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"I cant believe you finally agreed to come out with us and have some fun, girl!" Tamara Donaldson said to her fellow model and friend, Christy Barlow. A few of the models from Forresters met at least once a month at one of Los Angeles trendiest night spots. Tonight, they were meeting at the Lair.

Christy and Tamara were waiting to be joined by two other Forrester models; Kia Yoki and Maribel, just Maribel.

Christy gave a slight smile. It was true her friends often asked her to join them, but she never would. It wasnt as if she didnt enjoy their company or having fun at a bar; she did. The simple truth was, that for the last year, her nights were strictly reserved for Ridge Forrester.

"Hey, you arent listening to me." Tamara accused loudly, trying to be heard over the music.

"Im sorry, Tamara, I was just thinking." Christy confessed.

"Well, stop it! Youre suppose to be having fun. Have you even noticed that guy standing over at the bar? Hes been checking you out since we got here."

Christy looked to see who Tamara was referring to and indeed, there was a tall blond man standing at the bar looking directly at her. She quickly looked away, not wanting to encourage his interest.

"Hes not my type," Christy said playfully. In her mind, she saw the strikingly good looking man she loved; Ridge. She wasnt interested in finding anyone else.

"Girl, I can see from here that hes gorgeous" Tamara replied.

"Then why dont you go for it. You cant tell from this distant if hes looking at me or you." Christy encouraged her friend.

"No way. I have my eye on that tall good looking brother over there." Tamara admitted.

Christy recognized Bryant Shaw of the Los Angeles Lakers. She could see why Tamara was interested in the basketball player, but she didnt hold out much hope of Tamara breaking through the entourage that floated around him. Well, if anyone could, Tamara could, Christy thought to herself.

________

Michael Darcy couldnt take his eyes off the two beautiful women sitting across the room from him, especially the blond. When the she looked over at him, he recognized the dismissive look she sent him. Normally, he would have taken the hint and looked elsewhere, but there was something intriguing about this one; an odd mixture of shyness, sensuality, and sadness.

He wasnt a conceited, but he recognized a long time ago that his cool good looks appealed to a lot of women. At 63, 185 pounds, he knew he was impressive. Add to that a taut fit body with zero body fat, a face that one paramour described as devilishly handsome, blond hair with sparkling blue eyes, he presented a complete package. It didnt seem to matter to the women who found him attractive that his nose had been broken during a fight when he was much younger and he was left with a small bump. They were convinced that the slight imperfection only enhanced his male beauty.

Michael watched as two more women joined the blond at the table. Of course, they were equally as beautiful, but Michael had made up his mind who he wanted; and he had every intention of getting her too.

Putting his drink on the bar, he made his way through tables and people who were milling around the club. His stride purposeful, Michael kept his eye on the table full of beautiful women, as he made his way over to their table.
________

Deacon led Brooke into the dark beach house; removing his lips from hers only long enough to close the door behind them. Reaching for her once more, he didnt bother to turn on the lights; instead, his large hands spanned Brookes narrow waist, as he brought her body close to his own.

Brooke groaned when she felt Deacons enormous erection pressed against her bare stomach. She found it hard to breath, as Deacon continued to make love to her mouth. His tongue darted into her mouth, engaging hers in a lovers duel. Running his hands up and down the back of her thighs, he cupped her buttocks and rocked his hips back and forth, letting her know what he wanted, what he needed.

"God, I want you so****ing bad," Deacon exclaimed, as he removed his mouth from hers when the need to breathe became overwhelming. Looking at her as though mesmerized, Deacon whispered throatily, "You are so beautiful."

Brooke shuddered at the gravelly sound in his throat, her eyes half closed as Deacons words seduced her further still. "I shouldnt be here", she whispered softly as a glimmer of reason tried to make itself known in her erotically soaked brain.

"Why? You want me Brooke, and God knows, I want you." For emphasis, Deacon again rocked his hips back and forth. Brooke gasped as she felt the answering throb deep within her body.

Turning away from the patio window, Deacon gently guided Brooke through the dark to his bedroom. When Brooke saw the moon swathe bed, she stopped short in her tracks.

"III cant do this. Its not right." she said, moving back. When she made contact with Deacons hard body, she held herself stiffly.

"You cant do what?" Deacon arms encircled Brooke from behind. Once again, she felt his pulsating erection pressing into her. Trying to fight off the power this man apparently had over her, Brooke tried to turn to face him, but Deacon kept her clasped to him.

"No, dont. Stay like this." He demanded huskily. "Do you know how much I want you, baby? As he talked, Deacons lips caressed the lob of her ear, at the same time, his large hands moved up until he was cupping her breast, her nipples already puckered with her need. "You have beautiful breasts, Brooke. I want to suck your nipples until you come. I want to watch your face as you lose control of your body. Then I want to plunge myself"

"God, stop it! Youre not being fair." Brooke said in a ragged whisper, trying to drag air into her air starved lungs.

"I am not interested in being fair." Deacon admitted. "The only thing Im interested in is getting you on that bed and****ing you until you can think of no one but me!"

Mesmerized, Brooke allowed Deacon to lead her to the bed. Shivers of anticipation ran down her spine as she again became lost in the sensuous fog that afflicted her every time she was in his presence.

Trying one last time to release herself from the intense sexual heat that gripped her, Brooke stopped at the very edge of the bed. "I"

"Sssssshhhh, dont say anything." Deacon whispered huskily. As he gently lowered her to his bed, where he had dreamed of having her ever since they met.

Getting on the bed beside her, Deacon slid an arm around her bare waist, pulling her against him, and he bent his head and kissed her deeply. Brooke wanted to struggle, but she couldnt and instead drowned in the delight of it, parting her lips, taking his tongue as it teased hers. His other hand cupped her breast, fingers sliding over the knit top she wore, feathering her nipples through the thin top and barely there bra. Brooke wrapped both arms around Deacons neck, pressing her mound against his rigid erection, as he stroked his tongue with hers, silently telling her what he wanted.

"God," Deacon gasped. "I have got to have you now."

As if the sound of his harsh voice woke something up in her, Brooke became aware of her surroundings. Her mind was flooded with memories of Thorne and their struggle to become man and wife. She couldnt throw it all away for sex, Brooke thought.

Arms that were once around Deacons neck, holding him close, now pushed him away. Brooke caught Deacon by surprise and she was able to push him off her and hurriedly got off the bed.

"Im sorry I let this go this far, but I cant" she cried. She quickly turned and left the bedroom, leaving a stunned Deacon wondering what happened.

"Damn it!" Deacon muttered. "Brooke, wait!" he called out. Getting off the bed, Deacon ran into the living room, just as Brooke opened the door.

"Please, I have to leave here now!" Brooke protested when Deacon grabbed her arm.

Pressing his body close to hers, Deacon closed the door and whispered fiercely in her ear. "God, baby!" he groaned. "Id like nothing better than to take you in that bedroom and**** you all night long." Deacon felt Brookes body react to the graphic word he used. He continued. "I want you so bad I can taste it." Deacon turned Brooke to face him.

"Deacon, dont. This cant happen." Brooke pleaded, holding him off by pressing her hands into his chest.

"I know, but thats what I want to do Brooke." Deacon said. "Ill settle for talking. Please," Deacon pleaded. "Dont go."

"II dont think I should stay, Deacon."

"I promise, nothing but talking."

Brooke found it hard to say no to him, especially when she looked into his big blue/green eyes.

"Ok, for a little while."

"Thanks. How about some coffee?" When Brooke nodded her agreement, Deacon quickly busied himself in the small kitchen, while Brooke walked back into the living room. She wondered if she was doing the right thing.
________

Stephanie walked Jonathan to the door. Never a dull moment at the Forresters, Jonathan thought. All in all, he was pleased that he was no longer a part of an illegal act.

"Thank you for coming, Jonathan. Im sorry for what happened here tonight." Stephanie said.

"No need to apologize Stephanie. Im only sorry things didnt turn out the way you hoped." Jonathan fabricated easily.

Jonathan kissed Stephanie on the cheek. "You must call if there is something I can do for you." He advised.

