Sorry about the delay. I've been busy. Imagine that. I wanted to take a moment and welcome back JasmineDragon22. Good to have you back in the fold. I'd also like to thank a few people who added Nate's Diary to their list of Favs…pebbs96, b1ack-candy, Wadjett (glad to see you back as well), and XoxochloejayneoxoX. It's good to hear from each of you. I look forward to more of your thoughts and feelings on the story.

One more thing. It turns out that as of 12/31/2011, I sold 100 books! Yay! Thank you to all of you who have supported my writing. I promise to get the next book out soon! BY Easter. (Easter's in April, right?)

MY ANGEL

11/12/02 – It has been an interesting day, to say the least. I should be on my way to the gypsies. And I was; only my conscience forced me to turn around and abort my mission. You see, tomorrow is Gina's birthday. Well, actually, it's today. It is after midnight, but I can't sleep. That's why I'm taking the opportunity to write this down. I guess I should recap the three ladies in my life.

I'll start with Wanda, the unobtainable. She was unable to convince Sunny to return to the caverns, which left Wanda the unpleasant task of telling Kyle. Ian and I were both afraid of the end result. I feared Kyle would become violent like Ian and take out his anger on Wanda. Ian was afraid that Kyle would take off to find his lady love.

Our fears were both laid to rest when we learned that Kyle took the news about as best as we could hope for, and although he was depressed, he has not expressed a desire to go after her.

Ian pointed out that Jeb may send Jared out to get her, and if she is brought back by force, her soul body may have to be extracted from the host and sent to another planet in order to protect the families in the caverns and the mountain. That would likely destroy Kyle, and the rest of us wouldn't be too happy either.

On the Tori front, she is being romanced by Blake. I have to admit, it's a rather innocent high school-like beginning. Blake is a virgin, so his idea of seduction isn't quite up to par with my expectations. From what Tori has told me, Blake is only at the 'good night kiss' stage. She seems to be okay with that. My relationship with her is on hold. I'm not sure how I feel about that. On the one hand, I am relieved because she's not pushing anymore. On the other hand, she was my sexual partner and the one constant in my life. I'll get over it…eventually.

Then there's Gina…sweet Gina. She's become such a lady. Lately, she's been there for me as a constant support, but she's made it quite clear that she and Evan are a couple, and she intends to make the relationship work. I'm happy for her, but letting go, for me, is difficult, if not impossible. I promised her a birthday party. I thought I'd have gone to the gypsies and returned before her big day, but unfortunately, between inclement weather and the Sunny situation, it never happened. That is why I found myself in route to the gypsies last night. I had instructed a team of people to create a beautiful Caribbean themed party complete with a sandy beach, and I was going to miss it. I wouldn't get to see her open the diamond tennis bracelet I had Burn's pick up for her. Maybe I was being delusional, but I think she would be terribly disappointed if I wasn't there. Maybe, I'm just being selfish.

Right now, I need sleep.

I was awakened by a knock on the door. My heart sped up in the hopes that it was Gina.

"Come in!" I said as I reached to turn on the light.

The door opened and in stepped Burns. "Nate, what are you doing back? Did something go wrong?"

"I couldn't do it. I couldn't not be here for Gina."

"Nate, why don't you just admit it? You love her."

"This is between you and me, okay? If anyone asks, I'm going to tell them that the van was acting up and I was afraid I'd break down and get caught, so I came back."

"Why? Why don't you just tell her you love her and you want her?"

"Because she deserves better than me. Wanda is still stuck in my head and my heart. Evan can give her one hundred percent. I can't. It's just better this way."

"Then you should have gone to the gypsies."

"I want to see her enjoy her birthday. Does she know I'm back?"

"I don't know. It's still early. I left my clothes in the dryer last night, so this morning I went out to retrieve them. That's when I saw the van. What time did you get in?"

"It was a little after midnight."

"Well, she's got school this morning, so I would imagine she'd be getting up soon."

"Unless she skips for her birthday."

"That's right. She doesn't have to go today."

"Is Evan going to work?"

"He didn't say that he wasn't, but who knows."

"Maybe I'll bring her breakfast in bed."

"Nate, I thought you were going to respect the fact that she and Evan are a couple."

"It's just breakfast," I said innocently.

