"Youre shivering." Bridget said to Amber. "Didnt you bring a sweater? Rick do you have something in the car?"

"I told her it might get cold by the beach." Rick said, scolding his wife.

"I know, I know but I was so warm." Amber protested. "Can I borrow one of yours Bridget?"

"Sure. Help yourself." She turned to Vincent. "Help me get coffee and dessert Hon?"

"You got it." He said, getting up and following her into the kitchen.

"Make sure its decaf!" Amber called in as she headed to the bedroom. She went to the dresser and started to open drawers, looking for something warm to put on. She found a white cashmere sweater and put it on. It fit her and she immediately felt warmer. But being the curious person she was she continued to inspect her sister in laws bedroom. Something glittering caught her eye and she leaned over. Under the bed was a mans wristwatch. "Bridget, Bridget, Bridget." She laughed. "You barely know this guy." She opened the door to the bathroom and went in. She had been there earlier but this time she inspected the medicine cabinet and vanity. As she suspected there was mens cologne, shaving lotion and razors. When she lifted the lid to the hamper she spied his underwear as well as several pairs of jeans and some tee shirts. "Does he live here?" She wondered aloud. She went back into the bedroom and quickly opened the drawers in the tall standing chest that had once housed Deacons clothes. Again she was not surprised to see it filled with mens clothing. Satisfied that she had accomplished what she wanted she went back to the table and sat down.

"Is something wrong?" Rick asked her.

"Ill talk to you about it later." She said. But in reality she had already locked it in her personal memory file, ready to pull out when the time came. And for Amber, the time always did come.

Brooke rubbed her eyes and picked up the folder that Megan had left for her. It was filled with designs for the haute couture line. Beautiful gowns for beautiful women. Brooke envied them. The women who wore these would be happy and smiling with handsome men at their sides, men who loved them and who were there for them. She knew she was destined to spend eternity alone. She sighed and flipped to the next picture. The gown was deep burgundy, cut low with a long side slit. It was one of Ridges, she knew that for sure. She didnt know what she wanted to do this one. Decisions were getting harder and harder as she had been losing interest with her work, work that had sustained her for so very long. She suddenly felt that she wasnt alone. Abruptly she looked up and found herself looking into the deepest, sexiest chocolate brown eyes she had ever seen. Bedroom eyes, her mother would have called them. She slowly took him in from head to toe. His brown hair was wavy and a strand fell almost into one of his eyes. He wore a three piece suit, obviously an Italian designer one. His shoes were shiny and spotless. Her eyes went back to his and he smiled at her.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asked him. "Perhaps you should see my assistant Megan." She suggested.

"Ah, you do not know me." He said with a throaty laugh.

"Carlos?" She asked, suddenly animated.

"Si." He smiled. "You recognized my voice."

"With all the phone calls weve exchanged lately how could I not have." She said as she got up from behind her desk and walked to him. His huge hand engulfed her small, feminine one as they shook hands in greeting. "I didnt expect you until next week at the earliest." She told him.

"Well, my son, he was going to be in Los Angeles and I decided why not take advantage and do both." He explained.

"I had no idea you had children, or even were married." Brooke said.

"I am a widower. My wife died ten years ago. My son lives in New York, but he had business here in town." He explained.

"And you never remarried." Brooke asked. Then she blushed. "Please excuse me for being so personal."

"I would expect no less Brooke." He said, flashing her a grin. She saw that he had white teeth and a smile that could lead a woman to bed. Well, most women. She decided. "Besides, we must establish a trust no?"

"Oh yes." She smiled. "Would you like me to show you around?" She asked him.

"Perhaps after dinner." He said.

"Of course, youll want to see your son." She apologized.

"I meant dinner with you. My son will be here tomorrow. Tonight I would enjoy the pleasure of your company. That is if your man will not mind."

"There is no man in my life." She said with brutal honesty. "And Im sure you could find more interesting company, but seeing you are new in town I would be honored to have dinner with you."

"Excuse me for being so blunt but I saw the headlines, the magazines. You and Ridge Forrester, Scandalous no?"

