Before Kristen could answer him Joshua appeared, having grown alarmed when he found her gone. He was startled even more when he finds Kristen and his brother standing in the hallway together.
" What are you doing here, Trey?" Joshua asked in surprise.
"I came back on business." Trey answered. "I see you have a guest so I'll just go on up to my room." "Really Josh don't you think you’re robbing the cradle slightly? I'd hate to see you end up in jail." Trey added with a smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you." Trey said to Kristen with a wink, which caused Kristen to blush. Seeing this stirred something inside Trey that he didn't like feeling.
Joshua watched his brother leave, wondering why Trey was there; he had thought Trey was returning to Montana.
"Come, you must be hungry, I'll ring down to the kitchen and have something fixed." Seeing her hesitation he said; "Don't worry I won't hurt you, you’re safe." Kristen reluctantly followed him down the hall and back into his apartments.
"Why did you run off like that, you had me worried." Joshua asked once they were seated at a table in his apartment.
"I was scared." Kristen replied simply as she gazed down at the plate of food before her.
"Surely your not scared of me, I would never harm you." Joshua assured her gently.
"I don't really remember what happened last night, and I was frightened when I woke up in a strange place." Kristen replied truthfully. "I didn't really know what you would expect from me."
"I see. Well let me set your mind at ease. Nothing happened last night, I brought you home and we went to sleep." Joshua stated, hoping to reassure her.
"I'm sorry I've been such trouble for you." Kristen said quietly.
"You haven't been any trouble; I've enjoyed having you here." Joshua assured her. "Now I want you to eat something and then we'll see about locating your cousin." Feeling safe at last Kristen ate. But they were soon interrupted by the arrival of Trey.
"I see you've managed to calm her down." Trey commented. "The way she came down the hallway earlier you would have thought she was being chased by Jack the Ripper himself." Trey continued noting Kristen blush which stirred him again in a way that he found annoying.
"Leave her alone Trey." Joshua warned his older brother quietly.
"So where did you find this kid anyway?" Trey asked ignoring his brother's warning.
"I'm not a kid, I'm sixteen years old." Kristen stated defensively.
"Sixteen, really well that changes things considerably." Trey replied in an amused tone. "Where did you ever find this one?" Trey added looking at his brother Joshua who wasn't the least bit amused.
"We met at a beach party last night, I was with my cousin but she took off and left me there by myself, Joshua was kind enough to bring me home with him, since I didn't have anywhere else to go." Kristen answered quickly losing her shyness and feeling oddly at home with the two brothers.
"How charitable of you Josh." Trey said with a smile.
"Don't you have a meeting or something to attend to?" Josh replied coldly.
"As a matter of fact I do. Kristen it's been a pleasure." Trey said to as he studied her for a moment, noticing how she blushed when he looked at her. "Josh I'll talk to you later." Trey nodded at his brother before leaving them. Joshua watched his brother leave, more than a little annoyed by Trey's interference in his life.
"Eat up." Joshua said as he turned back to Kristen.
******

Jamie opened her eyes to find herself in a dingy apartment with a guy she didn't know lying beside her in bed. At first she didn't even remember how she came to be there, but soon she began to remember scenes from the previous night play through her mind. Then like a flash of lightning she remembers Kristen and groans as she realizes she left her on the beach all alone. Beside her the man stirs awake with a groan. He turned toward Jamie, and she feigned sleep. Seeing that she's asleep the man gets out of bed and walks naked to his bathroom. Soon she hears the shower turn on. Quickly getting up she started putting her clothes on, determined to get out of this guys apartment before he got out of the shower. Jamie hurried out of the apartment as soon as she was dressed thinking all the while “What have I done? I left Kristen alone on a beach with strange people, none of whom she knew!” What if she had been hurt?” What would she tell their grandmother? She hurries home hoping to find Kristen there safe and sound, but finds only and empty apartment and no sign of her younger cousin. Minutes after she arrives the phone rings. She quickly picked up the phone in hope that it was Kristen.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Well how did you and Kristen make out last night together?" Bernice, her grandmother questioned. Jamie is at a loss as to what she should say to her grandmother about Kristen's absence.
"Grandma?" Jamie said unable to say anything else.
"You sound surprised, were you expecting someone else to call?" Bernice asked feeling slightly uneasy.
"No I'm just surprised to hear from you this early in the morning. Kristen and I had a great time last night we went to the movies and everything.” Jamie replied, lying through her teeth and praying she would find her cousin unharmed.
"I'm glad Kristen had a good time. I worry so much about that girl, she's been so unhappy lately." Bernice said sadly. “A teacher at her high school found what appeared to be a suicide not written by Kristen.” She added.
“What!” Jamie exclaimed. Oh great this just what she needed! She had ditched her suicidal cousin on a beach! “Why didn’t you tell me?” She demanded.
“Kristen told her mother the note was part of a story she’s writing, but I don’t know, she’s so unhappy. I wish she could find a boyfriend.” Bernice replied. “I’m hoping this trip will cheer her up.”
"Don't worry Grandma she's having a ball." Jamie said while envisioning her cousin lying dead somewhere in L.A.

