

AKA Lexi Frost

By

Tori Brooks

# AKA Lexi Frost

By

Tori Brooks

© 2011, 2013 Mike's Basement, Inc.

Smashwords Editions

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Mike's Basement, Inc. For permission requests (outside of the scope of "Fair Use" doctrine), contact: mbi@toribrooks.com

This book is a work of fiction. The characters and events described are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or people, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

www.toribrooks.com

# Acknowledgements

A big thanks to my husband and family for their support, patience, tolerance, and for providing the appropriate amounts and forms of sugar at key times.

# Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Author's Note

See Also

# Chapter One

Paul Lovett stared at the photography studio as the limo pulled up. The building was an old, squat, cinder block cube and didn't fit his idea of a professional studio, much less one this expensive. The stairs to the upper floor, where a small sign indicated Lexi Frost's studio was located, were on the outside and another indicator of the outdated architecture. Paul told himself this rough exterior just showed the photographer didn't feel the need to dress up her work in a pretty package. He appreciated self-confidence.

Lexi Frost should be confident. Paul never considered having nude photographs taken of Kayley before, but seeing Lexi's work the first time at a client's house made him pick up the phone to make an appointment. Just the same, Paul watched Kayley as they climbed the stairs to the second floor, relieved she was too excited to notice the rough cinder blocks or the creaking metal stairs.

In contrast to the exterior, Lexi Frost's small lobby was stylishly understated, and without a hint at what went on beyond the closed door behind the receptionist's desk. The pictures on the wall were landscapes, some of them slightly odd when Paul inspected them. He would have expected figures, examples of her work, silhouettes at least.

"Since your paperwork is already complete, I can take you back. Would you like to watch or wait in the lounge, Mr. Lovett?" the receptionist asked as Paul looked around.

"I'll watch if you don't mind." Paul looked to Kayley for confirmation. He hadn't considered not being there, but she didn't seem to care either way.

"Lexi's already back there somewhere, let me take you back to the studio then." The receptionist opened the door she guarded and led them through.

The first thing Paul noticed about the studio was the darkness. The room's floor, walls, and ceiling were all painted flat black. Even the windows had heavy black drapes over them. The room was large, with pieces of various sets and lighting scattered around. Paul recognized props and draped fabrics from Lexi's previous work.

"Hello, you must be Kayley."

Lexi's voice brought Paul's attention back. Kayley happily shook Lexi's hand and Paul barely had time to size up the woman before she turned to him. He exchanged pleasantries automatically, filing away his impressions of Lexi Frost.

She was below average height and refused to compensate by wearing heels. She had brown hair, hazel eyes, and an average figure. Her smile seemed warm enough, but Paul's assessment was that she was a bundle of nerves. Not a problem, he decided as Lexi led Kayley to a dressing room in the back. She'd loosen up as she fell into her craft.

The receptionist showed Paul to a comfortable chair with a decent view of most of the sets. He declined the offer of a drink, made note of the bar neatly set into the wall behind him, and sat back to wait for the show to begin.

Kayley was a model when Paul met her. She was beautiful, but difficult to work with according to her agent, directors, coworkers, associates, and friends. In fact, everyone described in detail just how difficult Kayley could be. She didn't give Paul any trouble, and he knew there were at least two sides to every story. Rather than see Kayley get upset, and therefore ruin his own time with her, Paul simply bought Kayley's time for the foreseeable future. They never fell in love but enjoyed each other's companionship, an intimate one when it suited them. If Kayley had any problem with being Paul's mistress, she didn't show it. That was years ago, Paul reflected as he waited, and he never regretted the decision.

Lexi emerged from the back room, closing the door behind her. She checked a thermostat on the wall and rejoined Paul.

"Kayley's getting ready. Of course you've seen some examples of what we can do here today. I've checked her figure and coloring against a palette, she'll be pretty easy to work with in any direction you want to go."

Oh just wait, Paul thought to himself. He only smiled and nodded, not wanting to put a negative spin on the session before it started. Paul wondered what he was thinking, booking a photo shoot after several photographers refused to work with Kayley again.

"She doesn't seem to have any particular look she's trying to achieve, so before we start, I wanted to know if there was anything in particular you were looking for." Lexi looked at Paul expectantly.

"I'll be frank, I'm doing this to let Kayley have a good time. I can't say I have anything specific in mind."

"Well, we'll just see where it takes us then. If anything comes to mind or gets your attention, just shout it out." Lexi smiled and started to walk past Paul, then paused. "And Mr. Lovett? Thank you for bringing such a beautiful woman. It makes my job so much easier."

Paul smiled, partially in appreciation of the compliment, partially because he suspected she might not be so grateful in a couple of hours. Lexi walked out the door to reception and whispered a few words to the receptionist. Paul watched her fix a small earpiece in her ear as she walked past him again and started to play with lights and props.

Kayley came out of the back room wearing a silky red robe.

Lexi gestured to a carved marble throne sitting in front of a black velvet curtain.

Kayley glanced at Paul with a mischievous smile and let the robe slide off her naked body. She turned and sat gracefully on the throne's red cushion.

Paul watched with anticipation as Lexi stepped forward and carefully positioned Kayley, from her feet to the way her hair hung over her alabaster shoulder. Lexi returned to the camera and checked the shot. She adjusted some of the lights and reflectors positioned around the throne and checked the image in the camera again.

"Smile just a little more, Kayley. There you go, perfect," Lexi said, her face lit by the soft glow of the camera's digital screen. "All right, tilt your head up a little. Look at the red rubber ducky if you would."

Paul's eyebrows rose in surprise. Rubber ducky? He stood up and walked a little closer. He saw where Kayley was looking and looked up. The ceiling was unfinished, but the ducts, pipes, and rafters were painted black to match the ceiling.

He looked again. Sitting on the ducts, and not immediately apparent, was a rainbow of rubber ducks. He looked back at Kayley to see her watching him now instead of the duck. He pointed upward as a hint and a broad smile crossed her face.

"Go ahead and laugh, Kayley, I know you want to," Lexi said.

Kayley burst out laughing as Paul looked at Lexi in confusion. She stood with a remote for the camera in her hand, still taking pictures of Kayley. Looking back at Kayley, he saw Lexi capturing her genuine laughter. Sitting on a throne, bare and laughing without a care in the world, Paul had to admit she presented an alluring sight. He nodded to Lexi in acknowledgment of her cleverness and returned to his seat.

Paul watched Lexi work with Kayley for the next few hours. Initially from boredom, Paul watched as they changed sets, props and backgrounds. Lexi restyled Kayley's hair and changed her jewelry and makeup several times. They seemed to work together just fine. Kayley didn't even flinch when Lexi put her hands on Kayley's bare hips to position her. For a woman notoriously difficult to work with, Kayley was being absolutely professional. Paul's brow furrowed in concentration.

He started watching Lexi more than Kayley. She bounced up and down between checking camera angles and lights and used gestures and motions to instruct Kayley. The woman brimmed with energy. She smiled, laughed, and joked. She gave compliments where due, but only genuine ones. No insincere comments to boost Kayley's ego or try to make her workable. Paul leaned forward in his seat to study her. She never raised her voice and smoothly moved from one series of shots to the next.

Lexi radiated confidence and an expectation that her subject would behave. It fascinated Paul that it worked. In the past Kayley required every shot to be absolutely perfect, to the point she was thrown off shoots. She terrorized photographers and lost advertising contracts because of her perfectionist attitude. Kayley saw Lexi's work and knew Lexi worked with other women just as beautiful. But Paul wasn't seeing her competitive nature here.

Maybe it was that he was there. Paul sat back and considered that. Was Kayley behaving for him? No, he saw her difficult side regularly. Half the time when they ate out she either sent back her meal or gave the servers such precise instructions they nearly wrote an essay. Besides, Kayley was a monster at the charity fashion show two months ago. It wasn't his presence inspiring her to behave, it had to be Lexi.

Paul leaned forward and considered the photographer again. Lexi was helping Kayley rub shimmer gel all over her body. If he was into girl-on-girl action, he'd be beside himself right now. As it was, his body still reacted physically despite his desire for it not to. Paul looked away, but there was nothing else to look at. Looking around, all he found were more black walls. Lexi even covered most of the props she wasn't using with black cloth.

Giving up, Paul looked back to Lexi and Kayley. Lexi was busy, but Kayley smiled knowingly at him. She wiggled her fingers in a little wave, and Paul gave a small wave back before leaning back in his chair and staring at the black ceiling. Kayley laughed. No doubt he'd hear about it later. He wasn't worried. Paul and Kayley had an arrangement. He had his apartment, she had hers. While they spent more time together than alone, it was always by invitation. Their relationship was a convenience and not exclusive. They weren't in love and left each other open to explore other opportunities.

Images of Lexi positioning Kayley came to mind. It wasn't Kayley he was thinking about now, Paul realized, it was Lexi. There was something about her, a mystery. He watched the way her short, dark hair bounced and the auburn highlights in the soft curls reflected the light. Her narrow waist was emphasized by her ample hips and bosom, giving her a classical figure, Paul decided. Lexi had a pretty face and her makeup was light and natural, hardly noticeable. She was overshadowed when she stood beside Kayley; most women seemed to be, Paul conceded. Maybe that was why he didn't notice her before.

Paul pulled out his phone and emailed to his assistant, Tim DeLaney, asking him to gather information on Lexi Frost. He already had basic career information, now he was looking for personal data. It'd been a while since Paul sent Tim this kind of request, but like his mistress, Tim didn't judge. That done, Paul sat back to enjoy watching Lexi handling Kayley.

○ ○ ○

Lexi finished up and let Kayley go get dressed. Her best friend, Nicholas, watched Paul Lovett via a hidden camera aimed at the waiting area. He provided feedback through her earpiece to help Lexi anticipate what the man paying for the session might want. They did it before when she first started out, and she hated to resort to the trick again to cater on the fly to what the customer might like. As Nicholas pointed out when he suggested it though, Lexi was desperate for this particular shoot to go well. Lexi Frost made a name for herself, but she occasionally had too many bills and not enough clients. Paul Lovett's multi-millionaire friends would expand her clientele nicely.

Nicholas had an uncanny ability to read Lovett's body language and Lexi wondered, for what felt like the hundredth time, when her friend was going to come out of the closet. He pestered her about rejoining the dating scene from time to time, but she felt odd returning the jibes when she was pretty sure they'd be sizing up the same men. Lexi shook off the thought and went to go sit by the client as Nicholas suggested. It was time to be personable and make small talk. For some reason she had to make Lovett like her, not just her work.

"That didn't take as long as I expected," Lovett said as Lexi sat down beside him.

"No, I didn't realize Kayley was a professional when I quoted you a time. I'm surprised I haven't seen her before."

"Well, I confess, up until now she hasn't followed directions well. She's got a reputation in some circles."

"Really? That might have something to do with handling."

"Could you elaborate on that please?" Lovett looked at her curiously, and Lexi mentally kicked herself. She preferred not to have conversations like this with clients. Not as Lexi Frost anyway. Nothing technical or deep, just enough conversation to get the job done, anything more risked exposing her cover. Although, since she really was a photographer, sticking to this topic should be fine. Besides, maybe honesty would earn points and she needed him to rave to his friends about her.

"Top photographers sometimes have a 'you should consider it a privilege to work with me' attitude and it shows in the way they direct their models. It's subtle, but it's there. A lot of models agree, so it's not a problem. Others don't notice the expectation in the photographer's tone. A few notice, but in the interest of their careers, they ignore it. Occasionally someone notices, disagrees, and can't ignore it.

"For the record, the reverse is also true. Top models can have the same attitude and the photographer may be the one to make the concessions. If you know what you're looking for, sometimes you can see evidence of these little power plays in the end shots. Like a model you know to be pin-thin, but the angle makes her hips look wide, or her head look disproportionately large for her body. Just slightly. It's not enough to be unusable, only enough to be a little unflattering. That can be the photographer's dislike of the subject coming through."

"I'll have to go back and look at some of Kayley's past pictures," Lovett said. "What if the model is the one being difficult?"

"You get a lot of unusable shots."

"So how did you get Kayley to work with you?"

Lexi shrugged. She'd never had a personality conflict with a subject. Saying so only drew attention to how few professionals she worked with. Lexi felt Paul Lovett's blue eyes heavy on her. She had his undivided attention and Lexi doubted she'd be able to shrug off even the simplest question with a non-answer.

"Mutual respect. I assumed Kayley did some modeling. She certainly has the look and build for it, and she moved like it. So, when we went in the back to pick out some props and accessories, I confirmed it. I told her what I was going to do might be different from the modeling she did before. I wasn't using her to sell something, we were working together to show a different side of her. She admitted to not doing nudes before, and I told her I know all the tricks to make her look smooth. Never ever mention cellulite to a model, it's like asking to be murdered," Lexi confided and he laughed.

"I don't think she has any."

"They all worry about it regardless. And too little fat is almost as much as a problem as too much. If a woman has zero body fat, she has no curves and it makes for horrible nudes. That's when I have to get creative. Kayley is bordering that actually, but her height helped work around it."

"You told her she didn't have enough body fat?" He seemed surprised and Lexi mentally kicked herself again.

"It's not uncommon in professional models who don't do nudes, and I told her that too. In part, it means she's conscious of her appearance. She eats right, exercises, and does both with the aim of being model-thin. It's part of who she is and there's nothing wrong with that. It's preferable to being a wannabe porn-star with a body created from implants and selective liposuction," Lexi said, then wondered if Lovett knew anyone by that description. "I can work with that, but it's much harder," she added hastily.

"So Kayley behaved for you because you said her body was perfect for professional modeling, not nudes, but you could fix it." Lovett smiled. Lexi felt like he was baiting her.

"No, I think Kayley worked with me because we were a team. I respected her experience and God-given gifts she's carefully preserved. She respected my experience on how to make her look like a goddess. I brought something to the table that the other photographers might not: a different point of view and acknowledgment of her abilities, both intellectual and physical. When you get right down to it, models are people, Mr. Lovett."

His smile flickered briefly when she called him 'Mr. Lovett.' Lexi noticed and it confused her. She did her research, she knew exactly who Paul Lovett was: rich, influential, and CEO at just forty-four of a company he built himself. He should be used to people's respect.

Lexi panicked. Maybe it was her fault. He did build a multi-billion dollar business from the ground up. He had to have a sense for reading people. While she usually used titles – except when the client was her subject – that was as Lexi Frost, her professional persona. In her real life, as Teri Giles, she was casual with everyone. Maybe Mr. Big Business could sense the difference. At some level, maybe he was onto her.

"It's interesting," Lexi held her breath as Lovett spoke, "you call Kayley by her first name, but address me by title."

"Kayley's my subject. We need a casual relationship to make the dynamics of the photo shoot work. Does it bother you?"

"It intrigues me. Call me Paul." Paul held out his hand. Lexi smiled and shook it.

"A pleasure to meet you, Paul."

"Likewise, Lexi." She knew it was coming and braced herself as Paul used her pseudonym. She couldn't afford to give anything away now.

Luck was on her side. Paul's phone beeped quietly at the same time, distracting him. He released her hand and pulled the phone out of his suit pocket. Paul read a message and Lexi watched as his eyebrows rose in surprise and a smile spread across his face. It was the first time Lexi saw the man inside the expensive suit. He dropped his calm façade before she realized, but always just as she expected him to. This was unexpected. It didn't change him, but suddenly his business-like, perfectly groomed appearance gave way to the little boy inside of every man. She could picture his dark hair, currently in a neat business cut, falling into a mess of unruly waves on his head, disregarded carelessly while chasing some all-consuming pursuit. It was the same when her late husband restored the classic Mustang she still drove to work every day.

"Good news I hope," Lexi said as Paul slid the phone back into his pocked. His blue eyes still held a sparkle as he looked to her.

"I'm not sure yet." He smiled, but Lexi couldn't read what exactly that smile said. "You seem to have some grasp of psychology, reading models and such. Reading clients as well, I suspect."

Lexi blushed slightly and nodded. "I try of course."

"I find it refreshing and intriguing when I find my objective is more complex than I expected. Perhaps not what I expected at all."

"I take it you're a fan of mysteries."

Paul laughed. "I am, yes. Are you?"

Lexi shook her head. "I don't like surprises."

"Well, I just found a new one I need to unravel."

Lexi felt she was missing something, but she was already behaving too familiar with Paul. "You have fun with that," she said.

"I will."

Kayley's return spared Lexi from having to continue the conversation. She was getting nervous about giving away her identity. There was too much at stake.

"All done?" Paul stood to face Kayley. Her long hair was pinned up again, but she still had a shimmer to her skin. Kayley looked to Lexi to be sure. Lexi nodded, standing as well.

"I guess so," Kayley answered Paul then turned back to Lexi. "How soon?"

Lexi felt better to be back on task. "It'll take a few days to do enhancements and upload them. Think of it as Christmas: you know there's something under the tree, you just have to wait for it."

"Kayley doesn't wait. I can't put anything under her tree early. She cheats," Paul said.

"It'll be a good experience for you then." Lexi patted Kayley on the shoulder.

Kayley pouted, but couldn't hold it for long under Lexi's gaze and finally laughed. "Fine, have it your way. Besides, I owe you for heating the studio."

# Chapter Two

Teri slipped out of her Lexi persona and into the magazine's offices next door to her studio as soon as Paul and Kayley left. Nicholas waited for her with smug satisfaction on his face.

"I couldn't hear your conversation with Paul Lovett, but his body language was good," Nicholas said.

"I think he's happy, but I'm glad they're gone. He makes me nervous."

"How so?" Nicholas led Teri back to his little corner of the room. The magazine's half of the floor was completely open; the staff shared space and didn't have the luxury of individual offices.

After Teri's husband, Allen, died, his editor tried it on his own for three months before leaving to take a better offer. Nicholas was newest to the magazine but had more management experience than the other staff, so Teri promoted him to the job. He protested initially, finally taking the job because Teri was in a bind and he owed Allen.

Nicholas and Allen were college roommates and got along well until Nicholas discovered gambling. Allen ran into Nicholas again over a decade later, picked his old friend up, and helped him turn his life around. Nicholas's debt had successfully put an end to his gambling. He had no credit with the bookies and was scrambling to keep from being made an example of. Allen gave him a job and let him sleep in his office, now part of the Lexi Frost studio, until he got his debts paid.

Teri didn't know it, but the Mustang didn't cost as much to restore as she thought. Allen skimmed money off his project fund to help repay Nicholas's debts in addition to throwing a lot of off-the-books jobs his way. Five years later, when Allen died, Nicholas swore to repay him by looking after the family he left behind.

Today, Nicholas watched as his best friend's widow met a man who walked into her studio cool and professional, but a couple hours later talked to her like they were alone in a bar. Nicholas noticed the way Lovett watched the session, the change from boredom to studying the process. He couldn't see what Teri was doing; the camera angle was designed to watch the observers, not the set. He knew her routine in general, and the reactions most of her clients had. Something besides the photo shoot got Lovett's attention.

"For a minute there I was sure he'd caught me. I thought he saw right through my Lexi Frost disguise. He didn't, although there's still something. I don't know what exactly. He's hiding something maybe," Teri answered, interrupting Nicholas's reflections.

Hiding the desire to trade his girlfriend for a mother of two, Nicholas thought. Of course Lovett didn't know the details.

"It looked like you had a good chat with him while waiting for Kayley to get dressed," Nicholas said.

"He asked me to call him Paul." Teri frowned.

Nicholas wasn't surprised. He was confident Teri attracted Paul Lovett's attention. Well, Lexi did. Teri was like a sister to him after all these years and he was pretty sure she wouldn't be interested. She showed no inclination toward dating again and changed the subject whenever he suggested a social life for her might be nice.

Personally, he hoped Lovett was interested. Teri needed to get out. Besides, it wouldn't hurt her finances to marry a multi-millionaire. Not that he would admit that to her. After a moment's thought, Nicholas opted to come clean with Teri. She needed to know and get the panicking out of the way.

"Are you meeting them again?" Nicholas asked. She didn't usually meet her clients more than once, but maybe Lovett already made his move.

"Not that I'm aware of." Teri shrugged. "If they want something different from the suggested enhancements they can email me."

"All right then, the reason I ask is I got the impression Paul Lovett's interested."

Teri gave him a wary look. He wanted to bang his head against a wall at how utterly clueless she was.

"I couldn't hear your conversation, but he smiled winningly and his body language was very open. Prior to that, his boredom took an unexpected turn toward interest and curiosity and I can't see that being for the process or his girlfriend."

"Why not?" Teri argued. "Kayley's a model. And she's more than a girlfriend, she's a mistress. I didn't even know people did that anymore. She has her own apartment, allowance, and everything. An actual kept woman. He lives alone."

"Living arrangements aside, Teri, Lovett wasn't interested in the beginning, even when you did something to make him – ah, perk up."

"I was rubbing shimmer gel on Kayley. That usually gets a reaction, nothing new there."

"No, but his reaction turned to intellectual. That is new. Honey, he was watching you intently."

"Or Kayley."

"I'll grant the possibility. Just be aware."

"He has a model for a mistress, Nicholas. I'm not a model and I'm not a mistress." Teri's face fell. "And I'm not Lexi Frost. Shit."

"Don't worry about it. As I said, it's business. If he looks deep enough he'll see through your cover. He'll also see you have two kids and it's understandable you want to protect them. He'll understand and he'll keep your secret."

Teri bordered on tears. Nicholas reached into the bottom drawer of his desk and pulled out two small glasses, a bottle of scotch, and a bottle of butterscotch schnapps. He poured a scotch for himself and schnapps for Teri.

"To life's little dramas that keep things interesting," he toasted.

"Damn your bright outlook," Teri responded, but she smiled and raised her glass to meet his. They sat in silence for a moment while they sipped their drinks. Finally Teri put hers down. "I need to go look at those shots."

"Here or at home?"

"At home where I won't be disturbed. Are you coming for dinner?"

"I'll pick up something on the way, you focus on those pictures." Nicholas waved Teri out the door.

○ ○ ○

An email from Paul was waiting when Teri turned on her computer at home. At Kayley's insistence, Paul agreed to stay in Seattle for a few days. The email was to advise her of Kayley's unrelenting excitement and anxiety. Teri promised to put a rush on the project, as long as they promised not to tell anyone, since Kayley was such a good model to work with. She figured little favors couldn't hurt to encourage his goodwill.

Nicholas brought dinner over after work. He stayed to police the kids and make sure the house was more or less quiet while Teri worked. Nicholas would have kicked them out and made them camp in the backyard, except the spring weather was too cold and wet. Instead, he sent Cassie to spend the night with her best friend, Tiffany, and Devin to stay with Bryan, the drummer in the band Dev belonged to.

The boys long ago took over Teri's basement and practiced nearly every night, so they whined about Nicholas putting a stop to their nightly session. That ended when Nicholas pulled the circuit breaker on the basement and they lost power to their electric guitars. He promised to restore power after Teri finished, provided they left immediately. All four boys were out the door within fifteen minutes.

Teri wasn't used to silence in the house. It unnerved her until Nicholas started cleaning the kitchen and she settled back into her routine. Without the usual distractions, she made good time enhancing the photos. So good that she photo-shopped one extra, adding a Christmas tree in the background and made Kayley appear as a child sneaking down to peek at the tree, complete with footy pajamas that had their back flap hanging open.

"I'm pretty sure that outfit isn't in your props room."

Teri jumped as Nicholas's voice startled her from the doorway. She looked around and grinned.

"It's not. I'm done with the others and thought I'd give them a laugh. Kayley was pretty anxious at the studio, and I told her to think of waiting like waiting for Christmas. Paul told me that Kayley peeks. Given that ..."

"You thought you'd do an extra as an inside joke." Nicholas nodded. "Suck-up."

"I'm not! I just thought it'd be fun."

"Well, I'm sure they'll love it. I'm going to crash in the extra room and I suggest you get some sleep as well. It's almost three."

"I'll just send off an email to Paul." Teri started to bring up her email.

"No, don't. Don't let them know you were able to get it done in one day. Wait until you've had a bit of sleep and breakfast, then we'll see."

"And waiting is better than showing them I stayed up all night?"

"Early morning implies you've been up all night anyway. Plus you'll be reasonably refreshed and not all cranky if you meet with them. I assume that's why they stayed in Seattle, and why he made a point of telling you he stayed. Actually, maybe being cranky would discourage Paul." Nicholas pretended to consider the option.

Teri hit him playfully on the arm.

"You don't want to discourage Paul?"

"I can't see anything there. He might fancy Lexi, but we both know I'm not Lexi."

"True. On the other hand, if I can get you married off to a multi-millionaire, the magazine's money problems would be solved."

Teri hit him again.

"Fine, I'm off to bed then." The computer beeped as the last picture finished uploading and Teri turned off the monitor. Nicholas preceded her out the door and went to check all the doors again as Teri got ready for bed.

"Have you considered going blond?" Nicholas called to Teri as he passed her bedroom door.

"What?"

"Just thinking Paul might prefer it." He smiled as she stamped a foot in irritation.

"Good night, Nicholas!"

"Good night, Teri."

○ ○ ○

Paul and Kayley were wandering through the maze of small shops down by the piers when Lexi's email came. Kayley heard the low beep, dropped the oriental scarf she was considering, and hovered near Paul as he read the email.

"Is she done?" Kayley asked breathlessly when Paul put the phone back in his pocket. He nodded and smiled as she glowed with excitement.

Paul enjoyed Kayley's sudden burst of energy as he took her hand and they walked back to where the car and driver waited. He wasn't opposed to taxis, but preferred a private car and driver. To begin with, it meant he didn't have to wait or fiddle with payment every time he got out of the car. In this case it also meant he didn't have to worry about Kayley's impromptu displays of affection. Chauffeurs seemed to have an innate ability to know when to take the scenic route to their destination.

Arrival at the hotel downtown shifted Kayley's affection back to child-like excitement. Even Paul's outright laughter at her impatience didn't dampen her enthusiasm. Paul hoped that actually seeing the pictures wouldn't be anticlimactic for her. He had enough entertainment already to make the experience worth the rather hefty price, so he didn't worry about his own expectations.

As Paul logged in to Lexi Frost's secure site to view the proofs and artistic renditions, he realized he did care. Not because of Kayley, but because he hoped Lexi continued to be as interesting as he was beginning to find her.

Or whoever she was. He was sitting with her in the studio when he received Tim's email saying Lexi Frost didn't exist. That wasn't her real name, and Tim was looking into her true identity. But slowly and carefully as to not alarm Paul's quarry.

Paul smiled as Lexi's introduction page came up. He scanned it briefly, aware of Kayley's growing impatience. In essence, the modifications were suggestions and negotiable. There was an indicator that a personal note was added. Paul clicked on the note instead of going to the pictures, earning a glancing blow to the shoulder from Kayley. He laughed and read the note:

There is one additional heavily modified picture. I just couldn't help it. You'll know which one I'm referring to, and please take it in the light manner in which it was intended. Lexi.

Kayley stopped fidgeting for a moment as she read over Paul's shoulder. "An extra one? What does she mean heavily modified?"

"We'll have to see. Would you like to look now or order lunch first?" He asked, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.

Kayley responded with another light hit to the back of his head. Then she smoothed his hair back in place.

"I'll take that to mean you'd like to look at them now."

Paul navigated to the appropriate page and chose the final versions instead of the originals. A slideshow began and Kayley sat on Paul's lap, eyes on the screen. Paul slid a hand around her hip as they watched in amazement. Each picture stayed on the screen momentarily before continuing. There was enough time to appreciate the artistic quality, but not so long as to make it necessary to prompt the site to move on.

Kayley squealed as she recognized the pictures with the shimmering gel on her skin. Like many of the others, it was reduced to simple black and white, and the shimmer on her skin seemed to radiate even more than Paul remembered. The same picture was later retouched in blues, purples and greens, and nearly transparent wings appeared on Kayley's bare back. Her long blond hair had pale blue highlights that matched her eyes. The shimmering glow of her skin showed just a hint of purple to it, warmer than the blue would have been. It was Kayley, but an ethereal version – fragile and timeless.

"I want to hang that in the living room," Kayley said.

"It won't match," Paul pointed out.

"I'll redecorate," Kayley responded without looking from the screen.

"Whatever you want."

The next picture appeared: Kayley on the throne, laughing at something out of the frame. They both recognized the incident that provoked the laughter. Paul had an idea of the look Lexi was going for but was unprepared for the result. Kayley sat straight and tall, her ankles gracefully crossed to the side. On the throne she was a queen, a woman no one would cross or question; she emanated power. And yet, for a moment, something amused her and cracked the cold, hard exterior the setting implied.

This was the woman Paul slept with most of the year, the same who shared his bed last night with passionate enthusiasm. Paul barely recognized Kayley now and recalled Lexi's description of how some photographers and models viewed themselves. Is this how Lexi thought Kayley saw herself as a model? Was it how Kayley saw herself? He chanced a glance at the woman on his lap. Her profile showed she was startled but pleased with the representation.

Kayley turned to meet Paul's searching eyes. She had a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Not quite. There was something else in her eyes, something he hadn't noticed before. Paul felt his eyes widen slightly as he recognized the haughtiness the picture alluded to.

"Can I put that one in your office?"

Kayley's question allowed Paul to push the revelation to the back of his mind. Unlike other questions Kayley asked, this one was actually asking permission. Paul suddenly realized how rare that was. It didn't bother him. Kayley knew him well enough to know what his answer usually would be to any question she asked. This time she wanted to show some of his associates a different side of her. To suppress their assumption that, as Paul's mistress, she was somehow inferior.

"However impressive your bare breasts are, I think they might offend some of my clients. How about my study? I'm sure I can coax most of my associates in there at some time or another."

Kayley smiled at the compromise, but Paul could tell she wasn't satisfied. He filed that away with his new insight into Kayley's character.

The slides moved on, ignorant of the emotional impact of the presentation. Lexi was an artist, Paul admitted to himself. He knew Kayley, knew she was beautiful. Also that she was bright, mischievous, devious, and demanding. Yet he still saw new sides of her portrayed here. Nothing else as dramatic as Kayley on the throne, but he could see how each picture would make the viewer stop and appreciate a specific aspect of her character, not just her beauty. He wondered how Lexi could pull out particular personality traits and display them so prominently while leaving others in the background when she'd only just met Kayley. Paul's curiosity and passing interest in Lexi became a crucial need to know her.

The main slide show ended and Paul moved on to the originals. These were unmodified, and the presentation went faster than the artistic views. The haughtiness of Kayley on the throne was still there, even untouched. The originals were good. Good enough to be displayed as they were, but Lexi's polished versions were preferable.

They both forgot about the extra photo Lexi's note referred to until the site took them back to the main page. Paul hesitated and Kayley looked to him, bewildered.

"I'm trying to imagine what she could have done 'because she couldn't help it' given what we've already seen."

"One way to find out." Kayley reached forward and clicked the appropriate link. She grinned, then started laughing as she saw the Christmas picture.

Paul laughed as well. "Can we put this one on our Christmas cards this year?"

"You're kidding." Kayley's blue eyes were wide as she looked at Paul in surprise.

"She's amazing, don't you think?"

Kayley smiled tolerantly, and Paul's enjoyment of the moment faded as he realized she was scrutinizing him. He met her eyes evenly. He had nothing to hide from her.

"Your appreciation of Lexi Frost is somewhat different from mine, I suspect," Kayley said. There was no disapproval or negativity in her tone, it was only an observation.

"We'll see. You have to admit she is an artist."

"She is," Kayley agreed, looking back at the Christmas scene. "She's also hiding something."

"I know."

"Do you know what?"

"No. Not yet. Do you?"

"I have a suspicion." Kayley smiled at Paul and ran her fingers through his hair. He knew that smile, he knew that twinkle in her eyes. She was taunting him. Paul smiled back. He knew this game.

Paul put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer, but just far enough away to maintain the temptation.

"Oh really?" Paul whispered.

"Just a hunch."

"Tell me."

"About another woman?" Kayley pulled away and stood up with an inviting smile. "Drag it out of me."

He accepted the invitation.

○ ○ ○

Paul stayed up all night reviewing Lexi's work again. Instead of seeing Kayley in the pictures, he remembered Lexi taking them. The way Lexi moved quickly and gracefully from one task to the next, her face smiling and animated with her lively chatter, and her hair reflecting just glints of auburn in the darkness as it softly framed her face. Paul had a good memory and this time he even surprised himself how much he remembered. Earlier he emailed Lexi thanking her and complimenting her achievement while Kayley dressed for dinner. He wanted to say more, but forced himself to wait.

After dinner, Paul received an email from Tim with pictures attached to it. He glanced at it then, but waited until Kayley fell asleep to read it more carefully.

Ever resourceful, Tim deduced Lexi Frost started her career in the same old building her studio now occupied. That space used to belong to the photography magazine that still took up the other half of the floor. The magazine was having financial trouble and had to cut back their offices, renting half of the space to Lexi Frost. Tim looked at why the originally successful magazine suddenly took a downward turn.

The untimely death of the owner and chief editor easily explained it. Tim found information on Allen Giles, and then on his wife, Teri. Teri was an amateur photographer before her husband's death, focusing on slightly suggestive stills and landscapes. Photographs cleverly arranged so that a puritanical grandmother wouldn't see anything offensive, but that members of a more sexually enlightened generation would find amusing. There were no pictures of Lexi Frost available for comparison, so Tim sent several of Teri to Paul for confirmation.

Paul didn't need multiple pictures; he recognized the smiling heart-shaped face. He replied to Tim and alternately scrutinized the pictures and read the information Tim provided. Paul spent most of his time looking at one picture, now five years old, of Teri, Allen, and their two children standing in front of a totem pole and pine trees.

Teri and Allen made an interesting pair. Allen was tall and thin to the point of looking unnaturally stretched-out. Teri, in contrast, was shorter and amply proportioned. She barely came to Allen's shoulder, and it took her high-heeled boots to get her that far. He shifted his attention to Teri's kids: Cassandra and Devin, then eleven and nine, meaning Teri was now alone with a sixteen and fourteen-year-old. Paul's three kids were grown, but he was familiar with teenagers and how hard it was to raise them alone.

Kayley stirred in bed beside him and Paul smiled. She predicted Lexi had kids. Kayley wasn't trying to dissuade him, she wasn't like that. She knew Paul's relationship with his adult children was shaky at best. More often it degraded to downright hostility on their part. Kayley just wanted to prepare him for the possibility, and she thought there might be something else. She was right on the money there too.

That Lexi had children didn't bother him. No, Teri had children, Paul corrected himself. It meant he had to approach her another way perhaps. He originally wanted to call her and invite her to dinner, but that had changed. Not because Teri had children, but because she lived a double life to protect them.

No, Paul decided reluctantly, more research was in order. He hoped Kayley continued to be a good sport about this. He was probably going to need her help again.

The next morning, Paul and Kayley were on a flight back to New York.

○ ○ ○

Teri breathed a sigh of relief when the courier left the studio with the last of Paul Lovett's order. Other than the normal post-session ordering interaction, nothing happened to rock the boat.

"What?" Nicholas asked warily as Teri walked through the magazine's offices and to his desk.

"No unusual Paul Lovett contact. If you were right about his interest, Kayley changed his mind. Good girl." Teri nodded approvingly.

Nicholas sat at his desk smiling like a cat waiting to pounce; it made Teri nervous.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Nothing."

Teri tried again, enunciating each word carefully and slowly. "What-are-you-smiling-about?"

"How would you feel about being wrong?"

"What? He hasn't called. Just normal business emails."

"Paul Lovett is used to getting his way. It's possible he changed his mind. He already has Kayley. What more could he want? She's beautiful. You're not bad, good really for a mother of two, but Kayley ..."

"I get the point," Teri snapped.

"I'm not betting on that one." Nicholas grinned again. "In the meantime, lunch?"

"You're buying."

"I'll write it off on my expense account."

"So I'm buying." Teri tossed Nicholas her keys.

"You know, maybe you should start allowing more on-site shoots. Travel some. Get out a little. Maybe have a life," Nicholas said.

"Then I wouldn't have time for the kids."

"They're growing up. They don't need you there all the time anymore."

"It's the growing-up part that means I need to be there."

"They're good kids."

"I know, but ... I'm a mom, Nicholas. I can't help worrying."

"Thinking about the band's influence on your little boy?"

Teri nodded. Cassie was a good girl. She only double-dated with her best friend, Tiffany, because they both had their sights set on college.

Any concern Teri was spared by Cassie got more than used by her brother. It was that way since Dev was little; he was too smart. Smart enough to learn how to do things, like light lighters and pick locks, before he was old enough to learn why he shouldn't. Years ago Teri lived in amazement nothing serious had happened yet. Also in fear that next time she'd be too late. There was never a question there would be a next time.

The latest headache started a year ago with Dev's inclusion into a band. When Cassie caught Jess's eye, he convinced his little garage band to replace a missing member with Dev just to have a reason to be close to Cassie. Teri was grateful Cassie was too smart to fall for Jess's smooth lines or good looks, but that didn't stop him from trying.

Since Cassie and Tiffany were inseparable, Teri already felt like she was raising three teens instead of two. With the band adopting Dev, she inherited three more.

A few weeks ago, Teri learned Kenny and Jess had been sleeping in the back of Kenny's van for the last couple months. As much as the band made Teri want to scream, the boys had been a good influence on Dev. He fought less with his sister now, and the boys were at her house all the time anyway. In truth, she was just rationalizing her maternal instincts. Teri invited them to move in.

"Don't stress about it," Nicholas counseled after a moment. "You'll drive yourself nuts."

"Speaking of nuts." Teri was happy to push her ongoing drama about having a house full of teens aside and move on to happier, or less insane, subjects. "Did you see that email about the proposed underwater shoot? Underwater, Nicholas! I don't have a camera for that."

"Quit complaining and expand your horizons. Get a camera for it, let her be a mermaid."

# Chapter Three

Days after Teri mailed off the prints to Paul Lovett, Nicholas arrived at the office to find a bouquet of red roses waiting for her. Teri ignored them, so later that week white roses arrived, then pink.

Nicholas was secretly rooting for Paul to break Teri out of her 'I'm a widow, my life is over, I'll be forever single' mentality. Unfortunately, Teri wasn't having it and Paul needed a hand. Nicholas emailed to tell him Teri preferred daffodils. When daffodils arrived the next day, Teri paled and started shaking. Concerned she was going to have a breakdown, Nicholas admitted he told Paul, and in her fury she didn't talk to him for nearly a week. Nicholas sent Paul one last email detailing Teri's reaction and informing him he was minding his own business. Since then, Paul was a sensitive subject, and they avoided discussing him by unspoken agreement.

Teri still seemed unnerved, so Nicholas considered options to distract her as soon as she finished the mermaid shoot. That was enough of a fiasco to warrant a vacation in its own right. The clients were happy, but listening to Teri rant about kelp floating wrong or bubbles showing in her shots was enough to make Nicholas want to pull his hair out. Only his own upcoming project saved his sanity.

In Like Flynn was a big name in the music industry and Nicholas was beside himself to be able to interview a photographer during a photo shoot of the band in Miami. Speaking to Troy Burnett alone should help magazine sales, but he was also hoping to speak to members of the band about their perspective on dealing with a variety of photographers. If he could swing that, he could get the teen crowd to buy that issue and keep them in the black for a couple of months.

It wasn't hard for Nicholas to convince Teri to come along. He knew her well enough to know what buttons to push. Nicholas reminded Teri of her photography interests prior to becoming Lexi Frost. Plus the kids were out of school for the summer. Not only did she buy into his second sales pitch, she changed the reservations to arrive a day early.

Teri was still in play mode when they arrived at the beach. Nicholas talked with Troy while the photographer set up for the band's arrival. Teri wandered off snapping shots of palm trees and waves breaking on the sea wall. Finally Nicholas wrote her off as irrevocably distracted and proceeded with the interview on his own. When the band arrived, Nicholas stepped back to let Troy do his work. He noted his observations diligently, taking occasional pictures of Troy in action with the band in the background. Nicholas hoped he wouldn't have to crop them out.

"He's not really good about working with them."

Nicholas jumped as Teri's voice came from behind him.

"What makes you say that?" he asked, camera up to his face again as he covertly took some pictures of the band. The lead singer, Flynn Peterson, was threatening to strangle Drew Little, the drummer.

"They're putting on a good show, but the smiles aren't real. They're not having fun."

Nicholas turned to question Teri further, but she was already walking away, taking a picture of a seagull sitting on the roof of the band's limo. Nicholas dismissed her criticism and returned his attention to the shoot in progress.

Watching the band, Nicholas realized Teri was right. Flynn and Drew frequently fooled around for the cameras, but this time they were just going through the motions. Troy wasn't encouraging playful behavior either. He kept putting them back into structured arrangements, which were good, but the band was restless and wouldn't maintain their poses or positions.

With a sigh, Nicholas went to go sit on a bench where he could watch and wait for the session to end. A warm breeze blew a page of newspaper to him. Nicholas bent to pick it up, intent on putting it in the garbage. It was a page from the entertainment section and the headline caught his eye: Friction between Flynn's guitarists. Rumors of breakup abound.

Nicholas looked back to the band. Sure enough, Zane Burkin, lead guitar, and Charlie Vostra, bass, sat quietly with weak smiles painted on their faces while Flynn and Drew ensured the attention was focused on them.

Teri sat down beside him. Nicholas showed her the headline and pointed to the band. "Not Troy's fault," he said smugly.

Taking the paper, Teri scanned it briefly and handed it back. "That was from two weeks ago. Although they really don't look happy, do they? He should distract them. Try something different to wake them up. These guys can do a photo shoot in their sleep and it looks like they are."

"Troy Burnett is a professional photographer. Do you think you can do better?" A voice behind them interrupted their casual observations of the shoot.

Teri and Nicholas turned to look at the man the voice belonged to. He was deeply tanned with sun-kissed hair. If he were in a swimsuit, he'd look like most of the bystanders who'd stopped to watch the photo shoot.

"Ah, Mr. Daley, you're here to interview Mr. Burnett. I would have thought you'd be more impressed with your subject." The man focused on Nicholas.

"He is. I'm the one with reservations. I've seen Troy's work. He's good. Maybe he's having an off day. But he's not getting the most from the band."

"And who are you?" The man's snide attitude made Nicholas cringe. He noticed Teri bristle and knew what was coming.

"Lexi Frost. I'm more of a specialist than Troy is, but I've made a name for myself." Teri smiled as the man's face betrayed recognition of her alias. "And you are?"

"Chris McKenzie." He held out his hand and Teri stood to shake it. "I'm Flynn's manager."

"Well, I stand by my observation: they're faking it."

"And your professional suggestion would be?" Chris prompted.

Teri shrugged. "Call a time out, let them decompress. Or explode. Either way has to be better than this."

"I'll do that." Chris nodded, motioning for a red-headed young woman to join him.

Nicholas eyed the woman apprehensively. He was sure she was a natural redhead. No one would deliberately choose that shade. Her designer dress bared her shoulders and chest to the Florida sun that would soon burn her fair complexion. Once she left the sidewalk, her strappy stiletto heels made walking in the sand difficult. She grimaced as she struggled to Chris to see what he wanted.

"Tell Troy to call a break. Let the guys wind down a bit and get drinks," Chris instructed. He turned his back on her as she tried to make her way to Troy as gracefully as she could.

"Take off your shoes, you'll balance better!" Teri called after her. Nicholas laughed and turned his attention back to Chris. There was an opportunity here, he just had to take advantage of it.

○ ○ ○

Flynn was bored as he stood for the photo shoot. He should be ecstatic, Zane finally let up his months-long lecture to him and Drew in favor of a lingering irritation with Charlie. Normally Flynn just chalked it up to Zane's controlling nature. Unfortunately, he was starting to think there really was something going on with Charlie. Drew was trying too hard to smile, meaning something was bothering him too. Smiling usually came naturally to Drew.

So he stood there: turned left, leaned right, tilted his head more, now less. It was all so boring. Usually he and Drew could have some fun. This time Zane came down hard on them. Like some overbearing mother hen. The thought made Flynn irritable. He and Drew had been through a lot together over the years. Fame equated to lack of privacy and not all the attention Flynn drew to himself was good for him. He had a problem staying faithful and Drew was his rock. He never judged Flynn. Drew just listened and gave advice for what to do next. Like making up with Wendy. Flynn's third marriage was crumbling.

"Flynn! Try to look like you like having beautiful young ladies banging on your door every night." Troy brought Flynn back to reality when his smile faltered. He could almost hear Drew cringe. Flynn smiled again and tried to look like he would if he actually wanted women banging on his hotel room door. Wouldn't be so bad if Wendy understood or if he had the strength to turn them away.

In his peripheral vision, Flynn saw Chris show up and talk to a couple on a bench. Chris's posture got Flynn's attention and piqued his curiosity, but he couldn't do much about it at the moment. Rachel joined Chris and started to walk across the sand. Flynn's smile gained enthusiasm as he watched Rachel's graceless progress. She was a bitch and he hoped she fell on her ass.

Drew nudged his foot and gave a barely audible chuckle. He'd seen it too.

"Take off your shoes, you'll balance better!" the woman by Chris yelled at Rachel. Flynn lost composure and laughed, Drew quickly joining him.

"I like her," Drew whispered.

"Who?" Flynn asked as he assumed his pose again.

"Whoever that woman is who yelled at Rachel."

As they watched, Rachel struggled to remove her shoes and toppled over. Drew and Flynn lost it, their laughter magnified by Rachel's glare in their direction.

"Take ten!" Troy shouted to them, and their laughs died quickly as they all went to get a drink and some deeper shade.

Several minutes later, Flynn faced away from the scene on the beach in favor of watching girls walk by in swim wear offering various amounts of exposure. Drew leaned against his back and gave him bits of information that he might find of interest so he wasn't missing anything.

"The little brunette who yelled at Rachel is heading for a car. She's got a camera around her neck," Drew narrated.

"Fan? I can't see Troy having an apprentice and keeping her on the sidelines," Flynn said, waving at a pretty blonde.

"She's not Troy's," Zane said. "She was taking pictures of palm trees earlier."

"Who takes pictures of palm trees?" Flynn asked, finishing a bottle of water.

"Tourists," Zane answered.

"Well, the guy she was with is with Chris and Troy, so I don't think Chris was waving them off. Opinion, Charlie?" Drew asked.

"Nope."

Of course not, Flynn thought. Charlie used to be friendly, but now he seemed bored and bitter. Not just at the photo shoot either. Half way through the tour they'd just wrapped up, he withdrew. He hardly said anything anymore. Kind of hard to have a bass guitarist who didn't talk to you. Not as playful on stage either.

Flynn would love to have Drew on the front stage, but drummers were always in the back. Of course they had a camera on Drew and screens, so the audience could see him making faces at Flynn or making fun of him. It was hard for Flynn to retaliate though. Someday he'd think of something. He wondered how hard it would be to put Charlie on drums and Drew on bass.