"Scandalous yes." She laughed. "That was another one of my mistakes and one of the main reasons that I called you. That was an advertising campaign that I cooked up, with ulterior motives I admit now." She said with a blush. "But it blew up in my face giving the mighty Forresters more ammunition against me. No, Carlos, there was no Ridge and Brooke, at least not this time."

Bridget looked up from her textbook and yawned. She hated English Lit and felt it was totally useless in her goal in medicine but it was part of her curriculum and she had no choice but to grin and bear it. She glanced over at Vincent who was on the couch, watching a hockey game and typing furiously in his laptop. He could whip through this assignment, she thought with a smile. She put down the book, got up, stretched and walked over to him. Wordlessly she leaned over and planted a kiss on his mouth.

"Hi." She said.

"Hi yourself. Are you done?" He asked.

"No, I dont think Ill ever be done with this. I just dont know how you do it."

"And I dont know how you can cut up dead cats." He laughed. "Can I help with anything?"

"No, Im just trying to make sense of this stupid boring story. You dont write stupid boring stories do you?" She teased as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"I hope not." He said. He typed in one last word, saved it and put his laptop down. "Wanna take a break?"

"Yes!" She shouted. She leaped over the couch and onto his lap.

"You amaze me." He said with a grin.

"You know Vincent, you really need to move in with me. I mean youre here most of the time anyway. Why should we have two places?" She ran her finger up and down his chest until he caught her hand with his own and brought it to his mouth and kissed it.

"Your family would freak Bridget, besides, I own my place outright, Im not paying rent or anything."

"You just want to have a place to escape to." She pouted.

"Do you really feel that way?" He asked her.

"Sometimes, but I was basically teasing." She said as her hand once more began its course up and down his body. This time she was more daring and she let it slip below his belt, stroking and teasing him. "Somebody wants me." She said in a sing song voice.

"I wonder who that could be?" He laughed as he flipped her over and lay on top of her. Bridget moaned feeling his desire against her stomach.

"I want you." She whispered. "I want you now Vincent."

"This is another reason I cant move in." he said.

"What? Too much sex?" She laughed.

"No, Betsy. She could walk in any moment. We have no privacy here. You know, maybe you should move in with me." He suggested.

"I could." She said. "But after all the begging I did to Betsy to get her here."

"She can stay, I dont want her too." He laughed.

"You better not." She planted a kiss on him. Reluctantly she started to get up.

"Where are you going?" He said as he caught her hand.

"Back to study."

"No way." He told her. He lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him.

Ridge was deep in thought as he stared at the drawing in front of him. Something wasnt quite right and he just couldnt seem to put his finger on it. He frowned as he held the paper sideways and then upside down.

"Unless shes a trapeze artist I doubt that is the look youll achieve." Taylor laughed as she walked up to him. She planted a kiss on his lips.

"Doc. What a pleasant surprise." He smiled.

"Surprise? Ridge, we have dinner plans. We have reservations at the club." She reminded him.

"Where is my head? Of course we do." He said with a sigh. "Ive just been having such problems with this dress. Something about it doesnt click for me."

"Can I see it?" Taylor asked him.

"Sure." He smiled and handed her the sketch. She concentrated on it for about three minutes and gave it back to him. "Its the waist. You did something like this last year and when it was cut you hated it. Remember?" She told him.

"You are absolutely right Doc. What would I ever do without you?" He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

"Youll never have to find out." She said in a sexy voice. "So do you think we can go now?"

"Sure." He said. He rubbed his neck and stretched. "What a day. Ive not had a second to myself. I really do need this evening with you."

"Why are you so busy? The Victorias showing is all set and the regular one isnt for at least a month right?" She asked him.

"Its Logan." He admitted. Taylor frowned slightly. No matter how much she tried to forget all that had happened with them it still cut her like a knife to hear her husband use that particular term of endearment for Brooke. Ridge looked at her and noticed her discomfort. "Sorry Doc, Brooke. Is that better?"

"Im sorry." She said. "It just bothers me. I know it shouldnt."

"Youre right, it shouldnt. You are my wife and I love you. Brooke is my friend Taylor, nothing more."