Meanwhile across town Kristen was hurrying through the Harrington mansion once again having realized that her older cousin didn't know where she was. She hurried outside and down the driveway to the gate where she was greeted by a security guard.
"Can I help you Ma'am?" The guard asked, thinking her out of place.
"No, I'm just leaving." She said eager to find her cousin.
The guard watched her hurry away. Kristen hurried down the street and soon flagged down a cab. After giving him her cousin's address, she relaxed in her seat and she wondered whether she'd ever see Joshua again. She hadn't even said goodbye; she had simply left the moment he left her alone. Kristen soon arrived at her cousin's apartment complex and she paid the driver. She hurried up the stairs to her cousin's apartment, upon arriving at the door she knocked. The door opened and a relieved Jamie hugged her.
"I was so worried about you I was going to call the police, where have you been?” Jamie asked feeling greatly relieved to see her cousin unharmed. She said a prayer of thanks to god.
"I met this guy on the beach after you left and he took me his house. I was pretty drunk, and I didn't know where to find you." Kristen blurted out.
"Whoa! You spent the night with a guy, so much for your virginity!" She stated in disbelief. Her Mom is going to kill me!! Jamie thought to herself.
"It wasn't like that he didn't touch me, just he took care of me." Kristen stated firmly. "I was really scared when I woke up in his room, I even ran out on him but his brother stopped me. Then Joshua came and assured me nothing had happened last night." Kristen continued breathlessly.
"Slow down what was the guy’s last name?" Jamie asked thinking she needed a name in case Kristen was pregnant. She no doubt passed out and probably didn’t remember what really happened.
"His first name is Joshua Harrington. He lives in a huge mansion in Beverly Hills; That's where I spent the night. His brother’s name is Trey.”
Jamie could only shake her head in wonder at Kristen’s tale. She wondered what really had happened the night before?
*****
As he stared out the window of his Father's office Trey found himself thinking of the young woman his brother had brought home and the way she had made him feel. She had stirred feelings long buried, not since Francesca had he felt this way. Trey had never told his parents about his marriage to Francesca which made his sudden coldness very confusing. Trey had simply built a wall around his heart. He never intended to love again and the wall had always remained firm until that morning when Kristen had threatened it. Turning from the window with a sigh Trey wondered where the girl had disappeared to as she had left that morning without even telling Joshua goodbye. On that note Joshua entered more than a little annoyed.
"What the hell are you doing back in L.A? I thought you were going home?" Joshua demanded without even so much as a greeting.
"I did go home. Dad sent me back to clean up your latest mistake." Trey stated quietly returning to his desk.
“What mistake? If this is about those damn reports I’ll take care of them!” He replied angrily.
"What the hell is wrong with you? I had to fly back down because you blew off your meeting with James Whitney!" Trey answered angrily.
“What?” He replied the color leaving his face. He had completely forgotten about his meeting with James Whitney. His father was going to kill him! “Sorry, I forgot about the meeting.”
“Sorry is not going to cut it Josh. You know how important that meeting was to our company! I’m fed up with your shit! I’m not covering your ass anymore. As far as I’m concerned you’re on your own after this.” He told him taking a seat at his desk.
“Fine!” Josh muttered. “I’ll call Whitney and apologize. I’ll set up another meeting with him.”
“I don’t think so, I’ll handle James Whitney. Dad never should have given you this deal in the first place.” He said.
“Dad gave it to me, I’ll handle it!” Josh told his brother.
“You blew it Josh! You’re off this deal.” He replied shaking his head.
“Says who?”
“Grandpa.” He answered simply.
“Guess you got what you wanted.” Josh told his brother with a smirk.
“This isn’t what I wanted Josh. I want you to succeed at Harrington! I’m tired of carrying all the weight on my shoulders. I can’t even remember the last time I had a day off, which is why I wanted you here full time.”
“I’m not like you! I don’t want to spend every waking moment at Harrington.” Josh retorted failing to note the weariness in his brother’s voice. All he could think about was Kristen.
“Look I know you’re upset over that girl taking off on you but don't take it out on me." Trey admonished.
"I'm sorry." Josh said his anger deflated by his brother’s admonishment. "It’s just that I'm worried about Kristen, she had no way to get home." He said worry etched across his face.
"You really like that kid, don't you?" Trey asked in wonder, forgetting about James Whitney.
"More than I would like to tell you the truth." He answered truthfully before turning to leave. “I’ll get to work on those reports.”
"Don't worry, you'll find her." Trey called after his brother, whose answer was a mere nod. "So, my brother, you have found love again. You are lucky man." Trey said softly into the empty room before returning to the work at hand.
*****

Trey and a beautiful redhead entered a hotel room, the redhead giggled.
"If my father finds out that I spent the night in a hotel with you he'll kill you." Samantha teased in a seductive whisper.
"He can try!" He declared in a serious voice not the least threatened. He had inherited his height and build from his father. His face at times appeared to be carved in stone. He was ruggedly handsome, but he had a hard edge.
"I would have taken you home but with Mom and Dad there I thought this might be more comfortable for both of us." Trey said as he pulled her close.
"My father says you’re the devil reincarnated, I think he's right." Samantha said never quite at ease with this man, who's dark nature often showed.
"Why are you here than?" Trey asked as he nibbled at her neck.
"Because you’re the best lover I know." She replied truthfully.
Trey kissed her, and moments later they removed each other’s clothes before moving to the bed where they spent the next couple hours indulging in the erotic pleasures of the flesh. Afterwards Trey slipped out of bed, leaving the exhausted woman to sleep.
"Trey, where are you going?" Samantha asked sleepily sitting up, to watch him dress.
"Home, I don't want my parents to worry." He lied.
"Call me!" She said as he started to leave.
"Sure." He replied before leaving.
Samantha collapsed back onto the bed wondering if he would call, she could never be sure with Trey.