Burns cocked an eyebrow.

"Hey, it's her birthday. Totally her call."

"Don't ruin her relationship with Evan unless you intend to be that guy for her."

"Right, I know."

I accompanied Burns back to the house. I took a shower and primped in the bathroom. I wanted to look my best when I saw her. I entered the kitchen, and the usual guys were assembled waiting on Victoria to make them breakfast. They were all surprised to see me, Victoria included. The only person missing was Evan.

"What are you doing back?" Ian asked.

"The van was acting up. The engine light went on, and she backfired on me a few times. Burns said he'll take it into town and see what the problem is. I'll just take the truck tonight instead."

I walked over to Victoria and kissed her on the cheek. "Good morning, gorgeous."

"Good morning, Nate."

"I see you didn't sleep in." That was code for 'Blake didn't lose his virginity last night.'

"Nope. I got plenty of sleep last night. I have a lot to do today."

"Really?"

"Apparently, Burns has me on gift wrapping detail."

That meant she would know that I had gotten Gina a tennis bracelet.

"Tell you what. When it's your birthday, I'll be in charge of wrapping your gifts."

"You don't even know when my birthday is."

"So, why don't you tell me? As a matter of fact, I think I am going to issue a new edict. Starting today, I will find out when everyone's birthday is and from now on, no one's birthday will pass by without a party and gifts." I turned Victoria around and wrapped my arms around her waist. "I'm still allowed to do this, right?"

"Nate."

"Just tell me to go away and I will."

Evan entered the kitchen in the middle of my intimate exchange with Victoria. It was perfect timing because he would assume that I was still seeing her.

"Nate what are you doing back here?"

I ignored him and focused my attention on Victoria. "So, when is your birthday?"

"New Year's day."

"You're shittin' me."

"Hey, if you don't want to believe me, that's fine. I won't have a birthday," she said defiantly.

"It's not that. I just pictured you as more of a Leo."

"Sorry."

I smiled at her. "Well, I guess we are going to have one hell of a New Year's celebration this year."

"Can I get back to making the pancakes?"

"Sure whatever…" I released her and stood there looking dejected.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. I just thought you'd be happier to see me this morning. I guess I'm not that important to you anymore," I sighed for effect.

"Nate, you're so stupid." She grabbed my face and kissed me on the lips. It wasn't particularly romantic. It was just a nice friendly kiss. "There. Is that better?"

"Much. Can I help you with anything?"

"No, I got it. Thanks."

With that, I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat with the rest of the guys. Most of them were already finished with breakfast. Evan had gotten his answer as to why I was back from Ian. I sat down next to Burns.

"I think it needs either new spark plugs or new wires. I remember my mom had the same trouble when I was in high school. She was in a panic thinking the engine was going to blow up, and it turned out to be one of the wires was cracked and she was getting interrupted flow or something from the spark plug," The story was true and it helped pound the lie home. I turned my attention to Evan. "Hey, Evan. Is Gina going to school today?"

"Nope, she's sleeping in. We were up late last night," he said with an evil grin.

My stomach tightened at the thought of Gina and Evan having a wild night of sex. "So, you think she'd mind if I brought her some breakfast?"

"I'd mind. She's not dressed."

"Well, I'm sure she'd throw something on before she answered the door."

"We don't have a door, remember? You're the one with a door."

Victoria placed plates of pancakes in front of Burns and Evan.

I smiled at him. "Well, when is your birthday? Maybe I can build you a door."

"It's not as if the entrance to my room is square."

"Neither is mine. My doorway is more circular than yours, and yet I managed to create a door to the specific shape I needed. I could do the same for you."

Ian spoke up. "So, Evan, are you with me today?"

"Sure, I can help you finish wiring the electricity in the house."

Ian looked at me. "What about you, loverboy?"

"I'll be there after a bit." I looked directly at Evan. "I still want to let Gina know I'm back and I need to check in with Maria and Holly on the party arrangements."

"You just keep your dick in your pants, dude."

Ian burst out laughing.

"I'm not going to seduce your girlfriend." Maybe. "Besides, it's not like I never let you seduce my girlfriend."

Tori spun around. "I don't even like Evan!"

I chuckled. "Well, Xena, good to know you still think of me as your boyfriend, but I was talking about Nadia."