"Oh shes more, but I can accept that." She told him. "Anyway, what did she do now?"

"Shes back to that other Brooke." He said. "She has no life in her. It seems she cant concentrate on anything lately. Shes lost Taylor and Im worried. Not only for her but for the company."

"I can talk to her." She said as she remembered their discussion about Deacon. Brooke needed to snap out of it and move on. He was gone and he wasnt coming back. It was time Brooke dealt with the realities off it all.

"Im not so sure thats a good idea Doc. Its not like you and Brooke are friends. I think she might consider it interference and get annoyed. But I do appreciate your caring." He told her diplomatically.

"Im not her enemy Ridge. Believe it or not I do care about her and I hate to see her so down. You know sometimes its easier to talk to someone who isnt a friend. She thinks of you as one and she hasnt confided in you yet has she?"

"No, and I sure wish she would. I really think shes losing it Doc. Really losing it."

"Tonight isnt the time but maybe I can come see her tomorrow." Taylor said as she walked to the other side of his office and picked up his jacket.

"Ill trust your judgement Doc." Ridge agreed. "But maybe you can have a little preview. I need to drop some things off in her office before we leave. You can see exactly what I mean."

"Alright." She agreed.

Deacon looked up as a couple sat down at the bar. Angie was on a break and he had taken over the bar. It was mindless work to him and that was not what he needed. He needed to keep busy, to constantly think. Otherwise all his thoughts returned to the beautiful blonde that he had said goodbye to in Vegas.

"What can I get you?" He asked the man.

"Well have a couple of Cosmos." He said.

"You got it." Deacon responded. He started to mix the drinks when Angie came back from the office.

"Im back." She announced cheerfully.

"Ill finish this one." Deacon told her.

"Smile why dont you?" She said to him.

"Whats there to smile about." He responded sullenly.

"I see our talk the other day really helped." Angie said with a sigh.

"Angie, I do know what you were trying to tell me." He said and then turned to the man. "You want to start a tab?"

"Yeah." The man told him. Deacon put the two drinks in front of them and pushed a dish of nuts and pretzels over, then turned back to Angie.

"Its useless. It will never work, she outclasses me by miles." He told her.

"You sell yourself short Deacon." She shook her head. "I think youre a good man with a good heart. How do you know she isnt missing you as much as youre missing her?"

"Shes not. She was slumming. Im sure she barely gives me a thought anymore." Deacon sighed.

"I doubt that Deacon, to me youre the kind of man a woman would find very hard to forget." She said with an affectionate touch to his arm.

"Ill be in the office if you need me." He told her. She watched him saunter out of the bar to the back room and she wondered if there was any way she could help him.

Deacon sat at the old oak desk and pulled out the liquor catalogue. He switched the computer on and started to work with a diligence that no one who knew him would ever expect. He had been at it hard for about an hour when the phone rang.

"Sharpe." He said into the receiver.

"Hey Deacon. Hows in going?" A familiar voice asked.

"Edison, whats shakin?" Deacon asked. "Why are you calling me here? Is it about the trial?"

"Actually it may be. It seems that your lady called you."

"Brooke?" Deacon gasped. He was in shock. Why would Brooke be calling him?

"Yeah, it was her. She talked to Lonnie. He put a note on my desk but it got covered up. I just found it today Deac. I dont know what she wanted but I thought youd want to know."

"Thanks Edison, thanks." Deacon said. He was shaking as he hung up the phone. Brooke called him. Why? What did she want? What could she possibly want? He got up and paced the room. He didnt know what to do. He could call her but he didnt know what to say. Should he go to her? Her face formed in front of his eyes again and he wanted her. He wanted to see her, to possess her, to love her. Confused and unsure he saved his order on the PC and went out to the bar again. Quickly he poured and downed two shots of cheap whiskey. Angie watched in curiously. He saw her eyes on him and poured a third shot.

"What?" He asked rudely.

"I could ask you the same thing. You look like youve seen a ghost. What happened to you Deacon?"

