Nikki had dropped Brad off at his apartment so she could get ready for dinner. She definitely wasn’t looking forward to this at all. As a Crane, Nikki knew how to sense trouble and attempt to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, she hadn’t found a way to avoid this. Brad promised to be at the mansion for six, his car was due to be returned by five. She only hoped that this went as smoothly as Brad thought it would.

Now, she sat in her room looking at her reflection in the mirror, her silk lilac robe wrapped around her as she wondered what was going on in her father’s mind. He told her to dress for supper and she knew he meant dress in some of her best. She wasn’t sure what exactly her best was and, as much as she wanted her outfit to be revealing to suit her, she didn’t want her Father to see her tattoo just yet. That was definitely a surprise for another night.

“Hey, Nick,” a knock on her door brought her back to reality. Sighing, she decided to see what her aunt wanted. She watched in the mirror as Sheridan stood in the doorway and ran her fingers nervously through her hair. Whatever was coming, this was going to be bad.

“Come on in, Aunt Sher,” Nikki called from her dressing table, pulling her hair from the curlers she had put in when she finished her shower.

Entering the room, Sheridan smiled at her niece. “Hey, is that what you’re wearing tonight?” Breaking the ice was definitely not her Aunt’s forte.

“I don’t think Brad would mind if I came down to dinner nude,” Nikki looked into the mirror. She was damn sure that Brad wouldn’t mind, especially after last night. It frightened her, but she could sense that Brad was starting to want something, even though they hadn’t known each other more than twenty-four hours. She only hoped her feeling was wrong. Nicholette Crane was not getting married in the near future.

“So how did you meet him?” Sheridan asked, sinking onto Nikki’s bed as the girl crossed to the closet. She watched her niece with interest. Nikki seemed indifferent about today, but yet there was something in her behavior that made her seem nervous. This wasn’t the Nicholette Crane that Sheridan knew so well.

“Do you want the G-rated story my mother is going to hear or the R-rated truth that only Brad knows?” Nikki picked through her closet for something perfect. Just because she didn’t want a real relationship, didn’t mean she couldn’t look good. She had always been a flirt; why stop now?

“Let’s start with the R-rated version and then work with what your mother is to know,” Sheridan leaned back slightly and continued observing her niece.

Nikki pulled out a blue dress, blue was always her favorite color and the best on her; it brought out her eyes. Gray made her eyes seemed silver while purple made her eyes a violet color. Sighing, she turned to face her Aunt. “I needed to cool off after the party last night so I went to a pool hall and had a few drinks. I ended up watching Brad play some pool. He was really very good at it.” Nikki fell back on the bed beside her Aunt. “I went over and started flirting terribly, bending so he had a peek of my cleavage. It was funny as all hell. He offered to teach me to play and he pressed against me. I purposely pressed back against him and I knew he wanted me; he was hard as a rock, Aunt Sher!”

“Nikki!” Sheridan blushed. She was no prude, but she also never discussed sex so openly with anyone.

“Sorry,” she laughed. “So I asked if he wanted to get out of there and show me a good time; even offered to have a good time with his friend. Brad was willing, but his buddy wasn’t so he and I went back to his place and had one hell of a night filled with sex. Great sex: rough, fast and hard and then soft and loving, which bugged me. I mean, soft and loving isn’t sex; it’s too romantic for sex. I didn’t know him well enough for that, I only wanted a good time. Despite it, we had a damn good time in bed, but I left at four this morning to beat the mess at the mansion when everyone woke up. When I got home, I went to bed and Pilar notified me that Julian expected me to show up at the Country Club for brunch and there was Brad, standing there being questioned to check his perfection status. Seems Julian has his eye set on Brad as my match.”

“Does Julian know he works at the Book Café?”

“No idea,” Nikki stood back up and returned to her dressing table to fix her hair so that it framed her face, spraying it with hairspray. “I don’t know why I have to get so made up for a dinner date with Brad in my own house.”

“Because I think your father is attempting to…”

“Don’t say it Aunt Sher, I don’t want to think about it,” Nikki grabbed her dress and slid into it. The sky blue dress went to her knees and hugged her form perfectly. Flimsy spaghetti straps covered her shoulders. “What do you think?”

“I think I’m glad Luis is engaged to me or he might be tempted, even if you are ten years younger,” Sheridan laughed, looking her niece over. “Nikki, how do you feel about Brad?”

“To be honest, Aunt Sher, I don’t know. I never meant to have a lasting relationship with Brad when I met him. He was a one-night stand with the chance for a repeat performance. We had a blast at the beach today and I’m sure we’d make great friends, but I don’t know if I can say I love him. He’s just Brad. I’ve known him for like twelve hours.” Nikki sought out some jewelry to match her dress.

“Nick, be careful, please. I don’t trust Julian as far as I can throw him. He’s done nothing but cause me trouble with Luis, I know he has to have some kind of plans for you and Brad.”

“Look, Aunt Sher, Brad and I had a nice long talk this afternoon. He knows that my parents are way stuck on getting me out of their hair,” she put her sapphire and diamond earrings in. “He also knows that Big Al,” she snickered, “has many things up his sleeve. I told him they plan on marrying me off, they told me as much when I got home. I’m not an asset to this family.”

“You will be if you marry Brad,” Sheridan promised, standing. “You’ll be the biggest asset we have, especially after the Ethan fiasco. The Lauers have quite a nice nest egg.”

“But I won’t be marrying him, so get over it,” Nikki snapped. Sighing, she turned to her aunt, her face showing sorrow. “I’m sorry. They make me so angry sometimes.”

“Nothing to be sorry for. See you in the dinning room,” Sheridan left.

Nikki heard the doorbell rang as she placed the final touches on her makeup. The bell symbolized the start of Crane bonding, something that was only done to impress other people or to make the family look good. She hated this more than anything in the world, but if it would keep her parents off her back for a few days, then she would pretend to be happier with Brad than she really was. Nikki knew that his novelty would wear off and she would find herself in need of a new hard body to entertain her. She only hoped that her parents would use her feigned happiness to try and marry her to someone from the Club.

“Miss Nicholette,” Claudia peeked her head into the bedroom. “I’m sorry to interrupt but Mr. Lauer has arrived and your presence is requested in the sitting room immediately.”

“Thank you, Claudia. Tell my parents I will be down shortly,” Nikki blotted her lipstick.

“Yes, Miss Nicholette,” Claudia ducked back out of the room without a sound.

Sighing, Nikki knew that there was no backing out now. All the guests had arrived at the mansion and dinner would be served in an hour or so. The group was probably having drinks in the parlor and chatting about politics, something she loathed. Luis was probably fidgeting while her Aunt kept him from knocking Julian out for the slanderous things he was saying. Ivy was probably laughing over the entire scene while Brad realized just what made Nikki want to rebel. Tomorrow he would tell her their fling was over because her family was insane and she would have to find someone else to do. She laughed; someone to do. What exactly had she become?