Thoughts of making a more interesting road show left Flynn's mind as two girls paused by a stand of palms, beckoning him over with tempting smiles.

"Drew, got a situation over here. Cover for me," Flynn whispered and got up to rediscover a familiar kind of mischief.

○ ○ ○

Nicholas watched as Teri slipped quickly into her Lexi persona, somewhat amazed that it was visibly obvious, to him at least. She grabbed her camera and started snapping shots of the redhead's tottering progress through the sand.

Chris overlooked his assistant's dilemma and focused on Lexi. "So, Lexi Frost. I didn't expect to meet you here."

"Probably because I'm not supposed to be here." Lexi didn't look at Chris as she answered, but Nicholas saw amusement all over her face as she watched the pretty redhead losing her battle with the sand. She stopped and tried to remove her shoes.

"Oh! That was unfortunate!" Lexi muffled her laughter as the redhead lost her balance and fell over. Troy was close and quickly moved to help her and Lexi rapidly shot pictures to chronicle the event.

"Well, that'll make it easier for her to deliver the message," Nicholas said.

Chris turned to look briefly, but returned his attention to Lexi without giving the wellbeing of his assistant much thought. "So why are you here? Not supporting Troy Burnett, I assume. Are you a fan?"

"In Like Flynn?" Lexi looked at Chris and shrugged. "I was a teenage girl once, but I grew out of it. I have some of their early stuff. Some recent CDs too, I suppose."

She turned to watch Troy and the redhead, but the show was over and she lowered her camera.

"Nicholas dragged me along. Thought it might be good for me to get out and see fully clothed women for a change. I must say, I forgot how entertaining they could be."

"I'm sure Rachel's thrilled. Tell me, have you considered group shots?" Chris asked.

"You want to document an orgy?" Lexi raised an eyebrow and made a show of sizing him up.

Chris gave a polite laugh. "No. I've seen some of your lesser-known early work. It was very suggestive."

"Wasn't popular. I'm flattered you're familiar with it."

"Since you're here, I wondered if you would be willing to have a go at the boys?"

Nicholas had to rein in his enthusiasm over the offer, but Lexi didn't seem so sure. She looked over to where the men in question were sitting and Nicholas followed her gaze. Flynn and Drew were back to back, leaning against each other as they drank bottled water. Zane stared at Charlie, who seemed determined to ignore him and look any direction but at his band mates.

"They don't seem to be having a good time," Lexi observed. Nicholas recognized the unhappy tone in her voice and realized he was going to have to talk her into it.

"You mentioned that," Chris reminded her.

"I'm not set up for this. I could stage some shots, but this isn't the best equipment for it and it's not the best setting for my type of work either."

"Stop being a perfectionist," Nicholas chided her. Even one good shot when she was on the spot like this would be a win. Anything to get her name more recognition.

"Why?" Lexi looked at him curiously. "No point doing a half-assed job. If I'm going to do it, I want to do it right."

"But you'll do it?" Chris didn't quite manage to keep the excitement out of his voice and Lexi rewarded him with a smile.

"Fine, I'll take a few shots for you. But I'm only handing over what meets my approval, got it?"

Chris grinned. "That's fair."

"Well, I'm winging it here, but letting me take a few shots before Troy starts again might put them in a good mood for him," Lexi suggested.

"I think that's an excellent idea."

"Great." Lexi got up and pulled Nicholas to his feet. "Nicholas, go set it up with Troy, you need to interview him anyway. I'm going back to the car to grab my bag, I need another data card and a different lens for this kind of thing." Lexi trudged off to the car while Nicholas and Chris approached Troy.

"Hey, Troy!" Chris called when they were close enough.

"Yeah?" Troy looked up and saw Chris. "Looks like the band is still unwinding. Seems to be some tension between Zane and Charlie and it's spreading to Flynn and Drew. Shots aren't as light-hearted as I'd hoped. Professional, but I wanted some candid shots too."

"Yeah, we noticed. Actually I didn't, Nicholas was sitting over there waiting to talk to you, and he brought Lexi Frost along with him. She mentioned the boys seemed tense."

"Lexi Frost?"

"I talked her into taking some shots of the guys. I don't even know what I'll do with them. But, since she's here, I had to take advantage of it," Chris explained. "Anyway, she said she's willing to take some now to try to break up this funk the guys are in. What do you think?"

"Bring her on. I'd love to see what she does with them." Troy shrugged. Nicholas couldn't sense that he took any offense from Chris's suggestion.

"Have you seen her early work? She used to work with people actually wearing clothes," Chris asked conversationally.

"I haven't actually. Suggestive, I imagine. That seems to be her style. She's good at posing her models to hide their flaws. Just looking for a few shots to get women panting?"

"Something like that."

"It'll be interesting to see her work." Troy made himself comfortable on his bench and motioned for his assistant. "Cover the camera, we're taking a break." The assistant dutifully went to work.

Nicholas turned and motioned Lexi over. He walked out to meet her partway. "Troy agreed and I didn't hear any bitterness from him. He seems interested to see you in action and he's not familiar with your early work."

"Okay."

"Don't be nervous. No one is expecting perfection when you've got something like this dropped on you out of the blue."

"I'm not, and yes they are."

"It's okay if you only get one or two decent shots."

"Okay."

Nicholas stopped as they reached where Troy and Chris waited. The men halted their conversation and looked at Lexi expectantly. Nicholas knew she was nervous, but couldn't see any signs of it in her now. She knew what she was doing.

○ ○ ○

Lexi offered her hand. "Troy? Hi, I'm Lexi. I hope you don't mind me cutting in for a few shots. I promise not to wear them out."

"Good luck to you, they've been a bit off."

"I noticed some tension. Speaking of which, where's Flynn?" Lexi frowned as she looked at the rest of the band resting in the shade, then up and down the beach for the lead singer and the girls he was flirting with.

"What? Oh, not again," Chris moaned as he stood and motioned for his assistant. The redhead, Rachel, walked over carrying her shoes and eying Lexi warily.

"Where's Flynn? We need him back here now."

Rachel nodded curtly and headed for a small oasis of palm trees and hibiscus bushes. Lexi smiled as Flynn stood up from behind one of the flowering bushes, a sheepish look on his face. Quickly bringing her camera up to focus, she snapped a few shots as first one, then the other bikini-clad girl stood up behind Flynn. Rachel's back was to her so Lexi couldn't see her face, but her posture said enough. Flynn, thankfully, kept his sheepish expression long enough to be useful before he transitioned to looking chastised. Lexi caught every look, even the girls' unease and embarrassment.

As Rachel and Flynn headed back, Lexi finally stopped taking pictures and prodded Nicholas forward.

"Get waivers from the girls and ask if they'd like to come play."

Nicholas dutifully trudged over to get the attention of the girls before they wandered off.

Chris walked over to the benches where the band was and Lexi followed along behind him. He waited until Flynn joined them, giving Lexi an appraising look.

"Gentlemen, this is Lexi Frost. For everyone except Drew, she's a photographer known for her sexually suggestive and nude shots."

"What about Drew?" Lexi asked playfully.

"He's a shutterbug. He's the reason I knew who you were."

"Ah."

"Since Lexi has kindly agreed to go a few rounds with you guys, I'd like you to behave. Flynn, that means no trying to seduce her or mentally undress her."

"Don't be silly, mentally undress me." Lexi laughed. "Can I get you guys back over where you were?"

Obediently they all moved back into the positions they were in before the break. Lexi saw even Charlie was moving a little easier although Zane was still watching him. She rearranged their lineup to put Flynn and Drew between Zane and Charlie. Then she pushed Charlie a little to the back and brought Flynn just a step to the front so Zane couldn't see the object of his wrath any longer. Drew goosed Flynn now that he was in front, but Lexi missed it. She sighed wistfully; that would have been fun.

Lexi looked around for Nicholas and found him standing off to the side with the girls. He gave her a thumbs-up. She grinned and motioned for him to wait. She focused on the band, they were in position, but not really ready yet, just waiting for her cue. Lexi cued Nicholas instead.

Sure enough, as the girls started walking across the beach between Lexi and the band, all eyes turned to look. Lexi laughed as she took a series of shots. Then Zane noticed and snapped at Flynn and Drew to pay attention. They both looked at Lexi guiltily.

"Zane! My God, you're not their father. Let them look at the pretty girls!" Lexi called and Flynn broke out in one of his familiar lopsided smiles that always reminded her of a mischievous little boy. It was popular with his female fans and she was tickled to see it at all, let alone directed straight at the camera with the other three looking appreciatively at the girls who were now just leaving the frame. She prayed that one of those would turn out as she expected.

For the next hour she tempted the band and they played along beautifully. By the palms, hiding in the hibiscus, standing casually and unsuspecting by the sea wall until a large wave crashed too hard and splashed them with water. She couldn't have hoped for what happened next and quickly motioned for Troy to grab his camera and join her when Flynn and Drew took off their wet shirts.

Twisting their shirts, the two heartthrobs started the age-old fight men played in locker rooms with wet towels: whipping each other and backing away before they got hit in return. The playfulness was fantastic, but their toned, tanned bodies made it even better.

Troy stood off to one side and Lexi to the other, both trying to capture every moment of the mayhem.

Lexi motioned for Nicholas to grab the girls again.

"You ready?" She asked Troy with an impish grin.

"The girls?"

Lexi nodded and turned to the girls as they approached.

"Now, you are lovely young ladies with an arsenal of genetic weaponry. Go break it up."

She motioned the girls on and was gratified to notice their nightclub walks as they approached Flynn and Drew. Zane saw them coming and started to laugh uncontrollably. A moment later Charlie joined him. Flynn and Drew were still absorbed in their battle and didn't notice until the girls were closer.

Flynn noticed first because of the direction they were coming from. He paused, giving Drew the opening for one last shot across his abdomen. Flynn clutched his side and both girls ran to give him comfort, much to Drew's annoyance. One girl knelt with a hand on Flynn's ripped stomach, lower than strictly necessary. The other girl snuggled under one of Flynn's arms with a hand on his chest. Zane and Charlie laughed harder as the girls draped themselves across Flynn and Drew rolled his eyes.

"Nicholas, call Flynn," Lexi prompted. Flynn looked from the girls to the camera on cue.

"That's perfect," Troy said.

"Well, I'm worn out. Have at it," Lexi told Troy. "If nothing else, they should be in a better mood."

"And I appreciate that. Next time, I'll remember to hire some girls." Troy laughed and lowered his camera.

○ ○ ○

"Hey, Flynn! Put some clothes on, man. You're driving the girls crazy." Drew laughed and threw Flynn's damp shirt at him, hitting him in the face. Flynn caught it as it fell down into his hands. His eyes never wavered from watching Troy and Lexi talking. Troy was still taking some pictures, and Flynn knew he should be paying more attention to the two girls hanging on him. Lexi's playfulness was still fresh in his mind as he sized up the woman kneeling in the sand.

Drew took a couple of steps to stand beside Flynn and looked to see what had him so enthralled.

"I might have known it would be a woman." He shook his head in amazement. He reached down and took the wandering hand of the girl on her knees by Flynn.

"What's your name, honey?"

"Wendy."

Startled, Flynn remembered he was married. His third wife, also named Wendy, was at home with her daughter from a previous marriage. Wendy had some riding competition she was training for, so he was traveling alone. He looked back to Lexi as Drew encouraged the girls to go put a smile on Charlie's face. Flynn wished them luck on that endeavor.

"She's different," Flynn said casually.

"Lexi? Yeah, she's successful and creative." Drew put a hand on Flynn's shoulder. "I hate to say it, she doesn't need you."

"Go to hell," Flynn responded automatically to Drew's familiar jibe.

"You're seriously interested?"

"Tell me about her," Flynn ordered.

"Put your shirt on," Drew countered. Flynn shook out his shirt and slipped it on. It was cool against his skin and he shivered.

"Your turn." Flynn turned to Drew but Zane was walking up. "Later. Hey, Zane."

"I think that went well," Zane said.

"Yeah. Are we done?" Drew asked.

"Ask Chris."

"Yeah. You know, I was thinking." Drew scratched the stubble he permanently wore on his cheek. "What do you think about hiring Lexi for her usual studio style?"

Flynn grinned as much at the suggestion as Zane's frown.

"She does nudes. That's not happening, Drew, what are you thinking?"

"It doesn't have to be full frontal. Something tasteful."

"Again, she does nudes, Drew, what the hell are you thinking?" Zane's agitation was as heartwarming to Flynn as Lexi's demand that he be allowed to play with the girls. Or her invitation to undress her. Too bad it was mental.

"Just that we like to forge new trails, go where other bands have failed to go before. I'm thinking something like 'The Thinker' or some Greek statue."

"But with arms." Flynn laughed.

"And clothes," Zane persisted.

Chris walked up and Flynn realized while he'd been distracted with Zane, Lexi finished whatever she was doing and was now headed for her car with the other man, Nicholas something. Drew's hand on his arm kept him from trying to follow, but his eyes watched as she reached the car and got in.

"Flynn? Are you listening?" Chris asked, waving a hand in front of Flynn's face to get his attention.

"Wha –? Sorry, no. What were you saying?" He reluctantly dragged his eyes away from Lexi and back to Chris.

"Lexi is going back to her hotel to look over the shots. I'll meet up with her tomorrow for lunch."

"I want to come."

"No, you and Zane have a radio interview, remember? Flynn, are you feeling okay?"

"Probably the heat," Drew said. "Although I'd like to go."

"I figured you would," Chris agreed.

"So are we done here?" Flynn asked, looking back to where Lexi's car started to pull away. His stomach turned as he watched it go.

"Yeah, I'll tell Troy. You're too distracted to be of any further use. Drew, do something with him before tomorrow, will you?"

Drew laughed. "I'll take care of it." He took Flynn's arm and guided him back to the limo, waiting until they were out of earshot before talking quietly to him. "Listen, you're like a kid with a crush. You need to chill before Chris, or worse – Zane, figures out you've got a new obsession. And think about Wendy for a moment, will you? You two have been married for nearly five years now."

"It's unraveling, Drew."

"I know, we've talked about it. So the past year has been rough, but you don't know this woman. Don't throw away a perfectly ... plausible marriage for an unknown. She could be married, or a lesbian, or have firm policies based on experience not to get involved with sexy musicians."

"Well, since you're seeing her tomorrow and I'm not, I guess it's your job to find out." Flynn grinned and slapped his friend on the back.

○ ○ ○

Flynn had just sat down to relax by the pool when Drew returned from meeting with Lexi.

"Get up and get dressed, we're going to a debut artist gallery show."

"Come again?"

"Lexi. Or did you come to your senses?"

"Nope." Flynn got up and headed back to his room with Drew.

"Now, these things are normally by invitation but I've got the concierge working on it. He doesn't seem to think it'll be a problem," Drew continued as he followed Flynn. "Have you eaten anything?"

"Yeah, we had breakfast together."

"Thought so. I asked to have a BLT sent up to your room so you don't starve at the show."

"They always have little trays of whatevers at those things."

"Fattening little whatevers that you look at and never eat."

"Right. BLT, good plan."

"I know. I couldn't get a lot of info out of Lexi with Chris there. There was next to nothing available on the net. I checked before I left."

"I noticed that too," Flynn grumbled.

"Nicholas Daley is an old friend of hers and we talked over lunch."

"And?" They reached Flynn's room and he fumbled with the electronic lock.

"Nicholas said Lexi lost her husband a few years ago."

"So she's single."

"Pay attention." Drew slapped the back of Flynn's head. "Nicholas came out to interview Troy and dragged her along because she needed a break. Give me your key card." He took Flynn's card and got the door open on the second try.

"I hate those things," Flynn said.

"I know. Anyway, be sensitive and be prepared for her to be a bit more reserved than you're used to. Meaning she might not jump in bed with you."

"Maybe. She seemed fun. I don't think her personality will shift that much." Flynn started to pull together an outfit.

"Other than a few fun comments, you really don't know her," Drew warned.

"You had lunch with her, was she that different?"

"She wasn't as playful. I suppose there wasn't as much opportunity either. Go take a shower, I'll wait for your sandwich."

Flynn took his clothes and showered quickly. Drew was on the phone when he emerged and his lunch was there waiting for him. He sat at the small table and ate, his mind wandering as he looked forward to seeing Lexi again.

"Got invitations," Drew announced.

"Just us?"

"Zane's not invited if that's what you're wondering."

"I really loved her snapping at him."

"So, about Wendy." Drew hesitated.

"Off topic."

"No, it's not. Listen, I'm involved now, so I want you to pay attention. I know things have been a bit rough, and I know you've been cheating. Probably not a good idea to mention that to Lexi."

Flynn rolled his eyes as he bit into his BLT.

"I know, I know, but I'm concerned. Your marriage is on the line already and now you want to go chasing after a woman you've barely spoken to."

"So you're trying to coach me to give me the best shot with her." Flynn nodded. "Makes sense."

Drew's head sunk into his hands. "No, it doesn't. I don't know what I'm thinking. You're doing something stupid, so I'm a wreck because I'm your keeper."

"I won't tell Zane."

"He'll kill me." Drew sighed. "He's fond of Wendy, you know."

"Zane? Yeah, the few times a year they meet. You and Dee see her more. Well, you do. Dee hates me, and Wendy didn't appreciate Dee tattling. I think she would have preferred to remain oblivious to our relationship. She doesn't like seeing my best friend as competition."

"Dee doesn't either, which is why she tries so hard to keep the relationship between the two of us professional. She just doesn't understand that there's enough of me for both of you." Drew puffed up his chest and struck a vain pose. Flynn laughed and Drew turned serious again.

"I'll try to keep Dee away from Lexi," Drew promised.

"Thanks, I appreciate that. I'd like to keep one for a change."

"You saw a marriage counselor already with Wendy, right? I'm not mixing up wives?"

"Yeah. We'd find one, then one or the other of us decided we didn't like that one and we'd find a new one, repeat process. We gave it up about a year ago. I cheat, she withholds in revenge, which encourages me to cheat, repeat process again."

"Have you considered being faithful, just as an experiment?"

"Don't get smart. You've cheated too."

"As an exception, not a rule. And with the exception of being with you, I don't get caught."

Flynn pushed his plate aside and stood up. "It's not the sex, it's the companionship. Wendy got tired of dividing her time between being on tour with me and training for her riding competitions. The horses won." Flynn shrugged and turned away. It was hard to admit the failure of his third marriage. "I'm going to brush my teeth." Flynn headed back to the bathroom.

"Take your time, it doesn't start for a couple hours," Drew said and sat back to wait.

# Chapter Four

It never rains but it pours, Nicholas thought. Not that Teri noticed. She was preoccupied with staying in her Lexi persona so she didn't notice the way Flynn watched her yesterday. And she was busy talking to Chris at lunch so she wasn't aware of Drew's seemingly harmless questions. Nicholas doubted Drew was asking for his own sake.

Then there was Paul Lovett. Nicholas wondered if he should mention he could have sworn he saw Kayley at the restaurant.

While Nicholas was debating whether to ruin her evening, possibly in error, or risk a meltdown later, Teri entered the lobby in black slacks and a silver tank top that shimmered as she walked. A silver comb pulled back her short, dark curls and let diamond studs twinkle in her ears.

"You look lovely," Nicholas said as Teri reached him.

"I feel naked," Teri complained, but she smiled at his compliment. For once, she didn't have a heavy camera bag on her shoulder and only carried a clutch purse.

"Well, you're lighter now and able to walk without being lopsided. Try it for a night, you may like it."

"Silly."

It was a short ride to the gallery and Nicholas watched as Teri closed her eyes and repeatedly took deep breaths.

"Getting into character?"

"Yes. I kind of wished I would have kept my mouth shut yesterday."

"No you don't. You got some great pictures and impressed the hell out of Chris and Troy."

"Chris did seem pretty happy."

"Drew was impressed," Nicholas carefully broached the subject, planning to lead into Flynn's interest.

"Chris said he was a shutterbug. I imagine he'd have opportunities for some great shots. Traveling around like they do I mean."

"He wanted to talk to you but you were busy with Chris. Flynn wanted to come too but had another commitment."

Lexi shrugged. "Another time maybe."

"There's the gallery, they have it lit up like Christmas. Are you ready, Lexi, my dear?"

"How long do we have to stay?"

"I'll let you know when it's safe to leave," Nicholas promised.

"Who is this artist again?"

"Someone Troy knows." Nicholas brought out the invitations Troy gave them. "A. Polstein, no idea if 'A' signifies male or female so whoever finds out first tells the other, deal?"

"Deal. Painter, right?"

"We'll find out in a moment."

The taxi stopped and Nicholas leaned forward to pay the driver. He got out and held out a hand to help Lexi out of the cab.

"You always seem taller as Lexi," he whispered as he closed the cab door again.

"It's the heels. It's weird because they're part of Teri's wardrobe."

"You're going to need therapy after a few more years of this. Come on."

The gallery had a number of people already milling around for the opening of the Polstein exhibition. Nicholas didn't see Troy, but it was early yet. Nicholas appreciated what artists were capable of in their chosen medium, but not so much that he frequented exhibitions. He wondered if he should start bringing Teri to more for social interaction.

Since the artist was clearly a painter, Nicholas and Lexi set about mingling and eavesdropping to see if "A" was male or female. They hadn't gone far before Nicholas was kicking himself for not paying attention to the invitation and asking Troy who the artist was.

"Amberlyn," Lexi whispered in his ear.

"Thank God, that's a load off my mind." Nicholas relaxed and looked around again. "Now, do you see Troy?"

"No, but I see Drew."

Nicholas turned to look in the direction Lexi was facing and saw Drew and Flynn walk through the front door. They commanded attention and people were quickly edging their direction while trying not to be obvious about it.

"I suspect they're here to see you."

"They don't know who A. Polstein is?" Lexi looked worried.

"Doubtful."

"Call them over and tell them."

Nicholas raised an arm and waved to Drew. Thankfully Flynn saw him. Drew and Flynn made their way with a sense of purpose and joined them with relief.

"I think we all know each other," Nicholas said. "We weren't expecting to see you two here."

"I had to get Flynn away from Zane," Drew answered. Flynn seemed briefly surprised by the revelation, but took the cue and nodded in agreement. Nicholas wasn't fooled for a moment.

"Isn't he letting you look at pretty girls?" Lexi teased.

"No, he's terribly unreasonable." Flynn gave Lexi a dazzling smile.

"Now why couldn't you put on that smile for Troy?" Lexi sighed. Nicholas had a brief daydream about marrying her off to Flynn. That would solve her money problems as well as take care of that social hermit mentality.

"I think I did, eventually."

"Eventually. He should be here somewhere, don't let him see you smile like that." Lexi looked around, then stiffened and turned to face Nicholas. The color was gone from her face. He looked over her shoulder to see what startled her, his heart in his throat. Sure enough, walking toward them were Paul and Kayley.

"Not to worry, he was a satisfied client. I'm sure he's just coming to say hello." Nicholas tried to put her at ease. Lexi stomped hard on his foot, clearly letting him know the lie didn't put her at ease.

"I'm missing something." Flynn looked to Nicholas for an answer as Lexi turned to face Paul. Nicholas was still recovering from the unexpected assault on his foot and just nodded wordlessly.

"Mr. Lovett, Kayley, I didn't expect to see you here. Kayley, that dress is gorgeous on you!" Lexi brushed off Paul and concentrated on Kayley instead.

"Thank you, Lexi. And thank you again for the pictures. They are just beyond belief."

"I'm glad you liked them. What brings you to Miami?"

"Oh, when Paul found out you finally decided to leave Seattle, he couldn't get down here fast enough. We're only here to ambush you I'm afraid." Kayley shrugged.

Nicholas wasn't ready for Kayley's honesty, but he was prepared to back Lexi with whatever move she decided to make. He sensed Lexi's shock and quickly backed up against her, his hands holding her upper arms to steady her.

"And you ..." Lexi lapsed into confusion.

"Oh, I know all about his interest," Kayley confirmed, taking a sip from her champagne flute. "He's smitten. I've known that since the beginning and I offered him advice. I have to be honest, Paul's unusually persistent."

Nicholas looked at Paul. He stood quietly by Kayley's side watching Lexi.

"Kayley always speaks her mind." Paul smiled gently. "I didn't mean to startle you like this, but you refuse to answer my emails. Meanwhile, I see you've picked up some new friends." Paul indicated Drew and Flynn, watching the scene with expressions of amusement and horror.

"Yes. Paul, Kayley, meet Drew and Flynn. Lexi happened to be on hand to assist with a photo shoot of the band, In Like Flynn, yesterday," Nicholas introduced them.

"I know."

"Troy's working for you?" Lexi asked. She seemed to be holding herself together, so Nicholas released her shoulders.

"No, I was there."

"You were at the beach? Where? Why?"

"Some of the time I sat in the back of the car. I did get out and stretch my legs a bit. I was behind you though, so it was unlikely you'd notice me."

"Champagne?" A caterer appeared, her eyes lingering on Flynn, and the interruption broke through the tension hanging heavy in the air. Flynn, Drew and Nicholas each took a glass, Flynn downed his like a shot and put it back on the tray. The caterer looked to Lexi for an answer.

"Um, not unless you have one that looks, tastes, and has the alcohol content of a Dr. Pepper," Lexi said, still looking at Paul. Lexi's response confused the caterer and she looked around for a cue.

"Please get Ms. Frost a Dr. Pepper." Paul directed her.

"You organized this?" Lexi asked weakly.

"No, not enough warning. Although it is an idea to keep in mind. I saw Troy talking to Nicholas and showing him the promotional flier for this event. Getting an invitation was simple. Shall we look around?"

Paul reached out and put a hand on Lexi's shoulder, guiding her toward the back of the gallery and away from the crowd. Kayley slipped in between Drew and Flynn, handing Flynn her drink and taking each by the arm.

"So, how do you fit in here?" Drew asked Kayley.

"When Lexi and I met, I was generally known as Paul's mistress. I guess I still am since not a lot of people know he's pursuing Lexi now."

"And you're okay with that?"

"Paul and I are friends, we're not in love. I wouldn't be much of a friend if I didn't support him when he finds someone who means something to him. He's very taken with her."

"Go figure," Flynn murmured and finished Kayley's half-full glass. Nicholas took the empty one from his hand and replaced it with his own untouched glass.

"Thanks."

"You look like you need it."

"So what's your part in this?" Flynn asked him.

"I'm not sure I honestly know anymore." Nicholas stopped and faced Flynn as he stopped as well. Drew pulled Kayley away until Nicholas and Flynn were more or less alone.

"Just to be clear," Nicholas started, "you're interested in getting to know Lexi better."

"Yeah, want to tell me what's up with the suit?"

"Paul hired Lexi a couple months ago to photograph Kayley."

"I picked up on that."

"I knew he was interested at the time. And I was all for the two of them getting together, but Lexi wouldn't do that to Kayley. I tried to give Paul a hand and she got pretty upset with me about it, so Paul's a taboo subject. I'm not getting involved."

"Am I taboo?"

Nicholas ran his fingers through his hair as he thought about that. "Kayley threw Lexi for a loop. She's not an obstacle anymore. Flynn, I can't say you're taboo, but I can't say you're in the running either."

"That's fair." Flynn nodded unhappily. "Is she going to fall for this set-up?"

Nicholas snagged two more champagne glasses from a passing caterer. "I have no idea." He handed one glass to Flynn, who quickly drained the new glass, then the one he was already holding. Nicholas drank his almost as quickly.

"To be honest, I'm not going to complain if Paul convinces her to give him a chance. She'll be nervous until she gets to know him, but ... Well, let's catch up and see where you stand," Nicholas suggested. "And that's it for the drinking. Lexi doesn't really drink, so getting bombed won't gain you the sympathy vote."

They put their glasses on an empty tray as it came by and turned to look for the rest of the group.

○ ○ ○

When they caught up to Lexi, she was standing between Kayley and Drew, staring at a geometric painting in browns, greens, and blues. Paul stood behind Lexi, closer than Flynn preferred.

"What is it?" Kayley asked as Flynn took up position behind Drew and devoted his attention to Lexi rather than the painting.

"A pine tree," Lexi answered. She held a tumbler and finished her Dr. Pepper as Kayley tried to make sense of the painting again.

"How do you figure?" Drew questioned her identification of the item.

"Look at it sideways."

Drew tilted his head slightly to the left.

"No," Lexi clarified, "it fell to the right, like it's been cut down."

Paul chuckled as Drew and Kayley both tilted their heads to the right. He took Lexi's empty glass from her and handed it to a hovering caterer. Flynn fought the urge to deck him for the smoothness of the move.

"It's crying?" Kayley asked, standing up straight again.

"Go figure. I'm guessing it's a protest against deforestation. Hopefully this particular canvas isn't stretched over a wood frame."

"Where would you prefer Paul tricked you into visiting so he could spend some time with you?" Kayley asked, turning and walking to the next painting.

"Pick somewhere exotic and expensive," Nicholas prompted.

"Please tell me that doesn't mean you're going to start arranging bogus jobs." Lexi turned and looked up at Paul. She was on the verge of tears and Flynn had a harder time resisting the impulse to hit him.

"I won't need to. You've made a name for yourself. Enough people have seen the pictures you took of Kayley to encourage more clients for you. You're going to start traveling more for those jobs and you know it." Paul handed her another drink.

"And you'll be there waiting," Flynn finished.

Paul looked at Flynn curiously. "I sometimes have other places I have to be, just like you do. Most of the time I can rearrange my schedule. Are you concerned?"

"She just looks a little shaken."

Paul turned his attention back to Lexi and reached out to take her free hand in his. Leaning in close, he whispered in her ear. Flynn's heart sank as her eyes got wide and she bit her bottom lip. Paul straightened up but kept his eyes locked on her face.

Lexi stared at Paul silently for a moment, then took a deep breath and released it as she composed herself.

"Fine." She nodded to Paul.

Flynn felt a glass being pressed into his hand and saw it was Paul handing him a drink now. He fought the impulse to throw it in the other man's face.

"Nicholas?" Lexi's quiet call interrupted Flynn's debate on the merits of making a scene.

Nicholas appeared on Paul's other side and Lexi turned to him.

"Take me back to the hotel. I've got a headache."

To Flynn's dismay, Lexi walked past Nicholas and proceeded to the door without a backward glance. Nicholas hurried off to follow her.

"What did you say to her?" Flynn demanded of Paul once they were gone.

"I'm afraid she'd be irritated with me if I told you." Paul turned his attention back to Kayley, dismissing any response Flynn might have.

# Chapter Five

Paul was used to big business and big decisions. He therefore knew when to delegate. Paul's assistant, Tim, flew down to Miami with him and remained quietly in the background handling every detail to make things go smoothly.

When Paul returned from the exhibition, Tim helped Kayley pack, saw her safely on her way back to New York, and returned to listen to the details of the evening.

"I'm sure Flynn Peterson is pursuing her, but from what I saw at the beach it looks like they just met." Paul thought out loud as he paced the length of his suite.

"You said Drew Little was at the gallery as well?"

"For backup, I think."

"I'll look into it." Tim jotted a note in his PDA.

"I appreciate that."

"I confirmed lunch arrangements. An alcove is reserved the entire day so you won't have to wait to be seated or rushed. It's not completely private, but I believe I've found an adequate solution. Management assures me you'll have excellent service. They had misgivings about the menu, but I was firm."

"Thank you. I'm not concerned about impressing Teri with money or power. I think your suggestion of comfort food was exactly right. She agreed to lunch, but I suspect it was more because she felt trapped than a desire to spend time with me or eat. Putting her at ease in small ways will be helpful." Paul paused for a moment in his pacing and thought. Tim waited patiently. "Let's see if we can add a little light humor to the lunch."

"Did you have anything in particular in mind?"

Paul turned to Tim and smiled. "Yes, actually."

○ ○ ○

Teri had a rough night. Nicholas took her back to the hotel and saw her to her room. Like a good friend, he stayed with her as she broke down and raided the mini bar in both rooms when she started to hyperventilate. Then he tucked her in after she finally fell asleep.

While grateful for his support last night, she wasn't so happy about him banging on her door to wake her up the next morning.

"What?" Teri demanded as she jerked the door open.

"You're meeting Paul in an hour and a half." Nicholas walked in, handing Teri a muffin.

"Oh." Teri wandered back over to her bed, sat, and took a bite of the muffin.

"Eat quickly." Nicholas put a bag on the bed beside her and pulled out a new outfit, complete with sandals. "I went shopping this morning since you didn't have anything suitable to wear. I know how you hate it when designs around the collar and waist on shirts are only on the front so I found one that completed the pattern. You know, I didn't realize how hard it was to find a shirt that had the design on the back too."

"Now you know why I either wear suits or jeans and T-shirts."

"Not today. Finish your muffin and hop in the shower." Nicholas found her clutch and frowned at it. He looked around and she pointed to her other purse, the one large enough to accommodate her camera. He stared at it, then glared at her.

"I'm running out for a moment, don't forget to shave your legs."

"Whatever." She shoved the rest of the muffin in her mouth and took the clothes with her into the small bathroom. Teri finished dressing and busied herself with her make-up until he returned.

"The only purse in the gift shop is this floral thing." He held up a smallish bag with an open top and a hibiscus floral print.

"That's ghastly. I'll take the clutch."

"You had that last night."

"And I'll have it again today. It's black, it matches everything."

"Not your shoes."

"Nicholas, just to clarify, who's the woman here? If I'm not that anal about this lunch then you don't get to be."

"I just want to make a good impression."

"Then you go."

"I would, but for some reason Paul wants you."

"Then leave me alone and let me get ready."

Teri hurried through her preparations and sat quietly on the end of her bed. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.

"Fighting back panic?" Nicholas asked.

"Thinking about Paul's invitation."

"To lunch? Regrets already?"

"He knows Lexi isn't really my name."

"Is that why you agreed to lunch?"

Teri thought about that. She wasn't sure she could explain why she agreed to lunch. It wasn't really accepting an invitation so much as making a concession.

Glancing at the clock, Teri took another deep breath and got up. She grabbed her clutch and headed for the door.

"He'll be here in a few, I might as well be on time," she answered Nicholas's questioning look.

"Stick with your Lexi personality for now. It's your comfort zone and it won't offend him," Nicholas advised. "I'll have the mini bars restocked."

"Those little bottles are expensive for what you get. Go buy economy size. I'm going to need it."

"Fine, but only as a precaution. Try to keep a positive attitude. Who knows? You might like Paul once you get to know him."

Teri stopped and gave Nicholas a withering glare. "I have six teenagers. That's enough problems without adding men to the mix."

○ ○ ○

Despite Tim's help and assurances everything was taken care of, Paul still felt a knot of nervous tension coiled in his belly when he arrived at Teri's hotel. It might be a tad over-dramatic to say the rest of his life hinged on the next couple of hours, but Paul felt that level of pressure nonetheless. That he might lose interest himself didn't cross his mind. Their future together was in Teri's hands, and he had to sell it.

Selling himself wasn't usually a problem. Paul had a knack for winning people over, to the point of closing deals based on their impressions of him rather than his product or company. This was different, and it bothered him. His cool unruffled character, always a bonus in the board room, was undoubtedly ruffled. His self-confidence hadn't been this shaken in – well he couldn't remember how long. And it took a woman to do it. He laughed at himself. If all else failed, he could beg. That would be another new experience.

A text message from Tim came in just as the limo came to a stop. Paul glanced at it: a reminder that Teri didn't volunteer her real identity. He was so used to referring to her as "Teri" when talking to Tim that the reminder wasn't unwarranted. Of course Teri knew Paul was on to her. He ensured that last night when he leaned over and whispered "I'd like to take you to lunch and get to know you better as yourself." He didn't outright say he knew her secret, but she stiffened at the implication before agreeing. Given the circumstances, Tim was right. Paul fixed the name "Lexi" firmly in his mind as he walked into the lobby.

Lexi sat in the small lounge, waiting. She saw him enter, stood, and walked over. She didn't seem happy to see him. That was to be expected, but his stomach hardened regardless. Wordlessly, he offered his arm and she took it gracefully. Leading her back to the limo, he helped her in before taking his place beside her.

"You know," Paul started slowly as the driver pulled away from the hotel, "I started checking up on you the first time we met."

"I didn't actually, but it doesn't surprise me. So you dug up everything you could." She didn't look at him as she answered, which Paul took to be a bad sign.

"Yes, to try to unravel the mystery."

"Great. Well done. Satisfied?"

"Actually, no. I'm not really interested in 'Lexi' so much anymore. I'd rather get to know 'Teri' if that's all right with you."

Lexi looked at him sharply. Paul expected more of a reaction. He watched her for a moment, uneasy as he recognized her stress.

"I made you uncomfortable, didn't I?"

"I'm the same person. It's just a name." Her voice was calm, but she looked away again as she spoke.

"Do you really believe that?"

"Do you really believe I have multiple personalities?" She glared at him briefly before looking back out the side window.

"Of course not." He chuckled, gratified that she chanced looking at him again. "You know as well as I do that people bring forward different aspects of their character for different situations. People are generally different at home versus at work. 'Lexi' is an attitude you adopt when you have to deal with people you want to keep away from your private life. People you would never discuss your feelings or dreams with. People who may know you have children, but nothing about them. I don't want to stay in that category.

"I realize it's not a simple request. You don't know me very well, and you didn't willingly divulge your identity. Don't worry, I've been very careful to control that information from the beginning. Since I do know, you don't need to rein in what you say around me."

Lexi nodded slightly. "I understand, but I'm not sure if that's a conscious decision. You know the other side where most people who call me 'Lexi' don't, that's true. But, as you said, it wasn't my choice. I don't know you."

Paul tried to conceal his disappointment. "That's fair. 'Lexi' it is for now then, with the addendum that the wall between your identities is made of glass in my particular case."

Lexi agreed with a curt nod. Paul let the subject drop. He didn't want to push her too far, she was already uncomfortable. Hopefully lunch would set her at ease.

○ ○ ○

Lexi relaxed when they entered the crowded restaurant. She'd been afraid of a quiet, intimate lunch where she couldn't avoid Paul's uncomfortable questions or attention. As the hostess led them back toward a series of semi-private alcoves, Lexi gave herself a mental kick. Of course Paul wouldn't let something as simple as witnesses thwart his plans.

The hostess led them to an end alcove, more secluded than the rest courtesy of a floral arrangement custom-ordered to fan across the side of the table as a screen. An aromatic mixture of roses and carnations filled the alcove. Lexi raised an eyebrow at Paul and smiled in appreciation of his efforts.

"You went all out," she said as he sat down across from her.

"Why hold back? You know what I want."

"Do I? Just what do you expect of me, Paul?"

"I want you to allow me the pleasure of dating you. To entice you, with the option to spoil shamelessly in the future." He smiled softly. "You are the most unique and interesting woman I've ever met. I haven't been able to get you out of my mind."

"Have you tried?"

"Twice."

"Really? I'm hurt."

"No you're not, you're curious. I think I'll keep it that way for now. Needless to say, I failed."

"Bet you didn't like that."

He laughed. "That was a failure I could accept."

"And me walking away?"

"Is not," Paul said, suddenly serious again. "You know I have wealth, power, luxury –"

"Kayley."

"She recognized my interest and wished me luck."

"That's very sporting of her."

"That's the kind of relationship we have. I don't begrudge her attempts to find love and she doesn't begrudge mine."

"I see."

"I doubt it, but that's fine for now."

"No menus?" Lexi looked around the table, tying to move the afternoon along.

"Already planned."

"Of course. And the topic of conversation? You've planned everything else."

"To be honest, I'd love to talk about you."

"You have investigators that already told you all about me. You've seen the spoilers, so why bother?"

"Facts on a sheet are dry and lifeless. You are full of energy and imagination."

"Don't forget the drugs. Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, anti-histamines, caffeine. It makes for quite the cocktail."

Paul smiled. "Everyone drinks caffeine and takes anti-histamines. I understand the anti-anxiety pills with the crowd you have at home. I wonder if you even still need the anti-depressants. It's been a while now since you lost Allen, is it still so bad?"

The question brought Lexi up short. She wasn't prepared to discuss her late husband. Instead, she reached for her glass of water.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought him up. Clearly it is still affecting you." Paul reached across the table and took Lexi's other hand. She flinched briefly at his touch, but then forced herself to relax. Lexi set down her water to watch as Paul slowly stroked her fingers, the inside of her wrist, and traced the lines on the palm of her hand.

"Are you going to tell me my future?" she joked uncomfortably at his tender caress.

"I'm going to let you get to know me better. Then you're going to fall hopelessly in love with me and we'll be blissfully happy together." Paul smiled. He turned her hand over and fingered the empty spot where her wedding ring used to be. Lexi fidgeted uncomfortably.

"Paul, can I be blunt?"

"You're asking?" Paul raised his eyebrows in disbelief. She waited and he sighed. "Of course, say or ask what you will."

"You don't really seem like the stalker type."

He laughed. "You would certainly know."

She froze in surprise and then rolled her eyes in realization. "Your research was thorough."

"Of course. You had quite a figure in college with a pretty face. Coupled with your unusual wit it's not surprising a few of your would-be boyfriends demonstrated some distinctly stalker-like tendencies. Amateurs, thankfully.

"I'm glad I learned that tidbit early on. I've deliberately avoided going to Seattle to see you because I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."

"Thank you. I think that would have freaked me out."

"Please keep traveling so I have other opportunities, okay?"

"What would you do if I decided to become a hermit?"

"Become an investor in the kids' charter school, I imagine. Then you'd have to deal with me on the PTA."

Lexi gave a dramatic shudder in response and Paul laughed. She smiled at him. "Seriously Paul, you do not want to deal with our PTA."

"I believe you. I looked at the school, it's amazing it's still afloat. Maybe someday I could give you a hand with that." He paused, watching her and her eyes grew wide. "But I think it's just a little too close for comfort just now," he finished.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, a responsible stalker needs to respect boundaries."

She laughed, and he watched her. His gaze sobered her quickly and she picked up her water, looking away.

"That you married your fourth would-be stalker didn't exactly discourage me, you know."

"Is that what your goal is?"

Paul smiled. "For now, my goal is dinner."

Lexi gave him a grateful smile as a waitress showed up with their meals: lasagna, one of her favorites. A silver ice bucket with a pair of Dr. Pepper bottles in it was added to the table with champagne flutes, and Lexi laughed. Paul winked as he dramatically opened one of the bottles and poured her a drink.

"You really don't miss a thing, do you?" she asked.

"How could I pass up this golden opportunity?" He raised a glass in the way of a toast. "To getting to know you better, Lexi Frost."

○ ○ ○

Paul spent the rest of lunch keeping Lexi talking about the charter school the kids went to, and the inspiration for her and Allen to found it. The trials and pitfalls and stress it gave her to get it started surprised Paul. Now that it was established, she backed off to allow the board to run it, and quietly pulled her hair out during the meetings. Paul gave her some insight from a businessman's point of view. His free advice and candid critique earned him dinner, in part because they'd talked so long they were still at the table when the dinner hours started.

Paul returned Lexi to her hotel later, but wouldn't let her go until she promised either a nightcap or breakfast. Since he knew she rarely drank, breakfast was a given, and he picked her up at seven the next morning. It took only a little coaxing to get her to admit she'd been up all night and hadn't actually gone to bed yet. After breakfast, he took her up to a rooftop garden to feed the pigeons.

The warmth of the day, gentle breeze, and shade of the vine-laden gazebo set a relaxing scene. Paul held Lexi beside him on a padded bench as he quietly told her the complexities of international business and how they differed from small, local business practices. As expected, she fell asleep on his shoulder and he smiled to himself in satisfaction for almost two hours as she napped.

Of course she missed her flight home. He made it up to her with lunch and drove her to Miami International for another flight.

While conversing regularly via emails and calls, Paul didn't get to see Lexi again until he crashed her trip to London over a month later. She had a photo shoot in Paris, but decided to visit London for a couple of days first before crossing the channel.

Although she didn't mention her trip specifically, Lexi failed to look surprised when Paul walked on the plane and sat down beside her, giving Nicholas his first-class seat in trade. Before they landed, Paul and Lexi had a new joint itinerary arranged and Nicholas was sent ahead to Paris to wait for them.

Lexi just wanted to look for interesting architecture, not sightseeing in the traditional sense, so Paul hired a cabbie to show them London from the natives' point of view. In their wanderings they discovered a fashion show for new and upcoming designers cleverly concealed as a charity auction. Paul purchased two dresses as Lexi rolled her eyes and muttered insults at him. After the second she told him she wasn't going to let him take her out anymore if he wouldn't behave.

Paul arranged for a few rushed alterations on the dresses and they were waiting by the time he hauled her back to his penthouse for a catered dinner on the balcony. Lexi sighed in frustration at the sight of the intimate, candlelit dinner.

"All right, it's romantic and thoughtful. And somewhat amusing. Out of curiosity, does anything ever not go according to your plan?" she asked, crossing her arms and staring him down.

"I have backup plans and a really amazing assistant." Paul reached over to pull her closer. She turned so her back was to him and left her arms crossed, refusing to let down her guard.

"That didn't answer the question."

"Occasionally things don't go according to plan," Paul whispered softly in her ear from behind. Lexi relaxed to reward him for conceding the point. His arms wrapped around her waist and she laid her hands on top of his.

Paul shifted to the side, and when she turned her head to look at him, he kissed her gently. She was hesitant at first. He kissed her again and she responded. Finally, she turned in his arms to face him and slipped her arms around his neck.

"Much better," Paul said and kissed her again.

The bustle of dinner preparations subsided and Paul gracefully pulled away and led Lexi out to the table. They ate as the light faded, taking in the view of the rooftops of London.

"After dinner, I want to see you try on those two dresses."

"From the auction? You can't be serious."

"Of course I am. If they need further alterations, I need to know before we leave for Paris."

"When am I ever going to wear either?" Lexi asked, giving him a dubious look.

Paul sighed. "Humor me." When she didn't respond, he tried again. "Fine, think of it as doing me a favor."

# Chapter Six

The first dress was a variation of the "little black dress" concept as a pauper might have managed it. The bodice was suspended by ridiculously thin ribbons and held together by artistically placed safety pins. The ribbons and dress were torn so that the pins just barely held the ensemble together – or so it appeared.

Lexi suspected the "almost falling apart" image the dress projected was achieved because it was indeed ready to fall apart. If she walked too close to a powerful magnet that removed the multitude of safety pins, she'd be in trouble. Luckily there weren't too many super magnets around. As it was, the dress sent a plea to the wealthy men of the world: rescue this poor waif forced to wear a $1,800 dress that gave the seductive illusion it was hanging on by its last thread and would soon surrender to gravity and leave its wearer baring all.

Lexi sighed. Apparently men liked this look. She just couldn't quite wrap her mind around it when she thought of Paul. Watching carefully in the mirror as she bent, twisted, reached, and gave an experimental bounce, Lexi confirmed she wasn't actually going to fall out of the dress. Taking a deep breath, she worked up the courage to leave the bathroom.

