"Kyle…" Summer sighed, as he continued to kiss her neck. She returned the same for him, causing him to whisper in her ear, "Rachel…"
Summer pushed Kyle away, holding him at arm's length. "What did you just say to me?!""
"What?" Kyle said, unaware of what he had done.
"You just called me Rachel," Summer angrily said.
Kyle closed his eyes and rolled onto his back. "Summer…I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" Summer said, "I thought you wanted to be with me."
"I did," Kyle said.
"Did?" Summer said, "So, I was just a stand in for you to fantasize about the woman you are planning to marry?"
"That's not the reason," Kyle said. Summer clamoured off the bed. "Where are you going?" Kyle said.
"I'm leaving," Summer said, "I will not stay here while you pretend I am someone else!"
"I wasn't doing that," Kyle said.
"If your beloved Rachel is what you want, then you don't need me," Summer sulked, heading for the door.
"Please don't be mad," Kyle said, following her.
"Don't be mad!" Summer said, spinning around to face him, "Let me give you some advice. When you are about to make love to someone, don't call them by another's name. It is definitely not romantic." She turned and marched to the door.
"Summer, I'm sorry," Kyle said.
Pulling the door open, she looked back at Kyle and said, "So am I." She paused, looking him over. "Such a shame," she said, before leaving. Momentarily closing his eyes, Kyle ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
Sitting in the dim, light of the Abbott living room, Rachel had her knees pulled up to her chest, as tears spilled down her face. Realizing her situation with Billy had gone too far, Rachel was not only upset with herself for letting it happen. She had been disloyal to Kyle. She was certain she still loved Kyle as much as she ever had, so why had she been so drawn to Billy? She knew Kyle trusted her and she was convinced he would never betray her in the same way.
Picking up her phone, she began to text.
"Kyle, are you there?"
Coming out of a meeting, Kyle responded to the beep of his phone. He smiled as he responded to Rachel.
"I'm here. It must be late for you. Why are you up? Are you okay?"
"I can't sleep. Are you coming home soon? I really miss you."
"I miss you too. Should be home late tomorrow."
"Can't wait to see you."
"Same here. See you soon. I love you."
"I love you too."
Rachel held her phone close to her, as she cried.
Descending the stairs, Billy hesitated, when he saw Rachel in the living room. Taking a drink of her orange juice, Rachel watched Billy as he entered the living room. Billy was quiet, so Rachel said, "Morning."
"Morning," Billy muttered, without looking at her.
"Billy, about last night," Rachel started.
"I don't want to talk about it," Billy said.
"You know, I…" Rachel said.
"I said, I don't want to talk about it," Billy said, cutting her off.
"Why do always do this to me?" Rachel said.
"To you?" Billy said, incredulously, "You're the one who called out my nephew's name, just as we were about to make love. It rather killed the mood."
"I'm sorry," Rachel said.
"Me too," Billy retorted.
"You say you have feelings for me," Rachel said, "But they only exist, when I am about to marry someone else. You professed your feelings before I married Kevin and now that I am going to marry Kyle, you're doing it again."
"Is that what you think?" Billy said, "I never stopped having feelings for you. It's you who keeps putting the brakes on. If I recall, you and I had a good relationship, we were happy together. We planned a future, to leave Genoa City and start fresh. At the last minute you sent me packing by myself. Last night is another example. Every time we get serious, you snatch it all away."
"You don't get it," Rachel said, "Yes, once before we had a good thing going. You know just as much as I do, it would never have worked out. I loved you, but you and I are toxic for each other. I became obsessed with you. I has to go away to Fairview, to learn how to get over you and I succeeded. Now you're trying to pull all up all of those feelings, that I worked so hard to overcome. I have learned to deal with my emotions is a healthy manner. It's unfair of you to try for something with me."
"Why?" Billy said, "When two people want to be together why is that unfair?"
"I don't want you!" Rachel said, "I can't go through wanting you that way again! With you it was desperation, an ache, an obsession. It's different with Kyle, because for the first time I am truly in love. I finally found a solid, wonderful relationship with a man who loves me. Anything else I ever had before doesn't compare. I am getting married and we are building a future to last."
"If you hadn't kept pulling away, we could have lasted too," Billy said, "I know you love Kyle, I can see that. I don't meant to be unfair to either of you, but here we are. This could be our last chance to be together."
