on he2d e3!ected to (ee +a( =e((ica (tandin" on hi( front (te!.
6=e((ica. Co-e in. <o)2re ,)(t in ti-e to -eet -y fianc?e08 Michael (aid.
61ianc2e? When did thi( ha!!en; I tho)"ht (he +a( -arryin" (o-eone el(e08 =e((ica
(aid0 her forehead +rinklin" in conf)(ion.
6Dad didn2t tell yo);8 Michael (aid0 (hock on hi( feat)re(. 6Well0 a lot ha( ha!!ened
to -e lately. 7ettin" her !re"nant -oved -e )! in line on the ne3t/")y/to/-arry li(t.8
6Decided to thro+ everythin" yo) had into the relation(hi!0 did yo);8 =e((ica (aid0 a
t+inkle in her eye.
6Well0 I al+ay( did like crankin" )! the heat )nder a b)rnin" fla-e08 Michael (aid0 a(
he la)"hed and (li!!ed an ar- aro)nd her +ai(t. 6I2- really ha!!y abo)t thi(0 and I2-
(orry yo) +ere the la(t to kno+.8
6I2ve been i"norin" yo)r father. o+ I2ve decided to co-e fi"ht a"ain. Can I talk to
hi-;8 (he a(ked.
=e((ica +i!ed (+eaty !al-( on her ,ean( a( Michael let her "o.
6S)re5b)t yo) (ho)ld kno+ Mo- and &)ke are here. So i( Shane. We2re ,)(t (ort of
han"in" o)t )ntil Carrie +ake( )!. Dad2( in the co)rtyard +orkin" if yo) +ant to "o on
o)t. There2( a ne+ !iece of art yo) (ho)ld (ee any+ay. He2( been +orkin" on it non/(to!
for a co)!le of +eek( no+08 Michael (aid.
=e((ica took a dee! breath. 6I ")e(( it doe(n2t -atter +ho2( here. I o+e yo)r -other
and &)ke an a!olo"y0 too. What2( one -ore h)-blin" circ)-(tance;8
Then (he looked o)t the !atio door and (a+ Will h)""in" Ellen and la)"hin". 6On the
other hand0 I -ay ,)(t kill both of the- and b)ry their bodie( in -y backyard after all.8
6What do yo) -ean;8 Michael a(ked. Then he (a+ +hat =e((ica (a+.
6That2( not +hat it look( like08 Michael a(()red her. 6I don2t kno+ +hat it i(0 b)t it2(
not +hat yo) think.8
6Did yo) "et that denial thin" fro- yo)r father0 or did he "et it fro- yo);8 =e((ica
a(ked (nidely. 6I2- "ettin" really tired of hearin" ho+ there2( nothin" "oin" on0 b)t yet
thi( i( +hat I (ee.8 She !ointed to the co)rtyard.
Michael la)"hed beca)(e the (it)ation +a( f)nny even if the look on =e((ica2( face
+a( not. 6I2- ()re there2( a !erfectly rea(onable e3!lanation08 he (aid0 tryin" to kee! a
(trai"ht face.
6The hell there i(. 7et o)t of -y +ay0 Michael. <o)r -other2( a(( i( -ine08 (he (aid
fir-ly0 (lidin" the !atio door o!en and +alkin" o)t.
6ShaneK &)keK 7et in here. =e((ica ca)"ht Mo- h)""in" Dad a"ain08 Michael yelled0
(lidin" the !atio door o!en and +alkin" o)t(ide after her.
***
6So are yo) t+o "ettin" back to"ether or +hat; =)(t tell -e (o I can (tay the hell a+ay
fro- yo) both08 =e((ica de-anded0 (tridin" to+ard( the co)!le that (!r)n" a!art like
")ilty kid( ca)"ht neckin".
6o0 of co)r(e not08 Ellen re!lied0 (te!!in" to+ard the an"ry +o-an. 6&ook5
=e((ica0 thi( i( not +hat it (ee-(.8
6Better (tay +here yo) are0 Ellen. I +o)ldn2t ()""e(t bein" +ithin reachin" di(tance
of -e +hile yo) an(+er -y :)e(tion(. I have (i3 inche( on yo) and !robably o)t/+ei"h
yo) by thirty or forty !o)nd(. Even -y thera!i(t co)ldn2t talk -e do+n fro- kickin"
yo)r a(( ri"ht no+08 =e((ica +arned.
6=e((ica5+ait08 Michael called.
She (+)n" aro)nd0 !ointed her fin"er at hi-0 and (te!!ed back to+ard( hi-. 6Stay
o)t of thi(0 Michael08 (he ordered. 6I kno+ the +o-an i( yo)r -other0 b)t (he2( al(o a
"ro+n +o-an +ho need( to be held acco)ntable for her action(. I2- not "oin" to kill her0
b)t I a- "oin" to have -y (ay. If yo)2re "oin" to (tand o)t here0 then (h)t )! and let )(
"et on +ith thi(.8
Michael held )! hi( hand( and took a fe+ (te!( back to (ho+ =e((ica he +a(
co-!lyin". Shane and &)ke ca-e o)t of the door to"ether ,)(t in ti-e to (ee Michael
+ith hi( hand( rai(ed in the air.
6What2( )!;8 Shane a(ked. 6Be(ide( yo)r hand(0 that i(.8
6=e((ica i( !lannin" to kick Mo-2( a((08 Michael (aid0 torn bet+een di(tre(( and
la)"hter.
6Cool08 Shane (aid. 6Why;8
6She +a( h)""in" Dad a"ain08 Michael (aid0 lookin" at &)ke.
He +a( ()r!ri(ed +hen &)ke (norted and la)"hed. 6So-ethin" f)nny abo)t yo)r +ife
h)""in" another -an;8 Michael a(ked.
6<e(08 &)ke (aid0 hi( body (till +orn o)t fro- la(t ni"ht2( -o(t recent -arathon +ith
Ellen. He +a( co-!letely convinced that hi( +ife didn2t +ant her e3/h)(band (e3)ally
any-ore0 b)t if (he +a( d)-b eno)"h to "et ca)"ht h)""in" hi- a"ain0 then he +a( ,)(t
"oin" to en,oy +atchin" her learn her le((on. 6I haven2t (een a "ood cat fi"ht (ince hi"h
(chool. <o) didn2t (ay there +o)ld be entertain-ent toni"ht0 Michael.8
6My la(t cat fi"ht +a( -y (o!ho-ore year in colle"e. I +a( datin" (everal "irl( in the
(a-e (orority. Well0 a( yo) can i-a"ine that didn2t +ork o)t (o +ell08 Shane (aid0
(i"hin". 6B)t the fi"ht +a( a lot of f)n to +atch.8
6So a- I the only one a!!alled at thi(;8 Michael a(ked0 !ointin" at the yellin"0
(+earin" +o-en do+n the yard. Hi( father looked like a referee tryin" to (e!arate t+o
+re(tler(.
Shane and &)ke looked at each other0 then at Michael and (hr)""ed.
