Shocking

Shocking! Another update!! I had some extra time this week and banged this chapter out. I hope you all like. Those of you who are still reading this, I love you. I appreciate every kind word and hope you enjoy this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it.

Chicaanglaise – Thanks for the quick review. I always assumed Sandy got arrested early in their marriage.

KrabbyPatty – Glad you caught what Kirsten's lie in the last chapter meant. Trouble Ahead!

Panzie – I did mix the tenses up. Sometimes when I go back and read what I wrote, I catch my mistakes. There are so many of those with my other stories. UGH.

Cohenwannabe – I hope you find time to write soon. I know it is hard. In the meanwhile I hope you enjoy this chapter.

4everKandy – I know your story got deleted, but I hope that doesn't discourage you from writing other things. I love your style so please write again soon.

Cheerleader2006 – Thanks for the review.

Rachel – Do you think there are people out there that don't like Kandy? I seriously doubt it too.

It was way too early. That was the first thought that went through Kirsten's mind when the doorbell rang. She knew that she didn't get up as early as she used to when she worked at The Newport Group, but that didn't excuse visitors ringing her doorbell at seven thirty in the morning.

It didn't take long for everyone to congregate in the kitchen to greet Kaitlin home from boarding school. Kirsten immediately called Julie, not wanting to be the one to explain to her that Julie was broke and currently living in a trailer.

Awkward was one way to describe the feeling in the kitchen when Julie showed up. Kirsten wanted to get out of there and asked Sandy to discuss the launch party as she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. Sandy, of course had to make his sarcastic comment to make it even more obvious that they were just excusing themselves.

"You know how I love to talk about a party."

Kirsten kept walking until she reached his office. "Why do you do that?"

"What?"

"Make your comments."

"Because someone has to break the tension in there. Why does all this drama erupt in our home?"

Kirsten thought back to Kaitlin showing up, scared and alone. "I don't know." She thought about Julie. "Maybe because our kitchen is roomy and Julie never had the decency to tell Kaitlin the truth."

"That poor kid." Sandy actually felt bad that Kaitlin's life was about to be turned upside down.

"I feel bad for Julie. She has to deal with the repercussions of this whole debacle."

"Its hard for me to feel bad for Julie."

"Sandy?" She was asking for him to see what she sees. "She has swallowed her pride and is trying to rebuild. The launch of our company will hopefully give her a good start. Supporting me is supporting her."

Sandy relented. How could he not? He was alone and with his wife. He made his way over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You're lucky you're so cute."

"I guess that makes you lucky too." She joked.

After the house and drama cleared out, Kirsten was looking forward to spending a relaxing day fine-tuning the details of the launch. The doorbell rang and the drama, once again, reared its ugly head.

Kirsten opened the door and couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice. "Veronica, what are you doing here?"

Veronica, in typical Newpsie fashion lets herself in. "Hello Kirsten. I hear you and Julie are starting a new dating service. I want you to set me up with the delicious Dr. Neil Roberts."

Kirsten, this time, couldn't keep the confusion out of her voice. "The father of Marissa's best friend? The girl you called little miss Columbine at last weeks board meeting? Do you really think he would go out with you?" Kirsten was never this rude, but when it came to Veronica Townsend, she just couldn't help it.

"Of course not. If however I could talk to him..." She paused hoping Kirsten would catch her drift. "...Say over a candle lit dinner, I'm sure I could convince him that I was just a concerned parent looking out for her daughter. And that's where you come in."

"And why would I help you?" Kirsten almost shocked herself with how rude she was being.

Veronica was hoping she wasn't going to have to pull out all the stops, but Kirsten was tougher than she thought. "Marissa's back at Harbor but her involvement in after school activities, senior day, prom, graduation is yet to be determined. And I carry a lot of weight with the parents association. You might say I am the parents association."

Kirsten knew she was trapped, but had to make sure she understood this correctly. "You're going to hold a seventeen year old girl hostage for a date?"

"A good man is hard to find Kirsten." Kirsten was appalled. "I'm free tomorrow if you're wondering." And with that, Veronica left, but the drama lingered. How was she going to pull this off?

Sandy was going to have to help. She knew he had nothing to do with her dating service. Their careers were always kept out of their personal lives. It wasn't too long ago that she vowed never to work at The Newport Group again, partially because Sandy was the CEO. How was she going to convince him?

She knew one way that would work, but that would definitely be crossing the lines of mixing business with pleasure.

As she drove over to Sandy's office, she thought about how she was going to approach him. He had to help her figure this out, even if it meant she would get something out of it too.

Sandy was on the phone when he noticed Kirsten at his office door. He wanted to wrap up this phone call. "Oh, you'll have the contracts by Friday. Yeah, that's great Sid. I'll talk to you then." As he hung up the phone, Kirsten walked in.

