Chapter 5!

Sheila is quite optimistic after her phone call with Liam. She hopes he will be successful with Steffy. It would only benefit her if Steffy disappears from Finn's life as soon as possible. She wonders where Deacon is and what takes him so long. She goes down to the restaurant to look for him. She watches as he is about to say goodbye to Hope with a tight embrace. Hope looks at her father forcefully.

"So you stick to our agreement! No more contact with Sheila and you will not try to defend her in the future."

Deacon glances at his daughter thoughtfully and then he nods very slowly.

"You have my word! I would never do anything that would cause me to lose you. You are my daughter!"

Sheila is stunned by the scene that presents itself to her. She can't believe Deacon is about to stab her in the back. She can't let Hope come between them. He is, after all, the only person she has right now. She needs him.

After Brooke storms out of Ridge's office, she doesn't know what to do. She heads to the skylounge to take a breath. There she spots Taylor, drinking coffee while flipping through a magazine. At first Brooke wants to turn around, but then she comes to her senses and walks up to her.

"Hey, I have to talk to you!"

Without waiting for a response, Brooke sits down with her. Taylor is not amused by Brooke's appearance. Suspiciously, she looks at her.

"While I wouldn't know what you and I should talk about...but fine! What do you want?"

"It's about Hope and Thomas. I think we both agree that their relationship is inappropriate and that it would be best for everyone if this affair ends as soon as possible!"

"Well, I can't quite disagree with you there! Except that you and I have very different views on why this relationship is so dangerous. You still see Thomas as a threat to Hope, and you still don't trust him. Meanwhile, I'm worried about Thomas, I'm afraid Hope is just playing with his emotions and is using him for her own pleasure."

Brooke suppresses a grumble.

"I guess those details are irrelevant at this point. Still, we're both convinced this relationship can't have a happy end!" Taylor nods uncertainty, still not sure what this discussion is all about.

"So what? I mean, you said earlier they're both adults and there's nothing we can do about it."

"Well we can't forbid them to see each other and we can't lock them up, but I suggest that we two mothers work together for the sake of our children and for the sake of the whole family! So that this nightmare comes to an end!" Taylor stares at Brooke in shock.

"Let me get this straight! You want to pull together with me?"

"There's no question of wanting to, but in these times of need there's no other way. The important thing is that Hope and Thomas come to their senses before the big disaster happens! And we two are the only ones who can prevent this. Otherwise, hardly anyone knows about this liaison and Ridge is Ridge!"

Taylor can't suppress a grin. Brooke holds her hand out to her.

"So what do you say! Are we a team?"

Meanwhile, in Thomas' apartment. Hope and he have made themselves comfortable and enjoy their togetherness. They let themselves be guided only by their feelings. Hope moans with pleasure as she feels her climax coming closer. She wraps her legs even tighter around Thomas and moves faster. It doesn't take long before they both feel the bliss and the ultimate feeling of happiness. Thomas presses Hope very close to him and showers her body with kisses, while Hope's hands also don't stand still and caress him everywhere.

A little later they are lying tightly embraced enjoying the aftermath. Hope caresses Thomas' face.

"Thanks, I need that right now!" Thomas sighs.

"It's been quite a day!"

"Oh yeah! I still can't believe Mom and Ridge told Taylor about us." Thomas grins.

"Well, she would have found out anyway. At the latest when she barged in on us, and to be honest I think she reacted quite reasonably and calmly." Hope wrinkles her eyebrows skeptically. "Hey, unlike your mom, she didn't freak out completely when she saw us together." Hope screws up her face.

"Okay, she may have held back on her comments. But I clearly sensed that she isn't okay with our liaison!"

"That's no one!" laughs Thomas, Hope cradling her head.

"Ok, that's true again. Ridge said something similar to me earlier. I'm just concerned that she's going to keep interfering with us."

"I think I've been able to calm her down." Thomas reassures her. "She's just worried about me. If I'm honest, I'd be more shocked if she hadn't reacted at all!" Hope shrugs.

"I just don't want everyone butting in! Mom, Ridge, and Taylor are the last people who should be giving anyone else any advice on relationships! What goes on between us is our business alone, and we are on the same page where we stand right now!" Hope doesn't notice that Thomas makes a rather glum face. She looks at her watch.

"It's time for me to go. Amelia's off work soon, and I have to get home to Douglas and Beth."

She is about to get dressed when she does notice Thomas looking at her in a strange way.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just thinking about what you just said. I want to ask you something!"

He indicates for her to sit with him.

"What is it?" she asks, concerned.

"When I was talking to my mom, she did touch a sore spot with me. I know we both agree to enjoy being together with no strings and no commitment. But I want you to tell me where this is going?"

"I don't quite understand what you mean?"

"Right now, we're both having fun with each other and that's fine. Still, I have to know where this leads to...in the long run...I mean, can you ever imagine a future with me?"

Hope doesn't know what to say. She reacts hesitantly.

"I don't want to pressure you, Hope! But please give it some thought…what do you expect from me for the future and what role do I play in your life?!"

What do you say? Should Taylor team up with Brooke? And what will be Hope's answer?! See the next chapter!