"Of course, Jonathan, and thank you again." Stephanie closed the door behind Jonathan. She turned to face Eric, who just happened to be looking directly at her from across the room. Stephanie made short work of getting to Erics side.

"Eric, I can not believe you allowed this to happen!" Stephanie said, the anger coursing through her unbridled. "You see what that woman has done to her own son and Amber." She said, pointing to Rick and Amber.

"Brooke is looking out for our son, Stephanie. She only did what we both should have done the first time. I should never have allowed my son to marry thatthatgirl!" Eric whispered fiercely.

"What do you mean?" Stephanie asked incredulous. "She was pregnant with your grandchild!"

"Was she? How do you know? Thanks to Amber well never know if that was Ricks son or Raymonds"

"It wasnt Ambers fault that she lost the baby, Eric."

"Maybe, maybe not." Eric conceded. "At this point Im not inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt. If Amber wasnt so intent on hiding the fact that the baby could have been Raymonds, the child may have survived. Instead, she chose to give birth in the middle of the desert for Gods sake."

"If this is how you felt about her then why on earth were you going to pay a million dollars to help her keep the baby?"

Eric was silent for a moment. Stephanie certainly asked a valid question, one he didnt think he had a satisfactory answer to. He had done so many things wrong when it came to Bridget and Rick. He all but gave up his paternal responsibilities to Ridge, he ignored them until there were problems, but most of all he thought, he let outside influences dictate how he dealt with his kids. Well, no more, Eric thought. He probably would find himself disagreeing with Brooke more often than not, but from now on, it would be very clear who Rick and Bridgets parents were.

"I wasnt paying the money to get Eric for Amber, Stephanie. I was doing it to get my son back. To make up for things that I hadnt done in the past for him. I now see that I went about it in the wrong way." Eric said quietly, almost to himself.

"What are you mumbling about" Stephanie asked, quickly losing patience with Eric.

"Nothing you would understand, Stephanie." Eric looked across the room where Rick still held the sobbing Amber in his arms. He now realized that in his zest to make up for not being there for Rick, he had gone to an extreme no parent should ever go. Deciding to pay Deacon for little Eric would be a decision he would regret for a long time. His task now was to make Rick understand why he and Brooke had given him the ultimatum they had tonight.
________

Rick held Amber in his arms. His own tears had dried up in the face of his parents ultimatum. There was no way that he could continue college and support a wife. And even if he and Amber could find work, it would never be enough to live in a half way decent apartment, afford school, or any of the other everyday expenses they would incur.

"Amber, dont cry. Well find a way to get Eric back!" Rick said determinedly.

"How? How will we get him back, Rick? Thanks to your mother, well never see our son again!" Amber cried piteously.

Rick said nothing. He couldnt deny what Amber said. His mother never once thought about what this would do to him. She knew how close he was to little Eric, and she arranged for him to be taken away with virtual strangers.

Rick looked over at Eric and Stephanie, embroiled in a heated argument. Taylor and Ridge were milling around the room, giving every impression of suffering from shock.

"Come on Amber. Lets go back to the cottage." Rick held Amber close to him as they left the room. Rick was convinced that his father would not throw him out penniless if he married Amber. Maybe tomorrow I can talk to dad and straighten this whole thing out, Rick thought.

________

"Can you believe this?" Taylor asked Ridge.

"No, Doc, I cant. I dont know what just happened here." Ridge looked over to his parents, who were still in a heated conversation. "I only hope mom and dad can survive this."

"I can not believe Im saying this, but I have to agree with Brooke and your father." Taylor whispered, not wanting to take a chance that Stephanie would overhear her. "Your mother should let Eric and Brooke deal with this situation or it could risk their own marriage."

"I know and I agree." Ridge said while watching his mother and father exchange verbal blows. "I dont understand what my mother sees in Amber of all people."

"Ridge, we may have to allow for the possibility that your mother" Taylor hesitated.

"What?" Ridge prompted.

"I hate to say this and I hope it isnt true, but your mother may be supporting Amber and Ricks marriage as a way to get back at Brooke."

"Come on Taylor. Mother wouldnt do something like that."

"Maybe not consciously, but unconsciously perhaps. God knows Brooke has insinuated herself on your family for years. Unconsciously, Stephanie may view Amber as a sort of payback for all the times that Brooke has made her life miserable. " Taylor suggested.

"But how can you compare Brooke, a woman who had a college education and working by the time she and I met, to a girl like Amber. I doubt if Amber has even completed high school. Besides, dont forget that Amber took advantage of an underage Rick."

Taylor was taken aback. She hadnt expected such a staunch defense of Brooke from Ridge. "Ridge, I am only suggesting an explanation that might explain Ambers appeal to someone like Stephanie. As you say, Brooke is no Amber, but it is clear that regardless of her faults, Stephanie prefers Amber to Brooke."

"You may be right, Taylor." Ridge agreed quietly as he watched his parents going at each other. "Lets break this up before they say something theyll both regret."
________

Bridget nervously paced back and forth in front of the couch. Now that the moment was at hand, Bridget wondered if she should just forget about the whole thing. After all, what good could talking do really, she thought. It wasnt as if her mom and Thorne would divorce because a couple of kids in school were giving her a bad time.

Bridget loved her brother and she didnt like treating him so badly. In fact, before Thorne and her mother became romantically involved, she and Thorne had gotten closer than they ever had before. After Ridge left her mother to be with Taylor, Thorne sort of stepped in and filled a void that Ridge could no longer fill and her father wouldnt for reasons known only to him.

"Ok Bridget, I have the popcorn and soda." Thorne said as he bounded into the room from the kitchen. He could hear himself talking too loud and fast, nervous at the thought of talking with his fourteen-year-old sister. He sat down in one of the chairs across from the couch. He silently counted to ten, trying to calm his nerves.

"Thanks for staying home to talk to me," Bridget said quietly. She sat across from Thorne on the couch. "I know that Ive been nasty to you lately, but"

"Its ok." Thorne quickly reassured the teenager.

"No, it isnt, ok. You didnt deserve to be treated that way and Im sorry." Bridget stopped for a moment, not quite sure how to say what had to be said, "Its just that" Bridget looked shyly up at Thorne.

Thorne watched as Bridget struggled to find the words to express herself. Not wanting to spook her, he waited patiently for to continue.

"Its what, honey?" Thorne prompted gently after a moment.

"ItIIts just weird!" Bridget finally got out in a rush. "You, mom, Dad, Ridge, its all so sick and the kids talk about it. They call my mother horrible names and laugh about her being married to a father and his sons!"

Thorne was surprised but not shocked by what Bridget said. After all, he heard the jokes and snickers too. He recalled once when he came upon two Forrester employees discussing his marriage to Brooke. When the two employees realized that they had been overheard, they immediately stopped talking and were embarrassed and scared. Although tempted to say something to them, Thorne thought it best to ignore them. In his wildest dreams, he never thought Bridget would get teased in school because her mother married him.

"IHHoney," Thorne was unable to get the words out past his dry lips. "Im so sorry. I didnt know." He finally managed to croak out.

"I know you didnt. No one knew." Bridget admitted, tears falling down her cheek. "They say things about you and dad and Ridge, but not the awful things they say about my mother."

"Bridget, I wish there was something I could do. If it helps any, I do love your mother and she loves me."

"Ridge said he loved her too and look what happened!" Bridget snapped out. "He walked out on her and he never came back. He said he was going to be there for us but he didnt care because he had Thomas."

Thorne watched Bridget become more agitated, the tears flowing freely down both cheeks. He was frustrated because he just didnt know what to do. He had no experience when it came to dealing with teenagers.

Going on instinct alone, Thorne stood up and walked over to where Bridget sat. Sitting down next to her, Thorne tentatively reached out and brushed the hair from her face, the tears causing the strains to stick to her face. He pulled her close until her lay on his shoulder, his hand caressed her hair, soothing her.

"Is that what you think I will do, sweetheart, leave your mother?" He asked softly.

Thorne felt her head move up and down. For the first time he truly understood her animosity toward him. She thought he would do as Ridge had. She thought that he would abandon them.

