It was nearly 2am and all should have been quiet in the living room of Rachel's apartment. The girls had gone to bed at about midnight, after a wild night of dancing and singing, telling crazy ghost stories, playing charades and eating way too much junk food. Rachel had stayed in the living room with them until they fell asleep and then retired to her own room.

Melody awoke hearing muffled odd sounds. To her surprise they were coming from the moving lump in the sleeping bag next to her. Melody sat up and rubbed her eyes. Reaching over, she unzipped the bag to find Holly partially turned upside down while still muttering and fidgeting. She began to thrash about and call out in her sleep.

"Let me alone! I want my Dad. Let me see him, please!" Her voice sounded so desperate and pleading, as if she were scared. Melody knew what it was like to have nightmares but her mom had always been there to comfort her. She wasn't sure what she should do.

Holly's cries became more frantic, most of what she said was jumbled and incoherent, but Melody heard her say, 'Mom'. Then, very clearly, she cried out, "What's wrong with my mom. not moving.leave her alone!.no." Melody reached over to gently shake Holly's shoulder.

"Holly.Holly, wake up. You're having a bad dream."

Holly jolted up, startled, her eyes wide. "Daddy." Then she seemed to focus on Melody and realized where she was, slowly calming down. This freaked Melody out.

"Maybe I should go wake up Rachel. She can call your dad." Melody was used to other sleepovers where there were first time girls who were scared and couldn't seem to stay the night away from home, so she started to get up. Holly grabbed her arm,

"No, I don't want you to bother Rachel. It's no big deal." Melody could tell she was lying. "I don't want to worry my dad. He thinks I don't have them anymore." Melody was a bit confused. Her mom would be the first person she would want to share her bad dreams with.

"Do you remember what it was about?" Holly recalled bits and pieces. It seemed parts were missing about the house she used to live in with her mom. She was always hiding her eyes in her dream.

"Are they about your mom?" Melody only knew that Holly's mom was dead, but nothing else, as she never talked about her mom, almost like she didn't exist. The last year had been difficult for Holly and Stanley.

Holly hesitated and nodded, "sort of."

Melody wished her mom was here. She always knew the right thing to say. Remembering what her mom would do for her, Melody looked down to find her big floppy eared dog, Brewster, who always accompanied her to bedtime. He was soft and cuddly, with a knack for chasing away monsters in the middle of the night. Feeling Holly needed him worse than she did tonight, sympathetically she handed Brewster over to her. "He helps me sleep, you can have him for the night."

"But he's your favorite, I couldn't. How will you go to sleep without him?"

"It's okay. I don't really need him. I like him, yeah...to sleep with. But I want you to have him. I know it's not the same as having your dad here."

"Sometimes my dad doesn't know what to say or do. It's hard for him." Holly took the dog and gave him a snuggle, "He's really soft."

Melody didn't want to make a big deal out of this. She climbed back into her sleeping bag. "You can wake me up, if you need to, okay?"

Holly snuggled back into her bag holding the dog close. "Okay. Thanks."

There was a silence then Holly spoke, "Melody?"

"Yeah."

"I wish you'd try and like my dad. He's really okay."

Melody was silent, reflecting on her encounters with Holly's dad. "I know." She paused, "He's in love with my mom isn't he?"

Holly answered back, "I don't know. It kind of seems like that, doesn't it?"

"And you're okay with that?"

"He's been alone for a long time. He always seemed sad to me. And now he's happy when he's with your mom. I really like her."

Melody thought about them together and how they did seem so happy together. "My mom's happy when she's with him too." She didn't want to talk about this anymore. It still concerned her where this was going...the whole Stan and her mom thing.

" We should go to sleep."

"Okay, goodnight Melody." Melody heard Holly shifting in her sleeping bag and turning over.

"Night, Holly." Melody lay there for a few minutes. Somehow they connected. Maybe she was meant be an older sister. Melody found it weird. She never wanted this to happen and here she found herself beginning to like her, to really be nice to her. It was like having a younger sister. Her mom had said how Holly desperately wanted a family. Melody saw past self as not willing to share her family. Was she having a change of heart? Did she really want them in her life? She closed her eyes, keeping the confusion at bay. She didn't really know what she wanted. Of course she wanted her mom happy. There was no question about that. For now, she just wanted it as it was. Stanley and Holly in spurts.

* * * * *

Stanley sprawled across the bed perched on his left side with his lower arm dangling out over the edge. Emma snuggled up against his back, her right arm draped over him. Their sleep went uninterrupted, until Stanley felt a sensation on his fingers that jarred him out of the deep slumber he rarely experienced. His eyes opened and it took him a few minutes to realize it was now morning. He felt a little disoriented. Looking at the clock, it said 10am. When was the last time he had slept in this late? When was the last time he slept this good?

He smiled as he realized Emma's hand was resting on him. Not wanting to disturb her, he lay still, placing his right hand over hers. Then he felt it again. He grimaced as he felt a wet tongue cover his fingers. Looking down at the side of the bed, Scrap's head now resting on the edge with eyes reflecting a good morning.

He gave him a pat, and smiled whispering, "Hey, boy. I know you're hungry." Scrap answered with a "roahgh" and a quick movement of his tongue around his mouth. Scrap normally didn't venture into Stan's room, as he knew the bed was off limits. His place was in the kitchen or the backyard. But he had been waiting for over an hour now. Stan answered Scrap's morning yawn as he scruffed his head, "Give me a minute, boy."

Stanley turned slowly, not wanting to disturb Emma's sleep. While rolling to his back she stirred a bit and her hand remained, now resting on his chest. While gently lifting it off him, he drew it to his lips kissing the back. A slight smile appeared across her face and a sigh released as she repositioned herself at his side. She was an incredible sight to wake up to. He turned towards her still holding her hand, gazing at her. Waking up beside her every morning was definitely something he could get used to.

Scrap now had his paws on the bed, a wet nose rubbing against Stan's back. He whined bringing Stan back to reality. As he released Emma's hand and sat up, Emma stirred. Stanley sat on the edge of the bed running a hand through his hair. Scrap's nose was nudging him to get him to hurry up when a hand reached up and stroked his back.

Stanley turned and Emma rolled from her side to her back gazing up at him stretching the morning haze from her mind. Her hair feathered across the pillow with her arms above her head, yawning and then managed to smile. Stanley couldn't help but notice how content and relaxed she looked.

"Sleeping Beauty awakes." He leaned over her, kissing her gently, wiping a strand of hair off her face. "Sleep well?"

"Ummm..." She sighed as she stretched again this time reaching her hands up and wrapping them around his neck, pulling him towards her. Administering soft kisses across his face. Stanley sighing and softy kissing her back, enjoying every minute. That was until Scrap began to howl about his empty breakfast bowl.

This startled Emma, not even realizing the dog was in the room. She sat up abruptly clutching the sheet to her front side. She'd never heard Scrap make such a racket. Stanley looked apologetic as he stood up to find his shorts where they had been deposited and pulled them on. "He's hungry. I won't be long." She lay back on the pillow watching him, the content smile still very evident. "I'll put the coffee on as well."

"Sounds good."

Emma was happy. This was how a Sunday morning should be. The noise in the distance told her that Stanley was opening a can of dog food. He was talking to the dog accompanied by the sound of the coffee machine brewing. This seemed so perfect.

He returned to the bedroom, flinging himself onto the bed, landing inches from her. Sliding under the covers he drew her close to him. "Coffees on, dog's fed...we have..." he looked over at the clock, "an hour or so before we need to pick up the girls. What do you want to do?" He squeezed her and raised his eyebrows.

