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I heard him unwrap a contraceptive. "We're safe." he whispered.

I knew it was important, but it sounded like a commercial. He sensed it could break our mood and was over me with his lips, his hands, as quickly as he could be. How wonderful he smelled. I loved running my hands through his hair and then feeling his firm shoulders and wrapping myself around him.

Our lovemaking began slowly, building and building, lifting me out of my body until I felt my passion crash again and again against him like the waves outside crashing against the shoreline. My cries rose and fell with each undulating rush of pleasure. I wasn't an experienced lover. In fact. Allan was the only other man with whom I had been this intimate, but it seemed to me that Thatcher was unselfish in his loving. He was concerned and determined that I would be as pleased as he was, whereas Allan always made me feel I was there to serve his needs, and if I was lucky enough to enjoy it. all well and good.

Thatcher and I didn't just come to an abrupt end, either, which was something that usually happened between Allan and me. Thatcher's retreat was very slow, loving, full of caresses and kisses, holding onto me as if he didn't want ever to leave me. It was like being placed softly back into yourself rather than experiencing a brusque uncoupling where I was left to break my own fall.

We lay beside each other, catching our breath, not talking, but still holding hands.

Finally, he spoke. "There's definitely something to be said about two people being drawn to each other magically,'' he said. My silence seemed to frighten him. "Right?" he asked.

"Yes," I said.

I believed it. but I was full of mixed emotions about it, feeling both afraid and guilty.

I could hear Daddy's questions. Do you like him, Willow?

Yes, Daddy.

Is it more than just a passing fancy?

I think so, Daddy.

Do you feel special with him?

Oh, yes, Daddy.

Does it seem like he .feels that way about you? Yes, yes, it does.

We've got to take risks with people sometimes, Willow. Don't you agree?

I do, Daddy.

Then leave that feeling of guilt outside your door. It has no place here, it seems, right?

Yes, right; Daddy. Yes.

"What?" Thatcher asked. Had I spoken aloud?

"Nothing," I told him.

He propped himself on his elbow and leaned over me, running his forefinger down my nose to my lips and then between my breasts.

It sounded like you said yes. I hope it was a critique of our lovemaking," he kidded.

"More than that. It was a critique of the whole night," I said.

He laughed. "So, did I succeed?"

"With what?"

"Getting you to reconsider whether you would leave or not?" he asked.

"Maybe that was why I said yes." I told him, and he smiled and kissed me again.

He didn't leave for another hour. I assured him that as soon as I was up, packed, and checked out. I would drive to Joya del Mar. He had a full day in court, but he promised he would be home in time for dinner.

"Knowing my mother." he said. "I'm sure she'll do something extra special. I'll call her as soon as I can, let her know you are coming first thing in the morning, and ask her to go easy and give you a chance to settle in."