"So you like this type of thing, do you?" Lexi teased as she modeled the first dress.

"Not your normal attire, but yes, I like this very much." Paul gave her an appraising look. He crossed the room and put his hands on her waist. His hands slid down and behind Lexi to lift her slightly and pull her firmly against him. His mouth sought Lexi's and her arms slipped around his neck as he kissed her.

Lexi pulled away from the kiss, gasping. "Are you trying to get me into a compromising position?"

"I wasn't yet, but it sounds like a plan. Do you mind?"

Paul kissed her neck and shoulder, leaning her back slightly. His lips on her collarbone made Lexi's brain almost shut down. He moved one hand farther up her back to support her and guided her back to the low buffet cabinet against the wall.

Braced against the cabinet, Lexi felt Paul's growing arousal against her leg. The realization alarmed her, almost as much as the heated response between her own legs. She couldn't do this, not yet. But Paul returned to kissing her mouth before she could formulate a protest. His hands crept up under her dress and grasped the back of her thighs. He lifted her effortlessly onto the cabinet, pushing a candelabrum out of the way.

Lexi's hands slid down to the front of Paul's chest to keep him at a distance. He countered with sliding his hands around to her inner thighs and pushing them apart firmly.

Paul pressed his body against her again, his hands returning once more behind her and pulling her hips forward. Lexi felt Paul's erection pressing against her, not just her leg this time but her more intimate areas, and it woke her mind from its euphoric haze. She tried to pull away with a reluctant groan.

"Paul, what do you want from me?" Lexi pushed against his shoulders, but the effort felt weak even to her. She knew what the answer was, for the immediate question anyway. But she wasn't a teenager responding to hormones. Lexi felt hot, feverish, her resolve was slipping even as she braced herself to walk away.

"Aside from the obvious?" Paul kissed her shoulder as he answered, keeping her body held tightly against his. "Lexi, you quit college when you started a family. You sacrificed your identity to provide for your children."

Lexi tried to turn away, she didn't want to hear this. He was too logical and he was going to reason her right into his bed. Paul held her close, whispering almost directly into her ear in his proximity.

"Things happen, it's no one's fault. You rose to the challenge. Did what you had to do. You juggle finances and time. Even with success, you're stretched thin."

He kissed her again, his tongue a teasing distraction against hers. Lexi's mind cleared and she squirmed as Paul untied the ribbon around her neck. They were pressed so tightly together the dress didn't fall. Paul kissed her neck where it curved into her shoulder. The sensuality enticed her.

"I love you and I want you to love me back. I want to take care of you and I want you to let me." Paul kissed her mouth firmly. Lexi returned the kiss, not wanting it to end both for the dazzling field of emotions the complex act conveyed, and the fear of what would follow.

Paul pulled away. He broke the kiss and left Lexi's lips hovering in space as he held her face in his hands. "I'll be honest, honey." Paul's lips brushed hers as he spoke. "Right now I really want to fuck you, and I want you to want that too."

Lexi froze, terrified. She knew of course. She wanted it. Oh, how she wanted it. Ached for it. But ...

She nodded, her body acting of its own accord.

Paul kissed her again and she cooperated, her passion growing with his. Faster now that he put his cards on the table.

He loved her? She believed it. He went through a lot of trouble to get to this point. He wanted to take care of her too. It was too early to talk of commitment, but that was close enough for now.

Lexi opted for honesty in lieu of actually knowing what to say. "Paul, it's been –"

"A long time. I know." He slid both hands down under her calves and wrapped them around his hips. Then he reached under her thighs and picked her up, her arms automatically wrapping around his neck in response. "Relax, trust me."

She nodded and kissed his face and neck as he carried her to the bedroom.

○ ○ ○

Lexi felt she would hyperventilate as Paul set her on her feet. He laughed and pressed his lips to hers, and it took her a moment to respond. That old adage about learning to ride a bike or whatever must not apply here. The thought made her nervous.

"Breathe, honey," Paul whispered.

She nodded and started unbuttoning his shirt with trembling hands. He smiled and resumed kissing her: her mouth, her face, her neck. His hands reached up and caressed her breasts. Paul pulled off his shirt, and Lexi took in his toned chest and arms. She knew he turned forty-five recently. He looked good for his age. Her hands ran across his chest and rested on his shoulders. She pulled him closer.

Moving his hands up to the top of her loose dress, he slid it down past her waist and let it fall to the floor. It was Lexi's turn to be relieved she'd kept in shape.

Paul smiled at the sight of her full breasts. He kissed the top of each, then ran his tongue around the edge of each nipple. The tickle of his tongue on her areolas made Lexi suck in her breath so Paul did it again, upping the stakes by gently sucking one nipple, then the other until she almost writhed uncontrollably beneath him.

Beneath him? Her eyes flew open and Lexi saw they were on the bed already. She didn't remember getting that far. She realized she still had her panties on, but that was all. Paul had his pants.

Lexi started to breathe rapidly again at the sound of Paul's belt being unbuckled. He chuckled as he finished unzipping his pants, slid out of them, and lay down beside her. Paul placed one hand gently on one side of her neck and kissed the other side. He let a hand wander to cup a breast and squeeze gently. She inhaled sharply, pushing her breast firmly against his hand.

"Relax, honey. It's going to be fine. We'll take it slow," Paul whispered reassurances in her ear.

"This is silly. It's not like I'm a virgin. I don't know what's wrong with me," Lexi apologized, tears burning her eyes. She wanted this, she didn't know why exactly, but she did. And she didn't want to stop and analyze it. For some reason, making love to Paul scared her, and she didn't want to stop and analyze that either.

Paul moved on top of her, letting her feel part of his weight. "It's been a while. Perhaps I'm taking it too slow, giving you too much time to think."

He kissed her passionately again, sealing their lips together and sliding his tongue expertly across hers. Paul pulled her right leg up around his hip, Lexi responded with a matching movement of her left leg. He pushed against her, only her panties and his boxers separating his pulsing heat and hers.

Lexi arched slightly as she pushed back against him and laughed. "So close, and yet, so far."

"That is easily remedied."

Paul kissed her firmly, holding her in place as he slipped the fly of his boxers open and slid her thin panty aside. Lexi started to pull away with a surprised gasp as the tip of his penis parted her damp, swollen lips. Paul would have none of it.

Already positioned, he braced both hands on her hips and pulled her back to him as he pushed again. She arched her back and moaned as she felt him slide deep inside her. Paul pulled back and thrust into her again. His cheek brushed hers as their bodies moved together. He kissed her temple as he pushed into her again, and she started to take up the rhythm now as her body remembered what to do.

Lexi wrapped her legs around Paul's hips. Her action pulled Paul deeper inside and she moaned. Instead of pulling back, Paul buried himself in her belly like a sledgehammer. That invoked a different reaction. Lexi's eyes opened, and she sucked in a deep breath.

Paul withdrew slightly and hesitated, looking at her.

"Are you okay?"

Lexi nodded. "More."

Paul grinned and bent forward to kiss her. She wasn't quite expecting him to resume when he did, and it stole her breath yet again. Holding tight, and tighter, Paul seemed to read her mind and drove into her deeper and harder with each stroke.

Lexi didn't expect it to be like before. Paul was a different man, but she didn't expect ... she didn't know what to expect. A strangled cry escaped her and she tried to hold it in. She failed, crying out louder in a joyful release of pure energy.

Paul held her later as she trembled slightly with the excess adrenaline. Lexi clung to him, partially for security, partially in confusion as well. Actually, the more Lexi thought about it, the more her confusion grew. She decided to stop thinking about it.

They'd slid down the bed and Paul's feet were on the floor again. Lexi accepted his directions as he guided her back up to the top of the bed. They lay there quietly for several minutes. Paul seemed content to just hold her and must have thought her shaking was because she was cold because he produced a soft blanket from somewhere and tucked her in. Then he lay beside her and simply held her, stroking her hair or occasionally kissing her forehead or temple as their heart rates returned to normal.

After a while reality invaded Lexi's peaceful cuddling with Paul. Somehow Paul had relieved them both of their underwear somewhere along the way. It'd been a while since Lexi was faced with having to look at male genitalia. From an artistic standpoint, she was always grateful to be a woman because the female form was more aesthetically pleasing. She always thought the whole cock-and-balls setup was a little crude. Biologically it got the job done, but it wasn't worth photographing. Except, as Lexi stared at Paul's, she realized she remembered the whole package a little differently.

Paul's laughter got her attention and Lexi blushed when she realized she was sitting up staring at Paul's penis. What was worse, it was coming back to life under her scrutiny. Lexi collapsed back to the bed and hid under the blanket, which of course only made Paul laugh harder.

She didn't fight him when he peeled back the blanket to expose her face. Paul just watched her for a moment, a smile more in his eyes than on his lips, although Lexi suspected that was because he was making an effort to suppress it for her sake. Finally, he shook his head in defeat.

"I give up, I have no idea what's going through your mind," Paul said.

"Can we skip it and get back to that compromising position idea?"

His brow furrowed briefly, and he slid under the blanket beside her. Now hyper-aware of Paul's penis, Lexi immediately identified it against her thigh. She wasn't sure if it really was bigger than she remembered, or if it was just that it was ... Lexi closed her eyes and tried to think.

Paul started to kiss her gently, her mouth, neck, shoulder, breasts; a routine Lexi recognized that seemed to work as she involuntarily arched in response, pressing her body against his. The penis resting against her thigh twitched awake as if answering her movement. Lexi flinched away from it.

"Before I continue on to getting you in another compromising position, can I ask you something? Off the record?" Paul asked, kissing a sensitive place at the base of her neck.

The thought of Paul asking permission to ask her a question instead of just asking it outright made Lexi nervous. It wasn't like she could say no. Opening her mouth, Lexi decided maybe it was better not to talk at all. Instead, she closed her mouth again and simply nodded.

"I'm just curious about your mixed reaction to my cock."

Lexi groaned in embarrassment and tried to turn away. Paul held her close and pressed his lips to hers, letting his tongue tease hers with gentle caresses. He took her hand in his and slowly led it down his body, letting her feel the firm muscles under his skin and the smooth, sleek, hard shaft of his penis as he wrapped her hand around it.

On impulse, she tried to jerk away, but Paul held her there with a small moan of pleasure.

"See? Interesting reaction don't you think? Tell me about it," he said.

Lexi sighed, there wasn't any getting around it. He was going to laugh at her.

"It's been a while," she hedged.

"And?"

"Everything was different. Very different. Don't get me wrong, it was great, I like it. But then I saw ... and I wondered ... because I remember it differently."

Paul paused as if considering this, then grinned. "Different how?"

Lexi blushed. "I remember it being furrier."

Paul laughed.

"Oh, stop it," Lexi said. "I know it's reasonably common for women to get waxed. But I don't photograph men. I've heard of it, but I've never ... never mind."

Paul nodded, but he was still laughing. Lexi froze in momentary fear that maybe Paul had expected it of her. Perhaps she disappointed him by being au naturel. In truth, she never really gave it much thought because she didn't date, let alone have sex. Like now.

She was behaving out of character and he was laughing! And she still had one hand around his cock. Lexi gave it a squeeze and Paul froze. His jaw dropped and eyes flew open in surprise.

Paul released Lexi's hand on his cock, but only it seemed so he could push her thighs apart as he rolled over onto her. It was so fast, Lexi put both hands on his shoulders to keep Paul's body from crushing her. Her movement freed him and Lexi remembered Paul planned things, and things almost always went according to plan.

A single draw of breath by Lexi's ear that seemed more sensual than it should was her only warning to the penetration that followed immediately after. Hands on her hips held her to him as Paul continued his slow drive inside her. To Lexi, it felt he was aiming for her very core.

More measured and controlled than before, Paul moved with exquisite care. His agile strokes made Lexi want to writhe on the bed in torment or frustration. It was so different from the hard thrusts of not long ago, and yet Lexi felt a similar feeling of urgency. She wrapped her arms around Paul's neck and held him close as confused tears welled in her eyes.

Lexi temporarily forgot her tears as lightning struck and she cried out. She was sure she'd passed out; it was the only explanation for the lost time other than alien abduction. The next thing she knew, she lay snuggled in Paul's arms as they breathed heavily and he wiped a thumb over the tear stains on her cheeks.

An orgasm. Lexi recognized it now, it was just so much stronger than what she was used to. Staring at the ceiling, she tried to work it out. Suddenly she was capable of the much-hyped G-Spot orgasm? And she was sure she was part of the population that was unhappily immune to that phenomenon. Maybe there was hope for her after all.

Paul rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him and jarring her thoughts. Lexi rested her head on his chest as she lay there. Paul caressed her back as he held her.

"You look deep in thought. Happy thoughts from the look of that little smile," Paul said, tracing a finger along the curve of her bottom lip.

"That's never happened before," Lexi whispered.

"What hasn't?"

"At the end."

Paul laughed, apparently surprised. "You've never had an orgasm? So where did the interest in nude photography come from? Before that you did accidental porn. Please tell me you're joking."

Lexi sat up a little to look him in the eye. There was no humor in her face. Paul sat up, quickly pulling her back into his arms as he dislodged her.

"You're serious."

"Not that way I didn't. Little ones now and then, I suppose. My mother raised me conservatively and Allen's family is very old-fashioned. There wasn't a lot of experimentation going on."

"Well, my love, it seems I have to work on educating you."

"I'm not sure if you're more endowed or not being furry just makes you look that way ..." She gave him a questioning look, then almost slid off Paul as he started laughing again.

"I'm a big fish in my little pond, so I can honestly say I never felt the need to start comparing the length of my rod against the other fishermen. Sorry, can't help you there."

"Then why now?" Lexi demanded.

"If you didn't experiment much before, I'd say technique. But that's only a guess." Paul kissed her lightly. "Don't dwell on it."

Lexi thought about it, deciding she couldn't afford to risk letting this ruin her memories of Allen. Paul was right, she needed to let it go. Lexi nodded and snuggled into his arms.

The blanket she had before was pushed aside in the activity. Paul snagged it before it could finish sliding off the bed and pulled it up over Lexi's full length, covering only his legs and waist. He wrapped his arms around her again, letting her head rest on his bicep.

"Warm enough?" he whispered in her ear.

"Uh-huh."

Paul held her gently while she basked in glow from their lovemaking. Even though it was still only the early evening, they were content and eventually dozed off.

○ ○ ○

Lexi woke to Paul's kisses on her neck and shoulder. Turning her head toward him, he pulled her over onto her back and pressed his lips to hers. She pulled away almost immediately.

"I have morning breath!" Lexi protested.

Paul laughed and reached behind him. Kissing her neck, he held a mint. She sat up and bit the mint out of his fingers.

Paul slowly ran his hand down her side and his arms brushed over her breasts. Lexi's nipples were hard, and he'd just started.

Lexi slid her hands around his broad shoulders and pulled him to her. He pushed her legs open and shifted to center himself over her. She lifted her hips to meet him, but Paul hesitated.

Opening her eyes, Lexi couldn't figure out why he'd start then stop so suddenly. She ran her fingers through her hair then across her face to remove any shine.

Pushing himself up, Paul looked down at her face. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation. Paul smiled and grabbed her close, rolling onto his back and pulling her on top of him, making her swallow her mint in surprise. Sitting up, he swung her legs around him and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.

"Feeling adventurous?" Paul asked, his voice hoarse as he whispered in her ear.

"Um, I suppose."

Standing, Paul carried Lexi a few steps and pinned her between his body and the wall. He thrust inside of her as part of the same movement and pushed deep and hard. Lexi gasped, her nails digging into his back at first before she repositioned her hold to steady herself without drawing blood. Paul continued to push up and into her.

Lexi knew there was a range of tastes and sexual preferences out there. She catered to it and did several photo shoots focused on specific fetishes. That Paul liked it energetic bordering on rough surprised her, but as she moaned and wrapped her arms and legs around him, Lexi decided it was a pleasant surprise. He wasn't hurting her. In fact, he seemed meticulous in how he positioned her before penetration. And he was definitely getting the job done, Lexi realized as she braced herself in anticipation for an explosion of pleasure.

It didn't come. Moments before the orgasm overtook Lexi, Paul held her tight to him and swung her back onto the bed. He lay over her, pushing deep but softer this time, surprising her yet again. Lexi went with it, keeping her legs wrapped around him, and her lips sought his. Remembering the way he made her feel last night, whatever he wanted was fine with her.

He kissed her and started teasing, slowly pushing just the tip in and out. Lexi tried to slide down to the edge of the bed toward him, but he stayed shallow. She tilted her hips up, hoping to tempt him.

"Do you want more?" Paul asked her, an edge of laughter to his voice.

"Are you going to tease me or fuck me?" Lexi demanded in frustration.

"Well, when you put it like that." Paul thrust harder into her again. Standing, he held her hips and pushed deep. Lexi arched her back to accommodate him. With barely a break in his stride, Paul lifted first one calf and then the other so her ankles were by his head. He leaned forward, holding tightly to her thighs.

Power emanated from him. Lexi never imagined being possessed like this. Her knuckles were white as she breathlessly held his wrists. The fire building inside her wasn't surprising this time, and she welcomed the release. Her stomach tightened, Paul slowed his thrusts and pushed deeper. Her muscles clenched and spasmed, she orgasmed and screamed his name. Paul moaned as he came inside her, then held her close.

Lexi snuggled against him after he guided her back up to the pillows and lay beside her. The musky smell of him filled the air; a warm, pleasant scent and she breathed deep. She suspected she'd find it exciting if she wasn't already satiated.

Dating, sex ... love. Paul said he loved her last night. He wanted her to love him too. At least he was realistic that she needed time. Time to fall in love with him, apparently not to fall into bed with him. This wasn't like her.

She looked up at Paul, not surprised to find him watching her. His eyes, usually a piercing blue, seemed softer and his lips curled upward at the corners.

"This isn't like me."

"I know. I didn't plan this, I didn't want to rush you."

Paul reached over with his free hand and brushed her hair away from her face. It wasn't in the way, but the gesture touched her regardless. He touched her.

"Any regrets? I understand if you need to take a step back, slow down."

Lexi thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. "No. Let's see where the week takes us."

"Paris. One of the most romantic cities in the world." Paul smiled. He leaned over and kissed her softly, making it last. "But first things first."

He pulled away with a different smile, almost mischievous. It reminded Lexi of when they first met, the first time she saw the sheer delight of the boy inside the man, and it tempted her. Stripping away his businessman persona, Paul was a warm, caring man who loved her. A man she wanted to know better.

"You have a look in your eye," she teased.

"I approve of the black dress. Now go try on the red one."

# Chapter Seven

"Good morning, Tim, what's going on?" Paul answered his phone as he held Lexi in his arms the following morning. She didn't seem inclined to continue sightseeing so they stayed in after Paul ensured the red dress met with his satisfaction. He wanted to take it slow today. It'd been a long time since Lexi was in a physical relationship. Or any relationship. He thought maybe now that they got some good sex behind them he'd slow it down a little.

Paul smiled as Lexi idly ran her fingers through his chest hair and the slight tickling kept him in a good mood despite whatever so-called emergency made Tim disturb them. Unfortunately, even only half-listening to Tim's explanation was enough. Duty called at the most inconvenient times. And having an efficient assistant could be occasionally annoying.

"I take it you're not joining me in Paris," Lexi whispered when he hung up.

"I'm sorry, honey." Paul kissed the top of her head. "I'm buying a small specialty paper company and the deal is threatening to go south on me. I'd let it go but I have too much invested in it and have plans riding on the purchase. It was moving smoothly, although slower than I liked, so I didn't see this coming. I can't leave it to someone else at this point."

"It's okay. I wasn't expecting your company anyway. It's been a nice surprise. I'll just hop over to Paris, do my job, then head home."

"We'll come back and tour European hotels another time," Paul promised.

"European hotels? Not Europe?"

"I'm capable of multitasking. I suppose we could do both." Paul got up and started to get dressed. "Tim didn't leave much room for goodbyes. I have to head out."

"Not even a shower?" she asked.

"Not even the kind I take alone."

"Perhaps I'll head out too." Lexi got up and started to get her things together.

"I'm sorry, Lexi." Paul pulled her into his arms. She was being a good sport, but he could see her disappointment. Slipping her arms around him in turn, she looked up into his face.

"It's okay, really. You have your job just like I have mine. And I think, at this point, you're allowed to call me Teri."

○ ○ ○

Nicholas waited for Teri's arrival at the train station. He was more than happy to leave her in Paul's care to roam around London while he took the equipment ahead to Paris, but he was a little concerned at Teri's composure and expression now.

"Obviously I got your message," Nicholas said as he took Teri's suitcase. "So Paul had to go home? I hope that's the only reason you're looking so down."

"Yeah. Sorry, I was alone for a long time. Now I'm lonely all over again," Teri said.

Nicholas didn't like this line of thinking. "That's easily remedied. We'll get you checked into the hotel, then I'll show you the shoot sites. Maybe a little touristy stuff while we're at it." Teri rewarded him with a weak smile.

Nicholas kept Teri distracted with light chatter until they reached the hotel. He thought she was going to break down when she saw the single-occupancy room. Paul would have found something more opulent, but he wasn't here and they couldn't splurge on a suite.

"Get your camera and walking shoes," Nicholas prompted when Teri began to stall. "I'll take you to the sites. We've got the permits to rope them off and what's-her-name has security arranged. If you're going to be an exhibitionist, definitely have the money and pull to do it legally."

Teri laughed. "All right, and thanks for keeping me distracted."

"I live to distract."

Nicholas already had the outdoor locations scouted. Leave it to the French to want nude shots in a public setting and be able to get the permits for it. He should be grateful they weren't trying for The Louvre, Nicholas decided with a sigh.

The shoot was spread out over several sites throughout the entire day. Nicholas knew Teri was familiar with Paris, although not the locations he escorted her to now. She was here years ago with Allen on a second honeymoon. He anticipated a meltdown with those memories closing in on her. Nicholas thought he was off the hook when Paul showed up and wasn't sure if it was going to be better or worse now that Paul left.

Teri walked around each site to get a feel for it while Nicholas took notes. After viewing the sites, Teri switched the order and bumped the shoot up an hour to get some early morning shots on the bridge instead of in the garden. The garden would be pretty in the mist that was sure to be hanging there, but the lighting at that hour lent itself to enhance the bridge shots more than the garden's. Besides, not all the flowers would be open that early. She could add the mist digitally later if she wanted it.

Paul called while they were having dinner and Nicholas waffled whether to stay or quietly excuse himself. Tears brimming in Teri's eyes decided for him. He handed her a tissue and reviewed the remains of dinner. Her pasta would be cold by the time she finished, so Nicholas signaled the waiter.

"Can I see your dessert cart please?"

The waiter nodded, and a minute later Nicholas carefully considered the various temptations for what might cheer Teri up. He finally settled on a baked meringue with fresh raspberries and chocolate. By the time it arrived, Teri was reluctantly saying goodbye to Paul.

Nicholas took Teri's phone away as soon as she hung up and gestured to the dessert in front of her.

"Thought you might need a sugar buzz."

"Thanks, Nicholas."

Teri took a bite and her expression indicated he'd guessed right. If he could get her through the next few days, maybe he could drop her off in New York on the way back.

○ ○ ○

Nicholas regretted his suggestion for Teri to spend a couple of days in New York the minute he stepped off the plane in Seattle. His truck was at Teri's house, so Jess was waiting to give him a lift. Nicholas was always torn when he dealt with Jess.

The lead singer of the band that took over Teri's basement had a lot going for him. The kid looked like a model and girls flocked to him. He had an infectious, good-natured attitude and a natural talent for singing. Jess was also dimwitted, in Nicholas's opinion. Teri said he was just out of practice in using his brain. Nicholas thought she was being kind as only a mother could.

"Cassie said Teri's delayed in New York. When's she coming back? We're not done yet." Jess wouldn't look at Nicholas as he helped carry their equipment back to the car.

"Done with what?" Nicholas asked in his best no-nonsense tone.

"Doesn't matter. When's she back?"

"Couple of days, but I can probably call her back sooner."

"No! I mean, no, she's got other things to do." Jess stopped walking for a second.

Heaven help me, Nicholas thought, the kid can't walk and think at the same time.

"Why is she in New York when her camera stuff is here?"

"Keep walking," Nicholas prompted. "She has a camera with her, Jess. Teri always has a camera with her." It wasn't an answer, but he didn't expect Jess to notice. Nicholas smiled as Jess let it drop.

He thought of Cassie and Dev at home and stopped smiling. Dev wasn't as easily fooled and tended to be difficult about – well, about things like this. Cassie already knew. Nicholas heard Teri giving a brief explanation that she had met someone, but he didn't hang around to eavesdrop on how much Teri told her daughter. In retrospect, he should have. Luck was with Nicholas as he arrived at Teri's house. Dev wasn't home, and he managed to corner Cassie alone in the kitchen for a moment.

"Teri's in New York," Nicholas began carefully.

"For a couple of days with a guy she's known for a while but just started seeing. Yeah, I know." Cassie rolled her eyes at him. "Chill Nicholas, Mom deserves a little at this point."

"Deserves a little what?" Jess asked, walking in and opening the refrigerator.

"Milk."

Nicholas and Jess both looked to Cassie in confusion, the only difference was it looked natural on Jess's face. Cassie sighed.

"Drink the milk, Jess. It's going to expire soon."

"Oh. Sure." Jess pulled out a half-full gallon of milk and walked off, drinking straight from the jug. Cassie stepped forward and closed the refrigerator door for him.

"I would swear he was dropped on his head as a baby, but he's just too cute. There would be a sign." She turned back to Nicholas. "Don't worry, I don't care that Mom's taking some personal time."

"Just the same, Dev ..."

"Would have a coronary. Yeah, I know. I've got her back." Cassie smiled and turned to leave. Nicholas followed, but as they walked into the dining room, Kenny cleared his throat. Startled, Nicholas looked over to see him lounging at the dining room table with application forms spread out in front of him.

"You handle him." Cassie patted Nicholas on the shoulder and went upstairs. Nicholas stood across from Kenny and looked him over.

The band, or "the boys" as Teri and Nicholas usually referred to them, consisted of Jess, Kenny, Bryan, and Dev. Bryan was the middle child to his very core: an intelligent, quiet peacemaker. Dev was undoubtedly the baby of the crew: spoiled and used to getting his own way. Part of that was because Dev was also probably the smartest despite being the youngest. There was never a doubt Kenny was the leader of their band. And Jess was simply there; they never asked more of him than that.

While Dev's genius was spread out over a variety of interests and subjects, Kenny's was all musical. If it wasn't related to music in some form, he wasn't interested and wouldn't waste his time with it. He could glance at sheet music and correct notes without picking up an instrument and playing it, and played multiple instruments well. He could sing too, although not as well as Jess. What's more, Kenny knew he was a going to be a rock star someday, accepting it with an unshakable belief it was his destiny.

Kenny was practical in running his band and thought of the future. Bryan played bass guitar reasonably well, but when Dev came along, Kenny didn't think twice before getting Bryan drum lessons and letting the new boy take the bass guitar spot. Even then Dev attracted more girls to their few shows than Bryan did. And the number was increasing as Dev got older. Of the boys, Kenny never turned heads and probably wouldn't have wasted time with girls even if he had. He was too committed to his music.

With that in mind, Nicholas sat down at the table and picked up one of the applications Kenny was filling out.

"You're applying for a job at a home improvement store?" Nicholas asked with interest.

"No, I teach private guitar lessons. I'm filling them in for Jess."

"I thought he was working for a landscaping company."

"The owner has a daughter, Jess met her, fill in the blanks."

"Of course." Nicholas nodded, they were back on familiar ground now. Teri didn't mind the boys living there, but it made money tight. Jess and Kenny had to earn their own way as far as any little extras were concerned or for things the band needed.

"Teri's got a boyfriend, huh?"

Nicholas thought he liked it when people got straight to the point. He made an exception in Kenny's case.

"It's a new development."

"Cassie knows."

"Yes, and Dev doesn't."

"She didn't tell him."

Nicholas wasn't sure if Kenny was referring to Teri or Cassie. It was the same answer either way. "No."

"Bitch."

Kenny was referring to Cassie then. They had an almost unprecedented dislike for each other, but Kenny liked Teri. She let him use the basement for his band and didn't fuss about the hours if it wasn't a school night.

"Well, it's Teri's job to break it to him, so let's leave it to her, shall we?"

"I'm not telling him, he'll go nuclear," Kenny agreed.

"An apt description I suspect. Now, if you don't mind, I'll get out of here before Dev comes home and is reminded I'm back and his mother isn't."

Kenny looked at the clock on the wall over Nicholas's head. "Better hurry. He'll be back soon."

"Give me a hand then, will you?" Nicholas picked up his suitcase and one of the camera cases. Properly motivated, Kenny grabbed the rest and they quickly walked out to Nicholas's truck.

"Go now, he'll be home any minute," Kenny urged.

Nicholas didn't need to be told twice. He started the truck and pulled out of the driveway as Dev's ride pulled up. He gave Dev a friendly wave and breathed a sigh of relief it wouldn't be him having to tell Teri's son about her new boyfriend.

# Chapter Eight

Teri sat on the flight home and sighed. She hated flying alone. It was boring and there was only so much Sudoku she could occupy herself with. After a while, she gave up and lapsed into daydreams about her weekend in New York with Paul.

Paris went well, professionally. Personally, she was a wreck the entire time. The city didn't seem the same. Granted, things had changed in the years since she was there with Allen, but that wasn't it. She loved the Arc de Triomphe, but its noble elegance seemed faded. Notre Dame felt dusty, and if Teri didn't know better, she would have sworn the Eiffel Tower was shorter.

Teri was sure her client thought she was awkward and anti-social. The woman even tried to soothe her raw nerves by telling her anti-depressants were common in America. In petty revenge, Teri took shots of the exhibitionist in a trench coat. It was such a cliché Teri had to glare at Nicholas to keep him from laughing.

Teri sat up in her narrow seat, bumping her knee on the tray table and losing her place in her forgotten Sudoku book. Being forced to leaf through the book again redirected her thoughts.

Paul met her when her plane disembarked at JFK with a single red rose and a kiss that made her weak in the knees. They went directly from the airport to Paul's apartment.

Teri closed her eyes and rested her head against the back of her seat as she recalled the look on the elevator man's face. They repeated the deep, almost pornographic, kiss as soon as the elevator doors closed. Paul pinned Teri against the wall and his hands ran up her body to caress her breasts. Parts of Paul seemed to rise at almost the same rate as the elevator.

Teri forgot about the elevator man, Karl, until the doors opened. Karl's eyes were firmly fixed forward and determined not to make eye contact. He did smile and wish them a pleasant evening as they disembarked.

Paul's apartment opened directly into an elegantly decorated living room with a large dining room immediately off to the right. As soon as they were alone, Paul sat Teri on the dining room table and proceeded to take her breath away. The caress of his hands and movement of his lips against her lips, neck, chest, and finally her breasts made Teri blush as she remembered the sensations – particularly against her breasts. She could still almost feel his lips pinch her nipples, each in turn until they were on fire. Then he doused the fire by slowly circling the areola with his tongue, flicking her nipple, then blowing on it. It may have cooled her nipple, but the fire just sought refuge elsewhere.

He took his time undressing her and exploring her body thoroughly. Finally she sat completely naked with Paul's shirt unbuttoned and only his undershirt separating his bare skin from hers. She wrapped her legs around him and pushed his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms. He cooperated as she pulled his undershirt up and over his head. The feel of her breasts against his chest as they kissed seemed to motivate Paul, but he wouldn't be rushed even though Teri felt ready to scream. He gently laid her back on the table and worked his way down her body.

Every kiss seemed to singe her skin, his touch somehow electric. Teri arched and inhaled sharply as his tongue gently tickled the indentation of her belly button. Paul laughed and did it again. Her eyes flew open when Paul continued moving down, pushing her legs farther apart.

A baby fussing on the plane brought Teri back to the present. She opened her eyes and sat up. Teri realized she'd been smiling and felt flushed. And moist. Teri looked around self-consciously.

The businessman to her left was still busy typing on his Blackberry. On her right was an elderly woman Teri imagined to be a grandmother off to visit a new grandchild, she assumed anyway, since the woman was diligently crocheting a pink blanket. Neither seemed to be paying any attention to Teri. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Picking up her Sudoku book again, she tried to concentrate on the puzzle.

Paul had never tried Sudoku before Teri introduced him to it in New York. He wanted to spend all of his time with her, but still had to hold the hand of the CEO whose company he was buying. Teri understood, to the point of sitting quietly with Paul during lunch with the uneasy little man, then waiting in Paul's office for almost two hours afterward. She felt sorry for the soon-to-be former boss. It was a small company, and he just wanted to be sure his employees would be taken care of. Considering his neediness, she wondered if it would have been a larger company had someone else been in charge.

It annoyed Paul that business kept interfering, but Teri took advantage of the time to try to get to know him better. At lunch, Teri watched as Paul devoted his attention to the concerns being raised, and patiently and sincerely offered his assurances. Paul's hand resting on the inside of her thigh, well above the knee, didn't distract him so much as her. Once she was in his office, Teri took the opportunity to look around.

From her perspective, Paul's office screamed wealth and power: a large corner office with glass walls on two sides looking down on the city. The other two sides were nothing but doors and cabinets. Tim showed her the one that had a large TV set in it when he escorted her here, but Teri declined. He showed her the bathroom too, but got called away before he could finish the tour. It was fine, Teri was comfortable snooping. She found a full bar, a coat closet, trade magazines, files, and boxes of product samples before Tim returned.

"Why no personal items?" Teri asked as soon as Tim stepped into the room.

Tim's eyebrows rose marginally.

"Nothing that shows he has a life outside of work. Tim, please tell me he has a life outside of work."

"Yes, he has a private life." Tim motioned for Teri to follow and opened a door beside the bathroom. Teri saw it opened into another office.

"Is this your office?" Teri asked. It was smaller and more informal, but still professionally decorated. The wall with the windows was pulled back into the room to create a covered balcony. Teri smiled at the small barbecue on the balcony.

"No, this is Paul's other office. One he uses to project a certain image, the other is where he gets his creative thinking done. Fewer people have seen this one. My office is just on the other side, first door. This is where his personal things are. I think you'll be more entertained waiting here."

"He won't mind?"

"No." Tim smiled. "He might be a while still. I put some Dr. Pepper in the mini bar for you, and I'll be back in a bit. I need to get a couple of things done to help him get out of this meeting."

"Thanks," Teri called as Tim slipped out of the office's official door. Alone, she took another look around. The door they'd just come through was the only one on the wall otherwise dominated by bookshelves. She ran her fingers along some of the old books there; some bound in leather, others appeared close to disintegrating. Kipling, London, Lee, Poe, Twain; Teri noted some classics that appeared well read.

A series of simple wood picture frames caught her eye: Paul and his children. Now that she noticed, Teri couldn't see how she'd missed them. There were baby pictures of each of the kids, and it looked like, most of their school photos. Paul mentioned that he had kids and now Teri racked her brain to remember what little he said about them. All three were adults now, she knew that. They didn't like Paul. He'd said it casually, but looking at the number of pictures Paul had in the bookshelves, it had to hurt.

The plane passed through a bit of turbulence, reminding Teri she was supposed to be working on her Sudoku puzzle, not putting herself through an emotional roller coaster in a public place. The puzzle book is what started this she realized.

After she finished snooping around Paul's private office she sat down at his desk to do a puzzle. He snuck up on her somehow and scared the hell out of her. In revenge she made him learn how to do the puzzle. And he did it easily. A hard one. She hit his arm for being so smart and he made it up to her. Right there on the desk.

Teri shook her head and put the puzzle away. She didn't need to go down that road again. Maybe later when she was alone. Teri briefly wondered how Paul felt about phone sex. Having never tried it, she wasn't sure how it worked, but she was pretty sure they'd figure it out.

"Excuse me, can you help me?" The elderly woman next to Teri asked, holding up a tangle in her yarn.

"I'll give it a shot." Teri took the yarn and started to untangle it. The woman told her about the new great-granddaughter she was going to see in Anchorage. Teri grabbed onto the lifeline the superficial conversation offered. She didn't want to think about Paul and his kids just now. With only minimal interest and encouragement on Teri's part, she managed to keep the woman talking until the plane landed in Seattle. With a sigh of relief, Teri headed home to face her own troublesome brood.

○ ○ ○

"So, he has three kids from a previous marriage who don't talk to him." Nicholas shrugged as he ripped up lettuce for a salad.

Now that she was back, Teri was determined her own kids weren't having pizza for dinner again. Her sister-in-law, Becca, watched the kids while she was gone, but she wasn't much of a cook.

"Are you worried he's a horrible father?" Nicholas asked.

"No, actually I think he'd be decent at it. He could be someone for Dev to look up to. You know, set an example. Paul's office was practically a shrine to his kids. His study at home was the same way. Paul doesn't even know Cassie or Dev, but he takes an interest in them anyway. When we talk, he listens and I think it makes him think of his kids when they were this age. It's just that I don't get it, Nicholas. I mean, I know he can't make adult kids talk to him, but why don't they?"

"If he didn't want to talk about it, I'd say messy divorce."

"You're probably right. Speaking of not wanting to talk and things getting messy, Paul's flying out in a week and I'd better prepare the boys. I want Dev to like him, and my darling boy does not like surprises."

Teri put a casserole together in record time and now it was almost finished baking. She started to think about dessert. Maybe banana splits would make Dev more amiable to the idea of her dating. Of all the kids, he was the most sensitive. He was also the most trouble when he got upset.

"Cassie's in your corner."

"I know. Nicholas, is it wrong to ask Cassie to throw a fit so when Dev takes the opposite stance he'll be where I want him?"

"Sounds like good planning to me."

"It's manipulation."

"And you're the parent of a teenage boy. No court would crucify you for a little harmless manipulation. Plus you're a woman. He's going to have to learn eventually that it's what you do."

"Cynic." Teri laughed. "Never mind, I don't want to give Cassie bad ideas."

"Look at it this way." Nicholas put on his wise-and-knowledgeable face for her. "Cassie's on your side, which means Dev won't be. It's just not cool to agree with your sister, it seems. But," Nicholas held up a finger to indicate he was onto something, "Jess has a crush on Cassie. If Cassie's on your side then so is Jess."

"Oh that makes me feel so much better."

"It's a start. If you get the band on board, Dev will follow."

"But," Teri held up a finger to imitate Nicholas, "Kenny is the boy in charge of the band in question, and he's certainly not going to fall in line just because Cassie supports me."

"Kenny knows."

"How did that happen?" Teri looked at him suspiciously.

Nicholas shrugged. "Overheard me talking to Cassie. He didn't want anything to do with it."

"Uh huh."

"Bryan's reasonable," Nicholas said.

"Yes, he is. What's more, Bryan will understand it isn't his problem. I can't have Dev be the last to know." Teri stopped, listening to the quiet house. "They knew I was coming home today, where are they?"

"Skateboarding event of some kind. They're showing their support for Dev."

"Ah, I should go so I can escort him to the hospital." Teri turned off the oven. The residual heat would finish cooking the casserole.

"Why do you do that? You always fuss about it and you've never had to take him. Minor scrapes, that's it," Nicholas said. Taking a cue from Teri's move to grab her purse, he put the lettuce and chopped tomatoes together and put them back in the refrigerator.

"Addendum to Murphy's Law: If I plan for the worst, then it'll be a wasted effort. Do you want to drive? Of course you do."

They headed out to the car and Nicholas slid behind the wheel. Pulling out onto the street, Teri heard him take a breath to start again.

"Do his kids know about you?"

"I don't know. If they're not talking to him, I doubt it."

"He didn't want to talk about them." Nicholas nodded.

Teri half wished she hadn't told Nicholas now. Nicholas was on Paul's side from the beginning, so his support meant a lot to her. The thin relationship between Paul and his kids made her feel sad for them, but it was making Nicholas jump at shadows.

"It's not that he didn't want to talk about them. I think if I asked he would tell me anything. It's just ... Nicholas, it's like when he thought about them, he wasn't my Paul. There was a sadness he was trying to hide. I don't want to see him sad, but seeing him try to bury it is worse."

"But you want to know more about his kids."

"I want to know more about him. When I'm with him, he wants to talk about me. Or not talk. I'm partially to blame for that." Teri felt herself blush.

"Fine. He found out all sorts of stuff about you, I'll do the same."

"Nicholas, I don't know ..." Teri wasn't sure about that. It felt weird to think about digging into his background uninvited.

"Turnabout is fair play. If nothing else, it'll give you an idea if you want to question him or not. Could be we'll learn enough you're fine letting it go. Besides, it's my decision, not yours."

"How is it not my decision?" Teri looked at him, heat rising to her face.

"You're not asking and you can't stop me. I'll do what I feel I need to. Besides, it's not like I'm a private eye. I'm not likely to find out anything that isn't available on the Internet anyway. I wouldn't have the faintest idea where to look."

"You're right, you're harmless." She smiled, relaxing again.

"Mostly harmless," Nicholas agreed.

They arrived at a park that had a cement skateboarding area sculpted into the landscape. A large crowd gathered around the event and parking spaces were nonexistent. Teri noticed a news crew was there and panic spread through her thinking there was some incident until a roar from the crowd indicated their appreciation for something that just happened. Some trick she'd have a heart attack watching Dev do, no doubt.

"You know what? I'm just going to drop you off and wait in the car," Nicholas said after he'd circled the park twice.

"Like I want to watch." Teri looked at him in amazement.

"It'd put Dev in a good mood."

"Fine, meet you back here?" She sighed.

Nicholas nodded and Teri got out. She slipped through the crowd looking for familiar faces. She saw more than she expected. It looked like almost half of Dev's school was here. She passed one girl that she actually knew by name and asked her where the boys were. Armed with vague directions, Teri forged on.

"Teri!" Bryan's voice caught her ear. She looked ahead and saw him standing up on a garbage can to get her attention. She waved that she'd seen him and to get down. It would be just her luck to have two of them break legs.

"Hi, boys." Teri smiled as she finally reached Bryan, Kenny, and Jess. Jess was busy getting phone numbers for a couple of girls standing beside him looking hopeful. Teri frowned.

"Don't worry," Kenny assured her, "I made sure he has protection, although he can't go play until after Dev's event. Support-the-kid kinda thing, you know?"

"I do." Teri looked around for Dev.

"He's up next," Bryan told her.

"You probably don't want to watch," Kenny said.

Teri looked at Kenny for some clue as to why he would say that. Normally she didn't watch. Actually, it was decided by unanimous vote, minus Teri and Dev because they were too involved to be impartial, that it would be better for everyone if Teri never watched Dev skateboard at all. Her little shrieks of worry would almost certainly distract him and make her fears come true.

All this flitted through Teri's mind, she acknowledged it was legitimate, and Kenny was probably reminding her.

"Just look the other way." Kenny put a hand on each of Teri's shoulders and turned to her face Bryan, the opposite direction of the smooth gray surface behind her. Bryan reached forward to hold her wrists. Kenny pulled Jess back, putting one of his hands on Teri's right shoulder while he moved to her other side with a hand on her left.

All in all, they smoothly made sure she couldn't watch what her little boy was about to do. Realizing this made Teri even more nervous, and she tried to turn as the crowd cheered again. The boys easily kept her facing the wrong way.

"So are you here to earn points before you tell him about the – Oh! That was a good one!" Kenny got distracted, but Teri understood.

"I usually hang around these things waiting for an ambulance to show up, just not this close," Teri admitted.

"I'm not sure if I should tell Dev that," Kenny said. "On one hand, it's nice for you to care; on the other, it demonstrates a lack of confidence in his ability."

"He's my baby, Kenny. I can't help it."

"Don't let him hear you say that."

"I know, he hates that baby-of-the-family label but it's not like it's going to change."

"Well, maybe now ..." Kenny let the statement trail off.

"No."

"Kenny's hinting at something," Bryan said in his usual off-handed manner.

"Later," Kenny said. Bryan dropped the subject, and Teri was grateful for his mellow nature. She flinched as the crowd yelled their appreciation of something someone did.

Jess leaned close so he could talk to Kenny on her other side. "It's amazing Dev even attempted that, what with his arm and all."

"What?" Teri's body went rigid until she realized Jess was teasing her. Kenny reached behind her to punch Jess's upper arm.

Teri closed her eyes and went over her grocery list in her mind. Besides not liking to cook, Becca didn't like grocery stores either. Her late brother's wife was always up to date on celebrity news, but wasn't overly domestic. She continued to survey the house's deficiencies in her mind while ignoring the surrounding crowd. Despite Becca's reluctance to cook or shop, there wasn't a lot to be addressed, so it didn't take long before Teri's mind stopped wandering.

She chanced a quick glance to either side. Jess was flirting with a different girl than before and Kenny was more relaxed, so Teri assumed Dev was done.

Kenny wasn't thrilled about Dev's chosen sport. Teri knew he was concerned about Dev breaking an arm or a hand, not for the sake of her son's well-being so much as he wouldn't be able to play his guitar until he healed. Dev was shy though. No matter how much practice Kenny put him through, he sometimes froze while playing in front of anyone he hadn't known for years. So Kenny took the risk as a tradeoff to get Dev comfortable with crowds. Maybe if Kenny let Dev take his skateboard on stage ... Teri pushed the random thought aside.

"Kenny? Is it over?"

"Dev is off now, but he'll go again."

"Okay."

"That was your cue to say: Yeah, I knew he could do it!" Kenny said with a sly smile.

"Right. That. How long is this going to last?"

Kenny looked at his watch. "Couple more hours. They have newbs showing their stuff but let the regulars go on in between to keep people's interest. Dev puts on a good show and the girls love him, so they'll keep asking him to go again."

Teri didn't want to pull him away, but didn't really want to stand here facing away from the action for the next two hours either.

"Maybe you should watch one of the other guys," Kenny suggested.

"I've seen them. Then I picture Dev speeding around and not keeping four wheels on the ground and I want to scream."

"Yeah." Kenny seemed to be thinking about how to make a suggestion, selecting his words more carefully than usual.

"Oh spit it out!" Teri snapped at him.

"Go home. If he sees you, he'll either break concentration or leave early when he doesn't want to. We'll watch him, we've been doing it for a while now."

Teri nodded. "Fine. Dinner's in two hours."

"Okay, we'll bring him home in one piece. We'll even make him wash his hands."

"Dev remembers more often than you do." Teri patted Kenny's shoulder and headed out of the crowd to meet Nicholas.

○ ○ ○

The casserole was overdone, reheated twice, and dry by the time everyone was home and ready to eat. Whether they were glad to see her back or glad it wasn't pizza Teri wasn't sure, but the kids didn't complain. She waited until everyone was served and started eating.

"I wanted to put you all on notice, I have a friend coming into town in a week."

"A friend? Like a boyfriend?" Jess asked suspiciously.

Teri considered throwing something at him but smiled patiently instead, just like she used to at her kids when they were small and asked prying questions.