At the mention of the children, Emma's mood changed slightly. Stanley was aware it brought her back to reality. There would be no more nights like last night in the immediate future or mornings as blissful as this. Tomorrow she would be waking up in La Mesa in her own bed alone.

Emma's head lay across his chest as he stroked her hair, "I don't want this to end." She paused, "in an hour...or a day...or a month..."

He could hear the melancholy in her voice and he lifted a finger up to her mouth, "Schhh. It's not ending..." he kissed the top of her head, "It's only beginning Emma."

"But.."

"Uh, uh, uh...no buts.you aren't going to question this. You have to trust me on this one. Waking up beside you this morning...well...it's something I could become very used to."

She propped herself up looking down into his eyes, trying to see what lay behind them. It was evident that he had something there. He could tell she was going to question him and he held the finger up again over her lips. "I'm working on it, okay? No questions."

"What do you mean by that?" The coffee machine's timer went off signaling it was done. Stan was glad that it came just at the right time. He started to get up.

"I need my coffee." She pushed him back down.

"I want to get it."

"Really?" he questioned.

"Hey, you won't let me question you, no questioning me either." He held his hands up in surrender.

"Okay." He watched as she got up, grabbed his robe hanging on the door and slipped it on. It was huge on her but she drew the belt tightly around her midsection to tie it. He never knew that old bathrobe could look so good as tied around a woman. Watching as she took the lapels in both of hands and brought them up, her mouth disappearing under the robe, she took a deep breath closed her eyes absorbing the aroma. Stanley's scent. It was a tatty, well-worn plaid flannel number, something her father would have worn in the 60's. Emma found it incredibly soft and warm, being quite comforting.

"I know what you're going to say.... I need a new robe. It must reek of all sorts of wonderful exotic smells" he wrinkled his nose. "I haven't washed it in months."

"Oh, no, this one is wonderful. It smells just like you. Don't even think of getting a new one."

"And that is good?"

She smiled as she took another whiff, shaking her head, "uh-hu. You don't mind me wearing it do you?"

"What I have is yours...." he made a gesture with his arm and smiled.

"I'll get you your coffee. I have heard you are unbearable without it in the mornings." she teased.

"Kyle told you that? You know I do tend to get a little irate...but"

"I was just going to say that I've seen no signs of that kind of behavior yet so far." She moved back over the bed kneeling next to him, leaning over and kissing him.

He took hold of the lapels of the robe and pulled her on top of him, "I am sure it had something to do with what took place last night."

"What the dancing?" She smiled.

"Right, the dancing...that has got to be it." He gave her a playful pat on the bottom, "my coffee, woman...I thought you were getting my coffee."

Emma got up, turning around at the door, smiling at him.

Emma returned with a Trees of Mystery mug (a tacky tourist attraction in Northern California) of freshly brewed black coffee. She wasn't sure how he could stand it that way. Under her arm was the Sunday paper. She sat on the edge of the bed next to him, handing him the mug and laid the paper on his lap.

"This is what Sunday's should be about. Having your woman cater to your every need." he teased.

"That is all I'm doing for you." she opened the paper and found the department stores sales pages, pulled them out from the paper and moved over to the other side of the bed, pretending to be interested in their content.

"Really?" he opened up the paper while sipping his coffee. "We'll see about that." He was sure she might have some other tricks up her sleeve after that middle of the night fiasco. He smiled turning to see if she was listening, a knowing twinkle in his eye.

She picked up a pillow ready to fling it at him and he held up his coffee, "you would never hit a man with a hot cup of coffee in their hands, now would you?"

Dropping her ammunition, she stood up and went to the bathroom in a playful sulk. Stanley sat back enjoying his coffee and the paper.

When she finally appeared from out of the bathroom, a secretive smile brightened her face. She went over to the bed to sit next to him. He put the paper down. Hers reflected a glitter from her eyes.

"Something on your mind?" He questioned her with a smile.

"I'm going to take a bath."

He picked his paper back up. "Go right ahead." Emma pulled the paper down so he was looking at her. That got her a view of his smirking.

"I'm taking a bath with you."

He laughed. "Really? I don't think I was consulted. I'd prefer a shower."

"Why do you have that bathtub if you don't use it?"

"Holly's used it. Someone told me it was a good investment and adds value to the house when I sell."

"So you never plan on using the bath?"

"Well, I guess you're going to persuade me." He looked at her.

"You either want to or not, I should be reason enough." She got off the bed and went into the bathroom turning on the water. He could see her lithe body from the bed as she felt leaned over the water and adjusted the temperature. When she turned to look at him, he quickly buried his head back into the paper, hoping it wasn't too obvious. She walked back through the living room and headed out the door.

"Where are you going?" he asked curiously.

"Why do you care?" She left the room. He heard noises coming from down the hall and wondered what she was up to. When she walked back in the room, something was definitely being hidden behind her back, as the robe was slipping off her left shoulder. Due to her hugging the concealed item from him, she couldn't pull it back up. Stan wasn't able to suppress his smile, beginning to think that bath sounded pretty good. She didn't return the smile and headed into the bathroom. When she turned around this time he was leaning forward trying to see what she was doing. She gave him a look and shut the door.

Now his curiosity was getting the best of him so he put his paper down and went to the bathroom door, knocking. "Emma, I'll take a bath with you. Come on open up."

"It's open." He pushed it open and saw her immersed in a load of bubbles. A Mr. Bubble box on the counter. He chuckled.

"A bubble bath?"

"Don't laugh at me."

"I'm not. You stole those from Holly." He sat on the edge of the tub in his shorts, reaching into the bath and cupping a handful. He blew on them and they floated across the room.

"Stanley have you had some deprived childhood where you have never had a bubble bath?"

"Can't say that I have actually. I was never fond of baths, put up a fuss as a kid. I couldn't bear to be all wrinkly." He reached his hand in again and made a swirling pattern right above her chest. "I've got a little surprise for you."

"I couldn't possibly imagine what other surprises you are capable of, Mr Jobson?" He ascended closer to her face, reaching over her shoulder for the edge of the tub as if to keep his balance.

Just inches from her lips, he whispered. "Close your eyes." She obeyed with a giggle. "Think of something incredibly romantic that you would like to have in your bathwater."

A long drawn out sigh enlisted from her lips as her imagination started to add more things on her 'to do list while in the tub' with Stan.

A soft click.

Sounds of motorized humming, steadily built in intensity.

Her eyes remained closed, as she couldn't believe all of the soft swirls massaging her body. Everything from top to bottom immersed in water was subject to this stimulation.

The water jets were manipulating more bubbles through the water.

"Does that feel good?"

"Umm-hmm.." She peeked her eyes open.

"I'll let you enjoy." When he started to remove himself from across the tub and his coveted overhead viewpoint, there was a slight slip and he began to lose his balance from the growing pile of bubbles. Emma, noticing the perfect opportunity, pulled his arm resulting with him coming down with a splash. Water and bubbles splashed all over the floor. The bathtub being of fairly good size, made it so Stan landed next to Emma not on top of her. She couldn't control her laughter.

" Very funny, Emma, I'm still in my shorts." He couldn't help but smile. "You realize I was planning on getting in of my own free will...but no you had to pull this little stunt." It was pretty funny. His legs were still over the edge of the tub.

She reached down and put her hands in his shorts. "Okay...okay...you are so impatient. Give me a minute." He lifted his body up and pulled the shorts off. Emma guiding them as they slinked down his legs. Once off she swung them around, smiling and then threw them onto the already soaked floor.