Giving her looks a once over, she decided she looked fine and headed out of her room, hoping she wasn’t over done for this date. Not that she had a choice; her father had insisted she be perfect tonight, even sending in a stylist to double-check her hair and makeup.

“Nikki,” Pilar grabbed her arm as she rushed down the staircase. “I’m on my way home before Luis sees that I stayed late tonight. I just want to wish you luck with your parents tonight.”

Nikki hugged Pilar. “Thank you, Pilar. I know now why you’ve always been my mother’s confidant.”

“You are much like my daughter, Nikki, just like Sheridan.”

Nikki kissed the woman’s cheek. “Thank you,” she grinned. “You’re the best reason for coming home,” she winked and headed for the sitting room. Pushing open the door, she pasted on her perfected Crane publicity grin and entered the room. ‘Here you go, Nikki, this is it. This is where you use your acting skills,’ Nikki told herself.

“Sorry for being so late,” Nikki feigned a laugh. “You know the lengths that a girl must go to in order to look good.”

Luis laughed, earning a smack in the arm. He certainly knew what it was like to wait for a woman to finish dressing for a special night. Sheridan took *hours* primping and dressing.

“You look stunning, dear daughter,” Julian walked to Nicholette and kissed her hand, causing the girl to roll her eyes. “Doesn’t she, Bradley?”

Brad looked Nikki over, loving the way the sky blue dress hugged her curves and contrasted perfectly with her tan. His eyes darkened with uncontrolled desire and he winked at her. “She looked gorgeous, Mr. Crane, but I am sure Nicholette would look good in a brown paper bag…”

“Brad, you know you can call me Nikki,” she replied, knowing that it would anger her father who hated her nickname. She also wanted this to be as informal as possible. It would make this night go faster and make this hell easier.

“Right, Nikki,” Julian grumbled as he sunk back onto the couch. Nikki smiled at her father and joined Brad, sitting on the arm of the chair he was settled in.

“You do look stunning, Nikki. I love the dress you’ve chosen. It brings out your eyes perfectly,” Ivy sipped her own drink. Watching the way her daughter interacted with the boy in front of her. Julian had made an interesting decision in Bradley Lauer. Her choice had been the young Mr. Hotchkiss, but Julian’s choice was much better.

“Thank you, Mother,” Nikki sighed. This was going to be a lot more complicated that she thought. Glancing at her Aunt, she noticed how Sheridan leaned into Luis as he whispered something in her ear, which caused Sheridan to smile. Luis then gently placed her arm around Sheridan and hugged her close. It was the happiest Nikki had ever seen her Aunt and she felt jealous. She wanted that, but it wasn’t what ‘Naught Nikki’ did. Nikki was a girl that spent life sleeping with any and every man that crossed her path. Watching her Aunt, Nikki knew she wanted more.

“So, Bradley, I hear that you work at the local’s coffee bar,” Julian sipped his brandy. “The Coffee Hut or the Caffeine Shack? Some such nonsense…”

“Yes, Mr. Crane. For extra money I work at the Book Café. I believe it keeps me honest and I have learned to remain slightly independent from my family.”

“Honorable,” Julian grumbled.

“I find it very appealing that a young man chooses to earn his keep, Julian. It’s something you and I never had to do as Cranes and we’re all the weaker for it,” Sheridan replied, rubbing Luis’ thigh. She knew he was ready to explode for Julian’s attitude and after the disaster from their engagement party months ago, it had taken quite a bit to drag her fiancé back here.

“Yes, and look whom you are marrying,” Julian motioned to Luis.

Sheridan grabbed her fiancé’s arm before he could get up. “At least I know that I will be happy with my marriage,” she glanced at Ivy. “I won’t be using the person for my own means…”

Nikki was shocked at her Aunt’s brashness, but knew she was right. Ivy had been used; it didn’t take a rocket scientist to see that. Looking at Brad, she noticed he was shock as well. She leaned down and nibbled on his ear. She couldn’t stand being good anymore, she needed to tease him and let her other personality out before she fell for him. “Suffer through this insanity and I promise to make it up to you for a very, very long time tonight.”

He fought a groan and smiled at her, pecking her lips lightly. “You got it, sweets.”

Nikki covered her shock from the kiss with a wink. She wanted her relationship to be purely based on sex.

“How did you two meet anyway?” Ivy asked, leaning back and looking over at her daughter. This was the million-dollar question.

Now it was time to lay the act on thick. She had been training for this part her entire life. Feigning the typical happy girl dating a wonderful guy, Nikki smiled brightly. “Father introduced us this morning, right babe?” ‘Just a few hours, Nikki, and you can get shit faced and screw Brad’s brains out.’

Brad laughed at her; she was behaving like a lovesick schoolgirl. “Yea, Mr. Crane asked me to drop into the Country Club to meet his ‘favorite daughter’ and we hit it off right away.”

“We even spent the afternoon at the beach,” Nikki leaned in and kissed Brad’s cheek. She knew she was laying it on rather heavy and there was no point for it. She only hopped that she could convince her father that she was happy with Brad and then they would back off from setting her up with another loser. Then she could pretend to be seeing Brad while she saw other guys and had all the fun she could before they shipped her off again. Before the conversation could continue, they were called into the dinning room to eat.

Nikki walked Brad out to his car. “Sorry about all of that in there.”

“No problem, it was interesting,” he laughed. “I was wondering if I could take you on a date…”

“Brad, don’t get me wrong, you’re a great guy, but I don’t think I want a relationship…”

“You don’t think?” he asked.

Nikki sighed. “My intent this summer was to come back and have a good time, Brad.”

“Give me a chance to show you that it is possible to settle with one man and have a damn good time, Nick. If it doesn’t work out, you can always mess around with someone else and ditch me.”

He made a good point. Her head begged her not to do this, but her heart said it wasn’t a bad idea. She had feelings for this man. Sure, he wasn’t the guy she pictured for the rest of her life, but he would do. “All right, Brad.”

“Pick you up tomorrow at eight?” he asked, hopping into his Corvette.

“Make it seven. I want to be in bed by eleven,” she replied seductively.

“You bet you will be, you owe me, remember?” he winked.

She laughed. “Night Brad.”

He blew her a kiss. “Night, dollface.”

Sheridan and Luis watched Nikki from the path to the cottage. They both knew that Nikki was being set up for a disaster and neither knew what to say to her. At dinner, they had witnessed first hand just what Julian planned, bringing up what kinds of things the girl could have in common with Brad and then casually hinting that Brad’s parents would be coming in this weekend. Sheridan knew there would be a ball and she also knew that by August, Nikki wouldn’t remember school because she would be married. Leading Luis inside, she decided she wanted to forget her niece for the rest of the night.

Julian and Ivy watched Nikki as she said goodnight to Brad.

“She doesn’t love him,” Ivy told her husband. “But they are a good match.”

