John and Jane sat on the couch in the study alone as Jon sucked his bottle happily. "He does look like Jax, you know," John admitted as Jane gave the baby her finger to grasp in his chubby fist. "Frankly, now that I’ve seen the tyke up close, I don’t know how Jax ever doubted that the baby was his."

"Brenda’s hurt Jax so badly in the past – it was a natural defense mechanism for the boy to wonder," Jane explained, smiling lovingly at the baby as he gripped her finger.

"How was shopping?" John continued to stare at the baby although his question was directed to his wife.

"I think the word I’d use is surreal," Jane replied. She shook her head and sat back on the couch with a sigh. "It almost scared me, you know," she admitted, staring into space. "I actually found myself *liking* my daughter-in-law." She crossed her arms and put three fingers to her lips. "Truth be told, I almost like *this* Brenda better than the one Jax introduced to us three years ago."

John nodded but then startled when the baby pulled away from the bottle and began to cry angrily. "Oops…..mother, what am I doing wrong??!!"

"Oh, for pete’s sake, John, if you don’t know after two sons of your own and a grandchild, you’re dottier than your daughter-in-law!" Jane gave John a pointed look and his eyes widened in understanding. He handed the bottle to Jane and shifted Jon to his shoulder, patting three times before he was rewarded with a loud, moist belch.

"I’d give that one a 5.8, wouldn’t you?" Brenda’s happy voice filled the room as she entered. She had changed her clothing again and was wearing blue jeans with a white tank top and embroidered pale blue gauzy tunic that softened the ensemble. She leaned over behind her in-laws to bring her eyes to her son’s level. "So, is mommy’s boy being good for his grandpa?"

"He’s been acting exactly like his daddy did at that age, Brenda," John replied, shifting Jon back down into his arms. The baby immediately began to whimper but once John put the bottle back to his lips, the baby quieted and began sucking voraciously. "He’s as hungry as a bear just waking up from his winter nap!"

"Really? Did Jax have a good appetite as a baby?" She came around the front of the couch and sat next to Jane. "I mean, I know you must think I’m totally crazy, but I’d love to hear about Jax when he was a baby."

"Yep -- she’s crazy alright." Jax strolled into the study. Brenda caught her breath again at the sight of him in tight black jeans and a pale blue knit shirt. He stopped next to her. "Well -- that’s a switch." He perched on the arm of the couch next to Brenda. "We’re color-coordinated."

"Don’t they always say great minds think alike?" Brenda’s eyes twinkled and Jax had to remind himself not to fall into their depths. She waited for his sarcastic answer but then realized he was staring at her -- and it wasn’t because she looked odd. {Is he.....that almost looks like....passion!} "Jax? Did I say something wrong?"

Jax shook his head briefly. "No, not at all." He folded his hands in his lap. "I just meant that if you’re actually asking my mother to tell you about how I used to eat mooseburgers and run away from home to explore the Outback, you’ve gone round the bend for sure!"

Brenda smiled at Jax and then reached for Jon, who had finished his bottle and was beginning to fret. "Well, since I don’t *remember* anything about you, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity. And that way, I’ll know what to expect from your son!" She cooed at him and began walking towards the door of the study, actually humming softly. She turned back to the stunned grouping on the couch. "I’m just going to take him upstairs and put him in his crib. I’ll see you all in the dining room in a few minutes, OK?"

None of them said a word as she disappeared from their view. Jax just sighed, but then John rose from the couch. "Well, son, all I can say is......if that’s an act, she deserves an Oscar!"

"More like the bloody Lifetime Achievement Award!" Jane added sarcastically. She linked her arm through her son’s. "Why don’t you just take things a day at a time, Jax? After all, if it *is* an act, the Brenda we all know and......" She made a face. "......well, KNOW, anyway.......won’t be able to keep it up much longer."

Jax nodded grimly. "Anyone else besides my son hungry?" He extended his hand towards the dining room and the three of them left the study in baffled silence.