"Billy, please don't do this to me," Rachel said.
Taking one of her hands, Billy said, "Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me. If you can do that, I will walk away and never speak of this again."
"Of course a part of me will always love you," Rachel said, "You are not listening to me. I am devoted to…"
Billy cut her off, pulling her into a kiss. Rachel almost gave into her feelings, kissing him back for a few seconds. However her love for Kyle, broke through. Rachel pulled out of the kiss, slapping Billy.
The sound of the front door shutting hard, startled them. "Does somebody want to tell me what is going on here?" Kyle's angry voice said.
"Kyle!" Rachel said, rushing to him. She flew into his arms, hugging him tight. "You're home," she gushed.
Kyle hugged her back, his angry eyes on Billy. "Yes, I'm here."
"I will leave you two alone," Billy said.
"No you don't," Kyle said, stepping in Billy's path, "I walk in and you're kissing my fiancé. It did not look like she appreciated it and I don't either. You are not leaving until I get some answers."
Billy looked at Rachel, her eyes pleading with him not to say anything. "It was my fault," Billy said, "It was a slip and I apologize to both of you."
"That's all you have to say?" Kyle said.
"What do you want me to say?" Billy said. His eyes were on Rachel as he continued, "My mistake. Believe me, it won't happen again."
"I want to know what made you think it was okay to do that," Kyle demanded.
"It wasn't okay," Billy said, "I realize that."
"I go out of the country and you decide it's a good time to take advantage of my fiancé?" Kyle said.
"Nobody took advantage," Rachel said, "I think Billy understands that he should not have done that."
"Oh, I understand," Billy said, exiting by the front door.
"What was that all about?" Kyle said.
"He was talking about relationships and he got carried away," Rachel said, "I let him know it was not appropriate. However, I am so glad you are home." She hugged him again, saying, "I missed you, I missed you so much."
"Me too," Kyle said, giving her a kiss.
"Wait, why are home now?" Rachel said, "Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to see you, but I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow."
"I was able to wrap things up earlier that I thought," Kyle said, "Once the work was all settled I got the next flight out."
"So, how did it go?" Rachel said.
"It went great," Kyle said, "I was able to settle contracts, impress executives, romance several women."
"Excuse me?" Rachel said, noticing Kyle's sly smile, "You better not have."
"Not a chance," Kyle said, taking her in his arms, "You were the only lady on my mind."
"And you were the only guy on mine," Rachel said. They shared a kiss.
"You must be tired from such a long flight," Rachel said.
Sitting on the couch, Kyle said, "I slept some on the way home." He gestured for Rachel to join him. "It was a little cramped though." He rubbed his neck and said, "I think I'm stiff from sleeping that way. Also my back is aching a bit." Looking at Rachel he rubbed one shoulder and said, "This also hurts."
"Oh, is it sore too?" Rachel said, knowing Kyle was hinting that he wanted one of her massages.
"It is," Kyle said.
"Okay," Rachel smiled, beginning to rub Kyle's shoulders, "How's that."
"Heavenly," Kyle said, "That feels great. Wow, you are good at this."
Rachel's thoughts drifted to the massage she gave Billy, that led to the kiss, which led to the closeness they shared.
"Hey, why did you stop?" Kyle said, "That was incredible." Without waiting for her to answer Kyle said, "Oh, I get it, it's your turn. Okay, get ready to experience my magic…" he trailed off, realizing Rachel looked upset. "Are you okay?" Kyle said.
"I can't do this," Rachel said.
"Do what?" Kyle said.
"There's something I should tell you," Rachel said, "We need to talk."
Kyle sighed and said, "I need to talk to you about something too."
"Good or bad?" Rachel said.
"It's not good," Kyle said, "However, you know what they say ladies first."
"I defer to you," Rachel said, "You first."
"Alright," Kyle said, "You will never guess who I ran into on my trip."
"Summer," Rachel said.
Frowning at her, Kyle said, "How did you know?"
"I heard she moved to Dubai for business," Rachel said, "I thought you would probably see her. Did she flirt with you and mercilessly throw herself at you?"
"That's putting it mildly," Kyle said.
"What does that mean?" Rachel said, "Kyle, what did you do?"