Repositioning himself across from her while still facing her, he soon felt a foot managing to snake its way up his calf. Her kneecap was peeking above the water's surface. His hand reached over to it and gave it a tender caress before it disappeared into the water and her foot was now positioned on his thigh. He felt an arousal of sensation throughout his body as he looked over at Emma's incredibly innocent face gazing at him from across the tub. "You never cease to amaze me, Emma Heyward." A big toe was inching it's way closer to her intended target. A deep breath was released and a sigh escaped before he could continue. "And to think you came across as the prim and proper school teacher when I first met you. Wouldn't all your colleagues at Madison Elementary be surprised what is lying under the surface?"

'This is your doing. If I never would have met you...."

He leaned over her, causing her foot to now rest at its final destination. He put his hand over her mouth. "But you did meet me...and there's no going back now." Feeling the ball of her foot kneading up and down in a most sensitive spot, Stanley let out a gasp. Closing his eyes tight, the excitement she gave him filled throughout. The distance between was too much for him to bear. This time he leaned forward taking her hand, gently pulling her towards him. With a little repositioning, he managed to get her to sit in between his legs. His erection now rubbing against her back, arms encircled around her, while his hands caressed what was most accessible. Emma sighed, as she leaned her head back onto his shoulder turning and managing to find his desirable lips ready to meet hers. The relaxing rivulets of water churned the bubbles, tickling her chest. The kisses became fervent and needy.

Emma managed to pull up for air and stroked his cheek, smiling, "see this wasn't such a bad idea after all." His hands slowly moved from her waist to her breasts. The palms of his hands kneaded each one with expertise and vigor. Emma sighed as his touch brought excitement to every part of her body.

He whispered into her ear, "I must say so far your ideas have all been very enticing...and I'm curious what else you have on your mind for this morning."

"If only we had more time," she managed to respond between his sensual petting. A slight squeeze of her breasts and Emma's back arched, causing her to rub against his penis. He gasped into her ear.

"Oh, Emma, we have plenty of time." A seductive tone inflicted in his words as his hands slowly move down her stomach and below the surface. Enjoying her reaction he is invoking in her body with every move, she continued pressing back against him, causing more pressure on his penis.

Her eyes closed feeling him against her back. Stanley watches this with pure pleasure whispering again, "Do you like that?"

Emma's head was swimming with sensations feeling him snugly against her back while his hands caressed her lower abdomen. She sighs and nods. Anticipating more sensual exploring from his next move, she was becoming anxious for his touch. But when it didn't happen, her eyes opened, his cheek nestled up against hers. "What do you want Emma?"

She was a little confused. He must know what she wanted. Only a twinkle reflected in his eyes. "Tell me what you want." He kissed her cheek, her neck. "Even better, show me."

This was a surprise to her. He couldn't possibly mean what she thought he meant. In disbelief, she closed her eyes, still feeling his continued kissing of her face, "Show me," he repeated.

"Stanley." she felt shy and awkward. ".I couldn't...no."

"I think you could." His voice was reassuring. "You might like it."

His tongue wonderfully licked her neck up to her ear lobe. Emma's body was going crazy with desire. Why couldn't he just move his hand a few inches?

"I want to make you happy, Em...but you have to show me what you want." She felt like the tables had been turned. He was playing a game where he was in total control. "I want you to show me what you want..." His hand played with the soft hair below her stomach. Every nerve was attempting to stand on end. He had her right there, right where he wanted her. Now, he was leaving it up to her to make the next move.

Hesitant, Emma's slightly shaking hand slowly came up out of the water, where it had been pressed against the floor of the tub. Her eyes remained closed. Feeling by touch, she gently stroked his cheek to begin with. He smiled sensing her next move. Exploring down, following his prompting, she slowly touched each breast. His hand mirrored her movements, stroking the underside of each. A slight movement of her fingers as they encircled the nipple. He whispered into her ear, "Now that is a sight." She opened her eyes, to see what he was intently gazing at, her nipple very erect from her own touch. The bubbles had dispersed quite a bit and the view she had was very clear indeed.

"You're beautiful, Emma. I want you to see that." He kissed her tenderly on the cheek. The sight of his hand caressing her next to her own hand intensified her already taunt sensations throughout. Stanley intently waiting for her next move smiled reassuringly to whisper in her ear, "I'll follow your lead."

She couldn't believe what was happening but her hand slowly slid down her stomach. Stanley's followed. With her own touch and his, her body began to shiver and quake. "Are you enjoying this?" he asked in a deep whisper.

"Ummhhmmm." That and a nod of the head was the only response she was capable of as her body reeled out of control. Her hand seemed to have a mind of it's own, as it immersed in the water, resting on her most personal area, still hesitant, yet so wanting to continue. He kissed her neck, encouraging her to explore further. Her response intensified.

With only a few inches remaining in her travels, Stanley watched as she continued, allowing a finger to slip inside. A gasp escaped and Stanley tightened his hold on her with his right hand. His left hand found hers and placed it on top, stroking the back of her hand, urging her to continue. His breathing quickened as he became increasingly turned on by this display. Emma's shaking continued as she gently rubbed herself, the sighs and moans of pleasure increased as her rhythm quickened. Stanley's hand moved directly below hers, touching her, outlining the surrounding area, and Emma called out his name in a plea of desperation, "Stanley...please."

He smiled, as his right hand grabbed a breast fondling it. He couldn't get enough of her teetering on the edge. "Enjoy it Emma, don't' fight it." Hearing his soft encouragement only expedited the incoming waves as they rushed over her, a climax filling through her senses. Stan could only hold on for the ride.

: This was very stimulating and so endearing to hold her and feel her response while cuddled completely around her. Emma's head lay back on his firm shoulder, catching her breath. He had shut off the soothing water jets and the ripple of waves also subsided in the cooling water. As his hands stroked her he felt how cool her shoulders were followed by a shiver. "You're getting cold."

Releasing his arms and nudging her forward, he stepped out to grab a large towel. Holding it out, she looked up to smile and accepted his drying invitation. Her body felt weak but completely satisfied and the warm towel wrapped around her body felt ever so comforting. As he rubbed the towel over her body, he placed his forehead against hers and smiled, kissing her tenderly.

Emma collapsed on the bed in a heap wrapped in Stanley's robe. She was content and relaxed from the encounter in the bath. Pulling the material snug and looking at him, she felt another part more hungered for only what Stan could give her. Her desire was beginning to spark deeper within.

Stanley now noticed the time. He had told Rachel he would pick up the girls before noon and it was nearly that now. He went to the dresser to pull out a new pair of boxers slipping them on.

Emma spread out on the bed holding a hand out to him, "Come back to bed."

He turned smiling at her, "It's time to go pick up the girls." He headed over to the closet, attempting to ignore the temptation. As he pulled out a pair of jeans, he noticed her dress lying on the floor at his feet. He picked it up and tossed it over to her, "Don't you think you should be getting dressed?"

"You're no fun." She pouted as the dress landed on top of her. She watched him as he pulled on his jeans. Aware of the looks coming from the bed, he took deep breaths trying to fight the feeling he had ever since the bath.

He watched as she sat up and the robe slipped off her shoulder. She made no attempt to cover her bare shoulder as she eyed the dress lying on her lap. OH, how she wished she could spend the whole day naked in his bed. The thought gave her shivers he was well aware of. His jeans still unbuttoned, he headed back to the dresser for a shirt and picked up her forgotten slip on the way. "You might need this." He held it up, ready to toss it. She held out her hand.

