Helena and George were delighted to show Clarisse and Joseph the all place. It's a small but cozy hotel with three floors. All the rooms were smaller then her suite at the consulate. A large bed, two chairs, a dresser, a closet, a hug mirror, a coffee table and a sofa and after all, still a cozy room... At the lobby, a restaurant and a bar with a dance floor. Well, at least they will have privacy…

"Will you want to have dinner with us, please?" Said Helena grabbed Joseph arm and dragging him with her to the restaurant.

"Well… Clarisse?" Joseph blushed slightly and looked at Clarisse. Clarisse is really enjoying Helena and George. They are so at ease, they seems so in love, accomplices… George twinkle to Helena and offered his arm to Clarisse.

"We will be delighted. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you, Clarisse. I'm sure we'll be great friends. And we are in debt with you forever. Please seat." Said Helena and continue…

"We have a small business and we don't have a lot's of costumers, as you can see. If that man steal us two thousand dollars, well… I don't know if we can continue… And we past sixty… where did we would find a job? And this is HOME!" Helena pull away tears who wanted to fall. Clarisse looked at her, smile and tightened slightly her hand.

"But it's everything all right so, lets enjoy our meal and talk about each one of us. I really want to know you better!" Said George with a smile.

"So do I…" growled Joseph.

"Tell me, Clarisse, you're English, right?"

"Indeed, I was born at Walton-on-Thames, England, Helena."

"Your accent is undeniable, dear. And you, Joseph?"

"I'm Spanish, Madam."

"Wow, a man with sangre caliente (hot blood)!" Clarisse blushed… she know exactly what un hombre com sagre caliente (a man with hot blood), means… And Joseph's ego, grown up.

"Not at all, Madam. I'm quit harmless!" Joseph couldn't hide a little smile.

"Please, call me Helena. Or should I call you Mr. Joseph?"

"No, Helena. Joseph or Joe it's fine!"

"We have three lovely daughters. The oldest, Joanna, is divorced and had also a daughter and two granddaughters. In the middle we have Maria. She's married and has a daughter and a son and three grandsons. The youngster, Pipa, is single. And they all live in New York. And you?"

Joseph looked down…

"I had two boys… My oldest son, is Priest. And my youngest… Died in a car accident… And I have a beautiful granddaughter! And we don't have children of our own. Unfortunately."

Joseph grabbed her hand and kissed her. Clarisse smile and looked at Helena.

"I would like to have many grandchildren but God had other plans. Maybe we can have at least two or three great-grandchildren. I would spoil all of them!"

"I bet you will. And Amelia is going to have a nervous breakdown!" And the four laughed.

"It's our job to spoil all the baby's!" Said George, cheerful.

"Speaking at work… what do you do for a living?"

"Darling… I thought you liked our new friends…" Said George.

"What? Of course I do! What a silly question, dear" Helena is truly offended.

"Well… so… stop making questions! If you don't stop, I'm afraid they will run away…."

"You're right! I'm so sorry…"

"Please, don't… It's absolutely normal make questions. After all, we just meet today… Well, my work is… well I'm… mostly diplomacy… And Joseph is a Head of Security!"

"Wow. That's sound important!" Helena smile at Joseph and Clarisse observe…

They talk about the hotel, about music, the sea, the weather, dogs, books, children… as the matter of fact, it was a wonderful night, and they both forgot about Genovia. It's just Clarisse and Joseph. It's the first time Clarisse know another couple… the first time Clarisse feel's normal! And what a feeling! But the best… the best it's Joseph's arms. They are playing a dangerous game, that's for sure but… what the hell! It feels so right, so good! She's safe with him. And he love her… So, for once in her life, she put herself first and her country in second.

"Will you dance with me, Clarisse?" George raised and extended his hand to Clarisse.

"No, no, no, no… I'm sorry. The first dance is always mine!" Joseph stood up, Clarisse smile and touch Joseph cheek with her hand.

"A Spanish man and jealous! Clarisse, you're a lucky woman!" Helena laughed and kissed George.

"Yes, I am! I'm the luckiest woman on earth!" And she raise.