"Wait, what?" Dev looked up at Jess, then at her. Teri took a breath and told herself to just back up. She addressed the group as a whole, careful not to single out her son.

"A few months ago I met someone. He wanted to get to know me better. I was a hesitant at first. I've been out of that game for a while, but I saw him again in Miami and we had a nice lunch."

"And dinner," Nicholas added. She shot him a brief look to shut up.

"And dinner. Then he flew to London to see me, and I stopped over in New York, and we –"

"Why not here?" Dev interrupted.

"He lives in New York."

"So why Miami?" Jess asked.

"Why Miami? Hell, why London?" Dev asked, his voice rising in pitch and volume. She waved her hand to shush him.

"I was – no, he – you know what? Never mind that. The point is, he hasn't been back in Seattle because he was giving me time and space," Teri continued.

"Didn't want to make you think he was a stalker." Jess nodded knowingly. Kenny elbowed Jess hard in the ribs. Jess gave a small 'oof' as Kenny knocked the wind out of him.

"What? He's a stalker? I thought he was only calling," Bryan said, and Teri realized Paul had called nearly every night. She wasn't sure whether to be concerned that out of six teenagers even one noticed, or that only one noticed.

"A stalker?" Dev started to stand. She waved her hand at him to sit back down and brought her mind back to the problem at hand.

"Oh, Dev, stop. It's romantic," Cassie dismissed her little brother's concern.

"What?" Dev asked, horrified.

"What?" Kenny asked at the same time in disbelief.

Bryan snickered into his root beer.

Cassie elaborated with Tiffany nodding dreamily by her side. "Mom playing hard to get and Paul flying all over begging for a moment of her attention."

"Paul? You knew about this? How come she knows?" Dev demanded, turning to Teri and standing to stare down at her. The panic was gone, but Teri wasn't fond of the outrage that replaced it. She kept her cool.

"I spoke to Cassie when I decided to stay over in New York. Miami wasn't planned, London wasn't planned, New York was, so I explained. Sit please."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Dev reluctantly sat.

"You didn't answer the phone."

"Why didn't Cassie tell me?"

"You wouldn't have listened. Can we get back on topic please? What I'm trying to say is Paul Lovett is flying in next week and I want you boys to be –"

"Us boys? What about them?" Dev was on his feet again pointing at his sister.

"I'm not worried about Cassie or Tiffany, they're not interrupting and jumping up and down like popcorn. Sit. I want you boys to be aware that I like Paul and I want to spend some time getting to know him better –"

"And he wants to meet all of us?" Bryan asked.

"Well, yes, that was the plan. If things go well, maybe we'll all spend more time together."

"And if they don't go well?" Kenny asked before Dev could jump in again.

"I'll chain you in the basement." Teri smiled.

"I am not going to sit around and watch you guys get all mushy," Dev said with a frown.

"I'm a fan of what Dev calls mush, and I don't think I could take it either. You're a mom you know. It's just weird," Jess agreed.

"We'll keep it down." Teri nodded. They'd overcome the hurdle of Paul's existence; now she just had to negotiate the terms to keep awkwardness to a minimum.

"Is he staying here?" Dev asked.

"No."

"He can have Nicholas's room. It is technically an extra bedroom," Cassie volunteered. Nicholas looked surprised at the offer and the boys looked nervous.

"No, it's fine," Teri assured them. "Paul has a hotel lined up."

"Pool?" Jess asked, perking up a bit.

"No idea. You have one at the rec center anyway."

"Too many little kids there. It's annoying to have to watch out for them," Kenny explained.

"Jess didn't and now he's banned for a month for running one over," Tiffany said with a smirk. Jess gave her a withering glare.

"What?" Teri looked at Jess in surprise. This was news. But off on a tangent she didn't need. She shook her head to clear it. "Never mind. The point is, this is important to me, and I want you boys to be on your best behavior."

"What does he do?" Kenny asked calmly. Teri was grateful to be past the initial shock and move on to mundane details.

"He owns a business."

"Big corporation actually," Nicholas corrected her.

"What does he sell?" Kenny asked. Teri left it to Nicholas and glanced around the table. The girls were eating, but still keenly interested in gathering new information and watching Teri in particular. Other than Kenny, the boys seemed to be only barely paying attention. Teri suppressed a sigh of relief. They had a week to get used to the idea now and let her iron out any remaining reservations about Paul.

"He deals with craft supplies, scrapbooking primarily." Teri heard Nicholas answer Kenny.

"Scrapbooking? That's girl stuff." Jess laughed.

"Someone has to sell the girls the stuff to do it," Teri answered.

"It's a multi-million dollar industry and Paul has done very well," Nicholas said.

"Whatever," Dev scoffed.

Nicholas rubbed his fingers together. "Paul's done very, very well. He's a smart man."

"Does he scrapbook?" Jess asked with an impish grin. Dev smiled too broadly and Teri tried to remember if she'd ever warned Paul about the boyish pranks that these two in particular refused to grow out of.

"No, he doesn't," she answered and stared them both down. "Now are we agreed that you'll be on best behavior?"

"Aren't we always?" Dev asked, eyes large with false innocence.

"No."

"All right, but only because we all love you so much," Jess conceded. "If this guy's an ass though, we'll tell you."

"Just do it privately. Now eat," Teri ordered.

Dev got up. "I'm going to go nuke mine, it's cold."

○ ○ ○

Teri breathed a sigh of relief when dinner was done and the kids all wandered off. Cassie went with Tiffany to a movie. The boys were initially undecided and Jess finally won them over to see a movie also, probably in the hopes of joining Cassie.

Cassie was well aware that Jess had a crush on her, but didn't encourage him. Teri always watched the two nervously anyway. On one hand, Cassie was a bright girl and would be good for Jess. On the other, Cassie was her daughter and she wanted more for her than Jess could offer.

She felt guilty when she thought of Jess not being good enough for Cassie. Dev's band friends were at the house so much Teri thought of them as family too. She was still trying to reason her way out of her guilty assessment of Jess when Paul called. Teri answered halfway through the first ring.

"Hello?"

Paul's laughter was like a warm blanket wrapping around her when she didn't even realize she was chilled. "It sounds like you were waiting by the phone for my call. Should I be flattered or concerned?"

Teri laughed also in realization he was right. "Flattered. I mentioned your name at dinner and survived."

"I wasn't aware there was a risk of bodily harm. Then I'm glad it went well. I assume your survival meant it went well, right?"

"I suppose. There were a lot of interruptions and questions, but no talk of spilled blood. Cassie already knew, therefore Tiffany did by association, and so did Kenny, so it was really just breaking it to Dev, Bryan, and Jess. Bryan failed to be surprised."

"From what I understand of your description of the boys, Bryan would support you either way, and Jess is easily swayed. So how did Dev take it?"

"With reservations, but no tantrum, so I'm taking it as a win."

"I would hope he's too old for tantrums."

"Not the teen kind. There's a difference, you know. He doesn't throw himself on the floor and kick and scream. Teen tantrums are almost the exact opposite: sulking around, not talking to me, avoiding me to the point of finding reasons to be out of the house all waking hours."

"Sounds pretty normal to me."

"It drives me nuts."

"Then I'm glad it didn't happen."

Teri closed her eyes and pictured Paul's face. She smiled as they talked about his visit. Teri told him about her dilemma with Cassie and Jess, and Paul told her not to worry about it. Teen romances rarely worked in the long term, and Cassie seemed bright enough that Teri ought to be able to trust her judgment. As usual when someone complimented one of her children, Teri warmed more to him.

"Tell me about your daughter," Teri said, then immediately wished she hadn't. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to pry."

Paul paused. "It's fine, honey. I see Olivia twice a year, like I do all the kids. When she was Cassie's age, she'd already moved back to Phoenix with Sara and stopped talking to me. I only have circumstantial information on Cassie, but I'm sorry to say, as a teenager Olivia wasn't as smart as Cassie is. Be grateful she doesn't give you much trouble."

"I am, deep down, even though she makes me want to scream most the time."

Paul laughed. "She'll grow out of that. Just grit your teeth and send her to the mall."

"And the boys?"

"With Cassie and Tiffany at the mall, Kenny can handle them, right?"

"I suppose so." Teri laughed. "So how much did you know about the kids before Miami?"

His hesitation made Teri nervous.

"More than you'd probably be comfortable with. Kenny wants to make a name for himself and his band, so there's a lot of information to be found on the boys. Not so much on Cassie. I knew she was a good student and appeared to be a well-behaved young lady overall. Ditto on Tiffany, although I wasn't as concerned about the extra teens until after Miami."

Teri started to relax again as Paul told her how wonderful her kids were. They were still on the phone when the kids returned from the movie. Teri reluctantly hung up as sounds of conflict reached her ears. When she appeared at the bottom of the stairs, silence fell and all eyes turned to her.

"So the arguing was about me."

"Paul actually. Tiff and I are going to her house to spend the night," Cassie said.

Teri nodded consent to the announcement, and the girls headed up to Cassie's room to pack.

"Anything you boys want to talk about?" Teri leaned casually against the wall and tried to look approachable.

"Not really," Dev answered and took off downstairs. Kenny watched him go with an expression Teri couldn't quite read.

"Bryan's family wants him home tonight, so I'm going to go drop him off," Jess said. Kenny tossed him the keys to his van and waited quietly for them to go before facing Teri.

"Dev's upset," Kenny said quietly.

"I haven't dated since Allen died. It's a new concept for him."

"I think it'd be different if he knew the guy. You're dating again, I know that's part of it even though he says it's not. What he admits to is that he doesn't like you seeing a stranger."

"Paul's not a stranger to me or Nicholas. Besides, how many single men does Dev know? Of those, how many would he be okay with me dating? The odds were against me dating someone who wasn't a stranger to him."

"I'll mention that. It might have helped if you'd mentioned him before spending a weekend with him."

"If I'd planned it, I might have. I didn't expect to see Paul in London. That's when the relationship started, really. New York was just an extension."

"I thought you met here."

"We did, but it was over business. After business was concluded he expressed interest, but I wasn't sure. I never planned on having another relationship. I didn't know if I could put my heart out there again." Teri took a breath, not really wanting to think about her growing feelings for Paul. "Anyway, we met again in Miami and talked over lunch. It wasn't until London that we really developed a relationship."

"He just happened to be in Miami when you were." Kenny looked at her doubtfully.

"No. He knew I was going and arranged to be there too."

"You told him you were going? Where to meet you?"

"No." Teri frowned. "Kenny, listen, I left out a lot of the details."

"Okay. So it all boils down to even though Paul's been chasing you for a while, you saw no reason to mention him because there hasn't been a relationship until now." Kenny sounded suspicious and it unnerved Teri.

"I'm hard to catch apparently, so give him a break. He's been through a lot," Teri pleaded. "Just try to help Dev out with this, okay?"

"Sure. Go to bed, you look tired." Kenny went downstairs, presumably to talk to Dev. Teri turned to go back upstairs herself, but had to hug the wall as Cassie and Tiff came running down.

"Bye, Mom!" they called back in unison as they ran out the door. Teri smiled. It was funny that Tiffany called her "mom" but Kenny, Jess, and Bryan called her "Teri" even though she mothered them considerably more than Tiffany. She shook her head at the paradox and chalked it up to the teenage phenomenon.

# Chapter Nine

"Teri, can we talk?" Kenny loitered nervously in the doorway to Teri's tiny workroom under the stairs a few days later. With darkroom equipment on one side and the computer desk on the other, most of the remaining space was taken by her chair. Kenny looked like he needed to pace and there simply wasn't room.

"Sure, dining room?" Teri asked.

"Somewhere private."

Oh, God, Jess got some girl pregnant, Teri thought, fighting the impulse to panic. It was unfair to jump to conclusions, so she tried to push her suspicions aside. She nodded and Kenny closed the door behind him. He took a seat on the edge of the small computer desk and stared at the opposite wall.

"What's on your mind?" Teri asked, bracing herself.

"Remember how a couple days ago Dev was upset because he didn't know Paul?"

"Yes."

"Well, after talking to you, I agreed with Dev so I looked into it."

Teri let out an exasperated sigh.

"Paul Lovett is married with children," Kenny said quickly before she could protest. "He's not divorced, Teri. Separated, but not divorced. I checked."

Teri felt like he'd physically hit her. She struggled to breathe and formulate a response.

"Dev doesn't know. I figured he'd freak out. I take it you didn't know either."

Teri looked up and shook her head as Kenny glanced at her and away again.

"I didn't think so. I didn't think you'd go for a married man."

"How ... How did you ...?" Teri couldn't finish.

"I asked around. Yesterday I got a call from Blaine Lovett."

"Paul's son?"

"Yeah. When I originally asked my dad's assistant I said you were dating Paul and I wanted to know more about him, so Blaine knew that too. He was pissed. He said Paul had a mistress in New York named Kayley Goldstein and said ... well, he said a lot of things. I spent most the day checking it out. I couldn't disprove anything he said. He was pretty hostile about the idea of his dad dating you. I couldn't prove it, but I believe him when he said Paul never divorced Sara."

"You spoke to Blaine," Teri repeated.

"Yeah."

Kenny waited quietly as Teri thought. Paul said the kids hated him. Was it enough to try to sabotage his relationship with her? Maybe. She had no way of knowing. He saw them each twice a year, but only because he forced them to get their allowance from him in person. Would they risk angering Paul? Teri couldn't know for sure, but a hard, cold feeling in the core of her soul told her Kenny was right, that Blaine was telling the truth.

"I'll ask Paul. Thank you, Kenny." Teri nodded. Kenny took the hint that she wanted to be alone and stood to leave.

"Kenny, don't –" Teri started.

"Not saying a word to anyone. Ball's in your court," Kenny whispered over his shoulder and slipped out the door.

Teri sat for a moment, stunned at the bombshell Kenny dropped on her. She wasn't grateful, although she knew she should be. Teri let her head fall into her hands and was honest with herself: she needed time to get the strength to confront him.

A gentle knock on the door prompted her to pull herself together.

"Teri?" Nicholas's voice called.

"Come in." Teri didn't try to hide the tears in her voice, he'd notice them in a moment anyway.

Nicholas opened the door and walked in, bringing a barstool with him from the kitchen. Closing the door, he sat down and leaned back against it.

"Kenny called me a while ago. Said he was probably going to upset you and you might need someone to talk to. For being barely nineteen, he's pretty perceptive."

"And much more resourceful than I ever gave him credit for." Teri looked at Nicholas, he held out a tissue. "Did you ever get around to looking into Paul's background?"

"A bit on the net. Nothing you didn't already know. A lot of stuff from his PR department: blurbs that he donated to an organization or funded some project. Some pictures taken at various events with this model or that actress. Frequently Kayley, but not always. Why?"

"Kenny had more success. It turns out Paul might still be married."

"I thought he was divorced."

"Kenny asked around and spoke to Paul's oldest son. Not divorced, just separated."

"For a while I imagine, given how long he's been seen in the who's who of New York's night life. If you're concerned about it, ask him."

"Married, Nicholas, married. Separated is not good enough, married is not acceptable," Teri snapped. "If he's married to another woman, then he has a commitment to her. It means he has no future with me. I'd be just another photo and line on who he's seen with at some event. Maybe be known as his mistress if it lasts long enough," she sobbed and Nicholas handed her another tissue. "I was happy alone and then Paul came and I ... I ... Nicholas, I should have stayed alone."

Nicholas handed her another tissue, pausing before he answered. "You said his kids were bitter. Don't jump to conclusions. Ask him."

"I will. Of course I will, but Kenny believes Blaine. To be honest, I believe it too. I don't know why, but I do."

"Okay, if he's married, ask him to divorce her."

"I won't. I won't be the one to break up a marriage."

"Teri." Nicholas rose and gently rubbed Teri's back. "He's been separated and with other women for years. He knows you're a mother and he's been pursuing you anyway. That marriage, if it actually exists, is long over."

"He'll call soon," Teri said. "Oh, God! I can't tell him Kenny told me!"

"Then don't. It doesn't matter how you found out. Take a deep breath, go upstairs, and wait for his call. I'll grab a butterscotch schnapps and meet you there."

"I thought women drove men to drink, not the other way around," Teri whispered as she squeezed past Nicholas out of her workroom.

○ ○ ○

Paul sat in his informal office and counted down the time until he could call Teri. He looked forward to hearing her voice, listening to her little problems. In the meantime, he forced himself to concentrate on a competition analysis he didn't like.

Bows and ribbons appeared to be a problem in prepackaged scrapbooking kits. Most components of the kits were being used as designed, but the ribbons and bows were being tossed aside. For repeat customers, it lowered the kits' perceived value, and sales were starting to slip.

Fine, he got that. Thumbing through the report, Paul failed to see an explanation as to why the components weren't being used. Was it the color selection, sizes, textures? He wrote a quick note on the cover and tossed in on the pile to go out for immediate review. Maybe ribbons and bows were on the way out in the scrapbooking fashion trends.

Paul thought for a moment. Trends. Scrapbooking had them, he didn't doubt that for a moment. But they weren't as hailed and broadcasted as women's clothing fashion. Turning to his computer, Paul typed a memo asking for the major clothing designers to be contacted regarding a new line of scrapbooking fashion based on their new lines. Paper would imitate fabric, matching trim, accessories, etc. He wanted their names and trademarks associated with the lines as well if possible, and exclusivity at any cost. Sending the memo, Paul leaned back in his chair. He nodded to himself in satisfaction. That should shake things up.

Glancing at the clock, it was now a few minutes past the time he usually called Teri. Beside the phone on his desk was a picture he took of Teri in Miami when she wasn't looking. It was a profile shot when she was on the beach, just after she dropped the camera from her face; she was smiling at a scene she knew she'd captured.

Paul loved the picture, mostly because she didn't know he'd taken it. He discovered in London, to his dismay, that Teri hated having her picture taken. She was a great photographer but a lousy model. She wouldn't stand still and had a hard time smiling naturally. He had to tell jokes and make her laugh to get any good pictures at all.

Smiling at the memories the picture stirred up, Paul picked up the phone and dialed Teri.

"Hello?" She sounded anxious. Something with the kids again no doubt. He hoped it wasn't anything serious.

"Hi, honey. How was your day? You sound a little anxious."

"Paul? I ... if I ask you something, will you be honest with me?"

"Of course," Paul answered, leaning forward again in his chair and resting his arms on his desk. He furrowed his brow at the pause while Teri thought.

"Paul, are you and Sara divorced?"

His heart stopped beating and all moisture in his mouth turned to ash. He was going to tell her in London, then in New York. But he was waiting for the right time and it never came. It was a mistake, of course, to let her leave without knowing the truth. And he knew he had to tell her, but not over the phone. In Seattle then, Paul resolved. Since the right time didn't come in New York, he'd simply have to make it or take the wrong time in Seattle.

He had waited too long though, she'd found out. How? Sara, probably.

"Teri," Paul croaked through his dry throat. The glass on his desk was empty. He stumbled over to the bar to fill it.

"My name is not an answer. I'll take that as you're married then."

There were tears in her voice, and anger. He'd hurt her and he needed to explain, but the words wouldn't come. Paul took a drink and tried again.

"I can –"

"I don't want to hear it."

"Did you talk to Sara?"

"No. Does it matter how I found out? You're married. I'm not interested in being your toy, or your summer fling, or your mistress. If you're still married there's a reason for it. I'm not getting involved."

"Teri, listen," Paul pleaded, but she cut him off.

"No. Don't come here, Paul." Her voice trembled, and he heard her pain. "And don't call me," Teri finished softly before hanging up the phone.

Paul slowly hung up the phone and lowered himself back into his chair. He stared at the picture of Teri in shock. Teri smiling on the beach. Smiling as she finished taking a picture. The strength left Paul's body as he realized Teri was smiling at Flynn Peterson.

○ ○ ○

Kenny knew Teri would cry; he was amazed she held it together as well as she did when he told her about his conversation with Blaine Lovett. He didn't tell her everything, just enough.

Blaine was a bastard. He didn't respond to Kenny's inquiry about Paul out of some noble goal to protect his mother. He hated his father and wanted to hurt him. Blaine Lovett's dark ulterior motive of breaking up the budding relationship between Paul and Teri was so obvious that Kenny even considered keeping Paul's marriage to himself. He hated being used for Blaine's malicious revenge against his father. But if Paul was still married, with a mistress even, Teri had a right to know.

Paul called Teri every night at nine. Thank God Bryan was paying attention and had caught the pattern over the last few weeks. Kenny hadn't thought about it before, but that meant it was midnight in New York, and they talked for an hour or more. He decided to wait until eight to approach Teri, wanting to make sure there was plenty of time before Paul called, but not too much. Kenny didn't want to ruin too much of her night. Then he waited.

Teri usually went upstairs to her room to wait for Paul's call. Paul would call in about ten minutes. Sometimes he was a few minutes late, but he was never early. Nicholas left again, so Kenny slipped upstairs and sat in the hall to wait.

He jumped when the phone rang and looked at his wrist, feeling foolish because he wasn't wearing a watch. He peeked into Cassie's empty room. It was five past, Paul was late. Kenny stole back to Teri's door, cursing his curiosity. It didn't matter what time it was.

He listened as Teri confronted Paul, then told him not to come or to call. Kenny suspected it was true, but he was surprised at the pain he felt at the confirmation. He couldn't imagine what Teri must feel.

There was silence for a moment after she hung up the phone, then muffled sobs into a pillow. He heard it too often at home. It was part of the reason he moved in with Teri. Kenny waffled for a moment, cursing Nicholas for going home. He should be here to deal with this. Nicholas was Teri's friend, Kenny was ... well, he was a friend, but it was different. They weren't equals, she was an adult. He didn't know what to do.

"Scram, Kenny. I'll take it from here."

Kenny looked up. Nicholas stood over him with an iced mocha with whipped cream and sprinkles in his hand.

"Sorry I'm late, there was a line. I was supposed to be getting something fortified, but decided this would be better. Figured it'd either be for comfort or celebration."

"Comfort," Kenny replied, standing up.

"Damn. Well, don't say anything yet. And thanks for the heads up. I didn't find anything I wasn't supposed to."

"Just so you know, Blaine Lovett's an asshole. I wanted him to be lying."

"Yeah, we knew that part." Nicholas nodded. Kenny edged around him and fled downstairs.

○ ○ ○

Tim DeLaney was Paul's man through and through. He worked in Paul's first store before he sold it. When Paul started a new business, Tim asked to come aboard. He had no particular expertise and only reasonable grades in high school, but he worked hard and caught Paul's attention. Paul brought him on and started him on business classes at the community college. By now, Tim had a Master's Degree in Business and was fluent in Spanish, French, and German. He was working on Mandarin, but it was giving him some trouble.

He was content as Paul's personal assistant, and those close to Paul didn't look down on him for the title. Tim was confident and capable of making decisions on Paul's behalf. No one questioned him.

Tim kept an apartment a few floors down from Paul's. Not from any desire to be in the stylish building or associate with its powerful inhabitants, it was just easier to do his job if he lived closer to Paul. They usually rode to work and had lunch together, although Tim didn't feel slighted if Paul chose solitude or Kayley for company. He was there when Paul needed him and absent when he didn't, so it wasn't awkward when Paul called him after hanging up with Teri. Tim kept a notepad and pen by every phone, so he jotted down key points as he listened to Paul's story.

"I'll find out how she found out. Someone told her, then maybe we'll have an idea why."

"She said it wasn't Sara, but who else?"

"Sara's family or friends. Although I can't see any of them contacting Teri out of the blue or even knowing how. Not many people know about her. When you've been seen with her, it's been as Lexi Frost, not Teri Giles."

"Except in New York, but I agree. Teri told the kids. The boys had mixed reactions. I don't want anyone approaching her kids though."

"Of course not. It would get back to Teri and she'd blame you. I'm going to start on the other end. You pay the phone bills and credit cards for Sara and the kids, I'll start there. If they traveled to or called Seattle, it should be obvious."

"One more thing, if you would, Tim ..." Paul's hesitation got Tim's attention.

"Yes?"

"Flynn Peterson."

"You think he's involved?"

"No, I don't." Paul's answer was immediate. His involvement wasn't a concern, but something had Flynn on Paul's mind.

"What about him then?" Tim pressed.

"I'm afraid I've given him an opening."

"And you'd like to know your opponent. I didn't take the time to look into him before because you and Teri seemed to be off to a decent start. I'll have a full workup before he hears opportunity knocking. Now, are you at home or the office?"

"Still at the office. There's a car waiting."

"Then go home and get some sleep. There's nothing else you can do tonight anyway besides pray she comes to her senses and gives you a chance to explain."

"I'm afraid I lost her trust when I didn't come forward on my own, Tim."

"Then start planning flowers and apologetic gestures and I'll take it from here to make sure nothing else happens."

"Thank you."

Tim hung up with Paul and called Paul's driver. He told him Paul would be down shortly and asked him to wait once he dropped off Paul. Without hesitation, Tim got up and dressed quickly. Like Paul, Tim had a shower and spare suits in his office downtown. Paul didn't have many emergencies come up, but both of them could live at the office if they needed to.

Once dressed, he called the phone company for Paul's Phoenix estate where Sara lived with Olivia and Chad. The customer service agent insisted they didn't have access to the call records. Her supervisor insisted he didn't have any way to retrieve the information, short of a subpoena, until the billing cycle closed. Tim didn't want to deal with this. He had him change the billing cycle. It would still take two days to get the records, but at least he knew the longest he would have to wait.

He left the apartment to find the car and driver waiting. As he rode to the office, Tim focused completely on handling the problem. The goal, of course, was to help Paul win Teri back. Condemnation for her refusal to let Paul explain didn't cross Tim's mind, and he wouldn't have dwelt on it even if it had. It simply didn't matter and it would just distract him from what needed to be done. Whoever told Teri would have to be dealt with. Paul supported his family and asked little in return. Sabotaging his relationships endangered their fragile truce.

The car pulled up to the front lobby of the office building. Sometime during the short trip a light rain started to fall, but Tim ignored it and told the driver not to wait for him. Paul's company contracted with a service and the driver's replacement would be waiting for Paul in the morning.

Tim briefly considered suggesting Paul take the morning off, but pushed it aside. If Paul needed time in the morning he would take it. Tim made a mental note to watch him for any impact that might be noticeable to anyone else. The building's security guard met Tim at the door and let him in, nodding to the driver that it was okay to leave.

Tim walked through the lobby and rode the elevator in silence. He let himself into the outer office, nodded to the guard on duty there, and walked back to his office.

Almost a mirror image of Paul's informal office, the resemblance ended there. Where Paul's office was a refuge, a home away from home, Tim's revealed little about his personal life or interests. A casual observer might think Tim collected antique humidors and cigar boxes, but in fact, Tim just found these to be an acceptable way to store small items. The only things of any sentimental value were the potted cacti in the window.

Tim tossed his notepad on his desk as he strode straight for the door connecting his office to Paul's. Once in Paul's office, Tim checked to ensure everything was in order. He walked over to Paul's desk and sat down.

Paul kept his desk impeccably neat as a rule, so the disorder was an indicator of how disturbed he was. Tim didn't need clues like this. He knew Paul well enough to know just how hard he'd fallen for Teri, and how deeply he must be feeling her rejection.

He straightened the desk, taking careful inventory as he did so. A broken pencil went into his pocket for disposal in his trash rather than Paul's. Paul hated to lose his temper and a reminder, even in the garbage, would be unwelcome in the morning. Several pictures were scattered across the desk and Tim gathered them up neatly. The envelope for the pictures felt thin, and Tim double checked the number. Sure enough, several were missing. He took the time to compare the pictures to the negatives and made a list of what to reprint.

With the desk tidy, pictures in the drawer, and the room in order, Tim returned to his office. Setting the list of reprints and negatives on his desk, Tim detoured to the mini-bar. He made himself a pineapple spritzer, pulled a box of baked wheat crackers out of a cabinet, and returned to his desk.

Snacking as he went, Tim logged into his computer and the cell phone account for the company. He pulled up Sara's call log first, looking for any calls to Seattle. It was hard not to be judgmental; Paul's wife was a bitch. Tim didn't delude himself into thinking Paul was perfect, only that Sara was much further from it. He was so surprised that there weren't any calls that he checked again, but it was no use. Not seriously letting Sara off the hook, Tim checked the records for Olivia and Chad's cell phones with the same outcome.

Blaine's phone records were more interesting. He received a call from Spokane, Washington the day before yesterday. It was on the other side of the state, but still suspicious. Tim made note of the number and looked to see if there had been previous calls to or from that number in the past month, then two. There hadn't. He tried to perform a reverse search on the number, but it yielded no results. There were no outbound calls to Washington at all. Reluctantly Tim accepted a temporary delay in his quest to find who sabotaged Paul's relationship.

Glancing at the time, Tim set himself to work compiling information on Flynn Peterson. He put on their latest CD while he reviewed the information with a critical eye.

Flynn accumulated ex-wives and girlfriends like a collector. It appeared to be due to drugs, alcohol, and infidelity; and it left a sour taste in Tim's mouth. This was the man Paul was worried about losing Teri to? He wasn't personally familiar with the woman, but he was under the impression she was intelligent. That women were sometimes attracted to bad boys wasn't a concept he seriously considered.

Despite his doubts about the danger Flynn Peterson actually posed, Tim dutifully compiled first a fact sheet, then a detailed biography. He paid particular attention to Flynn's shortcomings and the current state of his third marriage. That he was still married was a small blessing, but Tim vowed to make sure the information was current and his third wife hadn't filed yet. From recent photos, Flynn was probably cheating on her, so she had every reason to.

The document on Flynn finished printing, but it was still too early to call the investigator he wanted to use for this situation. Tim set an alarm on his phone and reclined on his sofa for a quick nap. He was uneasy though. It was too easy to find information about Flynn and it worried him how easy it might be for someone to find the same information about Paul. He routinely checked to make sure someone sitting at the Internet for a few hours wouldn't be able to find anything, but information was becoming more and more accessible. Tim decided to have the investigator look into that as well. After all, he didn't want surprises from Flynn next if Paul couldn't pull things back together with Teri quickly.

# Chapter Ten

It was as if Lexi had dropped off the face of the earth, Flynn thought. He made inquiries, but he couldn't find anyone who knew her socially. He was beginning to wonder if she even had a life outside of work. Flynn just wanted to see her again, alone and off the record. He had an investigator start watching Paul Lovett a couple of weeks ago out of desperation, but without success. Paul stayed in New York and Lexi wasn't anywhere near him.

His wife noticed. Wendy no doubt thought he was having another affair. In a way he was. He'd like to. He should just file for divorce himself and get it over with. Flynn sat in his music room, dug his phone out of his pocket, and called Drew.

"Tell me what time it is in Sydney. It's too early for me to check," Drew answered blearily. Flynn checked the time and flushed with embarrassment as he did the math. Flynn was in New York, but Drew was in Sydney and it wasn't quite four in the morning there.

"It's four. Sorry. I forgot you were visiting your mum," Flynn apologized. "But since you're up now ..."

"Hold on," Drew groaned. Flynn heard some faint swearing as Drew stumbled out of the bedroom. "All right, we can talk. Go."

"Will you see if I'm mental?"

"You are. Problem solved."

"Yeah, right. Listen, it's the Lexi thing."

"Of course it is. Has Wendy caught on to your obsession yet?"

"I think she suspects I'm having an affair."

"Close enough. She gonna leave you?"

"No sign of it. Actually I was thinking of just calling it and filing first this time. I mean, let's be realistic, it's been over for a while now anyway."

"Has it? She seems determined to make it work, Flynn. She forgives you over and over."

"On the affairs, I suppose. Except when you and I hook up. Ever since Dee spoke to her, I get the cold shoulder when I've been around you. Even when it's only as coworkers."

"Yes, my wife brings out the worst in your wives, doesn't she? Sorry about that."

"Thanks. Water under the bridge now. So am I nuts to just call it?"

"Wendy would say so. She'd say just quit the business, retire, and live out your life in the style and luxury you deserve. She'd no doubt skim over your affairs, me being the obvious exception. So I'll take this opportunity to tell you to bloody well knock it off."

"I know, I know."

"Have you considered therapy? Not marital, just you?"

"Not a problem."

"You've licked the coke, weed, cigarettes, and alcohol. Now it's time to admit you might have a new problem."

"Knock it off, Drew. Everything was fine for years. It's only been the past year and half or so and you know it."

"So what changed? Why isn't it working with Wendy anymore? You'd better think that over before you throw it all away and try to move on. You might not have someone waiting for you after it's said and done."

"I know."

"And it's better to be alone?"

"Than this? Yes."

"Tell me," Drew ordered.

"Not now."

"She's home?"

"Yup."

Drew sighed. "I'm flying out of Sydney soon. I'll meet you in L.A. We need to tweak that movie soundtrack and we can talk about it there. Dee's staying here so I'll be sans wife. I assume you will be too so they're both going to kill us later."

"I'm on thin ice already, but you're not. Are you sure?"

"Can't be helped. She'll get over it. It's always a little chilly with her later, you know?"

"I do. I'm sorry," Flynn whispered. "Thanks, Drew."

"Yeah, well, you've always been there for me. Listen, I'm going back to sleep, okay?"

"Yeah, sorry again."

"It's fine. Hold tight, I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too."

Flynn was ready to hang up when Drew's tentative voice stopped him. "Flynn?"

"Yeah?" Flynn answered, instantly tuned-in to Drew's apprehension.

"Will Lexi understand? I'll try to keep Dee away, but we can't count on her not giving Lexi the low-down on our history. You mentioned you had a feeling about her, that she was different. Will she understand about us?"

"I hope so."

"All right. See ya."

Flynn heard the click and silence. He trusted Drew to set him straight, regardless of what he wanted to do. Drew was on Wendy's side, which is where Flynn needed him. The first few years with Wendy were great. The last couple were his fault, he guessed. He was straying and he wished he knew why. He loved her. They didn't have kids of their own, maybe it would have helped if they did. She had a teenage daughter, he had two. His girls lived with Trisha in London most of the time. Wendy's daughter, Mindy, lived with them.

It'd be hard on Mindy if he left. Her father paid little attention to her and, although she didn't call Flynn "dad," she thought of him like one. Hell, when he was at home he spent more time with Mindy than Wendy did. Mindy didn't share her mother's passion for horses, so she preferred to listen to Flynn pluck out tunes on a guitar to the never ending ramble about shows and breeding.

"Flynn?" It was Mindy. Flynn closed his laptop and motioned her in.

"What's up?" He turned as she sat on the sofa next to him. She fingered the guitar leaning up against the end table.

"I heard you talking to Drew."

Flynn braced himself and nodded.

"Are you leaving Mom?"

"Min, this isn't –"

"Isn't something you should be discussing with me. Okay, disclaimer aside and off the record. Are you?"

Flynn hesitated. "Things have been ..."

"Tense. Yeah, I got that. Mom seems upset and you've been sleeping around. You didn't used to."

"Yeah, I noticed that too."

"It's funny, I kinda get the impression that's not what Mom's mad about."

"No, it's not really. It's a symptom, not the problem."

Mindy nodded. Flynn knew it wasn't over. He looked out of the open door, relieved there was no sign of Wendy.

"Flynn? Do you still love her?"

"Yes. That's not always enough."

"You love someone else too."

Flynn paused. Had she seen him on the Internet? Would it matter? It was just blogs and chat rooms, no pictures of Lexi were posted anywhere. "What makes you think that?" He asked, hoping he hadn't paused too long.

"You just seem like you've been thinking about something a lot lately. I think it's someone else."

Mindy watched him for a reaction. Hoping for a denial, he supposed. He couldn't tell his stepdaughter he was considering throwing away his marriage over an obsession with a woman he'd met briefly twice, might never see again, and in all probability couldn't have anyway; it was madness. If he didn't understand it, he certainly couldn't ask Mindy or Wendy to.

"I think that's just a symptom too. Thinking about what I can't have. I'm meeting up with Drew in L.A.. It'll make your mom mad, but with any luck, he'll sort me out."

"Mom used to like Drew, but she doesn't anymore."

"No, she doesn't. Her attitude toward Drew doesn't change the friendship we've shared for a long time. He'll take her side. He already has. Sadly he's got a better chance of talking sense into me than she does right now."

"That's not right." Mindy frowned. Flynn reached out and pinched her chin.

"It's not. But if he can put me back on track, it doesn't matter."

○ ○ ○

Paul had to summon all his willpower to pull himself out of bed. Losing Teri weighed on him all night and he barely slept. He repeatedly vowed he'd make this right. First he had to get her to listen, but not over the phone. Paul needed to apologize in person, at least at some point, and explain in person. That was important. He couldn't go to Seattle without her permission, it would upset her even more. First he had to get her to listen then agree to meet him.

It was a simple plan and desperately pathetic. As all plans need to start somewhere, his first instinct was to call Teri.

He reached for the phone and caught himself. Waking her at three in the morning wouldn't earn him points. He had time to go to the office and see what Tim had accomplished last night before the West Coast woke up.

Paul went through his morning routine quickly and arrived at the office early. Tim was setting a report on his desk when he walked into his office.

"Did you sleep at all?" Paul asked as he looked over Tim and his own tidy desk. He certainly didn't leave it like that.

"Tried, didn't get anywhere. I'll probably catch a nap later. The balls are in play as far as finding the leak. I can't see Flynn Peterson being a serious challenge," Tim said, indicating the report.

"Assuming Teri will listen to a thing I tell her. Flynn could be the Green River Killer himself and it wouldn't matter if she won't listen to me." Paul sat, picked up the picture on his desk, and stared at it tenderly.

"Short of being a serial killer, who's already been caught by the way, I can't see Flynn being a threat." Tim gave Paul a tight smile. "He's his own worst enemy, Paul. He may have his sights set on Teri, but he'd sabotage the relationship if he ever managed to get her. It's his pattern of behavior and only a matter of time."

"Well, that's something at least." Paul sighed. He put the picture down. Maybe there was hope after all. If he couldn't get Teri to talk to him before Flynn got to her, he'd be there to pick up the pieces later.

"Paul? I got that email on the designers. Pure genius!" Tyler Wise poked his head into the office.

"I'm glad you like it. Run with it. Get back to me when it's done." Paul waved him away. Tyler didn't take the hint fast enough and Tim closed the door on him.

"Don't let me fire anyone today," Paul said.

"Not even Wise? Fine. How about you go home and don't even talk to anyone today?"

"I'd just stew. I'm waiting around until it's a decent hour on the West Coast." Paul paused. "Or should I send flowers first and call later?"

"This really shook you up if you're asking me when you should be asking Kayley."

"Kayley's playing in Europe somewhere. I don't want to bother her."

"I'll mention it again if it looks like you need it."

"Of course you will, Tim." Paul smiled. "That's why I keep you around. Time to get some work done."

"Hmm, me too." Tim returned to his own office and Paul moved to the sofa to enjoy his coffee while he read up on Flynn. By the time Paul finished the report, he was convinced Tim was probably right. He'd still prefer to make up with Teri rather than console her after Flynn finished with her.

He didn't question Flynn would jump on the opportunity. Teri caught his attention and he went out of his way to meet her a second time. He'd lost her, but Paul doubted Flynn would let that stop him. Flynn had resources too, it was just a matter of using them. Of course he could be overestimating Flynn's interest. As Tim pointed out, Flynn's affection tended to wander.

Paul thought about it as he got up. He walked over to his desk and tucked the report in a drawer under the envelope of pictures Tim cleaned up the night before. Paul deliberately ignored the contents of the envelope and closed the drawer.

The pictures were from Miami, and several of Teri included Flynn in the background. He didn't care before, but those bothered him after the disastrous call to Teri. Flynn's figure seemed to draw his eye every time he looked at the photos. It felt childish, but he ripped up those pictures last night, tossing the pieces a few at a time out the window on the way home. It was therapy.

He left his cozy informal office for his cold corporate killer one. Literally in this case, there was a temperature drop as he passed through the door. It didn't matter, he wasn't staying, but it bothered him. Exiting to the hall, Lia Nguyen, the executive secretary he shared with Tim, turned to see what he needed. Lia noticed the coffee cup in his hand and stood with a smile.

"You got through your first cup quicker than usual."

"It's an unusual morning."

"I gathered that. Tim's on his third. I just switched him to decaf."

Paul considered that for a moment.

"Same for you then?" Lia smiled knowingly.

"One more regular first. Now my schedule today." Paul walked around to the desk.

"Has already been cleared. I'll tell you more about that when I bring you your coffee. I suggest your personal office. Your corporate killer one is a bit cool this morning. I would have it checked, but Tim said to wait."

"I'll go wait for my coffee then," Paul agreed and returned to his office and sat on his sofa. He didn't have to wait long. Lia walked in shortly with his coffee and the usual papers and memos she handed him every morning.

"Your morning routine." She handed him the stack. "Nothing unusual or pressing that I noticed. Also, I have numbers for florists in Seattle, although Tim told me officially I don't. So officially I'll ask 'what's the occasion?' with the unofficial meaning of 'what did you do and/or how bad is it?' Talk to me." She sat beside him on the sofa as comfortably as if he were a neighbor instead of her boss.

"Oh, I didn't give full disclosure as early as I should have and it came back to bite me on the ass. It's my own fault. Now I need to humble myself and beg a woman to allow me to explain. In person."

"Ah."

"And I had a difficult time just convincing her to have lunch with me in the first place."

"If I can ask, how did you?"

"I ambushed her. I waited until she went on a business trip to Miami and showed up there at an event to plead my case in person."

"Okay, worst case scenario you can arrange another business trip for her and do the same, although a heartfelt letter would be a better start. FedEx does same day, you know."

"That's a good start."

"Handwritten is better." Lia stood up. "Well, it is in your case. Your handwriting suits you. You'll need to get it done soon or we'll have to use a personal courier." With that, she left Paul to consider the letter he needed to write.

○ ○ ○

Kenny hardly slept. He heard Teri and Nicholas moving around all night, so it wasn't a surprise to see Nicholas still there the next morning.

Since Nicholas and Teri were preoccupied, Kenny got up and made breakfast. He made a breakfast tray for Teri. Nicholas took it from him at the door, which was a relief. Kenny hated to see his own mom cry and knowing Teri was upset proved to be just as unnerving.

"What's with Mom?" Dev asked when Kenny came back downstairs.

Kenny gave a noncommittal shrug in response. He was just a teenager; he wasn't expected to actually know anything. The guys didn't expect it of him any more than he expected it of them. Adults didn't expect much because of his age. Teenage girls were a problem. For some reason they felt he should be observant, but Cassie and Tiff weren't here so it didn't matter.

He hoped he could disappear or Nicholas could get this cleared up before Cassie got home. She got bitchy and unreasonable when he was expected to know something and didn't, so Kenny didn't want to think about what she was going to be like when he knew something he shouldn't.

Kenny did the dishes as he tried to process his thoughts. That he had an audience now made thinking a little harder. He tried to ignore Dev, and now Jess staring at him made it worse. Kenny considered Jess for a moment; maybe he could be useful. Jess thought Kenny had a problem, which wasn't entirely false. He wasn't curious enough to rock the boat though, so Jess just stood there beside Dev.

"Jess, take a walk. Why don't you go see when Bryan's coming over." Dev's comment wasn't really a request or even a suggestion, it was an order. Jess didn't pick up on that and wandered off to call Bryan. Kenny noticed the unusual undertone to Dev's voice. He continued washing dishes and waited to see what the kid genius would do next. Something to make his life difficult no doubt.

"Kenny, why are you acting guilty?"

"What do you mean?"

"You hardly ever cook, but you made breakfast. And you never do dishes. Load sure, but not wash. Okay, fine, you're taking a load off Mom. But when I asked what's up with Mom, you didn't say she was tired or sick or anything, you shrugged. That's a non-answer. So, I repeat: what's up with Mom?"

Kenny looked at Dev for a moment. He looked like his sister, and yet he didn't. They were obviously siblings with the same dark hair and green eyes, but Dev had a little boy look to him that he didn't seem to be able to shake. Even now when he was glaring, almost trying to will Kenny to tell him something he knew Kenny didn't want to.

"I suggest you let her tell you in her own time and way," Kenny said, returning his attention back to loading the dishwasher.

"Because she's upset?"

"Because asking would upset her more."

"Answering my questions keeps me from asking her."

"So does waiting."

"What are the odds?"

Kenny closed the dishwasher. Drying his hands, he leaned over the counter opposite the boy on the other side. Four years younger than Kenny and Jess, at barely fifteen Dev was already uncomfortably smart. Kenny kept hoping Dev would turn that brilliance toward his music, but without success so far.

"Odds are Teri will tell you what's up before your curiosity overcomes your good sense."

"Except she hasn't come out of her room and when I went up there a minute ago, she was crying. I heard it through the door," Dev countered. His face sobered. "She's been crying and she hasn't called Paul."

"How do you know?"

"Because Nicholas has been up there all morning. Mom wouldn't need Nicholas if she had Paul. So if she's crying and not talking to Paul, she's crying because of Paul. And you know why. Spill."

"Dev, I shouldn't be involved in this. I don't want to be involved in this."

"But you are, so spill it."

"No. Just wait."

"Did Paul break up with Mom?"

"I'm not telling you anything. Quit trying to guess." Kenny moved around the end of the bar and out of the kitchen. Dev followed him through the dining room.

"Did Mom break up with Paul? Why?"

"Nicholas!" Kenny yelled and started up the stairs with Dev on his heels. The door upstairs opened and Nicholas appeared at the top of the stairs before Kenny and Dev made it halfway up.

"Make him stop guessing," Kenny pleaded.

"What's wrong with Mom?" Dev demanded.

"I make breakfast and he immediately starts jumping to conclusions," Kenny said.

"You were doing dishes." Dev glared at him.

Nicholas swore under his breath. "Listen, Dev, leave Kenny alone. He doesn't know as much as you seem to think he does. Go call the girls home. Now scoot."

Dev reluctantly headed back down the stairs to call his sister.

"Kenny, I'm not sure how to ask this," Nicholas said.

"Whatever you come up with in the way of explanation I'll go along with," Kenny volunteered. "Dev doesn't know anything."

"Teri's still upset, obviously. I know she'd try to explain what really happened, but ... I think that may be too much information."

"You're spinning it?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, do it."

Nicholas patted him on the shoulder. "I'll be down in a bit. I gave her something to help her sleep, and I want to make sure she's comfortable."

Kenny nodded and turned to go back downstairs.

An hour later, Bryan, Cassie, and Tiffany were back and the teens played cards in the dining room while waiting for Nicholas to make a statement.

"In the future, I think it'd be better to pair Dev with Jess when we're playing teams," Tiffany said.

"Why?" Jess asked.

"Well, when you're paired with Bryan, you two always lose by almost as much as Kenny and Dev win by. I think putting Jess and Dev together would help even things out."

"What?" Jess asked.

"She means I'll make up for your mistakes," Dev explained, playing a card with a pointed expression.

"Whatever."