"I gotta go." He said. "I gotta leave, I cant deal with this. Shell find me and if she does Ill never be able to let her go. Im sorry Angie but I have to leave."

"Leave? Are you quitting?" She asked him.

Holding onto his wives hand Ridge walked past a protesting Megan into Brookes office.

"Hey Lo, uh Brooke I just wanted to." He started but his jaw dropped and he was speechless when he saw that Brooke was standing next to a man he had hoped to never see again. Carlos Caicedo was standing inside Forrester and it was obvious that he was an invited guest.

"Ridge." Brooke said. "What can I do for you?"

"What the hell is he doing here?" He said as his eyes turned dark and angry.

"Hello Ridge." Carlos said pleasantly. "This must be your lovely wife." He said to them. He walked up to Taylor, took her hand and kissed it in the European manner. Taylor smiled, blushed and quickly looked away. Brooke frowned as she saw her reaction.

"I asked you a question Caicedo." Ridge practically spit out at him.

"Carlos came because I asked to see him. And to excuse Ridges rude manners, this is his wife Taylor." Brooke said, dismissing Ridge and the conversation. "Now if you dont have anything else to say we were on our way out."

"You cant go out with him Logan!" Ridge shouted.

"The days of you telling me what I can and cant do are long over Ridge." She turned to Taylor. "Perhaps you can control your husband."

"Yes Ridge, maybe we should go." Taylor said, pulling at his hand.

"Why is he here Brooke?" Ridge demanded, ignoring his wife who was trying desperately to get him to leave the office.

"Like I said Ridge, hes here because I asked him to come. Now you and Taylor go on, I can handle this myself. Youll find out what this is all about in due time." Brooke turned to Carlos. "Im really starved, shall we go?"

"Of course Brooke." He said. He took her arm and started to lead her out of the office. Before they exited he turned once more to Taylor and Ridge. "It was good to see you Ridge and nice to meet you Taylor."

Again Taylor blushed as Ridge turned crimson with anger. Carlos laughed and led Brooke out.

"Ridge why didnt we leave?" Taylor demanded.

"What the hell does Brooke want with him?" Ridge said angrily.

"I dont know Ridge, maybe shes dating him. Lets just go to dinner." Taylor begged.

"I dont like this, I dont like this one bit. Why the hell does she want that Latin Casanova around here Doc. Is she trying to cause problems? He doesnt belong in Forrester in the first place, let alone here in the states." He said in an accusing voice.

"Im sure that isnt the case. Why would Brooke want to cause problems for Forrester? How do you know this man?" Taylor said.

"Hes a vulture. He came into Forrester International and tried to change things without Dad even knowing. Brooke should know better."

"Ridge." She said calmly as she took his hand. "Are you sure that this isnt a bit of your old jealousy showing? I mean he is a handsome man. Perhaps you dont like seeing Brooke moving on?"

"Do you think he was the guy in Vegas?" He asked her.

"No." She answered far too quickly. Ridge looked at her questioningly.

"You know something. You know something about what happened in Vegas dont you Doc? You have to tell me." Ridge demanded.

"I dont know anything Ridge. But you know you would have known if this Carlos was in town if you hate him as much as you seem to. Leave it alone, its not our business who Brooke is with."

"Forrester is our business and if Brooke is going to bring him into the picture I see nothing but problems." He growled.

"Lets forget all about Brooke and Carlos and even Forrester tonight and go and have a nice evening." Taylor said softly.

Carlos opened the car door and helped Brooke in. She smiled brightly at his gentlemanly behavior. It was so rare in this day and age. She waited until he got in next to her before speaking.

"Carlos, I am so sorry about Ridge. I had no idea he would be coming into my office." Brooke apologized. "He was rude and he had no reason to be. I just hope things change, well, theyll have to wont they?"

"Ill make sure of it Brooke. No one will undermine the things you have done as long as I am around." He assured her.

"I really am not worried about that. I just, well, Ridge is so important creatively. I couldnt jeopardize that and as for Eric. Hes tired Carlos." She explained as he started the engine.

"Well be fine Brooke, you can count on that." He told her with confidence.