The long white limousine turned off the highway and headed down a long driveway toward a huge mansion. The car pulled to a stop before the mansion, the driver quickly opened the door for Trey who stepped out.
"Will you be needing the car again tonight Sir?"
"No go ahead and take it down to the garage." Trey replied.
Trey headed up the steps, as he reached the door it opened and a middle age man said "Good evening Sir."
"Good evening Phillip." Trey replied.
"Your Father wishes to speak with you in the Library Sir."
"Thanks Phillip." Trey said before heading to the library at the end of the hall at the left. Trey wondered briefly why his father would want to speak to him at such a late hour. Reaching the library Trey entered.
“Where the hell have you been?” His father yelled as soon as the butler had departed.
“Why?” Shit his Dad looked pissed!
“Josh blew off the meeting with James Whitney!” He replied his face darkening.
“What?” His face paled. Christ! Josh knew how important that meeting was.
“I just spent the day getting my ass repeatedly chewed off by Dad!”
“I told you, you should have let me handle it?” He reminded his Dad with a frown.
“You slept with the man’s wife Trey! I couldn’t send you!” He reminded him in disgust.
“Ex-wife.” He dared to point out.
“Thanks to you!” John shouted.
“I was only one of many lovers. James knows that.” He replied calmly.
“I hope your right. Because I’m sending you back down there to deal with this!” He told his son.
“I’ll leave tonight.” Trey replied with a weary sigh. He was going to kill his brother.
“Did you look over Josh’s reports?” He asked holding them up.
“Yes. I told him to redo them.” He answered.
“Well he didn’t!” John said slamming the reports down.
“Big surprise. He’s barely been into the office. He’s to busy playing around.” Trey retorted. “You never should have told him he could work part time.”
“That was you’re Mother’s idea.” He admitted with a grimace.
“Since when does Mom call the shots around Harrington?” He questioned in disgust.
“She doesn’t.” John grumbled.
“Except where Josh is concerned?” Trey muttered.
“She’s protective of Josh, especially since he lost his wife.”
“That was over two years ago. And he wasn’t even happy with her! She was a lousy wife and mother!”
“Trey, I don’t want to hear you speaking ill of the dead! She was your brother’s wife and he loved her!” His father told him his face darkening more.
“You never should have allowed him to marry her!” Trey grumbled.
“What the hell has gotten into you?” His father asked.
“I’m sick and tired of the way you baby him! If I had lost my wife you would have given me a week and than told me to suck it up and get back to work.” He spouted resentfully.
“I don’t force you to spend every minute of your life at work! That’s your choice Trey.” He pointed out with a frown.
“I work all the time because I have too! Today is a perfect example of what
happens when I’m not around to handle things.” He replied shaking his head.
“You need to find a woman and settle down Trey.”
“Women are only good for one thing. I have no interest in getting tied down.” He told his father turning to leave.
“What about children?” John asked as his son started to turn toward the door. For a brief moment Trey’s eyes filled with pain. And than the pain was hidden behind the stony mask his son was known to where.
“I’ll take care of things in L.A.”
“Son, is there something you want to tell me?” He asked.
“No.” He answered before leaving the library.
John stared after his son. His son was hiding something painful. That much was clear from the look of pain. Why couldn’t he get Trey to open up to him? They had been so close before Trey had left for Europe. And in many ways they were still close. Trey was his right hand at work. But he had hidden himself behind a wall for some reason. Had some woman broken his son’s heart? Was that where his negative attitude toward women came from?

Trey made his way down the long hallway toward his apartments. Upon entering them he closed the door and scanned his room, which consisted of several large sofas and overstuffed chairs all black as were the coffee table and end tables. Across from them was a huge entertainment center. The room's darkness suited Trey just find, it was here that Trey found perfect refuge from the outside world. Going to the phone Trey dialed a number.

In a large hanger filled with planes of all shapes and sizes the largest being a 747. A man entered the office to answer a ringing phone.
"Yeah!" A sandy haired man said into the phone."
"Dan this Trey, I'm flying to L.A first thing in the morning have our twin engine jet ready." Trey ordered.
"Yes Sir, it will be ready." Dan replied immediately.
"See that it is." Trey stated in a firm voice before hanging up. On the other end Dan shook his head and hung up.