"This just gets better and better," Ian roared.

"Hey! He'd bed your fiancée in a heartbeat," Evan reminded him.

"I'd give him a beating he wouldn't soon forget," Ian barked.

"Whoa! Let me make things perfectly clear," I said as I stood at the head of the table. "I have never raped a woman in my life. Any woman I have seduced wanted to be with me. You got that, Evan?" I now turned to Ian and grinned. "It's nice to know you'd let me live. It's a step in the right direction for you."

"Yeah, but I didn't say you wouldn't be crippled."

"Thank goodness for the soul's great healing powers. I wish they could heal my broken heart."

Tori dropped the plate of pancakes in front of me. She turned and left the kitchen.

Fuck!

"You're in trouble now, stud," Evan crowed.

"Leave him alone," Burns ordered.

"You know, you always stick for him," Rob shot back.

"And I always will. If you have problem with that, you can get out of my house."

Whoa! "Guys, let's not fight. I'll clean up the kitchen. Tori will be okay. I'll give her some time to cool off."

Ian, his dad, and Rob headed off to work on the house.

"Burns, are you taking the van in today?"

Considering there really wasn't anything wrong with the van, there really wasn't any hurry.

"No, you take the truck tonight. I'll take the van tomorrow. I'm afraid if leave you two alone, you might kill each other. I don't think Gina would have a pleasant birthday if that happened. Try to keep in mind that it's her day."

"Okay, boss," I replied.

"Evan, you come with me to spackle the bunkhouse. That way I can keep an eye on you."

I knew better. He was making sure Evan didn't catch me and Gina if the inevitable happened. I owed Evan nothing. If Gina wanted me to make love to her, I had no intentions on disappointing her.

I ate my pancakes quietly. I didn't want to cause anymore discord. Burns was in my corner, and I intended to keep him there. After I finished eating, I cooked two more pancakes for Gina. I washed the dishes as I waited for the pancakes to cook. I made her a cup of hot chocolate since I knew it was her favorite and I poured it into a thermos. I placed the pancakes into a thermal container along with pancake syrup and utensils. Once everything was packed, I washed up the last of the dishes and I was in my way.

I passed a couple of the kids, who were on the way to grab some breakfast before school. No sign of Gina. I entered the cave and went directly to her room. I turned on the light that was just inside the doorway. It was always cold in the cave, so Gina was wrapped like a cocoon in her blanket. I placed the thermal container on the dresser. I sat on the mattress and traced my finger along her face.

"Hey, angel. You gonna sleep your birthday away?"

"Evan, I don't have school today."

"Hmmm, I never knew I sounded like Evan."

Gina opened her eyes. "Nathan!" she sat up and wrapped her arms around my neck. I could feel her naked body as I hugged her. "What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't miss your birthday."

She pulled back, and I immediately focused on her voluptuous breasts. Gina pulled the blanket up and covered her body.

"Nate, I'm naked."

"I love seeing you in your birthday suit."

"Nate. You can't see me like that anymore."

Respect her wishes, man. "I'm sorry. I'll step outside, so you can get dressed." I kissed her gently on the lips and rose to my feet. I stepped out of the room. I was pacing outside the room when Evan appeared around the corner.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Making sure you aren't on my girl."

"If I was, it would have been because she wanted it. Don't you trust your own girlfriend?"

Gina slid the curtain back and walked into the small hallway. "Evan, don't you trust me?"

Evan started back peddling. "Of course I do, sugar. I just thought…"

Gina interrupted him. "You just thought I'd fall into Nate's arms and forget all about our relationship?"

"No, I…"

I had such an urge to throw his words to me earlier today right back in his face. You're in trouble now, stud. I had to suppress my smile. I did it by thinking about Gina. She was obviously hurt by his lack of trust.

"Hey, I didn't come here to start trouble between you two. I just wanted to bring you breakfast, wish you a happy twentieth birthday, and let you know I would be here for the party."

"Thank you, Nate. You were a gentleman, and I appreciate that you left the room so I could get dressed." She turned to Evan. "I think you should leave."

"This is my room and you are my girlfriend."

She was holding in her anger. "Fine. Then I'll leave. Nate, can I stay with you?"

