‘So how is it you have time for lunch?’ Grace wanted to know. ‘I’ve decided to take a leave from the company. Mia needs me more right now then...I need a job,’ Lily answered. ‘Are you sure you can afford to take the time off?’ Grace asked. ‘Yeah, I have plenty stored up in the bank,’ Lily said, taking a sip of her soda. ‘Good. That will give you and Ty more time to get to know each other,’ Grace said brightly. Lily sighed. ‘I don’t know if Ty and I will ever get together, Lily admitted. ‘What?. .. ot's of women do," Ned recovered quickly to a rather lame finish.But not quick enough, his mother looked at him thoughtfully."You weren't going to say 'lots', were you? What were you going to s..." there was the sudden light of dawning in her eyes. "Ah! That perfume on Saturday, I knew that I recognised it. That was Lady Eleanor's perfume wasn't it? That's why she danced with you, wasn't it? What have I given birth to? Christ Almighty, I ought to charge stud fees for you."Ned caught hold of. . savor the taste of your feelings for your future master."Alexa trembled and darted her tongue out. Her own salty tears made her sob out loud - not with sadness or despair but with a raw, overwhelming love for her master. Her hair was briefly ruffled as master Arnaud walked away to resume the careful misting of his precious orchid collection. She didn't dare move. "Alors ... we discover you have great feelings for my friend. It is good, yet it is NOT enough - will you be obedient and devoted. “I don’t think we should even leave the bed today,” he suggests.“And miss your opportunity to come to terms with your inner most thoughts and fantasies?” she offers.“Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow,” he says smartly. “I mean, we’ve waited this long, and...”“Casey!” she admonishes him. “What is it that you’re afraid of?”For a moment silence comes between them, spreading outward like a plague. Then with a frown, he says, “What if something happens and I don’t want to be with you?”Jessica.