“She’ll learn to love him or muddle through as told, Ivy. After all, love is something a Crane is not permitted to have…”

“Unless she fights for it,” Ivy referred to Sheridan.

“Yes, well, Nicholette will marry Bradley this summer and she will be his wife for life. The Cranes and Lauers have already started discussing a business merger. She will have no choice.”

Ivy sighed. As much as she hated to admit it, this was best for Nikki. It would keep her out of trouble. She just felt terrible that her little girl was being forced into the same slavery she had been pressed into. Shrugging, she headed upstairs to her room. Ivy had made the mistake of giving up love; at least Nikki hadn’t known it yet. Little did Ivy know that Nikki had fell in love the moment Noah Bennett steadied her at the airport; she just hadn’t admitted it yet.

~*~Chapter Twelve: Dating the Past~*~

Noah changed his shirt for the fifth time, trying to find something that didn’t make him look like a slob but still didn’t say, “I want to be here with you.” Truth be told, he didn’t want to be going on this date tonight. In fact, this was the stupidest idea Noah had ever had in his miserable life. Laurie was cool; she had a nice body and was pleasant enough to be with…

“But she’s not even close to Nikki,” Noah sighed, thinking about the way that lilac bikini had hugged Nikki’s curves and revealed her tanned skin. “Damn it, why the hell did she have to look so good?”

A tentative knock on his door made Noah sigh. “Come on in, Mom.”

Grace peeked her head into her son’s room. “I wanted to tell you it was six-thirty, Noah. You said your date was at seven. I wouldn’t want you to be late…Laurie is such a nice girl.”

“Whatever,” Noah said indifferently. “I better get going. Can I borrow the car?”

“Of course,” Grace handed him the keys, the other reason she had come up to his room. Smiling, she gave him a hug. “Have a good time, son.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he sighed and left the room. He wasn’t into parental displays of affection. He thought it was corny, especially after finding out that his entire life had been a lie. His father had another son running around out there. He wasn’t the oldest Bennett and he never would be. In fact, he wasn’t even the heir anymore. Hopping into his father’s SUV, Noah decided that tonight would be one hell of a party. He’d show Laurie that he was exactly what she had wanted two years ago: a man that was into everything the old Noah Bennett wasn’t.

Noah pulled up to the two-story home of the Palmer family. He knew this house by heart; five bedrooms upstairs, a huge kitchen and dinning room, a family room that he could live in and a den. Laurie’s dad, Jack, was a lawyer originally from Boston. He had relocated and worked with a Portland agency. Her mother was, Linda, a typical stay at home mother turned Martha Stewart. She had discovered her talent at making useless junk into interesting decorations and mixing up odd combinations of food and making it work. She proceeded to write a series of books on it, one of which had hit the New York Times Best Sellers List. Laurie also had two brothers, one younger than her, Mark, and one older, Paul. Her brother was a cop in training, probably working with Luis now, and the other was just turning thirteen.

Sighing, Noah climbed out of the SUV and checked his watch: five to seven. He was on time, as always. Staring at the house, he tried to remember how he had gotten into this date in the first place. Laurie was the last person he should be dating his second night back in town. She had left him in High School when he attempted to discover exactly what he was supposed to be in life: a sissy or a real man. Laurie had decided she wanted a party animal and Noah just wasn’t it. Instead of telling him that, she saw his best friend behind his back and he wouldn’t have known the difference had he not caught them necking in the back of her car.

Shaking his head, Noah decided that one date with Laurie wouldn’t kill him. Besides, he hadn’t had plans for tonight anyway. Tomorrow he could always do the bar scene and try to get a little better action from the other women in Harmony. He had two months to enjoy this sad seaside town before he returned to his life in Manhattan.

Ringing the bell, Noah waited for someone to answer the door. He could hear Jack Palmer heading through the wooden hallway towards the door. Finally, the whitewashed oak door swung open, revealing Jack. “Noah, my boy, come in, come in.” Jack moved to the side to allow Noah entrance into the house.

Noah felt the urge to roll his eyes. Hadn’t anyone ever told this man that sweater vests were like never in style? Smiling, Noah stepped inside and looked around for Laurie. The faster he could get out of here, the faster this date would be over.

“Laurie isn’t ready yet,” Linda smiled. “She’s still dressing.”

Noah nodded, standing in the hallway waiting for Laurie.

“We were surprised to hear that you had a date together,” Linda brushed by carrying something that resembled a wreath of pinecones covered in pink lace.

“Yes,” Jack droned, lighting his pipe. “Laurie said you were back in town and asked her out. We were surprised that after breaking her heart you’d return for more…”

Noah’s eyebrow rose in question. “I broke her heart? She’s the one that was sleeping with Jake in the back seat of her Taurus. How did I break her heart?”

Linda blushed. “Let’s not get into this gentlemen. Why don’t I go check on Laurie?” she brushed back by Noah, disappearing upstairs.

Noah stood there for what seemed like hours, feeling Jack’s eyes burning into him as he waiting for Laurie to come down for their date. Finally, he turned to her father and asked, “Do you have a problem?”

Jack was shocked that the mild mannered Noah Bennett from high school was replaced with this rude man before him. “Yes, I have a problem with your tone, son. Didn’t your father teach you any respect?”

“Guess not,” Noah replied, biting his tongue.

“Well, that’s to be expected. After all, you’re father didn’t show much in the ways of being a mannered man when he admitted to having that bastard child with that Crane woman. Not a surprise though. Bennetts haven’t been known for being a cultured bunch…just look at that Grandfather of yours…”

“Woah,” Noah stepped closer to Jack, his eyes dark with rage. “Who the hell do you think you are climbing on that soap box and making yourself more important than you really are? News flash, Jack,” he growled viciously. “You ain’t so dandy yourself with your sweater vest and a wooden pipe. You’re a no good son of a bitch that got her ass knocked up when she was sixteen!”

Jack attempted to protest, but Noah cut him off.

“Take your opinions and shove them up your Yuppy white ass,” Noah headed for the door. “Tell Laurie she’s got ten damn minutes to get her ass outside before I leave. The less time I have to deal with you, the better,” he left.

Laurie rushed downstairs to greet Noah, surprised when she found only her father there. “What the…”

“He’s in the car,” Jack replied, looking at his daughter. “Go on, go.”

Laurie shrugged and ran outside. She found Noah in his father’s SUV and laughed. Tonight was going to be interesting!

Sitting at a table for two at the Lobster Shack, Noah looked around for any familiar face to distract him. Laurie was droning on and on about the things that had changed over the last two years. It was boring, listening to her continuously mention how hard it was to decide to stay near home for college and whether or not she would want to cut her hair or dye it. Meantime, she looked the same now as she had three years before when she couldn’t get a date for prom until her parents paid him to take her.

“Look, Laurie, no offense, but I don’t care about your hair dilemma ok? I really don’t give a shit that you decided to cut it and dye it purple but the place messed up or whatever.”

