Changes Part 71

 

"We are so proud of our entire collection." Brooke announced to the reporters. "All our designs were so special this time. It’s hard to even try to pick a favorite."

"Woman’s Wear Daily Ms. Logan." A woman announced. "Who’s idea was it for Taylor Forrester to wear the showstopper?"

"It was a group decision." Brooke said with a smile. "Luckily for us Taylor agreed, she was lovely wasn’t she?"

"Is it true that she intends to wear the same gown for her wedding to Bryan Jackson?" The reporter asked.

"You’d have to ask Taylor." Brooke said with a laugh.

"A personal question for you Ms. Logan." The reporter interjected.

"Yes." Brooke said.

"Are sources correct that congratulations are due for you?"

"If you are referring to the show then it is for all of us."

"You know what I mean Ms. Logan. Is it true that you recently eloped?"

"Eloped? I guess you could say that." She laughed as she held up her hand showing off her wedding band. "Yes, I am a blissfully happy bride."

"And is your new husband here?"

"No, he couldn’t make it today. My husband isn’t part of the fashion business so this isn’t exactly his kind of day." She smiled and turned to another reporter. "Alissa?"

"There are rumors that Forrester has hired a new designer for the couture line. Is this due to Ridge’s injury?"

"Ridge is making wonderful progress and we expect him back full force very soon." Brooke said avoiding the question. "I think that will be it for now. Please join us for drinks and hor dourves and thank you all for coming." Brooke said as she left the podium. She walked back to where Ridge, Taylor and Grant were standing. Taylor had changed back into her own dress.

"Grant? I don’t think this is a good time to introduce you to the press. We have so much more to iron out legally. Maybe you’d like to wait in my office until they leave."

"That’s a great idea." He said. He turned to Taylor. "Taylor, you were fabulous. Ridge, Brooke, I’ll see you later."

"We’ll get you when they leave Grant." Ridge told him.

"Thanks." Grant said before he walked away.

"Where are Eric and Stephanie?" Brooke asked.

"With the caterers." Ridge answered. "They’re helping get things set up. Dad went as soon as he left the podium." He put his arm protectively around Taylor and smiled at her and then at Brooke. "You two did such a great job today. Logan you were great with the press and Taylor, you were beautiful as always."

"Can you stay for awhile Taylor?" Brooke asked.

"I really should get home to Bryan and the kids."

"Have a glass of champagne Doc, you deserve it." Ridge told her.

"Did you see that Lauren is here?" Brooke asked them.

"No. I had no idea. Have you talked to her?" Ridge answered.

"Not yet." She looked at Taylor. "Did you see her?"

"No. But I did see Connor. Brooke what will he think? What will he say to Bryan?"

"That you were beautiful and that you saved our show." Brooke smiled. "You weren’t going to hide it from him were you?"

"No, oh course not. I just didn’t expect to see Connor."

"Neither did I." Brooke sighed. "Especially with Adrienne."

"Adrienne? As in Copeland?" Ridge asked.

"Yeah, she’s your looker Ridge."

"Sorry Logan, I didn’t realize."

"You didn’t know they were dating?" Taylor asked.

"You did?" Brooke’s eyes widened.

"Bryan told me. Connor is doing some legal work for her and they hit it off."

"Wonderful." Brooke moaned. "Just what I need, more of Adrienne in my life."

"As long as she isn’t in Mike’s" Ridge added.

"I would never presume to tell him he can’t have a relationship with his ex-wife Ridge. I just don’t like her."

"Well that’s good. I wouldn’t like it if he went for payback. I want you in my life." He smiled at her.

"Sometimes ex’s aren’t that bad." Brooke laughed. She looked at Morgan approaching them. "Now if only you can turn her into one."

"One what?" Ridge asked.

"An ex." Brooke told him.

"Hello Brooke, Taylor." Morgan said as she walked up to join them. She did nothing to conceal he look of anger on her face in seeing Ridge’s arm on Taylor. Taylor diplomatically moved away from Ridge’s grasp.

"Morgan your designs were lovely." Taylor complemented her.

"I was wondering about your dress. Where did it come from? I never saw it before."

"It was one of mine." Ridge told her. "A late addition. She looked lovely didn’t she?"

"Yes." Morgan said. "Though it was an odd choice to have your ex-wife in a wedding gown."

"Taylor was perfect." Brooke cut in. "Besides she was the right size and coloring. We did lose our top models."

"I suppose." Morgan conceded. "Will you have time to talk later Brooke?"

"I’ll try. You know how busy it’s been here today, but Morgan if it’s about the office my mind is made up."

"Brooke! Taylor! Ridge!" Lauren squealed as she ran over to hug them. "How are you?"

"Lauren." Brooke said. "It’s so good to see you. I just heard that you were here. I hope you can stick around for a few days. I’d love to get together and catch up."

"And I hear we have some catching up to do." Lauren smiled as she grabbed Brooke’s hand and looked at the wedding band. "What a beautiful ring."

"Thank you Lauren." Brooke gushed. "I really would like for you to meet Michael."

"I would too." She turned to Taylor. "And I understand you have a new husband too. See what happens when I leave town for awhile."

"It’s good to see you Lauren." Taylor smiled.

"And you must be Morgan." Lauren turned to her. "My goodness you certainly are pregnant. When are you due dear?"

"In a couple of weeks actually." She told her. Morgan reached for Ridge who reluctantly took her hand.

"What a lovely wife you have Ridge." Lauren told him. "So many changes. I can barely keep up. Brooke I did hear a rumor that you were engaged to Connor Davis."

"I was, it didn’t work out."

"Michael put an end to that." Ridge teased. "Once he got Brooke into his bed he wouldn’t let her out."

"Ridge!" Brooke punched him on the shoulder.

"Nothing wrong with that Brooke. I always say there’s nothing quite like a good man in your bed." Lauren said playfully. "Right Morgan?" She asked the pregnant woman.

"Absolutely." Morgan agreed, smiling at Ridge.

"Lauren there’s someone I’d like you to say hello to." Brooke told her. "Will you come down to my office for a moment?"

"Sure." Lauren agreed. "I’ll see you all later." They started to walk away and suddenly Lauren stopped. "Ridge, Morgan I’m planning on dinner with Eric and Stephanie, I’d love it if you would join us."

"We’d love to." Morgan said accepting the invitation.

 

 

"Look Budge. That’s Taylor!" Michael announced as he turned the sound up on the television. "Why is she modeling?"

"I don’t know. She sure looks pretty but Mike she’s crying."

"Yeah she is." He said. "I can’t wait to find out from your mother what this is all about."

"When is she coming home?"

"I don’t know. Want me to call her?"

"Yeah, let’s see if she’s coming home for dinner or not."

"You got it." He smiled at her and reached for the phone.

"No straining!" Bridget warned as she jumped up and handed him the phone.

"Thanks Budge." He grinned. He punched in the number for Brooke’s cell phone.

"Hello." Brooke said.

"Hi honey. Am I interrupting anything?"

"You never could." She said as she and Lauren stopped outside her office. "What’s up? How are you feeling?" She turned to Lauren. "It’s Michael."

"Bridget and I just saw Taylor on TV. She looked gorgeous."

"She did didn’t she. Wait till I tell you all about that."

"We just wondered when you plan on getting home."

"I’d be there now if I had my way. How are you?"

"I’m fine Brooke, really. Anyway Budge and Denise and I are gonna order some pizza and we just wanted to know if we need to order for you."

"I don’t think I’m going to make it home that soon. Unless you want me to."

"Honey, I always want you with me but this is your day. Take your time. Your daughter is taking real good care of me, although she won’t let me get dressed."

"I hope she isn’t looking for another show." Brooke laughed.

"I think she’s curious." He said as he elbowed Bridget. "Actually she got me some sweats so I’m comfortable. We’re going to watch some movies so you take your time."

"Are you downstairs?"

"Nah, Budge won’t let me out of bed. We’re up in our room. I just home Rick doesn’t get home soon. This room is really not big enough for all of us. Denise is making popcorn. But I think the three of us hanging out in here is enough don’t you?" He laughed.

"I really miss you." She said with a laugh.

"I miss you too sweetheart. But you have fun and tell Taylor that I said she looked spectacular."

"I will. I love you Michael."

"I love you too Brooke." He said and they hung up.

Brooke turned to Lauren. "Sorry about that."

"No problem. Is your husband sick?"

"He’s not feeling well today but he’ll be alright. I just worry too much."

"You seem really happy."

"I am Lauren. I adore him. He is truly my soul mate. I can’t even imagine my life without him."

"That is so wonderful for you."

"Now Lauren, I want to warn you about something." Brooke began but before she could continue Lauren opened the door to Brooke’s office.

"Oh my God." A shocked Lauren cried out. "It isn’t , it can’t be."

"Lauren Fenmore?" Grant asked. "Is it you?"

"Is it me? You’re asking is it me? My God Grant! You’re supposed to be dead."

"Guess what?" He replied with a grin. "I’m not."

"Okay you two, you have some serious explaining to do." Lauren said to Brooke and Grant.

 

 

"Hello Taylor, Ridge." Connor said as he and Adrienne walked up to them. "Morgan." He said noticing her. "How are you?"

"I’m well Connor thank you." Morgan said with a smile.

"It was a wonderful show Ridge, my congratulations to you all."

"Thank you Connor." Ridge said. "I think Taylor made all the difference don’t you?"

"She was lovely as always." He agreed. "Adrienne," He turned to the attractive redhead on his arm. "I’d like to introduce you to Ridge Forrester and his wife Morgan, and this is Taylor Jackson, Bryan’s wife."

"That still sounds strange." Taylor smiled.

"Aren’t you using Jackson?" Connor asked.

"Well I haven’t been working lately but yes, I suppose I will." She held her hand out to Adrienne. "Nice to meet you Adrienne."

"You too Taylor." Adrienne smiled.

"Where’s Brooke and your parents?" Connor asked.

"Brooke is with Lauren Fenmore and my parents are around somewhere." Ridge replied. "So Adrienne, you were married to Mike."

"I sure was." She smiled. "I’ve heard a lot about you Ridge. I’m glad to finally meet you."
"All bad I suppose." He laughed.

"Not all." She chuckled. "But a lot. Mike is certainly a competitive person."

"I’m surprised to see you here Connor." Taylor said.

"Well Adrienne begged me so what could I do?"

"You must be persuasive Adrienne, these lawyers are always so busy." Taylor told her.

"Sometimes you gotta force them for their own good Taylor."

 

 

"Hey Bryan." Patti called out from her desk. "You gotta come out and see this. Your wife is on TV."

"What?" He said as he quickly came out to her desk. Patti had a small television on the side of her desk. He walked over and looked at the screen. "That’s Taylor." He said. "What the hell is she doing in a wedding gown?"

"It’s the Forrester Spring Fashion Show. That’s their showstopper."

"I’m going to kill him." Bryan said angrily.

"Her ex?" Patti asked.

"You know it Patti. I can’t believe she’s doing this. She knows how I feel about him."

"Oh but Bryan, she looks so pretty." Patti gushed. "What a perfect bride, right down to the tears."

"Tears?" He asked just as the camera zoomed to Taylor’s face. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. "I don’t believe this. I have to get down there."

"This is taped Bryan, it’s all over."

Bryan grabbed the phone and dialed their home. It rang five times and the answering machine picked up. He slammed the phone down. "Well she’s not home. She must still be there."

"Calm down Bryan. She only modeled a dress."

"I know what he’s up to and he won’t get away with it. I’m going down there."

"And what if she’s on her way home? Come on Bryan, you’ll only embarrass her. She married you Bryan, not him. Remember that."

"You’re right Patti. You are one hundred percent right. Thank you."

"Hey that’s why you hired me, I’m the best."

"Well Connor hired you but I have to agree. I’m headed home. I’ll see you in the morning." He told her.

"Good luck and have a nice evening."

"You too Patti."

 

 

"There’s our star." Eric said as he and Stephanie approached Taylor, Ridge, Morgan, Connor and Adrienne.

"Hello Eric." She smiled as she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. "It was a wonderful show."

"It was wasn’t it." Stephanie agreed. "Hello Connor." She said. "And who is your lovely companion?"

"Stephanie and Eric Forrester, Adrienne Copeland." He said introducing them. Stephanie noticeably turned pale.

"Stephanie?" Eric asked. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." She said regaining her composure. "Copeland?" She asked Adrienne.

"I’m Mike’s ex-wife." She supplied. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Forrester. I’ve been coming to your shows for years and I have to say this was one of the best yet."

"You have?" Eric asked. "In what capability?"

"I own AC’s on WB." She said with a grin. "My shop is responsible for making you quite a lot of money."

"It certainly is." Stephanie admitted. "I had no idea. How long were you and Michael married if you don’t mind my asking?"

"Oh ages. We just never got around to ending it. But we haven’t really been together in a long while."

"Where is Brooke?" Eric asked.

"She and Lauren went to her office." Ridge told him.

"Oh good, Lauren is still here. We’re having dinner with her."

"Yes, she invited us to join you." Ridge stated.

"And of course we accepted." Morgan added.

"Wonderful." Eric said with a smile.

Stephanie rolled her eyes and looked at Ridge who shrugged.

"You know I really have to be getting home." Taylor announced.

"Nonsense." Stephanie told her. "You’re staying for the party."

"I have a husband and children at home waiting for me Stephanie."

"Call him and have him join us but you can’t leave. You were much too important to this show for you to leave."

"I agree." Ridge chimed in. "Come on Doc, let’s go to my office and you can call him."

"I really don’t think that’s a good idea Ridge."

"Indulge me."

"Ridge." Taylor looked at him but he was pleading her with his eyes. "Alright." She agreed.

"Good." He took her hand and walked her towards his office. Morgan’s eyes were shooting daggers.

"Eric can we talk?" She asked him.

"Sure Morgan." He walked her to his office leaving Stephanie with Connor and Adrienne.

"Never a dull moment huh Stephanie?" Connor joked.

"My son has made some bad choices, not all of them but quite a few."

"May I get you ladies some champagne?" He volunteered.

"That would be real nice." Adrienne answered.

"Why not?" Stephanie agreed.

Connor walked to the bar leaving the women alone.

"I take it you don’t like Mike very much." Adrienne said to Stephanie.

"Now why would you say that?"

"The look on your face when Connor introduced me. Forgive me if I’m wrong."

"Michael Copeland and I are not friends." Stephanie admitted.

"Well I won’t hold that against you." Adrienne laughed. "I think he’s a great guy, although I’m not sure what I think of his new wife. She really doesn’t seem his type."

"Brooke and I aren’t friends either."

"There ya go." Adrienne laughed again. "I like you Stephanie Forrester. Tell me something, I’m new to this equation. I know Taylor is married to Bryan, Connor’s partner but well she and your son really seem to be close."

"They’re in love Adrienne. Someday they will be back together again, I’ll make sure of that."

"But isn’t that pregnant girl married to him?"

"It was a momentary lapse in judgement."

"Maybe he should get himself fixed like Mike did." She laughed.

"What?" A stunned Stephanie asked.

"Whoops! I spoke out of school didn’t I? Well I can’t take it back can I? Old Mikey had the baby making machine shut off." She laughed. "I think it was a good move on his part what with him screwing around so much."

"Do you think he cheats on Brooke?"

"Is the pope Catholic?" Adrienne laughed. "It would be front pages news if he didn’t. But we didn’t really care that much about those things in our marriage. The sex was good and we looked good on each others arms."

"You didn’t love him?"

"Honey I’m not sure I even liked him." Adrienne chuckled. "But he kept my engine humming if you know what I mean. No, honestly I like him very much but we were never in love. I doubt if Mike Copeland is capable of love. Now Connor Davis, he’s a different story altogether."

"You like Connor?"

"I really do. Even before I knew about him and Brooke Logan. Kind of a tangled web huh?"

"Brooke always has those kind of relationships." Stephanie said disgustedly.

"Here you go ladies." Connor said as he approached them with the champagne glasses.

 

 

"What’s wrong Morgan?" Eric asked her as they entered his office and he shut the door.

"Oh Eric I just don’t know what to do anymore."

"I know it was hard on you to see Taylor in that dress honey but it was only a dress and she did look lovely."

"But Eric, it wasn’t only a dress to Ridge. You could see the way he looked at her and she was crying. Why can’t he care about me? Why can’t he love me?"

"He does in his own way."

"He hasn’t made love to me in weeks. Am I too fat?" She asked holding her dress closer to her.

"You are a beautiful pregnant woman Morgan. Maybe he’s afraid to hurt you."

"I told him it was alright. Eric I need to feel loved. Between the way he looks at Taylor and the way Brooke treats me."

"Well maybe I can do something about Brooke. I don’t like her taking your office either. She can get Grant a new office."

"Would you really talk to her for me? I tried but she won’t find the time for me."

"She’s preoccupied Morgan. Something is going on in her personal life but damned if I know what it is."

"All I want is to make a contribution around here and to have Ridge love me. That isn’t too much to ask for is it?"

"No Morgan. I’ll talk to both of them. Ridge has to realize that you are his wife now and Brooke needs to be more reasonable. We can fix this honey." He said as he took her into his arms and held her.

"Oh Eric, how I wish Ridge was more like you." She said as she looked into his eyes.

"That’s very kind of you." He told her.

"You are such a wonderful man. Stephanie is so lucky." She kissed his cheek.

"I think Ridge is the lucky one." He smiled at her. "What do you say we get back to the party. I promise I’ll speak to them both tomorrow."

"Thanks Eric." She reached and kissed him again. "I don’t know what I’d ever do without you."

 

"Well you both have managed to floor me." Lauren admitted to Grant and Brooke. "And Grant I am so happy that things turned out the way they did."

"You and me both." He said with a laugh. "But the memory thing is a pain. As well as the legal problems, I really don’t like hiding out from the world like this."

"Well Bryan is making progress Grant." Brooke assured him. "Soon you can lead a normal life again. But you realize what problems this could cause you and Macy if we just popped you out in public."

"I’m more concerned about you and Dr. Hughes. No one should be treated as a criminal for helping me like that."

"I don’t think that is going to happen Grant." Brooke said with a smile.

"So Grant is living at your house Brooke?"

"Yes he is."

"Yeah." Grant said. "I popped in on them in the middle of their honeymoon. Mike didn’t like me very much at first."

"Well you did think I was your wife." Brooke laughed.

"It must have been funny though." Lauren laughed.

"Well it is now, but it wasn’t then. Everything was very strained. But Michael and Grant are great pals now, right Grant?" Brooke asked.

"Yeah we are." He turned to Lauren. "So how long are you in town for Lauren?"

"I’m not sure. Originally it was just for the show but I’d really like to catch up with everyone."

"And don’t forget Taylor’s wedding." Brooke added.

"I’d love to stay for that." Lauren agreed.

"Well how about coming as my date Lauren?" Grant asked.

"I’d be honored." Lauren replied. "Will Macy have a problem with that?"

"Macy is going with Thorne so she really doesn’t have a right to complain." Brooke told her. "I think it will be great for Grant to have a friend to go with."

"Me too." Grant agreed.

"Then it’s settled." Lauren told them. "This should be some wedding. The bride appears to me to be in love with her ex husband."

"She is." Brooke said flatly. "But she loves Bryan too. It’s difficult on her."

"Oh I can imagine." Lauren laughed. "What with having two studs in love with you. It must be real terrible."

"It’s not as wonderful as it sounds Lauren. She’s hurting and so are both the men."

"Well then maybe she should put off getting married right away."

"Well technically she already is married. They had a legal ceremony in Santa Domingo, this is just a church wedding." Brooke explained. "But it’s nice for her you know."

"Did you have a church wedding Brooke?"

"A Vegas chapel." She laughed. "We hadn’t planned it at all. In fact the whole day was spontaneous. I wasn’t even supposed to be with Michael that day."

"What made you do it?"

"I love him. Plain and simple I love him. I couldn’t really think of a single reason not to."

"I can’t wait to meet him Brooke."

"He’ll be at the wedding. Did you know I’m the matron of honor?"

"What?" Lauren laughed. "I understand you and Taylor aren’t fighting anymore but how the heck did this happen?"

"We’re friends Lauren, very, very close friends. Things change."

"They sure do." She laughed.

 

 

"He doesn’t answer at home Ridge." Taylor said. "I think I better leave."

"Try him at the office."

"Alright." She said. She hit in the numbers and listened. "It’s the service, they must be gone."

"Well if he isn’t home and he isn’t at the office why should you leave?"

"I’m his wife Ridge, I belong with him."

"It’s just a party Doc." He walked up behind her and started massaging her shoulders and neck.

"Ummm, that feels good." She said as she let herself relax.

"You were so great today Doc. You looked so beautiful." He said softly as he gently kneaded her.

"Ridge. Today things got weird."

"I know, I know."

"Things happened that shouldn’t have happened."

"I suppose you’re right." He rubbed harder.

"Ummm." She moaned with pleasure. "I’ve been so tense."

"Did I make you that way?"
"Not intentionally." She said as she leaned back against him. "I’m not blaming you."

"Doc." He turned her around to face him.

"Please Ridge." She begged.

"I’m sorry, I can’t help it." He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. She felt his bulge rub against her but she made no attempt to pull away.

"We can’t be doing this."

"What are we doing Doc?" He asked innocently.

"This." She said as she put her lips to his and kissed him passionately.

"Oh Doc." Ridge moaned. "God how I love you."

"Noooooo." Morgan cried as she ran from the doorway in tears. Neither Ridge nor Taylor noticed her.

She blindly ran down the corridor until she collided with a distinguished looking gray haired man with a goatee.

"Whoa." He said as he caught her. "Are you alright young lady?"

"I’m sorry, I’m sorry." She sobbed.

"There, there." He said. "What seems to be the problem miss?"

"My husband, I just saw him with his," She stopped. "I don’t know you. Why am I telling you?"

"You look like you could use a sympathetic ear. Miss?" He asked.

"Forrester, Morgan Forrester."

"Ridge Forresters wife?" He asked as a twinkle came to his eye.

"Yes." She said as she tried to stop her tears. "Do you know my husband?"

"Not personally, but he is well known." He told her. "Whatever did he do to you to make you cry like this?"

"He was kissing his ex-wife."