"Bring it to me." There was a trademark sultry look in her eyes and he smiled not able to resist. Leaning on the bed to hand it to her she acted as if to fetch the soft undergarment and instead her hand went straight for the fly of his jeans.

He saw it coming and backed off. Waving a finger at her chuckling, "Uh- uh.... we'll be here all day. Get dressed." He tossed the slip onto her lap.

She playfully tossed a pillow at him as he began to button his fly, making a direct hit. He picked up the pillow, now on the floor and flung it right back, "We don't have time for this" but couldn't help but laugh. When was the last time he had had a pillow fight? And the fact this pillow fight involved a highly attractive woman, practically naked, sitting on his bed? Oh, god, how this was tempting.

She gave him a little pout, knowing he was right, she let the robe slip off her shoulders and slipped the slip over her head. He stood watching her, the sight of her dressing herself, made him forget about what he had been doing and he went to the dresser and found a clean t-shirt, to put on, but out of the corner of his eye he watched Emma. She could be seductive and sexy to him in so many simple little ways. Just the way she pushed her hair off her face or the way she slipped the dress over her head.

She stood up, the zipper unzipped, the dress slightly off her shoulder she headed into the bathroom for her underpants. Only to find them on the slightly drenched floor, soaking wet. She swore under breath, "Oh, damn."

Stanley started to put his t-shirt on and heard her as he peeked his head through the neck. She walked back into the room, holding the wet underpants as if they were a dead animal. "They're soaking wet."

His eyes gazed down her body, his thoughts roaming to visualize her bare without underpants. Even though he had been with her all night, her naked body next to him, this was rapidly exciting him.

She saw her stockings on the floor and stooped down to pick them up. Once down on the floor, she continued exploring, wondering where her shoes were. They weren't anywhere to be seen. Without looking up, she questioned Stanley, still intently scopeing the floor for her shoes. "Do you know where my shoes are?" Smiling thinking about last night, "AS I recall, they were in your possession last."

His expression was blank with glazed eyes staring at her.

With no response from him, she slowly crouched down and got on her knees, adjusting her skirt while attempting to have a peak under the bed. Stan stood motionless, his eyes never leaving her legs and derriere. She was driving him absolutely crazy without lifting a finger, as he hadn't thought of that position, yet. With a lean forward onto her hands, she managed to look under the bed. "I found them." She said in triumph as she reached for them.

Stan watched in utter amazement as her dress cinched up over her thighs and uncovered a good percentage of her bottom. His throat was suddenly dry. All he could do was take a deep breath, while looking at her bare back exposed by the dress still unzipped. His eyes traveled down to her bottom and those thighs and legs. The last few minutes had been had been a war of fighting off a steady flow of desire and lust he was feeling for her. And he slowly felt to be in a loosing battle. This sight was almost too much to bear. He wanted her, there was no question about that.

Emma stood slowly, quickly pulling down her dress as she looked at

Stan's hungry gaze, taking her in. There was a dark glint she had not witnessed before. It sent a shudder down her spine, as he moved slowly towards her, an animal stalking its prey.

His shirt remained only halfway on with the pants still unbuttoned. He reached forward, drawing her close to him. It was how he did it that caused such a startled reaction. Squeezing her bottom with his left hand, Emma immediately let go of her armload of gathered articles, the panties, stockings, the shoes, gasping, as he brusquely pulled her close to him. His mouth covered hers, roughly, lovingly, all in the same context, biting her bottom lip, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, while at the same time pinning her against the computer desk. Emma's heart raced, not prepared for this excitement he escalated through her.

With both hands, he pulled her up higher to his waist, raised her up, lifting her onto the desk. She embraced his shoulders while her legs instinctively wrapped around his torso. Trying to keep her balance when set on the desk, her hands flew back, grasping toward the edges. Momentarily breaking their union, Stanley searched her face for any signs of apprehension on her part. There was none. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her.

In her position, she was unable to prevent his domination of examining her excitement. Stanley ran his fingers across her thigh sliding a finger between. Oh, yes...just what he expected... a wicked smile appeared on his face. His hand found the nape of her neck and he leaned in, his tongue tracing down the side of her neck. It was nothing like Emma was used to. Provocative sighs and moans were reactions of the pleasure she felt from his touch.

The tenderness was replaced by a ravenous, lustful display as his mouth devoured her neck, licking it, alternating to nibbling and sucking. Emma was amazed at what this was doing to her. His hands traveled down her back, not in the soft caressing manor he was so incredibly good at, but a rough pressure that was animalistic. Unable to mask his growing exhilaration, both hands clutched her naked bottom while his teeth bit into her neck.

Emma was beside herself. Jolting from the unexpected pain was nothing, compared to the excitement building inside. She gulped in a deep breath as with one quick movement, his hands yanked her forward, sliding her closer to the edge of the desk, rubbing his body against her most intimate.

She's right where he wants her, exposed and excited. Not wasting any time, he opened the fly of his shorts, thrusting himself inside. Emma's cries were frantic. Her body thrashed about, so overcome and thrilled by the invasion, knocking over a penholder, while papers and debris scattered to the floor. She tried sitting forward, looking for something, anything to grab on to for support. Stanley didn't stop but continued the steady rhythm, grinding against her with lust driven force. Her hands found his hair, clutching and now pulling on it, trying to hang on to this wild roller coaster of ecstasy. Within moments, both their bodies shook uncontrollably, overwhelmed by the spontaneous release of this wild animalistic form of lovemaking.

Stanley groaned with pleasure as his hands moved up her back to hold her tight in an embrace. He buried his head in her neck as his heart rate began to decrease. Emma's arms now hung at her side, limp, her body trembling, her eyes shut, taking gasps of breath.... when she didn't return the embrace he pulled back from supporting her. She looked as though she would pass out.

"Emma." His voice now showed concern. She opened her eyes slowly,

looking at him in a way he wasn't used to. Oh, god, this was not good. He stroked her face and brushed her hair back with his fingers. "Emma, I'm sorry...if I hurt you...I never meant to..." her face still flushed, her eyes glazed. He waited for a reaction of any kind, as he continued brushing the back of his hand across her cheek.

The stroking across her cheek calmed her and she began taking a few deep breaths. He noticed her coming around. "Are you okay? My god, Emma, you know I love you and I promise this won't happen again." Stan was now feeling incredibly guilty for what had just transpired. HE should have known this was something Emma would not find to her liking. She liked being loved and enjoyed his gentle touch. What was he thinking forcing himself on her like that?

The beginnings of a smile appeared on her face, "If you love me, you mustn't promise anything of the kind." He looked at her, having an idea what she meant but not believing what he heard.

"You liked it?" Slightly embarrassed she nodded her head. Stanley smiled and lifted her chin gazing into he eyes, "Really?"

She tried to avert her eyes from his but he held her chin firm. "I'm not sure I understood it. What happened..."

"Isn't that obvious...Emma, you turn me on...in the bath, drying you off.... my god, you laid on the bed tempting me...and then that little display on the floor..."

"But you didn't seem interested...and then...this."

"Believe me, I was interested...I think that was pretty apparent..." he kissed her gently on the lips, and his hand traced down her neck, she flinched slightly as his hand brushed over the spot he had bitten her. Stanley was curious what had caused that reaction and he looked down to see a bright red mark where his mouth and teeth had only been moments earlier. It was pretty obvious that bruising would replace the redness in a day or so. But he couldn't help but smile. Emma tried to figure out what he was looking at. He gently traced his finger over the spot again and she flinched for a second time.