6>nbelievable08 Michael (aid0 la)"hin" at the -en +ho +ere contentedly +atchin"
the (ho+.
Abo)t that ti-e Carrie (lid o!en the !atio door. 6Michael; I tho)"ht I heard yellin".
What2( "oin" on;8
Shane looked do+n at the !ale br)nette +ith incredibly bea)tif)l t)r:)oi(e eye(. He
(-iled in +elco-e. She didn2t even blink at hi( a!!earance.
6Hi. I2- Michael2( brother0 Shane. Thi( i( hi( (te!father0 &)ke. The tall (crea-in"
redhead do+n the co)rtyard i( -y father2( "irlfriend. O)r father +o)ld be the (!)tterin"
bald ")y ca)"ht bet+een the t+o +o-en. The !retty blonde +o-an tryin" to hide behind
hi- and )(e hi- for a h)-an (hield5+ell0 that2( o)r -other. It2( nice to -eet yo)0
Carrie08 Shane (aid0 (tickin" o)t a hand and la)"hin" a( (he took it. 6Welco-e to the
fa-ily. What cha!ter in -y book do yo) +ant;8
Carrie co)ld tell Michael2( brother +a( tryin" to "et her to have a h)"e reaction0 (o
(he denied hi- the !lea()re and looked at Michael in(tead.
6Serio)(ly; Thi( i( yo)r fa-ily;8 (he a(ked. 6And thi( i( yo)r idea of a :)iet
dinner;8
6o. Act)ally0 thi( i( -y idea of hell. The :)iet dinner to -eet the fa-ily +a( a
drea- I once had08 Michael (aid. 6That drea- i( "one no+. &ately0 thi( i( a( "ood a( it
"et(. See +hy I told yo) that yo) +o)ldn2t add anythin" to -y dra-a; My !arent( have
lo(t their da-n -ind( lately.8
They all t)rned their attention to the co)rtyard a( =e((ica (crea-ed and Ellen yelled
!)llin" back+ard on Will2( (hirt to kee! hi- in front of her.
6Ho+ old are tho(e !eo!le; Aren2t they all over F$;8 Carrie a(ked0 (hakin" her head
in di(belief. 6Thi( i( not hi"h (chool.8
6Well0 they +ere once all teacher(. o5+ait0 Will +a( a !rinci!al for a lon" ti-e08
&)ke (aid0 la)"hin" at Ellen co+erin" behind Will and tryin" to rea(on +ith the hot/
te-!ered redhead. Thi( +a( even -ore entertainin" than he2d i-a"ined0 &)ke tho)"ht. It
+a( even better to learn ho+ !a((ionate hi( +ife tr)ly +a( )nder all that re(erve. He +a(
-ore in love +ith her no+ than +hen he -et her.
6Teacher(; They2re teacher(; <o)2re kiddin"0 ri"ht;8 Carrie a(ked.
6Well0 teacher( are ,)(t a( h)-an a( the re(t of )(. They ,)(t have better (elf/control
5)()ally08 Shane (aid0 la)"hin". 6&ove al+ay( -ake( a -e(( of everyone.8
Carrie blinked in (hock a"ain0 reali9in" they +ere "oin" to do nothin" to (to! +hat
+a( ha!!enin". She looked at all three of the -en.
&)ke (-iled0 Shane (-iled0 and Michael clo(ed hi( eye( and (hook hi( head fro- (ide
to (ide. >nbelievably0 Carrie felt (orry for Michael &ar(on. He (ee-ed to be the lea(t
cra9y !er(on in hi( -e((ed )! fa-ily.
She (i"hed and !)t a hand to her (to-ach. 6Well0 I ")e(( I need to "o -eet everyone
el(e before I do anythin" -ore (erio)( to (to! thi( cra9ine((.8
She (tarted for+ard to+ard the "ro)! of fi"htin"0 yellin" !eo!le.
6Carrie0 no. <o) -i"ht "et h)rt08 Michael (aid0 r)(hin" after her.
Shane b)r(t o)t la)"hin". 6Welco-e to the fa-ily0 Carrie08 he called o)t.
Michael t)rned aro)nd and "ave hi( brother the bird.
Shane looked at &)ke0 +ho +a( (till (-ilin". 6Doe( yo)r older brother treat yo) that
+ay;8
6All the ti-e08 &)ke a(ked. 6He ke!t flirtin" +ith yo)r -other +hen +e +ere datin"0
(o I had to !o)nd on hi- to kee! hi- a+ay fro- her.8
6Wo+. My fifty/t+o/year/old -other had t+o yo)n" -en fi"htin" over her08 Shane
(aid. 6I2- "oin" to be a rich -an after I fini(h -y book.8
6<o)2re "oin" to +ant an attorney to read the contract(08 &)ke advi(ed. 67ood thin"
yo) have one in the fa-ily.8
Shane la)"hed and t)rned hi( attention back ,)(t a( Carrie let o)t a lo)d yell and
cla!!ed her hand( really lo)dly. o+ he and &)ke +ere riveted.
On her +ay0 Carrie had (!ied the -arble b)(t (ittin" a table. It +a( the -o(t
-arvelo)( thin" (he2d ever (een. It +a( al(o obvio)( +ho had been the -odel.
6Hi. I2- Carrie. Do yo) +ant to -eet -e no+ or after the !olice are called to break
)! thi( do-e(tic di(t)rbance;8 (he a(ked0 tryin" to be a( i-!o(in" a( (he co)ld be.
=e((ica t)rned her f)rio)( "a9e on the !ale0 +eavin" +o-an +ho looked like a hard
+ind +o)ld knock her do+n. 6Honey0 yo) look like yo)2re "oin" to faint any (econd.8
6That +o)ld better than li(tenin" to yo) all fi"ht all ni"ht08 Carrie (aid in re!ly.
=e((ica la)"hed and +alked to the +o-an. 6=e((ica Daniel(. I can already (ee +hy
Michael like( yo)08 (he (aid0 (tickin" o)t her hand to (hake.
6<o)2re the b)(t +o-an08 Carrie (aid0 lookin" )! and (t)dyin" =e((ica2( face a( (he
(hook hand(.
6I2- the +hat;8 =e((ica a(ked0 la)"hin".
Carrie !ointed off to the (ide. 6That2( yo)0 i(n2t it;8
=e((ica looked in the direction (he !ointed and her ,a+ dro!!ed. &ike a +o-an in a
trance0 (he +alked over to the b)(t to reach a hand o)t.