Laurie was shocked by his attitude. “Noah, I…I was only trying to…”

“Save it, Laurie. I don’t know why the hell I even took you up on this date. I mean, hell, you’re the one that screwed up big time, babe. You’re the bitch that was screwing around behind my back!”

Laurie gasped and looked at him, eyes wide. “Where the hell did that come from?” she asked.

He sighed. “Laurie, I don’t want to be a bastard, but this was the biggest damn mistake of my entire life.” He called for the check. “I only went out with you because I was jealous that this gal I was looking at was with someone else. I figured I could fool around with you to make myself feel better.”

Laurie’s eyes teared and she couldn’t believe he was saying that to her. Sniffling, she stood. “You’re a dick, Noah Bennett and I hope you drop dead!” she ran out.

Noah laughed; paying the man that came to collect the check and leaving a tip. Oh yes, life was sweet. Getting up, he headed outside, deciding to go for a walk along the docks before heading home. For some reason, it felt good to blow off some steam. He had hated her after he caught her with someone else. He loved her more than anything else in the world and now he finally had his revenge. Dinner had been hell. She hadn’t let him get a word in since they pulled out of her driveway. It was a pain in the ass and he hated it. That bitch had gotten what she deserved.

Walking further along the pier, Noah sighed. All night he wondered what Nikki was doing with Brad. He wondered if she was in love with Brad, if she even realized that he was thinking about her incessantly. From the wharf, he could see the Crane mansion in the difference.

“You ruined my life,” he growled at the house. “You took away my family and now you’re taking away the girl I want more than anything else. I want to be with Nikki,” Noah growled. “Why the hell do you have power over her?”

Noah hopped into his father’s car, deciding that it was early enough to go out for some fun. He needed someone to get Nikki off his mind. What he would find instead was the girl of his desires at the pool hall having fun.

~*~Chapter Thirteen: His Parents Arrive~*~

Nikki barely realized how fast the weeks were going until June second arrived. Sitting in her room on Saturday morning, she could see the gazebo and cottage in the compound and the alluring ocean beyond it. For the last few days she had been attempting to avoid Noah at all costs, purposely hanging out at clubs she knew he wouldn’t be at and convincing Brad to drive with her to other towns and even to Boston. He had been more than willing to do so.

Looking out at the gazebo, she saw her Aunt and future Uncle sitting among the flowers and kissing occasionally. They were really in love and she was glad that her aunt had been happy. “Even after the imposter fiasco at the engagement party,” Nikki shook her head. That had been hell, but she wasn’t going to bring it up. They were getting married in a week and Sheridan never looked happier.

Nikki remembered the other night after dinner when Brad had left. She laughed as she thought about it now, seeing the entire thing in her mind.

“Nicholette, Brad is on the phone,” Ivy peeked her head in, checking to see what Nikki was doing.

“Thanks, Mother,” Nikki grabbed her phone and flopped onto her bed. “Hello?”

“Hey, Nick, what are you doing beautiful?” Brad asked, trying to imagine what his Nikki was doing.

“Lounging around waiting for my Prince Charming. I was hoping that’s who this call was from, but it’s only you,” she teased. “And now you’re trying up the line.”

“Oh, Nick, that’s low,” he laughed. “Here I thought I had convinced you to give a guy like me a go.”

“You did,” Nikki smiled. “So, is there a reason you’re calling besides hearing my voice?”

“Yea, I was wondering if you’d like to go down to the pool hall and shoot a few rounds…chug a few beers…stuff like that.”

“Hmm, tough one.” Nikki laughed. “I’m not in the mood to hit the bars, but I’d love to go dancing.”

“I think I can pull that off, babe. Be out front in five minutes…”

“Five minutes? Brad you live at least fifteen minutes away,” she laughed.

“That’s true, but I hadn’t made it more than halfway home when I decided to turn back around. I’m sitting out front right now.”

Nikki was shocked. Dropping the phone on the bed, she ran to the window out front and saw Brad’s Corvette convertible parked out front. He was sitting on the top of the backseat, waving. Running back to her room, she picked up the phone and said, “You cheat.”

“Hey, I missed you.”

Nikki smiled. He really was a great guy and she knew that she was starting to fall for him. Only once before in her life had she felt this way. She had fallen for a man she had met in Spain. He had given her everything she wanted and she, in turn, gave him her heart; but he had abused it and left her heartbroken. She was afraid to let that happen again. Yet Brad was slowly winning her heart and her head refused to fight. The only other man she could have wanted was Noah but he wanted no part of her.

“All right, I admit I was thinking about you and since you’re here, I might as well let you have my company. So I’ll be right down.”

“Good, and dress for partying.”

“All right, give me ten minutes.”

“Five.”

“Seven,” she laughed.

“Seven it is. Love you Nick.”

She froze. “I’ll see you in a few,” she hung up.

Love: he had said he loved her and it was true. When she looked into his eyes she could see the love and dedication that no other man had ever given her before. Sighing, she walked from her window seat to her bed, falling onto it with a bounce. Looking up at the ceiling, she wondered if she loved Brad back. She knew her father would love it if she did and it would save her from a terrible life as a Crane. But did she love him? That she didn’t know.

“Nikki, your father has been looking for you for an hour!” Pilar entered the room. “Get changed, you can’t wear that.”

“Pilar? What’s going on?” Nikki sat up, watching her favorite maid rush around the room.

“Nikki, Bradley’s parents will be in town this evening and Alistair is coming home! There will be a gala at the Club tonight and they are all attending. You must be properly dressed when Alistair arrives!”

“Grandfather Crane is coming home?” Nikki was shocked, that couldn’t be good news and she knew it. Watching as Pilar picked something more appropriate for her to wear, Nikki had a feeling something was going to happen in the near future.

Alistair walked into the foyer followed by a middle-aged couple. Pilar and the other maids stood awaiting orders from the elder Mr. Crane. He didn’t say anything, just taking in the look of his home. He heard laughter coming from the kitchen and was surprised when Sheridan entered the room with Luis’ arm around her waist.

“Fa…Father,” she gasped, shocked at seeing him after all this time. She slid her arm around Luis, knowing it was the only thing that would keep her fiancé calm.

“Sheridan,” he replied coolly, fixing his suit jacket. He wasn’t tall, perhaps five feet eleven inches and his hair was white. The one thing that definitely connected him to Sheridan was two deep blue eyes that were dark with hate.

She looked up at Luis, at a loss for words, wondering why her father was home now of all times.

“Where are Julian and Nicholette?” Alistair asked Pilar, noticing how she held no fear of him. She was closest to him and had seen his many sides having worked in the mansion as long as she had. He found her intriguing, despite the fact he had done away with her husband years ago. She was still a vibrant woman and he knew that she would never back down to him. For that he respected her.

“Miss Nicholette is dressing, Mr. Crane, and your son is in his library,” Pilar stood tall, knowing her son was watching her.