I was dumbfounded. "Um, uh, sure, if that's what you want. I'm leaving for the gypsies tonight." I kicked myself after I said it. I wanted Gina…but, this was her birthday and she loved Evan. I didn't want her to be miserable during her party. If this scene had played out on any other day, I would have jumped at the chance.

Gina walked up to me and grabbed my face. She locked lips with mine and kissed me. She left me wanting more. "Gina, I don't want to ruin your day."

"You didn't. He did." Her gaze at Evan was nothing short of daggers.

"Gina, you're making a big thing out of nothing," Evan snapped.

"I made a big thing out of nothing? Let me tell you something. I could have easily said, 'come on Nate, let's fuck,' but you know what? I didn't. I respect our relationship. You're an asshole."

"I'm gonna go," I said cautiously, as I stepped away from them. I bolted from the cave and headed to the bunkhouse where Burns was working alone spackling the walls.

"I thought you were going to keep Evan here with you?"

"He said he had to go to the bathroom."

"There's a bathroom here!" I pointed out.

"No toilet paper. Don't tell me he caught you in a compromising position with Gina."

"No. He confronted me while I was waiting in the hall for her to put some clothes on and she went off on him for not trusting her."

"Karma, man."

"Yeah, but now I feel bad."

"Don't. You told him you were going to see her. He obviously feels threatened, and if he doesn't trust her, then he shouldn't be in the relationship."

"What if someone liked Lily? What would you do?"

"Actually, I heard through the grapevine that when Ice first arrived at the caverns that he got pretty friendly with Lily."

"You weren't jealous?"

"Of course I was jealous, but if I let it be known, what would that have solved? Either she was going to remain true to me or she'd break up with me. All I could do was hope I was the better man."

"Wow, I hope I'm like you when I grow up."

He smiled. "No chance of that!"

"You don't think I could be like you?"

"No, I don't think you'll ever grow up."

I worked with Burns for the rest of the morning spackling the walls. We broke for lunch when Gina came to get us.

"Hey, you two. Are you going to work through lunch?"

"We were trying to finish up this room, so we can sand the room we did yesterday. That way, Tori can start painting tomorrow."

"Do you think I can help paint?"

"Sure, but don't you have school?" I reminded her.

"I can help after school."

"Gina, did you make up with Evan?"

"Make up? No. Break up? Yes."

"Damn, Gina. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Maybe it's for the best."

I didn't answer her.

"I could always come with you to the gypsies."

"Do you think that's a good idea?"

"I don't know. Will you take me if I decide to go?"

I looked at Burns. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Did you really break up with him?"

"Yep and you know what he said?"

"I don't know. What?"

"He said I wasn't the only fish in the sea."

"Huh…"

"Maybe he's going to go after Holly," Gina surmised.

"You think Holly likes him?"

"I have no idea. Right now, I don't care. It's my birthday. Will you be my date for the party?"

"I would be honored, angel."

"Let's go to lunch," Burns commanded.

Everyone else had already finished. We were alone in the funhouse. Lunch was canned Ravioli. We had just sat down when Ian and his crew showed up with Evan in tow.

Evan walked up to the table. He wasn't smiling. "Nate, can I talk to you outside?"

"Look I'm not trying to steal your girl."

"I'm not his girl," Gina answered before he could.

I got up from my seat and followed Evan outside.

"I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen."

"Didn't you?"

"I swear to you, I didn't. Listen, I admit I still have feelings for Gina—strong feelings. I just wanted to be a part of her birthday. I admit that I would love to make to love to her again, but she was quick to shut me down."

He turned away from me and balled up his hands into fists. He turned back and spoke abruptly. "I want to go to the gypsies."

"No. I need to go to the gypsies. You need to make up with your girlfriend."

"Why? It's you she wants."

"She wants a long term commitment. I don't know if I can give that to her. You can."

"I'm going and you can't stop me."

"I can and I will," I said sternly. It was a threat and not a veiled one.

Evan marched past me back into the funhouse. He sat next to Ian and ate his lunch. Everyone ate in silence. As we finished lunch, I turned to Gina. "Would you like to come back to my room and play scrabble?"

She smiled. "Sure, that sounds like fun." Gina and I brought the dirty dishes back to the house. She took the opportunity to use the bathroom. I took the opportunity to make a phone call.