6That&s #hat % kept trying to tell you08 Ellen (aid to =e((ica0 e3a(!eration and -ore in
her tone. 6<o)2re every bit a( (t)bborn a( Will. 7od hel! yo) both beca)(e yo)2re "oin"
to need it.8
Ellen +alked to the !ale br)nette +ho +a( the (a-e hei"ht (he +a(. 6Hi. I2-
Michael2( -other. I hardly ever fi"ht0 b)t it2( been a really intere(tin" -onth for -e. It2(
(o nice to -eet yo). I2- "oin" in to fini(h "ettin" dinner ready no+.8 She t)rned back to
=e((ica. 6I +a( ,)(t h)""in" Will to +i(h hi- l)ck on "ettin" yo) back0 yo) helli(h/fire/
breathin"/dra"on +itch.8
6a-e callin"; Oh0 that2( very -at)re0 Ellen08 =e((ica (aid0 b)t then (he (tarted
la)"hin" a( (he finally heard the ty!e of an"ry e3chan"e the other( -)(t have been
hearin" all alon".
6<e(. Well0 yo) (ee- to in(!ire everyone in thi( fa-ily one +ay or another. I +a(
"oin" to thank yo) for (avin" -y -arria"e0 b)t "o to hell fir(t08 Ellen (aid0 la)"hin"
her(elf. 6I2ll thank yo) later.8
6'ine. I2- "lad it +orked o)t for yo)08 =e((ica (aid0 tear( of e-barra((-ent finally
(tartin" to flo+. 6I hate bein" an idiot.8
6Well0 don2t cry abo)t it08 Ellen (aid bri(kly. Then (he looked at Will and !ointed her
fin"er. 6Well0 don2t ,)(t (tand there +ith yo)r -o)th o!en like a "a!in" fi(h. Make )!
+ith her Willia-0 and then -ake her (tay for dinner. Ho+ el(e are +e "oin" to +ork on
bein" friend(;8
Michael (te!!ed )! and hooked an ar- aro)nd Carrie. 6Ea(y there0 7eneral Addi(on.
<o)2re a( +hite a( a (heet. &et2( "o find yo) a chair.8 He (coo!ed her )! into hi( ar-(.
67ood ,ob tho)"h. <o) act)ally did break )! the fi"ht. We -i"ht "et that :)iet dinner
after all.8
6The -edicine -ake( -e (lee!y0 b)t I think I2- h)n"ry08 Carrie (aid0 (-ilin" +eakly
into Michael2( face. 6<o) have a cra9y fa-ily. I tho)"ht -ine +a( bad.8
6Sorry. <o) can add li-ited e3!o()re to the- in the a"ree-ent if yo) +ant. They
+ill all be leavin" later. I !ro-i(e08 he (aid0 +alkin" a+ay +ith her. Then he (to!!ed and
t)rned aro)nd. 6Dad0 are yo) "oin" to be okay;8
Will +a( +atchin" =e((ica cry and to)ch her o+n face in -arble. 6<e(. I5"ive )( a
fe+ -in)te( and +e2ll be in(ide.8
6Take yo)r ti-e08 Michael (aid. 6Carrie ha( to eat tho)"h. We don2t +ant the
-edicine to +ear off before (he doe(.8
6<o) don2t have to +orry (o -)ch abo)t -e0 Michael08 Carrie (colded. 6I2- fine.8
6Ab(ol)tely08 he (aid0 carryin" her thro)"h the door Shane +a( holdin" o!en a( +ide
a( !o((ible. 6<o)2re ab(ol)tely the fine(t +o-an I kno+.8
***
When the co)rtyard had e-!tied e3ce!t for the t+o of the-0 Will +alked over to
(tand ne3t to =e((ica.
6I can2t believe I +a( ready to fi"ht the +o-an over her h)""in" yo)08 (he (aid0
(nifflin". 6<o) -)(t be e-barra((ed to death.8
Will ran a hand over hi( head0 (-iled0 and decided co-!lete hone(ty +a( the only
choice.
6I liked the (crea-in" and yellin" a lot better than yo)r lo"ical reaction to her +aitin"
for -e in the bedroo- a fe+ +eek( a"o. Bein" a -an0 and (till (t)!id even at -y a"e0 I
have to ad-it it +a( kind of hot to kno+ -y "irlfriend +o)ld fi"ht -y e3/+ife over -e08
he (aid0 r)bbin" hi( face. 6Even if there +a( absolutely no reason. Ever. ot even if +e
don2t +ork o)t0 +hich +e +ill0 beca)(e yo) are all I can think abo)t.8
=e((ica (niffed. 6So yo) (ay.8
Will reached o)t and to)ched the face of the b)(t he2d -ade of her. 6My one
!redo-inant tho)"ht i( ho+ to "et yo) to look like thi( for -e a"ain. I can2t bear the idea
that bein" +ith -e ha( chan"ed yo) to the !oint yo) can2t be yo)r(elf or be ha!!y. When
yo) (to! ki((in" ninety/year/old -en0 (o-ethin"2( not ri"ht in =e((ica Daniel(2 +orld.
6Doe( Melanie tell yo) everythin";8 =e((ica a(ked0 la)"hin".
6Well0 I ti! her +ith -oney in(tead of condo-(. That hel!(. B)t I think I al(o re-ind
her of her dad. She feel( (orry for -e a lot08 Will (aid. 6Can I h)" yo) no+0 or yo) (till in
the -ood to kick (o-eone2( a((;8
=e((ica t)rned and lifted her ar-( (o Will co)ld +alk into the-. He (coo!ed her )! (o
hard that (he al-o(t co)ldn2t breathe.
6I -i((ed yo) (o -)ch08 he told her.
6I -i((ed yo) too08 =e((ica told hi-. 6B)t I had to "et over bein" -ad and (ay
"oodbye to the other ")y.8
6What other ")y;8 Will a(ked caref)lly0 dra+in" back and lookin" at her. 6Are yo)
datin" a"ain;8
6o. I had to (ay "oodbye to athan08 =e((ica (aid (oftly. 6I told hi- I loved yo) and
+anted to -arry yo). He (ee-ed to )nder(tand.8
6Well0 I2- "lad athan took it (o +ell08 Will (aid0 not ()re hi( le"( +ere "oin" to
hold hi- )!. She loved hi-. He (:)ee9ed her ti"htly. She +a( "oin" to -arry hi-. 6Ho+
abo)t Mr. Bea)-ont;8
6Willia-08 =e((ica (aid0 )(in" her be(t teacher voice0 6there are ,)(t (o-e -en that a
+o-an can2t "ive )!. <o)2re "oin" to have to learn to (hare -e -ore or o)r -arria"e i(
never "oin" to +ork o)t.8
Will !retended to "ive that (o-e con(ideration a( he ran a hand )! her (!ine )ntil it
tan"led in her hair. He to)ched hi( forehead to her(.
6I ")e(( I can be content +ith bein" the favorite08 Will (aid0 6b)t if the -ath teacher
co-e( back aro)nd a"ain0 I2- (erio)(ly "oin" to kick hi( a((. <o) lifted the bar on that
thi( afternoon +hen yo) cha(ed Ellen aro)nd -e. Did I tell yo) that +a( totally hot;8
=e((ica lifted a hand and (-acked Will li"htly in the back of hi( head0 -akin" hi-
la)"h even +hen he called o)t in !ain.
