” “You’re welcome.” Good lord, she’s beautiful. Billy’s a damn fool. She sat down in a chair. “I am so dreading going to work. I don’t... want to go back out in that again.” “I picked the right week for vacation, that’s for sure.” “What I wouldn’t give for a vacation. I’d take a nap right now. I barely slept last night, and I have to go to work in a couple of hours.” Rick stood up. “Well, the couch is a hide-a-bed.” She shook her head. “You’re watching TV.” “Got one in the bedroom.” “You’re just. It’s my pleasure to meet you. He took his hand from hers and shifted on his feet slightly, ‘I didn’t want to presume before your arrival, but I’m feeling a bit prickly.’ The slight brush of his hand against his cloak was all the cue she needed. ‘Please, make yourself comfortable.’ He exhaled sharply as he put his hand to the clasp of his cloak, ‘The old manors in this quarter were built to withstand siege as I recall. They don’t lose a bit of heat, do they?’ ‘Since most nights have bite…’ ‘True. The other me, the me that lay in the casket, was dressed as for her wedding. Mom had promised me her bridal gown for my wedding. Instead, she had given it to me for my burial. A white veil covered my face like a fine mist. A large bouquet of calla lilies lay in my arms.As I stared at the casket, I began to focus on the peaceful face, my face, beneath the veil. My field of vision seemed to narrow, as if, without taking a step, I was moving closer and closer to the face within the casket.. " I've never once thought I knew everything there is about you, you're always a bit of a mystery. It's part of what makes you so alluring."She leaned in and kissed me more slowly than usual. Our lips parted and our tongues touched softly and we enjoyed a deep, wet kiss."There is something I like to do with men. But only ones I really like." Am I one you really like?" She kissed me again deeper this time."So, yes?" I courted."Yes but if it makes you uncomfortable then I don't want you to do this.