"Taylor?" He said, the smile leaving his face and being replaced with a deep frown.

"Yes. He just won’t let her go." She looked at him. "I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be bothering you with this. Are you a reporter?"

"Ah, yes." He said.

"What’s your name?" She asked.

"Blake." He said with a smile. "It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

"Connor." Bryan said as he joined his colleague who was drinking champagne with Adrienne. "I see I missed quite a show today."

"Your wife was wonderful. She sure pulled Brooke out of a jam."

"Brooke? What do you mean?"

"Well the buzz is she fired some models that she caught doing drugs and there was no one who fit the dress. Then Taylor came down to talk to Grant and Brooke begged her to model for her."

"Oh." Bryan said with a smile. "It was Brooke’s idea? I thought, nevermind what I thought. Do you know where she is?"

"Last I heard she went to Ridge’s office to call you and get you down for the party."

"Connor, you just made my day." Bryan said with a huge grin as he headed for Ridge’s office.

 

"Ridge we can’t." Taylor said as she pulled herself away from him. "I’m letting this whole day get to me. I have a new life now this can’t keep happening."

"You love me Doc, you know you do."

"It doesn’t make any difference Ridge."

"I need you. I’ll always need you."

"I knew it was a mistake. I should have never said yes, I should have never come."

"I’m sorry Taylor. I won’t push."

"It’s not just you Ridge, it’s me too. I have to stop this. Bryan is my husband now."

"I know Doc." He said as he looked sadly into her eyes.

"But somehow I just can’t, I just can’t." She pulled him back into her arms and kissed him again. "I love you Ridge, only you." She declared as the door opened and Bryan walked inside the office.

Changes Part 72

 

 

Ridge hugged Taylor tightly and let her go. "Oh Doc, you were so wonderful today, I can’t thank you enough for what you did. We were all so proud of you." He looked up towards the door. "Bryan, I was just congratulating your wife. You should have seen her." He looked into Taylor’s shocked face and mouthed ‘later’ to her.

"Actually Ridge," Bryan said walking in. "I saw her on television and yes, she was a true vision." He walked up to her and hugged her and gave her a kiss. "I just had to get here to tell her."

"I tried you at home." Taylor told him. "And at the office."

"Well I’m here now. Would you like to go have a glass of champagne with me?"

"Oh course." She said looking at him strangely.

"What’s wrong baby? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

"I just didn’t expect to see you that’s all."

"I hope you’re not disappointed."

"Never." She said with a smile. "Ridge will you join us?"

"You two go ahead. I have to make a phone call. I’ll catch up later." He picked up the phone as they walked out. As soon as they were gone he put down the receiver. "He didn’t hear us. Good. I’d have hated putting you in that position Taylor but you’re mine and we will be together again soon, now that I know you feel the same way."

 

 

"Sara Fulton get over here right this minute." Debra shouted at her daughter as she tried to sneak up the stairs. "Where have you been all day young lady?"

"With friends." She said as she came back down to her mother.

"You better not have been at Bridget Forrester’s house. I told you I don’t ever want you over there again. If you want to see her she comes here! Do you understand me?"

"Alright Mom. I was with Kelly."

"Why are you wearing that sweatshirt? It’s 80 degrees out."

"I was cold."

"Well take it off, you’ll get sick."

"I’m fine Mom. Leave it alone."

"Don’t be silly, you’re sweating." Debra grabbed the sweatshirt and pulled it over her daughter’s head. Her eyes immediately focused on the red welts on her arm. "What happened to you? Who did that?" She asked as she grabbed her arm and looked at it.

"Nothing, I fell." She said.

"Like hell you did. I can clearly see handprints. Who did this to you?" She demanded getting louder.

"I don’t know, I don’t remember."

"Sara something like this you would not forget. I want you to tell me who did this to you."

Sara looked at her mother and the tears started rolling down her cheeks. "I can’t tell you. It was a mistake."

"Was it Andy Gleason? I swear if that boy hurt you I’ll sue his parents."

"It wasn’t Andy." Sara cried.

"Then who was it Sara?"

"It was Mike." She said through her tears.

"Mike? Who’s Mike." Debra asked. Suddenly as if a light went on in her head she looked at her daughter. "Are you talking about Michael Copeland?"

Sara just stared at the wall.

"Tell me right now Sara!" Debra shouted.

"Yes." She said softly. "He wanted me to have sex with him and when I said no he grabbed me." She said as she threw herself into her mother’s arms and started to cry.

 

Taylor and Bryan walked over to Connor and Adrienne who were sipping champagne and talking.

"Hi again." Taylor said.

"I see your husband found you." Adrienne said with a smile. "Too bad he had to miss the show. Bryan she was lovely."

"I saw it on TV." He told her. "She was very pretty." He looked at their glasses. "Where can I get a couple of those?" He asked.

"Follow me." Connor said. "Adrienne, another?"

"Sure." She smiled.

"Will you excuse me a moment?" Taylor asked as she walked away without waiting for an answer.

She quickly made her way back to Ridge’s office. He was standing there looking out the window as she entered.

"Thank you." She told him.

"He didn’t hear us talking." Ridge said without turning around. "But that doesn’t change things. This isn’t over by a long shot Doc."

"I shouldn’t have said what I did."

"It was the truth."

"At that moment, not now."

Ridge turned around to face her. "Your feelings changed that quickly?"

"Ridge it all seems so impossible." She sighed.

"Nothing is impossible as long as you really want it."

"I can’t hurt him."

"But you can hurt me?" He walked towards her. "Doc those words, those words you said changed my life. I have a reason now."

"Please don’t hold me to them Ridge." She looked around nervously. "I just wanted to thank you. I have to go."

"Do you picture me when he makes love to you?" Ridge asked her.

"Goodbye Ridge." She walked out.

"This isn’t over Doc." He said softly to himself.

 

"Where did you go?" Bryan asked her as he handed her a glass of champagne.

"I forgot to tell Ridge something." She said truthfully. "Thanks." She took a sip.

"Connor and Adrienne want to know if we’ll have dinner with them?"

"What about the children?" Taylor asked.

"I called Katherine. She can stay." He told her. "So what do you say?"

"Sure, sounds like fun."

"Are you ready?" Connor asked.

"I want to say goodbye to Brooke first. I think I’ll head over to her office."

"Don’t stay too long." Bryan said as he kissed her.

"I won’t." She said as she started away from him.

 

"Hi. Who are you?" Rick asked Denise when he saw her in the kitchen.

"You’re Rick right?" She asked. "I’m Denise Jacobs, I was your mother’s nurse in the hospital."

"My mother! What’s wrong?" An alarmed Rick asked.

"Your mother is fine. I’m here as a favor to Dr. Copeland. Why don’t you ask him about it." She suggested.

"Is he okay?" Rick asked.

"He’s fine. He and your sister are upstairs watching a movie."

"Oh, okay. My Mom isn’t home right?"

"No she has a big fashion show today."

"Yeah." He said. "I know." He walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where Amber was waiting for him on the couch.

"Is the coast clear?" She asked.

"Yeah, Mom’s not home. Let’s go upstairs." He took her hand and led her up the stairs. They tried to quietly get to Rick’s room but they stopped when they heard Bridget call out.

"Is that you Rick?"

"Yeah Budge, it’s me." He turned to Amber and whispered. "Go into my room."

"Come here a minute." Bridget called to him. "I’m in Mom’s room."

Rick walked into the room and Bridget was sitting on the bed watching television.

"Why are you in here?" Rick asked.

"Mike isn’t feeling well so we’re up here."

"Where is he?" Rick asked looking at the empty room.

"He had to use the bathroom and I was in so he went to your room."

"My room!" Rick said. "I’ll be right back!" He quickly ran to his room where Amber was sitting on the bed.

"Amber" He whispered. "We gotta get out of here."

"Why?" She asked in a normal voice.

"Shhhh." He said. "I’ll tell you outside." They both turned as the bathroom door opened.

"Oh Rick, sorry Bridget was in ours." Michael apologized.

"No problem." Rick answered.

"Hi, I’m Amber." The cute blonde said to Michael.

"Hi Amber, I’m Mike, Brooke’s husband." He smiled at her. "I’ll be right out of your way."

"No problem. It’s nice to meet you." Amber extended her hand to him.

"Amber? Aren’t you the girl that Rick used to be um, well married to?"

"The one and the same." She smiled.

"Well it’s nice to see that you could work things out. Bridget and I are watching a movie if you’re interested."

"Well we have other plans." Rick said.

"I’ll close the door on the way out." Michael said with a laugh. "It was nice to meet you Amber."

He walked into his bedroom and sat down next to Bridget.

"What’s next?"

"Your choice." She handed him three videos.

"That Amber is cute." Michael said to her.

"Amber? You saw Amber?"

"She’s in Rick’s room with him."

"Mom is gonna be so mad."

"You mother doesn’t like her I presume."

"They hate each other. I wish Rick would date Sara instead, she really likes him."

"I’d just as soon not have Sara around here at all Bridget. Your friend is trouble."

"Why?" She asked him.

"I’d rather not go into it right now, just believe me she’s trouble."

Taylor knocked on Brooke’s office door and walked in. Brooke was at her desk on the phone and Grant and Lauren were on the couch talking.

"Hi." Taylor said.

"I’ll be off in a minute." Brooke told her and then turned back to the phone. "Yes, yes that’s true. No it was entirely Ridge’s decision you’ll have to take it up with him. Of course I stand by him. I don’t care how many requests you get if Ridge says no then the answer is no. No, no. Just start production on the others. Of course not. Right. Well this is not Eric’s call it’s mine and I stand by Ridge’s wishes. Alright. Go right ahead, be my guest. Goodbye." She hung up the phone. "The requests are pouring in for the wedding gown." She told them.

"Then why not produce it Brooke?" Taylor asked.

"I gave Ridge my word and my word is good Taylor. So, how’s the party going?"

"It’s very nice. I see you three are having your own private party here."

"We couldn’t leave Grant alone." Lauren told her.

"I bet you were surprised." Taylor asked her.

"Surprised doesn’t even come close but I couldn’t be happier."

"None of us could. Anyway I just wanted to say goodbye. Bryan is here and we’re having dinner with Connor and." She stopped suddenly.

"Adrienne." Brooke supplied. "I can’t believe he’s seeing her. I wonder if he’s trying to make me mad?"

"He seems to like her. If you don’t want me to go Brooke."
"Don’t be silly I’m not threatened by that woman. But be careful of her Taylor, I don’t trust her one bit."

"It’s only dinner." Taylor said with a sigh.

"Is something wrong?" Brooke asked picking up on her mood.

"It’s been a long day."

"It sure has." She agreed. "I’m about ready to head home. I sure miss Michael."

"Newlyweds." Lauren said with a laugh. She turned to Grant. "I hope you aren’t going to be a party pooper too."

"What do you have in mind?" He asked with a grin.

"Well we can start with drinks, move on to dinner and then see what develops."

"Oh I like your way of thinking." He laughed. "I’m in."

"Good." She purred. "We’ll just wait in here a little while longer to avoid the press and then we can go too. Oh by the way I hope you don’t mind that the Forresters will be coming too."

"Hey, I don’t have a problem with them. And to tell you the truth Ridge and I actually had some fun today."

"Good, I wouldn’t want to be the only one without a man."

"You Lauren?" Grant laughed. "That’ll be the day."

"I’ll walk out with you." Brooke said to Taylor. "I’ll see you both soon." She said to Lauren and Grant.

 

 

"Wow, I didn’t realize how late it was." Brooke said to Denise when she walked into her home. "How is Michael?"

"He’s feeling much better honey. In fact Dr. Stedman told me that from here on he should be back to normal."

"I wish." Brooke sighed.

"Well, almost back to normal." Denise laughed. "Not exactly what a newlywed wants to hear though."

"I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be acting this way. I am so grateful to him but well, we really have a wonderful sex life."

"It won’t be that long honey. Just don’t make him feel bad about it."

"I won’t. Thank you so much for being here Denise. I don’t know what I would have done without you."

"Well your daughter was quite the help too. She’s been waiting on that man hand and feet. She really loves him."

"Can you believe that? When we first got married she hated him. I’m so happy with this change."

"I’m sure you are." She looked at the clock. "Ten thirty. I’d better be heading home. My husband will be wondering if I’m ever getting home tonight."

"Thank you again." Brooke said with a hug.

"Honey I love that husband of yours, I’d do anything for him. You take good care of him now."

"I will." Brooke promised. She walked Denise to the door and locked up. She then headed up to her bedroom. A smile spread across her face at the sight when she entered. Both Bridget and Michael were sound asleep with the TV on and a bowl of popcorn between them. Michael had his arm around her daughter’s shoulder and he was snoring slightly. She smiled as she sat on the edge of the bed and touched them both slightly.

"Hello sleepyheads." She said softly.

"Honey." Michael said with a smile as he nudged Bridget.

"What?" She said crankily. "Oh hi Mom."

"Boring movie?" She asked.

"I guess." Bridget said. "What time is it?"

"Ten thirty, sorry I’m so late."

"Did you eat Mom? Want me to get you something."

"I have all I need right here." She said smiling at them.

"Come her." Michael said holding out his arms. "I need a hug." Brooke shimmied over to him and he pulled her tightly into his arms. "I love you sweetheart." He smiled at her and gave her a kiss.

"Denise said you’re feeling better."

"I am honey. I’m still a bit sore but it’s much better."

"I’m gonna go to my room and leave you guys alone." Bridget said.

"Okay honey." Brooke smiled at her daughter. "Thanks for taking such good care of Michael."

"We had fun." Bridget said. She got up and left the room closing the door behind her.

"So was the show a success?" Michael asked.

"It was but my mind wasn’t really on it." She looked into his eyes and kissed him tenderly. "All I could think about was you."

"Good cause I’ve been thinking about you all day too."

"Can I get you anything? An ice pack or a painkiller or anything?"

"Nah. I’m really feeling better. I just took a couple of Advil’s and I don’t think I need the ice packs anymore."

"Is it still swollen?"

"Wanna check?" He asked with a naughty grin.

"Don’t give me ideas." She smiled. "But I really would like to see."

"Well why don’t you get undressed and I’ll fix up the bed and I’ll give you a peek." He teased.

"Silly." She laughed. "I’m going to take a quick shower and I’ll be right out but don’t you dare straighten up. I don’t want you straining anything." She got up out of the bed.

"I’m not going to break Brooke."

"I know but please."

"Hurry up and take that shower. I want you back in my arms."

"And I want to be there." She walked into the bathroom and closed the door. Michael got up and took the popcorn bowl off the bed. He took off the comforter and shook it out and put it back on. He walked out of the bedroom and went to Bridget’s room and knocked on the door.

"It’s open." She shouted.

Michael walked in. "Mom’s in the shower. Can I use your mouthwash?"

Bridget laughed. "She didn’t seem to mind your breath before."

"Come on Budge, give the guy a break."

"Help yourself. I even have an extra toothbrush."

"Thanks." He said. "In fact can I take a quick shower?"

"Are you allowed?"

"It’s not gonna fall off Bridget."

"Ewwww." She said.

"Run into my room and get me clean underwear okay honey?"

"Sure." She ran out and quickly returned with clean underwear and a new pair of sweatpants.

"Thanks Budge." He took them and went into her bathroom.

A few minutes later he came out wearing the sweatpants with nothing on top, toweling his hair. Bridget handed him deodorant.

"Thanks." He said as he applied it. She then handed him his cologne. "Wow, you think of everything." He splashed some on and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You smell good." She said. "Mom will be happy."

"Thanks." He said as he quickly went back into the bedroom. Brooke was still in the bathroom. He turned the lights low and turned on some soft music. The then peeled off the sweatpants and fluffed up the pillows. He looked at the clock. "Okay it’s been four hours since I took anything strong." He quickly went down the stairs and returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses. He opened it to let in breath and sat down on the bed to wait. A smile crossed his face as the bathroom door opened but he immediately burst out laughing as Brooke walked into the bedroom wearing a long, unflattering flannel nightgown.

"What the hell is that?" He laughed.

"I don’t want to make things any more difficult for you." She said.

"Oh for God’s sake Brooke." He laughed as he got off the bed and went over to her. "This will not do at all."

"Michael, I just wanted you to know I understand."

"You don’t have a clue sweetheart." He grinned as he grabbed the nightgown and pulled it over her head leaving her in a pair of skimpy pink lace panties. "Now that’s much better." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. "What are you doing?" He asked as he found her resisting him.

"It’s not fair."

"You bet it isn’t." He said as his tongue traced her lips and slowly made it’s way into her mouth. Brooke sighed as she gave in and their mouths danced together in passion. He slowly pulled his mouth from hers. "I love you so much." He told her. "I wish I could pick you up and put you on the bed but that is a definite no-no."

"Don’t even try." She said. She walked over to the bed and got on it. Michael went over to the dresser and poured them each a glass of wine. He handed one to Brooke and sat down next to her. "You showered too." She said.

"I wanted to be clean and fresh for you." He sipped his wine and put the glass down. "Come on, back in my arms." She pushed herself over to him and he held her. His fingers went to her breasts and he traced circles until her nipples were hard and erect. He moved his head down and gently suckled her.

"Ummmm." She moaned in pleasure. "Michael you better stop."

"Stop?" He said as he sat up. "I’ve barely started."

"But you can’t."
"There is only one thing I can’t do." He said to her. "Only one." He took the glass of wine from her hand and put it down next to his. He pulled her close and brought his mouth back to hers. They frantically searched each other out again. Brooke felt Michael’s hands gently gliding up and down her body. She found herself pulling closer and closer to him. "Lay down." He told her. She leaned back on the pillows. "Good." He said as he lay down next to her. Brooke practically jumped as she felt his hand stroke her between her legs through her lacy panties. "Umm, you’re so wet honey." He murmured. He fingers teased her by gently rubbing her. She arched herself into his hand. "Feel good?" He asked in a sexy voice.

"Oh God Michael. This is so unfair."

"No way honey. I can’t wait to watch your face when I make you come." He grinned as one finger dipped beneath the elastic and touched her pleasure point. "Ummm, I got you there didn’t I?" He teased.

"Michael" She moaned.

"You know what we’re going to do?" He asked her as he continued to play.

"What?" She panted.

"Wait," He said. "This is going too fast. Time to slow it down a little." He moved his hand slightly away and started to stroke the inside of her thighs. "That’s better." He said as she started to catch her breath. "We have all night and I have so much I want to tell you."

"Tell me?" She asked as she pushed her body to bring his hand back where she wanted it.

"You are so bad lady." He laughed. "Don’t want to talk huh? Okay." He said as he put his hand down the front of her panties and dipped his finger inside her.

"Oh yes, oh yes." She screamed.

"Not yet." He said softly as he pulled his hand out.

"Please." She begged. He started kissing her neck and slid his mouth to her waiting breasts. She moaned in pleasure as his teeth gently bit them. She pulled her arms tightly around his neck holding him close to her. He moved his mouth away and back to hers as they once more met with frantic kisses.

"This is so nice." He said when they stopped to catch their breath. He reached of a glass of wine and took a sip. He held it to Brooke’s mouth and she sipped too. He put it back down again and pulled himself into a sitting position and pulled her into his arms. "You know I was really scared you would be upset with what I did."

"It was the most wonderful thing you could ever have done Michael."

"But you know Brooke, our entire relationship has been so intense. We were making love before we even knew anything at all about each other, in fact there still is so much we need to learn."

"What do you mean? You don’t regret our getting married?" She worriedly asked.

"Never." He assured her with a kiss. "My only regret is that I never had the chance to date you, you know to wine and dine you, to romance the hell out of you. To make you fall in love with me."

"I fell in love with you the first time I set eyes on you."

"Me too. In fact I told Denise and Kelly I was going to marry you the first time I saw you."

"You did?" She asked.

"I did. But still, I think we missed out on a lot. That’s why this operation of mine is giving us a chance. A chance to act like kids and do fun things together and make out like teenagers. By the time this waiting thing is done we will both be as desperate as a couple of virgins. Of course I fully intend to make you happy every chance I get. But I think you’ll be more than ready for the real thing when the time comes."

"It’s so unfair to you."
"Do I look like I’m suffering? If I can see that look on your face it’s good enough for me. But then again it has to be." He laughed. "So anyway. While you were out today I’ve been really busy."

"Doing what?"

"Well as soon as the pain subsided I made some phone calls. I have made so many plans for us you won’t have time to think about sex." He laughed. "We’re going to act like a regular dating couple. I am going to take you out and show you off."

"What are we going to do?" She asked as she snuggled up closer. He kissed her softly on the lips.

"Anything and everything you want. I got us tickets to concerts, basketball, hockey, football. We’re going to Art Museums, I have us booked on a cruise to Catalina. We’re going to a comedy show."

"You did all that today?"

"Well it pays to be rich and have people to do it for you." He laughed. "I made a call to my ticket guy and told him the things I wanted to do and he’s been coming through all day. Does it sound like fun to you?"

"It sounds wonderful. But how can we do all these things and work too?"

"Well we do most of it at night but we can take some time off too. But the main thing is that I am going to love every moment we spend together." He pulled her to him and kissed her again. "And I sure do love kissing you."

"Well get used to it." She said. "Cause these lips will be practically glued to yours."
"Good." He smiled. "Except for now." He said in a serious tone.

"What is it? Are you in pain?" She asked her eyes widening.

"Nope." He said as he moved to the end of the bed and pulled her panties off of her. "I have somewhere else to put my mouth right now." He grinned as he lowered himself between her legs and explored her with his tongue.

"Oh God!" She screamed as his mouth zeroed in on her sensitive nub. "Michael, God Michael, don’t stop, please don’t stop." He pulled her legs a little farther apart to give him more room as she arched herself further to him. He moved his mouth away and put his hand there in its place inserting first one than two fingers as she tightened around them. Using his thumb he kept massaging her nub until she felt herself go totally over the edge. She tried to pull away from the pleasure as it got too intense but he held her there tightly. He looked into her glassy eyes as she let her body totally surrender and she gave into one of the most intense orgasms she had ever had in her life.

 

"You were so quiet all night Taylor. Did the show wear you out?" Bryan asked as they walked into their home.

"It was a long day. I’m sorry." She said.