"Well, this is a wonderful surprise." He was thrilled to see her, plus she looked fantastic. She always looked good in jeans and it was nice to see her dressed casual.

"I wish it was." She leaned in to kiss him. Nothing about this visit was going to be wonderful. "Sandy I have a problem. She took a seat on his couch so Sandy knew she really needed to talk. He leaned back on his desk urging her to continue. "Veronica Townsend came by to see me this morning. She wants me to set her up with Neil Roberts." She knew Sandy would see the immediate problem.

"Good luck." He knew this would be next to impossible. Neil was like him. Not born into money, but made something of himself. Veronica was a typical Newpsie and knew Neil wouldn't be interested.

Kirsten needed to tell Sandy the whole story. "She threatened to make Marissa's life a living hell at Harbor if I don't and she can do it."

"We can't give in to threats like that. We don't negotiate with the Newpsies." Although Kirsten was born and bred to be one, she was nothing like a Newpsie.

Kirsten loved that he was already referring to the problem with 'we'. "I know, but Marissa's been through a lot, and all Neil has to do is take her out for dinner tomorrow night."

"Well, so what do you want me to do about it? You're the one with the dating service." He pointed out, reminding her that they usually don't get involved in each other's business lives.

"Neil isn't a client." She explained.

"An I'm not an employee." He countered.

"No, but you are Sandy Cohen, professional persuader. You guys play golf together and you're guys." Sandy now knew what she was asking and he was definitely reluctant. Kirsten pushed a little further. "And I'm calling in a wifely favor. Just call?" She asked.

Sandy couldn't believe the request, but he couldn't say no. Kirsten rarely asked him for things, especially of this nature. Kirsten could tell that he was thinking about it and knew how to seal the deal. She lifted herself off the couch and moved her body closer to his. "Please?" She played with his bangs and brushed away the stray pieces that fell into his eyes. "Pretty please?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the mouth. "It's just one phone call."

Sandy eyes moved from his wife and up to the ceiling, indicating he was thinking about it. "You know, you are going to owe me one."

"I figured as much." She leaned in a kissed him again. "Thank you." She started to move away from him.

He grabbed her hand pulling her back to him. "It's going to take more than that little kiss." He cupped her face, and kissed her more passionately this time.

Kirsten pulled back, clearly embarrassed of their surroundings. "Sandy?" She shrieked. "Not here."

"Why not here? We used to do worse things here." He was referring to all the times he used to visit her.

"Those things only happened because I used to feel bad that you used to come all the way to my office. This is different. Plus, this is my Dad's old office. It's kind of creepy."

"Need I remind you that I have to place a phone call into Neil about going out with one of the world's worst Newpsies?" He was partially joking, wondering where Kirsten would go from her.

She knew she had to give him something. "Tell you what." He kissed him slowly this time. "After the launch party, we can celebrate together." She teased. "You can show me how proud you are of me and I can thank you properly."

"Don't tease." He said as she went back to the couch to pick up her purse and leave.

"I never do." She joked back.

The next day Sandy made that awkward call. Luckily for him, Neil was more than gracious to do them this favor. Marissa was important to Summer and also to Julie. He was left no choice but to oblige. Thankful as he was, Sandy couldn't get one thing out of his mind that Neil said.

Kirsten was in their bedroom when he told her that we made the phone call.

"Neil said he would do it."

"You called?" She said surprised even though Sandy said he would.

"I told you I would."

"Thank you." She said as he kissed him lightly to thank him. Sandy eyes moved fro m her face to her breasts. He couldn't help it. Kirsten noticed his wandering eyes as well. "Sandy, I'm up here." She used her pointer finger to guide his chin to the appropriate place.

"I'm sorry, but Neil said something on the phone that got me thinking. He said that he knows every former A cup in this town."

Kirsten let out a loud laugh. "What a weird profession, huh?"

"I don't think I could ever be friends with him if he did work on you."

"Sandy, I would never have work done, but you should know that already."

"Believe me, I'm not saying you should. I love your body and everything about it."

Kirsten was skeptical. "Thank you, but you are not getting rewarded until the launch party."

"I know. I know." He said defeated, but couldn't help but think back to Neil. "It bothers me enough that Jimmy saw you naked and how many years ago was that? I couldn't handle it if he did too."

Kirsten loved that Sandy had some insecurities. "Sandy, my body is for you and you only." She leaned in and kissed him again. "Although you might be sorry you said that when I am in my sixties."

"You could be eighty and I will still love your body."

"We'll see about that." She laughed.