"Ah...I think I gave you a hickey."

"No...are you serious?" He lifted her off the desk, giving a slight chuckle and pulled her dress down. She retreated to the bathroom, examining the spot on her neck in the mirror. This was supposed to happen when you were 16 not in your 30's. Tomorrow there would be a bruise and how was she going to hide it from her kids, or everyone at school?

Stanley tucked himself in and buttoned his fly, pulling his shirt down. He looked into the bathroom and saw her expression in the mirror. He entered the bathroom and she watched his reflection in the mirror behind her. He zipped up her dress to begin with and then put his arms around her from behind.

He couldn't be serious. He found it amusing that he had given her a hickey. Something he hadn't done since high school. But he didn't want to infuriate her because obviously this was a big deal to her. She could see the smirk on his face holding back laughter.

"Oh, you would find this funny." But she couldn't be mad at him. She had never had a hickey in her life. She remembered being in high school boyfriend-less and a girl, Shannon Baxter, (the sophomore slut everyone called her), in her typing class who wore a horrible floral scarf around her neck for a week. Everyone knew she had a hickey. Emma saw her in the showers in PE with a bruise on her neck the size of a golf ball. Emma had often wondered what actually had to take place to cause such a horrible bruise. Shannon had seen her looking and had very confidently told Emma that it was a sign of a boy's love and how proud she was of it. The humiliation from stares and glares was nothing, not when all she had to do was think of him and what he had done to her. Now it all made sense to her.

Stanley saw her trying to hide a smile, "You like it and here you're trying to make me feel bad...." he playfully squeezed her tight, "You'll be the talk of the Madison Elementary teachers lounge...my god, I'd love to be a fly on the wall tomorrow when you walk in the room."

"Oh, stop it." She was now smiling, "don't we need to get going?" She

turned to him and he gave her a kiss.

"I suppose that would be wise or otherwise you might not make it out of the bedroom and who knows what else I am capable of under these circumstances." He teased. He gave her a pat on the bottom and then released her.

She headed out into the bedroom and looked at her shoes, stocking and panties lying in a heap where they had landed. Stanley had picked up the car keys, shoved his wallet into his back pocket and watched her as she stood looking at her things.

"You are holding me up. Come on, get your things."

"I'm not bending over. Not with you looking at me."

He laughed and moved over to her bending to pick them up and placing them into her hands but not being able to resist, he stroked up the backside of her leg and continued up the back of her dress, squeezing her bare bottom tightly.smiling.

* * * * * *

Stanley arrived at Rachel's house, it was close to l:00 pm. Rachel slowly opened the door with a wide smile on her face, "Well, well, well.... Emma's a sly one. Sending you so she can avoid my morning after interrogation."

"Well, do you blame her? Minding your own business, Rachel, isn't one of your strong points."

"Touché. You got me. So am I to receive any bit of juicy details about the evenings events."

"Not from me...and I am hoping Emma can keep something private from you for a change."

"Well, you look wonderful." She eyed him up and down. "But then I guess you always do. So that isn't giving anything away. But you have a twinkle in your eye. And I'm not used to you smiling so much."

Stanley was glad to see Holly running up behind her. "Dad!" She ran into his arms and he twirled he around.

"You can't have missed me that much."

"I always miss you." Melody appeared behind them. Stan noticed her expression. He put Holly down.

"Isn't my mom coming?"

"She's back at the house tending to a few things. I'm picking you up if that's okay...she told me you have a thing for Mimi's Sunday brunch. And I am famished." He tried to get some kind of reaction from her and then looked at Holly and then at Rachel shrugging her shoulders, he continued. "Your mom says the Belgian waffles are the best in town. Thought no time like the present to give them a try."

"My mom is coming, isn't she?"

"Yeah, of course. We'll go pick her up." Stanley turned to Rachel, "Thanks for having them."

"No problem. They were wonderful. We had a blast, right girls? But then I'm sure you did too, didn't you Stanley?" Melody scowled at her and Stan couldn't help but notice the expression. Melody picked up her sleeping bag and backpack, walking past them out to his car.

Rachel noticed Stan's look of concern. "I'm sure she's just tired, Stan."

"You need to know when to stop." He waved a finger at her.

"I didn't do anything."

"You say things in front of her..." He then noticed Holly looking up at them and immediately cut the sentence off. He gave her a smile, grabbing her sleeping bag, putting his arm around her. "Hey, we better go."

Holly gave Rachel a smile, "Thanks, Rachel. It was a lot of fun."

"So long you two, tell Emma I'll catch up to her soon enough."

Melody had already crawled in the back of the Suburban and was waiting for them. As they walked out together, Holly looked from Melody, up at her dad. "She wants to like you."

"I know. We have to give her some time."

"Did you have a good time, Dad, with Emma?"

The thought of their night together still emblazoned on his mind, he smiled raising his eyebrows, "Oh, yes.... a brilliant time." He opened the door and Melody turned away from him.

Why was he still bothering her? Why couldn't she just accept him? Everything Holly had said last night pictured him as everything a dad should be. Everything she had always wanted in a dad.

* * * * * * Stanley had dropped Emma off at home and she went into her bedroom, throwing on a pair of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. A rap on the door surprised her along with Kyle's voice.

"It's just me."

"I didn't think you'd be home so soon."

"Party was lame. I slept here last night." He must have parked his car in the garage since she didn't notice it outside. Now feeling embarrassed that she hadn't come home, she was wondering what Kyle was thinking?

"So you must have had a good time. I mean, you didn't come home."

Emma found herself fumbling for words, trying to justify her actions. "It was late...Stanley had a lot to drink...I didn't want him to drive."

Kyle smiled, "It's okay, Mom. It's no big deal. I just wanted to know if you had a good time."



She smiled at him, "I had a great time."

"Good." He started to head out the door, remembering his younger pain in the side, he turned to ask his mom a question. This time he really looked at her and discovered a contentment flowing that he hadn't seen in a long time. The site of her amazed him. She was content, happy, smiling to herself. He loved seeing her this way. She deserved some happiness in her life. "Don't you need to pick up Melody?"

Brushing her hair in the mirror, she turned, "Stanley's gone to get them. He's taking us to brunch. I know you aren't really into the whole dining out experience...but we'd love to have you join us."

"I'm there. I'll go pop in the shower." She was so glad to see him taking part in the family. He'd been absent from it for so long. Stanley's companionship had done the world for him.

Now to get Melody to like him then things would be perfect. The phone rang and she grabbed it on the 2nd ring.

Before Emma could even utter hello, Rachel's voice was blaring from the other end. "I can't believe you, sending Stan so you wouldn't have to face me. You know I am dying here." She almost had to hold the phone away from the excited squealing.

"You can just die then."

"Nothing? Not even just a little tidbit...come on EM, give."

"Duke's was wonderful." she offered.

"I could get that from the restaurant review in the Sunday paper."

"He can dance divinely."

"Okay, that's a start...continue." Rachel was giddy for any information she could pry loose.

"That is all I'm saying." The door to Emma's bedroom opened and Stanley casually entered, seeing her talking on the phone.

"Is that our town crier?" Seeing Em answer with a nod and her hand over the mouthpiece trying to unsuccessfully squelch a smile, he gestured her to hand the phone over. "Well, Rachel. You don't give it up too easily, do you?" He spoke into the receiver.

"Stanley, I. uh. I.umm. was just calling to ask Emma about a recipe, I'm trying it out on Josh tonight...."