"You don’t seem to like Adrienne."
"She makes me uncomfortable. It’s weird Bryan, Brooke and Michael are my friends."

"Well Connor is too. And he’s my partner. You could have tried harder to make his girlfriend feel more welcome."

"His girlfriend? She’s just his date. It isn’t serious is it?"

"It might be." He said. "Anyway you should have tried harder."

"What is it Bryan? I know this isn’t about Connor and Adrienne."

"Alright!" He shouted. "You want to know what it is? I don’t like walking in and seeing you kissing your ex-husband that’s what it is!"
"He was congratulating me and thanking me."

"Tell him to write a letter next time. If sick to death of him sticking his hands all over you Taylor."

"It was just a kiss."

"No it wasn’t! And I didn’t like the way you seemed to like it either."

"I’m sorry. I care for him. You know that Bryan. What do you expect me to do slap him?"

"That wouldn’t be a bad idea." He grumbled. He walked into the kitchen. "I’m having tea, you want some?" He asked her.

"Alright. Thanks." She said walking in to join her.

He reached into the canister for tea bags but it was empty. "Oh for God’s sake Taylor what the hell did you do with the tea now?"

"I didn’t do anything with it. It’s right where it was this morning."

"Look!" He said as he angrily held up the empty canister. "There is no tea here. So now there’s no tea and no coffee? Where are you hiding these things Taylor?"

"Don’t you dare start in on me again Bryan. Don’t you dare! I didn’t touch it. Maybe it was you. Forget the damn tea! I’m going to bed!" She shouted as she walked out of the kitchen.

"Priceless." Blake told the young man. "With the audio and video going this is just priceless. Look at how mad she is."

"Switch to number three on the control." The man told him. "That will give you the bedroom."

"You have the bedroom wired?" Blake asked. "Fantastic. Is there audio too?"

"You bet." He pushed the button and they watched Taylor throw her purse on the bed.

"Is the control set up for me to make sounds there too?" Blake asked.

"Oh yeah, you can make them feel like they’re in a haunted house if you want to." Just press the control button. I set up some basic sounds and you can speak yourself too."

"Well Joe, I don’t want her to recognize my voice."

"Not a problem, it will disguise it. You can play with it before you send it to get the exact voice you want. Whoa! Nice t*ts." He said as he watched Taylor undress. "No wonder you want her back. Say Blake are you gonna watch them go at it?"

"I doubt they will after today, but if they do I completely intend to stop them." He laughed. "Oh Taylor how I miss that beautiful body." He said as she walked nude in front of the camera. "It will be mine again."

"Shhh." Joe said. "Listen to her."

"God Bryan, why are you doing this to us? I want it to work but you’re making it so hard for me." Taylor said to herself totally unaware of her audience. She sighed deeply. "Or maybe I don’t want it. Am I sabotaging my own marriage? Oh God Ridge, I want you so much." She said as she started to cry.

 

"Well it was too bad Eric postponed tonight but I can’t say I’m really disappointed." Lauren said as she traced her finger across Grant’s naked chest. "In fact you can say I am far from disappointed." They were laying in her bed in her hotel room.
"You were wonderful." He said as he kissed her. "And thanks for not giving me a hard time about not looking at my scars."

"Honey I doubt if I’d even see a scar but whatever makes you comfortable is okay by me. Anyway we make a nice pair." She laughed. "Oh course I still think your heart is somewhere else. Is it Macy?" She asked.

"Don’t laugh." He said. "It’s Brooke. I still love her Lauren. I know it’s been over for ages but it doesn’t feel that way to me. I’d never do anything to hurt her and I know she loves Michael but I can’t seem to get her out of my head."

"Well let Lauren give it another try." She said as she got on top of him and kissed him. "I bet I can make you forget she ever existed."

"Well that sure sounds like a plan to me." He said as their bodies joined for the second time that evening.

 

"Are you hungry?" Michael asked Brooke. He had given her a repeat performance and afterward they had been sleeping in each other’s arms. They had both awakened and started kissing when Michael’s stomach had begun to roll.

"Actually yes." She admitted. "Wanna raid the refrigerator?"

"Yeah." He grinned. "That sounds like fun." Brooke moved to get up and she unintentionally hit his crotch with her knee. "Oh sh*t!" He moaned.

"Oh Michael, oh God. I’m sorry! What did I do?" She asked in a panic.

"It’s okay honey. I’m okay." He said in a weak voice.

"Let me look. Please let me see." He lifted his rear off the bed and she lowered his underwear. "See Brooke, I’m fine okay?"

"I was so scared." She cried. "I could have done some real damage."

"Nah. It’s better now. Hey it would have hurt even if I didn’t have surgery." She gently touched him. "Don’t honey." He warned her.

"Does it hurt?" Her eyes widened.

"No. I just don’t want something to happen that I can’t do anything about." He laughed. He reached down and pulled his underwear back up. He got up from the bed and put on the sweatpants. He opened the dresser drawer and took out a nightgown and handed it to Brooke.

"What about the one I had on before?" She asked.

"Burn it." He teased. "I want to see you in something much sexier than that."

She put on the nightgown and grabbed her robe and put that on. Laughing they walked down the stairs and headed to the kitchen.

"I thought I turned the light out." Brooke said.

"Maybe I forgot to turn it off when I got the wine." Michael suggested. He reached for her and kissed her. "I just can’t seem to take my lips off yours."

"Good." She said as she kissed him back. "But let’s eat!" She grinned. Giggling they walked into the well-lit kitchen. "What the hell?" Brooke shouted.

"Mom!" Rick said as he jumped in front of a nude Amber.

 

Changes Part 73

 

"Rick!" Brooke shouted at her son. "What the hell is she doing here? And why isn’t she dressed?"

Michael looked at Brooke and then at Rick and started to laugh. "Rick, get her some clothes to put on." He told him.

Rick reached to the floor and handed her her discarded shorts, top and panties. Amber struggled back into them.

"I’m sorry Mrs. Forrester." Amber said. "I’m really sorry."

"Rick?" Brooke asked.

"Mom, I meant to tell you but it never seemed to be the right time."

"Tell me what?" She asked as her voice got higher.

"Calm down honey." Michael said as he took her hand. He still could not seem to contain his laughter.

"Calm down? You want me to calm down? You have no idea what this girl did to my son, no idea at all. This isn’t funny Michael."

"Well getting upset isn’t going to help any. Why don’t we all sit down and talk this over."

"Good idea Mike." Rick agreed.

"I want her out of here!" Brooke said getting more and more angry.

"Mom please, give her a chance."

"I already did that Rick, more than one time." She looked at Amber. Brooke eyes where dark and angry. "You remember that don’t you Amber? I gave you a chance when you stole my diamonds. I gave you a chance when you got pregnant. I even gave you a chance when no one else would. And how did you pay me back?" She screamed. "You let my son’s baby die and you stole your cousins baby and you made all of our lives a living hell! Now why the hell should I give you another chance? Why?"

"I never meant to hurt anyone Mrs. Forrester, I loved Rick."

"You loved his money."

"That’s not true. I loved Rick."

"Ladies this is not getting us anywhere." Michael interceded with a laugh. "I’m sure we can all talk this over without shouting."

"She is not welcome in my home!" Brooke insisted.

"Honey your son does not feel that way. I think we owe it to him to try and see his position." He looked at Rick who was trying to conceal his erection and again started to laugh.

"Obviously she’s good in bed." Brooke said with disgust.

"I’d better leave, can you take me home Rick?" Amber asked.

"Mom please." Rick implored.

"Let’s sit down." Michael said. "It’s the middle of the night, it’s no time to be jumping into cars and speeding off."

"Michael I wish you would stop laughing." Brooke said sternly.

"I’m sorry honey but it seems everyone in this house seems to walk in on people making love." He said as he tried to hold in his chuckle.

"They weren’t making love they were only having sex!" She shouted.

"Amber." Michael said to the girl. "You and I are going to go out to the living room and sit and talk while Rick and his mother have a talk, how does that sound to you?"

"Alright." She said. "But please Mrs. Forrester, please don’t be mad at Rick."

Michael opened the refrigerator and took out some cold cuts and a loaf of bread. He then grabbed the jar of mustard and closed the door.

"Grab a knife and some plates Amber, at least we don’t have to starve. Although I doubt you guys were down here to make sandwiches." He said as he started to laugh again.

"Knock it off Michael." An angry Brooke warned.

Amber grabbed the knife and plates and they left the room.

"Sit down Rick." Brooke demanded.

"Mom I’m not a kid."

"I didn’t say you were but you certainly are acting like one taking up with Amber again."

"I like her."

"Why Rick? After all she put you through how can you ever want to even see her face again?"

"We have fun together. I don’t know what it is."

"You like to have sex with her."

"Mom if it was only sex there are a lot of other girls."

"Then go out with them. Rick I don’t like Amber."

"You aren’t giving her a chance Mom. You’re acting just like Stephanie does with you!"

Brooke was silent as she stared at her son. "Do you really feel that way?" She finally asked him.

"Yeah Mom." He said quietly. "It’s not like I’m marrying her or anything. We just like being together."

"It’s not the same as it is with Stephanie, I’ve never done the things to her family that Amber has done to ours." Brooke said defending herself.

"I didn’t say you did, I just said you were acting like Stephanie. You were judging her for her past. People change Mom."

"So you want me to just forget about all she’s done to you?"

"No, but can’t you try and put it aside? We all make mistakes Mom. Look at you and Taylor. If you guys didn’t get past everything you’d never be friends now."

"Rick it isn’t the same thing at all."

"Yes it is Mom."

"Are you seeing only Amber?" She asked him.

"No. I see other girls too."

"Do you have sex with them too?"

"Well," He hesitated.

"Just what I thought. Honey if you care about her at all you wouldn’t use her just for sex like this."

"I don’t Mom. I really like her. Come on Mom when you came home with Michael after telling us you were all in love with Connor we gave him a chance."

"You aren’t being fair Rick. Michael never broke my heart like Amber did to you and he never lied to me like she did either."

"Never?" He asked his eyes widening.

"Not the way she did. You aren’t being fair Rick, I’m the adult here."

"I’m not a kid Mom. I’m not asking you to love her just don’t be mean to her."

"I don’t like this Rick. Why can’t you date some nice girls?"

"I do date other girls Mom."

"Who? When do you ever bring other girls here?"

"If I bring another girl for dinner tomorrow will you cut me some slack?"

"As long as it’s real and not just a trick to get me to leave you alone about Amber."

"I promise. Tomorrow night I’ll bring a date home and we can all have dinner together."

"Alright but I’m still not happy about this." She reluctantly agreed.

"Let’s get Mike and Amber." Rick said with a grin.

They got up and walked into the living room where Michael and Amber were eating sandwiches and laughing.

"I’m glad to see someone is having a good time." Brooke told Michael with a frown. He looked at Amber and they burst out laughing.

"You owe me a dollar." Michael told Amber.

"What’s that all about?" Brooke angrily asked.

"I told her that was going to be your reaction. Practically word for word." He laughed. "Sorry honey, I think we have a case of the giggles here."

"Well I’ve had enough for tonight, I’m going back to bed." She turned to Rick. "Take your friend home."

"Mom it’s late. I’ll take her home tomorrow."

Brooke started to say something but she just turned around and stormed up the stairs.

"I guess I’m in the doghouse now." Michael told Amber.

"I’m sorry if I got you in trouble Dr. Copeland." Amber said sincerely.

"Don’t you worry about it Amber, and it’s Mike please."

"Okay Mike." Amber smiled at him. "Good night."

"Goodnight Amber, Rick." He said as he headed up the stairs to the bedroom.

 

Bryan had been tossing and turning all night when he finally sat up and watched Taylor as she slept.

I love her so much. He thought. We can’t keep this fighting up. Whatever is bothering her isn’t important enough to lose her over. He reached over and gently touched her face. She stirred and turned to him.

"What’s wrong?" She whispered.

"Nothing, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you."

She sat reached to him and took his hand. "I’m sorry Bryan." She said as tears filled her eyes. "We should never have gone to bed fighting."

"I’m sorry too Taylor. I really am. I love you so much."

"I love you too baby." She said as she sat up and put her arms around him. "I’m sorry for everything. I shouldn’t have modeled without telling you and I shouldn’t have let Ridge kiss me."

"I shouldn’t have let it get to me. I know you love me. I know you committed to me. I just get so insecure when I see you around him. I know that you still have feelings for him."

"It’s not what I feel for you."

"I never should have gotten on you about the tea either. I must have misplaced it. I was mad about the coffee this morning and I know I was slamming things around. Can you forgive me?"

"I love you. There’s nothing to forgive." She kissed him tenderly and then ran her hands down the length of his back. She brought her mouth back to his and kissed him again but with passion.

"Oh Taylor." He moaned as he reached to pull her nightgown over her head. "Making up makes it almost worth it to fight."

"Almost, but not quite." She said with a smile. She let her hand stray to his bulge. "Ummm, I think you want me as much as I want you."

"More" He said as he struggled to kick off his underwear. Once they were off he pulled Taylor back into his arms and kissed her again. He groaned as she took him in her hand and slowly moved up and down his length as he grew harder and longer.

 

"Blake get up!" Joe called from the living room. "They’re up and they’re at it."

"What?" A sleepy Blake asked as he walked into the living room of his rented cottage. "At this hour after how mad they were?"

"They sure don’t look mad anymore." Joe said with a whistle as he watched Taylor take him into her mouth. "What do you want me to do?"

"What about the dishes thing you were telling me about?"

"Nice touch. Do you want me to wait until he really get wild?"

"Yeah, let them get more into it." Blake said as he sat down and watched. "I don’t like seeing her do that to him."

"Well it’s your call."

"Show me what to do." Blake instructed.

 

"Oh Taylor, oh baby." Bryan moaned. "So good, so good." He reached down and touched her head as she moved on him. Suddenly a loud crashing sound came from the kitchen. Taylor jumped as she pulled her mouth from him. "What the?" Bryan exclaimed.

"What was that?" Taylor asked.

"The kitchen, it came from the kitchen." The noise also woke the babies who started to cry quickly followed by Thomas screaming for his mother.

"The children." Taylor said in a panic. They both jumped from the bed, Taylor running to the children and Bryan into the kitchen.

Bryan turned the light on and looked into the room. It was completely undisturbed. He opened cabinet after cabinet but nothing that produced the crash could be found. Confused he went into the living room and thoroughly checked that out too. A few moments later Taylor walked in carrying Thomas.

"What was it?" She asked.

"I have no idea. I can’t find anything."

"How odd? Could it have been outside?" She asked.

"It must have been. I better get dressed and go check. You get back to bed baby."

"No, Thomas and I will wait for you."

"Well I don’t like the idea of someone out there. Come on into the bedroom and put on your robe alright."

"Alright." She agreed.

 

Blake was howling with laughter. "That’s right darling, put on a robe. Don’t let those mean old people see you." He pushed the button and the camera in the bedroom took over. He watched Taylor put Thomas on the bed and put her arms around Bryan and kiss him. He laughed as he watched Bryan’s body immediately respond again. "That guy better realize he ain’t getting nothing tonight." He turned around and told Joe. He looked again the screen and saw that their passion was starting to heat up again.

"In front of the kid?" Joe asked.

"He’s asleep." Blake told him. "But I can’t let this happen."

"Same noise?" Joe asked.

"You have anything outside?" Blake asked.

"Oh yeah, the sound of crashing trash cans."

"Do it." Blake said as he watched Taylor’s hand reach again for Bryan. The loud crash stopped her in her tracks and Blake and Joe both howled with glee. "I gotta hand it to you. This is fantastic."

 

"I really appreciated all your support." Brooke sarcastically told Michael which again brought him to a fit of laughter. "I don’t know what the hell you think is so funny."

"Brooke it was funny. Your son looked like a deer caught in the headlights and poor Amber didn’t know what to try and cover up first. I can just imagine how we looked to Bridget that time now."

"I need you to take this seriously."

"I do." He said as he attempted to control his smile. "But it really is not that big a deal. They’re young, they like each other. I don’t think this is a serious commitment."

"Well you don’t know about all the things she did to him. And what were the two of you laughing about anyway?"

"I told her not to be embarrassed that Bridget had done the same to us only worse."

"Oh great! Just what I want Amber Moore to have hanging over my head."

"Brooke." He walked over to her and kissed her. "Come on you are making too much of this."

"Am I? Well let’s see what happens when she manages to get herself pregnant again."

"I talked to her about that."

"You what?"

"I did. She told me that they are being very careful. Honey they don’t want to go through all that again. They just want to have some fun."

"And you told her she could stay the night! Michael I do not want her sleeping here."

"Well the night is half over and she’s been here since this afternoon so what harm can it be?"

"What? She was here all day? You should have told me!"

"When? While I was kissing you or while I was going." She threw a pillow at him to stop him.

"Alright! I get your point." She conceded.

"God I love you." Michael said with a grin. "I have never met a woman with so much fire in my life."

She looked at him and started to giggle. "Why are we fighting over Amber Moore?"

"You got me." He said as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her with passion. "Oh no."

"What?" She asked with concern.

"Well I think all the anesthesia and pain killers are totally worn off. And this can not be good."

"What? Are you in pain?"

"Yeah but it’s worse than that. It seems my body has decided to wake up. Quick tell me something gross to think about."

"Amber Moore." She said flatly but when she looked at him they both burst out laughing.

"This is serious Brooke. I can’t let this happen. Maybe I should let you wear that nightgown."

"Oh Michael I’m sorry. What can I do?"

"Stop being so damn sexy." He said with a laugh. "Okay, I’m okay." He told her. "Man this is going to be harder than I thought."

"Harder?" Brooke said with a naughty laugh.

"I’m going to have to kill you." He said as he walked over to her and put his arms around her. "Please help me with this."

"I promise." She giggled. "Six weeks huh?"

"Yeah." He moaned. "Six terrible long weeks."

"So I guess tonight was it for me for awhile huh?"

"I’m afraid so honey. I don’t think this body can take that." He said as he kissed her gently on the forehead. "I’m sorry."

"Don’t be." She told him. "It’s worth every single sacrifice."

"That’s easy for you to say." He laughed. "Come on let’s get back to bed and get some sleep. I want to get back to work tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Isn’t that a little soon?"

"Nah, I can handle it. Besides I have patients who are counting on me."

He got on the bed and got under the covers leaving the sweatpants on.

"Aren’t you going to be hot?"

"I can’t let myself get worked up again Brooke. It really hurts. And your soft skin against my legs will do it."

"Can you at least hold me?"

"You bet I can." He said. "Come on." She took her robe off and got into bed next to him. He pulled her into his arms and reached to turn off the light. "Good night sweetheart." He said with a kiss.

"I love you." She answered as she snuggled up in his arms.

 

 

"What was it?" Taylor asked as Bryan returned to the bedroom. "Damned if I know. Nothing was out of place. If I didn’t know better I’d think it was ghosts."

"Ghosts?" Thomas said from the bed. "Ghosts Mommy! No like ghosts!"

"It’s not ghosts Thomas." Taylor said as she put her arms around her son and shot Bryan a look.

"Sorry, I thought he was asleep." He told her.

"Me sleep here!" Thomas demanded.

"Oh course you can baby." Taylor cooed to him. Bryan rolled his eyes and she shot him another look.

"I know, I know." Bryan said as he grabbed pulled off his shoes. He then undressed to his underwear and started to get under the covers.

"No!" Thomas shouted. "Just Thomas and Mommy!"

"Taylor!" Bryan said.

"No Thomas." Taylor told him. "You can sleep here with Mommy but Bryan sleeps here too."

"No!" He screamed. "He not my Daddy!"

"Taylor?" Bryan asked.

She looked at him with a pained expression.

"Alright." He said reluctantly as he grabbed a pillow and a blanket and headed for the living room.

 

"Well I think the show’s all over for tonight." Blake said to Joe. "I’m going to go back to bed."

"I’ll keep an eye out a little longer." Joe said. "Night Blake." He said as Blake left the room.

 

The next morning Eric walked into Ridge’s office carrying a stack of magazines and trade papers. He put them down on his desk. "It was a total hit son. Everything, they loved everything, especially your showstopper. Though I still don’t understand why you didn’t think you could trust me."

"It wasn’t you Dad." Ridge explained as he picked up Eye on Fashion and started to skim through it. "I didn’t want Taylor to catch on."

"Do you mean to tell me that she had no idea she was modeling?"

"None whatsoever. Brooke dragged her down to keep me and Grant from fighting." He said with a laugh. "By the way, where is Grant today?"

"I haven’t seen him yet." Eric told him. "You two seemed to be getting along alright son."

"Yeah we were Dad. I guess without the strain of Logan between us things are different."

"Speaking of Brooke. Do you have any idea what was wrong with her yesterday?"

"I’m not sure. Something was wrong with Mike I think. She’s not in yet either."

"Well I certainly didn’t like her attitude yesterday. She was very unprofessional."

"Now that’s not true Dad. She was there when we needed her, anyway everything was all done by yesterday." He turned the page and then quickly turned it back. "Did you see this?" He asked his father.

"I know, they loved it too."

"Not that Dad, this." Ridge said pointing to the name. "Karen, Karen Spencer is back in control of Eye on Fashion. When did this happen? Have you seen her? Was she here?"

"Karen?" Eric asked. "I had no idea son. No I didn’t see her. This is a surprise."

"Good you’re both here." Brooke said as she walked into the office.

"What’s up Logan?" Ridge asked.

"Well for one thing your wife refuses to leave her office."

"Brooke can’t you do this another way?" Eric asked. "Can’t you just let her stay a little longer?"

"Are you offering your office to Grant Eric?"

"Brooke, I’m sure you can find somewhere to put him."

"Yes, Morgan’s office."

"Be flexible Brooke." Eric continued. "The poor woman is pregnant."

"The poor woman? Eric do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? That poor woman as you call her destroyed your son’s marriage."

"There is nothing we can do about that now Brooke, but if you insist on alienating her you are only making Ridge’s life harder."

"This isn’t about Morgan anyway, it’s about Grant and I want him in a decent office. If you can come up with an alternative suggestion I am willing to listen to you."

"Give him my office, I have not use for it anymore." Ridge said.

"Don’t be silly. You’ll be fine soon." Brooke said to him.

"I doubt it." Ridge said dejectedly.