"Summer was a big part of a successful day," Kyle said, "I know, I shouldn't have let her into my room…"
"She was in your room?" Rachel said.
"Yes," Kyle said, "She brought some dessert thing to celebrate and then she…kissed me."
"Why am I not surprised," Rachel said, "So, that's your bad news."
"Not exactly," Kyle said, "I kissed her back." Rachel didn't say anything, but Kyle could see she was not pleased. "I shouldn't have let things progress from there, but we ended up making out…on the bed."
"You had sex with her?" Rachel said.
"No!" Kyle said, "I'll admit, it almost happened, but we didn't."
"Why not?" Rachel said.
"Because, apparently I called her Rachel," Kyle said.
"You what?" Rachel said.
"It just came out. In the middle of kissing, I said your name," Kyle said, "Then she got insulted and left. Nothing else happened."
Kyle apprehensively watched Rachel for reaction, when she started laughing. "Not the response I was expecting," Kyle said.
"I should be so mad at you," Rachel said, "But I can't, not when I did the same thing. With Billy."
"What same thing are you referring to?" Kyle said.
"Billy and I were talking about my custody case," Rachel started, "And then we reminisced a little, which brought up old feelings and then he kissed me."
"Did he?" Kyle said.
"And I kissed him and one thing led to another and the next thing I knew, we were about to…" Rachel drifted off, "You know."
"Did you sleep with him?" Kyle said.
"No," Rachel assured, "It didn't go that far. It was about to, when I called out your name. Everything was over after that."
"Does Billy have feelings for you?" Kyle said.
"I don't think so," Rachel said, "A lot of old stuff came up yesterday and he seemed to have trouble putting it back in the past where it belongs. I think he panicked."
"Over what?" Kyle said.
"Me getting married," Rachel said, "He professed his feelings before I married Kevin and now that you and I are engaged, he's doing it again. It's like he feels he has to make one last ditch effort to see if we have anything together, when deep down he knows we don't."
"That's why he was kissing you, when I came home," Kyle said.
Rachel nodded. "I'm hoping when I smacked him, he got the hint."
"So, we are both guilty of the same thing," Kyle said.
"I'm sorry Kyle," Rachel said.
"Hey, I'm sorry too," Kyle said.
"The first time there is distance between us and look what we did," Rachel said, "What does that say about us?"
"I think it puts us in a better place," Kyle said.
"We cheated on each other," Rachel said.
"We almost did," Kyle said, "But we both stopped because of each other. Sure, either or both of us could have just let things happen, but we didn't. It proves our love is stronger than ever. I still love you and I don't want to break up over this."
"I don't want that either," Rachel said, "I love you as much as I ever have."
"Then we put this whole incident in the past," Kyle said, "Agreed?"
"Agreed," Rachel said, "And the next time you have a business trip, I am going with you."
Kyle smiled. "You will get no argument from me." Taking her hand, he said, "We're good?"
"Better than good," Rachel smiled.
"Do you still want to marry me?" Kyle teased.
"You better believe I do," Rachel said, kissing him, "Which reminds me, we need to set a wedding date."
"Yes, we do," Kyle said.
"Well, I refuse to leave this room until we do," Rachel said.
"In that case," Kyle said, pulling up his calendar, "We can't do it tomorrow, I'm booked."
"Would you please be serious?" Rachel said.
Kyle laughed as he said, "I just can hardly wait to marry you."
"We need to take time to plan a wedding," Rachel said.
"What did you have in mind?" Kyle said.
"My first wedding was really small and really quick," Rachel said, "I want this one to be big. I want us to have a spectacular wedding."
"Spectacular?" Kyle said.
"I want to have it outdoors with live music, flowers everywhere, fountains, harps, doves!" Rachel said, in excitement, "Plus a feast for the reception."
Laughing Kyle said, "Sounds perfect. Although, I might have to draw the line at doves."
"No doves?" Rachel said. Kyle shook his head. "Okay, I can live with that," she said.
"You want a big wedding," Kyle said, "Let's go huge. We will have the wedding of the century."
"I like the sound of that," Rachel said.
"When are we going to do this?" Kyle said.
"I was thinking late spring, early summer," Rachel said.
Checking his calendar again, Kyle said, "How about June?"