“Sheridan, be a dear and fetch Nicholette with you, I think I would like to have a chance to speak with your…fiancé,” Alistair didn’t leave room for argument. “Pilar, take Mr. and Mrs. Lauer upstairs to one of the guest room, please. They will be visiting us for a time.”

“Yes, Mr. Crane,” Pilar nodded and had two of the maids grab the luggage as she led them all upstairs. Sheridan followed behind, wanting to get Nikki immediately and return to Luis before they killed each other.

“The rest of you are dismissed to your normal work,” he headed for the sitting room. “Come along…son,” he ordered with a sly smile.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me son. I might be marrying Sheridan but I sure as hell don’t want to admit to being your family,” he replied through gritted teeth, hoping Sheridan returned before he killed his future father-in-law.

“Nikki, hurry will you!” Sheridan whined, listening from the doorway as Luis and her father spoke. “Before Luis kills Alistair.”

“And the negative thing would be? Come on, Aunt Sher, no one would miss him,” Nikki checked her appearance one more time, sighing. She donned her least favorite dress. It went to her knees and was so lose she swore another person fit in it. It was also gray; she hated gray. “Why do we do this? Why do we pretend to be someone we aren’t?”

“Don’t ask because you’ll never know why. Come on, Nick, before my fiancé ends up in prison,” Sheridan grabbed her niece’s arm and dragged her towards the stairs. “Besides, Brad will be here in minutes.”

“Goodie,” she sighed. “His parents are here, aren’t they?”

“Yea,” Sheridan replied as they descended the stairs. “Pilar is showing them the guest room.”

“Damn,” Nikki grumbled. “Aunt Sher, how long have I been seeing Brad?”

“About two and a half weeks or so, why?” Sheridan asked.

“How long were you dating before they tried to get you engaged to that Mason fellow back in Paris?” Nikki was trying to come up with a reason for this party tonight.

“Almost a month…Nikki they wouldn’t do that right now. Father is probably here for other reasons. He wouldn’t do this to you right now…you haven’t even graduated yet.” Sheridan didn’t sound convincing and Nikki had a feeling that she would be engaged before Alistair left Harmony.

“Are you Nikki?” a sweet voice asked from behind them. Both turned to face the woman at the top of the steps. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a red bow and her eyes were the same color as Brad’s: blue-gray. She was thin and tall and her suit was tailored to fit her perfectly.

“I’m Nikki,” she smiled. “And this is my Aunt Sheridan.”

“Pleasure to meet you both,” she descended to meet them. “Emily Lauer. Feel free to call me Em,” she grinned. “Brad has spoken nonstop about you for nearly two weeks,” Emily hugged Nikki. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, dear.”

“Pleasure’s all mine,” Nikki laughed. “I would love to stay and chat, but my future Uncle is alone in there with my Grandfather and I’m sure that isn’t a good thing. They don’t get alone well.”

“I do hope we can talk afterwards. Perhaps we could go shopping?”

“I’d love to, Mrs. Lauer.”

Emily nodded and continued past them to seek out the kitchen and find someone to make her some tea. Nikki and Sheridan rushed into the sitting room, hoping to save Luis from himself.

~*~Chapter Fourteen: Seeing Her Face~*~

Everywhere he looked, Noah Bennett saw her face.

He had tried to forget her, really he had, but Nikki’s face was the only one he wanted to see. He had heard from Josh that she was going out exclusively with the kid Brad from the Book Café. Sure, she would still flirt at some of the clubs, but she *only* went home with Brad. Things looked pretty serious between the pair; in fact, she was meeting his parents this weekend.

“Damn it, Uncle Hank,” Noah groaned, resting his head against the red leather of the booth they were sitting in. Hank had offered to take Noah out for lunch for some bonding time; what he hadn’t expected was his nephew’s need to check every brunette that walked by in case it was she. “I don’t know why the hell I let her get to me, but man she’s under my skin and won’t go away.”

“Yea, well, I’d like to say that stops, but it doesn’t, man. Just ask your father,” Hank took a gulp from the mug of beer in front of him.

“No thanks, haven’t exactly been on his best terms now have we?” Noah took a gulp of his own beer as he looked around for something to take his mind off of Nikki. Two weeks, four dates and one bedded, but still Nicholette Masterson was always on his mind. Sighing, he saw one of the waitresses walk to another table with a pizza in her arms. She looked a lot like Nikki, only taller.

“Who you scoping out?” Hank looked around.

“Not scoping her out, Uncle Hank,” Noah sighed, checking out the waitress as she passed their table. “She just reminds me of someone…”

“Damn it man, just fess up that you screwed up big time. You’re ass is grass either way. Go to her, she’s gotta be around,” Hank tried. He knew exactly where that little brunette bimbo was, the mansion on Raven Hill.

“Wish I could, but you said it, I screwed up big time. I’m an ass…”

“Yea well, true,” he took another gulp from the mug. “Now, let me get this straight, you called Ivy Crane a bitch and she freaked out right?”

“Yea.”

“What if she’s a Crane?” Hank asked, watching for their pizza.

“She’s a Masterson, remember, not a Crane,” Noah replied.

“How do you know? I mean the girl could lie, right? Cranes have fake IDs and all…Sheridan has one with the name Sarah Hilton on it for when she’s hiding from the press. Come on, Noah, the girl’s a tramp.”

Noah looked like he was going to knock his Uncle upside the head for saying that about his girl, except she wasn’t his girl and there was no way in hell he was going to fight for her honor. “She’s not a tramp, Uncle Hank,” Noah replied, chugging the remaining contents in his glass. “And she sure as hell can’t be a Crane. Nikki ain’t nothing like those tight ass snobs on the hill. She’s wonderful.”

“Yea, she’s a bitch with a fake ID and you’re losing your mind over her. Forget her, man, she’s trash.”

“I said she wasn’t trash!” Noah became defensive. “Nikki and I are going to hook up, man, so you better watch your God damn mouth!”

“Woah,” Hank put up his hands in defeat. “Sorry man. Just trying to warn you. You never know who a person really is.”

“Yea, well Nikki wouldn’t have lied to me. She’s got that kick ass tattoo and that rockin’ naval ring…”

“Which Sheridan Crane has too…”

Noah glared at Hank. “Shut up about the Crane woman. She’s getting married next week and you sure as hell ain’t the groom.”

“Yea, well, you’re not on Nikki’s list of men so you should stop talking about her…”

“I would, but I can’t seem to.”

“Why not?”

Noah looked at the door where Nikki walked in with another woman and Sheridan Crane. “Because she just got here…”

“What?” Hank spun around and noticed Nikki with Sheridan. “Lookey there, she’s with a Crane…”

“She could know her through Theresa. She was friends with her she said…besides, Nikki’s been at the Youth Center a lot, she could know her from there.”

“Whatever…go say hi.”

“No way man.”

“Go, Noah, or else I’ll kick your ass. You’ve been whining for hours and now you won’t even go over there.”

“Fine…fine,” he got up and headed for the table they were settled around.