"Fine, next game we'll switch. I'll pair with Bryan and Jess and Dev will be together," Kenny announced. Tiffany nodded in satisfaction.

"Would you still say that if I told you it was my idea?" Cassie asked Kenny sweetly.

"Wouldn't have to. If you'd suggested it, Jess would have agreed immediately," Kenny answered, almost wishing Cassie wasn't such a pain in the ass. Having her on his side to control Jess and stop annoying Dev would be handy.

"It's nice to see you kids all playing nicely, I almost don't want to disturb you."

Kenny turned to see Nicholas standing in the doorway to the dining room smiling at them all. "I take it Kenny and Dev are winning again?"

"Yeah," Kenny answered.

"Of course you are. I'm not sure who to bet on if you switch around like I heard you discussing. Cassie and Tiffany I think. Anyway, the reason I wanted to talk to you together today, boys and girls, is that plans have changed. Paul will not be joining us this week as planned. Yes, I caught that frown, Tiffany, I'm sorry. Teri and Paul had a falling out and I'm afraid it looks like they won't be making up."

"You can't say that this soon! Lovers have fights all the time and make up again," Cassie argued.

"I can't go into details, Cassie, it's not my place. And it's not your place to ask. Your mom's having a rough time, so I'd appreciate it if you were all supportive. It was hard for her to get back into the dating game again. It's too bad it didn't work out. Maybe next time."

"So that's it? No second chances?" Cassie pleaded.

"No."

"But Nicholas –"

"Drop it, Cassie."

"But –"

Kenny started flicking cards at Cassie. "He said drop it. Leave Teri alone."

Cassie held up her hands to try to protect her face while Tiffany and Jess batted cards out of the air.

"Gonna drop it? I want to hear you promise." Kenny continued flicking cards.

Dev grabbed the deck from the middle of the table and joined Kenny.

"Are you offering support or just tormenting your sister?" Kenny asked.

"The latter." Dev flicked another card at Cassie with uncanny accuracy.

"Whatever. Cassie? I'm waiting," Kenny prompted.

"Stop it!" Cassie snapped, but Kenny and Dev continued mercilessly.

"Kenny, you're a jerk," Tiffany defended her friend.

"Well," Nicholas said, "since it seems I've made my point and Kenny is punctuating the part about not bothering Teri, I think I'll go back upstairs and let you kids continue your fun. Bryan, you're the referee, let me know if bloodshed ensues."

Bryan gave a lazy salute and Nicholas left the war zone.

○ ○ ○

"I didn't lie to them. I just told them you had a fight and wouldn't be making up. What the disagreement was about is irrelevant," Nicholas explained later as he laid another cold washcloth on Teri's forehead. She had a monster of a headache from the crying and the tension over what to tell the kids.

"Nicholas, I want them to be forgiving."

"So you're going to set the example by forgiving Paul and welcoming him back into your life and bed with open arms? Way to stand by a childhood concept."

"Allen and I wanted to raise the kids with morals. Honesty, charity, forgiveness," Teri paused briefly, "chastity. I don't want them to be judgmental, but I don't want them thinking what society thinks is acceptable is necessarily right."

"I know, Teri. I've been here for a while, remember? Allen and I have gone rounds on some of it, but they're your kids."

"Rounds on what?"

"Responsible sex versus abstinence. I think you're reaching a little high with that for teens in today's world."

"Cassie and Dev already know how I feel about it and they're good kids. The other kids are following along with my rules as far as I can tell."

"You know Jess isn't."

"He's not bringing it home. Neither is Kenny if he's breaking the rule."

"He's not. Bryan is."

"I don't want to hear that."

"So are you."

"And I'm paying for it. Maybe I should just show them what happens. You trust someone ..." Teri sniffled and tried to hold back tears. Nicholas handed her a glass of orange juice still on the nightstand from the breakfast tray.

"You don't want to give them trust issues. Besides, your bedroom decisions are not their business. They're kids, it's over their heads."

"Is it? I bet Cassie and Tiffany could grasp the basic concept of make sure your boyfriend isn't married before you hop in bed with him."

"You could ask. I'd give you credit for redefining the boundaries for mother-daughter bonding and girl-talk. Dev wouldn't be interested. Anything labeled 'girl-talk' is distasteful and unintelligible in his book. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much. They're under firm instructions not to ask, so you don't have to tell."

"And you think Paul's going to let it drop?" Teri asked, taking a drink. She was surprised he hadn't called already.

"Probably not, you're right. I'll add a note to the receptionist desk you're not doing any on-location shoots for a while if anyone calls."

"Yes, please. Do I have any already set up?" Teri asked nervously. She couldn't remember any, but she wasn't thinking clearly.

"I don't think so, but I'll check." Nicholas used the phone on the nightstand to call the office.

Teri retreated back into her thoughts. Paul never gave any indication he was hiding a wife in the background. The time she spent with him, smiling, laughing, easily putting on a show of being ... being what? Who was Paul Lovett? She saw his elaborate offices and his business executives at work. Kayley was willing to pose nude for him and give him to another woman without regret. He had pictures of his children in his office and freely offered that they hated him.

"I have a headache," Teri announced and stood up. Nicholas offered a hand when vertigo threatened to make her sit again.

Finding her balance, she made her way to the bathroom and looked in the medicine cabinet until she found something to take for her head. No pill was going to stop her from wondering about Paul.

When Teri returned to the bedroom, Nicholas was gone. She wondered how could she give herself so completely to a man and not know something so ... big. Teri crawled back into bed and curled up tightly as the tears fell again.

○ ○ ○

Paul labored over the letter to Teri for over an hour before finishing. It was surprisingly short for the time it took him. He wrote complex business proposals with less effort.

He read it over a final time, trying to imagine her reaction to his words. An apology was first as expected. She'd dismiss it immediately, but it was necessary and heartfelt nonetheless. Then acknowledgment he was wrong to wait to tell her. He planned to in London, but got called home early. In New York he couldn't find the right time. In hindsight he should have anyway, and he realized that when she left. He'd vowed to tell her as soon as he reached Seattle, before meeting the kids.

Paul suspected Teri would scoff at his carefully chosen words, dismissing them as a desperate attempt to get her attention. That couldn't be helped. The damage was done and he was at a disadvantage. Paul admitted that, while separated, he was still married and asked for a chance to explain. He hoped Teri would believe him when he told her she didn't yet know the whole story. He prayed she didn't know the whole story.

The possibility that Teri wouldn't allow him the opportunity to explain wasn't even worthy of consideration. He would wait for the chance to see her, arrange it if needed. It might take time, but he had time.

Tim didn't think Flynn was a problem, but he'd watch for that possibility. Paul considered whether he should have someone discreetly watch Teri for other threats as well. She avoided relationships previously, and might still while she recovered from the shock he'd inadvertently given her. On the other hand, she might be more open to dating now that he reacquainted her with the idea. He hated to think about that.

Sealing the letter in an envelope, he addressed it and called Lia in. She promptly appeared at his desk with another coffee, presumably decaf, and relieved him of the envelope.

"I have the preliminaries arranged so this will be delivered by four. A signature will be required upon receipt. I assume that's all right."

"Preferred actually. Can we specify that it be hers or Nicholas Daley's?"

"I already had hers, I can add his." Lia pulled a small memo pad out of her pocket and made a note. "I'll take care of it."

"Thank you, Lia. Should I send flowers too?"

"I'd wait, actually. Flowers are overdone. A letter is more personal and sincere. If you don't hear from her, you can send flowers tomorrow. But don't overdo it. Something simple that says she's on your mind, a reminder and follow-up to the letter. Like a post script. I don't know anything about this woman, Paul, but I know you. I'm betting she's different, so think outside the box."

"I'll try to do that. Thank you, Lia."

"Sure thing." Lia gave him a mock salute that she did frequently when no one was looking and he smiled. She was perfectly professional if there were witnesses, but otherwise, when it was just the two of them, Lia was lighthearted and playful. It was refreshing compared to the impersonal professionalism and superficial friendships in the office. He welcomed her lighter attitude and she knew it.

Kyle Mercer poked his head in as Lia slipped out. "Hey, Paul. Golf tomorrow?"

"Sorry, I have something going on."

"Anything I can help with?"

"God, I hope not," Paul responded automatically.

Unlike many of Paul's associates, Kyle and Paul were longtime friends. As Paul's attorney, Kyle saw Paul almost as much in the office as out of it, and frequently mixed business and pleasure. He knew about Teri of course, but Paul didn't feel up to discussing his current problem just yet.

Kyle laughed at Paul's familiar response. "Well, you let me know if you change your mind."

"Sure thing."

Kyle left and Paul returned to his desk and thought. What kind of flowers would make Teri think of him?

○ ○ ○

Teri wandered downstairs the next morning to make breakfast to find Nicholas already busy in the kitchen. Of course he'd stayed over. The extra bedroom was an extra in name only; Nicholas kept a partial wardrobe in the closet and had his own drawer in the upstairs bathroom. She didn't like the look on his face as he set a cup of coffee on the counter for her. Sipping her coffee, Teri noticed Nicholas was making waffles and paying more attention to his batter than necessary.

"Are you mad at me?" she asked timidly.

"No," Nicholas answered, still stirring his batter and watching it intently.

"You seem to be avoiding looking at me."

"Not mad. Ask me after breakfast."

The thundering footsteps of the boys coming up from the basement prohibited further questioning. Cassie and Tiffany followed, flanking Teri and alternating between giving her hugs and verifying she was okay.

Breakfast was a long, tedious, and uncomfortable affair. Cassie kept starting to ask Teri about Paul, but stopped when she was interrupted by Nicholas clearing his throat, Kenny kicking her under the table or accidentally spilling orange juice on her, or Dev flicking her with playing cards he seemed to produce from out of nowhere.

Bryan arrived shortly before breakfast ended and his girlfriend, Brenda, showed up just a few minutes later. Brenda and the boys retreated to the basement after breakfast, and Nicholas tasked Cassie and Tiffany with the cleanup while he pulled Teri into her workroom.

"Have a seat," Nicholas ordered as he closed the door behind them. Teri sat in her chair at the desk and looked up at Nicholas towering over her.

"First of all, you're right. Paul's not giving up. A letter came for you last night. I'll give him credit, he let me sign for it so the kids don't know it was for you. It's in the top drawer."

"Oh." Teri's hands shook as she opened the drawer. The FedEx delivery envelope sat innocently on the mass of office supplies. She stared at it, unwilling to touch it.

"Oh for crying out loud, it won't bite." Nicholas pulled out the envelope for her and closed the drawer.

"I don't suppose you considered the possibility it might explode."

"Too flat and light." He pulled the tab and opened it, then pulled out the plain envelope addressed to her in neat handwriting. Nicholas handed it to her.

Teri looked at the envelope then at Nicholas. "I can't read that."

"Fine." Nicholas opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, "I'll read it to you."

"No." Teri stood up and started for the door. Nicholas blocked her way.

"Teri, would it kill you –"

"Inside it might, Nicholas. I loved him. I trusted him, and he lied to me. He lay there, right there beside me, and told me he loved me. Paul told me how important I was to him, I was the world to him. He talked about our future, all the while knowing we had no future. He's not the man I thought he was. If he could so easily hide such a big part of his life so completely from me, how can I trust anything he says? Everything in that letter is a lie or at least suspect. Paul proved I can't trust him, and I won't open myself up to that again."

Teri fought back tears as she pushed past him and ran upstairs. She explained this to Nicholas before. Why didn't he understand?

# Chapter Eleven

Two weeks after the breakup, Teri still only left home to go to the studio. Nicholas started to worry. She honored appointments already scheduled but refused to make new ones. Her work was still good; he doubted her clients noticed. But once her audience was gone the light in her eyes dimmed.

At home, she sat on her bed and stared at the wall at the far end of the room. All around the window hung pictures of her life with Allen: wedding pictures, honeymoons, the kids, family photos. Nicholas hadn't seen Teri this despondent in years. It was like Allen had died all over again, except this time even the kids couldn't pull Teri out of her depression. At least then she was strong for them; this time the pain was hers alone.

Flowers came daily from Paul. Some upset Teri more than others. The first was an arrangement of roses and carnations that Teri said was on the table for the lunch Paul arranged in Miami. They shook her and Nicholas threw them out. The next day, an unexpected arrangement of short red roses in a themed rubber ducky pot arrived. Nicholas assumed it referenced the rubber ducks Teri used in her studio and disposed of the arrangement before she saw it.

Nicholas couldn't stay away from the office entirely and relied on Kenny to help get rid of the offensive items. Unfortunately he hadn't counted on Cassie's romantic side. She intercepted the delivery men before they rang the doorbell and smuggled the flowers in the house, stashing them in new places each time. When Teri came home from an appointment to find a single, perfect long-stemmed red rose on her bed, Nicholas decided it was time to take Cassie aside.

"Paul has a mistress," Nicholas said when he had Cassie cornered and sworn to secrecy.

"Yeah, that's how he met Mom." Cassie sighed.

"Fine. Paul has a wife."

"Divorced."

"No, he's not," Nicholas explained, his patience already waning.

"Yet."

"Listen, Cassie, sometimes ..." Nicholas wasn't sure how to proceed.

"Listen, Nicholas, sometimes Mom gets upset and refuses to listen and doesn't see the big picture until someone pins her down and sits on her. When's his divorce final? If you don't know then perhaps you should ask. If he's sending flowers then clearly this is not one of those 'fights that lovers don't recover from' situations. Pick a side."

"I did. I chose your mother's."

"Great, so did I. Now help her out because doing this ostrich-head-in-the-sand thing is pathetic."

Nicholas hardly noticed when Cassie left; he was thinking about Paul's letter. Teri didn't read it, but he did. Paul freely admitted he made a mistake and asked for a chance to explain. He also said she didn't know the whole story. That would certainly make sense if Kenny got the information from Blaine Lovett. And despite her naïve outlook on life, Cassie might be right. Teri was so determined she couldn't trust Paul, she was willing to overlook what could be easily explained. Kayley was Paul's mistress for years, yet Paul was still married. How exactly was that easily explained?

Nicholas pushed it aside. It didn't matter. As a friend, he made the command decision that her behavior was born of pain and betrayal, not reason. As a friend, he had to look out for her. Not by pinning her down and sitting on her as Cassie suggested, although the idea would have merit if he wouldn't crush the woman in the process.

Nicholas wandered into the kitchen and pulled a soda out of the refrigerator. He promised Teri he wouldn't talk to Paul behind her back, and Paul knew that. Cassie could call Paul. Actually it was surprising she hadn't. For that matter, he'd better check to make sure she hadn't. No, Paul was doing what he thought he could at the moment regardless of what help he had on this end.

A crash downstairs jarred Nicholas to the bone. The boys doing something, knocking over cymbals it sounded like. He couldn't see how they'd ever really be a band. They weren't bad; some of their songs actually sounded somewhat like music. But when he looked at groups like In Like Flynn and then looked at – Flynn.

Nicholas smiled. Flynn Peterson was interested in Teri – well, Lexi – but Flynn wouldn't bat an eye at the difference. The point was, if Flynn came sniffing around several different things could happen, and none of them were bad as far as Nicholas was concerned. Teri might have a fling with Flynn, that was true, but he doubted it. Even so, odds were it'd make Teri realize that Paul was a good catch. For that matter, Flynn was probably a good catch too. Nicholas didn't know him well enough to be sure, but on the surface it looked promising.

Flynn's presence wouldn't go unnoticed. Paul would have to quit playing nice. He'd come to Seattle, corner Teri, and force her to listen. And Nicholas had no doubt that whatever Paul's excuse was, he could sell it.

○ ○ ○

"Paul, something came to my attention you need to be aware of," Tim announced during a pause in the meeting he'd slipped into.

Paul didn't need code words or hints to know what was on Tim's mind. Slight variations in his tone and body language screamed there was a problem with Teri. Paul nodded and stood immediately.

"Excuse me. Please continue." He motioned to the group. Paul followed Tim out of the conference room to the stairs at the end of the hall. They climbed up two flights and through the halls to Tim's office in silence.

"Lia, please hold our calls," Tim directed as they walked by her desk. Tim gestured to the sofa and Paul sat obediently while Tim leaned against his desk.

"Nicholas Daley called Chris McKenzie and started discussions over another photo shoot between Lexi Frost and In Like Flynn."

"Nicholas started it?" Paul asked, stunned at the news.

"Yes. McKenzie jumped on it, of course. The last ones she did were outstanding."

"I saw. What kind of time frame do we have on this?"

"A month, it sounds like. That's strange because McKenzie can pull the band together faster and Teri, or rather Lexi, has a pretty open schedule. She hasn't been booking anyone new."

"Does Teri know about this?" Paul worried about her. He knew she wasn't booking new appointments; Tim mentioned it a week ago. Paul had him quietly look into her finances. It was going to make things tight. Nicholas's magazine was starting to have an unexplained increase in advertising revenue and circulation as a result of Paul's concern. Not enough to tip off Teri, he hoped, but enough to keep her afloat. Booking a high-profile appointment like this after refusing to book anything at all seemed more like Nicholas's work than Teri's.

"Seems a little out of character, I know. Add that to the strange coincidence that Nicholas just happens to be calling in the one person he very well knows you do not want to see walk into that studio and ... well, I have to ask, are you sure he's on your side?"

"Hard to believe, isn't it? I think he still is, but ultimately he's on Teri's side. From his point of view, Flynn isn't a bad thing."

"Really? Does he know what we do about Flynn?" Tim asked.

"I'm guessing he doesn't. As far as I know, he only met him the two times Teri did. It doesn't matter. Nicholas knows it'll get my attention and I'll have to do something. I had the feeling Teri didn't read my letter. I suspect Nicholas did."

"He's been throwing out the flowers," Tim said.

"As I said, he's on her side in the end. He's not allowed to contact me. She made him promise."

"Hell of a way to send a message."

"I can't go to Seattle to talk to her. It would be invading her space. I need to get Teri out of Seattle, immediately." Paul stood and started pacing.

"Award ceremony," Tim suggested.

"Takes too long to set up, she wouldn't go anyway. Something that appeals to her, but she has to feel safe. She has to know I wouldn't be there or make it worth the risk."

"No offense, but anything worth the risk of running into you she'd almost certainly assume was a set up."

"Fair enough. So, some high profile event that I have to RSVP to publicly so she'll know I'm not coming?"

Tim looked at Paul doubtfully. "That's hard to arrange. Nicholas can't talk to you, how about me?"

"I don't know how far his promise extends." Paul stood in front of Tim's small potted cacti. One of the three was trying to bloom. A small orange flower bud contrasted delicately with the prickly flesh.

"What if we arrange something last minute? If it's Nicholas's idea and he makes last minute flight arrangements so you can't intervene, that's safe. In theory," Tim suggested.

"Okay, you're onto something there." Paul thought for a moment before turning away from Tim's cacti. "We have controlling interest in Skytop Industries, which owns Blue Horizon Media in Los Angeles."

"I believe so," Tim agreed.

"If I recall, they do documentaries. Have someone set a record on a proposal for a documentary on the female body image. I think it's natural for Lexi Frost to be a consultant and it's too high-profile for her to turn down, Nicholas won't let her. They'll reach Nicholas, not Teri of course. If he sets up a last-minute appointment, they can have a reasonably high level of confidence that I can't learn about it and ambush her. Whatever he sets up is fine."

"You'll already be there."

"That's the idea."

"I'll set it up."

○ ○ ○

Nicholas wasn't subtle about his talks with Chris McKenzie. He wasn't Lexi's manager per se; he was simply a link between them, acting completely on her behalf and without her knowledge in this case. It's not as if he was committing her to going out on location. Flynn was coming here. Flynn was coming to her studio, probably with the idea to seduce her on her home turf.

It wouldn't happen. Nicholas had confidence in Paul, so the call from Jason Nexler of Blue Horizons Media wasn't completely unexpected. It sounded unbelievably legitimate.

Maggie took the call as Lexi's receptionist, offering the standard apology that Lexi wasn't available and offering to take a message. Jason not only left a message, he emailed with the project synopsis and request to bring Lexi on board as consultant. The project was in Los Angeles, Nicholas smiled. There it was: Paul wasn't just trying to get Teri out of the house, he was trying to get her out of Seattle.

Nicholas looked over the proposal carefully, several times. It looked valid. He checked up on Blue Horizons Media and Jason Nexler. Jason directed several documentaries for the company, some of them received high praise.

Nicholas conceded there was a very slim chance that Paul wasn't involved, although he didn't believe it for a second. Overall, he stood a chance of being able to sell this plan to her and quietly thanked Paul for handing him something plausible.

After the busy morning, Nicholas brought lunch home to Teri. She wasn't in her room for a change, she was in her workroom staring at old pictures Allen took. He didn't see it as an improvement.

"I brought lunch and a proposal. Let's eat in the dining room," Nicholas announced and headed for the dining room table. Teri eventually joined him.

"Where's the thundering herd?" he asked.

"There's an art show in one of the parks, and since there's no band, Kenny hustled them down there to play. They'll probably be a while. Or the police will call any minute for me to come bail them out."

"Two of them are minors, it's a hassle to arrest them. They'll get a warning. Got an interesting message today."

Teri looked at him suspiciously.

"Nothing to do with Paul, I checked." Nicholas handed her the proposal and described his research in painstaking detail while they ate. After forty minutes, Teri looked almost convinced.

"I can call and feel it out. If it's legit I think you need to do it," he said.

"Assuming they're portraying a healthy self-image for girls. I don't want to be party to the let's-convince-girls-to-be-anorexic movement," Teri warned.

"The best way to be sure is to be involved." Nicholas stood, trying not to show any hint of victory.

"And Nicholas? See if you can make the appointment for tomorrow or at worst the day after. I don't want to give Paul time to find out I'm leaving home and set up an ambush."

"He'd have to be psychic." Nicholas nodded. "But I'll do what I can."

"Tomorrow or the next day, or we'll have to get back to them. Paul's not psychic, but I wouldn't put it past his assistant."

Nicholas left, wondering about Paul's assistant.

○ ○ ○

Flynn couldn't shake the desire to see Lexi again. The email from Chris telling him about the studio time he set up for them with Lexi Frost couldn't have come at a better time. Flynn read it through twice and swore it had to be a sign. Unfortunately, the tentative appointment was still a month away. On impulse he called Chris.

"Flynn, what can I do for you?" Chris asked.

"This studio time with Lexi Frost," Flynn started slowly.

"Don't worry, you don't have to take your clothes off," Chris assured him.

Actually that wasn't a bad idea. Maybe he could book a personal session. He'd rather get to know her off the record, but in a pinch ...

"I wouldn't care if I did. Maybe. Where's her studio?"

"Um, Seattle I think. Let me look, Nicholas sent me the address."

Flynn heard Wendy's footsteps in the hall. "Listen, Chris, I've got to go. Can you email it to me sometime today?"

"Yeah, I suppose. Why?"

"Curiosity. Thanks." He hung up as his wife walked by, barely glancing at him.

Flynn left New York for Seattle that afternoon. He drove by the address Chris gave him for Lexi's studio, then called Chris again to be sure it was the right address. The squat little building was unimpressive and not what he pictured for a successful photographer.

There was a camera store on the ground level and a sign for a photography magazine on the second floor. One half of the second floor was dark. Nicholas worked for some photography magazine, so maybe that dark half of the upstairs was Lexi's studio. There was some sort of sign, but it wasn't lit, so Flynn couldn't quite read it.

Parking the car, he headed into the camera store on the first floor of the building. The lanky teenage boy behind the counter recognized him instantly. Flynn smiled.

"I'm looking for Lexi Frost."

"Oh. Her studio is upstairs, but she hasn't been in much lately. Was she expecting you?"

"No. Not yet anyway. Thanks."

Flynn smiled as he left; he knew where her studio was. He'd head down to Los Angeles tomorrow and see if Drew could bring him to his senses. If not, maybe he'd hang out here for a while.

A truck pulled through the parking lot to the outside stairs heading up to the studio. Anxious, Flynn changed direction from his car to the truck and wasn't surprised to see Nicholas get out. Nicholas, however, was surprised to see him.

"Flynn? About a month early aren't you?"

"I was on my way to L.A. and figured I'd detour in the hopes of running into Lexi. The kid in the store said she doesn't come into the studio much."

Nicholas looked around in indecision. "Okay, listen, you didn't hear this. Paul miss-stepped and she's pissed at him. We're on flight 1716 from SeaTac to LAX at 7:30 tomorrow morning, she'll be in seat 3B."

"Thanks," Flynn stammered, stunned by his turn of luck.

"Don't thank me. I'm not really sure I'm doing you a favor by telling you this. Lexi's hurt and not thinking clearly. She might not be interested, or might not be ready. She might consider you just to piss off Paul. He's smart, resourceful, and he won't let her go without a fight. And I recently heard his assistant might be psychic."

The sincerity in the warning didn't make Flynn happy, but he decided it was worth the risk. Paul screwed up. Now he had a chance and an opportunity to talk to her. He had to take it. Flynn turned to leave, but Nicholas caught his arm.

"One more thing, that studio appointment? I set that up, Lexi doesn't know a thing about it. I intentionally put it a month out to give her a bit more time and I'm waiting to tell her, so not a word, okay?"

Flynn nodded and returned to his car, considering his meeting with Lexi in the morning.

He spent the night at an airport hotel and surprised himself by actually getting a few hours' sleep. The next morning he boarded the plane and settled into the roomy first-class seat to wait. His anxiety started to kick in when Nicholas Daley stepped into the cabin and sat down in the window seat across from him. Sure enough, Lexi followed, taking the aisle seat next to Nicholas.

Flynn expected her, but he was stunned nonetheless. He simply stared at her profile as she put on lip gloss. Her dark hair hung to her shoulders in soft waves.

Lexi turned and noticed him staring at her. She smiled. "Hello again."

"Hello. You're a difficult person to get hold of," Flynn said, immediately wishing he hadn't.

She frowned. "Just call the studio. What's up?"

Flynn grasped for any reason for an unofficial meeting. "Maybe nothing anymore. Drew and I talked before about calling on your expertise, but Zane was resistant. There's no point bothering you with it at the moment." The words came to him from out of nowhere and he thanked whatever muse was watching over him. Lexi just nodded, accepting his sketchy explanation.

"Fair enough." She reached in her purse and brought out a Post-it pad and pen. Scribbling on it, she handed Flynn the paper. "If you need to, send me an email."

Flynn accepted the paper gratefully, then read it twice in confusion. It had an email address for a Teri Giles. Her assistant maybe? That wasn't going to help him.

Beside him, Lexi laughed. "I use a pseudonym for work. You may have noticed some of my work is rather colorful? It insulates my kids from association with what I do. Call me Teri. Privately of course."

Flynn nodded, not quite believing his luck. No wonder he had trouble finding personal information on her.

"Understandable I suppose. How old are your kids?"

"Cassie is seventeen and Dev is fifteen. You?"

"The twins, Simone and Saffron, are nineteen and Mindy's eighteen. Mindy's the only one still at home."

"Lucky. I can't wait until I'm down to just one. It'll never happen though." She laughed.

"Why not?" Flynn turned and leaned forward into the aisle, hanging on every word.

"Cassie is part of an inseparable duo. They have sleepovers even on school nights, so I'm constantly having my closet raided by two girls instead of just one.

"Dev, for whatever reason, had three older boys adopt him into their little basement band and they now spend every available hour at my house. At least I always have someone to mow or whatever."

"Tell him about the cat," Nicholas said. He looked like he was fishing through his briefcase for a magazine, but apparently he was paying attention after all. Flynn wasn't sure what to think of that. Teri groaned.

"What cat?" Flynn asked.

"I came home one day from a quick vacation."

"Which is amusing because she gets more stressed by being away from home than being there," Nicholas added.

"Shut up," Teri called over her shoulder, turning back to Flynn. "Anyway, I walked in and Nicholas was there, as usual. I have a room for him too since he spends so much time dropping in unexpectedly to pester me."

"If you took your marketing and booking as seriously as the actual photo sessions, I wouldn't have to pester you."

"Then where would you spend all your free time?" She looked over her shoulder.

"I'd have time for a hobby."

"You say that now." Teri focused on Flynn again. "Anyway, I walked in and the first thing that hit me was the smell: like a pet store. I asked Nicholas about it and he said it was the cat. I reminded him I didn't have a cat. He said maybe I should mention that to the little hairball before it clawed up his other hand. He held up his hand and, sure enough, it was shredded. So I went looking for a cat, and tried to figure out which teen was in trouble, when I found out why the house smelled. Some bright kid, Jess I found out later, put the litter box in the laundry room but left the door closed. For a while was my bet."

Flynn groaned sympathetically.

"My patience was gone at that point. I just sat down and hit speed dial on my phone over and over until all the kids were in the living room in front of me. I set them to work cleaning up the messes hidden all over the house. While I was yelling at them, the cat raced through the room: just a little gray streak. The kids all took off after her, but she got away.

"That was almost a year ago. We still have the cat and no one ever really sees her."

"So where did it come from?"

"I'm still not sure about that. I suspect she's a stray that slipped into the house, and the kids decided to let her stay. Rumor has it she's fixed and declawed, but Nicholas can attest that's not completely true. She doesn't claw the furniture at least."

"Are you sure it's a girl?"

"Not really. Cassie named her 'Catherine,' so I hope so."

"Tell him the rest of that," Nicholas prompted. Flynn grinned as Teri sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Cassie named her 'Catherine' because that way I could continue calling her 'Cat' and it was acceptable. I'm not overly creative on naming animals."

"Sounds reasonable." Flynn laughed.

"No it's not," Nicholas argued, leafing through the latest issue of Time. "Tell him about the rest of the zoo."

"You're annoying, read your magazine," Teri snapped.

"The zoo," Flynn prompted, a smile spreading across his face.

"Fine. We have sugar gliders. You know, the little nocturnal marsupial version of flying squirrels?"

Flynn nodded he was familiar with the creature.

"Anyway, the gliders are Dextrose, Maltose, and Sucrose."

"Sugars," Flynn acknowledged.

"Naturally. Although we call them Dex, Mal, and Suki for short. And they are completely misnamed! Sugar gliders my foot, they are little furry piranhas. Those little things love their meat!"

Flynn laughed at her indignant outburst about the mislabeled pets. He watched her, mesmerized by her energy and the animated expressions on her face.

"Then I have Monty, the python; Elvis and George, the king snakes; Savannah, the monitor; Nippy and Trouble, the tree lizards." Teri nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, and all the feeder mice are named Lunch and the crickets are Jiminy."

Flynn paused. "Snakes?"

"I was terrified of snakes as a child and my stepfather filled the house with reptiles to cure me. It worked." Teri shrugged.

"Okay. A little unexpected." Flynn wasn't a fan of snakes, but he pushed his misgivings aside.

"I've been considering poison dart frogs, but I don't have the time or space right now to do it right. I'm putting it off to reward myself after I successfully kick all the kids out."

Flynn nodded. "Interesting goal."

"Another reason I keep my work separate. The kids like the zoo, but most other people think I'm nuts. You're looking a little dazed yourself."

"Aren't you glad I'm not?"

Flynn looked up to see Paul putting a bag in the overhead compartment for the seat in front of Teri. He suppressed a groan, but only just.

"So, Paul, business or pleasure?" Teri asked coolly.

"Pleasure."

"Back to stalking again?"

"I decided since Flynn took an interest I'd better show up again before his wife noticed."

Flynn wanted to hit the man again. He forced his hands to unclench before Teri noticed.

"Paul, that wasn't nice," Teri scolded. Flynn didn't know whether or not to feel better. "You should be concerned about your own wife, not Flynn's."

"Touché. But I asked Sara for a divorce over ten years ago, long before I met you. Flynn hasn't asked yet and probably wouldn't except for you."

"I'm touched by your concern, Paul, but Wendy and I have been having trouble for quite a while now. We're still exploring options," Flynn said.

"And you think running off to L.A. with Drew will help?" Paul asked.

"Yes." Flynn was concerned about the amount of information Paul had on him. He no doubt at least suspected the unofficial relationship with Drew. The simplicity of the answer, he hoped, would end this line of questioning before it got any worse.

"Now boys, play nice," Teri warned. She looked Paul in the eye. "That means you."

Flynn smiled in amusement. Paul might have won the first round, but it didn't sound like he was winning the war.

"Of course, Lexi dear," Paul replied coolly.

"Flynn knows my name, Paul. It's okay," Teri said firmly. Flynn noted the barely contained hostility in her voice with a sense of hope.

Paul gave Flynn a tight smile.

Flynn spent the flight keeping Teri talking about the kids. He was interested, but more important, she was warming up because mothers loved to talk about their children. It also kept Paul at bay. Flynn was on familiar ground discussing her son's band and he used that to keep her attention. He started to think he might have a chance to beat Paul for her affection after all, and he was worried mostly because Paul didn't seem to be.

Teri had firm opinions about the sanctity of marriage. She managed to extract a promise from Flynn to make an effort with Wendy, perhaps see a counselor again. Flynn didn't have a choice. It wasn't unreasonable and refusing would have ended their relationship before it started. And it might actually help, Flynn reflected. He still felt something for Wendy, it was just overshadowed by their fighting and his obsession for Teri.

By the time they landed in L.A., Flynn was committed to trying to fix his marriage before he could push his advantage, and nervous about Paul's continued silence. Teri seemed oblivious to the emotional havoc she'd wreaked among the men around her. Even Nicholas seemed agitated, although Flynn couldn't figure out why.

They parted ways when they exited the terminal. Paul and Flynn were staying at different hotels, and Teri and Nicholas weren't staying at all. She and Nicholas were there for a business meeting and returning home again that afternoon. Flynn had mixed feelings. He was going to count the encounter as a win, but Nicholas's warning about Paul weighed heavily on his mind as he said goodbye to Teri.

# Chapter Twelve

While Flynn tallied his wins and losses during the flight, Paul hurried to get to his hotel and drop off his bags. He was going to be late for his meeting. Paul hadn't planned on being on the same flight as Teri, only meeting her in L.A. And he certainly hadn't anticipated Flynn's presence. At least he was able to let Teri know Flynn was married too. That temporarily took his competition out of the picture. Only temporarily. Flynn could still get divorced.

That he could use Dev's band to his advantage wasn't lost on Flynn. Paul felt the pressure building. He needed to talk to Teri, coax her into letting him explain. Flynn knew who she was now, and his music background practically gave him a key to her front door.

Arriving at the hotel, he had the limo wait for him while he checked in and the bellhop took his bags up. He followed, tipped him and checked his appearance with a critical eye. Taking just a moment to brush his teeth and straighten his tie, he was back out of the room, downstairs, and on his way within fifteen minutes of arrival.

The meeting wasn't far and Paul tipped the driver generously to get him there on time. Weaving through traffic at high speeds made for an interesting ride, and he walked into the office only three minutes late.

Teri was already there, sitting opposite the director, Jason Nexler. Nicholas sat beside her, with a typical apprehensive expression on his face. They both looked up as Paul walked in.

"Jason?" Teri asked calmly. "Can you explain why Paul Lovett is here? I thought this was a business meeting."

"Um, I'm directing the documentary for Blue Horizon Media," Jason replied, checking a folder in front of him to be sure. "I assume he's representing them."

"I see." Teri closed her eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. She let her face relax, leaving no trace of emotion showing when she opened her eyes again and looked directly at Paul.

He remembered her telling him about this technique and that it always worked well for subduing the kids when they were younger. It shook them up. The technique wasn't too different from one he used in business meetings and ineffective on him. Paul bet he could crack that calm exterior. He gave himself two minutes.

"Who owns Blue Horizon Media, Paul?" Teri asked calmly.

"Skytop Industries."

"I see. Know who owns Skytop Industries?"

"Of course." He smiled at her mistake. Be careful how you phrase your questions, honey, he thought. Teri's inexperience just handed him control.

"Would you care to share?"

"What's it worth to you?" He sat down across from her and leaned back.

"What's it going to cost me?" Teri sounded apprehensive and the small crease of a frown appeared at the corner of her mouth. Paul smiled. That didn't take long.

"A simple favor. You found out about my estranged wife before I got around to mentioning her. I'd like the opportunity to tell you my side of it, and I'd like you to listen with an open mind," Paul said. "Over dinner," he added as an afterthought.

"I'm not staying in town for dinner," Teri countered.

"I doubt you even have a return flight yet. You were probably just going to call on the way to LAX and take the first thing available."

"I'm not going to ask how you know that."

"How about an informal lunch situation? You don't even have to eat much. I'd just like a more private setting."

"Fine. Admit you're the producer in some round-about way or another, then we can go somewhere semi-secluded and you can explain why I shouldn't be upset that you're married." Teri stood up and pushed her chair in.

Paul laughed. "I'm producing the documentary. What are you in the mood for?"

"Something light."

"All right then." Paul stood up and nodded to a stunned Nicholas and Jason. "It's a good project, no reason not to run with it. Have fun, gentlemen."

Paul led the way out of the room with Teri following without a backward glance.

They ended up on a Ferris wheel. Paul bribed the operator to let them stay on until he signaled. Then bribed him again to let them take on bottled water, cotton candy, hot dogs, and popcorn.

"So, feeling safe enough from my advances?" Paul asked as Teri tentatively bit into her hot dog.

"Yes, although I find your definition of privacy to be somewhat interesting. Also your definition of a light meal. Do you know what they put in hot dogs?"

"No and please don't tell me. I probably wouldn't be able to eat it," Paul answered, taking a bite.

"Fair enough." They finished their hot dogs and Paul began his story as Teri played with her cotton candy, picking it apart one tiny bit of fluff at a time.

"All right, here goes." He took a deep breath. "First, let me say that I married Sara because I loved her. I was honest. I told her I worked a lot, but I'd make it worth it to her. She accepted that. Of course we were young and neither of us realized it doesn't work that way. I was there for the big things: birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and vacations. But I wasn't there for the little things, like when she was just a little down, or had problems with the housekeeper or the gardener. I was there for the appendectomy, but not the colds, headaches, or the flu.

"I took over my father's business when I was eighteen. At nineteen, I married Sara young, and we had Blaine a year later. My business grew. I sold it and started another. I was a millionaire at twenty-three and started traveling a lot. Sara said she understood, and our son kept her busy. I noticed when she started having affairs with the pool boy, the gardener, the chauffeur, and the tennis instructor, but I didn't say anything. Later, she noticed I started having affairs when I traveled. None of our affairs lasted long. She had needs, I had work, and I thought we still had a viable marriage. When a business associate mentioned it, I couldn't ignore it any longer and we sought counseling.

"We worked it out, had another baby, Olivia, and I tried to travel less. I ended up either spending a lot of time on the phone to New York or in a hotel there and proposed we move. Sara refused. Her family was in Phoenix and she wasn't leaving. So I traveled without her. She started having affairs again and so did I. When she had another baby, Chad, it was clear I wasn't the father, but she pretended that I was.

"I quietly had paternity tests done on all three kids. None of them were mine."

Teri dropped her cotton candy and looked at him in shock. Paul looked over the front of the rail to watch it fall on the pavement below without incident.

"I'm past that, don't worry about it. At the time, it was a surprise. I didn't say anything to Sara. I was friends with a doctor in New York and asked him about it. He arranged for me to have a sperm count. It was pretty clear why none of them were mine and, considering I'd probably never have children, I opted to let it slide.

"So things continued, the kids grew. I raised them as my own and loved them all. When the kids were thirteen, nine and eight, Sara demanded I stop going to New York. For a year I did. I took on a personal assistant to do the traveling and spent a lot of time on the phone. It didn't help our marriage though.

"I could see that we'd drifted apart. I started to date Sara, tried to reignite the spark. It didn't go well. If we went to dinner, she received knowing looks from the valet, or bitter glares from the hostess. At the country club, the instructors and other patrons gossiped. Sara didn't seem to care and I tried to ignore it.

"When the boys started to get into fights because of it, and our daughter started to dress and act inappropriately, I insisted we move. Sara refused. I took the kids and moved to New York. She protested, but I refused to bring them home. She threatened to take me to court for kidnapping. As I was legally their father, my lawyer assured me there wouldn't be a problem given the situation in Phoenix.

"I put the kids in a private Catholic school to straighten them out and spent as much time with them as I could. I was almost always at home when they got out of school. On the weekends, I took them to various attractions throughout New England. I invited Sara to New York for holidays, birthdays, school events, and any other excuse I could think of. She never stayed long, a few days at the most. She hated New York and made it clear she hated me.

"We were married seventeen years the first time I asked for a divorce. Oddly enough, the request surprised her. She refused."

"Can you do that?" Teri asked, hazel eyes wide with intrigue and surprise.

"Yes and no. She could refuse to sign the papers, then I'd have to take it to court. Sara made it clear that if I petitioned for a divorce she'd demand a paternity test and I'd never see the kids again. At the very least they'd know that I wasn't their father. What was worse was they would be back in Phoenix amid all the gossip and backstabbing in a worse situation than when I'd taken them away to begin with.

"My lawyer seemed to think she had a better chance of getting away with it than I was willing to risk, so I caved. I decided I'd wait until the kids were older and try again.

"I stopped inviting her to New York. After a while she came on her own, but less than before. The kids resented me for it, but I told them they'd understand someday and didn't explain my actions. That was a mistake. The kids realized a lot more than I gave them credit for. They knew I was seeing another woman, even though I took precautions to keep her from them. You can't keep secrets from teenagers."

"I could have told you that." Teri laughed.

"Yeah, where were you ten years ago? I could have used your unique analysis of the situation.

"To make a long story short, the kids sided with their poor estranged mother. Sara moved to a suburb of Phoenix far enough away to avoid the gossip. She convinced the kids to demand to live with her.

"Since she moved and years of Catholic school appeared to have worked on the kids, I reluctantly consented. Actually I didn't have a choice. Blaine was eighteen, Olivia was fourteen, and Chad was thirteen at that point. They wanted to go and were too old to fight with.

"Before they left, I sat Blaine down and made another mistake. I told him that even though Sara and I were separated, we both still loved them. I took them to New York to protect them, and admitted that I'd had affairs in the past, and so had Sara. Because hers were in Phoenix there had been gossip. I asked him to watch out for Olivia and Chad since I wouldn't be there.

"It was then he told me he knew. He said I was a horrible husband, neglectful, and I only took them away to hurt her more. He said ... well, he said a lot of things.

"The funny thing is, I thought they were happy with me in New York. We had fun. They smiled, they laughed, we talked. I had no idea they'd slowly been coming to think of me as a monster." Paul just gazed out at the view for a moment as they reached the peak of the circle. Teri watched him, waiting for him to continue.

"At that point, with Sara taking the kids anyway, telling the world they weren't mine didn't seem like such a loss. She was served with the divorce papers two weeks after the kids moved back.

"A week later Kyle, my lawyer and longtime friend, showed up at my apartment after work. He just found out that Olivia was his daughter. He admitted having a few drinks with Sara and a one night stand. I couldn't blame him. Sara was, and still is, an attractive woman and could be very seductive. He'd be disbarred if it got out he slept with a client's wife. Of course I knew someone had to be the father of my children, but I never considered who.

"Kyle and I agreed it was likely Sara already tracked down the other fathers as well, so I was prepared when Chad's father called. He's businessman I worked with once who was running for office at the time. I already publicly pledged to support his campaign. Since then, he won the election. If Chad's paternity goes public, it'll hurt his political career.

"The third to contact me was the wife of a local pastor in Phoenix. Apparently her husband is Blaine's father. To make matters worse, Blaine unknowingly dated his half-sister. I hope they didn't ... I don't want to imagine ... anyway, that relationship is over now."

"So you're stuck."

"I can't see a way out. If I divorce Sara, I ruin a good friend, a senator, a clergyman, and my son."

"And she'd just let that happen?"

"I wondered about it too, especially with Blaine an unsuspecting victim. But yes, I believe she would. I tried buying her off. Arizona is a community property state. I offered more than she could expect to get in court; she refused. I even asked what it would take. She just wants to make me pay, I'm not even entirely sure for what. I didn't intentionally hurt her, I didn't start the affairs. I tried, Teri, but she's bitter."

"She's a bitch."

"But she's apparently my bitch. Until death do us part." He chuckled lightly.

"There's more?"

"Another time, perhaps. Nothing important."

"When were you planning on telling me all this?"

"Ah, there's the kicker, I knew I had to tell you. I knew you were smart, so sooner rather than later. I planned to tell you in London or Paris. Things moved faster than I planned, but I got called away. Then New York, but the right time never came. At least that's what I told myself. I vowed to make the time in Seattle. Over the phone seemed like a poor idea and just, well ... cowardly."

Paul leaned over and kissed Teri's forehead. "I imagine you hated me when you heard."

"I'm sorry."

"Do you still?"

"Hate you? No. I don't even blame you."

"But?"

"Let me think on it." She sighed unhappily.

Paul signaled the controller as they passed by. "That's fair. So, one more trip around the Ferris wheel. If I kiss you at the top, would I get slapped?"

Teri laughed. "No."

They weren't quite at the top yet, but Paul slipped a hand behind her neck, pulling her to him. He kissed her deeply, hoping to leave an impression. Knowing it could be the last. The kiss lasted until the ride started to slow as the operator brought their bench down to stop.

"Don't torture me too long, okay?" Paul asked quietly as he pushed the bar forward and got out. He held out a hand for Teri and helped her down.

"I'll try. I am flying out tonight, regardless."

"I'll drop you off at the airport," Paul said as they walked back out toward the street. The limo driver was waiting for them as they reached the sidewalk. Paul held open the door for Teri and then slid in after her. Nicholas rejoined them while they were talking, sitting in the front seat with the driver. He called to make the airline arrangements as they headed to LAX. Paul, with a protective arm around Teri, prayed it wouldn't be the last time saw her.

○ ○ ○

The next week was stressful for Paul. He stayed in New York to give Teri some space. It was difficult to restrain his desire to call her just to hear her voice. He wanted to pick her brain for how she was feeling about their talk and offer assurances he loved only her.

On the second day he gave his cell phone to Tim. Of course that left Paul access to email and landlines. Paul wasn't a victim of depending on his phone's contacts list. He had Teri's home number, cell number, and email addresses committed to memory. With so many other avenues available to encroach on her contemplation, he simply had Tim with him every waking moment.

On the third day after his return to New York, Tim moved into Paul's guest room. He cleared Paul's schedule for the remainder of the week and told Lia not to book any more meetings until further notice. He also ensured Paul's normal reviews and routines were being handled so nothing would fall through the cracks. Paul frowned when Tim told him, but Tim knew his job.

"Paul, work won't be a distraction while you wait this time. Your mind's not in it and it'll only cause more stress later. Besides, you don't want the office to see you agitated like this. For now, the office is off limits."

Paul conceded. He trusted Tim. Tim was a good man, a loyal man, Paul's man. He hoped Teri liked him.

On the fourth day, Tim called a doctor because Paul wasn't sleeping. The doctor suggested taking a vacation. Then reminded Paul he hadn't had a physical in nearly three years. Paul put it off for now. He was stressed and sure it'd affect something in the physical.