"I'm not jealous… It's… It's a kind of… you know…"

"Come on, Joseph. I don't like other's man around my wife, neither." Laughed George.

"Let's have some fun! Dance with me, dear wife?" Helena nodded and the two couples commanded the dance floor.

"This is wonderful, Joseph! Thank you!" Said Clarisse. They are dancing so close to each other… Clarisse laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"This is so special, Joseph. I never feel like this before. I wish I could stay this way forever." Joseph kissed her forehead and squeezed her more.

"My darling, I love you so much!"

Helena and George are sat in a couch at the bar and waved to Clarisse and Joseph.

"Shall we join then?" said Joseph squeezing her hand.

"Of course, dear!" they walked hand in hand. Clarisse couldn't stop think at what is going to happen when they returned to the palace. Joseph seems… seems so in love! Ho… for heavens sake. He was just doing his job… Who can he really love's her? He's just to kind!

They sat in another couch near Helena and George. Joseph put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

"I sent prepare our best room for you! You're welcome to stay forever, if you want! You're our guests of honor!"

"You're so kind, Helena, but no. we stay for the weekend, but only if you let us pay. I can't accept your offer. Please…"

"Clarisse, we talk about that later. What can I bring you for drink?"

"A glass of wine, if you please and… A whiskey for you, Joseph?"

"Yes, thank you, dear!"

"You make a beautiful couple! How long are you two married?" Asked Helena.

"We are not married. I'm a widow and Joseph is single." Joseph looked at her, surprided.

"I'm sorry…" Said Helena, slightly embarrassed.

"Why? We are best friends. I can't imagine my life without him. We know each other for so long…"

"Over thirty years, darling." Joseph kissed her forehead

"Yes, over thirty years. In all my happy memories, he's there. In all my darkness hours, he's there. When I need a shoulder, he's there. When I need to cry, he's there! Joseph reigns in my heart and soul…"

Joseph grabbed her hand and kissed the palm and Clarisse felt a tear on his cheek. No one said a word… Clara brought the drinks and smiled shamelessly to Joseph and Clarisse straightened on the couch and crossed her legs. Joseph put his hand on her knees without look at Clara. George noticed the glances…

"Thank you, Clara. That's all. You can take the rest of the night off."

"Thank you, Boss. Excuse me." And Clara run away.

Helena waited Clara leave…

"Clarisse, I can swear I know you… It's so strange but… It's your first time at San Francisco?"

"No. I'll been here before." Clarisse looked at Joseph, completely upset.

"That's it! Because I never been at Europe, so... You… Ho my God…" Helena looked around and lowered her voice.

"Clarisse… You're Clarisse… The powerful Queen of Genovia… Ho my God. I just can't believe. I'm so sorry Your…" George dropped his jaw…

"Helena, please. Don't… I'm Clarisse. Just Clarisse. I'm sorry for not have told you how am I. but I really want a vacation incognito…"

"Your Majesty, I can't call you Clarisse." Helena was embarrassed, she can't look at Clarisse.

"Why? Did I have change in this last minute? Knowing I'm a queen, changes something?"

"No, but you are… and I am…"

"Clarisse, I'm sorry for my wife… this is a shock for us, as you understand" Said George wrapped his arm around Helena's shoulder.

"George and Helena, if anyone knows Clarisse's here, I can't ensure her safety. As a queen, she had to have at least, 4 guards with her…" Said Joseph.

"Ho no, no, no, no… Your secret is safe with us. I swear! I just can't believe… I'm speaking to a queen!"

Clarisse laughed and grabbed her hands.

"Clarisse! Just Clarisse, my dear! Well, this was a lovely day but I'm really tiered…"

"Of course… Clarisse... I will show you your room." Said Helena.

Joseph freeze. And now? For the first time in his life, he just don't know what to do… Clarisse raise and grabbed his hand. He's like a schoolboy, caught doing nonsenses… he stood up and, with a whisper, ask her.

"Are you sure, Clarisse?"

"Yes. And you?..."

"Ho my God. This is a dream come truth!"