"Ive made so many mistakes Carlos. My life doesnt seem like my own anymore. This is the only choice I have now." She sighed and rested her head on the seatback.

"Are you going to tell me about this man Brooke?" Carlos asked.

"No. Its over. No one ever needs to know now. There was a moment when I thought it could work, I wanted it to work so badly but now I know it wasnt meant to be. It will always be a special memory for me but thats all it can be now. So I need this. I need it to get back to being Brooke Logan again. The strong and independent Brooke Logan."

"I admire the Brooke Logan that I see in front of me now." Carlos told her.

"I wish I did Carlos." She said sadly.

Taylor looked across the table at her husband. He seemed so deep in thought. She was concerned and yet annoyed. Even when she wasnt part of their lives Brooke seemed to insinuate herself between them. Taylor reached for his hand and squeezed it. Ridge looked up at her and smiled.

"Im sorry. Seeing Caicedo spoiled my mood." He explained.

"Why does he bother you so Ridge? He seems nice."

"I just never trusted him Doc. When Dad hired him for International I had a gut feeling about him and usually Im right about that."

"Has he done any damage?" Taylor asked him.

"Hes too ambitious. Hes taken control of too many things over there and Dad and Brooke are blind to it. I worry that he may try some corporate take over. In fact maybe thats why hes here. I just wish she didnt trust him. I dont know why she does. I didnt even know that she knows him." He picked up his martini and took a sip. "Im sorry Doc but this isnt working for me. I wanted this to be a special, romantic evening and I know Im spoiling it."

"Just put them out of your head Ridge. Hes not going to pull one over on Brooke, you and your father wont let her. She trusts you both, she always comes to you both. Ridge please, lets not let them ruin our night." She begged him.

"Okay Doc, okay." He said. "Ill put them both out of my mind and concentrate on my beautiful wife. How does that sound to you?"

"Heavenly." She smiled. "You know Ridge, when you asked me to go out tonight you said you had a surprise for me. Are you going to tell me?"

"A surprise?" He asked her. "Oh, yeah. Doc Im sorry, everything is all messed up and its just not the right time." He fiddled with the small jewelry box in his pocket. He had planned on giving it to her and asking her a very important question. Now, thanks to Caicedo tonight was spoiled.

"Not the right time for what? Im your wife. Please dont keep secrets from me."

"I just wanted this to be happy and romantic Doc. My head is still swimming with Carlos Caicedo showing up. Can this wait till later?" He asked.

"I wont push you Ridge, but I am disappointed that once more Brooke Logan and her shenanigans can come between us." She said with a pout.

Brooke pushed her half-eaten plate away from her. "I cant."

"Was something wrong with it? Ill call the waiter." Carlos told her.

"No, I just lost my appetite." She said apologetically. "Carlos, what I told you tonight about Deacon."

"It will forever stay between us." He assured her. "But Brooke, let me just say one last thing and then Ill forever close the subject."

"All right." She said softly.

"True love doesnt come along all that often. Youve experienced it with Ridge and possibly with Thorne. You need to decide if this is real with Deacon, because if it is you dont want to toss it aside. Believe me Brooke, love is something to be cherished and nurtured at all costs. Your daughter will not be happy but in time I believe she would come to understand. You never intended to hurt her. And you do say she has moved on."

Bridget reached for the alarm and shut it off. She rolled over and put her arms around Vincent and gave him a kiss. "Morning." She muttered with a groan.

"Morning sunshine." He said cheerfully.

"Damn." She laughed. "How can you be such a morning person? I swear I cant function without my coffee."

"I love the morning, It means a new day, new beginnings and more kisses." He said as he pulled her close and kissed her again. He looked over at the clock. "How many times did you hit the snooze button?"

"Five." She said.

"You have less that fifteen minutes to get to your class Bridget."

"Im cutting it. I hate that class, its so stupid." She said.

"Youre so bad Bridget. You know you cant graduate without those credits. Come on and get dressed and go." He said, trying to persuade her.

"Id rather stay here and make love with you." She said as she snuggled into his arms.