"Mmm-hmmm. Well, what recipe is that? As far as I know, Emma doesn't cook.," catching at her at her little game.

Knowing her game was up, Rachel confessed. "She didn't say a word. She's incredibly loyal."

"She's a smart lady. You can talk to Emma tomorrow. Now goodbye, Rachel." He hung up the phone.

"Oh, she's not going to like that."

He put the phone down and took her in his arms. "I know she's your friend..." he didn't have to say anything else.

She put her finger over his lips. "Last night...is just between us...don't worry. I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Have you forgotten about this morning?"

Emma blushed as he playfully squeezed her. "Have I told you I loved you today?" He rubbed her nose.

"Over and over." Emma recalled their time in the bath, bed, and beyond and smiled.

Stanley blushed remembering, then passionately kissed her, his hands traveling down her back, ending up in her jean pockets. "I just want to make sure you don't forget it."

She stroked his cheek. "I don't think there is anyway that I could. Not after last night."

* * * * *

Lunch was pretty much of a success. Melody was quiet but that was accepted. After they all filled up on Belgian Waffles, Holly and Kyle still insisted on desert. Emma joined them at the buffet table while Stanley stayed with Melody at the booth. He was full and satisfied, coffee was all that was needed and he still was feeling he needed to connect to Melody in some way.

He relaxed back into the booth, sipping at his coffee, Melody sitting directly across from him. He watched as she pushed her last bit of waffle with her fork across her plate, back and forth, wallowing it in syrup. He sensed something was on her mind.

He thought he heard a sound escape. "Stanley?" She said shyly, slowly looking up at him.

He put his coffee down. "Yeah?" Giving her his undivided attention.

"Holly didn't want me to say anything but all morning, I couldn't think of anything else. And I really think you should know."

Stanley leaned across the table. "Did something happen last night?" There was a major concern in his voice.

"She's having nightmares. She didn't want you to know, cause she didn't want you to worry." Melody paused and watched his expression; she could tell this worried him. "She was saying things...I didn't' understand...but I think they had to do with her mom."

He put his hand up to his head. "She hasn't had one in months. I thought they were over."

"I shouldn't have told you."

"No, Melody. You did the right thing. This is something I need to know." Stanley without thinking instinctively put his hand on her arm. And to Melody's surprise she didn't pull away. He looked right at her, with a very kind and loving expression. Melody didn't turn away from him. "I'm glad you were there, Melody." He wanted to say she had been like a big sister to her but decided against it.

"I didn't feel like I helped much. I knew that if it was me, I'd want my mom." She pushed the waffle around again, looking down at her plate, and then back up, "She must miss her. I couldn't bear it if my mom was gone."

Stanley felt Melody reaching out to him, wanting to understand Holly's hurt, what she was feeling. What was it like not having a mother? This was something he never wanted to talk about with Holly and here Melody was breaching the question. The memories of last spring lay hidden away. When was the last time Holly had even mentioned Melissa? Both he and she acted as if the events of last year had never happened. Neither one of them had really dealt with Melissa's death nor the terrorism act that caused her death and he, inadvertently, was drug into. When Stanley had been advised to seek counseling for both of them, he hadn't listened. He had chose to deal with his daughter the best he knew. Not to run away but spend time with her, try to make up for the years lost. He knew they could get on with their lives but in reality they had never taken the time to grieve Holly's loss, as eerie as it sounded. They had skimmed over the surface and now it continued to rear it's ugly head. Maybe it was time to deal with it.

Melody watched him curiously. There was a lot going on with him. She could tell. Adults weren't very good about hiding stuff, even when they thought they were. He probably didn't want to talk about this, which seemed understandable. So she was surprised when he finally spoke.

"Holly's mom was nothing like your mom, Melody. And to say Holly misses her.... well, she was her mother but they didn't have a relationship. Not like what you have with your Mom." Melody was listening intently her chin now resting on her hands leaning on the table. "She wasn't there to comfort her when she had bad dreams or when she fell off her bike and scraped her knees. Holly took care of herself most of the time."

Melody's eyes widened in surprise. "That's terrible."

He nodded. Thinking about Holly's miserable childhood nearly brought tears to his eyes. Closing them, he pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting back their threatened appearance. Melody had never seen a man cry. She had seen her mom tried to squelch a flood of tears in front of her dad before. It had never worked. He always badgered her for all he was worth until they flowed.

"I think Holly is really lucky to have you as a dad." Stanley's eyes opened to find Melody smiling up at him. It was sincere and heartfelt. "And I bet you're really good at making her feel better when she has nightmares and when she scrapes her knees. My dad was never good at those kind of things."

"But I bet your mom is great."

"As long as you keep her away from broken glass and feet." Melody wanted him to smile and it worked as they both recalled Emma's horrible nursing skills and bedside manner while trying to remove the glass from his foot. They both couldn't help but laugh.

Holly skipped ahead with a plate piled with chocolate chip cookies. Emma and Kyle were steps behind her as they headed toward the table. All of them amazed that Stan and Melody were actually laughing together.

Melody stood up smiling, looking at Holly's plate of cookies. "Those look good. Maybe I will have one." She headed towards the buffet table. Holly set her plate down to follow her.

Kyle scooted into the booth and watched as Holly and his sister walked away. "What did you do to her, Stan?"

Emma also was standing looking their way before she leaned over Stan in the booth, kissing his cheek. "You made her laugh." Like it was some incredible feat of accomplishment.

"Actually she made me laugh."

Emma looked bewildered. Kyle swallowed a bit of brownie then said, "Are you sure you're talking about my sister, Miss Doom and Gloom?"

Emma gave Kyle a dirty look, "Kyle, that's enough."

"Hey, it's true." He dug into his brownie.

Emma turned back to Stanley, scooting into the booth next to him. Placing her hand on his thigh, she looked into his eyes. They were flat and unresponsive, not reflecting his usual sparkle. Something was there that had only surfaced in the last 15 minutes with her away from the table. Noticing her concerned gaze, he did manage a smile and patted her hand. "She's a good kid."

It was the way he said it, then his hand went up to his bridge, pinching it. "Stanley, are you okay?"

He swallowed and opened his eyes looking straight at her. "Holly's nightmares are back."

She squeezed his leg, "Oh, Stanley...last night...at Rachel's?" He nodded. Emma could understand what she saw in his eyes, he felt incredibly guilty. He's thinking he should have been with her.

Kyle looked up, noticing the distress across the table from both Stan and his mother.

Fortunately the girls remained happy go lucky as they headed back to the table. Stanley managed to fight what he was feeling. He squeezed Emma's hand in his, reassuring her that none of this was her fault. Nothing could take away what they had together last night. He leaned into her, kissing her cheek. "It's going to be okay. I've been putting this off for a long time. I think Holly and I need to start dealing with this realistically."

Kyle was incredibly curious what he meant. Was he going to tell his mom about his past? It seemed pretty obvious he was avoiding an area, even in his own life with Holly. But as soon as the girls sat down, all was happy again. Kyle sat back, observing the situation. There was much to decipher here. Stanley had a past that was now starting to affect his family. He sure hoped this could get sorted out and quick. No way did he want any pain to come to his mom. They all liked him. Even 'withering spirits', Melody. He wished he hadn't hacked into those files, discovering there were records on Stanley. He wanted to feel good about this guy in their lives but something felt ominous, not right. Something was hidden, something he wasn't talking about.