Pointing at his calendar, Rachel said, "How about that day in June?"
"The eighth?" Kyle said, "It works."
"We have wedding date?" Rachel said, visibly excited.
"We have date," Kyle said. Rachel squealed in delight as she hugged him.
"Suddenly, I feel like there's so much to do," Rachel said.
"We will figure it all out," Kyle said.
"I was looking into some things when you were away," Rachel said.
"Like what?" Kyle said.
"Honeymoon destinations," Rachel said.
"That's right," Kyle said, "The best part. What did you come up with?"
Rachel brought some pictures up on her screen, showing them to Kyle. "You want to go to Greece?" Kyle said.
"Only a suggestion," Rachel said, "I also like the Caribbean Islands."
"Good idea," Kyle said.
"But this," Rachel said, bringing up another picture, "Is my favourite."
"Hawaii," Kyle said.
"Not just Hawaii," Rachel said, "This island has a private resort. Not many people and just look at that beach and the blue water. It's paradise."
"They probably have a really nice bed in that resort too," Kyle said.
"You have a one track mind," Rachel said.
"I do," Kyle said, "I really do."
"Even though it's my favourite, it will have to remain a dream," Rachel said.
"Why do you say that?" Kyle said, "I like the idea. We could go."
"Kyle, it's really expensive," Rachel said, "Beyond expensive." Rachel showed him a price list.
"It's doable," Kyle said, "Hawaii it is."
"Seriously?" Rachel said.
"We are having the wedding of the century," Kyle said, "Why not the honeymoon of the century?"
"Because that's how long it will take to pay it off?" Rachel said.
"I've got it covered," Kyle laughed, "Let's do it."
"You are the best," Rachel said, hugging him.
Jack arrived home, smiling as he caught them in a hug. "Kyle, you're back," Jack said, "Welcome home."
"Thanks," Kyle smiled.
"So, how was your trip?" Jack said.
"It was productive," Kyle said, "I accomplished a lot."
"Good to hear," Jack said. He paused and said, "I get the feeling I interrupted something," Jack said, "The two of you have not stopped smiling since I came in the door."
"I hope you are not busy on the eighth of June," Kyle said.
"Is this a wedding date?" Jack said.
"Yes," Kyle said, "The most epic wedding Genoa City has ever seen."
"Epic?" Jack smiled, "That's intriguing."
Latching on to Kyle's arm, Rachel said, "I can hardly wait to marry this guy."
"What can I say?" Kyle said, "I think she likes me."
Checking his watch, Billy was becoming impatient, as he stood in a vacant alleyway. He surveyed the small empty parking lot, lined by long-standing buildings, whose brick exterior displayed signs of deterioration. A noticeable foul smell polluted the air around him, adding to his uneasiness. With a frustrated sigh, Billy took a few steps away, when he noticed a figure approaching him. His long coat flowed around him, as he approached Billy. Rubbing his scruffy beard, he said, "Mr. Smith, I presume?"
"Carter?" Billy said. Considering his surroundings, Billy was surprised by the respective appearance of his associate. "I don't think much of your choice of meeting places," Billy said, gesturing around himself.
"You wanted discretion," Carter said, "You got it."
Billy nodded and said, "You still for hire?"
"What's the job?" Carter said.
"Surveillance," Billy said, "Of this address," he said, handing Carter a small envelope, "I want video evidence of who comes and goes. Footage of that area, every minute of every day."
"Just the outside?" Carter said, "I can easily get inside access."
"Too risky," Billy said, "Outside the property is all I need for now."
Examining the papers in front of him, Carter said, "This is out of state. I'll have to contact a colleague who works there."
"No third parties," Billy said, "We agreed discretion."
"He works for me," Carter said, "No will know he's there, except you and me."
"You work for me," Billy said, "I'm paying you."
"You got the retainer?" Carter said.
Billy pulled out another envelope saying, "I have what we discussed."
Carter reached for it, but Billy held it back. "I want to get one thing straight. Your guy has to send me the video feed. We do not meet about this again. You do not contact me, I will contact you for final payment when the job is finished. You have to be careful, this person who lives there is smart, he can't suspect you're guy is watching."
"Relax," Carter said, "This isn't the first time I've done this type of work. I've got it covered."