*~*~*~*

Brenda came down the stairs at 8:30 the next morning to find Charles cleaning the windows in the front foyer. "Hey there, Charles!" she said brightly.

"Hey to you, Mrs. Jacks!" he returned in his usual prim styling. "How’s the young master doing this morning?"

Brenda shifted her shoulders a little. "Well, the boy certainly does enjoy his breakfast at the Cafe Mommy!" Charles blushed a little and Brenda folded her hands behind her and stared down at her feet. "Ummm .....is Mr. Jacks down at the pool again this morning?"

"No, madam," Charles replied, pointing down the hall. "He was up early this morning and told Marjorie he would be eating in the dining room."

Brenda gave Charles a thumb’s up and headed that way. When she arrived at the doorway of the dining room, she couldn’t help but notice the delicious smells coming from Jax’s end of the table. "Now.....don’t tell me that’s yogurt and bananas, mister!"

Jax looked up in shock, his coffee cup halfway to his mouth. Brenda was lounging at the doorway, her face lit with a natural glow that he knew make-up didn’t enhance. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wore some blue jeans with a Columbia blue, satin-stripe shirt. He put his cup down and pointed to her top. "Old shirt?"

Brenda looked down at her shirt and then back up with a guilty smile. "I guess so." She bounced into the room, stopping at the sideboard to lift a cover off a chafing dish. "I found this way in the bottom of my pajama drawer and thought it was so pretty that I’d wear it." Her face fell. "Why? Don’t you like it?"

"I should." Jax sat back, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. "It’s mine."

Brenda put the cover of the dish back down before she dropped it. "Yours?" she croaked.

Jax nodded, a wistful look coming to his eye. "On our honeymoon, I brought that set of pajamas with me. You looked so good wearing just the top that I gave it to you, since I only wear the bottoms anyway. And most of the time, whenever you wore it, we both ended up ......" Jax stopped in mid-sentence but from the look in his eye, Brenda knew full well that it involved memories of love-making.

Brenda stared down at it again, a flush staining her face. "Jax, I didn’t realize......" He cleared his throat awkwardly but then waved her off, picking up his newspaper and reaching for his coffee cup again. Brenda realized that the moment had passed, and she turned her attention back to the food. "So, anyway -- where’s your health shake this morning?" She took a plate from the sideboard and happily piled on several slices of bacon and a caramel roll, dripping with pecans.

"You don’t seem to mind the missed opportunity to taste it," Jax teased. He took a slice of bacon and lifted it to her in toast as she raised one

of her own. "But I’m departing from my usual breakfast this morning since I’ll be on a jet to the Far East in about...." He raised his arm, checking his watch. ".....two hours."

Brenda gulped loudly. "The Far East? You’re leaving us?"

Jax picked up his coffee cup and Brenda couldn’t help but notice the chic lapis-and-diamond cufflinks sparkling at his wrists. "Not permanently." He took a sip and Brenda tried to calm her racing heart. "I’ve got to make a quick trip to Jakarta to salvage a deal that’s headed for the dumper."

Brenda took a sip of her juice and tried to sound nonchalant. "So...do you do this often? Jet off to exotic business locales and leave me home alone?"

"Usually it doesn’t bother you." Jax raised an eyebrow at her. "At least -- it hasn’t in the past. You’ve always managed to make the time fly by at the gym or clubbing with Carly."

"Jax, I’ve got a child now -- a baby, who needs me." She leaned forward although the long expanse of dining room table still separated them. ".....who needs US, in fact."

"And I won’t be gone long," he replied. Jax pushed back from the table and lifted his briefcase, setting it next to his plate. "This should only take a day or two. I’ll be home in plenty of time for the christening." He finally looked up at Brenda. {Are those tears in her eyes?}

Brenda quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. {So this is what it was like when the routine settled in. He’d jet off to business meetings and she’d sit home and wonder how she’d pass the long hours. Could that be why she got into mischief?} "Yeah -- I guess you’re right. And I’ll have Robin here with me to take care of us if there’s an emergency."