"When do you see the doctor again?"

"Today, but it doesn’t feel any different Logan."

"Give it time. I’m sure it will be fine soon. I just wish we knew who did this."

"It was Thorne." Ridge said. "It was him both times I tell you. My brother needs help."

"It was not Thorne." Eric said adamantly. "He has no reason to hurt either one of you."

"Well have you talked to the police? Do they have any other leads? No! Because they know it was him." Ridge said as he threw down the magazine. "He tried to kill Logan and he ruined my life."

"Ridge." Brooke said softly. "I really don’t think it was him. He isn’t so stupid that he would keep the gun and that wig in his office. It was a set up and you know it. And we all know who set him up."

"You still think it was Macy Brooke?" Eric asked.

"She threatened me, she’s been drinking and she thinks that Grant and I are involved. It was her. It kills me that she is doing this to Thorne. I think we all need to be there to support him."

"Well I agree with you about that Brooke. We all have to stick together, that’s what families are for."

"How convenient that I’m family when you need me."

"You’re always family Brooke." Eric assured her. "No matter how stubborn you are." He laughed.

"Is this about Morgan again? What do you expect me to do Eric?"

"Let’s just drop this for now shall we." Ridge asked them.

"I’d love to but I need her out of the office." Brooke insisted.

"Grant can use my office Logan, seriously I can’t do anything right now anyway."

"Alright." She said. "Fine, you win. I don’t even care anymore."

"Don’t be that way Logan."

"Sorry, I’m in a bad mood."

"Again?" Eric sighed.

"You would be too Eric if you saw what I did last night."

"What did you see?"

"Rick and Amber in my kitchen in the middle of the night without their clothes on, well at least Amber didn’t have any on."

"What?" Eric barked. "How did you let this happen?"

"Let this happen? I had nothing to do with it. Now I don’t know what to do to stop it and worse of all is that Michael thinks the whole thing is hysterical."

"He doesn’t understand the situation." Ridge said in his defense.

"Well he does now." Brooke told them. "But I’m still not happy about it all."

"I’ll talk to Rick." Eric volunteered. "I don’t like this at all."

"Don’t aggravate him Eric, you’ll only make it worse." Brooke said as Eric headed out of the office with a look of determination on his face.

"What am I going to do Ridge? He doesn’t listen. That girl is going to hurt him again."

"Logan I wish I could tell you. I don’t like this anymore than you do. How I regret that we ever let her into our home."

"Yeah." Brooke said as she thought about it. "Things were so different then Ridge."

"I know. Life was sure simpler. Do you ever wonder how our lives would have been?"

"Don’t go there." She warned him. "Things are bad enough without me getting nostalgic."

"Oh Logan, we sure have been through a lot together haven’t we." Ridge said. "But you’re happy now."

"Yes I am. Not at this exact moment but in general yes I am. I wish you could say the same. I never thought that I’d get over you Ridge, but I did. And I never thought you would not be with Taylor anymore and look at you. I wish I could do something to help you."

"You did Brooke. The dress, it did it. She loves me, she told me she does."

"You knew that already. But she’s still living with Bryan."

"It won’t last. She’s coming back to me, I know it."

"Honey I don’t want you to be hurt. Please don’t count too heavily on this. I talked to her this morning."

"And?" He asked.

"We were making plans for the wedding. She isn’t leaving him Ridge, I’m sorry but she isn’t."

"She told you that?"

"She’s making plans Ridge, for a wedding and a honeymoon. She wants this marriage to work." She said as she looked into his sad eyes.

"Damn." He said. "I was so sure. I was positive."

"Oh Ridge." She said as she walked up to him and put her arms around him. "I know how much you wanted this. I tried so hard to make it work for you."

"I know you did Logan." He kissed her on the forehead. "You’re the best friend a guy could ever have. It’s just too bad you’re the best friend Taylor has too." She let go of him.

"It does make me feel like a volleyball sometimes." She agreed. She looked at her watch. "Remember we have that meeting at eleven."

"I’ll be there." He promised.

 

Grant was heading into the Forrester building when Macy stepped out in front of him.

"Hello Grant." She said.

"Hi Macy. What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you. I went by Brooke’s but you weren’t there. Did you move out?"
"No, I um, I spent the night somewhere else."

"We need to talk Grant. We need to fix things."

"There isn’t anything to fix Macy. You and Thorne are married."

"No Grant, you and I are married. My marriage to Thorne is not real because you and I are still married."

"We can get that straightened out Macy." He said. "You and Thorne can make it legal. Just give Bryan a little more time to work on it."

"You don’t seem to understand Grant. I love you. I want to be your wife, not Thorne’s."

"I can’t do that Macy. I don’t even remember you. How can you expect me to pretend things are like they were when they aren’t?"

"I know you’re attracted to me. I know how good we were together Grant. We still can be. Why don’t you leave Brooke’s house and move into the beach house with me."

"The one next to Thorne?"

"That’s where we lived before."

"And he lived next to us?" He asked in astonishment.

"Yes. It wasn’t our idea. He moved in after we did. He followed us."

"Macy I wish I could do the things you want and remember our life but I can’t."

"We can build a new one. I love you." She said as she gazed into his eyes. For one brief moment it felt very right to him. He took both her hands and held them tightly.

"What do you say we try it slowly?"

"How slowly? I need to be with you." She complained.

"Macy." He said softly. He pulled her to him and kissed her. She held him tightly as she ran her hands up and down his back.

"Please Grant, give us a chance." She begged.

"Tonight. Let’s get together tonight. We can have a quiet dinner and talk. But Macy, no drinking. I want us to be sober this time."

"Yes Grant, I want that too." She said happily.

 

Michael grabbed the bag from the backseat as he got out of his car at Forrester. He had had a busy morning with his patients and decided to surprise Brooke and Megan with lunch from his favorite deli. He knew he didn’t have long to spend with them as he had two minor surgeries scheduled for the afternoon. Still wearing his white doctor’s jacket over his jeans and light blue shirt he walked into the building with a grin at the security guard who remembered him.

"Dr. Copeland, good to see you again." Henry told him.

"Hello Henry. Nice to see you too. I’m trying to sneak in a quick lunch with my wife and her assistant."

"Go right in." He said.

Michael quickly made his way to Megan’s desk and put down the bag.

"Hello Megan." He grinned at her.

"Dr. Copeland." She smiled back.

"Mike." He reminded her. "Is my wife in?"

"She’s in a meeting." She said regretfully.

"Oh no." He said with a pained expression. "See what happens when you try to surprise someone. I got lunch for all of us."

"All who?" She asked with a laugh.

"You, Brooke and me." He said. He opened the bag and showed her. "I got some great sandwiches and pickles and potato salad and all sorts of great stuff. I can’t believe she’s not here."

"She’ll be so disappointed."

"Well what’s the chance of a cute assistant having lunch with a lonely surgeon?" He flirted with her.

"You’re on." She smiled.

"Now I didn’t get any cold drinks cause I figured they’d be hot by the time I got here. I’ll get some from your machine." He reached into his wallet and peered in. "No singles. You wanna spring for the sodas?" He asked.

"Sure." She smiled as she got out her purse and handed him a couple of bills. He took them and reached to look at the book Megan was reading.

"Stephen King? Scary stuff to be reading on your lunch break." He teased.

"Well I didn’t know I’d be in such good company." She said.

"Well why don’t you grab the bag and I’ll get the drinks and we can sit outside and eat." He suggested.

"Sounds like fun." She agreed.

 

Down the hall, but out of hearing range Lauren Fenmore was taking in the exchange. "Umm-umm Brooke sure has some nice looking delivery guys in here." She said to herself as she watched him talking to Megan. He reached for something on the side of her desk. "Nice ass." She said with a grin. "Now working stiffs aren’t usually your type Lauren but I think I can make an exception in his case." She watched him as he walked away and then she saw Megan walk away in the opposite direction with the bag.

"Well I guess he’s not hers so that means he’s fair game." She grinned as she took off in the direction she saw him go. She found him at the vending machines getting a couple of cans of soda. Pretending to be busy and absorbed in something she headed towards him and let herself walk right into him. She let her purse fall to the ground spilling it’s contents.

"Oh." She said. "I’m so sorry, how clumsy of me."

He turned to her and gave her a huge grin. "A woman as beautiful as you can be anything she wants. Sorry I was in your way." He reached down and picked up her purse and its contents and gave them to her. "Again, I’m sorry. Can I offer you a peace offering?" He asked as he handed her a can of Pepsi.

"Thanks." She smiled taking it from him. I do think I want this man in my bed. She thought.

"Well. I’ll see you around." He smiled again and walked away.

"Damn!" She said. "I sure hope he comes here often." She shook her head trying to get his image out as she headed to Stephanie’s office.

Changes Part 74

 

"Lauren! How good to see you again." Stephanie said as she got up and hugged her one time friend. "I’m so sorry about last night but things got hectic and it was so late."

"No need to explain." Lauren smiled at her.

"Well I hated to leave you in town alone like that."

"You know me Stephanie, I wasn’t alone."

"A man?" She asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, a man." Lauren grinned. "Actually I had dinner with Grant."

"Grant Chambers? Was that odd?"

"Odd? What would be odd about it?"

"Well he isn’t really himself now is he?"

"Well whoever he was he was pretty good." Lauren said with a throaty laugh. "Actually his memory wasn’t that bad Stephanie. We had no problems talking."

"But he doesn’t know his own wife."

"That’s true. He told me that. He’s pretty upset about it too. I imagine Macy is too."

"Macy is back with Thorne and that’s where she will stay."

"Really?" Lauren said. "I didn’t think you were much of a supporter of that union."

"She’s better than his last choice."

"And who would that be?" Lauren asked, her interest peaked.

"You have been away a long time." Stephanie laughed. "It was Brooke, he was all set to marry her."

"Now I’m confused. I thought she was married."

"Oh she is. I told you I had no use for that creature she married. But it was a rebound thing. She’d drop him in a second if she could hold onto one of my boys."

"Is that so? She seemed pretty wound up about him when I talked to her before."

"It’s all an act Lauren. I have to protect Ridge and Thorne from her at all costs."

"So why don’t you like her husband?"

"I’d rather not go into that. Just believe me when I tell you he’s despicable. If you get a chance to meet him, and I’m sure you will, be careful. He is truly evil."

"Hmmm. Now this I have to see for myself." She told her. "Anyway enough about Brooke’s husband. I’d like to know when we are getting together again. I hope it’s before the wedding."

"The wedding." Stephanie said sadly. "I don’t understand how Taylor can do this. I know how she feels about Ridge. I know she loves him. They have a family."

"I take it you don’t like her choice either."

"Actually Lauren he’s a charming man. If it was any woman but Taylor I’d be happy for him. He is handsome and kind and caring. But he stepped where he doesn’t belong." She looked at Lauren. "You!" She said with a big smile.

"What about me?" Lauren asked.

"He’d be perfect for you Lauren. He’s very attractive. I think you two would have a lot in common."

"He’s Taylor’s man and he’s married!"

"When did that ever stop you?"

"Well?" Lauren smiled. "Maybe I’ve changed my ways. Besides I saw a man today that I’d love to get to know better."

"Who was that?" Stephanie asked.

"That’s the sad part. I don’t know. He was the lunch delivery guy."

"Lauren and a delivery man, a common worker? You’ve always set your sights on more than that Lauren. I can’t see you with a blue collar man."

"Paul was one." She said. "Anyway Stephanie this man, he was devastatingly handsome with the most wonderful blue eyes and what a smile. I wish I knew where to find him."

"Well I really think you can do better than that Lauren."

"Perhaps, but I wouldn’t throw him out of my bed. In fact I’d like to chain him into it." She laughed.

"You never change." Stephanie laughed.

"I sure hope not. Life would be so boring." Lauren agreed. "Anyway what about dinner?"

"Well Eric and I can make it but I don’t know about Ridge and Morgan."

"Well that’s fine. I really want to spend some time with both of you while I’m here." Lauren told her.

"Eric is in a meeting right now but we can make sure he agrees as soon as he’s out."

"Good." Lauren said.

 

"Who was that on the phone?" Debra asked her daughter.

"Would you give it a break Mom? I wish I never told you anything."

"Don’t give me that smart mouth."

"It was a friend, Jenny. She wants me to go to the mall with her tonight. Now I suppose you’ll say no to that too."

"Oh Sara, why can’t you understand I’m trying to look out for you?"

"I can take care of myself." She said. "Nothing happened at Bridget’s."

"That man hurt you."

"He didn’t mean to, he just grabbed my arm while I was walking away. Why can’t you just leave him alone? He never did anything to you."

"You heard what Bridget told you and now he’s trying to get you to do things with him. If only I had some proof. I’d have him in jail so fast he wouldn’t know what hit him."

"Mother!" She said. "That’s not fair. Maybe he was only joking with me. He likes to joke a lot."

"That bruise on your arm is not a joke."

"It’s fading. Besides, he’s really nice. I was just weirded out when I told you. Maybe next time I’ll just say yes to him."

"Over my dead body."

"I’ll stay away from him alright, will that make you happy?" She asked.

"It will make me very happy. Now if only I could help get Bridget and her mother away from him too."

"Whatever." Sara said. She walked over to the table and grabbed an apple and took a bite out of it. "So can I go?"

"I want you home by eleven."

"One."

"Eleven."

"One."

"Sara Fulton you are still underage and you are still living under my roof."

"Alright twelve."

"And it’s just you and Jenny?"

"I think so. Maybe Tara too."

"When are you planning on leaving?"
"We want to eat there okay?"

"Alright Sara. Bring your cell phone and your pager."

"Like I’d go anywhere without them, but Mom you better not page me. I will be so embarrassed."

"Only in an emergency. And I expect you to call me if anything goes wrong."

"It won’t. God Mom you are so paranoid."

"You are a beautiful young girl and it’s a dangerous world out there. Men will take advantage. You need to be careful in this day and age, very careful."

"Well we’re only going to the mall. Anyway I’m going to head to Jenny’s. We’ll leave from there."

"Alright honey. You call me if you need me."

"Yeah Mom." She said as she walked out.

 

"Oh Claude, the menu is fantastic. It’s better than I could have hoped." Taylor said to the wedding coordinator. She picked up the list again. "Now there won’t be a problem with the wine right? Bryan loves this and I want it to be special for him."

"And for you too Ms. Forrester." He agreed. "Now you must decide on the cake." He said as he pulled out three pictures. "These are the three that you narrowed it down to. Have you shown your fiancée yet?"

"He told me anything I liked would be fine. But Claude they are all so beautiful."

"Also you have not told me what color your attendants will be wearing. We do want to match the cake and the flowers perfectly."

"Well that’s a problem. I only am having a matron of honor but I have no idea what color she decided on. In fact I don’t know if she even knows."

"Ah, one of the Forrester’s is making her dress as a surprise no?"
"Well, someone from Forrester. Perhaps I should call him."

"It would make my job so much easier."

"Alright Claude." She agreed as she picked up the phone. She dialed Megan’s number.

"Hello Forrester Creations." Megan said through giggles.

"Megan?" Taylor said with a chuckle.

"Taylor hi." She said. "Sorry. Dr. Copeland, I mean Mike is here and he keeps telling me jokes."

"Well I can see why you’re laughing like that then. Is Grant in?"

"Sure, I’ll connect you. Hold on." Taylor waited a moment before Grant picked up.

"Hi Taylor, what can I do for you?"
"Hi Grant. I’m really sorry to bother you but I’m in a bind. My coordinator needs to know the color of Brooke’s dress to match the flowers and the cake and I have no idea what it is."

"Well we can’t have that now can we. It’s violet. I can bring you a swatch. In fact I have an appointment with your husband today so I can run by your place first if you’d like."

"That would be wonderful Grant. What are you and Bryan up to?"

"Oh you know, all the legal mumbo jumbo about me still being alive." He laughed. "I guess it would have been a hell of a lot easier on everyone if I had just stayed dead."

"Don’t you dare say that." She admonished. "Not even as a joke Grant."

"I didn’t mean to upset you. Really I’m pretty thrilled to be alive myself. Anyway I’ll be by soon."

"Great. I’ll be looking forward to it. So are you still working in Brooke’s office?"

"No, I’m working in Ridge’s office right now. But don’t worry we aren’t killing each other."

"Is Ridge there now?" She asked softly.

"He’s in a meeting with Brooke and Eric. Do you want me to give him a message?"

"No, that’s alright. I just didn’t want him to get upset listening to my wedding plans."

"Yeah well, I don’t know Taylor. I just thought that the way you two were."
"It’s not meant to be Grant. Let’s just leave it at that. I’ll see you later." She said hanging up the phone. She reached for a tissue and wiped the tears that were forming in her eyes. "Alright Claude. It’s violet and we will have a swatch later on today."

"Wonderful. So now tell me dear, which cake will it be?"

Taylor studied the three pictures but found her heart was not in it. Just the mention of Ridge brought back all her doubts. This is silly. She thought. I’m already married to him. This is just a formality. A party. Then why do I feel like I’m making the biggest mistake in my life? She handed one picture to Claude. "This one." She said not even looking at which she had chosen.

"Ah, an excellent choice." He concurred. "Now do you want the traditional white cake? And what kind of filling do you want?"

"I don’t know Claude. What do you suggest?"

"Well it should be what you and your husband want, after all it is your day."

"I suppose so." She said as she thought. "Well Ridge loves chocolate so maybe we should do a chocolate filling."

"Ridge?" Claude asked.

"Oh my, did I say Ridge? I meant Bryan. Oh course I meant Bryan."

"Well does Bryan like the chocolate?" He asked her.

"Yes, he does. Let’s go with the chocolate. And the white cake. I think that will be fine."

"Good. Then I guess we’re finished for now. You’ll call me when you get the swatch?"

"Of course Claude, and thank you." She told him. They got up and she walked him to the door and said good bye. I have to get Ridge out of my mind. She told herself. She walked into the kitchen and reached for the canister for the tea when she remembered it wasn’t there. She picked it up anyway and it did not feel empty. She opened it and saw that it was filled with tea bags.

"How odd. I know they weren’t there. Maybe Bryan found them and refilled it." She took one out and turned on the kettle. She reached for her favorite mug but where she normally kept it she found dish towels. "Huh?" she said. "Now what?" Taylor started going through all her cabinets but there was not a mug to be found. She opened the dishwasher and there were none there either. "What the hell is happening around here?" She asked herself. She turned off the kettle and took the tea bag to the trash can to throw it out. She looked down and saw it was full of mugs and dishes. "No." She said. "Why is this happening to me?" With tears streaming down her face she sat at the table and buried her head in her hands.

"Any messages Megan?" Brooke asked her assistant when she returned from her meeting.

"Oh Brooke, you missed Mike. He came with lunch."

"Oh no." A disappointed Brooke remarked. "He didn’t tell me he was coming."

"It was a surprise. We saved you a sandwich. It’s in the fridge, want me to get it?"

"We?" Brooke asked.

"Well he asked me to eat with him, I hope you don’t mind."

"Of course not." Brooke said with a smile. "I’m sure he enjoyed your company."

"He is such a great guy Brooke, and so funny."

"I think I’ll keep him." She grinned. "I’m so sorry I missed him. Does he want me to call him?"

"Well he said he had two surgeries and then he would see you at home."

"How did he seem?" She asked her friend.

"What do you mean?"

"Well he hadn’t been feeling well. Did he seem all right to you? I wasn’t sure if he should have gone back to work so soon."

"He seemed fine. Smiling and laughing and a big appetite."

"Good." She said. "I don’t think I’ll eat now. Rick’s bringing a date home tonight for dinner and I want to make something special."

"Is she a special girl Brooke?"
"Anyone who isn’t Amber Moore is special in my book."

"He’s not involved with her again is he?"

"I wish I could say no but he is. This dinner is a compromise. He wants to prove to me that he is seeing other girls and it isn’t serious with Amber but I have my doubts. That girl wants into this family pretty badly."

"I’m sorry Brooke, I know how you feel about her."

"I guess we can only hope and pray right now." She said as she picked up her messages. "No call from Taylor? That’s odd."

"Were you expecting her?"

"We planned on going over some more wedding plans. Maybe I should give her a call." She looked at her messages again. "I wonder what Grant wants."

"He’s in Ridge’s office. He wanted you to come over as soon as you got out."

"Alright." Brooke said. "I’ll go down there now. If Michael calls just send it there."

"I will Brooke." Megan agreed.

Brooke walked down to Ridge’s office and walked in. "Hi men." She smiled at Ridge and Grant. "You wanted to see me." She said to Grant.

"Do you want me to leave?" Ridge asked Grant.

"Not at all. Brooke, I have something for you."

"For me?" She asked.

"Yeah, I’ve been working very hard on this. I hope you’ll like it." He went over to the rack and got a long garment bag.

"A dress! You’ve designed a dress Grant?" Brooke asked excitedly. "Is it for the fall collection? It’s too late for spring."

"Neither. It’s for you Brooke. Take a look at it."

"For me?" She smiled. "Grant that wasn’t necessary."

"Come on Logan, check it out." Ridge prodded her. "Let’s see if the guy still has it."

Brooke unzipped the bag and removed the beautiful gown. "Oh my God Grant. It’s beautiful. Is this for me to wear?"

"To Taylor’s wedding." Grant finished for her. "Do you like it?"

"Grant I love it."

"Would you try it on so I can fit you?"

"Of course." She said.

"It’s lovely Grant." Ridge agreed. "Logan you will look spectacular."

"Unzip me please." She said to Grant as she turned around. She took the dress behind the screen and changed into it she came out and turned back to Grant. "Now you can zip me up." He zipped the dress and she stood in front of him.

"Ridge, come here and tell me what you think." Grant asked. Ridge walked over and took one look at Brooke and whistled. She was wearing a satin strapless violet dress that was fitted to the body on top and flowed out to a long wide skirt.

"Perfect. It fits her like a glove Grant."

"Even the length is right." Brooke said.

"The shoes!" Grant grinned. He walked to his desk and handed her a shoebox. "I thought these would be perfect. The shoes were strappy little pumps that perfectly matched the dress. Brooke lifted her one foot and then the other as Grant put them on her.

"I feel like Cinderella." She smiled.

"You’re much prettier." Ridge said with a grin. "You were right Grant, this lady is gonna be some real competition for the bride."