* * * * * *

As the week went by, Holly's predicament was becoming more noticeable. She wasn't concentrating on her homework and unfortunately he noticed her again becoming more distant, as when they were first settling into this area. Although he felt she was okay with Emma and his relationship, he wondered if a motherly figure had triggered something in her, causing the nightmares to return. Stanley's concern for Holly grew. He had yet to speak to her about it. Making up excuses to stay home in the evenings, he watched her for a few days, staying up late listening for any signs of another restless night returning. But the nightmares seemed to stop when she was at home, with him.

Then one afternoon while working on the accounts in the back of the shop, he noticed the date...May 5th. It was nearly a year since Melissa's death, the kidnapping, and the bank heist. He felt a blooming headache coming on. Could this have something to do with Holly's nightmares returning? The anniversary of her mom's death? Stan began rubbing his temple, wishing the pain would go away. He wasn't concentrating and didn't hear Kyle enter the backroom.

"Hey, Stan, are you alright?"

Stan looked up, "Kyle...didn't know you were here. " He continued rubbing his head. "Just a headache."

"I just got here. Brent said you probably had something for me to do that I should check with you."

"You could start working on that virus scan on Kethchams computer. It's over on the work table."

"Sure." Kyle looked a bit concerned by Stan's behavior but headed over to the worktable, pleased that Stan had upgraded his status, allowing him to do a lot of the repair work. In the last few days, Stan had tutored Kyle a lot. Stan trusted Kyle. He had a lot of computer sense, more so than Brent and he was a quick learner.

Seeing Kyle getting on with the work, he headed out onto the shop floor where Holly was twirling on a stool behind the counter. Brent was writing up a sale.

Holly looked up at him. They hadn't been speaking much in the past few days. He found that most unbearable. "How about a soda?"

She nodded. He gave Brent a nudge. "I'll be at the deli across the street if you need me, about half an hour."

They sat outside at the deli, Holly sipping on a coke, Stanley an ice tea. It was silent for a while and then Stan broke open with his thoughts. "I've been thinking about you and I taking a little trip."

Holly stopped in mid-sipping, letting the coke fall back into the clear soda glass. "But what about school and the shop?"

"A few days out of school won't hurt you and those two can run the shop without me for that amount of time. There shouldn't be any problem."

"What about Emma?"

Stan leaned towards her over the table. "What do you mean what about Emma? Holly is myself and Emma being together bothering you?"

"No. I like her, Dad, you know that. I think you would miss her, if we go away."

"I would miss her. But right now, you're what's important to me. I know you're having nightmares again and it concerns me."

She looked up surprised. She had been sort of down lately but did not want to spread around her gloominess. "I'm not. I don't know who told you that. If it was Melody, well, she was mistaken."

"Holly, tell me the truth." He said firmly.

She was quiet, took a sip of coke and then looked down. The result of an unfair life had been bothering her a little more than she cared to admit. He reached his hand across the table and lifted her chin, his hold firm, she had no where to look but into his eyes, "well, maybe...sometimes...but they aren't bad."

"You need to tell me these things...no secrets."

"But, Dad, things are going so good. I didn't want anything to spoil it." Tears were threatening. Her eyes always puffed up when, on the very rare occasion, she did cry. They were showing that effect.

He stood up, moving his chair over next to her, draping his arm around her shoulder, giving it a tender squeeze. "Oh, baby..." Holly never cried but as Stan hugged her, he felt her tremble slightly. Looking down at her face, there was a trace of a tear on her cheek.

He wanted to brighten this up. "I think a trip is just what we both need."

"But where would we go?"

"To see your grandmother in Beverly Hills."

Holly wiped her eyes and sat up looking at him. "You hate her, Dad. And she hates you."

"But she loves you. And I've been wrong in keeping you from her for so long." He paused. "I also think it's time you need to say goodbye to your mom."

She looked up at him, solemn, a glazed look.

"We need to deal with it, Holly. It's not going to disappear. And I was wrong in running away from it last year."

Holly couldn't bear the seriousness of having to live out that nightmare all over again. "You can't make me go to the cemetery. I won't go." He had never heard her get so angry.

He put his arm back around her, "Settle down, okay...fine...no cemetary. I won't make you do anything you don't want to. But we can go see your grandmother, and how about your old school? It might be nice to see your teacher again."

"Can we take Scrap?"

"Of course. We'll take the trailer, and find a trailer park to stay in, play cards, bbq, like old times." He winked at her.

She smiled, kind of liking the idea. Stanley knew it was time to get this sorted out. He wanted to move on with his life and with Emma. That loomed over their heads as impossible until both he and Holly dealt with what happened last year. They needed to talk about it and stop brushing it under the carpet. Then possibly he could return from this venture and tell Emma everything. Really start fresh. He saw no other way. This needed to be done and the sooner the better.



* * * * * *





Emma's Toyota pulled into her parking place at the school. She organized her books before she stepped out of the car, only to find the Suburban parked next to her. The passenger door popped opened and Stanley leaned out over the seat. "Get in" he held up a cardboard carrier with two coffees and bag from a nearby bakery. "I'm taking you to breakfast.... on the beach." Trying to tempt her. "Your favorite...chocolate croissants and of course me...I mean that is enough to lure you away from an extra hour of grading papers isn't it?"

She hadn't seen him since Sunday. He was back to his lived in look, hadn't shaved in a few days, and wearing torn jeans and a ratty T- shirt with some computer company logo on it. He looked gorgeous, that smile, those eyes beaming at her. Seeing him surprised her enough that she dropped her books on the concrete parking lot. He was about to get out.

"School starts in 45 minutes." She looked around at the nearly empty parking lot wondering who was already here. They had both agreed to keep a distance at school.

He put the parking brake on and jumped out through the passenger seat, landing on the pavement next to her. Picking up her books with a warm smile, "I'll have you back in plenty of time for what I had in mind. " His eyebrows raised, as he teased.

Emma blushed, as she took the books from his hand and put them back in her car, locking it. "How can I resist chocolate croissants?" He attempted to put his arms around her, and she backed off.

Stanley lowered his eyebrows, confused, "It's not you" she reassured him, "let's just get out of here." Emma looked around certain that someone was watching. He helped her into the car, shut the door, and jumped into the drivers seat.

The beach was quiet except for a few early morning surfers. Parking into a space, he backed right up to the boardwalk near the pier. The Suburban opened up in the cargo area, so they could sit in the back. Dangling their feet out of the back of the car, they enjoyed their coffee, the scrumptious chocolate croissants and the sound of the surf.

"This is really sweet, Stanley." She loved his spontaneity, his romantic gestures.

"Well, I had ulterior motives actually. Of course seeing you was utmost in my thoughts since last Sunday. But I needed to talk to you." He looked serious.

Emma looked worried, "What's happened, is it Holly? Is everything okay?"

"They're going to be. I'm taking Holly up to LA for a few days to see her grandmother and some old school friends, maybe her old teacher...we both have a lot of things we need to face... it's time to take care of those things." He was silently looking at her, expecting her to question him, but she didn't.

"I think it's a good idea. Holly needs some closure, so she can move on."

"So we both can move on," he said facing her, putting his hand over hers. "I have so much to tell you, so much I want you to know. You never question me, when others would."

"I trust you, Stanley."

Stanley closed his eyes, that word trust...she trusted him, and really had no reason to do so. He had left out so much of his past.

She felt some tension on his part and put a hand on his thigh. He turned, smiling at her. "I know you have some things in the past but that's okay. I've always been pretty sure that you'd tell me when you're ready."

"I don't deserve you, you know that?" He put his coffee down and took her face in his hands, kissing her gently.