Jax’s eyes shot up. "An emergency? Is Jon alright this morning?"

"He’s fine -- he’s just sleeping," Brenda replied. "And *I’m* fine, too -- thanks for asking, by the way." She couldn’t help but add the last part. {Well, maybe it won’t be too bad. I can always call Lois. Maybe she can come over here and tell me more about "me."}

Jax continued to shuffle papers in his briefcase when Charles appeared in the dining room doorway. "Excuse me, sir, but these just arrived." He walked into the dining room holding a thick manila envelope in his right hand.

"Thanks, Charles, that should be the paperwork for my hotel reservations," Jax murmured, looking back absently into the briefcase.

"No, sir, I’m sorry," Charles said stiffly, drawing surprised looks from both ends of the table. "They’re for MRS. Jacks." He turned towards Brenda and handed her the envelope as she lifted her hanging jaw and smiled at him.

"Thanks, Charles," Brenda said smoothly. Charles disappeared out the door as Brenda looked at Jax. "I don’t suppose you decided to surprise me with some tickets to Jakarta of my own?"

"Afraid not, Brenda." Jax’s eyes were cool. "You *hate* traveling with me on business."

"Mmm....yes, I forgot." Brenda opened the envelope slowly. "Jax....these are tickets.....to the ballet." She studied them, turning them to the side. "Two tickets, balcony box A, for Sleeping Beauty next Wednesday at 8PM." {Did *she* like the ballet?} Jax continued to stare intently into his briefcase. "Jax -- did you order these for us?"

He finally raised cold eyes to meet hers. "No, Brenda. I *loathe* the ballet."

"Oh." Brenda’s heart sank. "Do *I* like it?"

Jax sighed loudly. "No. HE likes the ballet." He snapped his briefcase shut abruptly. "You probably ordered them before you went into labor, expecting that you would be back on your feet and able to go with him after the baby was born."

Brenda’s gaze bounced back and forth between the tickets and Jax. Somehow, once she knew the entire story behind them, they seemed to burn her fingers when she touched them. "Jax....I never....I mean....." She tried to find the words but just couldn’t. As he rose from his chair, Brenda threw the tickets in the middle of the table and propped an elbow on the armrest of her chair. She put her knuckle to her trembling lips.

"Well," Jax said in a tired voice, "I really don’t have time to get into this. Right now I’ve got to rush or I’ll miss my plane." He picked up his briefcase but still stood at the table. "If there’s an emergency, my itinerary will be posted in the study and Addie should know how to reach me."

"Aren’t you even going to call us while you’re gone?" Brenda couldn’t help the hurt that showed on her face.

When Jax saw Brenda’s face, it felt like a knife pierced his heart. {You’re letting it happen again, man! You can’t let her in -- not when it’s probably all an act.} But despite his good intentions, Jax sighed and felt his resolve crumbling. "It’s really not that long a trip, Brenda. With the time change and all, I’d probably only wake you or Jon if I called. I’ll try to make it as quick as I can and be back home before you miss me."

Jax started to walk towards the door when Brenda called him. "Jax! I don’t care about what sh.......I intended to do with those tickets before! I want US to go to the ballet -- together." Jax turned back and saw the tears twinkling in her eyes.

"But, Brenda -- we both HATE the ballet! And we can both barely stand being with each other! Why should we go?" He walked back towards her, mentally chastising himself as he did.

"I don’t know -- maybe the *new* me will like it or something." She cast her eyes down as she rose from the table. "Will you at least think about going with me? As a special favor?" Then she smiled impishly. "Or else I might have to bring up that whole "I died and you don’t even care" guilt thing."