"Oh no, then maybe I shouldn’t." Brooke said.

"Don’t be silly Logan. You and Taylor will always be the prettiest ladies around. Turn around." She spun and Ridge checked out the back of the dress. There was a slit to about the knee. "Nice touch Grant. I really like it."

"Thanks Ridge, coming from you that’s a real complement."

"Has Taylor seen it?" She asked them.

"I offered to show it to her but she said you should see it first."

"I love it. I can’t thank you enough Grant." She walked over to him and kissed him.

"What about her hair Grant? Any ideas?" Ridge asked.

"I thought some simple flowers would do it."

"Come her Logan." Ridge said as he grabbed some flowers out of the vase. "Now pretend these are the right color." Using his good hand he played with her hair and then held the flowers in place for Grant to see. "Like this?" He asked.

"Yeah, perfect Ridge."

"You’ll be wonderful Logan." He said with a kiss on her cheek. "I only wish I could be there to see you."

"You aren’t going?" She asked him.

"It’ll be too painful Brooke, I just can’t do it."

"I understand. I’m so sorry Ridge, so very sorry." She hugged him tightly.

"Hey don’t wrinkle the dress." Grant said with a laugh.

"Yeah, I better get out of it."

"Turn around Logan." Ridge said. She did and he unzipped her. She gave him a sad smile and walked behind the screen again. "Well I have something I have to take care of. I’ll see you two later." Ridge said as he walked out.

 

Taylor had just finished washing and drying and putting away the mugs and plates when the doorbell rang. She dried her hands with a dishtowel and ran for the door. She opened it to a smiling Ridge.

"Hello Doc."
"Ridge." She said. "What are you doing here?"

"This." He said as he handed her the garment bag with the wedding dress and headpiece. "You didn’t take it after the show. I hope you’re going to wear it."

"Ridge I don’t think it would be appropriate. I think I’m going to wear one of your fathers old designs."

"Taylor come on, I designed this for you, for no one but you. Please wear it."

She took the dress from him. "Come on in." She said as she led him inside. She put the dress on the couch. "I want to wear it Ridge, but do you really think it’s fair to Bryan?"

"How can it not be Doc. You are an angel. He has to love you in it."

"He knows you designed it Ridge."

"He knows I’m a designer. Doc listen to me. My arm isn’t getting any better, this may be the last thing I ever do. How can you not wear it?"

"That’s emotional blackmail."

"What would I be getting out of it except to know that I did something to make the woman I love happy? There is so little I can do for you anymore Doc. We have a strange relationship."

"It won’t be that way forever. One day we’ll be as close as you and Brooke are. I mean as friends."

"I don’t see that happening Doc. Bryan won’t let it happen."

"Bryan has no choice in that Ridge. You and I mean too much to each other for it all to disappear. I don’t want that and I don’t think you do either."

"I’ll take whatever I can get Doc. I love you." He took her hand. "But I have to know. What changed? What happened after we were together at the show? You told me you loved me and only me. You kissed me. It was all happening. I felt it and I know you did too."

"I was caught up in the moment Ridge. I forgot, I forgot I already was Bryan’s wife. That isn’t going to change Ridge, no matter how much I love you I can’t hurt him."

"But you don’t love him the way you love me."

"I love him Ridge, I truly do love him. I am committed to this marriage." She looked deeply into his eyes. "I can’t keep having this conversation with you Ridge. It’s way too painful for both of us."

"You said you loved me and only me Taylor. Was that a lie?"
"Not at the moment. If I said it now it would be but at that moment it was only you. You have that effect on me Ridge."

"We love each other Taylor, how can you pretend it’s different. I’m only half a man without you."

"Please don’t do this to me Ridge. I can’t keep doing this. I’m going insane with the pressures. If you really do love me you’ll stop it and let me live the life I’ve chosen."

"Even if we both know it’s the wrong life? Taylor it is. We need to be together. I need you like I need the air that I breathe." He pulled her into his arms and looked deeply into her eyes. "Tell me you don’t feel the same way. I know you can’t."

"Go home Ridge." She said pulling away. "Go home to Morgan."

"I’m sorry I bothered you Doc." Ridge said sadly. "Please think about wearing the dress." He said as he walked to the door and let himself out.

 

Brooke had told Grant that they were having Rick and a date for dinner and that she wanted to get home early to get things started. He had laughed at the fact she was worried about impressing a young girl like that but she had explained the situation with Amber and he had understood. She offered to invite Lauren but Grant had declined as he had a date with Macy that night. Brooke stopped at the grocery store before going home and she had bought everything she needed for her meal. She was in the middle of washing and cutting vegetables when Bridget came into the kitchen.

"Hi Mom. What are you doing home so early?"

"Well honey, Rick is bringing a date home so I wanted dinner to be special."

"Ugh, for Amber?" She asked.

"No." Brooke said. "He promised it would not be Amber. I’m anxious to see who he brings home. Now that he and Kimberly aren’t seeing each other anymore." She looked down at the beans she was cutting. "Do you have any idea why he isn’t seeing Kimberly Bridget?"

"Yeah, she wouldn’t put out."

"Bridget!"
"I mean it Mom. He said she was nothing but a big tease. Well he didn’t exactly say big tease."

"I can imagine what he said. Well I thought he liked her more than that. Anyway do you have any idea who this other girl can be?"

"Nope." Bridget said as she took a raw bean and ate it. Brooke lightly smacked her hand.

"Hey! I’m working here."

"What are you making?"

"Tarragon Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Bean, Carrots, and salad."

"Sounds good. Can I ask someone?"

"Not tonight honey. This is Rick’s night. Maybe tomorrow."

"Is Mike home yet?"

"Not yet honey. Why?"

"Well we were gonna go see Jason if he was though early enough."

"Not this time." Brooke looked at her daughter. "You really like that little boy don’t you?"

"Yeah. Mike wants you to meet him too."

"I’d like to. I’d love to meet this kid who has captivated my husband and my daughter."

"He’s so cute Mom, and so lonely."

"Who’s lonely?" Michael asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"Honey!" Brooke exclaimed as she ran to him and put her arms around him. "I’m so glad you’re home early."

"Well don’t get too excited. I have to get back to the hospital. I had a few moments and I wanted to come home and get some files. You know it really is difficult having my office at my old house and working at the hospital and trying to keep things here. We really should start looking at new homes, you know somewhere that I can have an office too."

"Why don’t we just move to your house Mike?" Bridget suggested.

"Because of you." He touched her on the nose. "You were totally against it or against even moving."

"That was then. I didn’t know you then. Is your house nice?" She asked.

"Oh Bridget it’s beautiful." Brooke told her. "It’s huge and he has two big pools and gardens with every kind of flowers you can imagine."

"Really?" She asked.

"Yeah, and I have fruit trees too. It’s a great place Budge. I had it built for me. My office is right there. Would you really consider living there?"

"Sure." She said as she gave him a hug. "Can you show it to me?"

"I will. Maybe tomorrow or the next day."

"Then let’s move there." Bridget said. "I’m sorry I gave you a hard time before. Really."

Michael put his arms around the two women. "You two are the absolute best. Budge I know the perfect room for you too. In fact I think I may go over there tomorrow and check some things out."

"You love that house don’t you." Brooke said.

"Not as much as I love you."

"But you gave it up for us. You gave up everything for us."

"I gave up nothing for you." He kissed her. "But I am happy about this. Brooke remember our first night there?"

"I sure do." She grinned.

"Well I will let you two ladies decorate it any way you want. I mean after all it was a bachelor’s house. Now it will be home to our family." He kissed Brooke on the lips and then Bridget on the cheek. "I love you both. Now let me go get my files so I can get back to work."

"You’ll be home for dinner won’t you?" Brooke asked.

"Honey I’ll do my best but this is a big surgery I have to do. Don’t wait for me. I promise I’ll be back before you finish."

"Please try." She told him.

Michael went into the study and got his files and came back into the kitchen.

"Okay ladies. I promise to do my best to get home as soon as possible." He kissed Brooke.

"How do you feel today? Any pain?"

"A little, not too bad. I took some Advil’s so I’m okay." He kissed her again. "Now don’t you worry about me. I swear that if I felt bad I’d be up in bed. I’m not a masochist. That is except when I get into bed next to you." He laughed. "Love you sweetie. Bye Budge!" He grinned again at them and walked out.

 

Taylor was sitting on her couch staring at the wedding gown when the doorbell rang again. "Oh please Ridge, don’t let it be you. I just couldn’t take it." She said as she wiped her teary eyes. "I’ll be right there." She shouted. She got up and walked to the door. A smile crossed her face when she saw Grant.

"Grant!" She said.

"Hi Taylor." He said with a smile. "I have that swatch for you."

"Please come in." She said as she stepped aside to let him in. "Can I get you some coffee or a cold drink?"

"Coffee would be great."

"Good, let’s go into the kitchen." She led him in and started to get out the coffee when she remembered it was missing. "Oh dear, there wasn’t any this morning." She told him. "Is tea alright?"

"Tea is fine." He told her. "But that looks like coffee on the counter." He said pointing to a pound package.

"What?" She said totally confused. "This wasn’t there before. Oh whatever." She said as she opened it and put it in the coffeemaker.

"What’s wrong Taylor. You certainly don’t seem yourself."

"Oh Grant." She said as she let the tears fall again. "I don’t even know what myself is anymore. Everyday I get more and more confused. I don’t know what I’m doing anymore and I keep second-guessing all my decisions. I’m so unhappy."

"Oh Taylor." He said as he put his arms around her. "Come on, let it out. Don’t try to hold it all in."

She held him tightly and openly wept in his arms. "It’s all so confusing. I love Bryan, I really do. He is so good to me. He’s sexy and loving. He’s everything a woman could ever want. But he isn’t Ridge."

"I know. Taylor I know. I don’t know what it is about that guy that makes you women so crazy but I know he does it. But Taylor if you love him that much don’t you think you owe it to yourself to try and make it work with him? I don’t like to see you so unhappy."

"But there is so much more. There’s Morgan and her baby. And he’s married to her so what good does it do me to tell him I love him?"

"But you do love him Taylor. And he loves you. I can see it in both your eyes. I don’t want to try to tell you what to do but you have to think about yourself and your family."

"But I’m already married Grant. This wedding is just a ceremony, something to cement out commitment, a commitment that I can’t seem to live with."

"Does Bryan know how you feel?"

"He knows that my feelings for Ridge are still so very strong but he has faith in us, in our love." She looked up at him. "It’s so unfair to him. I wish I didn’t have these feelings. Bryan is really such a wonderful guy. He loves me so much."

"Taylor you married him on impulse. I know you don’t want to hear that but it’s true. You weren’t ready to make that commitment and you did it."

"I know." She admitted. "But I did and now I want to make it work. But Grant, I can’t seem to get Ridge out of my head."

Grant held her closely as she softly cried.

 

"Who is he?" Joe asked Blake as they stared at the screen.

"I think he’s a guy she went to college with. Though it seems he’s only a friend. But I don’t like this thing about Ridge one bit. I have to find a way to poison her mind about him. Think Joe. We have to do something and we have to do it fast."

 

"Brooke?" Michael called out as he walked into the house. He went into the living room and the dining room but they were empty. "Where are you?" He called from the kitchen.

"We’re out by the pool having drinks. Come on out! You’re right on time."

"Great." He said as he walked outside. He walked to his wife and gave her a kiss. "I hope you didn’t hold off for me."

"Just a little." She admitted.

He looked over by the lounge chair and saw Rick sitting with his arm around a girl, their backs to them.

"That’s not Amber is it?" He asked Brooke.

"No." She said with a smile. "Michael’s home guys we can go in for dinner now." She announced. A look of shock and disgust came over Michael’s face as they got up and Sara gave him a smile.

"Hello Michael." She said in a sexy voice. "I’m so glad you made it."

Changes Part 75

 

 

"Ah the Café Russe, I love this place. No matter where my travels take me I always find myself missing this place." Lauren said to Eric and Stephanie after they were seated.

"So where have your travels taken you Lauren?" Stephanie asked.

"Paris, Rome, Venice, New York, London you name it."

"For Fenmore’s?" Stephanie asked her.

"Mostly. Though I do love traveling. But I’ve missed being home too."

"And where is home these days?" Eric questioned.

"Mostly Genoa City but I do think of L. A. as home too."

"Perhaps we can persuade you to stick around." Eric suggested.

"Perhaps you can." Lauren answered with a smile.

"So is there anyone special in your life?"

"Why Eric, are you jealous?" Lauren said in a sexy tone. Stephanie quickly turned her attention to her husband to gage his reaction.

"Stephanie and I are very happy Lauren, I just hoped you were too."

"Now when is Lauren Fenmore not happy?" She purred in response.

"So is there a man?" Eric persisted.

"No, not right now. Although I have seen a couple of candidates."

"A delivery man." Stephanie scoffed.

"There’s nothing wrong in working physically for a living." Eric told her.

"Since when is delivering sandwiches working?" Stephanie said with a laugh. "I told her to set her sights a little bit higher."

"Maybe if you had seen him Stephanie." Lauren laughed. "He’s very handsome and charming too."

"Charming at minimum wage?" Stephanie said shaking her head. She turned to Eric. "I thought she and Bryan might hit it off."

"Stephanie what in the world are you talking about? Bryan is Taylor’s husband!"

"Oh pooh! He won’t be long. Taylor and Ridge will be back together soon."

"Stephanie, our son is married to Morgan and Taylor is married to Bryan. They will not be getting back together. Now stop this nonsense." He turned to Lauren. "Lauren forgive us for arguing. We both want to see Ridge and Taylor happy but I think their new spouses can do that."

"I told Lauren that I like Bryan, just not for Taylor. As for Morgan well I don’t care for her."

"She seems alright to me." Lauren said. "But I’m really not interested in busting up a marriage, that is unless my delivery guy is married." She laughed.

"Probably married and supporting six kids on minimum wage." Stephanie scoffed.

"Where did you meet him Lauren?" Eric asked.

"Actually I met him at Forrester. He bought me a Pepsi."

"How generous." Stephanie laughed.

"He works at Forrester?" Eric asked.

"No, he was delivering lunch." Lauren answered. "But I guess I’ll never see him again."

"Well we have a lot of employees and we order in a lot. Maybe you’ll get another chance." He picked up the wine list. "So ladies, what will it be? Red or white?"

 

Michael grabbed Brooke by the arm and pulled her into the house without saying a word.

"Michael you’re hurting me!" She said as she rubbed her arm.

"What the hell is she doing here?"

"She’s Rick’s date." Brooke said. "What’s the matter with you?"

"What the f*ck do you think is the matter with me? That little slut is in my house again. No! No Brooke, I will not have this. What part of what I told you people don’t you understand? The girl took her clothes off and got into my bed. She had her hands all over me!"

"Michael it’s a crush. She’s here as Rick’s date, this is not about you."

"Did you see the way she looked at me? Did you hear her tone of voice? Why did he bring her anyway? What happened to Amber?"

"I don’t approve of Amber."

"Well I don’t approve of Sara and I have good reason."

"And you think I don’t have good reason about Amber?"

"Brooke this isn’t about Amber. It’s about Sara and the damage she’s doing."

"Well then tell me."

"I have been telling you but you haven’t been listening. Look she’s right out there and I don’t intend to give her any more ammunition. We’ll eat our dinner, Rick can take her home and then you and Bridget and I are going to sit down and have a long talk."

"This sounds serious." Brooke said.

"It is. I don’t know how much clearer I can be. It is dead serious." He looked at his wife. "I’m sorry honey, I don’t mean to yell at you. I just want you to understand me." He looked at her arm. "Damn it I hurt you. Honey I’m so sorry." He rubbed it and bent down and kissed it. "Forgive me?"

"I know you didn’t mean it." She said. "Maybe after we talk I’ll understand, I just don’t right now."

He took her into his arms and kissed her. "I promise you will understand and you will agree with me. Just know how much I love you." He kissed her again.

"And I love you too Michael. I swear I do." She softly touched his face. "It seems like we’re always fighting over Rick’s taste in dates."

"I don’t want to be fighting over anything sweetheart. Let’s get though this evening and then we can settle everything." He put his arm around her and together they walked back outside.

 

"Why is it so dark in here?" Bryan asked as he walked into the house. "Taylor? Where are you baby?"

"Over here." She said softly from the couch.

"Why on earth are you sitting in the dark?" He asked as he turned on a light. He walked over to her, took off his jacket and tie and sat down next to her. He immediately noticed her red eyes. "You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?"
She threw her arms around him. "Bryan I’ve missed you so much."

"I’ve only been at work. Taylor something is wrong. What is it?"

"I think I’m going crazy. I can’t seem to remember doing things that I’ve done. Thinks disappear and reappear and I just don’t know why."

"You’re under a lot of stress. The kids, me, the wedding and now this fashion show. Don’t beat yourself up over it."

"I don’t think it’s stress. I don’t know what’s wrong with me." She said as she started to cry again. He pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried.

"I can’t stand to see you like this. What can I do? Do you want to postpone the wedding? Is it too much too fast?"

"No." She said. "No, it’s the only good thing I have. Please Bryan, let’s not do anything to stop our wedding. I love you so much."

"I know you do. I just don’t want to put anymore stress on you. Maybe I should take some time off and take care of more of the details. Anything baby, anything. You name it and I’ll do it."

"I’m sorry." She sniffled as she rested her head on his shoulder. "This should be the happiest time of our lives and I’m a mess."

"You are not a mess. Taylor don’t even think that." He kissed her softly on the lips.

"I have to ask you something Bryan, and if you don’t want me to I won’t."

"What is it baby?"

"Ridge gave me the dress I modeled. It was his wedding present to me. He asked me to wear it to our wedding."

"The dress I saw you in on television?" He asked. "He gave it to you?"

"I can understand if you don’t want me to but Bryan it’s such a beautiful dress and it was so sweet of him to do this for us."

"I’m really surprised. Do you mean he’s supporting our wedding?"

"I guess he is." She said. "You know how hard this is for him."

"I do and I appreciate it. I’d hate to be the one in his position. Sure you should wear the dress. I think it was a wonderful gesture on his part. I really do. It paves the way for us all to have a much better relationship. It’s important for the children too."
"You are a wonderful, kind, understanding man." She told him.

"Not sexy?" He teased.

"Very sexy." She said.

"Good, I thought I might be losing my touch."

"Never." She smiled at him.

"Where are the kids? Does Katherine have them?"

"Yes but they should be home soon. Did you have anything in mind?" She said with a laugh.

"Oh yeah." He said as he picked her up. "I have plenty in mind." He laughed as he started to unbutton her blouse. He put his lips to hers and kissed her again but this time full of passion.

"Oh Bryan." She sighed. "I love you. I love you so much."

"You’re only saying that cause I’m so cute." He teased. His fingers slid under her open blouse and he cupped her breasts. He carried her into the bedroom and gently laid her on the bed. Taylor pulled her blouse off and unsnapped her jeans. "Let me help you." He said as he pulled them off her, leaving her in her lacy black panties and bra. "You look good enough to eat."

"Be my guest." She laughed.

"An invitation I will not refuse." He grinned. He quickly took off his shirt and pants. Then he opened the front clasp to her bra and lowered his mouth to her hardened nipples. Taylor felt a flood of warmth between her legs and she arched herself up to him. Their bodies met as his hardness brushed her wetness through her skimpy panties. "Too much clothes." He said as he lowered them off of her.

"Yours too." She said as her hand reached for him.

"You bet." He said as he pulled his underwear off leaving nothing between them. He brought his mouth back to her waiting breasts as her hand reached to stroke him.

"Now baby." She said as she guided him into her with her hand. "Oh God yes." She moaned in pleasure as he quickly filled her.

 

"Ridge!" Morgan called from the bedroom. "I can’t reach this shelf, can you help me?"

"I’ll be right there Morgan." He said as he got up from the couch and went into the bedroom. "What are you looking for?" He asked seeing her groping at the shelf in the closet.

"I’m chilly. I want a sweatshirt."

"Stand back." He said with a grin. He couldn’t get over how big she had gotten. No matter what his feelings were for her or Taylor he still felt the excitement of the impending birth. He grabbed the gray sweatshirt and handed it to her. "This one?" He asked.

"Thanks." She said with a smile.

"It’s almost time isn’t it?" He said as he tenderly touched her swollen belly.

"Pretty soon you’ll have a new daughter or son. Are you excited at all?"

"I am Morgan, more than I thought I would be." He said with a smile. "What about you?"

"I can’t wait Ridge, all I ever wanted was to have your baby. We will be so blessed."

"Well this isn’t the life I would have chosen but it is working out better than I had hoped. Except for this." He shrugged his bad arm. A look of deep regret crossed her face.

"I feel so terrible about that." She told him.

"Well it’s not your fault Morgan."

"But it’s so unfair. Why did you have to jump in the way like that?"

"Would you have wanted me to watch Brooke die?" He asked her.

"Better her than you."

"Morgan."

"I don’t want to see you suffer."

"The doctor told me that I’m getting more reaction, I can’t tell the difference but he sees it."

"You’ll be better soon, you just have to be."

"I appreciate your concern Morgan." He told her.

"It’s more than concern, it’s love. I promise to make you and our child the happiest most wonderful home ever. I swear Ridge, you will never regret marrying me." She looked at him with wide, sad eyes.

"I don’t Morgan." He said with a halfhearted smile. "We’ll be okay." He gave her a kiss. "I promise I’ll try harder to show you my appreciation."

"I love you Ridge." She smiled.

 

"Did Thorne give you a hard time Macy?" Grant asked as they sat across the candlelit table.

"He had no choice. I told him this was what I wanted and here I am." She smiled warmly at him. "Grant you have to understand. You are my husband and I love you. I don’t mean this to cheapen what Thorne and I have, I just want you to know that I have no intention of giving up on us."

"But it must be hard. I know you two have been through a lot together."

"It was weakened by Brooke. We just sort of fell back together. It wasn’t a strong love, it was more like falling into a comfortable pattern. What we have is so much more than that."

"The sex was great but we really haven’t moved much past that." Grant told her. "I admit I do have feelings for you and I enjoy your company very much."