Chapter Three

Kristen woke to the sound of a running shower. “Where am I?” Was her first thought before she remembered the night before, which caused her to sit up immediately and look around the large room. It was vaguely familiar in a sense, but still strange. She wondered where the man that had brought her here was. Hearing the shower answered that question, but she wondered what exactly had happened last night. She looked down to see that she is dressed in what seems to be one of his shirts. “Am I still a virgin?” She wondered, or had he made her a woman? She couldn't remember, although she did remember kissing him several times. The memory of this brings a blush to her cheeks. Her next thought was “what to do when he comes out?” She quickly got out of bed, and seeing her jeans lying in a chair across the room she grabbed them up and quickly pulled them on. Leaving his shirt on, she pulled on her shoes and rushed down a circular stair into a living room. Seeing a door, she opened it and hurries down an elegant hallway. Then not watching where she is going, she slams into a tall man with dark hair. He reaches out to steady her which causes Kristen to panic and she begins to struggle.
"Easy sweetheart, I won't hurt you." Trey told her hoping to calm the girl down. It seemed to work because she stopped struggling and looked up in confusion.
"Where am I?" She asked in confusion.
"Your in my Grandfather’s home. I'm Trey Harrington."
"You’re not the one who brought me here, I remember now his name was Joshua." Kristen said putting a hand to her head.
"Ah, so my brother is responsible for your presence here. Tell me, why are were in such a hurry? Usually we have to have Josh's girlfriends escorted out to get them to leave." Trey asked keeping his arms around the small young woman.
"It’s not like that, I'm not his girlfriend." Kristen stated as she pulled free of Trey's arms.
"Than why, may I ask, are you here?” Trey asked with a knowing smile.
"I went to a beach party with my cousin and she left me there by myself. Joshua brought me here, the only problem is I don't know where here is." Kristen told him fearfully.
"You’re in Beverly Hills, this is my grandfather’s home." Trey answered moved by her obvious fright. "Who are you?" Trey asked thinking “she looked pretty young.”

"So where are you from?" Joshua asked breaking the silence.
"Spokane, Washington, I'm visiting my cousin Jamie." Kristen replied nervously.
"Is that who you came with tonight?" Joshua asks looking down at the girl beside him.
"Yes she thought it was time I saw a little more of the world." Kristen replied looking up at him the liquor making her bold.
"Really, what do you think of it so far?" Joshua teased with a smile, which caused the girl to blush again.
"I don't know I haven't seen very much of it." Kristen answered truthfully as she stared out at the ocean.
"Well I'll just have to give you a tour of the city won't I?" Joshua replied as he reached out to take her hand, in an effort to reassure her, for she seemed a little lost.
"Do you live here?" Kristen asked him in a soft voice as she stared up at him.
"No I'm from Montana I'm just staying here for the summer." Joshua answered drawing her, a little closer to him so that they stood only a few inches apart.
"Really, I love Montana, my grandmother and I visit Kalispell, Montana every year, her brother and his wife, live there." Kristen replied dreamily before pulling away from him to walk to the water’s edge. "I always planned to live there someday, now I only hope I will be buried there in the Rocky Mountains." Kristen voice softens at the last part. The weight on her heart had been growing with every attack her mother made on her. And now all of a sudden it seemed overwhelming.
"Are you ill?" Joshua asks surprised by the fear her words evoked.
"No, I'm just so tired." Kristen answered while tears streamed down her face. She was embarrassed to be crying in front of a complete stranger but she couldn’t seem to stop the tears. It was as if a dam inside her had broken and her emotions were all flooding out. Some impression she was making. He would probably walk away thinking she was some sort of nut case. Instead Joshua silently reached out to hold her in her grief giving her the warm caring she so longed for.

The beach party raged on into the night but two people were unaware of this as they walked along the beach together.
"How old are you?" Josh asked.
"Sixteen; how old are you?" She asked as they walked along.
"I'm twenty-two." Joshua answered.
"Its so peaceful out, it’s like nothing I've ever seen." Kristen replied as she turned around in circles. "I wish this night would never end!" Kristen said the liquor making her feel alive and free. Joshua watched as she turned in circle after circle her beautiful blond hair blowing in the wind. He was, captivated by her beauty, and innocence, for the first time in two years Joshua felt alive as feelings long hidden broke threw the wall around his heart, and so he went to the girl who had awakened his heart to feeling.
"I feel dizzy!" Kristen replied as she collapsed into the sand laughing. But laughter soon died as she looked up at Joshua who stared at her in a way that made her warm all over. And when he reached for her hand to pull her up from the sand she placed her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet with ease. He gently stroked her cheek, and lifted her chin before leaning down to gently kiss her. Pulling back he studied her startled expression before kissing her this time with more passion. He broke away long enough to ease her down onto the beach where he covered her body with his. He kissed her passionately, teaching her how to kiss knowing it was her first kiss. Wrapping her arms about him she clung to him as the kisses deepened.

Meanwhile a drunken Jamie entered an apartment with the man she had met at the beach party. In her drunken state she has forgotten her cousin.
"Nice place." Jamie replied barely giving her surroundings a glance.
"Would you like something to drink or eat?" The man asked.
“I'm not thirsty, and I'm only hungry for one thing, and its not food." Jamie replied sauntering over to him and pulling him into a passionate kiss. "So where’s the bed in this place?" Jamie asked in a silky voice, the booze, making her act on impulse without thinking.
"Down the hall to the right." The man answered with a smile glad he had picked this one up on the beach. It was going to be an interesting night. In moments the man headed for the bedroom. Jamie is already in bed waiting for him, having undressed quickly, she watches the man hurriedly strip off his cloth, she had already forgotten his name. He was a very plain man in looks she thought as he climbed into bed.