“Hey, Nick,” Noah smiled at her, meeting her blue eyes.

Nikki’s breath caught in her throat. “No…Noah…hey,” she forced a smile. “Just spending a day on the town with Sheridan and Brad’s mom. Mrs. Lauer, this is Noah Bennett…”

“Oh, I’ve heard about the Bennetts…Ethan turned out to be a Bennett, didn’t he Sheridan?”

Sheridan simply nodded. “How are you Noah?”

“Fine Ms. Crane…”

“Sheridan, please,” she insisted.

“Whatever.”

“So, what are you three lovely ladies doing out alone?” Noah was trying to work his magic.

“Shopping,” Nikki grinned. “We left Luis at home and decided an afternoon for us was needed. We insisted Emily try the pizza here.”

“I’ve never had pizza before,” Emily blushed. “Care to join us, Mr. Bennett?”

“Na, me and my Uncle are having a man’s day too,” he laughed. “I just couldn’t pass up a chance to say hi to the most beautiful women in Harmony,” he winked at Nikki.

“Yea, well, we’re thankful you did, but there’s no need to keep ogling the merchandise hun,” Nikki shot him a look.

“Sorry,” he shook his head. “You know the digits Nick.”

“Yea, and I’ll be sure to forget to use them,” she growled, glad he was leaving the table.

Noah returned to his uncle and sank into the booth. “This sucks.”

“Blew it again?”

“Probably, everywhere I go I see that girl’s face and I can’t even get her to listen to me. This sucks big time.”

“Yea well, get used to it. Bennetts don’t have much luck when it comes to woman. It’s a genetic deficiency we were fortunate enough to be given.”

Sighing, Noah looked over at Nikki one last time, catching her eyes. He could see something there and wondered just what it could be. Two and a half weeks he had been here and he already lost his best friend to his half-brother. Theresa was long gone, married to the man of her dreams in a whirlwind wedding and now on a honeymoon given to him by Sheridan Crane. How much longer did he have to see Nikki’s face without knowing that she was seeing his everywhere and that she was his? Noah couldn’t stand it anymore and he left the pizzeria without another word.

~*~Chapter Fifteen: A Crane Ball~*~

Nikki hated galas. Oh yes, they were great places to meet more rich snobs, which she wanted no part of. Every gala always came with a price: either someone was getting married, a business deal was being made or someone was celebrating a big birthday and announcing that they were available for market. In her case, this gala meant that her grandfather was home and ready to pawn her off on the highest bidder.

Sighing, she looked at herself in her compact, glancing at her Aunt and future Uncle who were snuggling in the limo as well. Sheridan had invited Luis and Nikki didn’t want to drive with Alistair and her parents, so she begged to go with Sheridan. Of course, Sheridan hadn’t denied her niece that one little wish and they piled into Sheridan’s personal limo.

“Excited, Nick?” Sher asked, looking over at her niece.

“No. I have a bad feeling that Brad is getting a lecture from his parents, Aunt Sher. Brad’s parents wanted him to settle down soon. He’s almost done with college and his father has a position open for him. All he needs is the perfect wife and he’s ready to go…”

“And you think that’s what tonight is about?” Sheridan asked.

“Does Alistair always come to town for Crane gatherings?” Nikki shot back. “Come on, he didn’t even come to town to ruin your life with the imposter. Why the hell is he here now? And don’t think it’s for your wedding.”

“Oh, trust me, I knew it wasn’t for the wedding. I mean, he isn’t really fond of my fiancé.”

“Hey, I’m not dead over here,” Luis interrupted.

“Is it really shocking that my father hates you?” Sheridan teased.

“Nope,” he grinned.

“Enough, we’re talking about *my* problems,” Nikki groaned. “I think Brad’s going to propose or something. I think he’s going to try and make this official.”

“Will you marry him?”

“I don’t know. Aunt Sher, I do have feelings for him, but I’m not ready to marry Brad. We’ve only been together for two weeks.”

“Then don’t assume anything, Nick, because you might be wrong.”

Nikki sighed. If she was so wrong, why did she have a feeling that she was right?

The party was in full swing nearly an hour later and Nikki was actually enjoying herself. She was dancing with Brad, her form fighting midnight blue gown driving him insane. They were both having a hard time keeping their hands off of each other even with all the eyes on them. His hands slipped from her waist to her backside and hers continued to tickle his neck like he enjoyed.

“You’re not behaving Mr. Lauer,” she whispered seductively in his ear.

“Neither are you,” he teased, nipping her ear with his teeth.

“I think there’s a room we can use to…relieve this stress,” she looked into her eyes. She wanted him so badly right now. Brad had turned out to be a wonderful lover, better than anyone she had ever had in her life. She had grown men that weren’t half as good as Brad was. He knew just what to do to please her.

“Not just yet, baby, we can party all night if you want. Right now I want to make those stuff shirts over there as jealous as all hell. They’re looking at you like they could have a chance.”

She glanced to where he motioned and winked at the boys. “Maybe they do,” she teased.

“Hell no,” he laughed. “None of them could handle what you need, sweetheart. Only me.”

“And you’re so talented at handling me,” she kissed him long and hard.

“Enough,” Alistair interrupted. “It’s time my boy.”

“Yes Mr. Crane,” Brad nodded.

“Brad? Time for what?”

“You’ll see, Nick.”

“No, tell me damn it. Time for what?”

“I said you’ll see.”

“Screw that. I *want* to know!”

The music stopped and a spotlight found the couple. Then and there Brad dropped to his knee and revealed a sparkling four carat diamond ring. “Fine, now you know. Nicholette Crane, will you marry me?”

Nikki shook her head no, backing away. “I knew it…I said this was too good to be true. I knew that they wouldn’t let this rest.” She glared at her parents and Grandfather. “Is *this* what tonight was about? Is this why you threw this ball?” She screamed. “Is this how the All Mighty Cranes work? They have some big ass party and sell off their children one by one to anyone willing to take them? This is bullshit!” She was pissed. “Well I’ll have no part of it! None at all! I won’t marry you, Brad, now or ever!” She took off outside, running through the gates of the Country Club and towards the sound of the ocean. She had said they wanted to get rid of her and now she knew she was right.

~*~Chapter Sixteen: The Storm at the Beach~*~

Had the clouds only formed overhead now or had she missed them during her drive to the Country Club? Nikki didn’t know and she didn’t care as her mad dash away from that horrible place became a light stroll. She was at the one place where she always felt calm, the place she felt closest to someone else: the beach. It didn’t matter that the gray clouds overhead were a signal of an impending storm, what mattered was that she was away from her family.

Sighing, she looked down at the broken heel on her sandals and the torn skirt of her gown. Oh yea, she had done it when she took off from the ballroom, but she didn’t have a choice. She had just wanted to get the hell out of that stuff room and away from Brad. How could he do that to her? Damn it, she had started to fall in love with him and he went and proved that no one could love a Crane. Sighing, she sank into the damp sand, brought her knees to her chest and sniffled. So much for true love.