"You will remember it Grant. We had a love that was so special and I still feel it, I’ve always felt it. Honey it never left me. I have never stopped loving and missing you. All I want is a chance for us to get it back."

"And you’re willing to just throw your relationship with Thorne away? Macy I’m not in love with you."

"You will be, you were once and it will happen again. Grant we were so happy and so much in love. Please tell me you’ll give us a chance."

"I will Macy, I just don’t want to step on a lot of toes. I don’t want to hurt anyone. My life has been so hard and so confusing and I don’t wish it on anyone."

"Is this what it’s really about Grant or is it about Brooke?"

"I won’t lie to you. I love her Macy. I know she’s married and I respect that, in fact I really like Michael, but it doesn’t make those feelings go away."

Macy looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Why is it always Brooke? What’s so damn special about her? I don’t even like that bitch."

"Macy I fell in love with her when we first worked together at Forrester. I know our marriage wasn’t legal but my love was real. It still is."

"Let me make you forget her. I can Grant, I did before and I can do it again."

"Macy let’s just enjoy each others company tonight. Let’s not be all complicated and serious. You say you want me to give us a chance and I will but it has to happen naturally."

"Will you spend the night with me?" She asked hopefully.

"I can’t, not if you read too much into it."

"Grant we’ve done it before."

"But I didn’t know and you didn’t know. Besides we can’t go to Brooke’s and we can’t go to your house."

"We can go to a hotel. And if you want I will go to Brooke’s. I can get past that, I’ll get past anything to be with you." She took his hand. "It was so good Grant."

"Let’s dance." He said changing the subject. He stood up and led her to the dance floor. He took her into his arms and they swayed to the sound of a soft love ballad.

 

Joe walked into the living room of Blake’s rented cottage balancing the remote control, a can of beer and a stack of mail. He used his mouth to carry the hotdog he was eating. Putting down the beer and the mail her turned the television on and took a bite of the hotdog. "Sleeping." He said through his full mouth. He checked the other rooms and then switched to the tape from earlier. "My, my you two have been busy." He said as he watched Taylor and Bryan’s intense lovemaking. "I don’t think my friend Blake is going to like this one bit." He took another bite and focused in on the scene in front of him. "But then again he will never know it exists. This one is too good to lose. I can make a fortune in the trade with this. No need for Blake to ever know. Let him think his plan is keeping them apart. Now if only I can get one of her f*cking the other stud." He got up and removed the tape and stuck it in a brown paper bag with trash. "Ah yes Miss Taylor, you are going to be the queen of the porno trade soon." He said with a laugh. "But this guy is smart enough to wait for the payoff. I’ll get the dough from Blake and then I’ll sell these tapes. Let’s hope you two got another show or two in you." He laughed. He put in another blank tape and started the machine taping again.

 

 

Michael looked around nervously. Brooke and Bridget had gone inside to get dinner ready and he was left with Rick and Sara, who was giving him subtle glances.

"Rick, could you get me another glass of lemonade?" Sara asked sweetly.

"Sure." Rick said as he jumped up and went into the house.

"Alone at last." Sara cooed to Michael with a smile.

"Knock it off Sara. I thought I made myself clear to you yesterday."

"Come on Mike. I thought we were friends."

"No Sara, we’re not. I don’t know what you have up your sleeve but you might as well forget all about it." He said angrily.

"You’re going to f*ck me." She said. "And believe me it will be the best you ever had."

"Not gonna happen little girl." He said shaking his head. "Not in a million years."

"I have patience." She smiled. "I set my mind on you and Sara always gets what she wants."

"Not this time."

"Why not?" She asked. "Your wife never has to know about it."

"What the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea who you are dealing with? I am not one of your teenaged boyfriends. I’m a man, a married man who has no interest in you at all."

"I think you’re lying to yourself. I made you hard the other day."

"You had your hands all over my dick, of course you made me hard. It didn’t last when I knew who you were."

"It would have. But I need to ask you something. Why did you shout yesterday when I touched you? I know I didn’t hurt you. I didn’t touch you that hard."

"Sara believe me you did hurt me. I had an injury and you compounded it. Now I am willing to forget all about it if you stay the hell out of my life."

"I could make you feel so good. Come on, sex is fun and I know you must be a fantastic lover. Why not give me a chance?"

"Oh for God’s sake. I can’t deal with this." He shouted and walked away from her and into the kitchen. Rick was pouring the lemonade. "Pour it down her panties, maybe it will cool her off." Michael said as he waked past him and into the living room. Brooke put down what she was doing and followed him out there.

"What’s wrong? What happened?" She asked him.

"I can’t take it Brooke. She outright told me that she was going to get me to f*ck her. I swear that if I stayed out there any longer I would have hurt her. I’ve got to get out of here."

"What? Michael you can’t just leave."

"Well I can’t stay with her here." He looked at Brooke. "I know this sounds infantile and crazy but she’s making me nuts Brooke."

"Please honey. I won’t leave your side. She won’t try anything with me there."

"Don’t count on it."

"Michael please." Brooke begged. "Let’s just eat and then she’ll leave."

"Fine." He said angrily. "But don’t you dare say I didn’t warn you."

 

 

"I hope you aren’t mad that I said no about dinner with my folks and Lauren tonight." Ridge said to Morgan as he handed her a glass of juice.

"No, I understand. The whole show has been stressful for you, especially after the shooting. We can have dinner with them any time. Anyway I like being alone with you."

"I’m glad you understand." He said. "Are you hungry? We can order something in."

"How about pizza?" She asked.

"Sounds good." He agreed. He touched her belly. "Does the baby like pizza?"

"Well it doesn’t disagree with him so I think so." She smiled. "Oh Ridge I can’t wait, I really can’t. We’ll be a real family."

"A family." He said sadly. "I had one of those once."

"I didn’t mean to break it up Ridge. I wasn’t trying to do that. I would have stayed away."

"I believe you Morgan. I guess my marriage wasn’t as strong as I thought. We had gone through so much, so many obstacles to be together, I never thought it would end."

"Like Brooke?"

"Well Brooke was part of it. I loved her very much Morgan. It wasn’t easy for me to end our marriage but I had to put Taylor and my son ahead of everything."

"But Brooke never gave up. She kept trying to get you back."

"Yeah, but I did nothing to discourage her. In fact I liked it. But Taylor and I weathered that too. I guess this was too much for her to take."

"I never wanted to hurt her. I really like her Ridge."

"Well maybe someday you can be friends again. After all she and Brooke have done it."

"Well there’s no accounting for Taylor’s taste in friends."

"Stop it Morgan, Logan is special to me. I won’t have you putting her down."

"Sorry." She said. "We just don’t see eye to eye on her."

"I guess not. Maybe we’d better not discuss her anymore."

"Sounds good to me." She said. "I’d rather talk about you and me and our baby anyway."

"It won’t be long." He said. "Not long at all."

 

 

"Dessert Lauren?" Eric asked after the waiter had cleared the table of dinner plates.

"I’m so full I don’t think I could eat another bite."

"They have the most amazing Crème Brulee here. Stephanie and I always order it."

"It is wonderful." Stephanie agreed.

"Okay." Lauren said with a laugh. "You twisted my arm. I’ll do an extra hour at the gym tomorrow."

"You don’t look like you have to work out." Eric told her.

"That’s why I do." She grinned. "Gotta keep the old body in shape."

"I think it’s in fine shape right now." Eric said with a smile. Stephanie rolled her eyes and looked back at the dessert menu.

"So when is Morgan due?" Lauren asked, changing the subject.

"Right after the wedding." Eric stated.

"Is Ridge excited?" She asked.

"How can he be?" Stephanie jumped in. "He doesn’t love her, his heart is with Taylor where it’s always been. We all wish this baby would just go away."

"That isn’t true dear." Eric told his wife. "That baby is a Forrester and he will be welcomed into this family like every Forrester before him."

"I have my doubts." Stephanie announced.

"Doubts about what?" Lauren asked.

"That woman is a slut, just like the slut that hired her. I am going to encourage Ridge to have a blood test to determine paternity."

"Are you serious?" An astounded Lauren asked. "You really think it’s not Ridge’s child?"

"It’s Ridge’s child." Eric told them. "And he accepts that. I think it’s time the rest of us did too." He looked at his wife. "Darling I love Taylor too but this is the way things are now. We can’t change everything that doesn’t make us happy. Sometimes we have to learn to live with them. I think it’s time you gave Morgan a chance. She is a lovely woman."

"She seemed nice enough to me." Lauren told her.

"I worked too hard to get Brooke Logan out of his life to have this Morgan come in and ruin it. I will not accept her or her child at face value no matter what you want me to do." She angrily told Eric.

"You and Brooke still have problems huh? That’s too bad. I’d think her getting married to someone outside your family would end that."

"As it well should have." Eric agreed with Lauren. "Stephanie doesn’t know when to let go of a grudge."

"If it wasn’t for Brooke Logan Ridge would not be paralyzed!"

"He’s not paralyzed Stephanie. He has damage that will be corrected. Besides you can’t blame this on Brooke." He turned to Lauren. "I don’t know if you are aware of this but there is a madman out there that has been making attempts on Brooke’s life. We’re all very worried about her. I for one am glad that she has someone to look after her now."

"And Ridge? How does he fit in?" She asked.

"Someone took a shot at Brooke and he pushed her out of the way, taking the bullet himself."

"I’d heard that. So typical of him isn’t it?" She smiled. "I hope if I’m ever in trouble that Ridge is around."

"Ridge is a good man Lauren. And a good friend too." Eric added.

"He’s a fool." Stephanie muttered. "If he had only stayed away from Brooke this never would have happened."

"Another subject we should stay away from." Eric told them.

"Well I consider Brooke a friend too." Lauren said. "And I’m grateful for what Ridge did. And I am curious as hell to meet the man who turned her away from the Forrester family."

"Another subject to avoid." Eric said with a laugh.

"Lovely weather we’ve been having." Lauren joked, making them all laugh aloud.

 

 

"Anything on the tapes today Joe?" Blake asked his accomplice.

"Nah, just boring stuff with the nanny. I rewound them all. She and the lawyer dude are sleeping right now."
"Sleeping, this early?"

"Well I think they might have gone at it but the tape crapped out on me. Maybe they’ll wake up and do a rerun."

"Damn it!" Blake exclaimed. "I thought she’d be way too angry to sleep with him again. Maybe I have to work on him some more. Were you able to get into the house today?"

"Oh yeah boss. I took care of it just like you said. Tomorrow morning should be a real pisser."

"Good. Maybe that will make him annoyed again. That’s what we want." He looked at the screen showing Taylor sleeping calmly in Bryan’s arms. "Jackson, I got rid of you once and I’ll do it again." He turned to Joe. "Was Forrester there today?"

"Yeah. He brought her a dress and she cried. They talked a little and he left. No sex or anything."

"I certainly don’t expect her to have sex with him. Not while she’s married to Jackson. But we have to work on getting him out of her life before he worms his way back into it. I think the best way may be through his new wife. Now that woman seems a little off balance if you ask me."

"What about your ex? When are you going to go see her?"

"Not yet. The timing has to be perfect. She has to feel the need for protection and then I’ll move in for the kill. Taylor Hayes will be mine again."

 

"This is wonderful Mrs. Forrester." Sara said to Brooke. "You are a really great cook."

"Thank you Sara. Bridget helped." Brooke answered her.

"Her name is Copeland." Michael said gruffly.

"Oops, sorry. I keep forgetting." Sara smiled at him. "Rick you have such a wonderful family."

"Thanks Sara. I like them." He smiled. "Budge, will you pass me the beans."

"Sure." She said as she passed them. She caught Michael’s eye and he smiled warmly at her.

"I bet this feels strange to you Bridget, your friend here as your brother’s date." Brooke said to her daughter.

"Well I knew she liked him." She told her. "But Sara likes a lot of guys."

"Don’t you like the food Mike?" Sara asked noticing his full plate. "You’ve barely touched it. Maybe I can cook dinner for all of us sometime. I’m sure you’d enjoy what I have to offer."

Michael shot her a look and turned to Brooke.

"Are you a cook Sara?" Brooke asked.

"I try." She smiled. "Do you like Mexican Mike? I’m really good at that."

"I can take it or leave it." He told her.

"Well I’m good at a lot of other stuff too. Maybe you should tell me what you like and I can do that."

"Brooke takes care of all my wants and needs."

"Michael, she was talking about food." Brooke said somewhat embarrassed.

"Sure she was." He said sarcastically. "So Sara, grabbed anyone by the balls today?"

Brooke choked on her food, Bridget laughed and Sara stared at him coldly.

"Michael!" Brooke exclaimed.

"Let’s all quit playing games here. I’ve had just about all I can take. If you’ll excuse me." He got up from the table and left the room.

"I’m sorry, he’s in a strange mood today." Brooke apologized. "Let me go see what’s wrong." She got up and walked into the living room where he was pacing. "Michael what has gotten into you?"

"The little slut kept trying to grab my leg under the table. Brooke you have to get her out of here."

"Are you serious? She was doing that while I sat right next to you?"

"Is this finally sinking in? Brooke I never encouraged her. I am not interested in her. We have to stop her. We have to stop her now."

"Come back to the table. We’ll finish eating and then they will leave. Then we can decide how to handle this."

"Don’t ask me to go back into the room with her Brooke."

"Honey she’s just a kid."

"Oh for God’s sake Brooke will you please listen to me."

"Excuse me." Rick said walking in with Sara. "Um Sara and I are late for the party so we’re leaving."

"Alright honey. Have a good time." Brooke said.

"Thanks for dinner Mrs. Forrester, I mean Copeland." Sara said with a smile. "Bye Mike." She grinned at him. They walked to the door and left.

"That was odd." Brooke said.

"Okay ladies. Budge you wanna come in here?" Michael shouted. Bridget walked into the living room.

"What’s up?" She asked.

"Let’s all sit down okay?" Michael said. He and Brooke sat on the couch and Bridget took a chair facing them. "Okay we are going to have a little talk about Sara."

"What did she do?" Bridget asked.

"Well Bridget your friend Sara has gotten it into her head that she wants to have sex with me."

"I know." Bridget said. "But how did you know? Did she tell you?"

"You knew?" Brooke asked. "Bridget why didn’t you say something?"

"Sara wants to have sex with everyone Mom."

"It doesn’t matter Brooke. I want you to know how far this kid has gone. The first time was when I had put in all that time at the hospital and I was knocked out. I was asleep and she took all her clothes off and got into bed with me. She had her hands all over me and to be perfectly honest I thought it was you." He said to Brooke. "I was still more than half asleep and it felt good. She put her arms around me and kissed me and that’s when I knew it wasn’t you. She kept going on and on about how she was going to have me. She grabbed my hand and stuck it between her legs. I swear the kid is crazy."

"Where was I? Where was Bridget?" Brooke asked.

"You were outside at the pool. She told you she wanted to go online or something."

"Downloading. That’s what she said." Bridget said softly.

"It doesn’t matter what lies she told, what matters is what she did. Brooke she told me that she would have me no matter what. She said she would make sure that the next time she tried anything you would see it. Well I was pretty upset. I knew she was Bridget’s friend and I thought that maybe I had come on too strongly with her so I tried to put it aside. But then when I picked up Bridget at her house I realized her mother is Debra Fulton."

"You know her mother?" Brooke asked.

"She’s a nurse at Morningside. She’s one of Ehlers cronies. Anyway she started throwing innuendoes at me. Brooke I have no idea what that child told her but she threatened to bring charges against me." He looked at Bridget. "Honey you don’t know this but when I was younger I had a problem with an underage patient. She lied about her age and I had a thing with her. To make a long story short I was arrested for rape."

"Oh my God!" Bridget said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Eventually the charges were dropped but it’s been a thorn in my side ever since. Dr. Ehlers is trying to make me lose my license and get me thrown out of the hospital. Now for some reason Debra is throwing it in my face again. I swear to both of you, I never touched Sara. I never would."

"Oh course not." Brooke said taking his hand.

"Then after my operation Sara came over to see you Budge. She came into the room while I was sleeping again. She grabbed me and it hurt like hell. I screamed and grabbed her arm. I gave her a huge bruise. Anyway Denise came running up. She didn’t see what happened but she knew I was in pain. And she knew Sara had done something. Anyway now I’m afraid that she and Debra are going to be up to no good again. For some reason Debra has it in her head that I raped someone."

"I’m sorry, I’m so sorry." Bridget said as the tears streamed down her face.

"Bridget?" Brooke said. "What do you know about this?"

"It’s all my fault." She cried to a confused Brooke and Michael.

 

Changes Part 76

 

"Bryan wake up." Taylor said with a nudge and a kiss. "Katherine will be back with the kids any moment."

"Ah come on Taylor, she knows we’re still newlyweds." He moaned as he pulled her back into his arms. "It feels so good to have you in my arms like this."

"I know but we really should get up. We haven’t eaten anything anyway."

"Oh yeah?" He teased.

"Well not food anyway." She laughed.

"Okay, okay you win." He said. "One more kiss though."

"I think I can handle that." Taylor smiled as she let him pull her closer. His lips enveloped hers and in moments their tongues were drawing each other in an ancient dance. "Not now." Taylor groaned as he started to stroke her softly between her legs.

"Baby yes." He pleaded as she moved to give him better access. "That’s it. Yeah that’s it." He said.

"God Bryan, how can you keep doing this to me?" She moaned in pleasure.

"We’re so perfect for each other baby, so perfect." He said as he pulled her on top of him. "I never stop wanting you."

"Me too Bryan." She said as she positioned herself over him. "Please now." She begged.

Bryan pulled her onto him and they began to move together in a fevered rhythm.

 

"Blake?" Joe called out. He waited a few moments and then walked out to the living room. Blake was not there. He looked out the window and saw his car was gone. "Fantastic." He said with a grin. He went back into the bedroom and started monitoring the tape again. "Time for some close-ups." He said as he focused the camera on their intimacy again. "Zoom in baby, zoom in!" Joe laughed as he filmed away.

 

"What Bridget?" Michael asked. "What’s your fault? Honey whatever Sara does is not your fault."

"It’s not that." She sobbed. "It’s what I did."

"What did you do Bridget?" Brooke shouted at her.

"Shhh honey, let her talk." Michael interjected. "It’s okay Budge, you can tell us."

"I’m so sorry Mike. You have to believe me."

"Bridget you’re scaring me." Brooke told her.

"You know I didn’t like you getting married like you did."

"I know Budge, you didn’t like me very much." Michael said calmly. "But we got past that now didn’t we?"

"I wanted you gone, I wanted you out of our lives. I was so wrong." Bridget sniffled.

"What did you do Bridget?" Michael asked her. "Did you say something to Sara’s mother about me?"

"Yes." She said softly. "I lied to her."

"You didn’t tell her I did anything to you or to Sara did you?" An alarmed Michael asked.

"No not to us. I told her that you raped my mother."

"What?" He laughed. "Budge she was my wife."

"But Mrs. Fulton didn’t know that and she hated you."

"So she thinks I raped my own wife? Now why would she think Brooke would stay with me if I did that?"

"She thought Mom was scared of you." Bridget sniffled.

"So she must have told Ehlers." Brooke commented.

"No." Bridget said stopping her. "I did."

"You did?" Brooke and Michael both said at the same time.

"She called him over and made me repeat my story. All I wanted was for you to leave us alone Mike. I didn’t know you. I never wanted to get you into trouble. I only wanted you to leave."

"So they actually believe that nonsense?" Michael said with a laugh. "Well I’m glad you said it was Brooke and not you."

"I should never have said anything at all." Bridget confessed as she started to sob again.

"You got that right." Michael said. He got up from the couch and walked over to Bridget. He sat down on the arm of her chair and put his arm around her. "I know we had a rough time in the beginning. And I know a lot of it was my own fault."

"No it wasn’t Michael." An angry Brooke broke in. "My daughter was totally out of line to do what she did."

"Brooke, when we first got together I wasn’t exactly the kind of person that Bridget wanted to see with her mother let alone living in her home. I never took my hands off you. I was pretty crude around your kids."

"You loved me."

Michael laughed. "I still do honey but I should never have tried to get you to do it in the living room while your kids were in the kitchen. I was a bit out of control. I can understand why Bridget didn’t like me."

"It’s no excuse for her to lie about something like that."

"Budge?" Michael asked her. "Did you really think I was forcing myself on your mother?"

"Sort of." She said sheepishly.

"Bridget you aren’t a child." Brooke admonished. "Surely you could tell that I was as consenting as Michael was."

"I lied Mom! I told you that!" She shouted.

"Come on calm down girls." Michael said. "This isn’t that bad. It really isn’t. We already know that Ehlers was trying to get you to go against me when you were in the hospital Brooke. Now we have a better idea why. Aside from some embarrassment there really is no harm done. No one is going to convince your mother to press charges against me for rape so they can scream it all they want. The only real problem is what Debra thinks. Now that I know I think I can talk to her and make her see reason."

"But we don’t know what Sara has told her Michael." Brooke wondered.

"Well I think it’s best if we try and find out don’t you?" He pulled the crying Bridget into his arms. "Sweetie you and I are friends now. Don’t you worry about this. We can take care of it okay?"

"I’m sorry I lied about you Mike, please don’t hate me."

"I don’t hate you Bridget." He said as he smoothed down her hair. "We’re already too good friends for that. Now give me a smile."

"Don’t you coddle her Michael." Brooke said sternly. "She deserves to be punished for what she did."

"She confessed honey and you know how hard that was for her to do."

"She should never have had anything like that to confess." Brooke said. "Bridget, I’m very disappointed in you."

"I’m sorry Mom. I really am."

"I think you’d better go to your room and think about what you’ve done young lady."

"I doubt she’s been thinking about much else for a long time." Michael said giving Bridget a hug. "Go on to your room kiddo and let me try and calm your mother down. I’ve go my ways with her." He said with a wink.

"Thanks for understanding Mike." Bridget said. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek and then headed up to her bedroom.

"Now Brooke" Michael said when she was gone. "She’s a good kid and she knows what she did was wrong. Believe me this is not going to hurt anyone. What I’m really worried about is what Sara might have said to Debra. The girl is Looney Tunes and who knows what she might have cooked up."

"I bet you wish you never got involved with this crazy family." Brooke said sadly.