{D*mn. Why did she have to flash those eyes at you? You *know* they’re your weakness.} Jax shook his head and smiled grimly. "Lord, help us all," he muttered. Then he got a warm look in his eyes that made Brenda’s toes curl. "Maybe I should be taking you along with me to Jakarta. Those union negotiators wouldn’t know what hit ‘em if they had to deal with the *new you*."

Brenda closed the 5 foot gap between them, walking slowly towards her well-dressed husband. She never realized that the word "dashing" could still apply to a man in a business suit. He wore the single-breasted navy pin-stripe wool suit with a white handkerchief tucked in his pocket to match his starched white shirt. A maroon tie added color to the picture. As she got close to him, she could smell his aftershave. "So......don’t I get a kiss good-bye or something?"

Jax took a deep breath. {Be firm. Don’t cave, Jax. You’ve been afraid of facing this moment ever since you saw her in that hospital room, crying like she had lost her only friend in the world.} "Brenda, I’m only going to be gone...."

"Jax....." Brenda wheedled shamelessly like a 4-year-old. "Don’t make me play dirty." Her words came out in a whisper as she ran a finger under the narrow lapel of his suit coat.

Jax’s breath came out in a halting fashion. As he leaned down towards her, he saw Brenda’s lush eyelashes flutter down and her full lips pursed ever so slightly. {Danger ahead! Don’t do it, Jax! If she tastes even *half* as good as she used to, you’re a goner!} Jax felt himself falling as he drew closer to her lips. {Don’t think about how good it was with her! Think about how you found her.....in bed with another man!} But despite his mental gymnastics, they weren’t enough to prevent his lips from touching hers once, then brushing across them experimentally.

Brenda never knew that the mere touch of a man’s lips could be so electric. She knew she sighed as his lips brushed hers -- and she knew he must have felt the same sparks as she did because she felt his soft breath ruffle her eyelashes. All she was sure of was that she wanted more. She wanted to feel what it was like to have this extraordinary man devote all of his energy to kissing her.

As Jax stood there, his lips brushing once more across Brenda’s, he was tempted to set his briefcase down on the dining room chair and pull her into his arms. He opened his eyes briefly and saw that she was just as excited as he was, only from the lightest whisper of a kiss. And when she opened her eyes to stare into his, he saw that she wanted to deepen the kiss just as much as he did. His eyes held hers captive as he moved towards the chair, placing his briefcase down on the seat. As his hand released its burden, he moved it to her waist and began to lower his lips to hers again, exerting the softest pressure to pull her closer to him.

"Ahem......I’m very sorry, Mr. Jacks." Charles interrupted them from the doorway, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jax pulled back only a fraction of an inch, opening his eyes to look at Brenda’s face. {She looks genuinely disappointed. Could she …… did she *really* want me to kiss her? Did I *really* feel shockwaves coming from her lips when I touched them?} "What is it, Charles?" Jax had to clear his throat once, his voice breaking like a teenage boy who had been caught necking in the backseat of his daddy’s Chevy.

"I’m terribly sorry to interrupt you and Mrs. Jacks, but Mr. Jerry is here to drive you to the airport."

Jax sighed and nodded once, his head making a "You’re right, that was the WRONG thing to do" movement. "I’ve got to go, Brenda," he murmured, picking his briefcase up again. "Just let Addie know if you need to get in touch with me." He spun around and walked briskly to the door, but when he turned back to her, his blue eyes grew as round as saucers.

Brenda was standing frozen to the spot where he left her, her left arm wrapped around her waist. Her right elbow rested on her left wrist, and her fingers lay across her still-trembling lips. But it was what he saw on her face that made him wonder about her even more – huge, glistening tears that tracked down her cheeks and ran onto her chest. He wondered what they meant, but as he turned and walked into the hallway without another word, he remembered another thing.

It was the first time he had ever seen Brenda Jacks cry authentic tears when she told him good-bye.

*~*~*~*

"Jonathan Jasper Jacks, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

"Amen."

