As Hayden left, she thought she needed something to calm her down. She felt nervous and tense. She was worried about what was going to happen next. She wasn't the same girl she was 15 years ago. What if he didn't like what he saw? All kinds of thoughts went through her head. Ranger began to lose interest in her right after Carol was born. He didn't like the way her body changed. Ranger was a jerk.She walked around the room. On the mantle, she noticed some pictures, so she took a look. She saw a picture of Hayden's parents, one of his sisters, Genna, and some others of Hayden with some other women. One was a picture of a cute girl in a bikini who Hayden had his arm around. She wondered which one, if any, was a picture of his ex, Susan.Hayden poured two snifters of brandy. If Abigail hadn't said yes to a drink, he would have had to get one for himself. As he poured the drinks, he noticed his hand was shaking. Christ, she looked great. All her curves were in the right places. Her breas

"This is delicious," Abigail said. "I have to say. The cooking, speaking French, this house, all this. You've really changed.""Yes, I have, but I had too. Midwest hick doesn't go well here. My ex, Susan, taught me the finer things. It was just the two of us, and she didn't cook too well, so I started to. When we went out, it was always the best restaurants, so the French helped. Also, I know some German too. After the divorce, I bought this place. She sent a decorator to fix the place up right. She lives over in Georgetown.""Why did you marry her? Did you love her?" Abigail asked quietly."At first, maybe. Marriage seemed the right thing, but as time went on, we realised that it just wasn't working. We wanted different things. We worked on it for 7 years with no luck. So we decided to split with no hard feelings. I still see her once in a while. You might get a chance to meet her."Abigail suddenly felt threatened. "I suppose this is her robe?" she asked defensively."No," Hayden sa

Abigail sighed as she snuggled into Hayden. She placed her hand over his as it gently held her breast. She didn't want to wake up. She didn't want the dream to end."Are you awake?" Hayden whispered."Mmmm," Abigail nodded. Everything was perfect. If the last three days proved anything, it was that Hayden thought she was beautiful. Her breasts were heavier and her hips were fuller than when they first met, but it didn't seem to matter. As she lay naked next to him, she could feel his gaze."You're beautiful, you know that?" he said as he slowly traced a finger down her belly. "You are so beautiful that I want to eat you for breakfast.""After last night? But I need a shower.""Shh." He quieted her with a kiss. She flinched when his tongue found her ear, deftly moving into each crevice and gently tugging at her lobe. He traced his tongue down her neck, nipping and planting soft kisses, all the way down the curve in her breasts. Abigail moaned softly, raising her arms over her head. He

Hayden was feeling pretty good about things. The job interview went well. It seemed that all it was going to take was a formal vote by the board, and the job was his. They said he would know in about two weeks. If he got the job, then it would clear the way for Abigail and him. Abigail could keep her job and the house. Carol wouldn't have to change schools. The new job would mean a pay cut and not be the same as working in DC, but Hayden was willing to make the change.Jessica stood in the kitchen, sipping her wine, still in her bikini. She really needed to change, but she was in no hurry. She came to visit Abigail, upset and confused about her feelings. She was angry at Abigail, but it wasn't really Abigail. It was her and her life. Now she realised that, and in some way, it made her feel better.When Abigail and she were growing up, they did everything together. Being three years older, Jessica took care of her little sister and protected her. They also shared everything. Being olde

"Never saw my father so mad after you left. He really went off on Abigail. When Mom tried to step in, he went off on her. He was like a mad man. Everyone thought he get over it but he didn't. It went on all summer. It was abuse, mental abuse. Finally, I think, to save the family, Abigail gave in. Jessie might know more but she has never said anything to me. Her marrying Ranger was a bad deal from the start. It never seemed right. But you know Ranger was an asshole from the get go. I know one thing. I have never in 15 years seen Abigail so happy as she is now. I don't know what you're doing." At that, Joey laughed and said, "But keep doing it.""I plan to," and they both laughed.Abigail and Karen came back just as they finished. "I see you two hit it off," Karen said. "What is so funny?"Joey kissed Karen. "Nothing, babe."Abigail said she wanted to show Hayden something in the house, so they headed that way. They entered and headed up the stairs into her parents' room. Hayden was a l