6Don2t even "et -e (tarted on -ath teacher(. <o) -arried one yo)r(elf5yet another
thin" yo) never told -e even tho)"h I heard abo)t Ada- a h)ndred ti-e(08 =e((ica
co-!lained.
6I +anted yo) to like -e for -y art0 for bein" an arti(t. I +anted to be +ith (o-eone
+ho loved -e -ore than a -ath teacher ever co)ld. I never -eant to not tell yo). I ,)(t
never tho)"ht abo)t the !a(t +hen I +a( +ith yo)08 Will e3!lained. He ki((ed the corner
of her eye0 the ed"e of her -o)th0 and do+n her neck )ntil her heart beat (tron"ly )nder
her li!(. 6<o)2re not like anyone I2ve ever kno+n. I2ve not been ()re of anythin" (ince I
-et yo).8
6<o) can be ()re of +hat I feel abo)t yo). I2ve belon"ed to yo) (ince the fir(t ti-e
yo) !)t yo)r hand( on -e08 =e((ica (aid hoar(ely. 6Marry -e0 Will. Drive -e cra9y for
the re(t of -y life. <o)2re the la(t -an I2- ever "oin" to -ake that offer to.8
Will tho)"ht bein" ha!!y felt a lot like bein" dr)nk. 6Well0 (ince yo) a(ked (o nicely
5ye(0 I2ll -arry yo)08 he (aid0 -eanin" every +ord. 6I2- ready for a ne+ na-e any+ay.
Willia- Daniel(. I like the (o)nd of it.8
6It +ill never +ork. <o)2ll ,)(t be a cra9y &ar(on )nderneath0 (o +e -i"ht a( +ell )(e
yo)r na-e08 =e((ica (aid0 (-ilin" at hi( "rin. 6I +a( tired of bein" a Daniel( any+ay.
Thirty year( i( lon" eno)"h.8
6Well0 if yo)2re ()re08 Will (aid (erio)(ly0 thrilled to kno+ (he +a( tr)ly ready to let
athan Daniel( "o. 6=e((ica &ar(on. So)nd( like a "ood na-e for a va"ina arti(t.8
6o0 no -ore va"ina(. <o)r love-akin" ha( in(!ired -e to try (o-ethin" ne+. I2-
-akin" brea(t art no+. I2- !lannin" to (ell it to +o-en2( ho(!ital( and birthin" center(08
=e((ica (aid0 la)"hin" a"ain at the !ride and )nder(tandin" (he (a+ in Will2( "a9e.
6I can2t +ait to check o)t the (o)rce of yo)r in(!iration. Have the girls -i((ed -e a(
-)ch a( I have the-;8 Will a(ked0 la)"hin".
6<e(08 =e((ica (aid e-!hatically. 6We2ve all -i((ed yo). They think +e (ho)ld b)y a
ho)(e to"ether (o +e never have to be a!art a"ain. It need( to have a !lace for yo) to
carve and another +here I can +ork in clay.8
Will lifted and (!)n her a( they ki((ed to (eal their a"ree-ent. When they (to!!ed
(!innin"0 it +a( to (ee the cro+d a((e-bled at the !atio door la)"hin" and cla!!in".
L L L
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: If yo) en,oyed thi( ebook0 !lea(e con(ider leavin" a !o(itive
revie+ or ratin" on the (ite +here yo) !)rcha(ed it. Reader revie+( hel! -y book(
contin)e to be val)ed by di(trib)tor(Mre(eller( and hel! ne+ reader( -ake deci(ion( abo)t
readin" the-. I val)e each and every reader +ho take( the ti-e to do thi( and invite yo)
all to ,oin -e on -y Web(ite0 Blo"0 'acebook0 T+itter0 or 7oodread(.co- for -ore
di(c)((ion( and f)n.
'ou are the reason % #rite these stories and % sincerely appreciate you3
.any thanks for your support,
4 5onna .c5onald
KEEP READING in this ebook to read an excert
!ro" #$reated In Fire%& 'ook T(o o!
the Art of Love series)
E3cer!t fro- 6"reated %n 1ire$
It +a(n2t the fir(t ti-e Michael &ar(on had a+akened in a (tran"e bed early on a
Sat)rday -ornin"0 b)t it +a( the fir(t ti-e the (tran"e bed +a( one in hi( o+n ho)(e.
He li(tened for a -o-ent to a (ilence that +a( broken !eriodically by the (o)nd of the
-a(ter bath toilet bein" fl)(hed. It took only a fe+ (econd( of total con(cio)(ne(( to
kno+ the (o)nd( -eant that Carrie Addi(on0 the -other of hi( f)t)re child0 +a( (ick
a"ain.
=)-!in" fro- the bed0 Michael t)""ed (+eat !ant( on to cover -o(t of hi( n)dity
before boltin" to check on her. Ta!!in" li"htly0 he o!ened the bedroo- door a crack and
(a+ no one in the bed.
6Carrie;8 he called (oftly. Hearin" no an(+er0 Michael +alked :)ietly in(ide and
acro(( the len"th of the roo- to ta! li"htly on the -o(tly clo(ed bathroo- door. What he
heard on the other (ide of it -ade hi( o+n (to-ach clench in (y-!athy.
Michael o!ened the door "ently0 callin" her na-e a"ain ,)(t a( (he +a( fl)(hin" the
toilet yet another ti-e.
6I2- okay08 Carrie told hi- (adly0 not the lea(t ()r!ri(ed to (ee Michael +ith all the
noi(e (he +a( -akin". 6I think the +or(t i( over no+.8
7lancin" )! at hi( face and (eein" !ity there bro)"ht (tin"in" hot tear( of re"ret to her
eye(. She rolled off a handf)l of toilet ti(()e and )(ed it to +i!e the- a+ay. 6Bein" (ick
i( not nearly a( bad a( feelin" (orry for -y(elf. I2- never thi( +i-!y. I hate the con(tant
cryin" a( -)ch a( thro+in" )!. I ho!e the cryin" (t)ff doe(n2t la(t the +hole !re"nancy.8
Michael +alked aro)nd +here Carrie (at on the floor to "et to the (ink. Reachin" over
to a (helf to (na" a +a(hcloth0 he :)ickly ran cold +ater )ntil it +a( a( fri"id a( !o((ible
before +ettin" the cloth and foldin" it. Bendin" over to Carrie0 he +ra!!ed it aro)nd the
back of her neck.
6Hold thi( in !lace. It +ill cal- the "a" refle308 he ordered (oftly.
Then Michael ret)rned to the (ink and +et another cold cloth0 all the +hile thinkin"
that for the la(t -onth Carrie had been alone every ti-e thi( ha!!ened. It -ade hi- really
"lad (he had a"reed to -ove in +ith hi- for the d)ration of the !re"nancy0 no -atter the
condition(.
Carrie (norted in di(belief0 b)t !)lled the cold cloth ti"hter aro)nd her neck. 6Thank
yo)0 Dr. &ar(on08 (he (aid (arca(tically.