The day of the launch party arrived and Julie was at the Cohen's house helping Kirsten set up. Tonight was big night for them. Although they had some clientele, this was going to help them branch out. Kirsten would like to take credit for the idea, but it was Julie who always thinks throwing a party is good for business.

"How's it going?" Kirsten asked as Julie was putting programs together.

"Great, I've done maybe twelve and I've got about a hundred to go." Julie states in a very frustrated manor.

"Well make that a hundred and two." Kirsten figured she better explain since Julie was giving her a strange look. "I've added Neil Roberts and Veronica Townsend to the guest list."

Julie stopped what she was doing and turned to face Kirsten. "You've got to be kidding me??"

Kirsten had to tell her what happened. "Did Sandy..."

"What, tell me they were dating?" She interrupted. "No, I had to find that out myself last night at the yacht club. Oh, its just..."

Kirsten knew what she was going to say, but wanted to hear it. "What is it?"

"Well, for the past few weeks Neil and I have gotten quite close and sure the man is a real catch. A wealthy doctor, estate with pool and tennis court, but I was just grateful that he's been so kind to Marissa. Then last night I saw him with Veronica and it hit me. I think I have feelings for him." She closes her eyes as she admits it out loud for the first time. Romantic feelings and now he's with that witch who tried to harpoon Marissa. And they're coming to our launch party." Kirsten couldn't help but feel bad for her. She needed to know that it was her and Sandy that set them up. But Julie was still going on and on. "I'll be ok Kiki. I'm like the Gulf Region, at this point what's one more hurricane?"

"Julie, there is something I need to tell you."

"You're not going to tell me you invited Lance to our launch party too?" Julie knew that was a stretch, but at this point, she mind as well have every ex-boyfriend there. What would be the difference?

"I'm glad you are still cracking jokes because this you might not find so funny." Julie looks at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue. "Neil and Veronica are only together because Sandy and I asked him to go on a date with her. Never did we think it would be more than a one time thing."

"What?"

"I know. I'm sorry."

"Why? Why would you do that? You know she's a bitch. Do you have something against Neil?"

"No. Not at all. You know Sandy and I love Summer and Sandy is good friends with Neil."

"You are not making any sense." Julie exclaimed.

"It was our love for Marissa that forced us to do this."

Julie was now really confused. "What does Marissa...?" Then it hit her. "Veronica?"

"You got it." Kirsten responded. "Veronica came to me with a bunch of threats and Sandy asked Neil for a favor. He went out with her for you."

Julie was not impressed. "As nice as that sounds, it does nothing for my love life." Kirsten made a face, wishing she would be grateful for Neil's actions, but Julie's mind was somewhere else. "Or my sex life."

"Julie!" Kirsten hissed, not wanting the caterers to hear them speaking of inappropriate things.

"What?" She asked innocently. "Sometimes, I really don't think you know how lucky you are."

Kirsten thought back to her promise to Sandy. "No, I do. I know that Sandy and I have had our issues in the past, but I know he loves me."

"Plus you get laid on a regular basis."

"Julie!" Again, she hissed.

"I know you do. You wouldn't be this nice if you weren't."

"Oh God!" With that Kirsten excused herself before Julie continued with this conversation any further. She needed to find Sandy and figure out why Neil is going on another date with Veronica. She needed to tell him they needed to work on breaking them off. Julie was too important to her to let Veronica Townsend stand in the way.

"Oh Sandy, there you are." She found him in Seth's bedroom. "I have to talk to you about Veronica Townsend and you know who." She didn't want Summer to know this involved her dad.

"Now we have a quorum." Seth announced, and Summer looked at Kirsten shocked that she knew about her dad and that skank, as she was referring to her these days.

"What happened?" Sandy asked, directing it toward Kirsten.

"There are factors of which I was not aware when I had you set them up." Kirsten didn't want the kids to know that Julie was falling for Neil..

"Wait, you set them up?" Seth asked.

Kirsten felt the need to explain. "Veronica wanted to go on a date with Summer's dad and she threatened to make Marissa's life hell if we didn't set them up. Neil agreed as a favor."

Sandy saw the look on Summer's face and didn't want her to worry. "Look Neil's a smart guy. If he wants to go on second date with her maybe he sees something in her that we don't."

"Huh?" Summer asked.

"What the hockey?" Seth inquired.

Kirsten verbalized. "No. No. No."

Sandy understood from everyone's reactions that he was probably wrong. "Ok fine, but we have to make sure that she's the one who ends it. If Neil starts pulling away, she might take it out on Marissa."

"Genetial Warts." Seth exclaimed, putting his idea out on the table.

"Seth!" Kirsten scolded.

