Terry had turned on some music so it seemed I was alone in the universe. Then I felt his had on side. He stepped behind me, wrapped his arms around me...and started kissing my ear. I melted into his arms. Supporting me in his muscled arms, he continued kissing until I turned to face him. ‘Mmmmmmm’ That was all I need say. We walked together to the bed where the serious kissing commenced. His hand slid down my leg then, with just his fingertips, he slowly worked his way back up to my thigh. It. I hated it, but I was willing to do anything to have a healthy baby. That very night after we got home, Mario told me that the house was a mess and I should get to work on cleaning. No breaks until I was finished. At first I started to laugh, but when my smile first cracked, I felt the back of his hand across my left cheek. It was hard enough to put me on the floor, clutching my belly. He laughed and repeated his demand including also a statement about how I shouldn’t protect a baby that was. Let them think we’ve slunk off like good little girls,’ I said. Stan nodded. ‘No worries. I can do that. I’ve seen that new guy watching you and Hawk. You think he’ll follow you?’ I frowned. That seemed… What? Out of character? Too intelligent? Both and more? ‘He sounds like a good ole boy to me. What makes you think he would want to follow us?’ Stan shrugged. ‘I just think he’s interested in the two of you and is taking pains to not seem that way. I’m a people-watcher, and what I see doesn’t. Nicole was still in my arms. Why hadn't I let go? Because holding her felt too good. I dropped my arms and took a step back. "What's the news?"She smiled. "I'm up for a promotion! Can you believe it? I just started there and -"Pretend wife reappeared, all dressed. Not a bad body either, just a bit worse for wear. I tried to image pretend wife in bed naked, but all my mind could conjure was images of the food she'd prepare, sumptuous and calorie-laden. "I'm going out. And not shopping!" She.