6o0 the clo(e(t to a doctor in o)r fa-ily +o)ld be Shane0 +ho I +o)ldn2t let !)t (o
-)ch a( a Band/Aid on -e or anyone I care abo)t. Act)ally0 Mo- )(ed to do thi( cold
cloth trick for )( +hen +e +ere (ick. It +orked every ti-e08 Michael told her.
He dro!!ed to the floor to (it be(ide Carrie0 +ra!!in" hi( body aro)nd her(0 +hich
+a( c)rrently h)""in" the toilet. Reachin" aro)nd the front of her body0 Michael !atted
her forehead and fl)(hed cheek( +ith the (econd cloth.
He +a( ()r!ri(ed +hen Carrie (tarted cryin" lon" (trea-( of really hot tear(. 6Hey
no+08 he (aid0 hi( ar-( "oin" aro)nd to h)" her before he co)ld cen(or the action.
6I2- (orry. I ,)(t hate thi(08 Carrie (aid0 chokin" on the a!olo"y thro)"h the tear(. 6I
can2t (ee- to (to! cryin". There2( nothin" really +ron". 8
67ood to kno+. A little h)-an kindne(( i( no rea(on to di((olve into tear(08 Michael
,oked0 tryin" not to fro+n at ho+ v)lnerable (he (ee-ed.
It +a( (o )nlike Carrie2( )()al take/no/!ri(oner(2 a!!roach to her life. Watchin" her
cry thi( -ornin" +a( like an in(tant re!lay of the ni"ht (he2d co-e to tell hi- abo)t the
baby. Tryin" not to think abo)t all (he2d (hared that ni"ht0 he )(ed the cloth to +i!e the
tear( even tho)"h nothin" he did (ee-ed to be (lo+in" the-. Her body +a( ten(e0 and
thro)"h the tear( Michael (a+ her fr)(tration.
It +a( a-a9in" ho+ -)ch he tr)ly +anted to (oothe her. All he +anted +a( to hold
her and -ake ()re (he kne+ he +a( there for her.
Scootin" clo(er0 Michael +ra!!ed hi( body -ore ti"htly aro)nd her(0 creatin" a(
-)ch contact a( !o((ible.
6<o)2re the (tron"e(t +o-an I kno+0 and every ti-e yo) cry it kill( -e. I2- tr)ly
(orry yo)2re (o (ick. o one (ho)ld have to "o thro)"h thi( +itho)t choo(in" to08
Michael (aid "ently.
6I think +e both kno+ +hat I cho(e that "ot -e into thi( (it)ation08 Carrie (aid
tearf)lly0 tone f)ll of hone(ty and (elf/!ity.
Michael2( very i-!re((ive0 very hard erection +a( even no+ !re((ed a"ain(t her hi!
a( he held her. Her tear( of (elf/!ity dried )! only to be re!laced by -ortification a( (he
felt her(elf beco-in" aro)(ed.
6<o) -ean0 thi( old thin"08 Michael tea(ed0 "rinnin" and !re((in" hi-(elf even
clo(er. It +a( heaven to even i-a"ine the !o((ibility of bein" +ith her a"ain0 b)t he2d
(ettle for -akin" her la)"h thi( -ornin". 6o +orrie( abo)t that bein" a !roble-0 honey.
That2( ,)(t a -ornin" thin" for -o(t ")y(.8
Carrie (norted and laid her head on the (eat ri- of the toilet. She co)ld la)"h only
beca)(e (he kne+ that not even the +or(t -an +o)ld (ed)ce a +o-an +ho +a( retchin"
every co)!le of -in)te(. Michael +a( lechero)( by her (tandard(0 b)t he +a(n2t that
horrible.
6I +a( -arried t+ice. I kno+ +hat -en are like. It +a( ,)(t the irony of thro+in" )!
+hile thinkin" abo)t. . .never -ind. I think the (ickne(( i( !a((in" no+. <o) can let -e
"o08 Carrie told hi-0 takin" the +a(hcloth fro- Michael2( hand and +i!in" her entire
face. 6It +o)ld hel! if yo) "ot -e a "la(( of ice +ater (o I can take the na)(ea -edicine.8
Michael ran a hand do+n the back of her (hort ca! of bro+n hair and fli!!ed the cloth
on her neck over to a cooler (ide. 6S)re. I don2t -ind takin" care of yo). I +ant yo) to
a(k -e to hel! +hen yo) need hel!.8
6So yo) kee! (ayin"08 Carrie retorted0 (i"hin" and noddin"0 kee!in" her face and
e3!re((ion hidden in the +a(hcloth. 6I2- "oin" to (tart cryin" a"ain if yo) don2t leave
ri"ht no+. icene(( (ee-( to activate the +ater +ork(.8
Michael (lid a+ay fro- her and )(ed the (ink to !)ll hi-(elf )!. 6Stay do+n there
)ntil I "et back.8
Rollin" her eye(0 Carrie !)lled the +a(hcloth a+ay fro- her face and +atched
Michael &ar(on2( very attractive back and rear di(a!!ear :)ickly thro)"h the no+ o!en
bathroo- door. Hi( dark hair +a( loo(e fro- (lee!0 and (he -arveled a"ain that it h)n"
lon"er than -o(t +o-en2(. What +o)ld have been effe-inate on -any -en only
enhanced the -a(c)linity he (ee-ed to e3)de +itho)t even tryin". Me-orie( of her
hand( in hi( hair had aro)(al t)""in" at her even thro)"h the +ave( of na)(ea.
6And that feelin"0 yo) (t)!id0 hor-onal +o-an0 i( e3actly ho+ and +hy yo) "ot
yo)r(elf knocked )! a"ain by the -an. <o) never learn0 Carlene08 (he lect)red her(elf.
Her +ord( echoed (oftly in the e-!ty bathroo- a( (he (niffed the ne3t bo)t of fre(h
hot tear( a+ay.
>(in" the toilet for levera"e0 Carrie !)(hed to her feet and +alked to lean li-!ly
a"ain(t the (ink. She +et both cloth( +ith cold +ater a"ain. The one behind her neck
really +a( hel!in". The )r"e to thro+ )! +a( le((enin" every (econd.
Carrie rin(ed her -o)th and "ently br)(hed her teeth0 havin" learned that too -)ch
tooth!a(te only -ade the na)(ea +or(e. She rin(ed her -o)th (everal ti-e( )ntil the -int
flavor +a( "one. Then (he +alked caref)lly back to the bedroo- and cra+led into the
bed.
When a f)lly dre((ed Michael +ith hair re(trained behind hi- ca-e back +ith a "la((
of ice +ater0 Carrie +a( !ro!!ed )! on !illo+(. She (i"hed in relief that (he +a(n2t "oin"
to be tort)red +ith a nearly naked ver(ion of hi- a"ain.