Tim arranged a visit to rural Vermont on the fifth day. Paul spent an entire day riding horses in the peaceful countryside. Tim extended the stay when Paul seemed to unwind a bit and arranged to take him fishing the next day.

Early the next morning, Paul and Tim rose to go fishing in a small lake about an hour from the resort. The guide, a grizzled, gray mountain man known only as Bob, picked them up, outfitted them, and entertained them with hunting stories as he drove them up the rough country road through the dew-drenched forest. A clearing came into view ahead, and then a small abandoned cabin.

"Stop," Paul ordered when he saw the cabin. Bob pulled the battered Bronco over in front of the cabin's collapsing front fence and Paul got out.

Paul looked over the cabin in the early morning sun. Teri called it the golden hour: the brief time when the sun casts a visual warmth over everything it touches. The cabin certainly needed that bit of help.

A low picket fence, with remnants of white paint on it, circled the yard – although only parts of it still stood. Paul walked through the opening where the gate once hung. The cobblestone path threatened to disappear beneath moss growing in the space between the rocks. The grass hadn't been mowed in an undetermined amount of time, and the flowerbeds were unattended long enough that the roses grew wild and threatened to obscure the windows behind them.

Tall, broad maples and oaks grew nearby – far enough to allow the sun to shine on the cabin, but near enough to show they belonged to the yard and not the forest starting to encroach on the property. Along one side was a large open area with remnants of a wood pole fence, possibly for horses.

As Paul studied the area, he saw a small shed in the far corner and the remains of a barn. The barn was a write off, it had long ago collapsed and only the frame was clearly identifiable. A good place for snakes and lizards to hide, he realized, and smiled at the thought.

The cabin itself appeared neglected but sound. It needed paint, but it didn't sag anywhere that he could see. The stone foundation didn't show any obvious cracks as he wandered around it. The wood siding seemed secure, and only a few shingles and shutters were missing. A good portion of the back was taken up with a wide stone chimney, which also seemed to be in decent shape.

Paul peered in through one of the windows. As he suspected, the cabin was mostly one room with a loft above it. There appeared to be a room under the stairs, probably the bathroom, and a tiny kitchen with an old-fashioned stove and refrigerator in one corner. There was just enough room for a sitting area near the fireplace and a small table near the kitchen. Perhaps some bookshelves, but a desk would be pushing it.

Perfect.

He walked back around to where Tim and Bob stood by the Bronco.

"Who owns this?" Paul asked Bob.

"Bank I'd imagine," Bob answered, scratching at his beard. "Used to belong to Ol' Doris, but she passed 'long time ago and didn't have kids or nothin'."

Tim pulled out his phone and just nodded when Paul looked at him. "Bob, do you have an address for this location?" Tim asked.

"Nah, just say it's Doris's cabin, they'll know."

Tim raised an eyebrow in surprise, but nodded in acceptance. Paul turned to consider the property as Tim got the number and hours for the local banks.

"It'll be a while yet before the banks open, Paul. Shall we go fishing?" Tim asked.

Paul hesitated, then nodded. He didn't want to leave, but there was no point in staying. They piled back into the Bronco, Paul taking the back seat this time to think about his plans for the new acquisition. That he'd buy the cabin was a foregone conclusion. No one else wanted it; he did, and he was willing to pay what was needed. He didn't get to be a multi-millionaire by throwing money away. But Paul knew that money was for more than just keeping score in the game called big business.

He smiled as he pictured Teri hunting snakes in the debris of the barn. A fire in the fireplace, a cozy little getaway for the two of them with a resort down the road for everyone else. He wondered how fast Tim could get it in good repair.

They pulled over near a small lake with a boat dock jutting out into the water. The lake didn't look big enough to warrant a dock, but Paul didn't question it. Within fifteen minutes of their arrival, all three men sat on the dock with lines in the water. They sat waiting for the fish to discover the tidbits they used to bait their hooks.

After sitting silently and still for an hour, each man lost in his own thoughts, Paul's phone beeped faintly in Tim's pocket. Tim pulled it out and looked at the text. He smiled as he handed it to Paul and took his pole.

You're forgiven and you can take me to dinner. I'm thinking seafood.

Ten minutes later, they were back in the Bronco and heading for the helicopter pad at the resort.

○ ○ ○

Lia met the helicopter at the airport in New York with the garment bag Paul left packed for impromptu trips. It supplemented the small bag he packed for the trip to Vermont, but not by much. Paul took the garment bag and got on the next flight to Seattle, not willing to waste the time to go home and repack. Tim would follow Paul on a later flight with properly packed bags. By the time Paul arrived in Seattle, Tim had a car and driver waiting at the airport to take him to the hotel.

"Mr. Lovett?" The chauffeur confirmed as Paul approached.

"Yes."

"My name is Charles, sir. Mr. DeLaney has hotel and dinner reservations arranged. He asked me to give you this to review on the way to the hotel." Charles handed Paul a manila envelope and took Paul's bag. "This way, sir." Charles led Paul through SeaTac International to where a limo waited at the curb with another driver. Charles opened the door for Paul and put his bags in the trunk before joining the driver in the front.

Paul was already preoccupied with the contents of the envelope by the time they pulled away from the curb. Tim was his usual efficient self, Paul noted with gratitude. The envelope held faxes regarding the cabin he looked at that morning. Old Doris's cabin sat on ten acres and the bank was asking $700,000 because of it. Tim noted the estimated appraisals on similar properties in the area and that a local realtor believed the bank would accept $675,000 because there hadn't been any interest in the property. Also, the road to the cabin is said to be virtually impassable except by snowcat during the winter months.

Tim had an appointment set up for the realtor to let a general contractor into the house to examine the structure, with a local architect and a photographer to take pictures and submit design concepts for Paul's review. Paul glanced at his watch. The realtor would have opened the house for the contractor over an hour ago. As if on cue, his phone rang.

"Tim, I was just looking over your fax. Excellent work," Paul answered with a smile.

"I'm glad you appreciate it. I just got off the phone with the contractor. He's still looking things over, but the cabin will take a lot of work. The foundation is good, but the structural integrity has been compromised by mold and the roof needs to be replaced. The photographer is taking pictures of problem areas. I suspect you know the outbuildings are a write off."

"They should house some local wildlife though."

"Okay, we'll leave the outbuildings alone. Would you like to make an offer or wait for the architect's concepts? He's focusing on maintaining the general impression of a rustic cabin, but adding small comforts so you wouldn't actually be camping. A water heater, for example. I told him to plan for a large one, given Ms. Giles' fondness for long baths."

"Good thinking. I want it, but let's keep it from Teri for now."

"I assumed as much. I'll call the realtor back and we'll make an offer. Given the state, I think offer $650,000 and go from there."

"Sounds good, Tim."

"All right. I'll be there tonight but you're going to have to wear your back-up suit for dinner. The hotel has the information for your dinner reservations and there should be a selection of flowers waiting in your room. Daffodils are out of season, but I encouraged them to try to find some."

"I'll take what I can get at this point. Thank you, Tim," Paul said sincerely.

"Good luck, Paul."

Paul arrived at Teri's house that evening with a small pot of spindly green leaves that would someday be daffodils. For now they looked like chives and he reconsidered giving them to her. He should have chosen the roses. Shaking away his doubts, Paul cursed his sudden bout of indecision. He never second-guessed himself.

In an effort to ignore the disappointing flowers, Paul looked out his window. He'd seen pictures of the house, but he still sat in the back of the limo analyzing her home for a moment.

Teri lived in an established neighborhood. The pines grew tall and straight, surrounded by lush undergrowth. The tidy yards were hemmed by mature landscaping and the houses had the recognizable heavy brick style of decades ago. Her house had a wide front porch and appeared to be a sturdy little two story home. The house looked smaller than he expected considering Teri had six teenagers there most of the time.

The light was fading, but Paul could make out stepping stones leading to the front porch and around the side of the house. He looked past the four cars in the driveway toward the detached garage in the back. The house was deceptively quiet, or so it felt to Paul.

Well, he was here to see Teri. He was graced with a second chance and he wasn't going to let it pass him by. Picking up the daffodils, Paul waited while Charles opened the door for him.

"Good luck, sir." Charles smiled in encouragement as Paul hesitated. Paul patted his shoulder in appreciation and strolled up the mossy walk.

Dev answered when he rang the doorbell. Paul recognized him instantly, but was unprepared for Dev to know him as well.

"You're Paul Lovett," Dev stated simply, standing in the doorway and leaving Paul on the front step.

"Yes, and you're Devin. I'm here to see your mother."

"Yeah. Your name's come up before you know."

"Really?"

"Frequently associated with swearing."

Paul forced a smile. "I can imagine that."

"I think Nicholas called you a stalker."

"I can imagine that as well," Paul agreed, although he had trouble fitting that with his previous experience with Nicholas.

"Are you?"

"I'm persistent. I met your mother and wanted to get to know her better. Unlike a stalker, I respected her privacy and boundaries."

Dev looked unconvinced and Paul elaborated. "I've intentionally stayed away from Seattle because I didn't want to alarm her. A stalker wouldn't do that."

"Dev! Stop crowding the door and let Paul in. For crying out loud, kid," Teri called as she came down the stairs.

Dev reluctantly stepped aside and allowed Paul to step into the entry. Teri wore a shimmering black sleeveless turtleneck and gray slacks. Her dark hair was pulled back into a twist and silver drop earrings caught the light as she sat on the low bench in the entry and fumbled with the straps for her shoes.

Paul reached down and slipped a hand under her chin. He redirected her face up to him, and she looked up in confusion. He smiled and slowly leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"Thank you."

Teri blushed and returned her focus to her shoes. Finishing that, she stood up again. He held up the pot and she smiled.

"They'll be daffodils when they finally bloom."

"I love daffodils!"

"I know." Paul smiled back as she took the little pot happily.

"Stalker, Mom," Dev reminded her and Teri turned to give him an exasperated glare.

"Be nice." Dev refused to look contrite, watching Paul instead of meeting her eyes. "Put these on my desk, will you? And behave for Cassie." Dev took the pot of flowers and walked away without a word.

A crash made Paul jump and notice stairs leading down to a basement he hadn't known was there. A second ear-spitting crash followed the first, but Teri seemed unconcerned. She grabbed a matching gray jacket and purse.

"Drums," Teri explained when she noticed Paul staring at the basement stairs. "You'll want to be out of here before they start what is commonly referred to as 'practicing,' otherwise I carry Excedrin."

Paul nodded. "Very well, shall we?" He opened the door and held out his arm. Teri took his hand and pulled him through the door as a series of loud bangs started behind them.

# Chapter Thirteen

"You know, it's funny." Paul pulled the conversation back around to Teri after they were seated and had ordered. Since leaving the house, she'd questioned him about what he'd been doing while she was thinking, not accepting simple answers. Finally he admitted letting Tim remove him from the office and eventually take him up to Vermont. He skipped over finding the cabin, but did describe his brief fishing experience with Bob, the mountain man. She picked his mind for details, and he suspected she was covering up something herself.

"What's funny?" Teri asked, sipping her Dr. Pepper. "Aside from my new habit of drinking soda from a wine glass I mean."

"I was under the impression you thought Dev's band had talent, but you dragged me out of there pretty fast."

"Do you listen to the radio much?"

"No." Paul's brow furrowed as he tried to decide if she was wandering off topic again.

"Then you're not prepared for what passes for music these days."

"Ah. Sparing me a headache. I appreciate that."

"You'll be inflicted with them eventually, but I can at least ease you into it. Bryan's also experimenting with drum solos which even I can't take for long."

"But you do plan to introduce me to them?"

"I assume that's somewhere in your plan."

"It is," Paul agreed. "I'm more interested in what your plans are."

Teri shrugged. "I'm not sure I have one, at least not like you do." She cocked her head and looked at him thoughtfully. "Do you plan everything?"

"As much as can be."

"See, here's the thing, Paul: I don't."

He smiled. "Trust me, I'm well aware of that."

"No, I really don't. I set a goal and then just kind of walk sideways that direction. If I walk straight for it, then I get all flustered when things sidetrack me. So I don't. I head generally that way and eventually I get there."

"Whereas I set a goal and head for it and anything that distracts me gets dealt with. Sometimes less gently than I might have otherwise, but I always keep the goal in sight."

"Which is why your plans will override mine, if I bothered to make any." Teri reached across the table, fished the pick out of Paul's martini and ate the olive off of it. Paul signaled to the waiter.

"Can I have extra olives for my martini, please?"

"Of course, sir." The waiter walked away with a purpose.

"So, no plans. Okay, can I ask what your goal is?" Paul smiled and took Teri's hand.

"Goal?"

"The one you're walking sideways toward."

"Oh. Well, I have a house full of teenagers who know who you are, how I tried to avoid you, and that I changed my mind yet again. My goal right now is survival."

"Dev mentioned Nicholas called me a stalker. I don't think I made a good first impression."

Teri flushed and Paul lifted her hand to kiss her fingers tenderly.

"I'm not worried about it. He's a teenage boy who's not used to anyone courting his mother. While I tried not to crowd you or frighten you, I suspect I do fit the definition of a stalker. Of course Allen seemed to fit that description too. It seems to be the best way to get your attention."

"Yes, well, it was Jess that called you a stalker, not Nicholas. He's been on your side. Dev will come around, he just needs time."

"And you're willing to give me that?"

"Yes." Teri looked at Paul in confusion. "You're not on probation. I made a decision to set the wife issue aside and move on. So we're moving on."

"I'm relieved to hear you say that." Paul smiled. The waiter returned with a fresh martini, with three picks holding three olives each in it. "Thank you."

"Well, that works. Now you can even have one." Teri smiled as Paul held out a trio of olives for her. She plucked it deftly from his fingers and sucked the first olive off the pick in a manner that would have been suggestive if she'd done it that way on purpose. Even though there wasn't any ulterior motive that Paul could see, he still found the picture arousing and shifted in his chair.

"I generally don't eat the olives."

"Then what's the point of the martini?"

"The drink itself is the point, honey. Not everyone can relax with a Dr. Pepper."

"You're too stressed then." Teri ate another olive. "You need to learn to enjoy the subtle beauties in life."

Paul smiled at her, "I plan to." His eyes drank in every movement she made. The way her lips pursed as she sucked another olive off the pick, the way strands of hair left out of the twist bounced as she turned to face him. And the way her cheeks blushed when she saw the way he was looking at her. He didn't notice at first when she started watching him as well, but when she wrapped her tongue around the third olive and toyed with it, it got his undivided attention and the twinkle of mischievous amusement in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Are you teasing me or tempting me?" Paul smiled and took a drink of his martini.

Teri used her teeth to snap off the last olive and Paul's smile broadened.

"I'll take that as teasing."

"Maybe." Teri shrugged as if it didn't matter and picked up her wine glass. She elegantly took a small sip then shuddered, threatening to spill her drink.

"Martini-laced green olives don't mix well with Dr. Pepper I presume."

"Not at all." Teri took a drink of water. "That didn't help either." Paul handed her his martini and she took a sip.

"Did that help?"

"Sort of. My taste buds are now numb."

"Now drink your water to refresh them."

Teri did as she was told, but put the glass down still shaking her head. "Can't quite shake it."

"Well, I certainly can't resist your damsel-in-distress routine." Paul took a drink of his martini and stood up. Teri looked up at him and shook her head slightly in confusion. He stepped around to her side of the table and pulled out her chair slightly. Teri started to rise, but Paul put a hand on her shoulder and bent down to whisper in her ear.

"Remember, you started it." Paul slipped a hand under her chin and pulled her face to meet his. He kissed her passionately, letting his lips play softly against hers, massaging and coaxing them apart before his tongue gently teased her. He let his tongue caress hers for a moment, sliding alongside, darting along the surface. Paul knew Teri would taste the martini on him and together with his own unique taste would overwhelm the last lingering traces of cola he could now only barely detect.

He kissed her much longer than was necessary for the technical purpose of the kiss. In fact, Teri was on the edge of her seat and on the verge of pulling herself up into Paul's arms. He desperately wanted to feel her body pressed against his, but he was certain the restaurant would be upset by the scene that would follow.

Reluctantly, Paul pulled away, breaking the intimate contact he'd wanted for far too long. He wanted dinner to be over and to somehow lure Teri back to his hotel, but he wouldn't risk it. She'd given him a second chance and he wasn't going to throw it away by pushing her to move too fast.

Teri's eyes remained closed as Paul straightened and eased her to the back of her chair. He resumed his place and took a drink as she finally opened her eyes and looked at him. Paul tried to read her expression. Several emotions seemed to be trying to express themselves and he analyzed the mixture as Teri continued to simply stare at him.

Her eyes seemed bigger and bluer than he was used to, almost cornflower now. He attributed her wide eyes to surprise, then reconsidered. It seemed almost like wonder, but he'd only seen that before in children. Now that the thought occurred to him, Teri's lips seemed softer and her bottom lip pouted slightly. A tiny smile sat on her lips too, barely perceptible, but it brought out what could almost be dimples in her cheeks. Even her chin and forehead looked softer and younger somehow.

He realized he was still holding his drink and staring at the woman across from him, much like she was staring at him. He'd shaken her up, but in a good way, Paul decided.

Smiling at her, he took another sip and set his glass down. Teri snapped out of whatever trance she'd been in and an impish look replaced the childlike awe she'd had a moment ago. She straightened, taking on a subtly alluring posture as the waiter arrived with a tray.

"Well, that worked. Thank you." Teri smiled and reached over to pull a pick of olives from Paul's glass. Keeping her eyes on him, she very carefully traced the outline of the protruding red pimento with her tongue, then suggestively sucked the olive off the pick.

Paul watched Teri toying with his olive calmly as the waiter set their meals on the table. When he left, Paul and Teri still sat watching each other. Teri ate another olive, making the experience last longer than anyone else watching would consider decent. When Teri was down to the third olive on the pick, Paul picked up the last set of three and held it up.

"When do you have to be home?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

"I'm the parent, I don't have a curfew." She didn't take the olives from him.

"When will the kids worry or get ideas?"

"Don't worry about it. Eat your lobster."

"Would you believe I'm not hungry?"

"Personally I'm amazed at how filling olives are. Did you find a nice hotel?"

"I assume. I was barely there." He set down the olives and signaled the waiter.

"You didn't even see if you had a view?"

"I should probably check that."

"Immediately," Teri agreed.

The waiter arrived and Paul turned to him, pulling out his wallet.

"I apologize but there's been a change of plans." He laid two crisp one hundred dollar bills on the table. "I assume that will cover the meal and your trouble." Paul got up and stepped around to pull out Teri's chair.

The waiter nodded. "Of course, sir. Would you like a receipt?"

"No, we're in a hurry. Thank you." Teri didn't bother to put on her coat, she let Paul carry it and they walked quickly out the door to the waiting car.

○ ○ ○

Limos were better than taxis, Teri decided, but not as good as having your own car. A private car and driver still wasn't private enough. Charles counted as public in her mind and she refused to misbehave when a stranger could be watching in the rear view mirror. Paul seemed to be having an easier time of it. Of course he was probably used to being all fired up and having to wait. Kayley struck Teri as the type to do that, but Teri wasn't used to it. She wanted Paul naked and sweaty and on her and in her, and she wanted it now. Waiting wasn't only inconvenient, it was almost painful.

Her nipples were so hard she felt like they were petrified. Now that she recognized it, she realized they were probably poking through her thin bra and disrupting the smooth curves of her sweater. She glanced briefly to make sure the driver was looking elsewhere, and reached up to poke her nipples back in so they didn't show.

Paul laughed beside her. He put a hand on her knee and slowly slid it up inside her thigh, a little higher than appropriate for a public setting. Clearly Paul didn't see Charles as public. Teri crossed her legs, trapping Paul's hand where it was. Inappropriate perhaps, but not as much as it soon would be. He let his hand be imprisoned with only more soft laughter.

Despite her arousal, Teri's mind wandered briefly back to the kids, Dev in particular. Before she prematurely blew off Paul, they'd planned it so simply. He'd come out to Seattle, barbecue at the house, a casual get-together to give everyone a chance to get acquainted. It wasn't so simple now. She hoped Paul would be a role model for Dev. He needed someone to look to besides Kenny and Bryan. Unfortunately, Dev didn't like Paul now.

Kenny knew why she was angry with Paul. She didn't explain why she'd forgiven him, only that they'd worked it out and there was more to the story than Blaine let on. He wasn't happy, but he was keeping it to himself. Everyone else knew she and Paul broke up, were suddenly back together again, and a lot of time and heated discussions with Nicholas passed in the meantime. She wasn't foolish enough to think the kids failed to notice Paul's attempts to reopen communications. Paul accepted her decision to grant him a second chance, but she probably had some explaining to do to everyone else and she didn't want to. What could she say to Dev to make him see Paul with an open mind?

Paul's hand in hers, pulling her out of the limo, interrupted her temporary return to reality. Stepping out of the car and into his arms, she was more than happy to leave the real world behind for a while. Without a word, Paul escorted her through the lobby and they waited for an empty elevator. It took a moment, but this wasn't New York, and these strangers wouldn't appreciate the intimate familiarity the elevator operator in Paul's uptown apartment building so easily overlooked.

As soon as the elevator doors closed, Paul's mouth was on hers and his strong arms pulled her body tight against his. The elevator stopped after only one floor, and they separated as a woman with a small child got on and pressed a button for a floor higher than Paul's. Facing the front of the elevator again, Paul pulled Teri's back against his front and held her tenderly. At least it probably seemed that way to the woman, but Teri could feel Paul's erection.

The elevator was too slow in Teri's opinion and, when it stopped and Paul nudged her forward, she walked down the hall at an Olympic pace. Paul had the key card out before he reached his door and Teri fought the urge to take it from him and do it herself when it didn't open on the first try. He got it on the second, throwing open the door and sweeping Teri into the room and into his arms at the same time.

Paul kicked the door closed and pinned Teri between the wall and his body as his mouth covered hers. Somewhere in the back of Teri's mind she noticed Paul's hands slipping up under her sweater, but she was too busy kissing him. His lips were good, great actually, magic even, but insufficient at the moment. His hands on her bare skin weren't enough either. Teri wrapped a leg around his and tried to pull him closer.

"Too many clothes," she gasped.

Paul moved to kiss her neck, but the high collar of her sweater made it difficult.

"This sweater has to go," he agreed and pulled it up over her head. Teri melted as he immediately found a sensitive spot on her neck and worked it over with his lips. Paul shrugged off his suit jacket, and Teri's hands clutched the shoulders of his shirt as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded. The intensity of Paul's kisses on her neck made the heat inside her almost unbearable. She almost didn't notice the disappearance of her bra.

"My turn, your pants go," Teri said as she fumbled with his belt. Paul obliged and unfastened his belt and slacks, letting them slide down his legs.

Teri didn't waste time, by the time Paul's slacks reached his knees, hers were undone as well. She wiggled her hips and let them slide down to the floor and stepped out of them. There was nowhere to step to, however, so she stood on them in her heels.

Paul kicked off his shoes and returned to kissing Teri's mouth. She repeated the pants trick with her panties and was rewarded almost immediately by Paul's hands under her thighs, lifting her body and spreading her legs. She wished there was time to remove his shirt, but however much she missed running her hands along his muscular shoulders, there just wasn't.

Paul pushed against her but not inside her yet, and Teri groaned in frustration. She wrapped her legs tighter around him. He rubbed against her, so close but not close enough.

"I need you inside me now."

"Demanding aren't you? I didn't want to push you into intimacy again this quickly."

"If I say please?" Teri begged, sucking Paul's earlobe into her mouth and working it in and out suggestively. That worked. Paul thrust inside her and Teri took a sharp breath. He pulled out almost completely before sliding back into her.

Again and again, Paul drilled into her hard and forcefully, and Teri loved every minute of it. She'd forgotten the passion, pushed it from her mind in her anger, but she wanted it all back now. Pressure built in her body like a rising flood and she knew the release was coming soon. She welcomed and resisted it, not wanting this to end. Her muscles tightened involuntarily and Paul withdrew completely.

Teri's eyes flew open to see Paul smiling at her.

"Are you punishing me?"

"No, teasing perhaps. I'm not going to just give you a quickie against the wall. That's cheating."

"It's okay," she whimpered.

Paul carefully positioned his hands and carried her over to the bed. He took the time to throw off the bedspread and even pull back the sheets. Laying her gently on the bed, Paul finished undressing as Teri watched with a mixture of frustration and anticipation washing through her. Walking around to the foot of the bed, Paul spread Teri's legs wide and knelt between them.

Teri realized she was still wearing her heels, and only her heels. Strappy stilettos – like a porn star, she imagined. The image intensified when Paul carefully picked up one of Teri's feet and positioned it against his chest. His fingers caressed her calf, and he unbuckled the shoe and removed it.

Tossing the first shoe to the floor, Paul massaged Teri's foot, calf and thigh before allowing the leg to return to his side. The leg tingled, although the sensation wasn't as intense as the area between her legs. Teri tried to suppress the growing desire inside her as Paul picked up her other leg and, again, braced her foot against his chest.

She watched him, sure that he didn't have a foot or shoe fetish, simply wondering where this new trick came from. Paul didn't seem to even look at her shoe as he unbuckled it. His deft fingers simply removed her last article of clothing and tossed it aside.

The heat from his hands transferred almost instantly to her foot as Paul firmly rubbed the toes, arch, and heel. He slowly moved up to her ankle, and then began massaging her calf, never taking his eyes from hers. Paul cradled her calf in his arm with his strong hands on her thigh; he kneaded her tingling muscles as he lowered her leg back to the bed.

Finally, with both shoes gone and Teri back to her original position, Paul slid his hands from her calves up along her inner thighs. His touch was soft but firm, pushing her legs apart wider. He repeated the motion, letting his hands linger for a moment at the top, his thumbs brushing gently against her sensitive labia.

"Just in case you're interested, I'm about ready to scream in frustration," Teri said with a soft smile. Paul smiled back, she was pretty sure he knew she wasn't completely joking.

Paul eased on top of Teri. He kissed her chest and neck before finally reaching her lips again. She let her legs wrap around him, and her hands welcomed the familiar feel of his chest and shoulders.

She was ready for him and, from the stiffness of his cock against her leg, he was ready too. But Paul was slowing it down from the initial desperation they felt to be back in each other's arms. As he caressed her body, Teri appreciated that on an emotional level, if not a physical one.

"Still ready to scream?" Paul whispered in her ear, then sucked gently just below it.

"Yes."

"Let's see about that."

He pushed into her slow and deep, amazing Teri at how he filled her. Paul pulled out slightly, then pushed in harder and, it seemed, deeper still. Again and again Paul plunged inside her, his careful movements satisfying a need that was not only physical, but emotional. Teri felt closer to Paul.

Her arms were around his neck, nails grazing his back. Paul's hands held her waist, holding her to him as they moved in unison. It wasn't long before Teri felt her muscles tighten and Paul changed his rhythm in response. The slow, deep thrusts gave way to shallower, almost grinding penetration. The urgent release Teri needed dissipated, and she wanted to cry. Paul kissed her gently below her ear, and the need returned in force. She held him to her as he kissed her again and sucked softly on her neck as he drove deep one more time.

Fire exploded in Teri. The orgasm took her by such complete surprise she was unprepared and screamed in pleasure so intense it was almost painful. Paul quickly covered her mouth with his, stifling her cries, and in the silence, she recognized the trembling of his body over hers.

When it was over, sweat covered their bodies and the smell of sex hung heavy in the air. Too exhausted to move, they lay entangled in each other's arms like an elaborate Celtic knot.

As Teri's breathing returned to normal, Paul rolled onto his side and pulled her into his arms. She loved the way he held her tight and secure. She felt safe with him and loved. Not only in the passionate, frenzied way they knew before, but also in the purest sense.

Paul kissed her tenderly. Teri welcomed the kiss, and somewhere in the back of her mind she realized everything was different now. Paul intentionally pushed the passionate heat between them aside in favor of making love with a more unified and emotional connection. Despite his past and everything they'd been through, they could build a life together.

"I love you," Teri whispered as soon as the kiss ended. She hadn't meant to blurt it out like that. As softly as her volume might have been, just throwing a statement like that out there for the first time felt harsh.

"I love you," Paul answered without hesitation. He kissed her again briefly and pulled a little farther away to look at her. Teri knew the twist her hair was in earlier was long gone, even before he brushed her hair away from her face. Paul caressed her cheek as he gazed at her.

"Welcome back." Teri smiled and closed the gap to press her lips to Paul's again.

○ ○ ○

It was almost three in the morning by the time Teri got home, so she was disturbed to find Dev waiting up. He and Kenny were playing cards in the living room when Teri walked in with Paul behind her. She waffled between regret that she invited him in and determination that Dev would get to know Paul, find him acceptable, and there wouldn't be any trouble.

"You're late," Dev said, drawing a card from the deck and carefully placing it in his hand.

"I'm an adult, therefore sans curfew," Teri replied.

Paul hesitated in the doorway and looked to Teri for direction. She smiled and nodded encouragingly, so he quietly closed the door and slipped his arm around her waist as she faced the living room.

"Speaking of late, you should be in bed," she said.

"I couldn't sleep while you were out. I was worried. Kenny wouldn't let me call you or even touch my computer. So we're here, playing cards, waiting for you to get home."

"That's sweet but unnecessary, Dev. You see, Paul brought me home safe and sound. Now go to bed."

Dev finally looked at her, then let his gaze linger on Paul.

"I promise I'll take good care of her," Paul said.

"By whose standard?" Dev mumbled and tossed his cards on the coffee table. He got up, walked past Teri, and downstairs to the basement without another word.

Kenny watched him go and pulled all the cards together into a neat pile. "He started to track your phone. I don't know how precise it is, that's his thing, not mine. The point is, nothing you do is completely private. Just so you know," Kenny said quietly and Teri felt her heart race at the implications.

"Really? That's clever of him," Paul said. "At what point did you intervene?"

"He knows you weren't at the restaurant very long, but that's it. He doesn't know where you've been for the past several hours, but I think even he could guess if it were Jess involved instead of Teri."

"Well, thank you for the warning and your intervention," Paul told Kenny.

"Kenny ..." Teri started, tears threatening to overwhelm her. She betrayed Dev, forgot to put her children's needs first.

"I trust you had a nice walk on the boardwalk? The weather report said it was a clear night and I know Jess likes to take girls down there. Dimly lit benches and the sound of waves against the pier somehow passes for romantic." Kenny talked quietly as he got up and stood in front of Paul and Teri. He looked at her pointedly and she accepted his out, simply nodding in confirmation.

"Glad to hear it." Kenny retreated downstairs, leaving Teri shaken and clinging to Paul.

○ ○ ○

Paul returned to the hotel feeling satiated. Teri was an astonishing woman. Leaving aside her ability to juggle a career and house full of teenagers, she was able to forgive him without reservation. Paul found that unusual in a woman – in people actually; most forgave provisionally. Teri accepted his past and predicament and moved on. He felt like the luckiest man alive.

The cynic in him pointed out that Teri was his focus and head of the household, but he still had to win over six teenagers. Well, four; it sounded like the girls were romanticizing the whole thing.

Kenny and Dev weren't. Teri was severely shaken by their attitude when she and Paul returned. Paul held her on the sofa for twenty minutes while she cried, kissing her forehead, rocking her, rubbing her back. She eventually pulled herself together enough to listen while he assured her they'd work it out.

"This is new territory for Dev. He's not used to seeing his mother with another man. Plus he's young and doesn't know me. Of course there's going to be a little tension."

"Kenny wasn't all that thrilled either. He covered for me because he doesn't want the house and his band falling apart. You don't know him yet, but he wasn't happy."

Paul considered this. Dev was Teri's son, but she was worried about Kenny. He readjusted his image of how she viewed the other kids. She labeled them as hers, but he didn't really believe it. He wasn't giving her enough credit for maternal influence extending to her children's best friends.

"Just to make sure I know who you're worried about, Cassie and Tiffany seem to be fine, right?"

Teri nodded.

"And you said Bryan was easy going."

She nodded again.

"And Jess is easily influenced."

"By everyone but Tiff, they're fighting again."

"By fighting you mean the silent treatment."

"And looks and snippy little comments. That's about it. It won't go further than that because of Cassie."

"Okay, so Dev is having a hard time adjusting, and so is Kenny it seems."

She nodded and sniffled. Paul handed her a tissue from a nearby box, just in case.

"How about we go back to the original plan to have a barbecue or picnic? Maybe go sailing or something so I get to know the kids? If keeping you out late unsupervised upsets Dev and Kenny, then we can have family activities instead of dates for a while."

Teri looked up at him with wet eyes. "Really?"

"Of course it means you don't get to have much play time, but I imagine they'll relax a bit after they get to know me. I hope so anyway."

"You're wonderful." Teri hugged him.

"You're worth it."

Paul now found himself again considering the fallout of pushing for a divorce from Sara. It was selfish of him to ruin other people's lives, and he knew he wouldn't do it, but the thought lingered in his mind nonetheless. Before, he only wanted to be rid of Sara, now he wanted to replace her. It was a different scenario that Paul faced, and he found it actually hurt to want to marry Teri and not even be able to consider it.

This was what Sara wanted: for Paul to be in pain, to hurt him for his part in the train-wreck of a marriage they shared. Wish granted, Paul thought bitterly. If he thought it would help, he'd admit it to her. Acknowledge her victory and beg her to let him go. It would make her day, but it wouldn't change her position.

Paul vowed to put Sara behind him. Just because he couldn't marry Teri didn't mean they couldn't start a life together.

Arriving back at the hotel, Paul dismissed Charles for the night and made arrangements for tomorrow. He and Teri agreed to let her have a quiet breakfast with the kids, and Paul would come over after lunch to be properly introduced and barbecue later. Nicholas was coming, but for this first round of getting to know everyone, Tim wouldn't be there. Paul didn't need Tim as backup and probably would end up sending him back to New York in a day or two anyway.

Paul walked into his room and found his bags waiting for him. He and Teri would have been busy when Tim arrived and checked in, and it hadn't occurred to Paul that Tim didn't call or try to contact him as he usually would have. He probably forwarded instructions to Charles to call him when he dropped Teri off for the night. No doubt Tim brought paperwork in addition to Paul's bags, but he didn't see any sign of it.

It was almost five by Seattle time, meaning Paul had been up for over twenty-four hours on his New York schedule. Paul got ready for bed and noted Tim took the time to set up his laptop. He sat down and sent Tim a quick email about tomorrow's activities. Exhaustion hit almost immediately after he pressed send. Stumbling into bed, Paul set the alarm on his phone and fell asleep.

# Chapter Fourteen

Flynn set his suitcase down in his new apartment. Leaving Wendy should have been harder. Not that it was easy. It was just that he expected her to file, not make him do it. Watching the women in his life walk away was hard, but the ones he loved always left him, not the other way around.

He pulled the half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels from his suitcase, opened it, and took a drink. Here's hoping it would be better with Teri, he toasted the air with the bottle and took another drink. It would be different. She was different. Flynn couldn't describe how he knew, just that he felt it deep inside.

Wandering through the small apartment, he had to admit the decorator did a decent job. Sitting at the dining room table, Flynn reviewed his schedule. Tomorrow morning his lawyer would start the process of telling him how expensive this divorce was going to be and how fast he could get it done. Flynn was in a hurry. However, there was no reason not to multi-task.

Pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, he called the number of a discreet private agent. As of today, he and Wendy were legally separated. Technically he didn't need to wait to look into the state of Teri's relationship with Paul. There'd been plenty of time for Paul to smooth things over with her, but a woman had a right to change her mind.

On the flight to L.A., Flynn discovered Teri's dedication to the institution of marriage. Drew warned him she was reserved, and Flynn held a losing hand when Paul brought up Wendy. But Paul was married too, and Flynn wouldn't be for much longer. Teri wouldn't put up with being the other woman. Not for long anyway. She wouldn't get too serious with Paul, she'd balk at taking any landmark steps. And Flynn would be there, single and ready, when it all fell apart.

○ ○ ○

Paul woke at ten to his alarm going off and hit snooze without thinking about it. After twenty minutes of hitting snooze, his drowsiness finally lost to irritation at the interruptions. He got up and checked his email. Among other things was a message from Tim to let him know when he woke up. He called Tim, who answered on the second ring.

"I'm up."

"Good. I'll order breakfast and come over."

"I'm going to take a shower now so I'll be a few minutes."

"That's fine. You have jeans and a couple of T-shirts packed. Your tennis shoes have seen better days, so I went shopping this morning. See you in a few."

"Thanks."

Paul plugged his phone in to charge and pulled a change of clothes out of the suitcase. He took the deadbolt off the door so Tim could get in, and went to take a shower and get dressed.

By the time he emerged, housekeeping had his bed made and Tim was waiting with breakfast. Paul took the coffee cup first.

"Later night than you're used to?" Tim smiled.

"Sleeping in helped. Dev and Kenny are unhappy that I'm a stranger and kept Teri out later last night than they're used to. The girls are fine, and Teri's not worried about Jess and Bryan. I was surprised at how concerned she was that Kenny was upset."

"My guess is that he's the leader of their little band and has some influence with Dev."

"That was my first thought, but it seemed like something more. Anyway, I'm forgoing more intimate dating practices in favor of family-oriented activities to let the kids get to know me and feel more comfortable."

"And this includes jet-lag in what sense?"

"I thought of telecommuting, but I'm not so sure it wouldn't be a good idea for me to fly back and forth for a while anyway to give them time to ... I don't know, recover I suppose."

"Time to talk among themselves behind your back, you mean."

"It's what teenagers do. They make observations and compare notes."

"Gossip," Tim clarified.

"Technically. I'm thinking of easing them into it. Let them get to know me gradually, and that means giving them breaks instead of risking them feeling smothered."

"Very kind of you. So modify your New York schedule?"

"That's what I was thinking."

"I'll do that, and give you long weekends. Now I ordered you a Denver omelet since you're going west again, so eat it while I tell you about the cabin you're closing on next week."

"That was fast," Paul commented in appreciation of Tim's organizational skills. He removed the lid from the tray and prepared to eat the omelet.

"The bank took the initial offer of $600,000 when I showed them the work that was required to make the cabin inhabitable."

"That's lower than you originally thought."

"You're right. I figured they'd take $650,000, so I offered $600,000 and assumed they'd counter. Imagine my surprise when they took it. I'm looking into the economy up there, it might be soft. Or they might just be tired of sitting on that land and didn't want to risk you changing your mind. I can only rush the bank so much, but I'll get everything else ready to roll for as soon as we close. Working on the cabin will take time. Most of the architect's plans include adding a little extra room – don't make a face it's not much. There isn't enough square footage to allow for a bathroom that will accommodate a tub big enough for two. The sketches make it look like the changes will hardly be noticeable, but it'll affect the roofline and foundation."

"Bottom line?"

"They're confident they can get the addition built and roof replaced before the snow falls, but once that happens, the cabin's on hold until spring. I consulted a landscaper too, they'll take a look and see what they can get done before winter so at least it's less to do in the spring and maybe give something a chance to get established."

"So nothing I get to show Teri anytime soon. Her birthday's in April, any chance of being done?"

"I'll push for it." Tim nodded.

"Now, what to do instead. Oh, the kids will go back to school soon, won't they? It's July, school starts the end of August, right?" It'd been a while since Paul had to consider school schedules. "I wonder if Teri will let me get involved with her school."

"First things first. You'll be fine at barbecuing. Heaven knows you've had enough practice at it," Tim said. "While you're doing that, I'll look around at apartments and offices. If you're going to be spending any serious time here, I'd rather establish a base of operations."

"Do we own any companies headquartered in Seattle?"

"No. I don't suppose you want to purchase a small photography magazine or supply store?" Tim asked with a small smile.

"I wouldn't dare."

"I'll look around and see if there's anything worth buying or if any of the companies we have controlling stock in have branches here."

Paul nodded and finished his omelet.

"Now that you're done with that, do you want to hear how Teri found out about Sara?"

Paul froze in his motion to pick up his coffee cup again. He looked at Tim for a moment while he pulled himself together. Finally he gave a curt nod and took a drink of his coffee.

"Kenny is a resourceful lad it seems. His father is an attorney for one of the regional lumber companies and a request went out for information about you from one of his father's associates shortly after Teri returned from New York."

"He called in some family favors." Paul nodded. "He is resourceful. So is Dev from what I saw last night. Teri didn't say if the kids knew why she was angry with me."

"So you don't know who knows what over there. Sounds like a fun barbecue. Too bad we're past Independence Day, the fireworks would have made a nice backdrop."

"Don't be a pessimist. It's Teri's decision. She must not be worried about it. So either the kids all know and understand or they don't know anything. Except Kenny. And possibly Dev. And whoever they told behind her back." Paul frowned at the thought.

"What happened to 'don't be a pessimist'? I'm sure you'll survive."

They went over a few business matters before it was time for Paul to leave for Teri's house. Paul called ahead and made sure Teri didn't have anything last minute for him to pick up on the way. Tim was paying attention during Paul's exile and had a bouquet of roses arranged with miniature rubber ducks substituted for some of the flowers ready for Paul to take with him.

Cassie opened the door this time when Paul arrived. Her squeals of excitement were more welcoming than Dev's hesitant suspicion. Tiffany was by her side immediately and they quickly pulled Paul into the house.

"There you are, right on time," Teri said as Cassie dragged Paul into the kitchen.

"And I bring flowers and teenage girls." Paul smiled. Cassie and Tiffany giggled, still hanging on either side of him.

"I'll take the flowers, you can keep the girls." Teri winked. "Cassie, Tiff, shoo. The boys are out back, make sure they're not setting fire to anything."

The girls disappeared and Paul laid the rose and duck bouquet on the bar as he walked into the kitchen. Teri moved into his arms and he kissed her.

"Hello, beautiful."

"Hey, we already voted on no mushy stuff," Jess protested as he came in through the back door and passed by into the living room.

"We were done being mushy, you missed it," Teri called after him. "If you nag it'll make me want to misbehave."

"I'm not sure he heard that last bit."

"Doesn't matter, he'll pass back through in a moment. It sounded like he went downstairs."

"Does that have some special meaning I'm unaware of?"

"No, not really. Well unless you pick up the phone and there's a girl's voice on the other end. That was Jess."

"I recognized him."

"Don't tell him, he'll get a big head."

"Or think you're a stalker," Kenny added from the other side of the bar. Paul didn't hear him come in. "Don't feed Dev's paranoia."

"Or yours either," Teri replied dryly, releasing Paul and returning to her preparation of potato salad.

"It's not paranoia if you're right," Kenny answered Teri, but he was still sizing up Paul. Well, he already assumed Kenny knew at least part of the story.

"Behave," Teri warned.

Jess came back upstairs. "No more of the parental porn, right?" He looked at Teri and Paul apprehensively. Paul smiled and shook his head.

"You're safe for now," Teri assured him.

"Cool. Come on." Jess grabbed Kenny's arm and pulled him toward the back door, clearly trying to hide a small box in his other hand.

"Whoa, kid," Teri called out. "What's in the box?"

Jess froze. He passed the box to Kenny and whispered "run." Kenny looked at it and laughed. He took the box and was out the patio door before Teri finished opening her mouth to order him to stop. Paul laughed. Teri elbowed him gently and focused on Jess again.

"What's in the box?" she repeated.

"What box?"

"The one you had Kenny run off with."

"I forgot."

"You're not that bad, try again."

Jess waffled.

"You know I'll find out eventually, so just tell me and get it over with."

"Nothing," Jess tried hopefully. Paul laughed again.

"Paul, did you ever have yours do this pass-off-and-cover-for-each-other nonsense?"

"My boys are five years apart. They didn't work together until they left New York. Then all three kids bonded against a common enemy."

Kenny returned through the front door.

"So what was in the box that Jess is so desperately trying to cover up?" Teri asked him.

"Nothing you'd approve of," he said.

"Can you be more specific?"

Kenny looked briefly at Paul, then back to Teri. "Listen, I could tell you, but you really don't want to know. You wouldn't do anything about it. You're not going to get mad at him or tell him not to do this or that. I'm saving you a headache."

"Saving me a headache," Teri repeated.

"Or something," Jess chimed in, giving Kenny a look. Kenny looked back at him and shook his head.

"Jess, go help get Bryan off the roof." Kenny waved him away. Jess left quickly.

"What is Bryan doing on the roof?"

"Frisbee."

"And Jess?"

Kenny sighed and closed the patio door that Jess left open. "Condoms. He's got a date tonight."

Teri gave an exasperated groan and banged her head on the counter.

"Hey, at least he's practicing safe sex," Kenny said as he watched Teri.

"A whole box?" Teri asked then held up a hand to stop the answer. "I do not want to go there. You make sure he's not a bad influence on Dev and Bryan."

"It was actually only half-full and he was trying to be sneaky. Dev and Bryan are on the roof, so they didn't see anything." Kenny looked pointedly at Paul.

"We're being good," Paul assured him. "We don't want to upset Dev either."

"I can send Jess in to give you tips," Kenny offered.

"As amusing as that might be, I'll pass, thanks."

Kenny turned his attention back to Teri and his expression softened. "Next time Jess is involved and I tell you I'm saving you from a headache, can we just jump to this conclusion?"

"Deal. Now Bryan's on the roof getting the Frisbee. Why exactly is Dev up there?"

"Tiff's little sister, what's-her-name, and a friend dropped by. He's avoiding them."

"Tiff's sister is Becky."

"Whatever, her friend's fourteen. No one pays any attention to her except Dev, and that's only because she won't stop staring at him or following him around. She's wearing a skirt and can't climb up to the roof without flashing everyone, so Dev is safe for now."

"Safe is relative. I'd like him down."

"Would you drop it if I said we were saving you from a headache?"

"No."

"On your head be it." Kenny shook his head and went back outside.

"What teenage boy says 'on your head be it'?" Teri asked, turning to Paul. She actually seemed to expect an answer.

"You said he's musically inclined. Perhaps he's experimenting with different ways of expressing a thought. Or he's considering becoming a pirate."

"Hopefully the first one." Teri returned to her potato salad.

"You know it's nice to just watch you being you. Like observing a rare bird in its natural environment."

"You might have been closer in Miami watching me on the beach. This is far more frustrating."

"Granted. I meant to ask you actually, before Nicholas conned you into taking pictures of Flynn and his associates, you were wandering around taking pictures of birds and palm trees and sometimes I wasn't sure what you were doing."

"Acting like a tourist? I wasn't."

"I didn't think so then either. What were you doing?"

"Well before I was Lexi I had a similar hobby."

"Accidental porn I believe it's called now."

Teri blushed and grinned to hide it. "I was a bit more subtle, but yes. Things most people walk by every day and never notice. But if you stop and look just right ... well and have a dirty mind –"

"You don't see me, I'm not here," Dev called coming in through the front door. He sprinted through the house, around the breakfast bar and into the small kitchen, finally coming to rest cross-legged on the floor at Teri's feet.