"Bridget, I love your mother. No, wait please. Let me finish." He said in response to her body stiffening. Bridget lifted her head and nodded for Thorne to go on.

"Your mother is my best friend, Bridget. We never meant to fall in love, but we did. I hate what youre going through, and I wish I could make it stop. I can tell you to ignore those kids, but I know doesnt help much." Thorne admitted. He never felt so impotent in his life. He watched as Bridget mustered a small smile at his last comment.

"I was there for your mom when Ridge left and I know what that did to her. I tried to be there for you too, but I know it wasnt the same." Thorne looked down, not certain how to say what had to be said next. The last thing he wanted to do was put down Ridge to Bridget, but he had to make it clear that he wasnt Ridge.

"Bridget, Ridge and I are different. All I want for the rest of my life is to be with your mother. I want us to be a familytogether. I promise you that I wont leave you or your mother." Thorne knew he should not have made Bridget such a promise, after all, tomorrow is promised to no one, but he understood that it was something she had to hear. Bridget had to know that he would be there for her mother and for herself.

Thorne closely watched the expressions that flew across Bridgets face. He could tell that he made some inroads, but the wounds his brothers leaving made were deep. It was a start for them, and at least, they were talking.
________

Tamara felt Christy stiffen beside her and turned to ask her what was wrong. Thats when she saw him. The man from the other side of the bar was walking towards them with determination; his eyes only on Christy.

Kia and Maribel noticed the sudden quiet at the table and turned to see the man approach their table.

"Good evening, ladies." He said, his deep voice resonating above the loud music playing in the club. "Can I buy you a drink?" Michael asked the table.
While he spoke to all of them, it was quite apparent that he only had eyes for Christy. Christy swallowed nervously. His blue eyes were mesmerizing. As if by magic, a waitress appeared out of no where and made short work of taking their drink order.

"Would you like to dance?" Michael asked Christy just as the music changed to a romantic ballad. Christy felt as if she couldnt refuse, so she found herself being led to the dance floor, while her friends looked on.

Michael held Christy close to him. The music seemed to infuse them as Michael led Christy expertly across the dance floor. Being held so close to him, Christy could feel the taut body that was hidden underneath his clothes. It was too bad that she wasnt looking to get involve with anyone, otherwise

"My name is Michael Darcy. Whats yours?"

"Christy Barlow."

"Its good to meet you Christy. Im glad we met tonight." As he spoke, Christy found herself looking at his lips. Lips that hinted at a sensuous nature. So intent on watching his lips move, Christy missed what he said next.

"Excuse me?" She asked, because she knew she didnt hear what she thought she heard.

"I said, Im glad I met you tonight since you and I will be lovers soon."

"Does that line work on anyone?" she asked sarcastically.

"I wouldnt know. I dont usually go around talking like this." Michael admitted.

"I hate to see you make a fool out of yourself, so Ill tell you now; it doesnt work. In fact, I find it some what offensive."

"Oh, why is that? Dont you believe in fate?"

"You make it sound like I dont have any choice in the matter. Besides, Im already involved with someone."

"Ah, thats too badfor him. I dont normally like to hurt people, but I cant let him stand in the way."

Christy couldnt tell a this point if he was just trying to be funny or if he was serious. Looking into his sparkling blue eyes, she thought she saw a hint of mischief, but she couldnt be sure.

"Thank you for the dance Michael, but thats all I have to offer you." Christy spoke, her voice strident.

"Dont sell yourself short, Christy. There is much you can offer me." Michaels voice was sexy as he looked up and down Christy body.

Before she could say anything, he walked her back to her table, smiled at the rest of the beautiful women sitting there and walked out of the bar. Christy felt a little let down that he hadnt asked her for her telephone number. Only so she could have the satisfaction of turning him down, of course, she reassured herself.
________

Brooke sipped the hot coffee, enjoying the smooth dark taste. Deacon watched as she savored the coffee he made for them moments ago.

Watching her as she sat in the chair across from his own, Deacon realized that while an air of friendly companionship had replaced the rampant sexual heat that had threatened to engulf them earlier, he still wanted her. He had only to look at her and he could feel the molten fire of sexual heat shoot throughout his body. Given that, Deacon knew that he would not change the last hour for anything in the world.

He now knew of her marriages to Eric and Ridge and now Thorne. He understood that she hadnt loved Eric as she loved his son, but married him to give her unborn child a father and she needed the balm Eric offered after Ridges stinging rejection. He could tell that she made light of most things, but from what he could gleam, Ridge was a bigger asshole than he first thought. Apparently, his mother wasnt much better. But Deacon knew something that Brooke didnt know about Ridge. He may be married to the beautiful Taylor, but he still had feelings for Brooke; and from what Deacon saw, those feelings ran deep.

"Ive talked enough about myself, Deacon. Why dont you tell me about you." Brooke asked, bringing Deacon out of his thoughts.

"My life is pretty boring, Brooke. Nothing youd be interested in."

"Why dont you let me be the judge of that. I told you all about my life; warts and all. Were you born in LA?"

"Nope. Los Vegas." He answered noncommittally.

"Ok, how long have you been in LA?" Brooke was becoming frustrated with his reticence, especially since she herself had shared so much of herself with him.

"Two years." Deacon finally answered.

Brooke put her mug of unfinished coffee on the table next to her chair with a decided thump. Standing, she looked at the sitting Deacon. "If you dont want to talk, then theres no reason I should stay, is there?" She asked, her lips tight with frustration. She really was enjoying being with him this way and he had to ruin it by becoming glum.

Deacon enjoyed the way her hazel eyes flashed green fire when she was angry. She was magnificent he thought, his mind going back to the confrontation she and Stephanie had.

He wanted to share with her, but frankly, he was embarrassed by his past. How typical to be a child of abuse, Deacon thought. Wasnt that everyones sad story. Despite wanting to get closer to her, he put up his natural defense that went up anytime someone tried to get closer to him. He could name only three or four people that had penetrated the harden shell he hid behind. What he couldnt count were the number of people that had walked out of his life because he couldnt give of himself. He didnt want that to happen with Brooke.

He watched as Brooke walked to the door, the set of her shoulders telling him just how angry she had become.

"Brooke, dont go." He cried out when her hands touched the knob of the door.

Standing, he walked over to her and pressed the front of his body to her back. As if someone set off an explosion in his body, it immediately reacted to being so close to hers.

"Im sorry, Brooke. II" He cursed silently to himself in sheer frustration. When had he ever found it hard to talk to a woman, he thought. "I do want to tell you about me, but"

Perhaps it was because she was so akin to him, but Brooke understood what his hesitation meant. "Are you afraid that I would judge you?" She asked softly, her back still to him. When he didnt answer, she turned around to face him. "I never would, Deacon."

"I know you wouldnt, but I have never been comfortable sharing anything of myself with anyone." Deacon confessed sheepishly.

"You can trust me."

"I know." Because he wanted her to be a part of his life, Deacon knew he had no other choice but to share with her a bit of is life. He suggested that they sit back down

After refreshing their coffee, he started talking quietly, almost as if he were talking to himself.

"I grew up in Vegas like I said. I didnt have any brothers or sisters, but I had my mother." Facing Brooke, Deacon spoke directly to her. "You would have loved my mom, Brooke. She died when I was ten, but I can still remember how safe I felt with her. She was a beautiful woman, always there to read to me or take me special places, just me and her.

After she died, Darryl, thats my stepfather, seemed to changed. He was always a drinker and ironically, he owned a bar, but except for one time, he never hit me. I swear, as strange as it sounds, I think he actually hated me. Nothing I did was ever good enough. At first, he would only yell at me, put me down. Then he started beating me." Deacon put his head down, unable to look Brooke in the eyes. "Hed beat me so badly sometimes, I couldnt go to school for weeks afterwards."

"Did anyone know of the beatings?" Brooke asked gently, tears forming in her eyes at the thought how scared he must have been.

"If they did, nothing happened to stop him. When I was thirteen, he met Betty Franklin. She was a nice woman, a drunk, but she was a good person. She moved into my mothers house and when she was sober, she kept Darryl from knocking me around. The beatings stopped for a while."