They climbed the stairs in silence. Helena said goodnight at the door and went away. Clarisse look around and sat at the couch.

"Join me, please." Joseph closed the door and sat next to her. They looked at each other, without a word. Joseph grabbed her hands

"Clarisse, my dear, talk to me… tell me what you want… tell me! My heart beats so hard… Please…" Clarisse smile.

"Joseph! Dear Joseph! I'm 63 years old and I'm madly, deeply, hopelessly in love with you. I know I can't give you nothing, I can't promise you nothing… But I love you, I need you! I can't help myself…"

"Clarisse, my love… All I ask is you love! I can wait forever! I can be forever in the shadows. Never send me away, Clarisse and I'm the happiest man in the world." Joseph stand up and pulled her to him, wrapped his arms around her waist. Clarisse put an arm around his neck and the other on his chest.

"Do you really love me, Joseph?" Without a word, Joseph gently caught Clarisse's hand, lifted it up to his lips and kissed her. Then, they leaned towards each other and they lips touched.

"I. LOVE. YOU! I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, Clarisse!" And kissed her again… a very passionate kiss. They tongues melt each other.

"I want you badly, Clarisse! Talk to me, dear. Talk to me!" Clarisse smile at him.

"I love you, Joseph. And I want you badly!" At her words, Joseph completely lost his ability to think… His fingers rose from the neck to the hair and he pull her head slightly backwards and he start kissing her neck. He began unbuttoning her blouse. His tongue play with her skin… His hungry mouth was captured her breasts sucking, nipping, driving her insane with desire… Clarisse moaning… she want to feel his skin… and she tried to unbuttoning his shirt… he dropped her for a few seconds and he pulled the shirt from his shoulders.

"Ho my…" It's the only words from Clarisse. Joseph grabbed her around her waist and raise her until her legs get around his waist, leaned her against the wall.

"Clarisse… I want you! You are driving me crazy…"

"Take me to bed, Joseph!" she whispered. He pressed his body firmly against her and she felt his arousal hard against her throbbing center. He grabbed her and, without changing position, he lays her down on the bed.

"what a bad time to wear jeans…" said Joseph and Clarisse laughed. They just can't take it anymore… they stripped quickly and, in less than a minute, they melt each other, completely naked…

In the next morning , Clarisse woke up with a knock on the door… She looked around… the room was dark and Joseph arm rest on her thigh… And she's naked! Ho my God… She was so tired… Another Knock…

"Just a minute, please!" She can't find her bathrobe, so she put her jeans and Joseph shirt and go to the door.

"Yes?"

"It's me, Helena."

"Come in, please. Have a sit, good morning Helena. What's the matter?"

"Good morning, You… Clarisse, sorry. Do you sleep well?"

"Yes, dear. Thank you."

"Well, I came to tell you to not go downstairs. There's a car from CNN with journalist and they sat at the bar… If they see you…"

"Helena, my dear. How can I thank you?" Clarisse hugged her and a tear rolled down Clarisse's cheek.

"Clarisse… what's the matter? Why are you crying? Please don't do it…"
"I'm sorry, Helena. You're the first person who doesn't took advantage of me to have fifteen minutes of fame! I just don't know what to say…"

"I know you're a special lady, and I'm really fondness of you two. Believe me!"

"Thank you, dear."

"I let you know, when is safe. Can I bring breakfast?"

"If you please. Thank you so much, my dear!"

Joseph wait for Clarisse at the bedroom.

"Hello beautiful! Ho, look at my shirt! I wonder where she is…" Joseph grabbed Clarisse by her waist and dragged her into the bed.

"Hello you! Good morning, my love!" And she kissed him.

"Good morning, darling. I heard Helena… What a wonderful couple, don't you think?"

"Yes! Can you imagine…" But Joseph kissed her…

"You're too sexy in my shirt but I can wait to feel your skin against mine… I'm the happiest man in the world, Clarisse. And I intend to make you the happiest woman to."

"Mmmm… So… What are you waiting for?

Please, let me know what you think. Reviews, reviews, reviews...

Kisses

Maria