"You're underfoot," Teri told him.

"Becky and Michelle are here. You can't reasonably expect me to stay out there." He looked up at his mother with big green eyes, begging her not to give him away. Dev was a cute kid, Paul had to admit. He looked younger when he looked helpless and hopeful like this.

"If I go around to the other side of the bar and Teri moves over so you're not underfoot, maybe no one will notice you're there," Paul volunteered and walked around to the dining room side of the bar.

"And if anyone comes looking," Teri added, "Paul and I can kiss until they get freaked out and leave." She winked at Paul.

"That should work," Paul agreed with a grin.

"Cut it out, that's gross. Paul, I thought you were trying to make points."

"Well, I think it's more important to just be myself, don't you?" Paul called over the top of the bar.

"Whatever."

"Anyway, Dev's games aside, that's what I was doing in Miami," Teri finished answering Paul.

"Makes sense. I'm curious about the pictures now."

"Sorry, had to dump them to take pictures of In Like Flynn."

"Mom? You met In Like Flynn? Really?"

Paul almost winced at Dev's interest.

"Nicholas was interviewing the photographer while he was taking pictures of them. Troy something," Paul said.

"Cool. Bet Kenny'd want to know if you could introduce him. He'd probably love to ask Zane about a million questions," Dev said.

"Why Zane?" Paul asked. "I thought Flynn was the lead singer."

"Yeah, the singer is kind of the voice for the band, but not always who makes the band in terms of style and sound. That's Zane. He's the one who makes the real decisions. It sounds like Charlie's leaving, so Zane will be the first to scout who's going to replace him."

"Hey, did Dev make it in here?" Jess poked his head in the patio door beside Paul.

"Sorry, honey," Teri called without hesitation and Jess disappeared. Paul looked at her. She nodded for him to close the door again. Paul closed the door and Teri answered the unasked question.

"Jess and Dev play a lot of jokes on each other. If he's looking for Dev, it's probably not a good thing."

"Right. Good to know."

The patio door opened again and Kenny slipped in. He closed it behind him and seemed surprised to see Paul sitting at the bar instead of standing beside Teri. Kenny walked into the kitchen, giving Paul a wide berth, and noted Dev's position on the floor. Nodding in understanding, Kenny left again without a word.

"Kenny seems to think I bite," Paul said after the door was closed again.

"He'll be fine. I meant to have a talk with him this morning, but he was gone until just before you got here."

"Why do you need to talk to Kenny?" Dev asked.

"It's nothing, baby," Teri answered.

"Mom! I told you, don't call me 'baby'," Dev snapped.

"Sorry, can't be helped." Teri pulled plastic wrap over the potato salad and put it in the refrigerator. Then she started cleaning up.

"So, Paul, how's Kayley doing? I kind of feel guilty when I think about her."

"She's on vacation in Europe. Italian Riviera right now, I think. Don't worry, I keep an eye on her and she's fine."

"Who's Kayley?" Dev asked. Paul wished he could see his face when he asked that. The tone sounded innocent, but the question wasn't.

"Ex-girlfriend," Paul answered when Teri hesitated.

"Why does Mom know her then?"

"Well, we were still going out when I met your mother. They've met a couple of times now. Kayley explained our unusual relationship. It was a little different from what Teri's used to."

"Unusual how?" Dev's tone gave away his concern this time. Paul didn't need to see his face to see the frown.

"Kayley and I were together mostly to have someone to be with. We weren't in love, although we'd been together for several years. When I met your mom, I didn't have to tell Kayley how I felt, she knew me well enough to see it. She wasn't upset or hurt by it, in fact she gave me advice and tried to help me get Teri's attention."

"Is she the one who told you to send all those flowers for the last couple of weeks? 'Cause those were a waste. Nicholas threw them out."

"No, Kayley's having fun, and I didn't want to bother her yet for advice. That was Lia, my secretary."

"Speaking of flowers." Teri got a large vase out of the pantry and filled it with water. She took it back over to the counter in front of Paul and started to put the roses in it.

"Oh! Those ducks are cute!" she exclaimed, "I didn't notice those before."

"What's the point of roses on their own?" Paul smiled. Teri leaned forward and kissed him.

"None of that!" Dev protested from beside her feet. "Ow!" he exclaimed. Paul looked at Teri questioningly.

"He hit my leg, so I kicked him back."

"Okay." Paul nodded. "So, Dev, given any thought about what you're going to do after high school?"

"Kenny's hoping we'll have a name for ourselves by then."

Kenny came back inside just in time to hear his name mentioned. "I what?"

"Hope the band will have regular gigs soon."

"Yeah, hopefully. Why?"

"They don't have backup plans if that's what you're wondering," Cassie said, walking in from the living room. "Mom, Tiff and I are taking Becky and Michelle home."

"Okay. Thanks for letting me know. Actually, wait a sec." Teri finished arranging the flowers and ducks and pushed the vase toward Cassie.

"That is so cute," Tiffany gushed, taking the vase and setting it on the dining room table.

"What's with the ducks?" Kenny frowned.

"Inside joke." Teri waved to the girls, "Okay, I'm done here," she announced.

"When do you expect Nicholas?" Paul asked.

"Any time, actually."

"When the girls come back, how about we start barbecuing then?"

"Sounds good. Tiffany doesn't live far away. Let me start pulling things out." Teri turned back to the refrigerator. "Dev, you're in the way, baby, move it."

"Mom!" He protested the affectionate nickname again, but he did vacate the kitchen, skirting Paul as he rushed out the patio door.

"Why do we need a backup plan?" Kenny confronted Paul while Teri started to pull out a tray from the refrigerator.

"Wait, let me give you a hand with that," Paul called, holding up a finger to indicate Kenny should be patient, and quickly moved to assist with the tray. He set it on the counter and looked it over. "That's quite a bit of meat."

"There are a lot of growing boys in this house."

"I forgot how much they can pack away," Paul agreed.

"So why do you think we need a backup plan?" Kenny asked again, a little louder this time. Paul turned to face him.

"You're shooting for the making it in the music industry, Kenny. I'll be honest, it's not my area of expertise, but the odds strike me as being against you no matter how good you are. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan. If it's something related, then that's even better. Dev and Bryan are still in school, but have you and Jess looked at continuing education?"

"There's not a course at the community college for rock star, and Jess isn't academically minded."

Paul caught the hostile edge in Kenny's tone. It didn't surprise him and it was why he didn't want to have this conversation with Kenny just yet. There wasn't any trust established between them, and he would just come across as interfering.

"What's your biggest challenge where the band is concerned?" Paul asked.

"What do you mean?"

"What makes you reach for an aspirin or want to beat your head against the wall?"

"He means what makes you want to beat Jess or Dev?" Bryan clarified, coming in. "Hi, I'm Bryan. I assume you're Paul."

"Good to finally meet you, Bryan. Is suppressing the desire to beat Jess and Dev the biggest problem?"

Bryan shrugged. "Probably just seems that way."

"Well, think about it, Kenny. While you're waiting for your big break, think about how to make the most of the next couple of years while you're awaiting Dev's graduation. Psychology, marketing, writing classes."

"I'm a musician," Kenny protested.

"And from what I understand, you keep the band together and make the decisions. So in your spare time, maybe management classes."

"In my spare time I'm a musician."

"Doing what?"

"Writing songs and learning the trade the best I can from where I am."

"Can you elaborate?" Paul settled himself and put on his interested-and-attentive face.

"I learn all I can about the big names, not the groupie crap like favorite color or birthdays or whatever. I look at their lives and compare it to their songs. Also how they can describe something simple, but do it in a way that is elegantly emotional and makes you think, or feel, or brings your own memories to mind."

"You're serious about this," Paul realized.

"You're the stalker, I would've thought you'd figured that out by now," Kenny retorted and stormed out the back, leaving Paul in a stunned silence.

○ ○ ○

Later, after most of the kids were on dates or at a movie, Paul, Teri, Nicholas and Kenny sat in the dimly lit backyard listening to crickets chirp and mosquitoes hit the bug zapper by the house. Paul held Teri comfortably in his lap, she seemed to be content curled up with him.

"So, you're married," Kenny said casually. He was coolly silent while Paul barbecued various cuts of meat, fruit, and vegetables, and Paul let it pass. He wanted to speak to Kenny privately anyway. The teenager had to know about his marriage to Sara and that needed to be addressed. Kenny also clearly didn't like him and held a lot of sway with the boys, which amounted to two thirds of Teri's household.

"Kenny!" Teri sat up. Paul pulled her back down into her former position.

"It's fine. Yes, Kenny, I'm still married. Unfortunately that's unlikely to change."

"So how'd you manage to talk Teri into sleeping with a married man?"

"Kenny, this is not appropriate." Teri prepared to continue her reprimand, but Paul stroked a finger teasingly across her lips to keep her quiet.

"Actually I'm dying to know that one myself," Nicholas added almost conversationally. His smile was friendly, and Paul still took Nicholas to be an ally. A little friendly banter was always enjoyable he decided.

"You threw Flynn Peterson her direction," Paul admonished lightly, dropping his hand from Teri's lips to rest across her hips.

"I did. It made you do something besides send her flowers because, let's be honest, that wasn't working," Nicholas explained as casually as if they were discussing lawn care over a golf game.

"That's fair I suppose," Paul agreed with a nod.

"So how'd you talk her into –" Nicholas started again, but Teri interrupted.

"No, wait a sec." Teri sat up and looked at Nicholas, who cringed in anticipation. "You put Flynn on that plane to pick me up?"

"I ran into Flynn the night before the flight and tipped him off. I set up a shoot with In Like Flynn again, by the way. But I didn't expect Paul to be on the flight, especially since he was supposedly avoiding Seattle."

Paul nodded. "That was an accident. I was supposed to fly out the night before, but something came up at work. Then the red-eye had to make an emergency landing in Denver, so I got routed by the airline up to Seattle then back down to L.A. It was a mess. I fought them on it because of the Seattle stop, but the alternative was to be late for the meeting and that was unacceptable. I gave in, reasoning you would have flown in the night before."

"So what if Flynn succeeded in picking me up?" Teri stared hard at Nicholas.

Paul laughed at the idea, but noticed Nicholas was still uncomfortable. Well, no time like the present to spread a little goodwill and bail him out.

"Flynn's married, honey. Really married. Not the –"

Teri put a hand over Paul's mouth. "I want to hear Nicholas wiggle out of this one."

"What Paul said."

"But you didn't know he was married or you wouldn't have encouraged him to begin with."

Nicholas sighed. "I figured Paul wouldn't let him keep you even if Flynn did manage a date or two. I wasn't overly worried."

"So my preferences were never taken into consideration? You bet on Paul, assumed Flynn didn't have a chance, and led him on anyway." Teri's voice sounded dangerous, and Paul felt for his new ally. Kenny was following the conversation thoughtfully, which concerned Paul more than Nicholas's predicament. Paul trusted his instincts, and they told him to stop this immediately.

"Teri, honey, leave Nicholas alone. Flynn knew the score and he had no business pursuing you in the first place. I'll tell you more about that later if you like." He turned back to Kenny. "Back to the question at hand. Yes, I'm still married. I don't want to be, but it's unlikely to change anytime soon. I promise it's not for a lack of trying."

"You could get a divorce if you wanted to," Kenny countered.

"Kenny, I know it seems simple, but sometimes there are further reaching effects to an action than someone intends. This isn't a simple situation. I know your father's firm put out a request for information about me. I assume that's where this started."

"I spoke to Blaine."

"Blaine couldn't tell you the entire story because I doubt he knows it. I can't see Sara telling him the truth, it would ruin her credibility with him." Paul hesitated and looked to Teri for direction. She shook her head not to tell Kenny.

"He said you'd say anything to get her back and you couldn't be trusted," Kenny said.

"No doubt." Paul nodded. "Blaine isn't fond of me, none of my kids are. I tried to do the best things for them, even when it made me unpopular. I still do. Sara and I both made mistakes. I didn't want to put down their mother, so I didn't expose hers like she did mine. I'm still covering for her in a way, that's why I can't force the divorce. Blaine sees me twice a year when I make him collect his allowance in person. He hates me for it, but I want to keep communications open. I have to believe that someday he'll have the life experience to realize I'm not the bad guy."

Kenny looked doubtful. Teri reclined against Paul's chest and gave a supporting argument.

"What matters isn't the details so much as Paul explained his position, I thought it over and accepted it. I'm not happy that he's still married, don't get me wrong, but I understand why he can't sue for divorce." Teri hesitated and looked at Paul for a moment then back to Kenny. "The kids don't know why I was upset and I don't plan on telling them any of this."

"I'll keep it to myself," Kenny promised, his eyes still on Paul.

"Kenny," Paul said, "you were watching out for Teri when you started looking into my background. I'm not angry with you for that. It was inconvenient, but I appreciate she has people willing to watch her back. I should have told her earlier, so it's my fault all this happened. If I'd explained it earlier there wouldn't have been this drama. I'm sorry if your part in any of this has made you uncomfortable."

"And Blaine?" Kenny asked.

"I wish I could believe he was doing what he felt was best for his mother. I think he was just trying to get back at me." Paul paused; Kenny looked miserable.

"Kenny, Sara and I have been separated since Blaine was young, it's always been harder on him than Olivia or Chad. He got in fights defending his mother's name. He saw the looks, saw her get dressed up and leave when I was away on business. Blaine was old enough to know what was happening, but only chose to understand that Sara wasn't happy with me. He's fiercely loyal to his mother. I took him to baseball games, fishing, camping, skiing, helped him with school homework and projects, gave him advice on girls, tried to help him find a direction in life and be supportive; in short, to be a father. But in the end, he blames me for Sara's unhappiness. I tried to divorce Sara several times, I offered generous settlements, and she refused. Suing for divorce is not an option at the moment."

"At the moment?" Nicholas asked.

"If there were a plane crash that killed off a half-dozen specific people, I might give it a go."

"In three states. Aren't you in an optimistic mood?" Teri kissed him.

"I managed to get you back. I have to believe in miracles." Paul smiled at her. Teri rewarded him with a long kiss.

"Oh, I don't need to see this," Kenny complained, throwing himself against the back of his chair.

"You're living here, get used to it." Nicholas laughed.

# Chapter Fifteen

"Paul, we can't just alternate between Seattle and New York," Teri said as the driver dropped Paul off at his office. Paul spent a week in Seattle, survived, then returned to New York. After only four days Teri missed him and flew out to New York for a long weekend. They discussed it while cuddling in bed last night. But only very little and she didn't feel anything was resolved.

As long as it was summer, and Nicholas could watch the kids, she shouldn't worry, but she did. Kenny wasn't happy. Dev wasn't happy. Teri liked to have loose ends like this tied up into neat little bows whenever possible. There were enough loose ends dangling in her life already. Teri assumed Paul, being a businessman, would feel the same way, so his failure to take the morning off to address the problem irked her.

Paul cupped her chin in his hand gently and kissed her. "We won't, honey, don't worry. I've spent the last week thinking over the same problem. I'm not going to keep dragging you away from home. It's not fair to you or the kids."

The door opened and Teri saw Tim standing outside, looking as unhappy as Kenny and Dev when she left.

"He's upset with me, not you. I asked him to take you shopping today, and he would rather sit in on one of my meetings this afternoon," Paul told her.

"As a witness or bodyguard?"

"Imposing presence. I'll be fine, and I can still meet you for lunch."

"And tell me about your 'not flying back and forth all the time' idea?" Teri asked.

Paul smiled and kissed her, then turned to get out of the limo. Tim got in. The driver closed the door again. Paul walked away as Teri watched. As the limo pulled away from the curb, Teri turned back to Tim.

"Don't ask," Tim answered before she could ask about the meeting Paul had today.

"Hint?"

"No." Tim brought out a PDA and tapped on the screen. "I have a list of things to shop for, however."

"Just as well since I don't." Teri sat back against the seat and let herself sulk.

"New York is one of the shopping and fashion capitals of the world so we're shopping for you and the kids. You first."

Teri listened with a sinking sensation as Tim rattled off fittings and designers for a new wardrobe of work suits for her. She groaned when he mentioned he'd picked out a few items for Cassie and Tiffany already that just needed her approval, although she didn't mind as much when he mentioned making over the boys' wardrobes. They needed it.

Deciding it was easier to approve whatever Tim already picked out, they completely finished before lunch and headed back to the office instead of waiting at the club for Paul.

The meeting Tim was concerned about was scheduled for the afternoon, so the idea of stealing Paul away early for a long, private, cozy lunch appealed to Teri and was strangely agreeable to Tim as well. She knew Tim kept secrets from her and, given she wasn't part of Paul's company, that was natural. Tim's loyalty to Paul was absolute, but she could count on Tim as an ally if she could spin a suggestion as being in Paul's best interest. Apparently a relaxing lunch was in Paul's interest this time.

Teri saw herself to Paul's private office as Tim went to tell him they were back early. She was surprised to see a man sitting at Paul's desk when she entered.

"Oh, excuse me." Teri started to turn around to leave, but stopped when recognition of the man set in. She looked again to be sure and examined him quickly. Short blond hair, slender, probably tall when he stood up. If he didn't look so angry she might have thought he was a handsome young man.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"Hello, Blaine," Teri said, unsure where to go from there. Blaine seemed about to say something, but stopped as Teri closed the door behind her. He looked at a framed picture on the corner of Paul's desk, then back at Teri.

"You're the new mistress."

"My name's Teri." She paced herself carefully as she walked to the sofa between the door and the desk. Going too slow would make Blaine believe she was afraid of him, but she didn't want to seem to rush forward and startle the boy either.

Blaine's demotion from man to boy didn't register consciously with Teri. He behaved like a child, therefore he was one. He might technically be older than the boys she had at home, but he was going to have to prove himself.

"I know who you are." His tone dismissed her as having any importance, but the way he glared at her told Teri a different story.

"Of course you do. You spoke to Kenny a while ago. I understand he was asking questions about Paul. Did you have any questions for me?"

"Stay away from my father. He's married."

"Do you want your parents to work it out? Maybe reconcile after all these years?" Teri asked.

Surprise crossed Blaine's face, followed by anger. His hands clenched in fists on the desk in front of her, knuckles white with the strain. Paul told her Blaine hated him, but she hadn't really believed him. The idea of a son hating his father without some sort of abuse was beyond Teri's comprehension, but the evidence stared her in the face.

"You don't seem to like your father much."

"He cheated on my mother."

"I know." Teri noted the shock on Blaine's face again. "Before me or Kayley, before they separated. Paul told me." Teri waited. She couldn't say anything about Sara, it wasn't her call. She didn't even want to hint, so she just waited.

"He'll dump you too, you know," Blaine sneered. "He even cast Kayley aside, and she was a model."

"Possible, I suppose, but I doubt it. Besides, Kayley helped Paul coax me into going out with him. If it hadn't been for Kayley we never would have met."

"He's still got pictures of Kayley in his desk drawer. Nudes he had taken professionally. They're bound in a leather photo album. Would you like to see?" Blaine pulled open a drawer and pulled out a black leather book. Teri was tempted to misbehave and let Blaine show her.

"I've seen them actually. I can't see Paul offering to show them to you though."

"He showed them to you?" Blaine dropped the book on the desk in astonishment.

"As I mentioned, Kayley and I know each other. I remember when those pictures were taken. I'm not upset Paul has them if that's what you were hoping for."

The door opened and Tim walked in. Teri looked at him long enough for him to see she was okay before she turned back to Blaine. Blaine's previously flustered appearance paled now that his father's assistant and enforcer was here.

Teri wanted to kick herself for not realizing earlier. This was the meeting Tim was concerned about. Tim wanted to be nearby when Paul met with his son, but Paul didn't want her anywhere near the building while Blaine was here. They returned early to pick up Paul for lunch, but Blaine was even earlier.

Tim left the door open and his eyes on Blaine as he took one step back into the hall and signaled one of the secretaries to retrieve Paul from his meeting.

"Oh, let him finish!" Teri called and stood up. "I'll go in the other office if it'll make you feel better."

Tim shook his head and motioned for her to sit again. Teri sat and waited while Tim spoke quietly to another secretary. Finally he joined them in the office and closed the door.

"Paul will be a moment," Tim addressed Teri first, and she noted Blaine seemed offended by the perceived slight.

"Are we still on for lunch?"

"Doubtful."

"He needs to eat and we can both attest my company does not make him lose his appetite." Tim seemed intent on ignoring Blaine for now so Teri invited him into some friendly banter. He was too tense.

"No, but you do tend to distract him from eating on occasion."

"I feed him eventually." Teri playfully waved away Tim's concern and she could almost swear his momentary smile was genuine. "Besides, I'm already here."

"If I'd had any idea that would be problematic I would have taken you back home first." Tim faced Blaine as he said this.

"Well, maybe it's good I got a chance to meet Blaine. I know how much the kids mean to Paul. I'd like to meet them."

"We already have a mother, you're superfluous," Blaine said coolly, eyes leveled at Teri. She wasn't impressed. She did the impassive make-a-child-squirm-in-their-chair look much better, and she wasn't going to take the bait. As it turned out, she didn't have to.

"That's enough, Blaine."

Paul's arrival seemed to chill the room. Teri turned to face him as he closed the door again behind him, surprised that she hadn't heard him open it. He looked upset, which is to say he appeared devoid of all emotion. Teri wasn't used to seeing him like this and regretted now that she hadn't left the office as soon as she recognized Blaine.

Paul walked to the sofa first. Teri stood and felt Paul's arm circle her waist, his hand resting on her hip as he pulled her close. His lips brushed her ear gently in a darting caress Blaine couldn't see from his point of view.

"Are you all right, honey?" he whispered; concern tinged his voice with something else Teri could only guess was anger. She wasn't accustomed to seeing Paul angry, so she wasn't sure. If this was it, he was handling it remarkably well.

"Yes, I'm sorry if we interrupted your meeting." She placed a hand over his heart and slid it up along his chest to cradle the back of his neck in her hand, a motion that hinted at the sensual caresses they shared the night before. Paul smiled in response.

"Never mind that. I see you met Blaine." He eased her back onto the sofa and briefly made eye contact with Tim. Teri caught the exchange, but didn't know what to make of it.

"Yes, we were just getting to know each other."

"I imagine," Paul answered dryly. "Blaine, you're usually so unhappy about coming out here to see me I'm amazed you showed up hours ahead of schedule."

"I wanted to get this over with."

"So you came early, knowing very well I was most likely otherwise occupied, on the slim chance that ... what? I'd be able or willing to sneak you in between meetings? Or did you know Teri would be here?"

"How would I know?" Blaine shrugged.

"You're resourceful enough."

"Well I didn't. I told Mom about her of course. She knows."

"That's fine. Sara always took an active interest in my private life. No doubt she'll ask you all about Teri when you get home. That being said, I suppose I'll have to lay some ground rules."

"Excuse me?" Blaine's face was red with outrage.

"I'm used to you, Olivia, and Chad doing what you can to make my life a little more colorful than I'd like, so I'm not surprised by your willingness to discuss my private life with Kenny. He asked after all. Going forward, however, you will practice discretion."

"You don't want everyone knowing you have another mistress."

"Actually, I'm not worried about it. Other than answering Kenny's questions, which wasn't your place, you involved him in a conflict he shouldn't have any part of. You're more concerned about getting even with me for imagined infractions than in the immorality of hurting innocent people. My relationship with Teri is just that: my relationship with Teri. I'll be talking to Olivia and Chad as well. I didn't plan on introducing you yet. My plan was to hold off a couple of months until I'd had a chance to see how you kids took it."

"Couple of months? But I won't see you again until next year," Blaine protested.

"We'll see. Since you're on warning, you'll be checking in more often."

"That's not fair, we agreed to twice a year."

"Which is more than you wanted and less than I did. Your behavior has consistently failed to impress me since you left New York, and I'm tired of it."

"I don't have to."

"Since you haven't seen fit to get a job and you're living off the allowance I give you, I think you do."

Paul sighed and paused. When he spoke again his voice was softer. Teri recognized tones of regret now. "Blaine, I understand you're not me, you are your own man. Showing interest in something or motivation to accomplish anything at all is the least of my expectations of any of you kids. It's bothered me for years you're content to just float along and wait for me to die, assuming you'll get an inheritance to carry you through life. I'm starting to realize the allowance I give you may not be the best thing for you. I'll have to think on that."

"You'd cut us off? Just like that?"

"As I said, I'll have to think on it. Letting it go on as long as I have has left you three ill-prepared to make your own way so cutting you off isn't an option. Perhaps asking for something more productive than hostility in return is in order though."

Blaine looked at Paul in disbelief, then turned his attention back to Teri. She kept her face carefully neutral and watched as Paul stood and picked up the leather bound album on his desk.

"Ransacking my office doesn't help your case." He walked around the desk and returned the album to its place in the bottom drawer. "And this isn't something I've discussed with Teri so don't bother blaming her."

Paul returned to sit beside Teri on the sofa. Once he was beside her again, Teri could see the tension in his posture. She slipped a hand into his and squeezed gently. He surprised her by shifting his attention from Blaine to her, bringing a hand up to caress her face.

"Remember how upset Kenny was when I asked about backup plans?"

"Yes, he's very focused."

"I didn't see it initially, but yes he is. He's focused to the point he might actually make it."

"I'm not sure whether I like that idea or not," Teri admitted. Paul caressed her face again.

"Don't worry about them, honey. That focus in Kenny reminds me of myself when I was his age. What I miss seeing in my kids."

"Paul, not every kid is like Kenny. Cassie, Tiffany, and Bryan are pretty normal, thankfully. But Jess is only focused on girls, and Dev is dedicated to his skateboard and making mischief on his computer. Sometimes it's not so great."

Paul smiled. "They're all much younger. Jess floats from one dead end job to the next. At nineteen it's one thing, at twenty-five it's another. You can't tell me you wouldn't kick him in the pants before then."

Teri snuggled close and laid her head on Paul's shoulder. "You're right. Are we talking about my kids or yours?"

"Both. Yours are probably easier to deal with. The boys have a lofty goal, but at least they're trying. The girls are smart and college bound, so they're no problem."

Paul smiled and looked back to his son. Blaine looked back warily.

"It's a little late for the three of you to get into a college for this fall so I'll continue your allowance until next term. At that point I expect you to be enrolled as full time students. I'll pay reasonable expenses. You'll get a basic allowance as befits a college student, extra is based on your performance, just like when you were kids."

Blaine sat behind Paul's desk, silent and fuming. Paul turned to Tim.

"Would you like me to write a memo for Olivia and Chad?" Tim asked.

"Please, and remind me to talk to Kyle."

Teri was watching Tim but, at the mention of Paul's attorney, Blaine moved behind the desk. She turned her attention back to him and had to fight the impulse to flinch at the look on his face. Blaine's lips were thin and white with tension, emphasizing the rising color in his cheeks. He was holding onto the edge of the desk with a fierce grip and his eyes were focused on his father with a hatred Teri had never before witnessed. She subtly squeezed Paul's hand again, and he turned to follow her gaze.

"Don't worry, Blaine, I'm not cutting you out of my will. Kyle handles other things for me too. Sending you back to school isn't revenge. I'm hoping to give you a purpose in life. Waiting around for me to die doesn't count. Now, I know you never like to take advice from me, but I suggest you listen this time: don't rock the boat. Stay away from Teri and her family, period. Until you're ready to strike out on your own, don't push me. Are we clear?"

Blaine nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Good. Perhaps I should have taken a firmer hand with you before. Now go home, I've had enough of this today."

Blaine hesitated only briefly. He stood suddenly, sending the desk chair crashing against the glass wall behind it. Without a glance at his father, Blaine Lovett walked stiffly past them and out of the room.

Teri immediately slid up onto Paul's lap. She put her arms around his neck and tenderly kissed his face. She heard Tim close the door behind him as he left. Paul sought her mouth and pulled Teri into a passionate kiss. One hand slid down the front of her shirt and kneaded the breast it inevitably found.

"I'm so sorry, honey," Paul whispered, dropping his hand to her waist and pausing in his kisses.

"Don't be. I'm fine. And maybe some good will come of it in the long term."

"I didn't want you to be caught in this."

"I know." Teri pressed her mouth over Paul's and shifted on his lap to straddle him. "You're tense."

"God, I need you right now." Paul's lips pressed against hers as he laid her back onto the sofa, one arm supporting his weight to keep from crushing her. In the new position, Teri wrapped one leg around Paul and let the other hang off the side. He resumed kissing her as he struggled with the fly buttons on her jeans, then tried desperately to slide them down to allow him access. Swearing softly, he disentangled himself from her leg, stood, hooked his fingers in the belt loops, and gave a firm tug.

"Damn it, why won't these come off?" Paul stared at the offending jeans with a frown.

Teri laughed and reached down to unbutton the last two buttons on her fly, then wiggled them down past her hips. Paul slipped off her shoes and socks. Teri eyed the telltale bulge in the front of his pants as he pulled her jeans off. There wouldn't be much foreplay from the look of things. The speed at which her panties followed her pants to the floor confirmed that suspicion. Considering her options, she decided to go with it. She pulled her shirt off over her head and let it fall to the floor, then made quick work of her bra.

Paul was on her again in an instant, unzipping his slacks and pushing them down just enough to expose his erection. He knelt between her legs and kissed her mouth first, then moved on to her breasts. He didn't spend much time on either. Paul's sense of urgency was too compelling. He sat back on his heels and pulled Teri's ankles up to his shoulders. Hands on her waist, he held her hips and thrust into her.

Teri moaned, putting her hands over Paul's in encouragement. Paul pulled back and pushed in harder and deeper, then again. Teri arched her back as he continued pushing into her. Paul was doing all the work, but Teri had a light sheen of sweat on her breast. The way he was pounding into her, she was sure he would soon climax.

Rolling off the sofa, Paul dropped to the floor, on his back with Teri straddling him, still holding her tightly to him. Teri was familiar with this role reversal and started to grind against Paul, feeling him deep inside her. He sat up, taking a nipple into his mouth and sucking hard. Teri faltered at the change, but Paul's hands on her hips kept her going. The sensation in Teri was building, and she tightened toward the anticipated moment of ecstasy. Paul had other ideas.

Flipping Teri onto her back again, Paul let her legs wrap around him and he drove into her harder than before, pulling almost all the way out before pounding into her again. Teri felt Paul's rage and frustration behind his forceful thrusts, but she didn't care. Her body raced toward the inevitable release of the energy building inside her.

Paul shifted and lifted her hips slightly. Teri couldn't fight it any longer. When he pushed into her she came with an intensity that frightened her. She started to cry out and Paul put his mouth over hers, kissing her deeply as he pushed into her one last time before she felt him spasm in release as well.

All of her muscles were tight and Paul's now-spent erection still felt enormous inside her. The kiss that stifled her scream progressed into shorter kisses, until finally Paul let his mouth wander back to her neck, and Teri tried to force her muscles to relax. It took a while for the energy to dissipate, although they should be exhausted, Teri mused.

"Your shirt's sweaty," Teri said. It was true; Paul's shirt was drenched with his sweat and hers. He laughed.

"I have a shower in the bathroom and a full change of clothes. Thankfully yours are clean since you can't say the same." Paul kissed her again. "I hope I wasn't too hard on you, I didn't mean to lose control. I'm sorry."

"Mmm." Teri smiled. "Apology not needed. I'm a very satisfied customer. Although hungry now that I think of it."

Paul laughed again and rolled off her. He stood and pulled up his pants.

"Bathroom then." He waved Teri on as he stooped and collected her clothes. She gave him an inviting smile and ran her hands down the side of her naked form suggestively.

"I thought you were hungry." Paul quickly closed the gap between them pulled her into his arms.

"I am. I'm just curious if I could tempt you into another round."

"Testing my stamina?" Paul pulled her hand around to the front of his pants and the hardness growing there.

"My, what a prize stallion I have." Teri laughed, wiggling out of his arms she sprinted the last few feet to the bathroom with Paul on her heels.

○ ○ ○

Tim brought deli sandwiches later. He sat at the desk, leaving Paul and Teri to cuddle on the sofa and eat.

"How was shopping this morning?" Paul asked midway through his sandwich.

"Tim had everything pretty much planned, and I let him have his way, so we made record time. I'm not really a shopper."

"I know, but it had to be done. Think the girls will be happy?"

"Tim has a good eye, they'll be thrilled. I may make him give the boxes to them himself. Don't you think he deserves the credit?" Teri looked at Tim and smiled. Tim narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"That could be amusing." Paul looked at Tim with a smile. "You've got to come over and say hello sometime." He turned back to Teri. "How about the boys?"

"They should be good. Thank you."

"Actually I was thinking of bringing Devin out here for fittings. It seems he likes to dress nice for school," Tim said.

"We have a uniform policy. He doesn't have a choice," Teri answered, taking a last bite of her sandwich and setting the rest on a plate.

"He seems more fastidious about his appearance than I expected in a young man his age, especially as he doesn't seem interested in attracting young ladies. I think he might like to have his uniforms tailored to fit him better this year."

"He's fifteen, Tim, he's still growing."

Tim shrugged.

"That's an interesting observation," Paul mused. "I noticed his hair and clothes were neater than the other three, but didn't carry it that far. You might be onto something, Tim." He turned to Teri. "We'll send back what you have and, if you don't mind, I'd like to bring them all out for another round."

"Paul," Teri started doubtfully.

"Listen, I know Dev and Bryan are still growing. Dev has a long way to go too. But I have the money and it may help us to connect a little. Besides, I owe Kenny. I didn't take his dream seriously. Let him start thinking of an image for his band, not just their sound. Plus some uniforms for Dev, Bryan, and the girls."

"Do you really want to take six teenagers shopping in New York?"

"Hell no. I was going to send them with you and Tim." Paul laughed.

# Chapter Sixteen

Flynn leafed through the file the private investigator gave him. Pictures of Paul and Teri together made his stomach tighten with involuntary loathing. Paul was married. What the hell did he think he was doing leading her on like this? Despite his own failed marriages, Flynn believed in the concept, he just had difficulty when it got hard.

No, that wasn't it. Flynn lay back on the sofa, watching light reflected from a small tabletop fountain on the coffee table play along the ceiling. He always found light reflected from water to be soothing. The burble of the fountain he could do without and he picked up the remote for the stereo system and turned it on to cover the noise.

It wasn't that he couldn't handle it when things got rough, Flynn focused his thoughts. He was willing to apologize, make gestures, seek counseling ... That was the problem. He sought Drew out for counsel and it pissed off his wives. Drew cleared Flynn's head when he had a problem and helped him focus to find the solution. Flynn did the same for Drew when he needed it. Their wives should be able to understand that because they reaped the benefits.

Maybe it wasn't the physical relationship with Drew, or it didn't have to be. Maybe it was that they heard about the relationship from Drew's wife, Dee, when they should have heard it from him. No matter what the problems were that sent him to Drew, it was always after they learned of the intimate side of their friendship that his wives got testy. And that's when the problems really started, Flynn sighed. That was the beginning of the end.

So, tell Teri up front. Or trust Drew to keep his wife in check, Flynn waffled. Surely Dee had to realize by now that she was ruining Flynn's marriages and wasn't achieving anything in the process. Drew said Dee didn't want to hurt Flynn, she just wanted it to end. Drew told her up front it wasn't going to, and Flynn agreed. They didn't get together much now anyway now that their kids were grown.

Kids – that was the answer. Flynn and Drew went through stages of hell when their kids were teenagers, but they survived. Teri's kids were teenagers now, and a little support was always welcome in those trying years. And she said her son was part of a band. Teri even talked about them at length, making it almost sound like she felt as much parental concern for her kids' best friends as for her own kids.

Flynn did a quick inventory of what he knew of Teri's teenage horde. She had two, the band was three more, and it nagged at Flynn's mind that her daughter, what was her name? Cathy? Cassie, that was it. Cassie had a best friend stealing shirts from Teri's closet too. He knew how close girls could be at that age, he could handle them. But it was her son who was the key. Teri was a supportive mother with a teenage son in a band. Flynn knew music even better than teenagers. Surely she'd accept the offer of a little help for them.

Sitting up, Flynn dug his phone out of his pocket and called the detective. He needed more information on Dev's band.

○ ○ ○

Tim felt unprepared to meet Teri and six teenagers at the airport. He had two limos, one for the boys and one for everyone else. The separate limo for the boys was Paul's suggestion. Paul was still mulling over his talk with Kenny, who managed to avoid him completely last weekend when he was in Seattle. Tim was doubtful about the wisdom of encouraging the boys to focus so much on their band and reflected on the short conversation he had with Paul that morning.

"Kenny's determined, Tim. Asking about a backup plan insulted him, so it won't hurt to be a little supportive."

"You know what the odds are. Have you even heard them?" Tim asked.

"Yes, but I'm no judge of music. I'm pretty far outside their demographic."

"Just to be clear, we're supporting the want-to-be-a-rock-star fantasy."

"For now." Paul nodded.

"And when they don't make it?"

"I honestly don't think Kenny will ever stop trying. I know Teri wants to see Dev go to college, and I agree with that. The two don't have to be mutually exclusive, but I think it'll decide things. I may revisit how far I'll go along with this little adventure later, although for now, we're being supportive."

"Clarification: you're being supportive, I'm doing what I'm told. I don't want Kenny seeing me as an ally, he can bond with you," Tim said. Paul laughed.

"You haven't ruined any teenagers yet that I'm aware of. What do you have to worry about? Your record's clean."

"I figure I helped you enough with yours that I'm as culpable. This little plan might appease Kenny, anyone else I need to worry about?" Tim asked.

"Dev maybe. He might get the idea I'm trying to buy him off."

"Fine, I'll keep an eye on that. Also, I'm taking Lia with me, just so you know."

"Not comfortable being outnumbered three-to-one?"

"Actually I'm fine with that, it's six-to-one I refuse to deal with. I'm not taking Teri. I rearranged your meetings to either be out of the way before lunch or postponed them until next week. Lia and I will handle the kids, you and Teri will take the afternoon off."

"Is Teri in on this?"

"No, nor is it optional. Think of it as teaching the kids about opportunity cost. The price of a shopping spree is leaving Teri in your hands for the afternoon. There's no time like the present to start introducing basic business principles."

Tim pushed aside his apprehension over modifying Paul's plan as the plane arrived. He made mental notes as he met Teri's kids for the first time and got them out to the waiting limos. Paul had enough room in his apartment; he still had the same five-bedroom apartment he found when he first brought his kids to New York, but Paul and Teri were supposed to be taking it slow to let the kids adjust. Teri thought staying with him would be too much for the kids this time. It's what prompted Tim to give them the afternoon off, and now he had to find a way to pitch it to Teri.

Tim wasn't sure what to expect when dealing with Teri's maternal side. He felt he had a pretty firm grip on how she thought and acted as a woman; throwing the kids into the picture was going to change her and he wasn't sure how.

"You're thinking about how to broach a subject," Teri accused quietly enough not to get the girls' attention.

Tim glanced at the girls. Cassie and Tiffany sat across from him watching the city pass with wide eyes as they made their way from JFK to the hotel, but didn't seem interested in Teri or Tim.

"I'm taking Lia shopping with us," he said.

"Your secretary?"

"Yes, she's going to help me with the kids and you're going to stay behind with Paul. I cleared his afternoon schedule."

"I'm not sure –"

"Not negotiable," Tim cut her off. "Everything is scheduled in terms of fittings for the kids. I know what needs to be done and Lia is personable and efficient. You'll have very little time alone this weekend. Make the most of it."

Teri nodded in understanding and agreement. Tim relaxed. He wasn't aware the potential argument from Teri had him so tense. He considered that for the remainder of the ride to the hotel.

Tim already checked them in, allowing them to go straight to the rooms. The limos waited while the bellhops took up the bags and the girls freshened up. The plan was to meet Paul for an early lunch, but when Tim called to confirm, Paul was running late.

"Don't worry about it, Tim. Drop me off at the office and go. We'll meet up for dinner." Teri smiled when Tim started to explain. So it was settled. They left the hotel for the office, Tim escorted Teri up to Paul's office and brought Lia back down in her place. Off they went, first for school uniform fittings, then to meet with an up-and-coming designer Tim knew.

○ ○ ○

"I trust the two of you had a pleasant afternoon?" Tim asked when Paul and Teri arrived at a private club for dinner. Paul had misgivings about bringing the boys to the club. It catered to wealthy businessmen, so teenagers were rarely seen and never en masse, but Tim pointed out it was Paul's idea to give the boys a taste of what success could bring. Neither worried about the girls.

"Yes, thank you. And how did you fare?"

Lia was with the kids in a private dining room, letting Tim wait in the entry for Paul and Teri. Paul got a sinking feeling as to why Tim stood waiting in ambush.

"It was interesting, which means your life is about to get interesting as well," Tim said. Teri held Paul's hand and her grip tightened as Tim's statement sunk in.

"Oh, God. What happened?" Teri whispered, eyes wide. "Was it Jess?"

Tim smiled at her. "Oddly, no. Although I understand the apprehension better now than before. It's Dev. He was just being himself and got tangled in a shoot for an Oskar Viktor ad campaign, the designer I was telling you about. They got some good shots of him before he managed to run away from the models."

"I'm confused," Paul put words to the confusion on Teri's face.

"Oskar wants Dev to be the face of his teen fashion line," Tim stated. "I wanted to warn you before you faced the boys. It wouldn't be fair not to. Jess should be jealous, but he's not because he got the phone numbers of three young models. It seems he's more interested in the girls than having his picture taken with them. Bryan was still working his calming influence on Dev the last time I checked. Kenny is the one walking on clouds. He's pretty much convinced Dev he has to take the opportunity." Tim looked at Teri.

"Of course he has. It's exposure for the band. Why is Dev upset? I've been taking his picture his whole life."

"The camera didn't bother him, it was the girls." Tim laughed.

Teri stiffened and Paul realized she'd probably never seen Tim laugh before.

"We were wandering around the studio and looking at different ideas Oskar had: drawings, racks of clothes, suits on mannequins, fabric, and whatnot, and came to the ad campaign. Jess walked over to hit on one of the girls and Dev followed him, apparently not paying attention until he had four teen models hanging on him. The look of horror that crossed his face was really something to see. I'm afraid I can't describe it."

"I've seen it." Teri sighed. "I suppose the photographer saw it too? And captured it?"

"The look, and his increasingly desperate attempts to escape the girls. One of the ad execs was there and came up with a whole new campaign for the boys' line based on Dev's reaction. Oskar bought into it on the spot, provided they could get Dev."

Teri groaned and buried her head in Paul's shoulder.

"Tim, this isn't what I had in mind when ... well, this just isn't what I had in mind."

"Which is why I'm out here warning you. I have Jackson Palo's card, he's in charge of the campaign. He wants to meet with you, Teri, to either work out the details or talk you into it, whichever is necessary. Tonight, tomorrow, whenever. I've known Oskar for a couple of years. He's stubborn, and he's got his mind made up he wants Dev."

"Which means Jackson Palo will be motivated to make this happen." Paul nodded, taking the card from Tim. "All right, thanks for the heads-up. Give us a minute, will you?"

"Only a minute? I had the hostess set aside a table in the main dining room so you could discuss it over dinner without Kenny's pitch."

"Actually, we need to talk to Dev," Teri mumbled from Paul's shoulder.

"I'll send him out." Tim motioned for the hostess. "Dianne, could you make that a table for three, please? And Mr. Lovett will be seated now."

"Of course, Mr. DeLaney." She smiled to indicate it was absolutely no problem and made an adjustment on the screen in front of her. A waiter appeared behind her and she indicated the revised table assignment.

"Mr. Lovett, if you'll follow me please?" the waiter invited. Paul pulled Teri along beside him. They arrived at a round table set for three near a window. It was dusk and the lights and traffic on the street below emphasized the bustle of New York living. Paul sat Teri with her back to the window. The waiter left the menus and Paul estimated Tim would give them a minute or two before bringing Dev.

"Teri, listen, I have no say in this but –"

"Yes you do. Not legally maybe, but you're part of our lives so whatever happens here affects you too." He held her cheek in his hand, trying to will away the intense emotions showing in her face.

"I appreciate that, honey. What are your thoughts on this?"

"I want to know what Dev honestly wants. If he wants to do this, how can I stand in his way? It's not exactly my first or even second choice for a career path for him. But I can't see him wanting to do it. It's just not like him."

"I agree. So if Dev doesn't want to do this, I'll talk to Kenny, Jackson, and Oskar, okay? Don't worry about the fallout, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you." Teri moved her chair closer and leaned against him. Paul slipped an arm around her.

"Honey, that's if Dev doesn't want to do it. Kenny's had all afternoon with him." He felt her body sag under the truth of the statement.

"I know."

"It doesn't have to be difficult, and it doesn't have to be long term. He's fifteen. He loves his skateboard, his guitar, and his computer, not necessarily in that order." Paul referenced the obscene amount of time Dev spent on his computer that Kenny nagged should be spent writing songs.

Teri rewarded him with a small laugh.

"What I'm saying is, one thing Dev doesn't seem to like is being chased by girls, which is the focus of this ad campaign. I suspect it'll get old. He'll have a contract to fulfill, and that in itself might be a good learning experience. It might give him a broader view of life."

"I bet you were a great dad. Too bad your kids didn't appreciate it," Teri whispered.

Her confidence in him touched something deep inside Paul and he hesitated, unsure how to respond. He always tried to do what he thought was best for his kids, but it went horribly wrong in the end. Maybe this time it would be different.

Dev's arrival signaled the end of their private discussion. He looked at Paul suspiciously as he sat, then to Teri still leaning against Paul for support.

"Tim told you," Dev addressed his mother. Paul searched his face for clues to his feelings about the offer and wasn't surprised to see mostly anxiety there.

"Yes, we got the high points." Teri sat up straight with a sigh. She looked at Dev, then at Paul. Teri's hand was still in his, resting under the table on his leg. She gave it a gentle squeeze. Paul took the cue and carefully took point.

"Dev, the question on the table is what you want to do. We know Kenny's stance. What do you want?"

"I'll do it," Dev responded.

"Not that you want to do it, just that you will? It sounds like Kenny's got you convinced you have to. You don't."

"I know." Dev bristled. Paul recognized the warning signs. This is why he failed with his own kids, he thought. He just didn't know how to talk to teenagers. Paul refocused his thoughts and tried again.

"Teri mentioned you're used to having your picture taken. Given she and Allen were both photographers, I imagine it's second nature for you."

Dev shrugged, his hostility now tinged with confusion on where Paul was headed. Paul recognized the small win and proceeded carefully.

"Of course your annoyance with girlish behavior is why you reacted the way you did, and why Oskar wants you specifically. You won't have to put on an act, just be yourself. Teri mentioned once you enjoy skateboarding and you frequently compete?"

"Yeah."

Paul noted more confusion, and now curiosity pushed Dev's hostility aside. The waiter came back and Paul considered sending him away, but he had already lost momentum.