Joshua opened the door to his bedroom and led Kristen into the spacious room. She barely glanced at the room as she went to sit on the bed feeling drowsy from the alcohol she had downed earlier, soon she stretched out on the bed unaware of what seeing her like that did to Joshua who stood watching her. Joshua wondered what he should do with her now that she was in his room, with any other woman he would have jumped right into bed but with this innocent girl he had no idea how to proceed. He had brought her home because she had no where else to go, her cousin had dropped her and left, and on top of that the kid was drunk.
"Does this house belong to you?" Kristen asked from her sprawled position on the bed.
"No it belongs to my Grandfather."
"I think it’s very nice." Kristen replied sitting up to look at him. The way he looked at her brought an unusual ache to her body. "So what do we do now?" Kristen asked innocently.
"I don't really know." Joshua answered truthfully.
"What do you usually do when you bring a girl home?" Kristen asked.
Joshua was at a lost for words, so he remained silent, while he mulled over an answer. But before he could answer Kristen further silenced him with her next remark.
"Just treat me like you would any other girl." Kristen replied completely unaware of what that would mean? Getting up from the bed Kristen walked over to Joshua. He watched her approach with unease, knowing that he couldn't treat her like his normal woman friends but longing to at the same time.
"Kiss me please." Kristen replied as she gazed up at him.
It was a temptation Joshua couldn't resist, so he kissed her. It was a long passionate kiss that took Kristen's breath away. Warning bells sounded in Joshua's head, warning him to stop before things got out of hand.
"Are you hungry?" Joshua asked as he pulled away from her.
"No!" Kristen replied as she looked up at him.
"Is there anyone I could call to come get you." Joshua asked aware of his pressing need to have her.
"I suppose you could call my Grandma, but she's staying with Uncle Russell and I don't know his phone number, and she doesn't even know I'm out." Kristen answered while she wandered about his room.
"You can stay here tonight, and tomorrow we'll locate your cousin." Joshua said his eyes following her as she walked to his bed and stretched out across it.
"Okay!" Kristen replied with a sleepy smile. In a moment Kristen was asleep.
Joshua walked over to the bed and gently removed the sleepy girl’s clothes leaving only her bra and underwear on, before going to get one of his shirts, and putting it on the exhausted girl. When he was done he removed his own clothes and crawled into bed beside the girl, pulling her into his arms in a protective gesture he fell asleep.
*****

In his office John was going over reports on the companies various projects. He finally got to the reports Josh had sent in, the reports were sloppy with several errors. Hadn’t Trey gone over these? He couldn’t use these reports they were a mess! What the hell was wrong with Josh? His mood didn’t improve when he received a call from his Father several hours later informing him that Josh had blown off James Whitney.

Joshua was getting ready for a night on the town with his friends when the phone rang. Joshua crossed the bedroom from the bathroom and reached down to pick up the phone on his bed stand.
"Hello!" Joshua said after picking up the phone.
"Well hello stranger, I'm surprised that you’re not out partying with your friends." A beautiful dark haired woman seated at a table said into the phone.
"Hi mom, actually I was just on my way out to meet the guys." Joshua replied.
"I don't suppose you have time to talk to your mother than." Jessica said only half kidding.
"I always have time for you mom what's up?" Joshua asked already guessing the reason for her call.
"I was just wondering what you’ve been up to, since you hardly ever bother to call me or your father. Kayla keeps asking when you’re coming home. She misses her Daddy." Jessica claimed accusingly.
"Mom I've just been busy, you know how the guys are always wanting to party." Joshua replied sitting down on his bed.
"Joshua I'm worried about you." She replied sadly "You’re just not acting like yourself. I want you to come home." Jessica said after pausing.
"Mom I can't come home I promised the guys I'd spend the summer with them.”
"Joshua your father and I both feel you need help." She replied.
"Mom you’re being absurd I'm fine! Okay! Look I've got to go!" He replied as he stood up. "Stop worrying about me I'm fine I'll talk to you soon." Joshua said eager to get off the phone.
"I love you, and I worry, I just want my son back." Jessica said tears sparkling in her eyes.
"I know Mom bye!" Joshua said sadly before hanging up. He picked up his keys, putting on a jacket he hurried out.
*****