Brenda’s voice joined with the rest of the small crowd gathered in the chapel of St Mathias Church for the late Sunday afternoon christening. Jon’s piercing wail nearly broke Brenda’s heart when the priest poured the water over his forehead. But when she saw Lois cuddle the infant to her and smile, Brenda realized that it was a natural reaction that couldn’t be avoided. As she checked the faces of the strangers around her, they were all giving her the same "all-babies-cry-for-that-part" smile.

True to his word, Jax had returned late Friday afternoon from Jakarta. He hadn’t seen her much that day since he retreated to the study with Jerry and his father to discuss the deal he had salvaged. But as soon as Brenda descended the stairs Saturday morning, Jax had been an attentive husband and father, helping her supervise the details for the upcoming christening and dinner party.

To Brenda’s surprise, Jax had even joined her when she took Jon for a walk around the grounds in his stroller on Saturday afternoon. Charles had accompanied her on walks the previous afternoons and Brenda had become more familiar with the layout of the enormous estate, but having Jax along was a treat. He provided a running commentary on the condition of the grounds – pointing out which trees needed pruning and which flower beds he’d have to tell the gardener to weed before the festivities Sunday. When some noisy blue jays woke Jon and he began to wail, Jax was there in a heartbeat to scoop him out of the stroller and cuddle him, explaining that the birds were just complaining because their baby birdies weren’t as handsome as he was. Brenda wasn’t sure if it was then that she fell even more in love with him, or when she saw Jax’s face the first time he saw her on Sunday afternoon.

The ceremony at the church was scheduled for 3PM, with a dinner and celebration scheduled to follow at the Jacks estate. Around 2 o’clock, Jon woke from his nap and had a hearty meal, courtesy of Brenda. She had been dressed early so that she could feed Jon and then get him ready for his busy day with Robin’s help.

Brenda pampered herself as she prepared for the festivities. She took a leisurely shower while Jon was still napping and then sat at her vanity table to do her hair. It was a simple style – after curling her dark, long locks, she pulled them back from her face with a pale pink band. Her hair fell in a curtain of soft black silk across her shoulders, curling gently at the ends. Brenda experimented with some of "her" makeup, but finally applied just a basic foundation, mauve blusher, and just a hint of pale pink eyeshadow. She frowned when she surveyed the fragrance possibilities. Most of them were strong and nauseatingly sweet. Apparently Brenda Jacks’ favorite scent was something called "Clandestine," because that bottle was so much larger than any of the others. Brenda remembered sampling it when she had explored the vanity table her first night, but apparently Fate was trying to tell her something. When Brenda tried to use it for the christening festivities, she couldn’t get the atomizer to work. Happily, she set it aside and reached for the small bottle of her own favorite scent, which she had purchased on the shopping trip.

Brenda could hardly wait to put on the suit that she had found on that shopping spree. It was a dusty pink color linen and had a straight, short skirt that ended about 2 inches above her knees. The jacket fell past her hips but had short sleeves. It was trim and tailored, with princess seams that emphasized her returning figure but allowed for her tummy, which still bubbled slightly. The jacket was trimmed in pale pink satin braid, which swirled around pale pink pearls and iridescent bugle beads of the same color. It didn’t button, but had frog closures made of the same satin braid close to her waistline. The frogs held the jacket closed enough to be decent, but just to be safe, Brenda wore a pale pink lace-trimmed camisole beneath it. As she moved her arms and the jacket pulled open slightly, you could see the hint of lace at the level of her cleavage.

After Jon was dressed in the white christening gown that Lois brought over – Brooke had worn it last – Brenda finally came downstairs holding her son around 2:15. Jax was walking through the hallway and when he saw her, he stopped short, his eyes widening and sparking with fire that Brenda hoped had nothing to do with paternal instincts. As she came to stand before him, Jax took the baby from her, never breaking his eye contact with her. "Isn’t there some kind of rule that says that mommies are supposed to look tired and frazzled on the baby’s christening day?"