"Hey."

"Hey, what's up?"

"I need you to grab Evan and lock him in the root cellar."

"Why?"

"Because he's threatening to go to the gypsies."

"So, let him go."

"If he goes to the gypsies, it will mean the end for him and Gina."

"I thought that's what you wanted?"

"I wanted to see Gina celebrate her birthday. I didn't want to bust up their relationship."

"And how long do you expect me to keep him locked up?"

"Just until I leave. I'll leave when the party is in full swing. No one will notice. You let him out before she opens the gifts."

"What about your gift?"

"I'll give it to her now."

"Okay, the gifts are in my room. I don't know if Victoria wrapped them yet. When do you want me to snag Evan?"

"He won't leave before dark. Even Evan isn't that stupid. I'd say when the sun is going down."

"I'll keep Gina busy, so she doesn't see what's going on."

"Okay."

Gina exited the bathroom. "Hey, would you hang out a minute? I need to get something."

"Sure." She sat on the couch with the kids who were watching the Disney Channel.

I entered Burns's room and interrupted Tori as she wrapped the gifts.

"Hey." Tori didn't answer. She was obviously pissed. I needed to make amends. "I was looking for you."

"Well, you found me," she said coldly, as she continued wrapping.

I sat next to her and pulled her hand into mine. "You shouldn't be mad."

She raised her eyes to look at me. "You come into the kitchen and get all friendly with me, and then you tell Ian that Wanda broke your heart. How am I supposed to feel?"

"You are supposed to feel like the girl who kept me from crumbling. You are supposed to feel like the girl who may one day break my heart as well."

"You're just saying that."

"Victoria, knowing that you and Blake are getting closer every day makes me feel anxiety. I'm afraid that one day I won't be able to do this." I leaned in and kissed her. It was a short kiss, but I tasted her lips with my tongue.

"You're a good kisser," she replied. "Much better than Blake."

"Blake is still learning. He'll kiss you any way you want if you teach him."

"I don't want to make him feel inexperienced."

"Babe, he is inexperienced. Just kiss him the way you want to be kissed. He'll catch on—believe me."

"Thanks."

"I wanted to give Gina her present before the party. Do you mind if I take it?"

"Diamond tennis bracelet. A little extravagant—don't you think?"

"I think she's a special lady and deserves a special gift."

"Right, she's number two in your heart."

"Number one in Evan's. I'm keeping her with me this afternoon. We'll be playing Scrabble. Care to join us?"

"You don't really want me butting in on your private time with Gina."

"Fine. You're right. You know Gina broke up with Evan this morning."

"You're lying."

"He came to check on me this morning because he knew I was going to see her and that she was lying naked in the bed."

"Did you..?"

"See her naked? Only from the waist up. She pulled the blankets to cover herself and asked me to wait outside while she dressed. That's when Evan showed up. She was pissed at him for not trusting her."

"So you're home free. Go for it."

"I'm sort of in a relationship with you."

"Are you?"

"I thought I was. You sure acted like it this morning."

"Do you want to break up with me?"

"You want the truth?" Tori bit her lower lip. "It depends on the day. Some days I do and some days I don't."

"How are feeling about it today?"

I leaned in close and brushed my finger along her lower lip. "Today I feel like I'm not ready to give you up to Blake just yet."

"Even for Gina?"

"Gina still loves Evan. They may be broken up, but honestly, I think she did it so she could spend her birthday with me and not feel guilty about it."

Tori drew in a deep sigh. "Go. Spend your day with her."

"Are you angry?"

"I know I should be, but I'm not."

"Maybe it's because you want to be with Blake."

"No, it's not that. I mean I like Blake, but this is about you." Her eyes began to tear up. "You and Gina belong together. You have a connection with her. I can't explain it. It's just the way you look when you're around her."

"So you're not going to play Scrabble with us?"

"No."

"Did I ever tell you that you're special?"

"Once or twice."

I cupped my hand under her chin and kissed her. It was a good kiss. A kiss we hadn't shared in days. "I'll see you later." I rose to my feet and started toward the door.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Tori asked, as she held out the wrapped gift. I turned and retrieved the gift from her. "See what you do to me?" I leaned down and kissed her one more time.

Gina was sitting on the couch still watching TV.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"Five more minutes? This show is almost over."