"You know Id like that too, but I have a lecture that I dont want to miss." He said. "We could come back this afternoon. Maybe have a picnic in bed?" He suggested.

"I have a lab." She moaned. "Why does school have to get in the way of everything?"

"Did you have this much problem with school when you were married to Deacon?" He asked her.

"Deacon who?" She giggled as she reached into his pajama bottoms.

"Bridget we cant." He laughed.

"Oh yes we can." She said as she inched her way down the bed. His eyes widened in wonder and shock and then pure joy as she freed him and took him inside her mouth.

"Arent you going into work?" Taylor asked Ridge when she found him at the kitchen table with the kids. It was two weeks since their disappointing dinner in the private dining room at the club. He still hadnt told her whatever his surprise was. He had come home from work surlier each day. He attributed it to Brooke and her refusal to explain Carlos presence. But she had set him up in a prime office and given him a secretary. He had complained to Eric and Stephanie, who agreed with him but advised him to take a wait and see attitude. He was tired of waiting.

"Why bother Doc. Logan doesnt seem to need me anymore. She had Caicedo in her office all day long and then she leaves with him each night. I dont think Ive had more than three sentences with her in two weeks." He complained.

"Is she ignoring your contributions?" Taylor asked with concern.

"Not exactly. She sends comments back through Megan. She seems to love the designs."

"And the showings? Are they delayed?"

"No, everything is on schedule, but something is up and I want to know what that is."

"Maybe I was wrong that first day. Maybe she is romantically involved with him." Taylor suggested.

"I dont like that either Doc." He said.

"Ridge!" She said sternly.

"No, its not like that. I dont mean it like Im jealous. But hes sleazy and underhanded and she needs to stay away from that type. I cant believe Im even saying this but I sure wish that she and Thorne would make up."

"I think its a little late for that honey." Taylor told him. "Isnt Thorne dating that lawyer?"

"One or two dates, but I dont think its all that serious. Maybe they could give it another go. They could do worse."

"Go get ready and go to work Ridge. Dont let Brooke and this man upset you. This is your familys company and its up to you to protect that. If this Carlos is trying to move in then you have to keep an eye on him."

"Youre right Doc." He said reluctantly. "But somehow I just cant seem to get the desire to go in. Maybe Ill work from home today. I can deal with him tomorrow." Both Ridge and Taylor turned at the sound of the phone. "Now who can that be?" Ridge wondered.

Los Angeles, home again. Deacon thought as he drove into town. He had bought a car, an old blue beat up Chevy. But it ran and it was getting him where he needed to be and most importantly the air-conditioning worked well. He had left Phoenix and started to drive east without a destination in mind, after two days of drifting he knew that this was not what he wanted. Brooke had called him, she wanted something. He had picked up the phone on more than one occasion but he knew this had to be dealt with face to face. Now all he had to decide was if he should approach her at home or at Forrester. He was tired of sneaking but he knew he had to protect her at all costs. He needed to think. The old biker bar at the beach might be the place. He hung a quick U-turn and headed for the refuse that he needed.

"Do any of you know what this is about?" Thorne asked Ridge and his parents as he walked into the conference room at Forrester Creations.

"All I know was I had planned on working at home when Megan called and told me Brooke had called an emergency meeting." Ridge said. "Do you think that theres a problem with Victorias?"

"No way." Thorne said. "I was on the phone with their supplier when Megan buzzed me. No bro, that one is all set. And as for the haute couture line, well I just heard from the hotel in Paris. Were all confirmed. I havent a clue what this is about."

"It has something to do with that vulture." Stephanie said angrily.

"And which vulture would that be mother?" Thorne asked.

"Caicedo." Ridge supplied.

"Brookes been dating him." Thorne said.

"I dont think so." Ridge said. "I asked Rick if he had seen them socially at all and he said no."

"Rick doesnt know all his mothers bed partners." Stephanie frowned. "But I also spoke to Amber about him. She hasnt even met him. No, Brooke would be flaunting him in everyones faces if they were involved."

"Perhaps we should wait for Brooke and stop the speculating." Eric suggested.