Deacon looked at Brooke as she sat in the chair. A lone tear fell down her cheek. "Dont feel sorry for me, Brooke." He demanded, his voice harsh. "Plenty of people have had it worse. Besides, when I got older, Darryl learned not to mess with me anymore."

"I dont feel sorry for you." Brooke wiped the tears from her cheek. "I feel sorry for the little boy that lost his mother and was left with such a wretched man like your stepfather. She finished quietly.

"Well, thats all in the past. I left Vegas when I turned eighteen and I havent looked back. I traveled all over the United States and Canada, taking any odd job I could find. I ended up in this small town called Sister Bay in Wisconsin. While I was there, this guy asked me to work as a bartender when the regular guy got shot while hunting the week before. I did and I loved it. When the bartender got back on his feet, I left Wisconsin and headed east to New York." Deacons mind thought over all that he had done in the last seventeen years. He had done a lot of living and loving in that time and as far as he could tell, he didnt regret a thing. Not many people could say that, he thought.

He purposely glossed over much of his life, not wanting to shock Brooke. For all her sophistication, she was really quite naïve. If she knew about some of the things he did in the last seventeen years, he suspected that shed never again speak to him. Like the two years he spent in prison

"So, there you have it. The life and times of Deacon Sharpe." There was a moment of quiet in the room.

"Thank you Deacon." Brooke said quietly.

"For what?"

"For trusting me. I know it wasnt easy for you to talk about things that were so unpleasant for you." Brooke nervously moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. "And thank you for backing off when I asked you to earlier."

Deacons eyes greedily followed her tongue as it moistened her lips, his body reacting immediately to the unconscious sensual action on her part.

"That last part wasnt easy, Brooke." Deacon said, mockingly.

"I know, and I again apologize for letting it go as far as it did." Brooke stood up from the chair and walked close to where Deacon stood. "I dont understand what is going on between us, but nothing can ever happen. Im married and I love my husband."

"Then why are you here?" Deacon whispered huskily.

"II " Brooke stammered out.

Deacon raised his hand and gently touched her lips, rubbing his thumb back and forth over her bottom lip. "We both know why youre here, dont we Brooke?" Deacon asked sensuously.

"Dont Deacon." Brooke said, her eyes employed him to understand. "I have to go. No, dont stop me." Brooke pleaded when Deacon opened his mouth to say something.

Deacon watched as Brooke picked up the small black purse from the coffee table. He wanted to stop her and force her to stay with him, but he knew he never would. When she came to a stop in front of him, he lost himself in her hazel eyes.

"Goodbye, Deacon. Take care of yourself."

"You act as if we will never see each other again." Deacon said, the thought far too disturbing to think about.

Brooke said nothing, but simply walked out the door. Deacon could only watch, frustrated because he couldnt make her stay.
________

Ridge followed Taylor into their home, loosening the knot in his tie as soon as he walked in. It was only a little after ten; the time at his parents seemed to pass quickly, especially when Connor Davis showed up.

Davis, Ridge thought with disdain. The man could still rub him the wrong way. His mind went back to those early days with Brooke. He remembered how he once spied Brooke and Connor kissing in the lab. He and Kristen had been headed to the cutting room when the sight of those two in an embrace caught his attention. He could sill recall the feeling he had as he watched the woman he loved being mauled by the likes of Davis. Even now, he clenched his jaw in annoyance as the picture of them came to mind.

"Honey, Im going to check on the kids. How about you join me in the shower in say, twenty minutes," Taylor suggested sexily.

"Huh?" Ridge, who had become lost in thoughts, hadnt heard a word Taylor said. He nearly jumped when her arms encircled his neck.

"Hey, whats wrong with you and why are you scowling?" Taylor asked.

"Oh, Im just thinking about what happened mothers tonight." Ridge said, not all bothered by the lie he told so easily. "I just hope that Brooke doesnt feel guilty about what she did. It was the right thing to do."

A flash of hot anger licked its way through Taylor, and she bitterly wondered if her husband was an idiot or just an insensitive jerk!

"You really are predictable, Ridge. For once, I wish you would not think about Brooke 24/7. Its getting old!"

Ridge was taken aback by Taylors anger, seemingly coming from nowhere. "Whoa, what is that about? You asked me what I was thinking and I told you." Ridge was genuinely shocked at Taylors outburst. Jesus, he thought to himself, had he told her what he was really thinking about, he could understand her pitching a fit. He was truly confused by her outburst at such an innocuous statement.

"Its not only tonight, Ridge. Its everything." Taylor said, forcing her voice to remain calm. "Ive had to put up with you being a part time father for the last several weeks. Youve had to work every night, yet the minute Brooke is involve, you miraculously find yourself free."

"Doc, we have a showing soon." Ridge said, anger starting to eat at him. It seemed to him that every time he turned around lately, Taylor was bitching about something. "Weve been married long enough for you to know how it is when there is an upcoming showing."

"You just dont get it, do you Ridge? Well, Im too tired to tell you what you should know. Im going to bed." Taylor turned and flounced out of the room.

Ridge watched her, dumbfounded at what had caused her to blow up. Walking over to the drink cabinet, he impatiently flicked a couple cubes of ice in a glass and poured a large amount of scotch over them.

With his drink in hand, Ridge walked over to the couch and sat down. Looking over his shoulders at the staircase where Taylor had not long gone up, he retrieved his cell phone from his jacket breast pocket. Quickly punching out a series of numbers, he took a sip of his drink and sat back to wait until the other end was answered. It never was. He tried again, and again, no one picked up on the other end. He snapped the phone closed, and threw it to the coffee table.

"Where the hell are you Christy?" He muttered to himself, frustrated. Getting up from the couch, he walked back over to the liquor cabinet and grabbed the bottle of scotch. Retracing his steps back to the couch, he sat down and poured himself a much larger drink.
________

Try as she might, Brooke couldnt bring herself to feel guilty about the time she spent in Deacons company. She knew that having exchanged kisses with a man other than her husband was still cheating on him, and for that, she did feel guilty, but not for what happened afterwards.

She let herself quietly into her home. She was struck with an overwhelming sense of déjà vu . Has it only been a couple of days since that night she first met Deacon?, Brooke thought to herself. In that short time, he had come to mean more to her than she was willing to admit.

"Hi mom." Brooke looked up in surprised to see her daughter coming down the stairs. Not sure what to expect, Brooke was happy to see that Bridget was smiling.

"Sweetheart, I am happy youre still awake. How are you?" Brooke asked tentatively.

Bridget smiled, knowing what her mother really wanted to ask. "Im fine, mom." she admitted, "And so is Thorne."

"He is?" Brooke asked stupidly.

"Yes, I am." Thorne had come out of the kitchen, surprising both Brooke and Bridget. He gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips and embraced her. He missed the look of panic in her eyes.

"What took you so long tonight? I half expected you home an hour ago."

Brooke exhaled loudly and moved out of her husbands embrace. Even though she expected the question, she couldnt help the bout of nerves she was suddenly struck with.

"I stopped to have for coffee after I left your parents house." She lied uneasily. "So, how are things?" Silently praying that Thorne accepted the explanation she gave.

"Things are fine, arent they Bridget?"

"Yeah mom. Thorne and I talked and were ok." Bridge agreed.

"Well is anyone going to tell me what you talked about?" Brooke asked when neither Bridge or Thorne said anything else.

"Mom, dont be mad, but I would rather that it stayed between Thorne and me."

Brooke was going to argue that she should know what they talked about, but Thorne, who was standing behind Bridget, shook his head. Giving up, Brooke decided to just be happy that her husband and daughter had come to some kind of resolution.

"Ok, I give up. Im happy that you could talk to Thorne, Bridget. He does love you." Brooke said gently.

"I know. I have been treating Thorne very badly, but he forgave me."

"There was nothing to forgive, sweetheart. It was perfectly understandable under the circumstances." Thorne assured his sister.

Brooke looked back and forth between them, feeling like a complete outsider. Throwing her hands up in the air, she gave up. Bridget and Thorne laughed at Brookes frustration.

"Well, now that youre home mom, Im going to bed." Bridget kissed her mother and Thorne on the cheek.