"Sure, angel." I stepped into the kitchen. Maria and Aunt Sue were frosting the cake they had baked this morning. "Hi, ladies. Is everything on track for this evening?"

"Sure is. We'll be starting on dinner as soon as we finish this cake."

"I have total faith in you. Have you seen Holly?"

"She's out there." Maria pointed out the kitchen window. "She's got Burns using a wheel barrow to move the sand. It's been slow going."

"At least Gina won't have any idea what the sand is for. Let me go before Gina pokes her head in here."

The credits were rolling when I returned to the living room. Gina was zipping up her jacket. "I'm ready now."

Gina and I walked back to the cave in silence. I wondered what was going through her head. We entered my room, and I took her coat.

"So, birthday girl, what's your poison?"

"What do you mean?"

"Scrabble or Yahtzee?"

"Aren't you going to seduce me?"

"This morning you asked me to leave the room, so you could put clothes on."

"Things have changed since this morning. Now I want you."

"I think you might regret it after you've made up with Evan."

"You know what I regret?"

"What?"

"Coming here to the mountain."

I was shocked. "Why would you say that?"

"Doesn't matter now. I'm here and I'm taking control of my life." She stripped off her sweater revealing a black lace bra.

"Where the hell did you get that?"

"You like it?"

"Who wouldn't?"

She walked up to me, unsnapped my jeans and pulled down the zipper. "It's my birthday, and I want you to make me happy."

"Gina," It was a weak protest at best.

"Kiss me, Nathan," she ordered.

"I don't think..."

She shoved me backwards. "Why the fuck did you come back anyway? You were on your way to gypsy land! I accepted that I wasn't a priority in you life and then you come back and make me think that I was important. I thought…" She never had a chance to finish her tirade. I grabbed her and kissed her. I had been pushing all the primal urges to fuck the shit out of her and I let them escape. You'd think we were starving for each other. I picked her up under her arms and she wrapped her legs around my torso.

It came to mind that Tori had said Blake didn't kiss as well as I did. In my mind, no one kissed better than Gina. She kissed the way she sucked dick—with passion and conviction. Her full lips were soft and warm. Her tongue caressed mine in slow delicious circles. Her teeth gently nibbled my lower lip. My brain was lost in sensory overload. My dick reacted quickly and pushed its way over the top of my open jeans. "I want to eat you," I murmured.

"Take your clothes off," she whispered.

I placed her gently on the bed. She released my neck, so I could stand up. She was already peeling her jeans off before I could rip off my own and I was already unzipped. She grabbed a hold of my dick as I approached the bed. "Gina, I want to satisfy you," I protested.

"Contest," she announced as she lay back and opened her legs.

My lips curled into a smile. "You're on." When it came to satisfying my sexual partners, I had never been beaten.

As I plunged my tongue into the folds of her warm pussy, she began to caress the tip of my cock with her tongue. I felt my stomach tighten at the sheer pleasure of her touch. I worked at pleasing her using my fingers to penetrate her just enough for her to want more as I teased her with my tongue. I heard her let out a moan and she lost her concentration for a few seconds and pulled off of my dick, but then she regained her sense and her determination, and she deep throated me. I gasped and lost my momentum. It went back and forth like this for about fifteen minutes. At one point I thought I had her because she threw her head back and enjoyed it as I sucked on her clitoris. Yet, she once again regained her focus and came back at with a vengeance. My body was betraying me. I wanted to climax so fucking bad. Finally, I couldn't take it. I plunged my dick down her throat, shot my load, and she began to choke. "Jesus!" I pulled out of her throat quickly, and she looked like she was drowning. I rolled her to her side and smacked her on the back. "Breathe, Gina!" I was afraid I'd suffocated her. She began coughing up sperm over the side of the bed. "I'm so sorry!"

He finally took several deep breaths and rolled onto her back on the bed. Her eyes were bloodshot and swollen with tears. "I win," she said with a smile—and then she coughed some more.

I leaned forward, propping my elbows on my knees, and rested my forehead in my hands. "I could have suffocated you," I lamented.

"But you didn't and you came first," she said smugly.

"Yes, you won, but tell me how am I supposed to satisfy you?"

"Tell me you love me."

"I love you."