"I ordered in the other room," Dev told him. The waiter nodded in affirmation and turned to Teri.

"I have no idea." She looked to Paul, and he smiled.

"She'll have the orange duck and I'll take the herbed lamb, chef's choice on appetizers and sides," Paul ordered.

"And to drink?"

"Dr. Pepper, in a wine glass for Ms. Giles please," Paul answered. Teri giggled but the waiter, to his credit, didn't bat an eye.

"A martini for you, Mr. Lovett?"

"With extra olives, please."

The waiter nodded and turned back to Dev. "I'll have your drink and meal brought out here."

Paul focused on Dev as soon as the waiter left. "Kenny supports your skateboarding competitions despite the risk of injury, why is that?" Paul knew why, but he wanted to see if Dev knew and, more importantly, if he'd be honest about it.

Dev shrugged. "I don't like crowds. I can play okay when we're in the basement, but when someone's watching I get all tense and sometimes I mess up. It's not like that when I'm competing. I have to block out the crowds or I'd be a smear on the pavement."

Teri whimpered at Dev's statement. Paul pulled her close, giving her a little squeeze. Dev didn't try to evade the question and he was honest about it. Paul was grateful he wasn't dealing with one of his own sons.

"Does it help?"

"Maybe a little. Maybe I'm just getting used to it. I don't know." He shrugged. "Why do you care?"

"For a few reasons, Dev. Teri cares, obviously, that makes it important to me too. Also, the first time I was in Seattle and met all of you, I asked about backup plans, remember?"

"Yeah, you pissed Kenny off."

"Dev!" Teri admonished. Paul gave her a little hug to silence her.

"He did." Dev looked mildly reprimanded but defended his choice of verbs.

"Yes, I did, and I don't think that this modeling job counts as a backup if you're wondering. Where I was going with that was I got to talk to Kenny a little later and I've thought about some of the things he said. He's driven, Dev, like few people are. I really can't attest to talent, your band is outside my area of expertise. But I recognize the ambition and I'm not going to stand in your way. I'll even help where I can."

"Like sending us shopping."

Paul nodded. "Like sending you shopping to give you ideas for an image. Ordering a separate limo so you boys can get a taste for what it feels like. Eating expensive dinners, staying in expensive hotels. There are rewards for hard work and success. I was going somewhere else with this. Kenny wants you to be comfortable in front of a crowd, which is why he supports your skateboard competitions."

"I suppose."

"And he wants publicity, which is why he wants you to take this modeling and spokesman job."

"Yeah."

Their drinks appeared on the table as the waiter came and went unobtrusively.

"You're fifteen and still in school. Flying back and forth to New York for the ad campaigns will get you some personal exposure that may or may not help with the band. It will also take time, and that's going to cut into your skateboarding. You're already comfortable in front of a camera, you were raised that way. You have to ask yourself if trading getting you more comfortable with crowds for your picture in magazines is really the best thing for you or the band."

Dev looked stunned. Teri shifted and looked up to Paul. He gave her a small squeeze and she settled back down.

"You don't want me to do it." Dev's hostility was starting to surface again, but Paul expected it this time.

"While we were waiting for you to join us, Teri and I talked about it. She wants to support whatever you want to do and so do I. The problem is separating what you want from what Kenny wants. If you want to do this, fine. I've got resources to make sure it's done right and that no one will take advantage of you. If you would rather continue with your skateboarding competitions instead, I'll handle Oskar and Kenny. There are other ways to gain exposure."

"Mom doesn't like me skateboarding anyway. She's afraid I'll break my neck."

Paul chuckled. He wasn't touching that particular problem. "She mentioned that. Dev, you don't have to make a decision tonight. You can have time to think about it. The point is, we want this to be your decision based on what you want to do. Understand?"

"Yeah. I guess."

Silence blanketed the table for a moment, Paul watched Dev fidget with indecision and discomfort on his face out of the corner of his eye.

Teri sat forward and put a smile on her face. "So did you have fun today?"

"Um, sure. Can I go now?"

Teri sighed.

"Go ahead, we'll redirect your dinner." Paul waved him off. Dev didn't wait to see if his mother agreed. He left immediately, walking as fast as possible through the tables to the private dining room.

"I didn't mean to diminish your authority, honey, I just thought the kid needed a break. I don't think he's comfortable with me and our little chat didn't help."

"You spun that pretty good. I can see why you're paid the big bucks." Teri leaned against him and plucked an olive out of his martini.

"Just remember to drink your water before your Dr. Pepper."

"Thanks for the reminder." Teri ate the olive. "And thanks for taking over. I was having a hard time finding a better way to say 'Dev, honey, I know you're a big boy now but Kenny's manipulating you.' That'd get an undesirable reaction."

"I don't think that would have gone over well," Paul agreed. "What do you think he's going to do?"

"I think he'll do it."

"Any particular reason?"

"He loves skateboarding and, from what I hear, he's good about tuning out the crowds at his competitions. I guess that's helping with playing in front of crowds. Maybe. A little anyway. In the end, he won't want to disappoint Kenny."

"Would you like me to have a talk with Kenny? I've been meaning to anyway to make up for my earlier blunder. Perhaps a compromise to ease up on Dev."

"Dev can stand up to Kenny, believe me. No, you've given him something to think about and let him know that we'll support his decision. I should have been the one to do that."

"Maybe this is good. A bonding experience."

"Maybe." Teri plucked another olive from Paul's martini. She sat forward and turned to look at him, making eye contact as she slowly sucked the olive off the pick.

Paul grinned and signaled the waiter. "Another martini please, with double the olives as the last."

"Yes, Mr. Lovett."

○ ○ ○

Tim leaned against the wall in the hall outside Paul's apartment the next morning. He stood and straightened his suit jacket as Paul's door opened.

"You were waiting in the hall? In ambush? I'm already concerned." Paul frowned as he walked past Tim and pushed the call button for the elevator. Tim took his place beside him.

"Flynn Peterson," Tim said, adopting his typically direct approach. He heard Paul suck in his breath. He had his attention now.

"Three things. First, he filed for divorce and got an apartment here in the city. He's keeping it quiet. I had to look specifically before I found that information."

"It was bound to happen." Paul nodded.

"Indeed."

The elevator door opened and Tim followed Paul in, both nodding a hello to the attendant, Karl. Tim knew Karl was reliable. In this building all the staff was carefully screened. Armed security disguised as an unnecessary elevator operator made Karl nearly invisible. He must hear interesting things, Tim mused.

"Second, I suspect he's hired a private investigator to follow you and Teri."

Paul looked at him sharply. "Suspect?"

Tim shook his head. "I know he hired a private investigator to get information on Dev's band. He slipped up and our ... a friend of mine caught him at it. I suspect he's looking at Teri's relationship with you."

Paul faced the elevator door and seemed to consider this. The elevator stopped and an expensive escort who frequented one of the other tenants joined them. Tim knew about Georgia. He knew that wasn't her real name and, more important, that she bought and sold secrets. He warned Paul about her months ago, but stiffened his posture and fixed his gaze straight ahead as a hint. Paul was either so lost in thought over the threat Flynn posed the conversation was on pause anyway, or he recognized Tim's reminder. Either way, they reached the lobby and walked out to the waiting limo in silence.

"Teri understands my marital dilemma," Paul said as soon as the door closed behind Tim. "She said she doesn't even blame me, so I think Flynn's return to bachelorhood won't be a swing factor. We're doing okay."

"And the boys?" Tim asked, knowing this would be a problem and sensing Paul didn't want the reminder that women changed their minds. There was a pattern of women showing poor judgment where Flynn was concerned.

"I screwed up with Kenny and Dev. I think I'm accidentally on the right path."

"Supporting the want-to-be-a-rock-star dream? No offense, but you can't offer what Flynn can."

"I know and I need to show Kenny I can be an asset before Flynn knocks on Teri's door. I had a good talk with Dev last night, although I still sense hostility there."

"How far will you go? With this little fantasy I mean?" After spending the day with Dev and his friends, Tim had doubts about the boys' chosen career. To begin with, he wasn't convinced it really was Dev's chosen career. Only Kenny seemed driven enough to get anywhere; the others were dead weight and immature. Well, Jess and Dev were immature, it might not be fair to lump Bryan in that category. He seemed more introspective, but he was so quiet Tim had a hard time getting a good read of his character.

"As far as it takes for them to make it, or realize they're not going to I suppose." Paul hesitated. "What I need is to solidify my relationship with Teri, at least in her mind."

"Move in together," Tim suggested immediately, then realized it wasn't time yet.

"Has to be Teri's decision, and she's not ready. Not yet." Paul shook his head. "The way she's raised the kids, she might balk at that. She'd be worried it would send the wrong message."

Tim found himself considering arranging Sara's untimely demise again. If Paul couldn't divorce her, it was the only way to free him. Paul wouldn't agree, so Tim never mentioned the idea. He just fantasized from time to time.

Paul shook himself, concerning Tim about the effect this information had on him. It was a black cloud looming on the horizon, a hint of a storm that may or may not come.

"I'll watch the situation," Tim promised. "Flynn can't approach her until his divorce is final. That gives you time to get the boys on your side, the girls already are."

"I need to close that window of opportunity," Paul agreed.

"And you need to make sure Teri loves you completely. So much that she can't think of living without you," Tim reminded him.

"I can do that."

○ ○ ○

Teri and Paul had barely sat down for breakfast in the restaurant's private dining room before Tim appeared and whispered in Paul's ear.

"I should take this call, honey," Paul explained to Teri as he stood. "Hopefully I won't be long."

"I understand." Teri patted him on the butt as he turned away. He turned back briefly and smiled at her before walking toward the door.

"Tim?" Teri stopped the messenger from making a getaway.

"Yes?" Tim's face was carefully neutral, which Teri found suspicious.

"What's up?"

Tim didn't give anything away with his expression as he watched Teri. "Are you asking to be social or specifically fishing for something?"

"The call, it's about Blaine?"

Tim sat in Paul's vacated seat. "Yes," he said quietly. "How did you figure that out?"

"I was expecting Sara to call and negotiate on Blaine's behalf. When I asked Paul, he said he hadn't heard from her."

"Chad and Olivia were out of the country. They just got back and got the memos on the revised rules," Tim explained.

"Is that her?"

Tim gave a slight nod.

"You've been dealing with Sara for years, right?"

Tim gave another nod. Teri looked down the table at the kids. They all seemed to be involved in their own conversations, ignoring Teri and Tim for now.

"So how is this going to play out?"

Tim managed not to flinch at her question. Teri suspected he knew it was coming. The man was just too good at – well, everything. Her mind wandered briefly into a fantasy about trying to hook him up with Nicholas, but she dismissed it. Not that she questioned Tim's orientation, she was fairly sure he was just stuck in the closet as her old friend. But Tim was efficient and organized and Nicholas was ... not.

"She'll argue they're not children and he has no right to treat them as such," Tim continued the conversation, interrupting Teri's small daydream. "Tell him he's a bad father, remind him they chose to go back to Arizona for a reason. He'll remind her he controls the purse strings so he can make the rules."

"But Arizona is a community property state. She gets half."

"Only if she divorces him. She doesn't have access to his accounts. He gives her an allowance too. The only thing he asks is that she stays out of his life. Technically he could cut off the kids and she could support them, but he made sure her generous allowance isn't quite generous enough to allow that without sacrifices from all of them. She'll play ball in the end."

"But it'll ruin his day."

Tim didn't answer.

"I don't know what was on the schedule for today, but I'm pretty sure Paul and I could be excused."

"You haven't seen the kids' haul from yesterday yet," Tim pointed out.

"I can do that later. Someone needs to keep Paul company and cheer him up." Teri smiled. "He'll probably need tomorrow off too."

"And you'll need to keep him company then too, I suspect. Will he need tickets to that Broadway show you wanted to see?"

"I don't fool you for a second trying to convince you that what I want is in Paul's best interest, do I?"

"No, but as it happens you're in Paul's best interest right now, so I'll play along."

"Does that mean I'm going to get my way more than you'd like?"

Tim hesitated and stared at Teri. "Yes. And I wish you hadn't figured that out just yet."

"Sorry, I'll be good now."

"I'll arrange for the tickets, but you still need to have dinner with the kids. Deal?"

"Deal," Teri agreed.

"Mom?" Teri and Tim both looked up to see Dev standing over his mother.

"What is it, baby?"

"Mom," Dev groaned, reminding her he hated the affectionate term she used without thinking.

"Sorry, let's try that again. What is it, sweetheart?"

"I thought it over and I'll do the job for Oskar."

Tim sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God."

"Why do you care?" Dev asked, irritated by Tim having an opinion on the matter.

"Oskar has my number, he called twice yesterday and once this morning to see if you decided yet."

"Okay. That's just weird." Dev's brows pulled together with his frown.

"Dev, are you sure?" Teri asked.

"Yeah. Mom, Kenny's not pushing me into anything. I can say no to him you know, I've done it before." Color filled Dev's face.

"I remember. You never plastered the holes in the downstairs hall from the last time."

"Oh, yeah, we'll fix that. Anyway, I told him what Paul said. I can still skateboard, I just won't compete as much. Maybe just exhibitions."

Paul returned and Tim stood to give him back his seat.

"Dev was just explaining why he's taking Oskar's offer," Tim filled Paul in. Paul sat, directing his attention to Dev.

"Well, on the band, you know how I was going to be drums then Kenny moved me to bass when more girls started showing up?"

Teri nodded.

"He got rid of them because they were a distraction, but Kenny's never hidden the fact that part of the reason I'm in the band is because of the girls. It's annoying because they're inane. I know when I'm older and date I won't think so, but right now they really are – all caught up in their hair and nails and stuff. Anyway, since that's part of my job, working with a fashion designer and being the kid showing the line isn't a bad idea. It kinda all fits together. Someday when the band starts getting attention, it'll increase our fan base a lot really fast."

Teri didn't know what to say. She looked at Paul, then Tim. Both were smiling.

Paul picked up his water and gestured a toast to Dev. "Dev, you put thought into this. Kenny's lucky to have you on board."

"Um, thanks." Dev flushed. "Anyway, just thought you should know." He gave Teri one last glance and quickly returned to his seat.

"Paul? What just happened?" Teri asked weakly.

"Honey, your little boy's going to be a rock star someday." Paul kissed her forehead, and she leaned against him.

"I'm not ready."

"We'll get him through it."

"I'm clearing your schedule for today except for Jackson Palo," Tim said. "Oh, and I'll call Oskar, if you don't mind. Otherwise he'll just keep calling me."

"Set it up, Tim," Paul agreed.

# Chapter Seventeen

"Teri said you wanted to see me." Kenny walked up to Paul as he barbecued in Teri's backyard a couple of weeks after they returned from New York.

"I want to talk to you if you have time." Paul finished putting the steaks on and closed the lid.

"Fancy." Kenny eyed the new barbecue.

"I enjoy outdoor cooking and I insist on all the latest toys. Teri doesn't understand, but she tolerates the space it takes up on her deck."

"She puts up with a lot." Kenny thought about Paul's wife and sat down in the nearest chair.

"Yes, she does. The reason I wanted to talk to you was the band."

"Dev thinks you're trying to buy us off."

"He indicated as much to me as well. Teri won't take money from me. She insists on working and paying her own bills. She will let me do things for her and for you kids when I pitch it right. I can afford the shopping sprees, and that way it's an expenditure she doesn't have to worry about. With that in mind, I'll continue giving you kids gifts because it makes it easier for her. But there's only so much I can get away with.

"You know I have an office and apartment here in Seattle."

"I know."

"Since Jess can't hold down a job, I'm putting him on my payroll. It'll be easier."

"Why tell me? Tell Jess."

"I did, I'm just letting you know. Now I want to extend a different offer to you. I realize how determined you are to make this band work. Dev seems to apply himself and make decisions to that end. I can't offer a lot of advice on the music industry. You know it'll be hard. Putting you on the office payroll frees up a little time I suspect you could put to better use. Specifically, I'd like you to take some classes."

Kenny sighed. Here we go again with the backup plans, he thought and sagged against the back of his chair.

"Hear me out, please. I'm not so concerned about what you'll do if you don't make it, I'm more concerned with giving you the best possible chance to succeed. Jess's job is to take care of the yard. I'm also paying for private lessons on voice and diction. If you can think of anything else let me know, we'll throw it in there. He's the singer, and from what I can tell that's all he does."

"And brings in the girls."

"Fine. I think Tim took you to one of the better salons in New York for hair styles? Perhaps a dermatologist too to help keep you all looking young and fresh a little longer. Tim tells me image sells a band as much as their music.

"Back to you. Your classes aren't decided yet, but I think psychology might be a good idea."

Kenny glared at Paul.

"Bryan and Dev are still in school anyway. I'll pay you to take a couple classes. I'm not suggesting a degree, and if you have a compelling reason why it's such a bad idea let's talk about it. But I have a reason why I think you should."

"Fine, why?"

"Because you're going to have to handle Jess and Dev. Jess is a nightmare and you know it. The girls love him and he loves them. How long until he gets one pregnant? Let's say you sign a deal, go on tour, and he's faced with underage groupies? Or seduces a girl with a jealous boyfriend? How about if you're getting ready to close a deal and the producer has a teenage daughter? The fact that he can't keep a job doesn't concern me so much as the reason why. You have to get him under control, Kenny.

"I know something about controlling people, big business is partially about mind games. Obviously I'm no good with teenagers, you guys are just out of my league." Paul smiled.

Kenny nodded in agreement. "So you think I can play mind games with Jess?"

"Dev already does, the difference is he does it to bait him. Learn to use his techniques, maybe add some new ones to keep Jess in line. The general consensus is Jess has a brain, he just doesn't use it. If that's the case, he can be taught and therefore reined in."

"And if he really is stupid?"

"Replace him. If you want this, I don't see any other choice. He's lost three jobs that I know of because he couldn't stop himself from sleeping with a pretty girl. He doesn't think about the consequences."

Feeling like a traitor, Kenny nodded. Paul was right, he just didn't want to admit it.

"As I said, Dev already manipulates Jess. He can be your ally. Bring Bryan in on it too if you need to. Now, Dev is a different problem."

"How is Dev a problem?" Kenny couldn't believe Paul would say anything about Teri's son.

"He's a good kid, but he does have problems. Some serious ones for your purposes. He had his first photo shoot last week, did he tell you about it?"

Kenny shrugged. Dev didn't say anything to him.

"He reacted much like the first time. The photographer was thrilled at the overwhelmed look on his face when he was surrounded by six pretty girls. It'll be a successful ad campaign. What teenage boy wouldn't want to be in his place? The problem is: that was very stressful for him. When Teri and I told him we'd back his decision whichever way he wanted to play this, we didn't realize just how much girls upset him. Cassie and Tiffany are familiar, as are the girls at school, but Dev can't cope with girls he doesn't know well. He's shy, Kenny. That's going to be a problem if you want him there to attract girls."

"But there are girls at the skateboard competitions."

"Does he talk to them?"

"Well, no. Dev thinks girls are silly."

"Maybe. Or maybe they scare him. Teri and I talked about having Dev see a psychologist in New York. When she mentioned it to him, he ... well, he declined. I'm no expert, but I suspect part of Dev's stage fright might be related to the girls. If you're taking a few psych classes to learn to handle Jess, you might pick up on something to help out Dev."

Paul's observation stunned Kenny. He never realized Dev might actually be afraid of girls. Sure he ran from them, but when they're bothering him all the time, who wouldn't? Dev had a few friends that were girls, but now that Kenny thought about it, Dev grew up with them. He was in kindergarten with most of the girls he talked to regularly. Paul was right, Kenny had two big problems he didn't even know about.

"So, psych classes, huh?"

"That's my suggestion."

"Listen, Paul, I'm not good at the whole school thing."

"Tim can find a graduate student to tutor you, you'll be fine. Also, off the record, I'm consulting with a psychologist in New York about Dev. She's not happy with the second hand observations, but I'm paying her to think of it as long-distance therapy. I'll let you know what she comes up with."

"Like what, skateboarding competitions again or something?"

"I told her about that. She doubts that's having much impact anymore aside from stress reduction from exercise. We're going to see if we can arrange some controlled situations to ease Dev into being able to recognize what's causing him stress and then deal with it. I suspect a lot of it will be in New York, but that's just a guess."

"Paul, tell me the truth, why are you so interested in making the band work now? Before, you shrugged it off as a pipe dream."

Paul hesitated, quiet while he checked the steaks. "Off the record?"

"Sure."

"Did Teri tell you about meeting Blaine?"

Kenny sat up, stiff and attentive. "No, she forgot to mention that."

"I assure you, she didn't forget; I wouldn't mention it to her either. I wasn't sure when to introduce Teri to my children. And even considered not introducing them at all. I suppose that sounds strange to you."

Kenny thought of his conversation with Blaine Lovett. He wouldn't want Paul's son anywhere near Teri either.

"No, it doesn't."

"Tim and Teri returned from shopping early. Teri met him in my office. It didn't go well. I never expected my children to follow in my footsteps, Kenny. It didn't matter what they chose to do with their lives, I would have supported them. They chose to do nothing. By the time I was Blaine's age, I had a wife, three kids, and a multi-million dollar company. He has an allowance, hostility, and a string of disappointing decisions.

"Teri took it all well, she didn't react to Blaine's behavior. That wasn't the first time I noticed differences between her parenting style and mine. And as I sat there and thought of how Blaine, at twenty-five, still had no sense of direction, no passion, no goals, I thought of that brief conversation we had. How I insulted you by asking about backup plans. I have no idea if you have talent, but you have a goal and passion. I respect that, and a helping hand never hurts."

"So you're giving us a helping hand."

"A little here and there. The thing is, art comes from experience. You have to experience life to write about it. I could call a studio and say 'here they are,' but it wouldn't be doing you a favor. You're not ready yet, Jess and Dev aside. You need the struggle to earn your fame, at least a little. It'll give you something to write about, and something for the fans to admire."

Kenny nodded. "Thanks."

"I hope I'm actually helping. One more thing, have you settled on a name for the band yet? I'm just curious because I've seen several on flyers."

An embarrassed grin spread across Kenny's face. "We can't seem to pin it down. Bryan goes along with just about anything. Jess always proposes something too suggestive. I want something with a story behind it, like we named our band this because of some incident or another. Unfortunately most our funny stories involve Jess and a girl and can't be repeated. Dev wants something like a common phrase so it'll be easy to remember and what he considers classic or timeless."

"Funny thing about stories, Kenny, you can make a story to suit a name if you need to."

"I can't trust Jess to get it right."

"Have Dev pick up a book of phrases or clichés or whatever he's looking for and pull some out. Then think how you can orchestrate a story involving whatever you decide on. The story can be about Jess, set the stage and let him walk into it. Dev should enjoy it, tricking Jess like that. Once you have a name, I think it'll help you pin down your image. I'm just guessing, don't quote me. Then you can stop wasting time playing under a new name every couple of months while you fight about it. You're not getting any exposure that way."

"You're really into manipulating people." Kenny frowned. He wondered again about Paul's motives – making friends with him, therefore the band, therefore Dev to get in tighter with Teri. Paul didn't need to get in tighter, he was already sleeping with her and couldn't marry her. It was as good as it got.

"Yet another helping hand I'm giving you: a real life lesson why you should be wary of businessmen and attorneys. We're very good at manipulating people, image, situations, and perception. Watch for it. And another reason psych classes might help: it's hard to play a player, Kenny.

"Now do me a favor and send the girls out, will you?"

"Putting them on the company payroll?"

"Jess has the lawn, you're off the hook because you're helping with Dev, but someone has to help with the house."

"Bryan likes to vacuum. He thinks it's Zen."

"I know. He's on my list too, but he's not here."

Kenny laughed. "Yeah. He's determined to spend some quality time with Brenda. Having a steady girlfriend cuts into his week. I'll send Cassie and Tiff your way."

○ ○ ○

"Dev, give it a rest." Kenny sighed in irritation two months later. His psych book lay open in front of him, demanding his attention. The assignment was boring, so Dev's pacing proved more distracting than usual.

"Why are you taking that stupid class anyway? Paul sits you down for a warm fuzzy chat and two days later you register at a community college?" Dev demanded, finally coming to stand behind Kenny. "He's got everyone in his back pocket."

"He presented a good argument."

"Jess? Kenny, c'mon. Jess is fine."

Kenny bit back his concern for Dev. The kid was pretty perceptive about some things, and it wouldn't help for him to find out Kenny and Paul were more concerned about him than Jess.

"Funny, I thought you were smart." Kenny smiled as he sensed Dev stiffen behind his back.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Kenny turned to look at Dev. He was growing again, taking on a stretched-out look. Next time he went to New York, Tim would probably take him shopping again.

"Dev, what do you think would happen if Jess managed to seduce Cassie?"

Dev scoffed.

"Girls are funny, Dev. Cassie thinks he's cute."

That got his attention. Of course there wasn't really any danger. Cassie might think Jess was cute, but she also thought he was an idiot. There were other cute boys for her to waste her time with. It got Dev thinking though.

"I'd kill him," Dev said through clenched teeth.

"I'll spare you the trouble. Jess goes through the girls and it has to stop. Sooner or later he's going to get in trouble." Kenny hesitated. "Dev, girls are funny, you can't tell what they're thinking. Jess doesn't know any more than anyone else really, he just knows enough to get in trouble."

"So Paul wants you to be a shrink so you can handle Jess."

"Just a few classes." Kenny shrugged. "You can help. Hang with Jess, watch how he picks up the girls."

"How's that helping?" Dev asked nervously, small beads of sweat forming on his brow.

That was fast, Kenny thought. He wasn't thinking about helping Jess when he made the suggestion, and Dev's perfectly reasonable question had him trapped. He turned back to his book.

"It said here somewhere that observation was important." Kenny grasped at the basic principles he just finished going over. Not getting in over your head should be listed there too.

"You want me to watch Jess? Like he'd let me follow him around."

That was true. Dev was four years younger than Kenny and Jess. Too young to be competition yet, but Jess instinctively knew that while Dev attracted girls, he tried to push them away too.

"Good point. I'll think about it. Listen, did you put together a list of band names?"

"Oh, yeah. I gave them to Bryan earlier. Where is he?"

"Babysitting, so to speak. Jess's voice instructor has a neighbor with twin teenage daughters. Jess said something about long black hair and blue eyes. Bryan's making sure he doesn't see any more than that."

"Rachel and Robin." Dev nodded.

Kenny looked back at Dev in surprise. "You know them?"

Dev shrugged. "Yeah, we've been in school together since about fourth grade."

"Great, I'll have you babysit Jess then. Bryan's complaining that keeping Jess from getting a new girlfriend is keeping him from spending time with his own."

"Tell him to take Brenda with him then, I'm not going near them." Dev's eyes were wide in the familiar girl-induced panic Kenny started to recognize after talking to Paul.

"But you know them," Kenny said. Dev was okay with girls he knew, so where was this coming from?

"Yeah, well, they've been hinting that they'd really like to go on a date. Except they call us a threesome."

Oh, that would do it, Kenny thought.

"Fine, you're off the hook for now." He'd mention that to Paul to see what the shrink in New York thought. Dev avoiding girls he didn't know was normal. Now the ones he did know were showing interest, and he was avoiding them too. Maybe the kid was gay.

Kenny banged his head against the desk. That would be his luck. Get a decent bass guitarist that brought the girls running, and he didn't like girls. Maybe he was gay. He dressed well, too well. He never showed an interest in guys though.

"Are you okay? If it's that big of a deal, I'll go." Dev was watching him, Kenny realized.

"Dev? You like girls, right?"

"Not particularly. They're weird, unreasonable, and even Mom admits they turn bitchy for no reason."

"Aside from that. I mean girls versus guys?"

Dev tilted his head and glared at him. "I'm not gay. I just don't want to deal with them."

"Great, wait 'til you're thirty. I understand they start to get reasonable about then."

"Mom disproves that theory." Dev leaned against the desk.

"Paul's not so bad."

"Shoulda figured you'd defend him."

"Listen, my dad's a bastard. He walked all over my mom then left her to screw his secretary. Trust me, Teri could do worse. Paul may not be your idea of father-figure material, but he takes care of Teri and makes her happy. That's all we should care about."

Dev didn't respond, and he still looked unhappy. More than before actually.

"Okay, fine. Look at it this way, in a few years you'll graduate. We can go off touring and you won't have to deal with him. For now, settle down and help me with Jess so we still have a band to go touring with."

"Fine, you do your crazy classes and I'll see if Jess will let me tag along and observe him. I'll tell him I need pick-up lines or something."

Dev walked out and Kenny didn't get more than a page read before Bryan and Jess walked in.

"Kenny." Bryan quietly sat on the edge of the desk. "Dev gave me a list of band names and I thought of one that might work."

"From the list?"

"No, but it's an idiom like most of his suggestions."

"A what?" Jess asked.

"A saying that means something different than the words in it, Jess," Bryan explained. Kenny turned to look, confirming Jess's blank expression.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," Kenny offered. "Well, maybe that one's too deep for you," he added with a grin.

"I know what it means, smart ass," Jess retorted.

"Anyway," Bryan continued, "good guess. That was the one I was thinking of. I mean with Dev's modeling and all."

Kenny smiled. "I like it. Too long though, how about just 'A Thousand Words'?"

Jess shrugged. "Whatever."

"You don't get it." Bryan smiled at Jess.

"Go somewhere else to explain it. I've got homework." Kenny waved them off.

"Sure. I'll pitch it to Dev too. He's shy and really suffering with this modeling thing. He may as well get some recognition out of it with the band name. Maybe it'll make him feel better." Bryan dragged Jess off with him to go find Dev.

Kenny sat up, stunned. Bryan mentioned Dev's shyness, but Kenny never voiced that concern. Maybe Bryan could give him a hand with the introverted child genius. Of course his girlfriend would kill him for the extra assignment. He'd have to talk to Brenda about that.

Paul was in New York again; it'd be a few days before he was back. Kenny was anxious to talk to him again and see what he thought of the new name. Despite Dev's misgivings, Kenny considered Paul to be a useful adult to have around.

# Chapter Eighteen

"Oh, Hell no!"

Dev's yelling woke Paul and Teri up. Paul saw Dev standing in the door of Teri's bedroom and, in response to the disturbance, let his hands fall away from the petite woman in bed beside him. Paul and Teri fell asleep and lost track of time, school was out.

"You tell me to be responsible and keep it in my pants, then you go off and screw the stalker? That is not cool and I don't want him here!" Dev disappeared down the hall with loud footfalls.

Out of bed and across the room before Paul even had a chance to grab a bathrobe, Teri grabbed a pair of handcuffs from a box on the dresser. She ran out the door after her son wearing only a long T-shirt.

Paul got dressed quickly and caught up to them at the top of the stairs. Teri had Dev handcuffed to the banister and stood just a few steps down from where he sat glaring. Paul wondered how she managed to force the gangly teen into handcuffs and shook his head in quiet admiration. He was glad now she'd stolen his T-shirt a few days ago and adopted it as her own. It was long and dark enough she was at least modest as she stared back at Dev. Paul knew she wasn't wearing anything under it, so he was doubly glad Dev didn't make her wrestle him to get him cuffed. He leaned back against the wall behind Dev to see how Teri was going to handle her son now that he was a captive audience.

"I can't believe you handcuffed me to the railing! You're such a bitch!"

"You're upset so I'll let that slide for now," Teri responded, letting her hands fall away from her hips. "Listen, Dev, I know it was a shock to find Paul sleeping over –"

"A shock? To find out my mother's a slut? Yeah, I'd say it was an eye-opener."

Paul stood, but Teri gave him a slight shake of her head and he held his tongue.

"Devin, be silent and listen for a moment."

"So you can talk your way out of it? Deny you're doing anything wrong?"

"No, you're right. I've always taught you and your sister to behave in a certain way: to be above the norms of society and do what's right, not what's popular. Now I'm not behaving that way myself. You have every reason to be upset. I should have seen this coming and talked to you about it a while ago."

"A while ago? How long have you been sleeping around? The stalker, Mom? Does the mail man know?"

"Out of line, Devin. Paul and I have a relationship. I've had him around the house for the past several months, letting Paul and you kids get to know each other. He's been good about taking it slow because I thought it would be better to let you get used to having him around before moving on."

"Moving on?"

"I asked Paul to move in with us, Dev."

"Live here? You're not even married. You give us this big routine –"

"Yeah, I know, abstinence and all that. I know, Dev. Here's the thing: it's unlikely Paul and I will ever get married. Not because we don't love each other or want to spend our lives together. I'd love to be able to make that commitment to him, but I can't because Paul's already married."

"What? So not only are you sleeping around, you're the other woman now? You're my mother for God's sake!"

"And you know what, Dev? I reacted pretty much the same way at first."

"And now you want to shack up with the stalker? What would Dad say?"

Teri laughed and glanced at Paul. He smiled with amusement.

"Yeah, about that ... another time, okay? Just be quiet and pay attention. Paul and I had already had a few dates when I found out he was married. You remember the breakup? I wouldn't even talk to him, so he had a hard time explaining. You remember the flowers? There were emails and letters too. Eventually I let him explain. He's married, but separated for a very long time."

"That doesn't change anything."

"Granted, but let me tell you what does. Sara, his wife, refuses to grant a divorce –"

"There are courts for that."

"I know, hush. Sara refuses to grant a divorce and the only way to get one will be to take her to court for a very nasty, very public, battle. In the process, some innocent people will be hurt, some lives ruined. Paul told me who stood to lose and I understand why he doesn't want to do it. Sara knows Paul wouldn't want to hurt some people and he would actively protect others. I can't give you details, but she's a bitch, Dev."

"So he gives you this big sob story and you just say 'okay' and hop in bed with him?"

"Actually, no. I flew down to Phoenix and met Sara."

Paul was leaning back against the wall, but sprang forward at this news.

Dev caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to glare at him.

Ignoring Dev's glare, Paul stepped forward and sat on the top step, just above and beside him. Dev glared at him more intensely, like a basilisk doing its best to kill someone who just wasn't cooperating. Paul noticed, but was more interested in what Teri had to say.

"Eyes front please, Dev, focus."

Dev reluctantly returned his attention to his mother and Teri continued.

"Paul didn't know I visited Sara. I listened to what he had to say and asked him to let me think about it. He stayed in New York to give me a little space, and I flew to Phoenix. I located Sara and met her. Initially I bumped into her at the spa she went to. We chatted, she seemed okay. Then I set up a formal meeting with her, letting her know right up front who I was. She was a very different person when we met the second time. Needless to say, she's a piece of work. I can't go into it beyond that, but I found out what I needed to."

"He was telling the truth," Dev conceded bitterly.

"Dev, I wasn't down there to check his story. I trust Paul. I knew he told me his side, I needed to see why she was doing this."

"You said it was because she's a bitch."

"Yes, but I needed to know why." Teri sighed. "Women can turn into a raging bitch at the blink of an eye, baby. I'm sorry, but it's a fact of life. Unfortunately we've all got different triggers and different reactions. Usually we're reasonable, eventually. Sometimes you'll meet those that aren't. Please don't marry one.

"Anyway, with Sara, I needed to know in particular if she was refusing the divorce because she still loved Paul and thought she could force him to make it work. I knew it was unlikely after being separated for something like twelve years, but some people are thick. That wasn't it. She's bitter. In my opinion she doesn't have a right to be, but she is. And she's determined to cause him as much pain as she can."

"And if she had told you she still loved me?" Paul asked quietly.

"We would have had a talk. That most likely would have degenerated into a knock-down, drag-out brawl. But I would have come home with a different perspective."

Paul nodded.

"But that wasn't the case, she wants to hurt Paul and isn't above destroying innocent people to do it. Someone that she loves and cares for too, by the way. So, on the flight home, I made a decision.

"I only had two choices really: to say goodbye to Paul or move on with our relationship as if Sara didn't exist. Having a partial relationship would have killed us both and I wouldn't do that. If I called the whole thing off I'd be denying any chance that Paul and I had to be happy together. I would, in effect, be her accomplice in hurting him. She's been counting on that all along. I decided I'd be damned if I would let that conniving little bitch use me like that, especially now that I knew what she was about. So, when I got home, I called Paul and invited him to dinner."

"And you just invited him to move in. No warning. No asking what Cassie and I thought about it," Dev said.

Teri sighed. "I planned on mentioning it, yes. I just got a little emotional this morning after – Well, we'll just leave it at Jess was involved. I asked Paul to stay instead of going to his place. In fairness, he was hesitant because you might not have been aware of that aspect of our relationship and he was worried about you coming home from school on time for a change. I'm pretty sure Cassie already suspects Paul and I have been sleeping together."

"How does she know?"

"Seventeen-year-old girls notice things fifteen-year-old boys don't. I wasn't sure about you because I don't know how much the other boys suspect or if they mentioned it to you. In short, I made a bad call and I'm sorry I gave you a shock."

"So he's moving in." Dev nodded his acknowledgment. He looked at Paul, still sitting silently beside him. "You're not my dad."

"Devin! Paul may not be your father, but I love him and you need to respect that. He's an adult living in this house and you will be civil and courteous and give him the same respect I expect you to give every adult I invite into this house. Are we clear?"

Dev nodded, facing the wall. He rattled his handcuffs. "Can I go now?"

Teri sighed and nodded. She started up the stairs, and Paul stood to let her pass. She grabbed his hand as she walked by, pulling him along with her. Once back in the bedroom and out of Dev's sight, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. Paul wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her tightly, kissing the top of her head.

"Well, one down. That went well, don't you think?" He smiled as she looked up at him in horror. "Don't worry, honey. You were right, Cassie already knows."

"You're sure?"

"Yes, she's been making double-edged comments for about a month now. From her tone, she isn't upset about it."

"Like what?"

"Oh, like a week ago when you were having that little emotional breakdown about catching Jess with a girl in the back seat of the Mustang, remember?"

"Yeah, you stayed all night holding me and not telling me I was overreacting. I know you were thinking it."

"Far be it from me to give you parenting advice. Anyway, I was sitting at the bar eating toast when Cassie came downstairs at six in the morning. You were fussing with the cat or something. She sat down beside me and asked if I was coming or going. Then she made an obvious point of looking at my clothes, my shirt especially being somewhat wrinkled from you crying on my shoulder, and gave me a high five."

Teri laughed.

"Hello! Still handcuffed to the railing out here!" Dev called.

Teri walked over to the dresser beside the bedroom door and Paul noticed a box lay open. A closer look revealed a pen, a medal, and a few pictures – presumably mementos from Teri's late stepfather who was an FBI agent. She pulled out a small key ring and, picking out a handcuff key, she offered it to Paul. He smiled, took the key and went to go free Dev as a peace offering.

"I'm taking a shower," Teri called down the hall.

"Don't wait for me," Paul called back over his shoulder.

"Please! I do not want to hear this!" came Dev's complaining addition.

Teri laughed as she headed to the bathroom.

Paul sat on the step beside Dev. Dev stared at the wall and held up his handcuffed wrists as far as he could.

"Dev, look at me a moment, will you?" Paul asked.

Dev let his wrists fall and turned his head so he could just see Paul in his peripheral vision. Paul sighed at his technical obedience and stood up to stand on a lower step in front of Dev.

"Dev, you and I have had a rocky time of it so far and I want to make some things clear. I realize I'm not your father, but that doesn't stop me from thinking of you as a son."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better? I heard how well things worked out with your kids."

Paul smiled; he was on familiar ground with backtalk. He ignored it and leaned forward with the key. Dev held up his wrists.

"For the record, I love your mother. I'd do just about anything to be able to marry her," Paul said as he unlocked the handcuffs and removed them from Dev's wrists.

"Are your kids moving in too? There's no room you know."

"It's unlikely you'll meet my kids anytime soon. You're still young and right now it's more important to protect you from them than introduce you."

"So you're not good with kids," Dev said. "Does Mom want to trust you with raising us then?"

"Probably not. She doesn't need me to either. I can see her having me remind you of rules already in place, but I can't see making new ones unless it's serious. She's got things pretty well in hand."

Dev looked at him, dumbfounded. "Have you been paying attention? This house is chaotic."

"You're right, although not as much as it seems on the surface. No house with six teenagers is going to run smoothly. Your mother is smart enough to accept that and let things flow with just a little guidance when needed. I would have tried to make things orderly and caused absolute turmoil and genuine chaos in the process. Your mom's much smarter than you give her credit for."

"Yeah, if you say so. Don't step on Cat, she's behind you." Dev brushed past Paul and retreated to the basement.

Paul looked to see Cat sitting quietly on the step below him. He sat and slowly reached out a hand for the gray tabby to sniff. He stopped, holding his fingers just a couple of inches away to allow her to come to him.

Cat looked up at him then stretched forward to sniff his fingers. She brushed her whiskers against him. Remaining still, Paul allowed himself a smile. Cat started to brush her whiskers past his fingers again, then stopped, bit him, and disappeared before Paul stood fully in surprise. He retreated back up the stairs, examining the bleeding puncture holes and swearing quietly.

○ ○ ○

Teri was already in the shower and Paul slid in behind her while she washed her hair. The sweet berry smell of her shampoo reminded him he needed to restock his own toiletries. Unlike Teri, Paul didn't care for his hair smelling like food. He let his eyes roam over her bare skin as he considered that edible worked for her.

"So you survived." Teri smiled as she turned to rinse the lather from her hair. Standing under the shower, the suds raced down along her body, accentuating her curves.

"The house is on my side, he'll come around. Finding out the way he did was a shock, and worthy of my parenting history over yours. I hope I'm not becoming a bad influence on you."

"Oh, stop. You knock your fatherly abilities, but to be honest, I can't see it. You were in a rough situation with your kids."

"That's kind of you to say so." Paul moved closer now that she was soap-free. "You usually wash your hair last."

"Yes."

"I missed it then? I love washing you." Paul pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He let his lips linger on hers before moving on to her cheek, then her jaw just in front of her ear. He intended to change her mind.

"I was fast. Too fast probably." Teri grinned up at him as Paul looked at her in mock horror. "I might have missed a spot."

Paul nodded and reached for her pouf and shower gel. "Then let me take care of that for you."

Teri pressed her body against his, and she giggled as she let her breasts brush against his chest. Paul added strawberry shower gel to her pouf and lathered his chest.

"I thought you were washing me," Teri protested. "I also thought you didn't care for smelling like a dessert."

Paul pulled her close, transferring the soapy bubbles from his chest to hers. "I'm experimenting. And I'm hoping the scent dissipates before I leave the shower. I don't need the boys sniffing me and making comments."

"Always self-sacrificing. That's very kind."

"Hmm." Paul kissed her again, letting his soapy hands run down her back and grab her buttocks. He slowly moved her against the wall and farther away from the stream of water so it flowed over their bodies instead of their faces.

Pulling back slightly so he could see her face, Paul marveled at how loving and peaceful Teri was. He would be worthy of her, he vowed. He'd take care of her and this family. Paul would do whatever it took to protect them from his past and give them the brightest future he could. And right now he wanted to see that peaceful expression turn to something else.

He was hesitant to pin her to the wall in her bathtub enclosure the same way he would to a regular wall. Even with textured seashells on the tub floor, it was too slippery to risk. Instead of lifting both of Teri's legs, Paul lifted just one, holding it around his thigh. The change provided enough room to maneuver, and she wasn't in danger of falling.

Leaning into her again, Paul began his run of small kisses along her neck as he positioned himself at her opening. Teri wrapped her arms tighter around him in encouragement, and he slid inside of her. She was so warm and smooth it almost took his breath away. Paul paused for a moment in appreciation before plunging into her again.

Teri moaned and Paul repeated the action. He lifted her leg higher, changing her position and giving him a better angle. It amused him to learn she was an expert at the aesthetics of the female body, but clueless about the mechanics of how intercourse worked. It didn't matter. Pleasuring her was his job, and he knew how all the intricate pieces fit and moved together.

A small change in Teri's breathing and shift in the way she held him told Paul she was progressing faster than he expected. He stopped distracting himself with other things to postpone his own reaction.

Rocking his hips in a familiar rhythm, Paul repeatedly stimulated her. Teri moaned again and pushed her pelvis forward to meet him. Paul smiled and drove into her deeper, accepting the invitation. She tightened in response, and Paul thrust hard and deep inside her. He was rewarded immediately by Teri's soft cry as her muscles contracted. The squeezing pressure on his cock was a welcome feeling as Paul allowed himself to succumb to the explosion building inside him. He pulled Teri's hips to him as he plunged deep inside her one last time.

The eruption, scalding and blinding in its intensity, drained him of energy. Paul locked his knees to brace himself and laid his head on her shoulder, softly kissing her neck, and held her while he steadied his breathing.

Eventually, Paul became aware he was running on automatic: gently kissing Teri's neck and shoulder, holding her waist to his, listening as her ragged breaths slowed to normal. From the sound of his heartbeat, it had only been a moment; he hadn't missed much, and Paul was possibly holding Teri up as well as himself.

The water on his shoulder was cooler now, they were draining the water heater, and it'd be cold soon. Teri wasn't going to appreciate that.

Keeping his curses to himself, Paul summoned the willpower and energy to stay standing. Teri still had soap on half of her as did he. Adjusting the shower, he turned up the hot water, not that it made much difference, and aimed the spray to rinse the residual soap off them both.

Teri shivered.

"Sorry, we're losing the hot water. It'll be gone in a minute, I thought you'd like to rinse now while the water's at least lukewarm," Paul explained, turning her around and rinsing the soap off her back and the wall. He reached over and turned off the water, standing just in time to find Teri snuggling into his arms. Paul smiled, keeping one arm around her while he opened the sliding tub enclosure and grabbed an oversized towel hanging from the towel bar nearby. Unfolding it, he wrapped it around Teri and put his arms back around her, holding her tight.

"Aren't you cold?" Teri asked.

Paul shook his head. "I'm fine. Let's get you dried off and into clothes."

"It's nice of you to take such good care of me," Teri said.

"I'm looking forward to spending a long time taking care of you," Paul said, sweeping Teri into his arms.

# Author's Note

Thank you for spending time with Teri, Paul, and the kids. The saga will continue as I have plans for some of these individuals. This saga is more like a soap opera than your typical romance novels and a lot of unexpected twists lay ahead.

If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a review. Indie authors love reviews – but without spoilers please. If you have questions or comments, or need to know the status on a planned book, you can contact me through my website: www.toribrooks.com

Thank you again for choosing my book to cuddle up with.

Tori

# See Also

The Genie in Your Pocket Collection:

Be Careful What You Wish For

Meet Olive (Free short story)

Make A Wish!

+

The Lexi Frost Series:

AKA Lexi Frost

Flynn's In

A Thousand Words

Never Ready

The Thousand Words Series:

Transitions

In Her Sights

A Gorgeous Mess

\+ The final book in 2015

The Death of Secrets Series:

Chrysanthemum

A'gust (ETA 2016)

Details are at www.toribrooks.com