Not even the crunching of the rocks behind her made Nikki moved as she watched the dark clouds move closer to the shore. If she was to die here tonight, she knew no one would miss her. She knew the truth; she was just another chance to advance the empire. What a crock of shit.

But the man coming up behind her knew whom she was and he would care if she disappeared suddenly. He had been walking this expanse of beach every evening in hopes of just catching a glimpse of her and he couldn’t believe his luck when she sat there alone. But as he moved closer, Noah heard her sobbing and felt terrible, his heart twisting inside his chest. “Nikki?”

Nikki looked around and turned to find Noah standing there. “Noah! Hi,” she stood and brushed the dirt off of the remainder her dress and sighed.

“What’s wrong, Nikki?” he asked, looking over her tattered clothing.

She chuckled slightly and looked away. “You know, every time I think my life makes sense or I have control, someone proves me wrong, Noah. Do you know that tonight the guy I’ve been seeing for two weeks proposed because our parents wanted him to? He seriously thought I would say yes! And you know what really gets me, what really hurts the most?” she glared at him. “The fact that my grandfather came out and admitted that I was being pawned off because he had the right to do that because his business needed it!”

Noah had never seen this side of her before or heard the tales of her family. But there seemed something familiar in her story. “You know, you should talk to Sheridan Crane, Nikki, you’d be surprised how much you two would have in common.”

Nikki laughed and sank back down into the sand. He seriously had no idea how much she and Sheridan Crane had in common. “Yea, I should,” she continued to laugh.

“So does this mean you’re back on the market?”

“Not really, but I’m back on the party list. Just call me the new Nicholette Cr…” she caught herself and shook her head. “Masterson.”

He joined her in the sand and smiled. “Good, we can party together.”

“Oh no, you still ain’t off the hook, Noah Bennett. You and you’re Mr. High and Mighty attitude are certainly unneeded.”

“I seemed pretty needed a few minutes ago.”

“That’s because I was pissed at my family more than I was pissed at you.”

“Well, I can’t help feeling that Ivy Crane is a whore that’s attempting to break up my family. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Oh no? I think I’d understand real well, Noah Bennett. Look, I better get home before it rains…”

Too late! No sooner had she said it than the rain began to pour from the sky, drenching her in the cooled water.

“Oh that’s so damn funny I forgot to laugh!” she screamed. “I bet you planned it that way from the beginning! This is why I don’t go to church! Stupid deities, ruining our lives and planning all this shit to happen when you need it least.”

Noah laughed. “Girl, you have some serious problems. Come on, let me take you home.”

“Take me out drinking and I’ll forget the Ivy is a bitch comment.”

“Deal,” he agreed and led her to his car. This would be one night neither would forget.

~*~Chapter Seventeen: All Night Long~*~

Noah stopped at his place to borrow some of his sister’s clothing for Nikki, which fit her surprisingly well although the blouse was a tad bit too tight. Still, the tight fitting blouse gave him a wonderful view of her silver navel ring and the gorgeous rose tattoo on her back. Oh yes, she was hot! Very hot! What he would give to get her into bed!

For the last two weeks, Noah had heard many things about the brunette beside him: how great she kissed, how well she danced and how Brad said she was a tiger in bed! Oh bed…that was one of the many places he wanted to take her. And he would take her!

“So, I’m going to take us to Posh, it’s a club on Seaside and Fifth, any complaints?” he asked, driving towards one of the many hot spots.

“Do I look like I’m about to complain? I want to get smashed tonight, Noah, and I seriously don’t care where we do it.”

Oh they were going to do it all right, he chuckled. Parking in front of the club, he grinned at her. “We’re here baby.”

“Rock on,” she opened the door of the car and headed for the entrance to the club. She was more than ready to party now. In fact, she was dying to party!

Walking around to her side, Noah slipped an arm around her waist. She paused, looking at the hand on her hip and following the arm connected to the hunk beside her. Oh hell, wasn’t it time for Naughty Nikki to return? Couldn’t she throw caution to the wind tonight? Besides, she needed a rebound man and she was damn sure this one would do. Smiling, she slipped her own hand around his waist. “I say we get inside this joint and show this little town what partying really is.”

“Why Ms. Masterson, I totally agree…” he pulled her closer. “Let’s get smashed.”

“You have a deal, Bennett!” she laughed, dragging him to the door of the club and flashing her ID before dragging him inside.

An hour later, they were reggae dancing on the floor, grinding together during the beats. Oh yea, they had downed at least five beers and their fair share of tequila shots. Oh and what had they used to chase the beer? Oh yea! Southern Comfort!

Now, Nikki was practically hanging on him, her oversized chest pressed against his body through the thin material of Kay’s shirt. Damn Nikki was making him hot and she was teasing him oh so much! He was sure she could tell, hell the entire world could. He had a bulge the size of downtown Manhattan in his pants!

“Noah,” she purred in his ear, her hot breath causing goose bumps. “You seem to be enjoying this baby…something you want.”

“Oh hells yes,” he groaned, pulling her lower body closer against his. “Damn it, Nicholette, I want you so damn bad I hurt.”

“I bet,” she laughed, grinding her hips harder against him. “Honey, you got any harder and you might bust a seem.”

“Already have,” he groaned. “Come on, let’s get the hell out of here…”

“Hell no! We’re just starting to heat this place up, Noah! Besides, I’m enjoying this…aren’t you?”

He moaned. “Nikki…”

“Noah, I promise this will be well worth the wait.”

“Oh God, come on, I have a way we can hang around and I can still get what I want!”

She laughed and whispered two words that Noah was longing to hear. “Take Me!”

“Oh, Nikki, I plan on taking you repeatedly, babe,” and with that he pulled her from the dance floor and towards the back of the club. Noah knew every annex of this place, from the secret rooms in the back that could be rented out for special occasions, to the three levels above that had different music in each room. He also knew the manager of the club, Josh Jungle, who had a little brother that was Noah’s age. In fact, Noah had graduated with Josh’s little brother and knew that there was one room that was always locked…Josh’s office.

He also knew where the spare key was!

Dragging Nikki further through the halls, he took her to the back office and found the key, still hidden in the same secret panel built into the wall.

“Hurry Noah!” she whispered, starting to kiss and nibble his ear. “I need you inside of me…”

Damn why was she doing this to him! Fumbling with the single brass key, Noah forced the door open and pushed her inside, immediately locking the door and leaning her against it to kiss her in return. He was surprised to feel her hands begin to tear at his shirt.

Pulling away, he groaned when she pulled the material from his back and started to trace his muscular chest. “Damn it Nikki, I can’t wait much longer!”

“Than why wait, Noah….”

This sure as hell wasn’t what he planned as his first time with the brunette. “Damn,” he lifted her so her legs came around his waist, her back still against the door. “Skirt on or off…”

“Just take me God Damn it, Noah!” She screamed, wanting him now.