"Goodnight, sweetheart." Brooke said gently. Thorne had moved along side Brooke, his arm easily draped over her shoulder. "Goodnight, Budgeand thanks for the talk." Thorne felt something light up within him when Bridget smiled at him.

Once Bridget was in her room, Thorne and Brooke walked into the living room. "Ok, how bad was it?" Thorne asked.

"It was as bad as it could have been. Rick hates me now. I can still see the way he looked at me when Connor and the Moores walked out with little Eric." Brooke said.

Thorne was taken aback at the mention of Connor and little Erics real grandparents. He didnt know exactly what Brooke had in mind, but he thought it was more along the lines of getting proof that Deacon was not the babys father.

"Wait a minute; why were Davis and the Moores there and how is it that the Moores were able to walk out with the baby?" Thorne asked, surprise in his voice.

Brooke felt a momentary pang of guilt. She didnt tell Thorne what she had planned because frankly, she didnt know if he would support her or not. She couldnt take the chance that he would raise objections to what she saw as the only way to get through to Rick.

"I called the Moores. When I heard what Eric and Rick were planning, I knew that I had to do something to get Rick out of this situation." Brooke stopped and looked at Thorne; trying to gauge his reaction to what she was saying.

"Go on, Brooke. When did you call the Moores?"

Brooke couldnt tell from Thornes expression or his voice what he was feeling. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Monday. I called them Monday. I was outraged when Rick let it slip about Deacon and the money at dinner on Sunday!"

"I honesty thought that, if Rick could contemplate buying a child, he could do anything to keep his family with Amber in tact. I didnt want my son trying one desperate thing after another in an attempt to keep Amber.

"Apparently, Tillie and Joe had already heard from CJ about Deacon and the offer to exchange Eric for money. She was understandably upset. When I suggested that I thought Eric would be better off if he were with his real grandparents, she agreed. We both agreed that Amber and Rick were far too young to take on the responsibility of a child."

Thorne sat silent for a moment. He wasnt sure how he felt about what Brooke had done. His first thought was that this was something his mother would do. He couldnt help but remember the times he had heard his mother justify her actions in the name of protecting her children, usually Ridge.

"So, what did Rick say to you?"

"He wanted to know how could I do something like that to him. He hates me, Thorne." Brooke admitted forlornly.

"What did you expect his reaction to be? You must have known how he felt about Eric; of course hes going to be angry."

"So you think I over reacted? I should have just let my son commit a crime so he and Amber could continue to play house?" Brooke asked.

"I think you over reacted by bringing in the Moores, but you were right to step in before dad and Rick carried out their plans." Thorne admitted. "Brooke, think about it; how many times has my mother done or said something horrible to you, only to justify it by saying that it was for the good of her family?"

"I cant believe that you could have the audacity to compare me to your fanatical mother. Big difference here, Thorne!" Brooke said loudly. "Your mother tried to protect her thirty something sons from following their own hearts. My son is not even twenty one and he is trying to marry that creature for the second time!"

"I bet you went to your high school prom, didnt you?" Brooke continued, now standing directly over Thorne, tears pooling in her eyes. "I bet you remember your first date; going to the movies with your friends, or maybe with some special girl. I imagine every once in awhile, you think back fondly to the football games you played in or any of the many other things that young male teenagers do. Well, you know what? My son never had any of that. Thanks to Amber and your mother, my son missed out on much of his teen years and I will do what ever I have to do to keep him from making the second biggest mistake in his life!"

"Sweetheart, no one denies that Rick shouldnt be married at this age, but I have to be honest here. The way you went about this reminds me of something my mother would do."

"Thorne"

"No, let me finish. I agree there is a difference between what you did and what my mother has done to keep first, you and Ridge, and then you and me apart, but honey, through no fault of his own, Rick has now lost two sons. You cant blame him for being angry."

"I know that, but I think if he and Amber were to marry, he would suffer more in the long run. I hated seeing Eric leave too, but he belongs with his family and people who love him. People that dont see him as a means to an end, as both Rick and Amber did."

Brooke looked up at Thorne, her eyes pleaded for his understanding. "It wasnt like I put the idea in the Moores head, Thorne. After they heard from CJ, they were making plans to come back to LA to seek full custody of their grandchild. They were saving the money to obtain one, so I offered them the use of my lawyerthats all."

"Well, I cant blame them for that." Thorne said. "Honey, take it easy on Rick. Give him some time and hell come around. I know it doesnt look like it, but he will." Thorne reassured her.

"I hope youre right." Brooke said quietly.
________

Ridge tried to raise his head from the pillow, but it would not budge. The room was spinning at an alarming rate, and his stomach felt as though it had been turned inside out. He couldnt remember why, but last night he had gotten the brilliant idea of finishing off a bottle of scotch.

Oh God!" He cried out when he felt the earth roll to and fore. "Damn it, be still!" Ridge demanded, his eyes closed tightly as the contents of his stomach threatened to make a reappearance.

"Ridge!" The sound ricocheted back and forth in his head, hurting him in places he didnt even know could hurt. Praying for a quick death, Ridge held on to the edge of the bed as it once again tried to take flight.

"Ridge, you have to get up now if youre going to work." Taylor said in her most strident voice. She had absolutely no sympathy for the man that looked more dead than alive . She nearly tossed up a lung when he finally crawled into bed with her the night before. He reeked so badly, she forced him to get up, a job in itself, and take a shower and brush his teeth. Still, the liquor permeated his skin, forcing her to seek solace in one of the spare bedrooms.

She walked into their room this morning to find him sprawled out on his back; his mouth open and he was snoring loudly. She stood at the foot of the bed wondering what had driven him to drink to such excess. A devilish imp, one that she would never own up to, made her sit down forcibly at the foot of the bed, causing it to move jerkily up and down. She smiled broadly when she heard Ridges moan.

Now, she watched as he struggled to open his eyes. "Ridge!" She said, taking great pleasure every time he flinched when she called his name. Good, she thought. No less than he deserved for being such a jerk last night. "I going to make some coffee. Why dont you take a shower and come down and have a cup." Not waiting for an answer, Taylor walked out of their room.

Ridge lay in bed wondering why he could hear his hair growing and why it should hurt so much.
________

Rick woke with a start. Everything that happened last night came back to him. Amber had cried all night. He couldnt console and after a time, he give up trying, his own grief at losing his son too much to bear. After they had both cried themselves out, Rick got Amber to lie down. Amber fought sleep for as long as she could, finally giving up, she fell into a fitful sleep. He hadnt faired any better. He lay beside Amber with his eyes opened for hours, unable to sleep.

Now, reaching out, he realized that Amber was no longer lying beside him. Throwing the covers back, he got out of bed, knowing just where he would find her. Walking quietly into the bedroom next to their own, Rick found her standing by the now empty bed where their son once slept.

"I thought it was a dream." Amber said, her voice flat, without emotion. "I dreamed that someone was trying to steal little Eric from us. I kept screaming over and over again, No, dont take my baby! but they wouldnt listen. I woke up and ran in here to see if he was alright, but he was gone." Amber started crying uncontrollably, her body shaking with the force of her sobs.

Rick walked up behind Amber and put his hands on her shoulders. He was frustrated because he didnt know what to say to her to make the pain go away. He missed Eric too, but legally, there was nothing they could do about it. According to the papers Conner left behind, Beckys parents had petitioned the court for full custody of Eric. Jonathan seemed to think that since he had no blood ties to Eric, and Amber was only the babys second cousin, the courts would probably rule in favor of the grandparents. The only one that could protest the adoption was Erics real father, but no one was sure who that was now that Deacon was proven not to be the father. In short, Rick thought sadly, there was nothing they could do.

"I miss him too, Amber." Rick said brokenly.

"I hate that bitch. She did this to us because she doesnt want to see us happy." Amber whined.

Rick felt uncomfortable with Amber calling his mother names. He was angry with his mom too, but he didnt hate her. What he couldnt figure out was why his dad changed suddenly.

"Amber, Im angry with her too, but it was CJ that called Beckys parents. Mrs. Moore even said so."