Day one of bein" alone +ith the -an in hi( ho)(e +a( "oin" ,)(t abo)t a( badly a(
(he had envi(ioned0 incl)din" havin" to confront the h)-iliation of (till +antin" hi-
every bit a( -)ch a( (he ever had. The ill)(ion of "ettin" over hi- ,)(t ke!t cra(hin" and
b)rnin" every ti-e (he t)rned aro)nd and (a+ hi-.
6I +o)ld have hel!ed yo)08 Michael cha(ti(ed0 handin" Carrie the "la(( of ice +ater
and +atchin" a( (he (i!!ed it "ratef)lly.
6And yo) can (till08 Carrie (aid0 (trivin" for a li"ht tone de(!ite ho+ re(entf)l (he
+a( of needin" hel!5(!ecifically0 hi( hel!. 6I left -y na)(ea -edicine in the bathroo-.8
Michael +alked into the bathroo- and ret)rned +ith the !ill bottle0 (hakin" o)t the
reco--ended do(a"e into hi( hand before !a((in" it to her.
Carrie to((ed the !ill( in her -o)th and cha(ed the- :)ickly +ith the +ater. 6T+enty
-in)te( )ntil I feel better08 (he (aid. 6Thank yo)0 Michael.8
Michael (et the bottle on the ni"ht(tand and +ent to the foot of her bed to (it. 6Can I
try (o-e refle3olo"y; It2( ()!!o(ed to hel! +ith the na)(ea and -i"ht -ake yo)r rela3.8
Carrie (hr)""ed. 6S)re. =)(t don2t ,o(tle -e too -)ch.8
Michael !icked )! her left foot and (troked her in(ole +ith hi( th)-b.
6Oh 7od08 (he "roaned0 leanin" back and clo(in" her eye( a( the ten(ion (ee!ed o)t
of her body one (troke at a ti-e. 6That2( a-a9in". Where did yo) learn that;8
Michael ke!t hi( head do+n and contin)ed hi( ta(k +hile tryin" to decide ho+ be(t to
an(+er her in the lea(t incri-inatin" +ay for hi-.
6I dated a -a((a"e thera!i(t for a +hile08 he (aid finally. Havin" never lied to her0 he
(a+ no rea(on to (tart doin" (o.
Carrie o!ened her eye( to (lit( and !ro-!tly clo(ed the- a"ain.
6S)re5of co)r(e08 (he (aid flatly0 lettin" the re(t of +hat (he +a( thinkin" re-ain
)n(!oken. She2d already voiced her o!inion of hi( datin" habit(. There +a( no rea(on to
beat a dead hor(e0 a( her "rand-other +o)ld (ay.
Michael (i"hed re(ol)tely0 the (o)nd very a)dible in the :)iet. He acce!ted that
Carrie +a( (till )!(et abo)t the +o-en he2d dated +here (he +orked0 b)t he didn2t have
to tolerate her thinkin" he +a( a totally bad ")y. Beca)(e he +a(n2t. She had been
-arried +hen he dated the-0 and he had barely ca)"ht her bet+een h)(band( thi( ti-e.
Who +a( (he to criti:)e hi-;
6Maybe I (ho)ld ,)(t -ake a li(t of all the +o-en I dated +here yo) +ork (o +e can
ha(h it all o)t once and -ove on08 he (aid0 not able to kee! the h)rt o)t of hi( tone.
Michael (+)n" both le"( )! into the bed and !)lled Carrie2( left foot (n)" a"ain(t hi(
crotch a( he t)rned hi( attention to (trokin" the ri"ht one.
6<o) +ere -arried0 and I dated08 Michael (aid. 6I co)ldn2t cha(e a -arried +o-an.8
6o5I +ill ad-it that yo) never cha(ed -e +hen I +a( -arried08 Carrie (aid0 not
addin" that the -en (he2d -arried hadn2t even left an i-!re((ion. 6B)t I +o)ld never
have tolerated that fro- yo) any+ay.8
After bein" )(ed and d)-!ed by a yo)n"er Michael in colle"e0 there hadn2t been
eno)"h of her heart left for any -an to break. Datin" the ad)lt ver(ion of hi- +hen their
!ath( had cro((ed a"ain had been totally o)t of the :)e(tion and +a( -ade -ore
)nrea(onable by the fact that he didn2t even re-e-ber her.
<et for a( lon" a( Carrie had kno+n hi-0 Michael had dated and di(carded +o-en
+itho)t (ho+in" any re"ret. She had +atched hi- re!eat the !attern +ith other(0 ,)(t a(
he had +ith her0 -ovin" fro- +o-an to +o-an and bed to bed0 never reali9in" they
cried and h)rt and bled over hi-. She hadn2t let her(elf care abo)t +hat he did eno)"h to
be offended by the !attern a"ain )ntil (he had let her(elf be (ed)ced t+o -onth( a"o and
ended )! !re"nant by hi-.
De(!ite evidence to the contrary0 (he really +a(n2t by nat)re a -a(ochi(t. It ,)(t
looked that +ay. She2d handled the cri(i( in colle"e0 and (he +o)ld handle thi( one. It
+a(n1t like (he didn1t have a hi(tory of bad ,)d"-ent concernin" hi-.
6Michael0 it hone(tly doe(n2t -atter +hat yo) did +ith other +o-en. We1ve already
deter-ined that it doe(n2t concern -e lon" ter-08 Carrie (aid (adly0 not +antin" to have
thi( conver(ation.
6I2ve told yo) thi( before0 b)t I2ll (ay it a"ain. <o)2re the only +o-an I +ant. Every
other +o-an before yo) +a( at be(t !ractice and at +or(t a ()b(tit)te. 'or the d)ration of
o)r involve-ent0 every other relation(hi! i( al(o co-!letely hi(tory0 re"ardle(( of
+hether yo) e3erci(e yo)r f)ll o!tion( +ith -e or not. That2( a( clear a( I can -ake
thin"(. I only care abo)t yo) ri"ht no+. <o) don2t (ee -e "rillin" yo) abo)t yo)r e3/
h)(band(0 do yo);8
6'air eno)"h08 Carrie (aid (tiffly0 not ()r!ri(ed that Michael had no )nder(tandin" of
ho+ (he felt e-otionally. Why +o)ld he; He +a( a ")y +ho did +hat he +anted0 a ")y
like -o(t ")y( (he had kno+n.
6Ho+ -any -en do yo) think I2ve let into -y bed0 Michael;8 (he a(ked.
6The -en in yo)r !a(t don2t -atter any-ore0 b)t yo) can tell -e if yo) +ant08
Michael (aid0 )nable to kee! the defen(ivene(( fro- hi( voice. Hell no0 he didn2t +ant to
kno+. He -i"ht have to "o break (o-ethin" to +ork off hi( ,ealo)(y.