“Shit,” he ripped his sister’s shirt from her body, throwing it across the room and finding her braless.

“My dress didn’t exactly give me the option of wearing one,” she answered his unspoken question, watching as he stared at her chest. “They’re real too, you know.”

He laughed and began to fondle her breasts. “God their huge!”

She laughed. He was so damn drunk!

“Noah, stop screwing around and start screwing me,” she bitched.

“With pleasure,” he ripped her underwear from her legs and undid his jeans. “I don’t have a condom.”

“Do I look like I care!”

“But…”

“I’m on the pill now do it damn it!”

And he did…Noah entered her fast and hard and kept that pace as long as he could, bringing them higher and higher as her body was pushed into the door. It wasn’t loving; it was primal and Nikki was getting a rush from it.

“Harder!”

“Not possible,” he grunted, continuing his forceful moves.

“NOAH!” she screamed, reaching the first of many peaks.

“DAMN!” he kept right on going, trying not to lose control yet. This was addictive. He could do this forever…well figuratively.

Soon he reached his own peak, calling out her name as he filled her completely and released into her body. “Damn.”

“Said that already,” she panted.

“One more time,” he laughed. “That was awesome…”

“Yea,” she kissed him hard. She knew then and there that this was just the start of one VERY long night!

~*~Chapter Eighteen: What Morning Brings~*~

Nikki couldn’t remember a more attentive, powerful or easily aroused partner than Noah Bennett. They had made love in many places and in many positions…against the door twice…on the floor of the office…on the couch…on the desk three times…the floor again, once more on the couch and then they collapsed completely spent. Somehow, they made their way out of the office on wobbly legs, their clothing soaked in sweat and found their way to Noah’s bedroom where they again managed to make love before falling asleep in each other’s arms. Neither had cared that they could get caught; Nikki didn’t even care that she was supposed to be back at the mansion. Both had far too much fun and way too much to drink to think or make it home.

So that night was spent with Nikki wrapped tightly in the arms of the man she knew she truly loved…the man that she had nearly run over when trying to drag her suitcase off of the turn style. But even the best of dreams come to an end…and this one would become the start of a nightmare.

Sometime around nine, Kay peeked into her brother’s room, her overwhelming need to know everything causing her to snoop. She was surprised to see two bodies snuggling close in the small twin bed her brother had always used when he visited. Covering her mouth, she realized that he wasn’t having a slumber party…well he WAS but not that kind of party. Fighting a chuckle, she tiptoed from the room, the shirt Nikki had been wearing the night before held tightly in her fist, and headed for the kitchen. Just WAIT until her mother heard about this!

Walking into the kitchen, Kay found her father staring at the cover of the Harmony News and her mother quietly sipping a cup of coffee. Of course, tension was still high in the house. Somehow they had managed to become…well…responsive to each other without negativity. Of course, Sam still slept on the couch, but whatever.

“Hey Mom, Hey Dad,” Kay greeted in a singsong voice, the shirt still clutched in her hands.

“Morning Kay,” her parents replied, their voices monotone.

“So I was thinking that maybe we should surprise Noah with breakfast. He seems to sleep in so late…” Kay giggled. This was too easy.

“Kay, Noah went out again last night…it isn’t a good idea to wake him so early,” Grace replied, bringing her coffee mug to the sink to wash it.

“Oh but Mom, a good breakfast would be welcoming, right?”

“Well…”

“Come on, you know you want to,” Kay smiled. It was about time someone other than her got in trouble.

“Well, maybe I’ll just wake him for breakfast instead.”

“Oh! Good idea!” Kay laughed, glancing at the clock she decided it was better not to be around when the screams went off. “I think I’ll go see what Charity and Miguel are up to outside,” she waved, leaving the kitchen through the back door.

Grace shrugged, thinking nothing of her eldest daughters cheery mood, and headed upstairs.

In his bedroom, Noah woke to a pounding headache with something heavy and warm resting on his right arm. Squinting against the amazingly bright light in the room, his free arm dangled in the air shading his eyes, Noah tried to focus on the body beside him. He smiled when he realized who it was.

“Nik?” his hoarse voice cut through the silence, but he didn’t receive a response. “Hey, Nik.”

“Shut up…I’m sleeping.”

“Not anymore,” he would have laughed if his head wasn’t throbbing. That was the LAST time he chased beer with southern comfort or had tequila shots between drinks! He should have known better then to combo!

“You suck.”

“No, I believe you do,” he teased.

“Oh my God, you are so not funny, Noah,” she slugged him. “Why the hell did you wake me so early?”

“Well I was having this hot dream about this brunette chick that was like totally good in bed and screaming my name loud as could be…and then I realized it wasn’t a dream it was you last night.”

“We were kinda loud in the office!”

“Screw the office…”

“Actually, we did,” she laughed.

“Ohh don’t do that, it’s loud!”

“Someone can’t hold his liquor,” she teased, her hand caressing his muscular chest. “Anything I can do for you?”

“Yea, stop talking…I’ve decided it’s too loud.”

“We’ll you’re going to have to entertain me some way, Noah Bennett. Because otherwise…”

She would have continued her rant, but Noah’s mouth covering hers completely halted all complaints. In fact, she could think of nothing but his warm mouth over hers.

But that moment would be the one where his mother opened the door, even slightly, hearing her son and a girls voice. Peeking in, Grace’s eyes widened in shock and she screamed, “NOAH BENNETT GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER!”

Noah shot up, the sheet dropping to his waist as Nikki covered her chest. “Morning Mom.”

“Morning, Mrs. Bennett,” Nikki giggled. Somehow she knew this situation could only get worse before it got better.

Grace just stood there in shock, her mouth open and her arms crossed. How could her son have done this? But more than that, she wondered about the girl beside him in bed, hair rumpled and her bare body covered by a sheet. Why did this girl look familiar? What was it that reminded her of someone else? Sighing, Grace’s anger got the better of her and she stomped over to the bed. “What do you think you’re doing Noah Gabriel Bennett??”

“Umm, Mom?” Noah gave her a look. What the hell did she think he was doing?

“I know WHAT you’re doing!” she spat angrily. “Get the hell out of that bed, get your backside into some clothing and be downstairs PRONTO buddy. You’ve done it this time!” she screeched, leaving the room.

“Oh goodie, a lecture from Mommy,” Nikki rolled her eyes. “And I thought being a Cra…Masterson sucked.”

“Welcome to MY side of the tracks,” Noah groaned, getting out of bed.

Nikki whistled. “Too bad we have to go get yelled at, sweetie…I’d love to get to know you better.”

He laughed, throwing one of his shirts and her panties at her. “Come on you, up and dressed,” he said, while sliding into his boxers.

She grinned wickedly. “Promise to undress me again later?”

“Hell yea,” he grinned and watched as she dressed. When both were somewhat decent, they left the room for whatever lecture might come. Neither was prepared for the battle that would take place in the kitchen.

Part Four