"It was the best move I ever made in my life." He said as he got up and sat next to Brooke again. "Don’t you ever doubt that." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "Umm I like this." He moved his mouth back to hers and intensified the kiss.

"I love you Michael." She whispered to him as she briefly let her lips leave his.

"And I love you." He agreed as he held her face with his hands and kissed her more intensely than before.

"I want you so much." Brooke moaned.

"Don’t make me feel so rotten Brooke." He said bringing their lips back together. "This is good and we have this for now."

"It is good." She agreed as she closed her eyes and pulled him tighter.

"I told you." He said softly as he caressed her. "It’s only going to get better and better."

 

 

Grant was confused by his surroundings when he woke up. He looked at the woman asleep next to him and smiled. "Macy." He said softly. "She looks like an angel." He carefully got out of the bed and reached for his pants on the floor.

"Good morning." Macy said to him. "Don’t get dressed."

"I was just going to make us some coffee." Grant explained.

"You don’t have to get dressed to do that. Grant I know everything you went through. I understand about the scars and they don’t upset me."

"You saw them?" He asked.

"Yes." She said softly. "And they are a badge of what you went through to get back to me. Don’t ever be ashamed."

"I won’t have them forever." He said.

"No?" She asked. "What are you going to do about them?"

"Mike is a plastic surgeon. He examined me and said he could make them just about disappear."

"That’s wonderful, if it’s important to you. It isn’t to me Grant. I’d love you no matter what."

"You’re a sweet woman Macy." He said as he leaned over to kiss her. "A very sweet woman."

"I’m a woman in love Grant." She smiled. "Now leave those pants on the floor and go make me some coffee."

"Yes ma’am." He said. He got up and self-consciously walked into the kitchen.

Macy smiled at him. She was so happy. She knew that they were well on the road to getting everything back. It didn’t even matter anymore if he regained his memory for she was now positive that they were going to be even more in love than they ever were before.

"How do you like yours Macy?" Grant called from the kitchen a few minutes later.

"Just a little cream. Do you still drink yours black?" She asked.

"Yeah." He said. "Especially after Mexico. They have very strong coffee and I really got into it."

He walked into the bedroom with two big mugs and a bag of chocolate chip cookies.

"There’s no food in this house." He complained as he handed her a steaming mug.

"My sister lives here. I think she eats out most of the time."

"I couldn’t find any fruit or bread to make toast or anything and I’m starved. I guess these cookies will have to hold us." He laughed as he sat down next to her. "I’ll take you out for breakfast later."

"It feels so good to wake up with you again Grant."

"It is nice." He agreed. "But I doubt if Thorne is very happy about it."

"Let me worry about Thorne." Macy said as she reached for his hand. "So you never told me where were you the night of the Forrester show?"

"Don’t ask me that Macy, I don’t want to hurt you."

"Were you with Brooke?" She asked.

"No, but I was with a woman."

"Do you love her?" She asked as tears formed in her eyes.

"No Macy, it was just fun. Don’t worry about that."

"Do I know her?" She asked.

"It’s not important. I’m with you now."

"Yes." She said with a sigh. "We’re together again, the way we belong."

 

Taylor opened the bathroom door where Bryan was showering. "Bryan, I’m making eggs how do you want yours?"

"Fried is great." He shouted. "I’ll be out in a few moments."

"Take your time. I’m still feeding the girls." She told him.

"I love you." He shouted to her.

"Me too." She said with a smile as she closed the door and headed back into the kitchen. Katherine was wiping Thomas’s face. "My little guy is a mess this morning." Taylor laughed.

"Not too bad." Katherine answered.

"More juice Mommy." Thomas said holding his little hands out to Taylor.

"Okay baby." She said. Taylor opened the refrigerator and took out the orange juice. She poured more into Thomas’s cup and handed it to him.

"Tank you." He grinned at her.

"Would you like me to finish feeding the girls Mrs. Jackson?" Katherine asked.

"That would be wonderful. I’m going to make breakfast for Bryan and myself. Would you like something Katherine?"

"No thank you. I had some cereal earlier." Katherine replied as she wiped Phoebe’s little mouth.

"You are truly a God send Katherine." Taylor told her.

Taylor started cooking the eggs while Katherine fed the girls. Happily Taylor turned on the radio and started humming along to a tune. Thomas clapped his hands seeing his Mother having fun. Everything finally seemed normal and happy after all the confusion from the last few days. Just as she was putting the eggs on the plates the mood was spoiled by Bryan’s shout.

"Taylor! What the hell happened in here?"

"Uh oh." Taylor said to Katherine. "I’d better go check what’s wrong." She put down the frying pan and walked into the bedroom. "What is it Bryan?" She asked.

"Who did the wash? You or Katherine?"

"I did. Why?" She asked

"Every damn pair of underwear is shrunk." He shouted.

Taylor looked at him and started to giggle. "Maybe you’ve put on some weight." She picked up one of his discarded pairs and examined them.

"In one day?" He asked. "This isn’t funny Taylor. I must have tried ten different pairs. None of them fit."

"Well Bryan I didn’t take your whole drawer and wash them all. If they’re a bit snug you’ll have to get by with them today. I’ll go get you some new ones when I go out."

"Oh for God’s sake. I can’t wear them. I tell you they all shrunk." He pulled the obviously too tight underwear off and pulled his pants on with out them. "Now I have to stop somewhere on the way to the office. Damn it Taylor you have to start paying attention to the things you do around here. You always seem to have your head in the clouds!"
"How dare you accuse me? I’m sick of all the crazy things happening around here too but they are not my fault." She threw down the underwear she was holding. "Just suit yourself!" She shouted as she left the bedroom and went into the kitchen.

 

"You did well Joe." Blake told his accomplice. "They’re starting to fight again just like I wanted. Soon I can reveal myself to her and she will be so happy to have someone who believes her."

"They may make up again." Joe said. "They keep doing it."

"I don’t pay you to think, I pay you to set things up. I’ll worry about keeping them apart kid."

"Whatever you say, you’re the man."

"Their relationship isn’t strong enough to handle that anyway. It will be over soon and then I will concentrate on Forrester."

 

Rick rolled over and pulled Amber into his arms. She mumbled something and put her arms around him tightly.

"Amber you’re crushing me." He complained.

"Sorry." She said loosening her grip. "I guess I just don’t want you to get away again."

"We gotta get a better place Amber. I hate this apartment of yours."

"Well we can’t go back to your place, your mother will kill me. Though her husband seems really nice." She smiled.

"He likes you, I can tell. But after last night I think even Mom will give you the okay."

"What happened?" She asked.

"I brought Budge’s friend Sara over for dinner. I don’t know what the story is but Mike had a fit. He really hates her for some reason. I think she came on to him."

"Well he is handsome but isn’t she just a kid?"

"Only in age. She was all over me in the car."

"Did you?" Amber asked. "You and her?"

"Well." Rick hesitated. "I didn’t mean for it to happen but yeah."

"Thanks a lot." She said sitting up. "I guess that proves how much I mean to you."

"Amber." Rick said trying to pull her back. "We don’t have that kind of relationship anymore. It’s casual, it’s fun."

"Well maybe I want more."

"Then maybe you better look somewhere else." He said. "I’m not looking for a wife again."

"It’s dangerous to have sex with more than one partner. You don’t know where they’ve been." Amber complained as she started to dress. "You know where we stand Rick. If you want to blow it it will be your loss."

"I don’t want to lose you Amber." He said. "But you have to slow it down."

"I don’t think I was the one moving fast last night." She complained. She looked at the clock. "Rick it’s almost eleven. Don’t you have a class?"

"I’ll be late. I want to fix things Amber."

"We’re alright. We can talk again tonight. Go to your class, it’s important." She said with a concerned look. "Really."

"Okay, but I don’t want us to be fighting." He reached over and kissed her.

 

The intercom buzzing on Brooke’s desk finally separated Brooke and Michael’s embrace.
"I have to get that." Brooke said as Michael tried to pull her back into the kiss.

"I know. But I was having so much fun." He laughed.

"Me too." She said straightening her blouse. She got up and pressed the button. "Yes Megan?"

"Sorry to disturb you Brooke but you have the buyers meeting in half an hour and you told me you wanted to talk to Eric before it."

"I do." Brooke said as she reluctantly looked at her husband. "Tell Eric I’ll be in his office in a few minutes." She turned off the intercom and walked back to Michael. He pulled her back into his arms and they began to kiss again. "I can’t do this now." Brooke laughed. "And didn’t you tell me you had to get back to the plane and then to the house?" She touched his face and gently wiped a greasy smudge away.

"I do." He told her. "Now you are going to bring your friend Lauren to my place tonight right?"

"If I can find her. She was supposed to be in the building but I haven’t seen her all day."

"She sure sounds like a fireball." Michael laughed.

"She’s more of a flirt that you are." Brooke told him.

"Is that possible?" Michael laughed. "We’ll be a pair then huh?"

"I think you’ll like her. She’s cute and really fun. But you watch out. She hits on every man she sees and she doesn’t care who he’s married to. I like her but she can be a bit of a bitch too. I never can fully trust her. She tried to steal Ridge from me when we were together and she tried to take Eric from Stephanie too."

"Looks like she needs to be taught a lesson or two. What does she look like?" He asked her.

"A petite redhead with a great body and a devilish smile." Brooke replied.

"You know, I think I might have met her." Michael told her. "The other day when I had lunch with Megan I ran into a woman that fit that description. She was undressing me with her eyes."

"That’s Lauren." Brooke laughed. "Make sure it’s only her eyes huh? You’re mine."
"One hundred percent." He said pulling her into his arms and kissing her again. He let her go and looked down at her suit. "Sh*t! I think I got some oil on your skirt."

"Who cares." She grinned. "It was worth it. This was the nicest break I’ve ever had."

"Well get used to them. I plan to pop in on you every chance I get." He looked at the clock. "You better get to Eric’s office. I’ll get everything we need for tonight and I’ll have everything ready when you get there."

"Make sure you have time to clean up." She laughed, looking at his torn jeans and grease stained shirt.

"I will. And once I get the plane ready we can take that trip we wanted to."

"Good." She kissed him again. He claimed her lips with passion and love and once more pulled her into a deep embrace.

"We aren’t going to get anywhere this way." He said pulling himself away from her. He looked at her neck and started to laugh.

"What?" She asked.

"You have any makeup here?"

"Why?" She asked. "You didn’t? Michael did you give me a hickey?"
"No. I gave you two. I told you we were gonna act like a couple of kids." He said with a grin. He gave her one last quick kiss and got up. "I’ll see you tonight honey."

"I love you Michael." Brooke said to him.

"I love you too sweetie." He said with a wave as he walked out of the office.

Deciding that he was thirsty Michael headed for the vending machines before heading back out of the building. He bought himself a can of Coke and a bag of pretzels and was just ready to leave when he felt someone’s eyes on him. He looked up and came face to face with Lauren Fenmore.

"Well hello again." She said. "I was wondering if we’d get the chance to meet again."

"Hi." He said with a smile. "Can I get you anything?" He asked her.

"Can you ever." She said with a sly grin.

"Somehow I don’t have the feeling you’re talking about a soft drink." He laughed.

"Intuitive too. I like that in a man." She took in his appearance. "Are you a mechanic? I had the impression that you were delivering food the other day."
"As a matter of fact I was. But I’m doing some mechanical work today."

"I love a man who works with his hands. Do you think your boss would mind if I came along and watched?"

"You want to watch me work?" He asked with a laugh. "Now why would you want to do that?"

"Well I have a feeling you clean up quite well and I’d like to take you out for a nice dinner. I’m in town on business and a woman gets lonely."

Michael burst out laughing. "Now you don’t appear to me to be a woman who would ever be lonely."

"Humor me." She said.

"Well I do have to get some painting done and I need to replace a couple of locks. I doubt the boss would mind." He said with a chuckle as he thought of Brooke’s reaction to the situation. "Do you have a car here or would you like to come with me?"

"I’ll come with you." She agreed.

"Then let’s go." He said. He led her out of the building with a smile and a wave to the guard. He thought it was a funny thing that Grant had needed to borrow his car the night before and that he was using Frank’s old jeep. Lauren would really think he was a mechanic. He thought with a laugh.

"What’s so funny?" She asked as he opened the door for her.

"Well I’ve never had a beautiful woman ask to watch me work before." He smiled at her. "By the way I’m Mike."

"I’m Lauren." She told him.

"I bet you are." He mumbled as he started the engine. He turned the radio loud and sang along with The Doors "Love me Two Times." Lauren checked him out as the drove. Her eyes widened as he pulled into a long driveway to a gate and entered a code. He then pulled up into the driveway of an elegant mansion.

"Is there a crew here?" She asked.

"We’re all alone." He assured her. "The guy who owns it is a rich surgeon. He’s probably off playing polo or something." He said holding back a laugh.

"Nice place." She said as she got out and looked around. "Do you work for him often?"

"All the time." He grinned. He walked her to the door and took a key out of his pocket and opened the door. He quickly disengaged the alarm. He turned on a light and stepped aside to let her in.

"It’s a beautiful home." She said. "This guy must really be rich."

"Yeah he is." Michael smiled. "Why don’t you sit down in here while I take care of a couple of things."

"I’d like to watch you work." She told him. "That is if you don’t mind."

"I need to make a couple of calls and then I’ll be back for you. Really make yourself at home."

"Is that what you do here?" She asked.

"I try." He grinned. "I’ll be right back." He walked out of the living room and into the den. He closed the door and picked up the phone. "Andy," He said. "It’s Mike. Something came up and I won’t be able to get back to the plane today. Do me a favor and have someone get her back into the hanger will ya? Great. Yeah I’ll be back in the morning. No it’s only a couple of minor tweaks and I’ll be back in business." He listened to the other side. "She was? No, that’s okay. Well tell her that I’ll be there tomorrow if she needs to see me. Okay Andy thanks." He pushed the button to hang up and he dialed another number. "Hey Meg, can you put me into my wife’s voice mail? Thanks doll." He listened and then spoke. "Hi honey it’s me. I’m at the house and everything is set for tonight. Wait till you get here I think you will be really surprised. I love you. Hurry up okay? Bye." He hung up the phone and walked back into the living room where he found Lauren admiring his paintings.

"These are wonderful. The doctor has good taste."

"I’m glad you think so." He told her.

"You like them too?" She asked somewhat amused that a laborer would have an appreciation of art.

"I should, they’re mine."

"Wh, what do you mean?"

"I’m the artist. It’s a hobby."

"You did these?" She said her eyes widening. "Mike they are excellent. I am so impressed."

"Thanks." He said. He looked at her. "You don’t believe me do you?"

"Well it sounds like a typical pick up. I suppose the next thing you’ll do is offer to paint me."

"Now that would be something wouldn’t it? Would you like me to?" He offered. "I have my things here. We can go out to the garden and I can do it there."

"I’m not sure if I believe you yet." Lauren laughed. "Why don’t you do a quick sketch and let me see if you are really an artist. You really seem like a guy who works with his hands to me."

"That I am." He agreed. "But isn’t a pen or a brush working with the hands too?"

"How do I know you don’t just want to get me to take my clothes off."

"Why Lauren if that was all I had in mind you’d already be naked." He said with assurance.

"Ummm." She said. "I think we’ll save that for a little later."

He got up and walked out of the room. He quickly returned with a pad and some charcoal.

"Move closer to the window. I like the light there better." He instructed her. She moved to a chair near the window and sat down. He sat across from her and started to draw. Looking up at her occasionally he concentrated on the paper. After about ten minutes he walked over to her and showed her what he had done.

"My God." She exclaimed. "It is yours. Mike you’re wasting yourself doing these odd jobs. You have so much talent."

"I think I use my greatest talents right now but thank you." He looked at her. "So do you want me to paint you?"

"Won’t your boss be mad you doing this on his time?"

"We have an arrangement. But it’s up to you."

"I say let’s do it." She smiled. "This way you also get a preview of what is yet to come."

"You can’t even begin to imagine what’s yet to come Lauren." He laughed. "Let me get you set up in the garden and I’ll come back for my supplies."

He walked her to the garden and stopped at an antique wooden bench. "Now this will be nice but it may get uncomfortable."

"Well then you’ll have to do something to make me feel better then won’t you." Lauren purred at him. "Is it private out here? I certainly don’t want to give anyone a show."

"No one here but you and me. But it’s up to you. I can paint you in what you’re wearing."

"Are you kidding, and give up a chance for one like inside." She laughed as she started unbuttoning her blouse. She looked at him and he had turned away. "Don’t tell me you’re shy."

"Me?" Michael asked. "Not at all. I was just checking the clouds. I think we’ll be fine here. I’m going to go in and get my stuff. You get yourself comfortable okay."

"Hurry back." She said. Now how do I get him to take his clothes off? She wondered.

Michael walked back into the house and started laughing. "Brooke is so right about her. I hope she can take a joke." Suddenly his cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and turned it on. "Brooke?" He asked.

"No Mike, it’s me Ridge."

"Ridge! What’s wrong?" He said full of concern.

"Nothing, nothing at all. I’m just calling you to ask a favor."

"A favor from me? I thought I was public enemy number one."

"Come on Mike, we’re friends. But this is a big one. I really hope you can help me."

"Lay it on me."

"Well the Forrester jet is down and I need someone to fly me to St. Thomas tomorrow."

"St. Thomas? Are you kidding? That’s a long flight Ridge."

"You’ve done it before Mike. Remember when we went to The Cayman’s?"

"Yeah I know I’ve done it before but I didn’t have any responsibilities then."

"Brooke have you on a short leash?"

"You know that’s not true Ridge. What’s this all about?"

"It’s a last dish effort. I gotta do something to get her back."

"Who?" Michael said sharply.

"Not Brooke, Taylor."

"Oh, you had me worried. Not that Brooke would go with you but that you had totally lost your mind."

"Will you do it Mike?"
"Well I need to do a few minor repairs on the plane. I could be ready to leave by ten AM if that suits you."

"Mike how can I thank you?"

"Well I’ll just have to think of something. You don’t mind if I bring Brooke do you?"

"Actually yeah I do. It will make it uncomfortable for Taylor. She won’t be as apt to let loose if Brooke is there. I’d rather Brooke doesn’t know anything until we get back."

"You want me to lie to my wife? I can’t do that Ridge."

"Well then lie about who you’re taking. And tell her your friend doesn’t want company."

"That’s putting me in an awkward position Ridge."

"Mike please?" Ridge begged. "I promise I’ll explain it to Logan when we get back."

"I may hold you to that buddy. Alright you got a pilot." Michael looked out the window towards where Lauren was. "Say Ridge do you know Lauren Fenmore?"

"Do I ever. Why?"

"Well she’s in my garden, on a bench, naked."

"What?" Ridge said with a choke.

"She’s been hitting on me and she doesn’t know who I am. I’m playing a little trick on her."

"Dangerous trick Mike. I think Logan may kill you."

"Oh she’ll be here soon. Actually I’m painting Lauren. It’s a long story."

"You got balls Mike, I’ll give you that much."

"I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Do you want me to pick you up or do you want to meet me at the airport?"

"We’ll meet you at the airport. It may be hard to convince Taylor but I have to do it. Now I’m going to make some calls and set up things down there so she won’t be able to resist."

"Good luck Ridge. See you tomorrow." Michael said and then he hung up the phone.

 

 

"Patti is Bryan there?" Taylor asked.

"He’s with a client Mrs. Jackson. Can I give him a message?"

"Patti is he really with a client? He’s been avoiding my calls all day and I’m sick of it."

"He really is. Do you want me to try and interrupt him?"

"No, just tell him I called. Again!" She sighed. "I have to go Patti, someone is on call waiting." Taylor hung up with Patti and hit the button for the other caller. "Hello."

"Doc."

"Ridge." She said. "How is your arm?"
"It feels a little better today. I think it really is coming back, at least I’m hopeful."

"What’s up Ridge?"

"I need to see you tomorrow."

"That isn’t a good idea Ridge."

"It’s a wonderful idea Doc. But I’m serious. It’s really important."

"Ridge I can’t jump every time you call. I did the show for you what more can you ask?"

"I need a few hours of your time."

"Hours? I can’t go anywhere with you for hours. I have children and a husband."

"Katherine can watch the kids and Bryan can wait. I really need you Doc. Please don’t let me down."

"Ridge this isn’t fair."

"No it’s not but it’s necessary. I swear you will not regret it."

"I already am."

"Then you’ll come?"

"Come where?"

"I’ll tell you everything tomorrow. Taylor thank you. I’ll pick you up at nine."

"Nine? Alright Ridge but promise me you’ll explain everything in the morning."

"I promise Doc. You know I’d never do anything that would harm you. I love you."

"Ridge no, please don’t say that."

"It’s only the truth Doc. I’ll see you tomorrow." He hung up the phone before she could change her mind. "Yes!" He shouted his fist triumphantly in the air.

 

"Mike I’m getting tired and sore. Can you rub my back for me?" Lauren asked as she started twitching on the bench.

"Stay still Lauren. I’m trying to capture the moment."

"I can think of a couple of other things we can do for awhile. Don’t you take breaks?"

"Not when I’m so into a painting. You’re gonna love this."

"Why don’t we stop and rest for awhile?" She moaned. "Please."

"Get up and stretch if you have to." He told her. He looked at his watch and grinned. Brooke should be here any minute. He though right before he heard her calling out to him.

"Michael?" Brooke shouted from the back door.

"In the garden sweetheart." He called back.

"I couldn’t find Lauren so it’s just you and me." She said as she approached.

"Brooke?" Lauren said softly. "What the hell is going on?"

"Oh Lauren I’m afraid I played a little trick on you." Michael said with a laugh.

"Hi honey I" Brooke stopped at stared at the naked Lauren. "What the hell?"

"Hey sweetie." Michael said as she went up to her. "Sorry I didn’t change yet. Don’t touch I have paint on me." He looked at Lauren. "Look who I found."

"Lauren?" Brooke asked totally confused. She looked at Michael and saw the twinkle in his eye and he winked at her.

"You know Mike Brooke?" Lauren said covering herself up.

"Know him? I should say so. He’s my husband."

"What?" Lauren jumped.

"Guilty." Michael laughed. "You had me so pegged as this low life you wanted to reform I had to give you a chance." He told Lauren. "No harm intended, and the painting is yours."

