I could see the boats criss-crossing the lake, with skiers trailing rooster tails of water behind them. The beach was also just visible, crowded with ...eople enjoying the sun. I wondered how many of the families taking advantage of the sun knew they were laying where a dead body had been just a few hours before. I shuddered and forced the grim thought out of my mind.Mom had a sly smile ghosting around the edges of her lips and was sipping on a glass of iced tea while she skewered Ty with those. It was all we needed to say. With some effort, I got the children to sleep while Regina fed the little girl. I found the old crib in the garage, and soon our Christmas girl was sleeping.When we finally were able to go to bed, Regina cuddled close to me.“You know,” she said, “it’s almost perfect. I may get another child without having to sleep with you first.”I could hear the laughter in her voice. I let my hand wander under her pajama top.“But you have to sleep with me to keep her,” I. . maybe ... if ... I should." Oh. Uhhm, is this about you and Pete?"She nodded wordlessly."How do you feel about him? I mean, is he really special to you ... or just a guy you go out with?" I'm not sure. He is special, but not like you and Dory were ... you know ... really in love." Then don't. I know it's not the popular thing to stay a virgin, but I found out later just how much it affected me. I was glad it was with someone that I really felt attached to. I'm not sure it was love, but it was. Gripping it fiercely, I spun around and stared directly into the face of the intruder, the blood draining from my face as I saw who it was. “My, my. Aren’t you forceful?” She purred. Disarmed by her words, stung by her mockery, I merely grimaced in return. Lucinda. The very epitome of my sweaty desire, the singular entity in this wretched world that actually provided some measure of relief from discontent stood before me. I lunged at her, gripping her face between my hands and kissing her.