Jamie and Kristen were seated in Jamie's car outside a seven eleven store. "You wait here while I go buy some wine coolers." Jamie said.
"But your underage and so am I." Kristen said worriedly.
"Will you stop worrying I have a fake ID and it's time you learned a little about this world your much to innocent for your own good." Jamie stated firmly. Getting out of the car Jamie goes into the store and picks up a package of wine coolers and walks up to the counter smiling at the guy behind the counter. Outside Kristen waited anxiously convinced the store would never sell alcohol to Jamie.
"We'll probably go to jail for this." Kristen mumbled as she sees Jamie coming out of the store carrying a package.
"You see Kristen you were worried for nothing!" Jamie said as she climbed into the car.
"Now all we have to do is find a secluded street to drink on and were all set." Jamie said as she started her car.
Parked on a secluded street in Jamie's car Kristen and Jamie drank
the wine coolers, by the third one Kristen was pretty high on life. They take off in search of a party.
"We'll have to find a house party since your underage and don't have a fake ID." Jamie said. "Hey maybe there’s a beach party tonight there’s usually lots of those during the summer, want to check it out?" Jamie asked.
“Sure.” Kristen said feeling sort of light headed. So they head on down to the beach and park, leaving the car they walk to the beach pleased to discover there is indeed a party going on.
*****
In an elegant bedroom in a Montana mansion Jessica sat at her dressing table, her heart aching for her younger son. Jessica was a beautiful woman with long black hair that showed no gray. Her skin was flaw less; her eyes were a beautiful green. She had full breasts and a slender figure even after bearing four children.
“You’re late! You missed dinner.” She commented when her husband entered the room.
“I had to straighten out a bloody mess at work.” John told her with a frown.
“What happened?” She asked as she picked up a brush and began brushing her long black hair.
“Josh failed to show at a very important meeting.” He told her as he sat down on the bed to remove his shoes.
“I’m sure Josh has a good excuse. Something must have come up.” She told him.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with that boy.” John said as he removed his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Josh isn’t interested in business like you and Trey.” She told him setting her brush aside she turned to look at her husband.
“I wish Trey was a little less interested in work, he practically lives at the office. I keep hoping he’ll find someone to settle down with. But he’s not even dating anyone.” John told her as he removed his shirt.
“I don’t think Trey is the settling type.” She replied rising to her feet. She was dressed in a green silk robe that was belted at the waist.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him.” He muttered as he stood up to unbuckle his belt. He stopped as Jessica’s hands drifted down his chest and over his stomach. She opened his pants and pushed them off his hips. Her hands caressed his hardness through his briefs. She loved how responsive he was to her touch even after twenty –three years of marriage. “I need a shower.” He said as his hands untied the belt of her robe.
“I could use a shower as well. I’m feeling dirty.” She teased as she pulled him toward the bathroom.
*****

Todd, Bill, Ryan and Shawn had all met Trey and Josh in high School. They were all from hardworking middle class families. Trey and Josh had ended up in public school after being thrown out of several private schools. The group of boys had become instant friends and remained friends all through High School and college, although Trey had drifted away from the group. They all met up at Josh’s place and headed out onto the town in Todd’s black 4x4. Todd drove through L.A and down toward the beach. They planned to hook up with a friend at a club on the beach. But as Todd drove by the beach he spotted a wild party.
"Hey take a look at that what a party huh?" Todd said slowing down as they drove by. "Check out the babes will yah!" Todd said.
"Come on Todd were suppose to meet Ray at the Club." Ryan said.
"Why not stop here pick up some babes and than head over to the club?" Todd asked turning into a parking lot and parking, before climbing out.
"Hey Todd what are you doing?" Josh called from the back seat of the pickup.
"There’s a party over on the beach it looks pretty hot let’s check it out." Todd said turning back toward his friends.
"What about Ray?" Shawn asked.
"What about him we can meet up with him later." Todd called over his shoulder.
"Well were here now we might as well check it out." Josh said jumping out of the back of the pickup.
"I don't like this we’ll probably get arrested." Bill said as he jumped out of the pickup.
They all head over to the party located on the beach near bye. Arriving at the party Joshua scanned the crowd of women. Finding several possibilities, and than his eyes settled on Kristen noticing how out of place she looked compared to her friend who seemed right at home. He watched as her friend disappeared into the darkness with a guy leaving the girl alone. With out a thought he moved through the crowd toward her leaving his friends to their own means. Meanwhile, she was searching the crowd for Jamie feeling lost in the party.
"Hi!" Joshua said coming up next to Kristen.
"Hi!" Kristen replied blushing. Why is he talking to me she wondered?
"Nice night for a party." He told her noticing her blush and feeling oddly stirred by it.
"I guess so!" She replied staring up at him and wondering if there had ever been a more handsome man than this one.
"So tell me! What's a pretty little thing like you doing here?" Josh asked his eyes moving over her body, liking what he saw.
"Looking for a good time! Why else!" Kristen replied. She nearly groaned as she realized how stupid that must have sounded. Those stupid wine coolers she never should have drank them in the first place.
"Really?" He asked startled by her reply until he sees her blush. "You want to go for a walk?" He asked eager to get her off alone away from all the noise and distraction. Seeing the way her eyes were searching the crowd Josh said. "If you’re looking for your friend I saw her leave with some guy she probably won't be back for a while."
"Sure I'll walk with you." Kristen replied boldly, thinking how impressed her cousin would be when she heard about this.
They silently slip away from the party strolling along the beach together both are lost in their own thoughts each unexplainably drawn to the other.