"You better," Billy said, "I don't pay for incompetency."
"This guy got something on you?" Carter said.
"I'm doing this for a friend," Billy said, handing Carter the envelope of money.
"You seem anxious about it," Carter said, "Your friend, she must be special."
"She is," Billy said.
Inspecting the contents of his envelope, Carter smiled and said, "Pleasure doing business with you."
Billy nodded to himself as he watched Carter disappear into the darkness of the alleyway.
Pouring himself a glass of water, Kyle looked around the living room to make sure he was alone before reaching into his jacket pocket and retrieving a bottle of pain relievers. He quickly removed the lid and took two, before tucking the bottle away. Hoping for relief from his headache, Kyle closed his eyes and sighed.
"What are you up to?" Jack's voice startled him from behind.
"What?" Kyle said, turning to face him.
"You're all spiffed up," Jack said, gesturing to Kyle's tuxedo, "I assume you have a special evening planned."
"Yes, I do," Kyle said, "I'm taking Rachel to dinner at the Top of the Tower."
"Going all out," Jack said, "You're already engaged, you don't have to impress her."
"I want to do nice things for her," Kyle said, "Keep showing her how much she means to me. We are due for a special night out."
"It's great to see you like this," Jack said.
"In my tux?" Kyle joked.
"I meant to see you so happy," Jack said, "I've never known you to be so in love."
Kyle smiled. "So, you were not talking about my stunning good looks."
"You get that from me," Jack said.
Kyle nodded, before checking his watch.
"Running late?" Jack said.
"We have reservations," Kyle said, "If Rachel ever finishes getting ready. I love her, but she's rarely on time."
Jack laughed. "Get used to it," he said, "Besides she wants to look her best for you."
"Why does it take so long?" Kyle said, trailing off when he saw Rachel coming down the stairs.
Observing Rachel in her pink gown, hair up and sparkling jewelry accessories, Jack said, "That's why."
Kyle walked towards her, staring, speechless from how beautiful she looked. Noticing the way Kyle was looking at her, Rachel looked at herself and said, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Kyle said, smiling, "You look…wow."
Rachel smiled and then noticed Jack was in the room. "Jack," she said, acknowledging him.
"He's right," Jack said, "You look lovely."
"Thank you," Rachel said. Focusing back on Kyle, Rachel said, "Should we go?"
Kyle was about to agree, when he suddenly had a lightheaded feeling wash over him. He knew Rachel was talking to him, but he could not comprehend the muffled words he was hearing.
"Don't we have reservations?" Rachel said. Not getting a response she said, "Kyle?"
Kyle took an unsteady step backwards, causing Jack to rush over. Taking his arm Rachel said, "Are you alright?"
"Kyle?" Jack said.
Kyle hesitated as the feeling began to dissipate, except his headache was still there. "I'm okay," he said.
"Are you sure?" Jack said, "You looked like you were about to pass out."
"Do you see how beautiful she looks?" Kyle said, "And you expect me to be able to stand up straight?"
"You did not look good," Rachel said, "We don't have to go out if you're not well."
"I'm inclined to agree with her," Jack said, "Maybe it is best if you postpone your date."
"I am fine," Kyle said, "I just took a bad step." Noticing the skeptical way they were both looking at him, Kyle insisted, "Really, I am okay."
"I'm not sure I'm okay with what I just saw," Rachel said.
"We have reservations," Kyle said, "I am more than ready to show everyone what the most beautiful woman in the world looks like."
"You would tell me if there is something going on with you, right?" Rachel said.
"Yes, of course," Kyle said, "There is nothing to tell. Are you ready to go?"
Kyle glanced at Jack, who still had an uncertain expression.
"Dad…" Kyle said.
"I'm not sure you should be driving tonight," Jack said.
"Maybe he's right," Rachel said.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm okay?" Kyle said, raising his voice.
Rachel and Jack looked at Kyle, who closed his eyes and said, "I apologize. I didn't mean to get upset. I just want you both to understand there is nothing wrong with me. I feel perfectly fine." Kyle's headache persisted as he spoke.
"Okay, if you say so," Rachel said, "But I am driving."
"I am quite capable," Kyle said, "Let's go, before we are too late." He put his arm around Rachel and walked her ahead of him, out the door.