Amber shook Ricks hands off her shoulders and turned to face him. "It was Brooke that had the test done. If Eric was Deacons son, it wouldnt matter what Uncle Joe and Aunt Tillie did." Amber said angrily.

"I know, but he isnt Erics father and theres nothing we can do."

"Why are you giving up so easily?" Amber asked angrily. "There has to be something we can do. You have to talk to your father and Stephanie. They can hire a lawyer to help us get him back!"

"You heard dad last night. He wont do anything to support us. Stephanie"

"Stephanie will help. She will talk your dad into helping us get our son back and he wont kick us out Rick." For the first time since last night, Amber felt hopeful.

"I dont know, Amber. My mother and"

"Screw your mother," Amber said angrily, once again interrupting Rick. "Stephanie wont let her do this. Come on, lets get dress and go and talk to her now."

Rick watched as Amber ran excitedly out of the room. He felt sure that she was headed for a letdown. His father was emphatic last night and Rick didnt see him changing his mind any time soon.
________

Stephanie poured herself a cup of coffee from the silver coffee urn located on the sideboard in her dining room. Taking one of the assorted muffins on the plate next to the urn, she sat at the dining room table.

Thinking back to last night, she felt a fresh bout of anger at Brooke and to a lesser extent, at Eric, for their handling of the situation last night. Stephanies thoughts were cut short by the sound of the kitchen door opening and closing.

Looking up expectantly, she wasnt really surprised to see Amber enter the dining room, followed closely by Rick.

"Ah, Stephanie. Im so happy youre up already." Amber said with enthusiasm.

"Good morning Amber, Rick. Help yourself to coffee and muffins." Stephanie offered. She knew why they were here and unfortunately for them, she wasnt going to be able to help them.

"Can you believe what Brooke did last night." Amber asked as she sat at the table across from Stephanie. "I knew she hated me, but I had no idea she would do something like that."

"Amber" Rick started. Amber shot him a look that made him drop whatever he was about to say.

"Stephanie, you wont let Brooke get away with this, will you?" Amber coming right out with why she was there so early.

Stephanie looked, first at Amber and then at Rick. She could see that neither had gotten much sleep the night before. Amber had a scared, but hopeful look in her eyes, while Rick seemed to be genuinely confused and hurt by last nights events.

She and Eric had talked long into the night. She voiced her opinion that she thought that he and Brooke were being far too hard on Rick and werent giving Amber a chance. The more they talk, the more entrenched Eric became. In the end, she found she was unable to change his mind.

Normally, Stephanie was not one to give up so easily, but something Massimo said came back to her while talking to Eric. His suggestion that she was perhaps championing Amber and Rick as a way to get back at Brooke didnt sit well with her and at first she vehemently denied it. It was only when she was alone could she admit to herself that perhaps Massimo was right. Maybe the resentment and hatred she felt for Brooke did color how she treated Rick and Amber. Since the possibility existed, she agreed with Eric that she wouldnt interfere nor intervene on their behalf.

"Im sorry, Amber, but there is nothing I can do." Stephanie admitted, a strain of sadness in her voice.

Rick watched as Ambers face seemed to crumble. He could have told her that this time, there was something different in his parents resolve to keep them apart. He parents were determined, not like the first time when there was a baby to think about. There was no baby to use as leverage against his parents objections.

"Why? I thought you of all people would understand, Stephanie." Amber whined, tears forming in her eyes.

"I do understand honey. I understand that you and Rick love Eric. I dont like how Brooke did things, but I cant interfere either."

"Stephanie, do you think dad will really kick me and Amber out if we get married again?" Rick asked, apprehensive about the answer.

Stephanie looked at Rick. He looked like a scared little boy and perhaps, that was the problem. Maybe time apart from Amber will only strengthened their love, but they both needed to step back for a bit.

"Im sorry, honey, but yes. Your father will not allow you or Amber to live in the guest house any longer."

"What are we going to do?" Amber cried out. "I want my son back and I want to marry Rick. Whats so wrong with that?"

"There is nothing wrong with wanting to marry Rick, honey and you still can get married. You just have to understand that Ricks parents will not support you and I cant. As for the baby, well, Im sorry to say that you will probably never get him back. Your aunt and uncle have custody of him and Im afraid, theres nothing much you can do about it."

Amber couldnt believe what she was hearing. She had counted on Stephanie to straighten things out. For the first time, she realized that it may be over.

Amber abruptly got up from the table. She said nothing as she ran out of the room and out of the house. Rick started to go after her, but Stephanie stopped him.

"Let her go, Rick. She needs to come to terms about the baby." Stephanie told him gently.

"She needs me, Stephanie. I have to go to her."

"And what about what you need; Eric was your son too. You have lost two sons, Rick and I think its time you stepped back and think about things."

"I dont have to think about anything, Stephanie. I love Amber and Im still going to marry her no matter what my parents say."

"Oh yeah? And just what are you going to live on,love?" Stephanie asked sarcastically. " Where are you going to live for that matter? Rick, listen to me." Stephanie pleaded. "If your relationship with Amber is meant to be, nothing anyone can do will stop it. But honey, youre only twenty years old. Give yourself some time to find out who you are."

Rick didnt want to admit it, but Stephanie was starting to get to him. He couldnt remember how it felt to just hang out with friends at school, or go out on dates. No!, Rick thought sharply to himself. It was too late to regrets. He had to think of Amber and remember his love for her.

"Stephanie, I know you mean well, but I love Amber and I am going to marry her." With that, Rick got up from the table and stalked out of the dining room. Stephanie watched him leave, frustrated that she couldnt help.

"Thank you, Stephanie. I know that wasnt easy for you to do." Eric said, startling Stephanie, who had become so lost in thoughts that she didnt hear Eric walk into the room.

"It didnt do any good."

"Maybe it did. I could tell from the look on his face that you were getting through to him and Rick now knows that it isnt just me and his mother that want him to wait before marrying again."

"I still dont like the way you and Brooke have handled this, but I promised I wouldnt interfere and I wont."

"Thats all I ask, Stephanie." Eric said quietly.

There was a companionable silence between them for the first time in months, but the longer the silence went on, the more awkward Stephanie felt. Guilt ate at her. Loving Massimo didnt mean that she no longer loved Eric. It was just after all this time, whatever respect she had for her husband was gone.

"Well, I better go up and get ready for work," Stephanie finally said. She left the room quickly.

Eric remained standing where Stephanie left him. He had no idea how to cross the emotional divide that had opened up between them lately. Running his hands through his salt and pepper hair, Eric walked out, deciding that now was not the time to try and figure out his relationship with Stephanie. All his energies had to be focused on his youngest son and after that, well, there would be time work things out between him and Stephanie.
________

Ridge looked at his watch, praying for the day to end quickly. It was only ten oclock. After retracing the same line for the umpteenth time, he threw down his pencil in frustration. Giving up, he decided that what he needed was a nice long sauna. Maybe get the rest of the alcohol out of his body, he thought.

Walking downstairs to the sauna, Ridge passed the fitting rooms. He could hear the models laughing and talking, but he was unable to make out what was being said. When he heard Christys voice, he stopped. He had been waiting all morning for her to come to his office. In his alcoholic haze, he remembered dialing her number until midnight, and she never answered. The longer the night went on, the angrier he became and the more he drank. Ridge stopped short when he heard Christys name.

________

"Kia, did you see that cutie at the bar? He stared at Christy all night long." Tamara said, laughing at the expression on Christys face.

"Yeah, I noticed That was one tasty piece." Turning to face Christy, the Chinese girl continued in the same vein of teasing. "So, Christy, what was his name? Dont tell me that he didnt get your number. I saw the way you two were dancing."

"Right," Tamara agreed. "I thought for minute my girl was gong to give it up on the dance floor. You never did tell us his name." Tamara teased.

"And Im not going to. It was just a dance, nothing special." Christy had to laugh at her friends teasing. She still couldnt believe that she had agreed to dance with the man, but when he asked her to dance, it was like she was compelled to do it.

While in his arms, she could truly say that all she thought about was him. His moves were smooth, his hips guiding hers in a slow lovers dance. At first, it felt like she was betraying Ridge, but after a moment, the thought left her mind and all she could think about was the man she was dancing with.