Landing in L.A Kristen and Bernice leave the plane and walk toward the Airport Terminal where Kristen's cousin Jamie is waiting for them.
"Grandma, Kristen over here!" Jamie said waving as she pushed through the crowded Airport toward where they’re standing. "Grandma, I'm so glad you could make it, it's so good to see you." Jamie says giving Bernice a hug. "And Kristen, I'm so glad you could come it's been so long since I last saw you, look how you've grown. My God I do believe Kristen's sprouted breasts will you look at that.” Jamie replied loudly.
"Jamie!" Kristen admonished softly, turning three shades of red in her embarrassment.
"I'm just kidding!" Jamie said hugging Kristen. "It's good to see you." Jamie replied as they all started walking toward the baggage claim area. "Boy are we going to have some fun Kristen. I’ve got it all planned out, it's about time you got out and had some new experiences, and a boyfriend." Jamie said slyly, as they entered the baggage area, which was packed full of people waiting to get their luggage.
"Grandma why don't you let Kristen bunk over at my apartment she'll have great time at my place, what with all my roommates." Jamie said.
"Of course Kristen can stay with you, she'll have a lot more fun over at your place, than she will at Russell's." Bernice replied hoping that a couple of weeks with Jamie would bring her out of the deep depression she had been in the last couple of years. Time away from her mother was exactly what Kristen needed. Bernice feared that Rebecca would destroy the girl eventually, and secretly wished Kristen would never have to return to Rebecca and her hateful ways.
"Is it always this crowded?" Kristen asked not liking being so enclosed. Especially being that she only stood 5"2 in height and most everyone towered over her.
"What can you expect it's summer and tourist season. But don't worry we'll be out of here soon." Jamie said seeing Kristen's disturbed look.
"There’s our bags now!" Bernice said indicating their suitcases.
Having collected their bags they head through the Airport and out into the parking lot too Jamie's car. Opening her trunk Jamie helped them load their luggage.
"Geeze Kristen!" Jamie exclaimed taking her only bag from her. "I can already see I'm going to have to teach you the finer points of packing. The first lesson being always over pack never and I mean never under pack!" Jamie said closing the trunk. "Hey Kristen you wanna drive?" Jamie asked jokingly.
"I can't drive!" Kristen answered stunned at her offer.
" Neither can I but that's never stopped me!" Jamie replied "Just ask my Dad he'll tell you." Jamie replied getting into her car and starting the engine. Than pulling out of the parking spot they head out with Kristen hurriedly pulling on her seat belt. "Are you scared Kristen?" Jamie asked laughing at her actions as Kristen casts her and unsure look.
*****
Joshua laid in bed staring at the ceiling of his room thinking over what his brother had said. Maybe he wasn’t cut out to work at Harrington. He wasn’t like his brother, he didn’t want to spend every waking moment at work. He wanted a family and more children. The problem was he was afraid to love again because he never wanted to hurt like that again. Would there never come a day when he would be able to put his heart in harm’s way again? It had been two years since his wife Laura had died. The two people he had cared the most for in this world were gone, leaving in their wake an empty place. His thoughts turned toward his daughter Kayla who he had neglected in his grief over her mother's death. He had not seen her all summer, leaving her in the care of his mother. He sometimes wished he could be more like his older brother Trey. But they were complete opposites, which was odd because they were twins. They had been close as children but had drifted apart after high school. He missed that closeness with his brother. Trey had always looked out for him.
`The stirring of the woman's body that lay next to his in the bed brought him out of his troubling thoughts as he glanced down at the young woman who slept so peacefully in his arms. Her hair was long and dark her eyes were green. Her body was a golden brown. Exceptionally beautiful; he thought as he lay studying her as she slept. They had met at one of the many parties he and his friends had attended since coming here to celebrate their graduation from college. Josh had enjoyed the past two weeks he had spent with Colleen, but though he cared for her he knew he didn't love her. Knowing how deep her feelings for him were he decided it was time to end their relationship.
Sitting up, he pulled on his robe and climbed out of bed. Going into the bathroom he turned on the shower and removed his robe, climbing into the shower. As he washed off he was haunted by the night his wife had died. Losing Laura to death wasn’t the worst memory he had of that night.
In the bedroom the woman stirred awake she reached over for Joshua. Not finding him she sat up and glanced around the room. Hearing the shower she glanced toward the bathroom door with a smile. She was about to get up and join him when the phone rang. She answered it reluctantly.
" Could I speak to Joshua?" John asked, sitting at his desk in his office.
"He's in the shower at the moment could I take a message?" She asked as she sat in bed.
"Tell him his father called and wants him to call back as soon as possible." John replied.
"I'll tell him." She replied.
"Thank you.” John replied before hanging up.
She replaced the phone on the hook and pulled on a green silk robe Joshua had given her. Turning around she found him dressed in a pair of jeans and red T-shirt.
"Good morning." She replied softly with a smile, her eyes glowing with love for him.
"Morning! Who was that on the phone?" He asked going to the night stand to get his watch.
"It was your father. He wants you to call him back." Colleen replied, turning away and going into the bathroom. Going over to the nightstand Joshua picked up the phone and dialed his father's office. Joshua listened as the phone rang.
"Hello.” John said as he picked up his private phone.
“Father, its Josh, you wanted to speak to me?” Josh said sitting down on the bed.
“How’s California? Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked his son as he signed reports.
“Good.” He replied simply.
“Did you talk to Trey?” He asked.
“Yes, I met with him yesterday.”
“Did he go over your reports?” He asked, setting down his pen to lean back in his chair.
“Yes.”
“Where are they? I need those reports done for the quarter.” He told his son.
“I faxed them to you last night.” He answered.
“They must be in the stack Judy brought in this morning. Have you seen your brother this morning?”
“No. He flew back to the ranch yesterday.” Josh answered.
“He’s in Montana? He hasn’t shown up at the ranch.” John said with a frown.
“He said he was returning to the ranch.”
“He’s probably off messing around with some woman.” John muttered shaking his head. “Well I won’t keep you son, I’m sure you have things to do. Your mother wants to know when you’ll be coming home?”
“I told her I was planning to spend the summer down here.” Josh said with a sigh.
“She worries about you. We both do.” John admitted.
“I’m fine, I need to get to the office.” He lied.
“Bye Son.”
“Bye.” Josh said, hanging up the phone.
*****