"Maybe I feel the same..."

"Well, I can't think of anyone I would rather spend time with, whether it be breakfast on the beach, or on my computer desk." He raised his eyebrows.

Emma blushed, Stanley's hand roamed down on her neck where he smiled at the scarf. "A new look for you?"

"Stop teasing."

"Can I have a look?" Emma nodded and he undid the scarf to reveal a good-sized black and blue mark. He looked surprised, "My god, I did that? It's much bigger than I expected." He then smiled. "That's impressive." trying to get a reaction out of Emma.

She playfully hit him. "You would think that. Proud of it are you? Makes you feel like a man?"

"You make me feel like a man." He said as he pulled her close to him. ". I can't wake up in my bed now without wanting you beside me. What took place in my bedroom between us..." he let out a sigh just thinking about it, and felt a twinge of excitement run through him. He traced his finger over the bruise tenderly. "I don't need this to remind me of how you make me feel."

The sincerity was evident. She thought how much she had missed him, how much she wanted to be with him every minute. Every morning, she woke up and the bruising on her neck only heightened those feelings, thinking about their lovemaking that morning.

The glint of the dial piece caught her eye, she looked at her watch, closing her eyes, not wanting it to be time to get back. She was enjoying the moment. The prospect of not seeing him for another week did not suite well in her thoughts.

Stanley sensed her mood. "Will you miss me while I'm gone?"

She nodded. Why did she feel like crying? Of course he was coming back. He wasn't leaving her, indefinitely.

He lifted her chin, noticing the beginnings of a tear, "I'm coming back, you know that, right?" She nodded. "Good, because I have plans, and you are definitely a part of them." He raised his eyebrows, a twinkle in his eyes, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and jumped out of the car, throwing away his trash in the bin, then lifted her off the back. "I better get you back. " He didn't give her any time to question his plans, but then Emma wouldn't question. He couldn't resist a tight squeeze before they got back into the car. The warmth of her body against him felt so right, so comforting. He was reluctant to let her go, and she too seemed to be holding on feeling the same thoughts. "I guess it would be pretty bad if you were late."

She nodded. He then let her go and they both got in the car, silently.

As they turned towards the school, it was chaos. Cars backed up waiting to drop their kids off. School safety guards outlined the cross walks. She was late! Emma started to panic. "Maybe you should drop me off here and I'll walk..." Her hand was already on the door handle, ready to open it.

Stan had an idea. He knew the back entrance, as he had seen the food service trucks drop off lunch food. It was right behind Emma's classroom. He made an illegal U-turn before they reached the school and headed down the alley.

Emma didn't like this idea either, "Stanley, if anyone sees us..."

"If anyone sees us, they see us.... the school year is nearly over and nothing is going to happen to you. I'll drop you off and no one will see me, trust me."

Emma wasn't so sure. He pulled into the delivery entrance and there was no one around. She just wanted to get out of the car before she was spotted and to get into her classroom.

Stan was not of a mind to play by the rules and did not like hiding his feelings for Emma. He hadn't gotten the goodbye kiss he had been anticipating. As she grabbed the door handle, he pulled her back. "I'm going away for a week and I don't merit a goodbye kiss?" He looked a little disappointed.

"Stanley, surely you don't expect me...."

He cut her off, "I expect you to.... and I want you to." He looked her right in the eyes, not concerned with an audience. "No one is around."

She nervously looked to each side of the car and to the front. He was waiting. She leaned towards him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips and tried pulling away.... once again reaching for the handle.

A click. The electric lock button triggered the door lock so she couldn't get out. "That is hardly a goodbye kiss."

"Stanley, really...I have to go."

"You can go..." he smiled slyly..."once I get a kiss... the type I'm used to from you. I think you get my drift.one I'm likely to remember you by."



He scooted closer to her on the seat, placed his hand on her thigh and gently caressed it, as his other hand went directly to her face, drawing it closer to his own. There faces literally inches from the other. His other hand moved to her back where he drew her body towards him. Before she could utter any protest, his lips covered hers. Her tense body immediately relaxed, as he stroked her back and his tongue found its way through her slightly parted lips. The thoughts of anyone seeing now vanished from her mind. She had only one thought.... how much she loved this man.

* * * * * *



Meg was heading towards her class, directly across from Emma's and saw it remained locked and teacherless. That was odd, her car was in the parking lot. Well, maybe she was with Rachel. But as she turned the key in her lock, she caught a glimpse of Rachel and Nancy chatting outside the faculty restroom. Emma was nowhere to be seen.

Rachel had been looking for Emma all morning and as she talked to Nancy outside the restroom she caught a glimpse of a Suburban, very much like Stanley's, out in the back alley by the delivery entrance. Rachel's first interpretation was somehow Emma had managed to spend the night with him and a knowing smile appeared on her face...she couldn't wait until recess break to get the scoop. Not hearing any details from last weekend was driving her absolutely crazy. The bell rang and she headed to her room.

Meg noticed Rachel had focused on something beyond Nancy and turned to see the suburban, Stanley's suburban.the same suburban that she had seen him pin Emma against last weekend. When did he start using the service entrance?

Meg wanted to stay inconspicuous but boy did she want to know what was going on. So she inched closer.... she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Barely able to view them through the tinted glass, a silhouette was receiving the benefits of his lips, not just a peck on the cheek, but a full blown kiss, sensual and wild...she leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. What type of 'service' was Stan giving these days? She well remembered his arms wrapped around her on Christmas eve at the bar. She thought of Stan devouring her lips with kisses similar to that, how they would feel. No doubt absolutely wonderful.

Nancy walked down the hall toward her room and passed Meg standing there, looking a little,.well.dreamy? "Meg, the bell rang...are you okay?" A sigh escaped her lips as Nancy nudged her. She stood up from leaning against the wall and straightened her hair, adjusted her attire. "Oh, everything's just fine, I was just thinking.umm. about today's schedule.what we're going to do first thing.kiss and tell. I mean. show and tell.". Nancy gave her a funny look. Maybe she did need another cup of coffee.

Meg just had to have another look out the window to catch Stan's skill of delivery service, what she could expect from him. By that time, Stan's car was gone. Emma had darted into her classroom just in time. Nancy looked around to see what had caused Meg's bizarre behavior. But there was nothing.

Meg smiled, "I just had the most wonderful vision. It had to do with a long legged man in levis with tousled hair. If he's that open with what he has to offer to women, then I'm getting in line. Emma doesn't know it, but she's about to be shoved out of the way. She's way out of her league if she think she has anything to offer him."

"What are you talking about?"

"Stanley Jobson..."

After last weekend, Nancy had found her obsession ridiculous, but she thought it was just Meg being a bit drunk and carrying on with her flirtatious ambitions. But what was this about.

"What do you mean, Stanley Jobson?"

"Emma doesn't have the hold she thinks she does on him, that's all. He is definitely interested in me...and I'm going to do something about it." Nancy had no idea where this was coming from, but she saw her students filing into the classroom and needed to go.

"Meg, don't do anything stupid."

"Really, Nancy...I don't have to do anything...I told you he was interested..." Meg headed to her classroom, smiling. Nancy saw her touch her lips, with a look of like they had just been kissed. Surely she wasn't starting to believe these fantasies of hers? Stanley Jobson interested? That couldn't be the case.

As Meg entered her classroom, a look of pure contentment crossed her face, she hadn't felt this happy in ages. As she traced her lips with her fingertip she said under her breath, "Emma, he's mine. You don't stand a chance, now."