She hadnt given him her number, something she regretted when she saw him walk out of the bar directly after their dance. Now, her friends were teasing her unmercifully, and frankly, she enjoyed it. The last year her life had become so serious; always looking over her shoulder, the clandestine meetings, and yes, the loving.

Ah, the loving, Christy thought. There in lie the rub of the whole mess. Ridge was an fantastic lover, one of the best she had ever had in her young life. He brought out her basic instinct. She had never been so fulfilled in her life, and if that were not bad enough, she loved him.

Christy knew there was future for them, Ridge having made that perfectly clear from the start. At first, she took it in stride; all fun and games. Then she made the mistake of falling in love. Now, she wondered how long their affair would last. He told her of his promise to his wife; no more late evenings. While they could manage the occasional noon time getaway, it was the nights she loved the most. She could almost pretend that they were normal lovers. Of course the illusion was always shattered when he would quickly dress and leave her lying in her bed.

"Hey, you better finish getting dress." Kia said, bringing Christy out of her musings. "Eric wants us in his office in a few minutes."

Looking around her, Christy saw that everyone else had already dressed and leaving the room. "Ill be right behind you," She said. Christy hurried to dress so she could catch up with her fellow models.
_______

One by one, the models exited the room, but none of them noticed Ridge hidden behind a large potted plant located outside the fitting room. Seeing that Christy wasnt among the exodus, Ridge quietly slipped in the fitting room, closing the door behind him.

The hairs on the back of Christys neck stood out straight. She looked over her shoulder, shocked to see Ridge standing there.

"Ridge, what are you doing down here?"

"Where were you last night?" Ridge ignored Christys question. He slowly walked menacingly towards her.

Christy was taken aback at Ridges attitude. "I went out with some of the other girls." Christy replied.

"Oh, where?" His hangover was forgotten when he heard the models talking.
"What is this about, Ridge? Were not married, remember?." Christy responded sarcastically.

"I called you last night. In fact, I called you all night long and I never got anyone." Ridge said harshly.

"I didnt get any messages from you."

"I didnt leave any. I wanted to talk to you not your machine!" Ridge said brusquely.

Christy hunched her shoulders. "Then I dont know what else to tell you, Ridge."

"You can tell me who the hell this man is you met last night. Apparently, you and he were a big hit on the dance floor!" Ridge barely kept his anger in check. He wanted to rant and yell, but thought better of it.

"Look, I dont have time for this, Ridge. After this fitting in your fathers office, Im done for the day. Can you join me for lunchor something?" Christy asked, somewhat resentful of Ridges whole manner towards her, but still, she ached to be with him.

"No, I cant, but Ill come by your apartment tonightsay around seven."

"But" She was going to remind him of his promise to his wife.

"Just be there Christy. Were not done with this conversation." Ridge stalked out of the fitting room.

Hes jealous, Christy thought. She felt a tinge of excitement run up her spine. She was looking forward to tonight.
________

Amber ran into the guest house, tears blurring her vision. She had never felt so alone in her life and the one person she had counted on to help her had let her down miserably. Straining, she retrieved a large suitcase from the top shelf in the closet, she started haphazardly throwing things into it.

"This is all your fault, Brooke. If its the last thing I do, I will make you pay for this bitch!" Amber spoke out loud.

Rick let himself in the guest house, and walked into the bedroom he shared with Amber. What he saw, brought him up short.

"Wwhat are you doing?" Rick stammered out.

"What does it look like Im doing?" Amber asked sarcastically. She emptied the chest of drawers and threw the contents into the suitcase.

"Wait a minute, where are you going."

"Nowhere, somewhere." Amber answered ambiguously.

"What the hell does that mean, Amber? You cant just leave"

"Oh yeah, just watch me."

"I thought you wanted to marry me." Rick cried pathetically.

"Yeah, well, that was then. Now, move out of my way Rick." Amber demanded.

"Please, Amber. Why are you doing this to us. We can still get married."

"Do you honestly think Id want to marry you and live out on the streets? I can do that my own, Rick."

"Why are you angry with me? I didnt want any of this to happen." Rick whined.

"You should have protected us, Rick. Me and Eric were your family and you should have protected us from your bitch of a mother. Now, get out of my way!"

Amber shouldered pass a shocked Rick. He didnt know it, but it broke her heart to speak to him that way. She had to make him hate her so that he would go on with his life. For her, she could barely see for the tears that were cascading from her eyes. Her heart was beating so fast, she felt sure that it would burst through her chest.

Rick couldnt believe that in just a twenty four hour period, he had lost two people that meant more to him than any one else. Looking around the empty room, Rick fell to his knees, the sobs coming from so deep from inside his body that they hurt.
________

Ridge walked into his office, the sauna forgotten. He had to see Christy tonight, and despite his promise to Taylor of no more late nights, he had to have this last one.

Picking up the telephone receiver, Ridge quickly dialed his home number.

"Hello," Taylor answered.

"Taylor, its me. Im sorry, but I have to work late tonight."

"Damn it Ridge! Do your promises mean nothing?." Taylor said, sounding petulant.

"This couldnt be helped. I ran into some trouble with one of the gowns and have to totally revamp it." Ridge lied smoothly.

"Do whatever you want!" Taylor hung up the telephone with a decisive slam.

"Dont tempt me, Taylor." Ridge muttered after he hung up the telephone.
________

"You got a minute Brooke?" Eric stood in Brookes doorway.

"Of course, Eric. Come in. So, did you see Rick this morning?" Brooke asked anxiously.

"Yes, but not to say anything to. He and Amber came over to plead their case to Stephanie this morning."

"I hope she isnt going to undermine us, Eric."

"No, in fact, even while she doesnt agree with the way we handled things, she told them much the same thing you did last night."

"Do you think it got through to him, Eric?"

"Maybe its wishful thinking, but yeah, I do. At least he now knows that it isnt just you and I who want him to wait."

"Eric, Im so worried about him." Brooke felt the prick of tears. She thought about Rick all night. Last night, he actually looked as if he hated her.

"I am too, Brooke, but we have to believe that everything will work itself out."

Brooke said nothing, but she prayed that Eric was right.

_______

"James, its good to see you again." Taylor said as she stood back to allow James and his daughter, Mary, to enter her home.

"Oh my God, James. I cant believe that this is Mary." Taylor looked down at the beautiful little five year old. Her dark brown hair and dark brown eyes made for a startling combination with her light skin coloring. Such a serious child, Taylor thought.

She had called and invited James and Mary to dinner after talking to Ridge earlier. A part of her had to admit that she did it to irk Ridge; she knew how he felt about James, but also, she needed someone to talk to. She counted James as one of her best friends. She knew she could tell him anything and he wouldnt judge her.

"Mary, come in and meet my children. They cant wait to meet you." Taylor led James and Mary into the living room, where six year old Thomas sat on the floor next to his sisters. "Catherine was about to take the kids outside, James. Do you mind if Mary joins them. Catherine is very trustworthy." Taylor added when it looked as if James would object.

"That would be great. Mary, you go with the nice lady here and daddy will be right here, ok?"

Mary nodded her head and followed Catherine out side, along with Thomas, Stephanie, and Phoebe.

"James, can I get you something to drink?"

"I wont say no to a small white wine" James said with a smile. Taylor busied herself pouring him the glass of win.

"So, have you found a practice to join, James?" Taylor asked as she handed him the wine.

"No. It appears that even though I have my license back, not many want a doctor that has been accused of impropriety with a patient on their staff." This was said with a forced gaiety, but Taylor saw through James attempt at levity.

"James, Im sorry. Youre a brilliant doctor. I cant imagine that you will go long without getting something."

"I had thought to start my own practice, but"

"Thats a wonderful idea! Why dont you do that?"

"Well, there is the problem of money, Taylor. You can imagine the capitol Id need to open a decent office in Los Angeles."

Taylor was quiet for a moment. An idea formed in her mind that was so brilliant, she was surprised she hadnt thought of it before.

"James, why dont you and I go into practice together?"