Brenda hesitated, not sure how to interpret his comment, although his eyes seemed to be devouring her at the same time. "Now Jax," Robin’s voice scolded, "can’t you think of something more complimentary than that to say to your gorgeous wife today?" Brenda glanced over her shoulder at the petite brunette who was coming down the stairs with a laugh. "You’re usually such a silver-tongued devil," Robin continued, coming to stand with them. "Don’t tell me that turning into a daddy has made you lose your touch!"

Jax turned back to Brenda. "You’re right, Robin, although words just seem to fail me today." He gave Brenda a thorough, up-and-down inspection that sent shivers up and down her spine. "You look magnificent, love. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in that before." {It’s got class; it’s not brazen or tacky; it’s daring but not trampy. In other words – it’s not the old Brenda.} His height gave him the advantage of being able to look down on her cleavage from above, and she could feel his eyes teasing at the spot where the pink lace of the camisole showed.

Brenda swallowed hard. "You look pretty handsome yourself, Jax." She allowed herself the same privilege, taking in his appearance slowly. He wore a navy blazer and camel-hair trousers, while a starched white shirt brought out the tan in his complexion. His tie was a geometric design of the same navy and taupe colors, and as usual his hair had a wind-blown casual style to it that made Brenda want to push it back off his forehead.

They had left the house early so that they could greet the guests at the chapel as they arrived. Jon behaved perfectly during the ceremony, sleeping through most of it. He only cried when the priest poured the water over his forehead and placed the salt on his tongue. His sour face and flailing arms at that point caused a ripple of gentle laughter to spread through the church. Once the ceremony was over, Jax had ushered Brenda, Robin and Jon back into the limousine for the quick ride back to the house.

Upon arriving, Brenda couldn’t believe her eyes at the change that had taken place. A large tent had been erected on the side lawn, complete with tables, chairs, a portable dance floor and place for a small orchestra. Blue and white balloons festooned the main gate, doorways and windows of the house, and the patio and tent area. When Brenda went inside, many of the guests had already begun helping themselves to hot appetizers and freely flowing champagne. The dining room held the makeshift bar, and the dining table was already heaped with gifts for the newest Jacks. French doors that led from the dining room to the patio were opened so guests could find their way from the bar to the tent.

After taking Jon upstairs to feed him and change his diaper and clothing, Brenda brought him back down to meet his adoring public. Jax immediately came to her side, taking the baby from her. He was thoughtful and considerate, never mentioning her difficulties during labor directly. However, each time someone new came up to them, Jax would make sure to mention their names to Brenda and if they were relatives or friends.

The beautiful, warm afternoon waned and dinner was finally served buffet style in the dining room. The gifts were discreetly removed to another room and a huge spread was offered to the guests. Brenda looked up at Jax as they moved through the serving line. "You call *this* a small dinner for close family and friends?" she laughed quietly.

Jax leaned down to whisper in her ear as they went onto the patio towards the tent. "If you think this is big, wait until you see the bash I’ll throw for his first birthday!"

"And you’ll probably give him something extravagant, like a miniature, toy Mercedes convertible that he can drive, right?" Once they were seated at their table, Brenda’s eyes danced as she helped herself to large fried shrimp and tangy sauce. She bit into it and sighed in happiness.

When she looked at Jax, however, he had an offended look on his face. "D*mn! And here I thought I would surprise him with it as a christening present!" As Brenda giggled at the thought of a baby who could barely open his eyes driving a toy car, Jax’s face grew serious and he lifted a thumb to the corner of her mouth. "You’ve got some sauce -- right here. Don’t move."

When the pad of Jax’s thumb grazed the corner of Brenda’s mouth, she inhaled sharply. Every time he touched her, she felt the fireworks between them. His eyes traced the outline of her mouth as he leaned closer to her. "Have I told you just how exquisite you look this afternoon, Mrs. Jacks?"