6There have only been three -en0 and that incl)de( yo)08 Carrie (aid0 kee!in" her
eye( clo(ed. 6I +a( rai(ed to believe yo) -arried a !er(on before yo) "ave yo)r(elf to
the- !hy(ically. That +a( the rea(on I hadn2t (le!t +ith To- even tho)"h +e +ere
technically en"a"ed. <o)2re the only -an I ever (le!t +ith that I +a(n2t -arried to.8
Michael (aid nothin" -ore abo)t the third -an that (he had intended to -arry. That
one h)rt -o(t beca)(e he hadn1t even kno+n abo)t hi- the ni"ht he1d (!ent +ith her. He
ke!t hi( attention on hi( ta(k of r)bbin" her feet (o he +o)ldn1t have to "lare at her over
To-.
4l)(0 he +a( a little a(ha-ed of hi-(elf.
A( (e3i(t a( it +a(0 Carrie1( lack of !artner( only -ade her -ore a!!ealin" to hi-.
*no+in" that (he took (e3 (o (erio)(ly told Michael that the connection bet+een the-
+a( (o (tron" that (he had to be +ith hi-. He liked kno+in" he had at lea(t that -)ch
!o+er over her de(!ite her on"oin" ref)(al to date hi- over the year(.
Michael believed Carrie2( (tory co-!letely +hen (he had in(i(ted that he had been
her fir(t0 even if he didn2t re-e-ber it. B)t he +a( definitely a+are of ho+ he felt abo)t
her no+0 he +anted to be Carrie2( only (e3)al !artner for the re(t of her life. He -i"ht not
)nder(tand e3actly +hy he felt that +ay or +hy it +a( her0 b)t every ti-e he looked at
Carrie Addi(on he +anted her.
6<o)r di(cri-ination only -ake( -e ad-ire yo) -ore08 Michael (aid0 rai(in" hi(
head to -eet her "a9e0 only to find Carrie had clo(ed her eye( to (h)t hi- o)t.
6I acce!t that it2( not yo)r fa)lt I violated -y fa-ily2( (e3)al !ro"ra--in" to be +ith
yo) in colle"e or that I (till feel ")ilty abo)t it08 (he (aid :)ietly0 finally o!enin" her eye(
and -eetin" hi( "a9e directly a"ain. 6B)t I can2t react +ith a (ho)lder (hr)" to yo)r lack
of di(cri-ination +hen I "ot to +atch -o(t of yo)r ca(t/off( cryin" their eye( o)t over
yo). Ho+ever0 I +ill -ake an effort to refrain fro- (arca(- abo)t it in the f)t)re. I1ll try
to kee! -y foc)( ,)(t on o)r !re(ent (it)ation.8
While the tho)"ht of not ha(hin" o)t hi( !a(t datin" e3!loit( a!!ealed to hi-0 the
tho)"ht of Carrie kee!in" her tr)e feelin"( in(ide and contin)in" to re(ent hi- held no
a!!eal at all. Michael had never been afraid of fi"htin"0 nor of hi( e-otion(. He for da-n
()re +a(n2t "oin" to be afraid of the an"er of the +o-an he intended to -ake hi( +ife.
He al(o do)bted any +o-an had cried -ore than t+o -in)te( over hi-. With -o(t
+o-en0 Michael had been a( ca()al abo)t (e3 a( Carrie acc)(ed hi- of bein"0 b)t he had
never !retended other+i(e. There +a( nothin" +ron" +ith con(entin" relation(hi!(
a-on" ad)lt(. He did not feel a(ha-ed.
6<o) can a(k -e anythin" yo) +ant. I2ll an(+er yo) hone(tly08 Michael told her.
6Carrie0 I +ant o)r !a(t( re(olved and !)t behind )( +hatever it take(. I +ant yo) to
believe -e +hen I (ay yo)2re the one I +a( lookin" for and +aitin" to be +ith all thi(
ti-e. I +a(n1t -alicio)(ly )(in" tho(e +o-en. Hell0 I +a( ,)(t datin". I ref)(e to let yo)
think I2- the +or(t -an that ever +alked.8
6I never (aid yo) +ere the +or(t -an that ever +alked. <o)2re ,)(t5yo)1re ,)(t not
the kind of -an I +ant to (ettle do+n +ith for the re(t of -y life08 Carrie (aid fir-ly0
la)"hin" har(hly0 clo(in" her eye( a"ain. 67ive -e a break0 Michael. <o) kno+ I can2t
t)rn aro)nd at +ork +itho)t r)nnin" into a +o-an yo)2ve (le!t +ith there. Hell0 Belinda
i( the only e3ce!tion (o far0 and (he2( intere(ted in yo). She a(ked -e if I +a( datin" yo)
the day yo) bro)"ht -e the en"a"e-ent rin".8
Michael lifted both her feet0 held the- ti"htly a"ain(t hi( body0 and tried to (ho+ he
loved her +ith every affectionate (troke of hi( hand(. Carrie +o)ldn2t look directly at hi-
or -eet hi( "a9e0 and that h)rt. Her fi(ted hand( in the bed cover( +ere another ()re (i"n
of her on"oin" di(tre(( +ith the ()b,ect -atter.
<et a( bad a( the (it)ation +a(0 he (till ref)(ed to think of it a( bein" irrevocable or
all hi( fa)lt. Carrie had -arried t+o other -en0 co--itted her(elf +illin"ly to the-. A(
far a( he had kno+n0 (he hadn2t even con(idered "ivin" hi- a chance before t+o -onth(
a"o.
And da-n her0 he2d for ()re had no da-n de(ire for any +o-an (ince. Why co)ldn2t
(he try to acce!t that; Michael ti"htened hi( ,a+ b)t (+allo+ed the )r"e to fi"ht +ith her
-ore.
6I have no intention of datin" Belinda. I2- (orry abo)t the other( and that yo) have to
deal +ith -y e3/"irlfriend( +here yo) +ork. Tr)thf)lly0 I never tho)"ht abo)t it bein" an
i(()e08 he (aid ti"htly. 6That2( not an a!olo"y5,)(t an e3!lanation. <o) +ere -arried
+hen I +a( (erial datin" in yo)r co-!any. I never cared ho+ any of the +o-en I dated
felt abo)t each other0 b)t I2- (tartin" to (ee ho+ it co)ld be e-barra((in" to yo) in o)r
c)rrent circ)-(tance(. If I had kno+n o)r (it)ation +a( "oin" to ever be !o((ible0 I -i"ht
have been -ore di(cri-inatin".8
Carrie o!ened her eye( and (i"hed her(elf. She co)ld hear in hi( voice ho+ -ad
Michael +a( beco-in". 'i"htin" +a( certainly not "oin" to hel! the- "et alon". The
fi"htin" only -ade her heart ache and her body crave !eace +ith hi-.
7od0 +hat had (he been thinkin" +hen (he (aid ye( to livin" +ith hi-; A"reein" to
(tay +ith Michael for the d)ration of the !re"nancy +a( the d)-be(t thin" (he had ever
done in her life o)t(ide of "ettin" !re"nant in the fir(t !lace. Still0 (he had contract)ally
a"reed to create the ill)(ion of a le"al relation(hi!0 and (he needed the hel! d)rin" the(e
fir(t -onth(. So (he (i-!ly had to find a +ay to live !eacef)lly +ith hi-.
