Part 73

Sarah woke the next morning with Howie’s arm draped across her. The warmth of his body made her feel safe and she didn’t want to leave this spot. She was perfectly content to stay right where she was. She snuggled closer to Howie causing him to stir.

Howie hadn’t slept well wondering what Sarah was going to say and how she was feeling so when he felt her moving closer to him, he woke. Yawning, he said, "Morning, Angel."

"Morning, D!" she replied rolling over to face him. She saw the look of apprehension in his eyes so she kissed him lightly. "I love you."

"I love you too," yawned Howie. He searched her eyes for his answer and then hesitantly said, "Sarah…about last night...I…we need to talk."

"About?"

"What you said…. that I just stood back and let Becca embarrass you."

Sarah put her finger on Howie’s lips to stop him and said, "Don’t think about it. I was angry and hurt and I should never have said that to you."

"But you were upset when we got here to the hotel…after Becca left. Kevin saw it too."

"Yeah, I was and I cried myself to sleep in Nick’s arms last night but Nick made sense when we were talking."

"What did he say?"

"That the damage had already been done after Becca said her peace and to try to stop it would only have made matters worse. I know you had no way of knowing what Becca was gonna do or say and it was wrong of me to blame you."

"Kaos said that? Dayum…the boy IS growing up. You know what’s even scarier?"

"What?"

"He agreed with Kevin…said ALMOST the exact same thing. Kevin just said a little more."

"You know, Nick is A LOT smarter than you guys, especially Kevin, give him credit. Kevin shuts him down every time you turn around."

"What is this? You’re DEFENDING Nick?" teased Howie.

Sarah laughed, "Yeah, I am. I love Nick…."

"Does Becca know this?" Howie continued to tease. "Is THAT why she did all that last night?’

"Stop it," pouted Sarah. "Would you be serious?"

Howie laughed and kissed Sarah on the tip of her nose. "I’m sorry, Angel. You’re right about Kevin and Nick though. Let’s change the subject though. I have my beautiful wife in my arms wearing JUST my shirt. I can think of plenty of other topics of discussion OTHER than Nick."

"And exactly what would they be?" purred Sarah placing a kiss on Howie’s chest.

"Well, what are your plans for today?" teased Howie as he ran his hand along her thigh.

Sarah sighed, "Ummmm….making love to my husband…getting a shower and making love to my husband in the shower….getting dressed after making love to my husband."

Howie laughed, "I hear a recurring theme here."

"Any complaints?"

"None what so ever," said Howie just before claiming Sarah’s mouth in a searing kiss.

The couple spent the morning making love and enjoying being in each other’s arms. Howie did order room service for them for breakfast then hung the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door after it was delivered.

Part 74        The Dance Index