Brenda shook her head "no," but then couldn’t resist the temptation. Her tongue crept out to lick the corner of her mouth where Jax’s thumb rested. As her tongue touched his finger, she licked it softly, and Brenda was gratified to see Jax’s face flash with desire. Before they could explore the moment any farther, Robin came to tell Brenda that Jon was getting tired and she was taking him upstairs to have a long nap while the guests ate.

Forty-five minutes later, Brenda thought that if she met another guest, her head would explode. She was trying valiantly to remember all of the faces and names, but finally she just gave up and tried to enjoy the party. The sun was beginning to set and the band was setting up to play when Brenda decided she needed some time alone. As Jax was deeply involved in some kind of business discussion with his friend Ned, Brenda left the tent and wandered to the far edge of the patio.

It was a perfect California evening. The sun hung low on the horizon as Brenda gazed into the distant sky. {Wow, God -- this is tougher than I thought it would be. I think I might need a little help here. I mean, I think I’m getting through to him, but it’s not easy -- after all the times she hurt him.} Brenda had to laugh at herself -- trying to talk God into something! {So -- if You could, do You think You might be able to give him a little nudge in my direction? Nothing drastic -- just a little trust would be nice.}

"Nice party."

The low sound of a man’s voice brought Brenda out of her negotiations. She jumped at the sight of the tall, handsome young man who had come up next to her on the darkened patio. "I’m sorry -- you just startled me." {Did I meet this guy? I can’t remember a name.....}

"I didn’t mean to scare you," he apologized. He looked towards the tent. "It just looked like you needed some fresh air after all those strange faces and I thought you might like some company."

"Thanks." Brenda smiled and nodded as she sat on the low stone wall surrounding the patio. Then she looked back towards the dining room. "Have you had something to eat? I don’t think that Marjorie’s taken down the buffet yet."

Soft strains of music began to drift out of the tent as the orchestra began to play. "No, I’m not really interested in the food." The stranger smiled at her in a way that made Brenda feel a little suspicious. "Would you care to dance?" He held out his hands to her.

"Oh, I don’t really think....." Brenda looked around towards the tent, suddenly wishing that she had told Jax where she was going.

"Ahh, but I really DO think," the stranger replied, pulling her up into his arms and moving them into a darker corner of the patio.

Brenda pushed at his arms, trying desperately to get away from him. "Look, I really don’t know who you are, but I should be getting back....."

The stranger laughed and it sent chills down Brenda’s spine. "I know, cara mia. Carly has been telling everyone down at the gym of your "amnesia.""

Suddenly, Brenda remembered her conversation with Carly and things fell into place. The dark stranger who wanted to be alone with her, his appearance out of nowhere, his swarthy good looks. "Miguel?" she whispered, freezing in place.

"You see, mi amada, I told them you would *remember* me." Miguel laughed again and pulled her more tightly into his arms.

"No, I really don’t KNOW you and I don’t WANT to know you," Brenda argued, raising her voice. But the band had started to play loudly now, and any conversation they had was easily drowned out by the music. "Now let me go!!"

"Not until we get re-acquainted, Brenda," Miguel hissed. He lowered his face to nuzzle her neck, and Brenda pushed at his arms with all her strength. "It’s been so long for us, novia," Miguel murmured, his eyes glittering in the night. He looked around at the guests, who were beginning to make a lot of noise under the tent. "But the timing is perfect." He lowered his face to whisper in her ear. "Go get the Martinique, and then I’ll take you away from here with me tonight. We’ll pawn it when we get to Brazil."

Brenda pulled away from him, frowning. "The Martinique? I don’t know that the h*ll you’re talking about!"

Miguel’s grip on her upper arms became painful. "Stop playing games with me, Brenda," he growled. "We’re talking about millions of dollars here. Now go get it from wherever you hid it and we’ll run away together, just as we planned."

To be continued......