I’m sorry, Bill. I wish I could just let go and we could start again, but until this … cloud is gone, I can’t relax and be myself. I hope you un...erstand.’ ‘Of course I can, Zena. You have every right to be upset. I have one thought right now and that is to remove Roger Traubel from your worries and your life. I’m going back to my office now. Are you going to be OK?’ ‘Yes … I am now. I’m so grateful for your help. Thank you, Bill.’ He leaned forward and kissed her softly, smiling as he turned. Finally, after whispering and talking to her on just enjoying this night, he said, "You know, you could slip those panties off. I am not saying to do anything other than that, we just keep doing the same thing we are doing right now, but the panties are starting to chafe and we don’t want to show up anywhere tomorrow without any unnecessary redness do we?"They kept just doing what they were as those words sunk into her as it made her uneasy but at the same time he still had not tried anything. ” She was breathing hard now, indecision on her face. “I think I’ll need something stronger, actually. And soon.”“Here, we can have Naia help.”“No, wait.” The faraway look in her eyes had turned to something else, and he recognized it for what it was. Hunger. “I mean ... it’s a little bit weird, but we can both be adults about it, right?”“Yes, of course. If you’re sure.” He knew how she felt about sex with a man, and had done everything in his power to keep her from feeling like she had to. The. Confirming that the elevator door had closed, she quickly pulled a mirror out of her purse and peeked at her hair and makeup. Satisfied everything was in place, she gently knocked on the door and waited. In just a moment, the door opened and Eric led her into his apartment. The lights were dimmed and some soft music played on the stereo. ‘Ah, Jill, you look stunning, so beautiful in white,’ he said, leaning forward and giving her a light kiss on the lips. ‘Did you run into traffic?’ ‘No, I just.