She pulled me down and kissed me passionately. "Now I'm happy," she cooed.

"You want to play scrabble?"

She laughed. "No, I don't think it would be sagacious to beat you twice in one day."

"Sagacious—huh—big word for a little girl."

"So you know what it means?" she challenged.

"Sagacious: wise, smart, prudent, tactful."

"Okay, so you know that one."

"I'm very proud of you and the fact that you take your studies so earnestly."

"Earnestly: thoughtfully, seriously, enthusiastically."

We both laughed. "Snuggle with me?" Gina requested.

"Your wish is my command. Oh—wait! I have your birthday present. I wanted you to open it while we're alone."

"Okay."

I got off the bed and reached into my coat pocket for the tiny wrapped gift. I scooted back on the bed and took Gina's hand in mine. "Now I want you to know that Burns told me what Evan asked him to pick up for you for your birthday. I know he loves you, but I love you, too, and I didn't want to be outdone."

"Oh, Nate."

"Listen, he's angry right now and he alluded that he wants to take off to the gypsies. I can't let him do that for several reasons; one being that I know the only reason you broke it off with him was so you could spend the day with me without a guilty conscience."

"Nate, I'd spend every day with you if you'd have me."

"I'd be afraid that I would destroy you. You're good with Evan. I'm selfish. I wanted this day with you, so I asked Burns to lock him in the root cellar until I leave tonight on the premise that he was going to try to take the truck to the gypsies."

"You could have just taken the key. Why didn't Burns suggest that?"

"Maybe he figured out my plan, or maybe it's because Burns knows that Evan can hot-wire a vehicle. He came to us three years ago when he was seventeen. He learned pretty quickly from those he was with how to steal a car."

"Right, he told me about his extended family. His older sister and her boyfriend were part of that group."

"Yeah, he was brought in the same way you were. Anyway, he's always been loyal to me until you came along. The gypsies think that you and I are married. If he goes to them in the frame of mind he's in right now, he'd blow the whole deception we have created and then none of them would ever trust me again. I don't want Nadia to find out the truth until after she's arrived here."

"You're gonna keep him locked up all night?"

"I won't stay for the whole party. I'll stay just long enough to see you enjoy yourself and eat a little of the fabulous food Maria and Aunt Sue are preparing." I kissed her gently on the lips. "I do love you Gina and I hope you'll accept this gift as a token of my love." I handed her the wrapped box.

"It looks so pretty!" she trilled.

"Victoria wrapped all the gifts. She was a little jealous of your gift, so I'm going to have to come up with something good for her birthday."

Gina smiled and slowly unwrapped the box. She pulled it from the wrapping and carefully lifted the lid. There was excitement in her eyes.

"Oh my God! Are they real?"

"They better be."

"I've never owned anything with diamonds!" she gushed.

"I've never given anyone diamonds before. I thought you deserved the best. I hope you like it."

"Oh, Nathan!" She flung herself at me and knocked me backwards as she kissed me over and over again. She finally pulled away and draped the bracelet over her wrist. "Will you help me put it on?"

I secured the clasp and she admired it. "It's absolutely beautiful!"

I smiled at her. "Now, I know you wanted to snuggle, but I think with just a little goading I might be persuaded to satisfy you now."

She leered at me. "What did you have in mind?"

"Take off your bra, so I can see those magnificent breasts."

She cocked her head to the side. "Maybe you'd like to do it."

I kissed her cleavage as I reached around to undo the hooks and eyes that rested on her spine. I pulled back as I slowly slid the straps from her shoulders and the lacey cup fell away from her breasts. I drew in a deep sigh. "Only Rachel comes close to the perfection of your breasts, but I think hers might be a little too big."

"I didn't know you had first hand knowledge of Rachel's breasts."

"It was a long time ago. She's happy with Rob just as you'll one day be happy with Evan and I…"

"Will never leave my heart. You are my Wanda."

I felt a lump rise up in my throat. I buried my face in her neck and began to kiss her collarbone, so she wouldn't see the tears I was trying to suppress. I made love to her and this time I was in complete control, and she had one hell of an orgasm. I didn't allow myself to climax until I was sure she had been completely satiated. Afterwards, we lay back in the bed entwined in each other arms and we took a much needed afternoon siesta.

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