"That would be a wonderful idea." Brooke announced as she walked in followed by Megan. "Shall we begin?"

"Logan, whats going on? Youve been holed up in your office for weeks. This isnt like you." Ridge said.

"No, it isnt. But I dont really know what is like me these days Ridge." She told him. "Please, everyone sit."

With murmurs and questioning muttering they all took their seats. "Coffee anyone?" Brooke asked.

"Lets just cut to the chase." Ridge said.

"Fine." She agreed. "Ridge, you better than anyone know that things havent exactly been normal for me. You and your wife have both commented on my behavior. I know Ive been moody and less than receptive lately."

"Is something wrong Brooke?" Thorne asked with genuine concern.

"Yes and no Thorne." She told him. "Things have happened in my life, things that I have no intention of elaborating on. But things that have prevented me from giving this company and my responsibilities all the attention that they deserve."

"Brooke?" Ridge asked. "Are you ill?"

"No Ridge, Im not ill. Not in the way you think anyway. But Im just not really all I could be. Thats why Ive made a decision."

"And what is that Brooke?" Eric asked.

"Im going to be taking a sabbatical." She announced to the stunned room.

"But the showings." Ridge stammered. "Logan theyre counting on you, especially with the Victorias show. How long are you going to be away?"

"What is the contingency plan?" Thorne added.

"Brooke, take all the time you need." Eric said to her. "Ridge and I will take care of things here. You neednt worry about a thing while youre away."

"Oh I know that Eric." Brooke said with a smile. "I am leaving Forrester in completely capable hands."

Eric beamed and looked at his wife and his children. "Would you like to go over anything with me before you leave?" He asked Brooke.

"Oh Eric, Im afraid youve misunderstood me." She said. "You are Ridge are so important. You are the creative force behind this company and I cant for a moment jeopardize that."

"You wouldnt be Logan. We ran this company before you and we can run it while youre away." Ridge said with a frown. He looked over at Eric with a scared expression on his face.

"I have no doubts of that Ridge, but Ive made other arrangements. Megan." Brooke said. Her assistant got up and opened the door. She quickly reentered with the smiling handsome newcomer. "Gentlemen, Stephanie, in my absence the person who will be in charge of Forrester is Mr. Carlos Caicedo. Please make him welcome." She announced.

Hours later Brooke and Carlos were standing in the parking lot together. "It didnt go quite as badly as I imagined." Brooke said.

"I cannot imagine what you expected then." He laughed. "I was afraid Ridge would pull a knife on me."

"Hell be okay." She said. "I meant what I said Carlos, Ridge is too important to the creative side of this company. I cant pull him in two directions. Hes mad now but hell get over it. Besides, its not like Im leaving forever. I can count on you to follow all my wishes cant I?"

"You know you can Brooke." He said. "You know, after spending so much time together these past weeks I am saddened that you are leaving."

Fortified with several beers and a shot or two Deacon was more determined than ever to see Brooke. He looked at the clock on the dashboard and decided Brooke would still be at Forrester.

"Its now or never Deacon." He said aloud. "Go and claim that woman of yours." He pushed down on the accelerator and headed to the building where the woman he loved would be.

"Ill miss you Carlos. Youve become a true friend to me." Brooke smiled.

"And I will miss you too. But as you say, it will not be forever and perhaps when you return." He left the rest unsaid. Brooke smiled and blushed.

"Maybe Carlos. But I really dont want to think about the future or love or anything like that. I just need to get away and forget him." Her eyes pooled with tears. "Oh God Carlos, how will I ever forget a man that Ive grown to love more than any other man in my life?"

"Are you sure this is what you want Brooke?" He asked her.

"No, its not what I want, its what has to be."

Carlos pulled her gently into his arms. Almost shocking them both his mouth covered hers in a kiss. Brooke closed her eyes and gave into it, relishing being cared for and desired and wishing so badly that the arms around her belonged to Deacon Sharpe. Neither of them noticed the blue Chevy that had just pulled into the lot or the man who pounded his fist against the dashboard crying "Noooo" within the closed windows. And before the kiss ended he had turned and driven out.