I kissed her lightly on the side of her face that was turned to me. She was being very good. Although I knew that she owed me this after her little ep...sode in the hotel at the conference, she was still my wife of 20 years and really had never denied me anything. I had to lean over and remind her of that. "Thank you, sweety. I love you."She smiled and just looked up at me, letting me know that she felt the same way.Becky was now standing behind Cindy and was waiting. She could see the exchange. He almost opened it, but caught himself at the last moment. This wasn't his home and he was a guest. He rapped sharply on one of the hardwood panels of the door. There was a moment's pause before his knock was answered by a very authoritative command to "Enter."Taking one last deep, calming breath, Kenneth took the antique door handle in hand and turned it to open the door. Maybe now, he thought grimly, he'd find out just what the hell he'd gotten into *this* time.Jane watched the carefully. A faint glow radiated outward from her curvy form, illuminatingher in the darkness."I must say, that was easier than I expected."The same wide grin beamed at Jessica, but now it was accompanied by brightorange-yellow eyes with black slits for pupils. Straight, silky, jet blackhair ringed her head, a wave of it sliding down the right half of her faceand obscuring her visage. Her lips were the color of darkest night andcurved horns, the same scarlet tone as her skin, sprouted from hertemples. The. Why? Don't you think I can handle it?"I whispered to Stan, "Don't fight this battle. You'll lose."Irene grinned and said, "He's right, you know."Stan said, "Yes, I know. I haven't won an argument with you yet."One of the other men said, "There is no sense in ruining your perfect record now." They all laughed. He added, "Corporal Stan, you're starting out well bringing confidence in your leadership ability to your people." There was more laughter.Stan said, "Is that any way to treat your new.