6The (ickne(( and the -edicine -)ddle( -y thinkin". A( I (aid before0 +ho yo)
dated doe(n2t really -atter0 or at lea(t it (ho)ldn2t. 'or"et I -entioned it. I2- ()re yo)r
old "irlfriend( +ill (ee o)r -arria"e a( -e +innin" yo)0 rather than it ,)(t bein" a
con(olation !ri9e for "ettin" !re"nant. I2ll ()rvive the "o((i!. Maybe no+ they2ll at lea(t
(to! bra""in" to -e abo)t ho+ "reat yo) +ere in bed.8
Michael (et her feet a(ide and (tood. He co)ldn2t li(ten to any -ore +itho)t +antin"
to h)rt her in ret)rn. A( he2d told her before0 it +a(n2t hi( fa)lt the +o-en he had dated
+ere indi(creet. It +a(n2t like he +ent aro)nd bra""in" abo)t the-. Hell5he didn2t even
re-e-ber the-. Erin +a( the only one he2d even dated -ore than once.
B)t he co)ld certainly de(cribe in vivid detail every (in"le thin" he and Carrie had
done to"ether d)rin" the one ni"ht he2d (!ent +ith her t+o -onth( a"o. He2d !o(t a da-n
de(cri!tion on her co-!any b)lletin board if he tho)"ht it +o)ld hel! their (it)ation. It
had al+ay( been her that he +anted. Al+ay(.
6=)(t (o o)r (torie( -atch0 +hat did yo) tell Belinda abo)t )(;8 he a(ked a( :)ietly a(
he co)ld0 tryin" not to "lare at her clo(ed eye(.
6I told Belinda that yo)2d a(ked -e to -arry yo) and that I had (aid ye(08 Carrie told
hi-0 (lidin" do+n into the bed and rollin" to her (ide. 6It2( none of her b)(ine(( abo)t the
baby.8
Michael clenched hi( ,a+ at her back t)rned to hi-0 b)t ke!t hi( tone (oft a( he a(ked
the re(t of +hat he +anted to kno+. If Belinda acce!ted it0 their en"a"e-ent +a( "oin" to
be co--on kno+led"e at Carrie2( co-!any (oon. 6What did Belinda (ay;8
6Con"rat)lation( and that the rin" +a( bea)tif)l08 Carrie (aid0 her voice fadin" a( her
-ind floated in the need to (lee! a"ain. 6I2- (orry I2- fadin". Thi( -edicine -ake( -e
(o tired.8
6<e(0 b)t yo)2ll +ake )! h)n"ry in an ho)r. I2ll -ake yo) breakfa(t then08 Michael
(aid (oftly0 +alkin" to the bed and t)""in" the cover( )! over her (ho)lder(0 an"er "ivin"
+ay to feelin" (orry for her a"ain.
6Dad -ay be co-in" by to !ick )! (o-e thin"( to take to =e((ica2(. He (ay( he2(
-ovin" in +ith her. We2ll try not to +ake yo)08 he +hi(!ered0 (-oothin" the cover(
do+n her ar-.
6Thank yo)0 Michael. The foot r)b really hel!ed -e. Even the -)(cle( in -y
(to-ach have rela3ed08 (he (aid (oftly. 6I didn2t -ean to (ni!e at yo) +hen yo)2re bein"
nothin" b)t kind. I2- (orry.8
Maybe (he +a(0 Michael tho)"ht0 b)t it (ee-ed like hell +o)ld (till !robably free9e
over before Carrie +o)ld chan"e her o!inion of hi-. Hi( fro+n dee!ened a( her
breathin" (ettled.
6I2- "lad it hel!ed. Re(t no+. I2ll (ee yo) +hen yo) +ake )!08 he (aid fir-ly.
Michael !)lled the +et cloth( fro- her a( (he (li!!ed into (lee!.
LL Available for (ale at yo)r favorite ebook retailer LL
More Abo)t Donna McDonald
*E'+ITE
+++.donna-cdonalda)thor.co-
EMAI,
e-ailNdonna-cdonalda)thor.co-
T*ITTER
Ndonna-cdonald%B and N(cifi+o-an%B
FA$E'OOK
5onna .c5onald "ontemporary 6omances
5onna .c5onald !ci1i 6omances
5onna .c5onald 6ecommends
5onna ane .c5onald
$ONTEMPORAR- 'OOK ',OG
+++.donna-cdonald.blo"(!ot.co-
PARANORMA,.FANTA+-.+$IFI 'OOK ',OG
+++.donna-cdonald!aranor-al.blo"(!ot.co-
Conte-!orary Book(
NE/ER TOO ,ATE +ERIE+
Datin" A Co)"ar OBook OneP
Datin" Dr. otorio)( OBook T+oP
Datin" A Saint OBook ThreeP
Datin" A Metro Man OBook 'o)rP
Datin" A Silver 'o3 OBook 'iveP
Datin" A Co)"ar II OCo-in" #$%BP
E@ER TOO &ATE
Bo3 Set @ol)-e % OBook( One/ThreeP
ART OF ,O/E +ERIE+
Carved In Stone OBook OneP
Created In 'ire OBook T+oP
Ca!t)red In Ink OBook ThreeP
Co--i((ioned In White OBook 'o)r P
Covered In 4aint OCo-in" #$%EP
NE0T TIME AROUND +ERIE+
e3t Son" I Sin" OBook OneP
e3t 7a-e I 4lay OCo-in" #$%BP
e3t Move I Make OCo-in" #$%EP
+ING,E TIT,E 1NON2+ERIE+ 'OOK+3
The Ri"ht Thin"
Q)ickie( @ol)-e %
4aranor-alMSci'iM'anta(y Book(
FOR$ED TO +ER/E +ERIE+
The De-on of Synar OBook OneP
The De-on Ma(ter2( Wife OBook T+oP
The Siren2( Call OBook ThreeP
The Healer2( *i(( OBook 'o)rP
The De-on2( Chan"e OCo-in" #$%BP
+ING,E TIT,E 1NON2+ERIE+ 'OOK+3
The Sha-an2( Mate O'anta(yP
Abo)t the A)thor
Donna McDonald i( a be(t (ellin" a)thor in Conte-!orary Ro-ance and H)-or0 and
lately ha( been cli-bin" the Science 'iction li(t a( +ell.
Science 'iction revie+er( are callin" McDonald 6a literary alche-i(t effortle((ly
blendin" (cience fiction and ro-ance8. Conte-!orary and h)-or revie+er( often +rite to
tell her that the book( kee! the- )! readin" and la)"hin" all ni"ht. She like( both
co-!li-ent( and ho!e( they (tay tr)e forever.
McDonald2( idea of ()cce(( i( to be (ittin" ne3t to (o-eone on a !lane and find o)t they
are la)"hin" at (o-ethin" in one of her book(. Thi( +o)ld of co)r(e be +hile (he +a(
headin" off on her ne3t advent)re to feed her creative (o)l.