"Taylor, I wasnt hinting around for you to join me"

"I know that, but dont you see that this would be a wonderful idea. Hear me out, James. Dr. Nunez has only taken a short leave of absent. When he returns, I will be out of a job. It would make perfect sense for us do start our own practice before he gets back." Taylor spoke earnestly.

"I dont know."

"Look, just think about it, ok?" Taylor implored.

"Ok, I will. I promise." James smiled at Taylor, but behind the smile he had to wonder if it was a good idea to go into business with a woman that he never stopped loving.

________

Ridge used his key to let himself into the apartment. The living room was empty, the lights were out. Removing his jacket, he draped it on the back of a chair and walked into the bedroom. That room was empty too, but he could hear the shower running.

On impulse, Ridge quickly undressed and walked nude into the bath room. Sliding the curtain aside, he quietly got in the shower behind the unsuspecting Christy.

"Yikes!" Christy cried out when she felt arms enfolding her from behind. "Ssssshhhhhhhh" Ridge whispered. "Its just me." He felt her body relax into his.

"Mmmmmm, youre early." She moaned. She lay her head on his shoulders, his arm snaking around her. She wiggled her bottom into his groin, getting the exact response she wanted.

Ridge moved his hand up to her breast, cupping their fullness in the palm of his hands. Her nipples were already extended. He gently pulled on the nipples, aching to have them in his mouth. He turned Christy to face him and took her mouth in a deep kiss.

Ridge caught her hips and lifted her, pressing her back into the cool tile behind her. She slid her long legs around his waist and pulled him against her. He moved, rubbing his throbbing erection against the part of her that wanted him most. She cried out in pleasure and frustration when he didnt penetrate her, but instead, rubbed himself against her over and over, bringing her to the edge of madness.

"Shit!" Ridge exclaimed.

"Whats wrong, baby." Christy asked, huskily.

"No condoms. Come on, lets get out of here. I have to have you now!" Ridge stepped out of the shower first and waited while Christy turned off the water.

Grabbing a towel off the rack, he started drying himself, impatient to bury himself deep inside the woman drying off next to him. Groaning , Ridge threw his towel to the floor. He grabbed Christys towel out of her hands, and tossed it beside his own. To her delight, he picked her up and carried her into the cool bedroom.

Ridge placed Christy unceremoniously in the middle of the bed and quickly joined her. Pinning her to the bed, Ridge kissed her deeply, his tongue darting in and out of her mouth. He moved down to her neck, nipping her with his teeth and using his tongue to salve the love bits.

He moved down to her breast, taking first one nipple into his mouth and sucking on it, leaving it even more extended and wet. Treating the other one much the same, Ridge kissed his way down her stomach.

Christy groaned when he turned her over and eased her on her knees. She nearly screamed with pleasure when she felt the soft kiss he placed on the small of her back. Next felt his tongue flick past the opening of her vagina, then delve deeply inside. She bit back a scream as the familiar delicious warmth started in her stomach.

When his thumbs spread her wide and his tongue lapped at her exposed flesh, she groaned so loudly she felt sure her neighbors would hear. Just when she felt the start of her orgasm, Ridge stopped. After a moment, she felt the tip of him, engorged with blood, the head like a delicious plum ease into herthen he shoved forward, the quick hard thrust instantly jolting her into orgasm.

She breathlessly called out his name and rocked back, meeting him thrust for thrust, enjoying one orgasm after another. She could hear his growls as he neared his own completion.

Ridge held on to Christy hips, he could feel how her body gripped his each time she had an orgasm. Thrusting back and forth quickly, he felt the start of his own orgasm and just as it hit, her body gripped his tightly as she once again experienced an orgasm.

"Christ," Ridge groaned, and flopped face down on a pillow next to Christy, who was laying face down on a pillow too.

"How long can you stay?" She asked hesitatingly after catching her breath, her heart already breaking when she thought of his leaving.

"We got time." Was all he said. He no longer felt the need to cross examine her about the man she danced with last night. He knew that she was his for however long he wanted her to be.
________


Phoebes cries woke Taylor out of a less than sound sleep. Somehow, she wasnt surprised to see that the other half of the bed was empty. Before getting out of bed, she looked at the bedside clock. The glowing ghoulish green of the clock face seemed to mock her. Suppressing the stabbing jab of pain that shot through her, she had only enough time to wonder where her husband was at one oclock in the morning. Throwing the covers back, Taylor got out of bed and went to her child.
________

Ridge lay on his back, his left arm flung over his face, covering his eyes. Waking suddenly, he jerked his arm down and looked at his watch.

"Damn it!" Ridge cursed harshly, waking the sleeping Christy who lay next to him. Ridge sat up on the edge of the bed, angry with himself for allowing time to get away from him.

"Shit! We fell asleep and its after one. Taylors going to kill me!" Ridge said, at the same time, he bounded out of bed.

Reaching for his underwear and pants, he quickly dressed. Deciding that hed take a shower as soon as he got in, he figured Taylor would be asleep.

"Im sorry baby, but I gotta go." Leaning over the sleepy nude Christy, Ridge kissed her deeply. Grabbing his shoes, socks, and shirt, he quickly left the bedroom, dressing as he left the apartment.
________

Taylor found Stephanie sound asleep, while Phoebe lay crying softy. When she picked Phoebe up from of her bed, she could feel the heat radiating off the small body.

"Ah, Sweetie, youre so warm. Mommys going to make you feel all better, ok sweetie?" Taylor cooed to Phoebe.

Taylor bathed Phoebe in cool water, the whole time talking softly to her. She did not realize that she was crying until a lone tear fell into the water.

After bathing Phoebe, Taylor took her temperature again, and she was relieved to see that it was normal. She knew from her own turn at medical school that premature babies were susceptible to colds and infections more readily than full term babies were. After she dressed Phoebe in a clean nightgown she lay her back in her small bed and got in beside her. As her child slept quietly beside her, Taylor silently cried.

She must have fallen asleep because she couldnt recall what happened after that. Waking up in her daughters bed brought back in full force her feelings of resentment towards Ridge. After touching Phoebes forehead, Taylor was satisfied that the fever had not returned. She made a mental note to herself to check it again before leaving for work this morning. Bending over the sleeping child, Taylor kissed her softly on the cheek. Going over to where Stephanie lay sleeping, Taylor treated her to a similar kiss.

Next, she walked down the hall to Thomas room. The six-year-old slept soundly; blissfully unaware of the turmoil his mothers life had suddenly become. Looking down at her son, she was struck at how very much he looked like his father.

Reaching down, Taylor combed her fingers through Thomas hair. The tears that had only threatened flowed freely down her face now. She left her sons room, and walked towards her own. Hesitating outside the bedroom she shared with Ridge, she wasnt certain what she would find or her reaction to it.

Taylor felt weak with relief when she saw her husband lying in the bed. Almost as soon as the feeling of relief coursed through her body, she was overcome with an anger that she had never before experienced.

That is it!, she thought. I have had enough of his shit to last me a lifetime. I deserve better than this.
________

Preview Chapter 5

"Has everything been taken care of?"

"Yes, sir. There will be a limousine waiting for you the moment we land." Frederick Sorensen assured his boss, Massimo Maroni. They were in one of Massimos private planes, jetting towards Los Vegas Nevada from Los Angeles. The plane was due to land in less than ten minutes. Frederick watched, as the usually cool Massimo appeared to exhibit a slight case of nerves.

"Good, good. I dont want anything to go wrong; is that understood?"

"Yes, Mr. Maroni. I can assure you sir that everything you requested has been taken care of and is simply awaiting your arrival." Frederick didnt rattle easily and after working for Massimo Maroni as his personal assistant for over fifteen years, the mans temper could still put the fear of God in him. Luckily, he personally had never been on the receiving end of Massimos angry tirades, but he was unlucky enough to be in the room when it was unleashed on a hapless employee of Maroni Industries.

When Massimo didnt respond, Frederick walked back to his seat and strapped himself in for the upcoming landing. He prayed that the Vegas people follow his meticulous instructions, or there would be hell to pay. This one was personal and Frederick pitied the man that failed Massimo Maroni today.