"You've got a dinner to set up." Sandy said to Kirsten. "You two keep working on a plan." He said to Seth and Summer. "I'll keep thinking. We can do this." Sandy motivated, before everyone parted ways to get ready for the party.

As Sandy led Kirsten down the hall, he knew there was something else she didn't say. "What factors were you unaware of?"

"Apparently Julie has feelings for Neil and she saw him with Veronica last night at the restaurant."

"So?" Sandy didn't get it.

"So, she was crushed. I had to tell her the whole story."

"I'm sorry honey, but Julie having a crush is an everyday occurrence."

"That's not fair Sandy."

"She married your father. Her judgment is completely blurred in my eyes."

"I'm not saying she has been lucky in the love department, or smart for that matter. But we need to get Neil and Veronica off each other's radar. More for our love for Julie than our dislike for Veronica."

"Or our fear for Summer?" Sandy joked.

"Yeah, something like that." She joked back.

The launch party was a complete success. Julie and Kirsten signed a lot of new clients, Veronica shied away from Neil, Julie got her wish to spend more time with him and the night was finally coming to an end. A wish Sandy dreamed to come true the minute all of Newport filed into his living room. Actually he couldn't wait for this night to end the minute Kirsten came out of the bathroom in her silver, backless dress and her hair tied back.

She looked stunning.

He watched her the entire night schmooze the crowd, something she was born and bred to do. He even caught her flirting a little herself. He knew this was hard for her, especially without alcohol, but it was good for business. Of course he hated the way men started at his wife, but she always kept enough distance, always the one to walk away, always the one to shoot him a smile; enough for him not to ever worry.

The last of the guests finally left and Kirsten and Julie spent a little bit of time talking numbers before calling it a night. She knew Sandy wasn't thrilled to have all those people in his house and was probably happy they were all gone. She also knew he would never complain about it. He was supportive and so good about things like this. Now all she wanted to do was find him.

When she went into their bedroom, he was nowhere to be found. She knew it wouldn't be long before he came to bed. This was the one disadvantage to living in such a large house.

She decided to get ready for bed, ready for him. When she walked out of their bathroom and through their closet, she spotted him closing the blinds in their room. His mind was exactly where hers was. When he was finished he turned around and his eyes met hers. His eyes then moved to what she was wearing.

She covered herself in a plum colored silk robe. Once Sandy finished closing the blinds, her hands moved to the sash covering the favor that she owed him. She slowly untied the two pieces of silk and let the material fall to her sides. Nothing was revealed, the material blinding Sandy of what he was thinking about all night.

"I'm here to hold up my end of the bargain." She teased, moving closer to him pushing him back into the table that rests by the windows.

His eyes watched the sides of the robe as she walked, hoping they would fall further to the wayside. "I'm so glad I made that call." He couldn't keep the giddiness out of his voice.

In one fluid moment, her hands reached the silky material and it slowly descended down her body. Sandy was expecting some sort of lingerie to cover her most private of areas. Once again, Kirsten Cohen surprised him. There she stood completely naked, waiting for him to take advantage of her. "Are you ready?"

"When it comes to you, I'm always ready."

"I'm waiting." She said, referring to the fact that he was still fully clothed. She spun him around, so it was her body now leaning against the cold, glass table. She lifted herself up and took a seat. It wasn't until then that Sandy noticed her high heels when she crossed her legs.

"There's nothing sexier than a naked woman in high heels!" He said as he rid himself of his clothes.

"Really?" She said coyly. "I was just going to say there is nothing sexier than you." She reached for him, happy he was fully ready for her. She didn't want to waste any time. She didn't need the kissing, the foreplay and she certainly didn't need the delay. She just wanted him at that moment and she knew no man would ever complain about such a thing.

But Sandy was not like any man that ever crossed her path.

"Wait a second." He said when he felt himself suddenly at her entrance.

She gave him a questioning look. "What's wrong?"

He cupped her face and kissed her, pushing himself into her a little bit, just enough to tease her. "Oh God, nothing's wrong." He stared into her eyes, but couldn't get his mind off of where his manhood was touching. He pulled away briefly to get his point across. "I'm so proud of you."

She smiled big this time. "Thank you." She simply said. She started to push herself back into him, but he pulled back further.

"I don't think you take what I am saying seriously."

"Sandy, right now my mind is only in one place, but I am trying."

He grabbed her face again. "You're amazing. I watched you all night tonight. I have never seen you so smart and sexy. I watched you conversate and even flirt at times and I wonder how the hell I am the one here in this position with you at the end of the night. You amaze me everyday. I am so, so proud of you."

This never happened before, but she couldn't stop. A single tear trickled down her cheek as she took Sandy's words right into the center of her heart. "You are here because you are the one that amazes me every day and every night."

"I love you."

"I love you too. So much."

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