Jamie and Kristen arrived at Jamie's apartment and began to unload the car having dropped Bernice off at Jamie's , Dad's house. Throwing open the door to her apartment, Jamie and Kristen enter closing the door behind them
"Well what do you think?" Jamie asked indicating the apartment. Kristen looked around the messy room in disbelief. How could anyone live in such filth Kristen wondered, but than again at least her mother wasn't there and that in it's self made the place seem almost welcome.
"It's nice." Kristen replied setting her stuff down.
" Sorry about the mess but we had a party recently and we just haven't got around to cleaning the place." Jamie said noticing the look Kristen had given the place.
"That's okay!" Kristen replied before looking for a place to sit down in the mess.
"So tell me what's your Mom up to these days?" Jamie asked before throwing some clothes off a stuffed chair to sit down.
"Not much, she's been looking for a job, but she's so picky I doubt she'll find a job." Kristen said from her spot on a old brown sofa, having found a spot free of clothing.
"How’s Kathy and David? Jamie asked.
"Their okay. They’re both getting bored though, there isn't much for them to do in Spokane during the summer." Kristen replied.
"Well we better find you a place to sleep, although you won't be getting much sleep tonight." Jamie said leading her into one of the bedrooms where a cot has been set up for her. Jamie lived in a three bedroom apartment with two roommates. The apartment was small but nice. "Great John did remember to get a cot. Well Kristen your all set now. Just throw your stuff in the corner" Jamie said surveying the room.
"Why won't I be getting very much sleep." Kristen asked as she set her stuff in a corner of the room.
"Because I'm taking you out tonight, its time you see more of the world." Jamie said before leaving the room. "Who knows maybe will even find you a boyfriend." Jamie called from the living room.
"Mom wouldn't like me going out!" Kristen replied coming out to the living room.
"Well your Mom's not here and if we don't tell her she'll never find out will she?" Jamie replies slyly.
Kristen shakes her head and smiles at the idea of doing something behind her mother’s back.
*****

Coming out of the bathroom after showering and dressing Colleen crossed to the patio door. Joshua stood there moodily surveying the world through the glass door of the patio.
"Good morning." She said, slipping her arms around him from behind.
"Morning!" Joshua replied softly before turning to give her a leisurely kiss. His lips moved down over her neck. Pausing for a moment, he pulled her shirt up and over her head. His hand cupped her breast rubbing the nipple through her black lace bra. Unfastening her bra his mouth settled over her nipple, causing her to moan. Next he unfastened her black slacks and pushed them down, his hand sliding into her black lace panties. Feeling how wet she was he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He pulled off his shirt as she unfastened his jeans, pushing the jeans off his hips and down his legs. Falling back onto the bed they rolled so that she was on top. Her mouth moved down over his hair dusted chest, until she reached his enormous erection. She sucked his harness deep into her mouth. He groaned as her mouth moved expertly over him.
When he could no longer bear it he pulled her up so that she straddled his erection. She rode him eagerly, her cries of pleasure filled the room.
"I love you!" She told him when she was finally able to breathe. She had collapsed on top of him after her mind blowing climax. Hearing her admission he rolled her off of him and sat up with a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” She asked in surprise.
"I should have ended it sooner. I'm sorry Colleen." Joshua replied, turning toward her.
"What do you mean you should have ended it sooner? We just made love!" She replied, stunned at his admission.
"I care for you as friend, but I don’t love you." Joshua replied truthfully while cursing himself for not ending it sooner.
“We’re so good together! Aren’t I good enough for you?" Colleen asked, her voice breaking, tears springing into her eyes.
"That's not it at all," Joshua assured her. "Ever since losing my wife I've been unable to love. Maybe it’s because I'm afraid of loving someone again; I don't know. I'm very sorry if I hurt you, it wasn't my intention." Joshua told her.
“You were just using me for sex, is that it?” She asked angrily.
“No, I enjoyed being with you.” He told her shaking his head.
“Than why are you breaking up with me?” She asked, tears streaming from her eyes.
“It wouldn’t be fair to you to continue our relationship. You deserve someone who will love you in return.” He told her gently.
"I see. Well I better get going I have to be at work soon." She said in defeat. Rising from the bed naked, she quickly gathered her clothes before going into the bathroom.
After Colleen had left Joshua wandered across the room to the patio door, struggling against memories of the past. Would he ever find a girl for whom he could love? He was so wrapped up in his own dilemma that he forgot that he had a crucial meeting set up for that morning. The meeting was important as Harrington was looking to buy out one of its competitors.