"I don’t believe this." She said as she put her clothes on. "I’ve been totally had."

"So you were making a play for my husband huh?" Brooke said to her. "Shame on you Lauren." She laughed. "I have to apologize for him." She said giving him a playful punch. "I think we were both set up."

"I’m amazed that you’re so calm Brooke. How do you know nothing happened." Lauren said.

"I know my husband, and there is one specific reason too." She nudged him.

"So you aren’t a mechanic I take it." Lauren said to him.

"Only on my plane. I do mess with my car a bit too. I’m a plastic surgeon." He grinned.

"That was a pretty mean trick Mike." Lauren told him. "You know things just might have gotten out of hand and then what would you have done."

"I’d have told you the truth before anything got out of hand. Besides I had no intentions of taking it any further than this joke. I’m sorry if I let it go too far. I had no intention of having you do anything but watch me do repairs."

"The painting was my idea Brooke." Lauren admitted. "I wouldn’t take no for an answer."

"I don’t usually worry about Michael and naked women, he sees them all day long but to be honest this was a little different." She shot Michael a look.

"All in fun. You’re the only one I want." He put his arm around her and kissed her. "I love you sweetheart, you know that."

"I do." She agreed.

"Alright let’s see the picture." Lauren demanded.

Michael held it up for both women to see.

"Wow." Brooke said. "It’s beautiful. Michael it’s really good."

"Is it really mine?" Lauren asked.

"Yeah, just let’s let it dry and I’ll give it to you."

"And then you and my husband can get to know each other for real." Brooke said. "You will stay and eat with us Lauren?"

"Sure but who’s house is this?" She asked.

"Well it’s Michael’s and it’s going to be ours. We’re moving here very soon." Brooke told her. "Michael has an office right on the grounds."

"Well I’m impressed and embarrassed." Lauren said.

"Don’t be, it was my fault." Michael told her flashing his smile at her. "Friends?"

"Why not." Lauren agreed. She turned to say something but as she did she laughed seeing Brooke in his arms and the two engaged in an intense kiss. "Well you did it again Lauren." She sighed. "But he sure is a charmer." She said as she looked on with a twinge of jealousy.

Changes Part 77

 

"Well last night sure was interesting." Brooke said to Michael as she got dressed. "But Lauren took it well."

"Lauren had no choice Brooke." He told her. "She did make a couple of moves though. But in all fairness she thought I was free. I didn’t have my wedding band on." He said looking down at the ring on his finger.

"And why not?" She asked.

"You never wear a ring when you work on a motor Brooke." He informed her. "And then after I saw Lauren I figured I’d play a little game."

"Funny man." Brooke said kissing him on the nose.

"Well." He laughed. "No harm done right?"

"Right." She agreed. She turned her back to him. "Would you zip me honey?"

"Sure." He said. He put his lips to her back and slowly kissed her inch by inch as he pulled the zipper up.

"Ummm. Let’s try that the opposite way tonight." She said with a grin.

"You got a deal." He smiled. "But I may be home late tonight."

"Surgery?" She asked.

"Actually no. A friend needs me to fly him to the islands for something."

"Oohhh. Sounds nice. Maybe I’ll take the day off and join you."

"I wish you could but I promised him privacy. He’s married and he’s taking his lover."

"Why does he need you?"

"He’s a friend and he asked. You don’t mind do you?"

"Well I don’t approve but if you feel you have to do it then what can I say."

"I wish I hadn’t agreed but now I’d feel rotten if I bailed."

"It’s okay. Besides it will give me some time to see Taylor. We haven’t gotten together in a while. Maybe we’ll have dinner together."

"You do that." He said. "I’ll try to get home as soon as I can."

"I hope you don’t get too lonely just you and the lovers."

"I’m sure I will. I’ll just keep looking at your picture." He smiled.

"Yeah right." She laughed. He looked at her and laughed.

"Okay maybe I’m exaggerating but I will miss you." He reached for his sunglasses on the dresser. He put them in his pocket and walked over to Brooke and took her into his arms. "Tomorrow night I have tickets for us to see Elton John. How does that sound?"

"It sounds like fun. I love his music, how did you know?"

"Lucky guess." He kissed her tenderly. "I promise I will make these next few weeks so much fun you’ll forget all about what we can’t do. That is what I can’t do."

"Like you did this morning?" She asked him.

"You heard me moaning? I tried to be quiet. Man it hurt Brooke."

"Yeah and I felt so bad."

"Well it’s hard to wake up in the mornings sometimes. My body has a mind of its own."

"It won’t be long and then think of all the possibilities."

Michael laughed. "It was thinking about those possibilities that put me in such an uncomfortable position this morning."

"We could sleep in separate beds." Brooke reluctantly suggested.

"Over my dead body." He shot back. "I got past it and I will the next time too. Sleeping without you is not an option."

"Good." She said with a smile.

"I better get going. I want to check in on Jason before I leave."

"How is he?"

"Coming along really well. He’s such a sweet kid Brooke. I really want you to meet him."

"I’d like to meet him. I feel so bad that he lost his whole family. Maybe you can take me tomorrow."

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "You are so wonderful. I’m sure he’d love you and you’d love him too." He looked into her eyes. "Oh Brooke, I sure will miss you today."

"Me too." She agreed. "Be careful up there."

"I always am." He told her.

Taylor moaned as she got up out of Thomas’s bed. She and Bryan had argued again the previous night and she had gone in to sleep with her son. Sitting at the edge of the bed she was feeling a bit foolish. They should have tried to work it out. Going to bed angry was something she never liked to do. Not with Ridge and not with Bryan. She reached for her robe and put it on. She quietly walked out of the room and went into her own bedroom where Bryan was sleeping. She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at him.

Have I made a huge mistake? Is this the life I really want? Sometimes we seem so happy but lately all we do is fight. Is it my fault? Am I trying to destroy it all? Will I ever stop wishing it were Ridge? She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She gently touched his face. He turned to her.

"Where did you sleep?" He asked her.

"With Thomas."

"You must have a backache." He said as he sat up. "Come here and let me rub it for you."

"Bryan we have to talk. I don’t like what’s happening with us."

"I don’t either baby. I don’t understand it either. It seems like every time we take a step forward we move two backwards."

"I wish I could say it will be alright Bryan but I just don’t know anymore. I’m tired of you blaming me for everything. I’m not crazy and I’m not imagining things."

"I don’t mean to do that. I’m sorry Taylor, I really am."

"Saying you’re sorry is one thing, stopping the accusations is another. Bryan this is not the life I want."

"What is it you want? What can I do to make it better? Damn it Taylor I’m trying my hardest but it doesn’t help that your ex-husband is always around."

"This has nothing to do with Ridge. Why must you always bring him into it?"

"Taylor it’s always Ridge. I try to look past it, I know he needs to see his kids and I know he still cares about you but I’m your husband now, not him."

"Can we please stay on the subject Bryan?" She asked him, as she became annoyed again. "This isn’t about Ridge. This is about all the strange things going on around here and how you keep insisting that they are my fault."

"Okay." He said angrily. "Let’s take the wash. You admit you did it but you still insist that it wasn’t your fault that all my underwear shrunk."

"Well why didn’t anything of mine or the children’s shrink Bryan? Answer that why don’t you! You are so quick to blame me. Believe me I know how to run a washing machine."

"Then how do you explain it?"

"I don’t. It happened. You say you haven’t gained weight and I say I didn’t shrink your clothes. I guess we have to either accept each other’s reasoning or we can fight forever on this. I didn’t appreciate your coming home last night and starting up all over again."

"Alright then let’s just forget it and try and move on from here."

"Well I’m not sure if I can do that anymore."

"Then what the hell do you suggest? You want to get a divorce over tight underwear and missing coffee?" He shouted.

"Maybe we moved too fast Bryan. Maybe neither of us was ready for this commitment."

"Well I tried to warn you about that but it was you who insisted and we are married now Taylor and I certainly am not ready to throw in the towel."

"I can’t live like this anymore. I just can’t."

"Alright." He said taking her hand. "I promise I will think before I speak from now on. We are still at a fragile state in this marriage. We both have to work harder on it." He looked at her. "That is if you still intend to work on it at all."

"I do Bryan. I’m just very confused these days."

"Do you love me Taylor? Just answer that one simple question."

"Yes Bryan, I do love you. But sometimes love isn’t enough. I can fully attest to that."

"See" He accused. "We’re back to Ridge again."

"Well that was my fault this time. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to compare the situations."

"Look. We need to spend more happy times together. I think we can get everything back on track if we just do that. How about if I take the day off and you and I take a ride down the coast. We can stop at a romantic inn and just spend time alone. I’m sure Katherine would take the kids and if not maybe Stephanie would."

"I can’t today." She told him.

"Why not Taylor? This is important, it has to be more important than any plans you have."

"I’m sorry but I just can’t."

"What do you have to do?"

"It’s private. I can’t talk about it."

"I’m your husband. You can talk to me about anything."

"Not this."

"Is it Ridge?" He asked point blank.

"No." She lied.

"Well what can possibly be more important than our marriage?"

"It’s a patient." She said softly.

"You’re seeing patients again? When did this start? Did I miss something?"

"Why are you questioning me? It’s a patient and I made a commitment. We can be together tomorrow can’t we?"

"I just love the way you always put me first." He said sarcastically as he got out of the bed. "Maybe I should have made an appointment." He walked into the bathroom and slammed the door. Taylor put her head in her hands and started to cry.

"Oh Ridge. What are we doing to each other?" She asked with a sob.

 

"Hey Andy." Michael said as he walked up to his plane. "Thanks for taking care of things yesterday."

"No problem. In fact Tim Jenson and I looked her over and did a little work for you. I think you are ready to go."

"Fantastic. You think she’s okay for a long flight?"

"I don’t see why not. You did about all that had to be done yesterday. Where are you planning on heading?"

"St. Thomas."

"In the Caribbean?"

"Yup." He concurred. "I’m just going to go in and file a flight plan."

"I gotta warn you, Adrienne is in there waiting for you."

"I wonder what’s up. She could have called me at home."

"She wouldn’t say." Andy told him. "But that is one hot Mama you got there Mike."

"She’s not mine anymore. I have a beautiful wife at home. Ade is just a friend now." He told him. Michael walked into the hanger and saw Adrienne sitting in the office talking to Tim.

"Mike." She said getting up.

"Hello Adrienne, I hear you’ve been looking for me."

"Yeah I have." She told him. "Can we go somewhere and talk?"

"Actually I have to get ready. I’m flying out of here pretty soon. Can we make this fast?"

"Use the office." Tim said. "I have to go check on some parts anyway." He walked out closing the door.

"So what is so important Adrienne?"

"What’s wrong with you Mike? You look really tired."

"I’m fine. Come on Ade, what’s up?"

"Anne called me the night before last."

"Why was she calling you?"

"Well you never gave her your new number. She wanted to talk to you."

"She has my office number and she knows where I work at the hospital. I’m not a hard person to reach."

"Is there any reason you haven’t given her your number?"

"I think you can figure that one out yourself Adrienne. I don’t want anyone bothering Brooke or the kids."

"Well you better call her."

"Obviously you know what she wanted. You wanna tell me?"

"He’s out again."

"So I heard." He said.

"You knew? How did you know?"

"Frank told me he saw him sniffing around the hospital. I suppose he’s looking for another handout."

"He’s your brother Michael."

"Only by blood. I don’t want anything more to do with that lowlife and I don’t want you to have anything to do with him either."

"Too late." She admitted.

"Jesus Adrienne." He exclaimed. "How much did he hit you up for this time?"

"Five Thousand."

"Are you out of your mind?" He shouted. "You’re throwing your money away. You know you’ll never see it again."

"He said he changed. He said he had an amazing new opportunity."
"A leopard never changes his spots." He said. "And how much did he hit my sister up for this time?"

"Anne just wanted to warn you. She said she didn’t give him anything."

"Like I believe that one. You women are too soft. It’s time he made something of his life. He can’t live on handouts all the time."

"Well I just wanted to tell you."

"Well you told me. Now why don’t you go play in your store or screw your lawyer boyfriend."

"That’s not fair Mike. I like Connor."

"You like him cause he was Brooke’s fiancé. I know you way too well."

"That isn’t true. We really did hit it off. I’m not on a revenge thing Mike."

"Whatever." He said picking up paperwork and looking at it.

"So where are you going today?" She asked.

"St. Thomas." He told her.

"Where’s your wife?"

"Brooke isn’t going."

"Are you bringing a lover?" She asked.

"I’m taking a friend and his girlfriend."

"Then why isn’t your wife coming?"

"Cause she’s not."

"Mike you don’t have to get so nasty with me."

"Sorry Ade, I’m just kinda regretting this trip." He looked at her and smiled. "Anything else you wanted?"

"No." She said. "I was just trying to do you a favor."

"I appreciate it. I just wish you didn’t let yourself get involved. He’s bad news. Just cut him off."

"Everyone deserves a second chance. I think you’ve gotten a couple of those yourself."

"Leave it alone Adrienne." He told her as he got up. "Look I gotta go file a flight plan so I’ll see you around."

"Bye Mike." She said as he walked out the door.

 

"Taylor?" Ridge called out. He had rung the bell and knocked and there had been no response. "Please don’t tell me you changed your mind." He said. "Please." He said softly as he sat down on the stairs.

 

Taylor looked at her watch. She had been walking the beach for over an hour thinking. Ridge would be here soon. What should I do? She wondered. She walked to the water’s edge and let the waves break over her toes. She found herself thinking about her mother. What would you do Mom? I still love him so much but I love Bryan too. And Bryan is so good to me. We made a commitment. But was it wrong? Was it too soon? I just don’t love him the way I love Ridge. Have I given it enough of a chance? Oh I wish you were here to help me. She pushed her hair back and watched a sea gull dive into a wave for a fish. If only Morgan hadn’t come back, if only Ridge hadn’t fallen for her trick, if only she hadn’t gotten pregnant. She felt the thoughts plaguing her. We’d still be together, we’d still be happy. We’d still be a family. What is it you want from me Ridge? How can I turn my back on Bryan? How can I turn my back on you? Oh Ridge, my love, there will never be anyone for me like you, never. She looked at her watch again and headed back for the house. "I don’t know what today will bring but I just can’t seem to turn away from it. Yes Ridge, today I’m yours, maybe for the last time ever but today I’m yours."

She walked up to the house where she found Ridge waiting on the front steps.

"Doc!" He shouted as he got up.

"Sorry I’m late. I took a walk on the beach and time got away from me." Taylor apologized.

"No problem Doc." Ridge answered with a smile. "I was early. Where are the kids?"

"Your Mom took them." She told him. "So Ridge are you going to tell me what this is all about?"

"It’s a surprise. Go get your purse and let’s go."

"I saw him." Thorne said to Macy when she came into the house. "You were with him all night."

"He’s my husband." She said point blank.

"I’m your husband." He insisted.

"No Thorne. Grant never died so we never were legal. I don’t want to hurt you but this is how things are. He’s my husband and I want to spend the rest of my life with him."

"If he cares so much then why didn’t he ever call you and tell you he was alive? Huh Macy? Why?"

"He didn’t know. He didn’t know anything Thorne."

"And you believe that? And then why is he living with Brooke?"

"He won’t be for long. I intend for us to go home."

"You’re just going to throw what we have away Macy? It’s been years since you were with Grant. Maybe things have changed."

"They haven’t." She walked up to him and took both his hands. "Thorne I love you, you know that I do, but you also know I never got over Grant. And now God has given him back to me and we are not going to throw that away."

"God? You mean Brooke." Thorne said. "Will that woman ever be finished destroying me?"

"In all fairness this isn’t something Brooke did to you. In fact it was probably the first and only unselfish thing she has ever done in her life."

"I’m not going to let you go Macy. We’ve fought too hard to get where we are."

"We shouldn’t have had to fight if it was real. And now I know it was never meant to be."

"Where is he?"

"He went home. But I’m going to see him again later today. Thorne he loves me and I love him. Please don’t spoil this."

"What do you want out of me?" He asked her.

"I want you to cooperate with us so we can legally undo our marriage and I want to stay your friend."

"You’re asking way too much Macy, way too much." He said glumly.

 

Carefully Joe closed the door to the beach house. He couldn’t believe his luck. Not only was Blake not around but everyone was out of the house. He had gone in and set up the extra cameras that he wanted, the additional ones in the bedroom and living room as well as the one in the shower. Now he was taping from his own place as well as Blake’s. This way he never had to come up with excuses why there was no movement. He walked back to Blake’s rented house and rewound all the tapes showing him working. "I’m in business now. Let’s hope that he wants to romance her back when she gets home. That fight made me a little nervous. Blake you are a lucky man. She is a tiger in the sack. In fact if I wasn’t about to make so much money on her I’d be doing her myself." He chuckled. "Hey why the f*ck not. I’ve always wanted to be in the movies. Maybe this boy can take her for a ride too." He grinned at the thought. He looked in the mirror and pushed his hair from his handsome face. "Yeah, you’re sure a hell of a lot better looking than that lawyer dude. I bet she’d jump at the thought of doing old Joey." He laughed.

 

"Why are we at the airport Ridge? I can’t go away on a trip. This was only supposed to be for a few hours."

"Relax Doc. It’s all under control." He said as he pulled off for the parking lot.

"This isn’t where the Forrester jet is. What are we doing?" She asked.

"So many questions." He said with a grin. "I told you relax. You worry too much." He pulled into a parking place and got out to open the door for Taylor. She reluctantly got out.

"I don’t understand."

"You don’t have to." He said as he took a small suitcase out of the trunk.

"What’s in there?" She asked.

"Patience." He smiled as he put it over his shoulder. He took her hand and led her to Michael’s plane.

"Who’s plane is this?" She asked.

"Mine." Michael said as he walked over. "Are you two ready?"

"We sure are." Ridge said. "Thanks again Mike."

"Where’s Brooke?" Taylor asked.

"She’s home. This isn’t about me and Brooke." Michael said. He opened the door and took out the step stool. "Can I help you two in?"

"If you don’t mind." Ridge said. "My arm is getting there but I still can’t do a lot with it."

Michael turned to Taylor. "Come on Taylor up you go." He took her arm and helped her aboard. He then gave Ridge a hand onto the plane too. He was just about ready to get in himself when Adrienne ran up.

"Wait!" She shouted.

"What’s the matter Ade?" Michael asked.

"I’m coming with you."

"I don’t remember inviting you." He told her.

"Come on you need some company. You’ll be bored to death all day while those two take off together."

"Look Adrienne, you date Connor, Connor is Bryan’s partner, Bryan is Taylor’s husband. Don’t you think that will make her feel pretty uncomfortable?"

"So am I supposed to say ‘Hey Connor, I was off to St. Thomas with my ex and Taylor and Ridge were there?’ I don’t think so. Come on babe. It’ll be fun." She leaned inside. "You don’t mind if I come for the ride do you?"

"Suit yourself." Ridge said.

"See." She grinned as she got into the plane in the seat next to the pilot’s seat leaving an annoyed Michael outside.

"Adrienne?" A shocked Taylor exclaimed.

"Don’t worry, I’m not supposed to be here either, my lips are sealed. I’m just here to keep Mikey company." She looked at the worried expression on Taylor’s face. "Honest Taylor I won’t say a thing."

"She won’t." Michael concurred as he got in. "Now everyone buckle up and we can get ready to take off."

"Where are we going?" Taylor asked.

"Ridge didn’t tell you?" Michael asked her.

"No. He won’t say a word."

"It’s a surprise Mike." Ridge warned.

"Okay Boss." Michael told him. He looked at Adrienne to make sure she wouldn’t say anything.

 

Brooke walked into Stephanie’s office and found her playing with Taylor’s children.

"Hi Thomas." Brooke said to the little boy.

"Bwooke." He said with a big smile.

"Hi girls." She smiled at the two babies. She then turned to Stephanie. "Hello Stephanie. Babysitting?"

"As a matter of fact yes, Taylor had something to do today so I told her I’d take them. What can I do for you?"

"I wonder if you’ve seen Ridge. I need to show him something."

"He told his father he wouldn’t be in today. I’m happy to see he still keeps his life private from you."

"Well in this case he shouldn’t have. I was counting on him."

"I bet you were." Stephanie said sarcastically. "You’ll never have him Brooke, never."

"Stephanie I am not trying to get Ridge. We work together and I need him here."

"Well he can’t do much designing these days, no thanks to you."

"How dare you blame me?"

"If he hadn’t jumped in the way."

"Then I would be dead." Brooke told her. "Yes, I suppose that would have made you happy."

"Not at all Brooke. I would never wish you dead, gone yes but not dead. I would never want to see Rick and Bridget suffer over you."

"How kind of you." She answered. "Do you have any idea where Ridge is? He didn’t answer his cell phone."

"None whatsoever. But I have my hopes." She said looking at Taylor and Ridge’s children with a smile.

Brooke looked at her. "You don’t really think that do you?"

"I have no idea what you are referring to Brooke."

"Sure you don’t." She said with a laugh. "Tell me Stephanie, why were Ridge’s wedding vows so meaningless to you when they didn’t involve Taylor? Why didn’t my marriage count or Morgan’s for that matter?"

"Because marriages to whore’s are big mistakes. He never loved either one of you. It’s Taylor, it’s always been Taylor."

Ignoring the insult Brooke continued. "Well Taylor is married to Bryan and I think she intends to stay married to him."

"We’ll just have to see now won’t we." She looked at Brooke. "So are you still married to that creature?"

"That creature as you call him is my husband and I love him dearly. I will not listen to you insult him."

"Brooke, I don’t like you, I’ve never liked you, but I wouldn’t even wish that vile piece of garbage on you. Do yourself a favor and get out before it’s too late."

"Why do you hate him so? What did he ever do to you?"

"Just take my advice Brooke. Drop him while you still can. Believe me it’s for the best." She turned away from her and back to the children. Brooke looked at her with anger and confusion and then turned and left.

"Ridge we’ve been in the air forever. Won’t you please tell me where we’re going." Taylor begged.

"Taylor my darling, it will be a wonderful surprise. I promise you that you will love it." Ridge said as he gave her hand a squeeze.

"What are you up to?" She asked with a smile. He gently touched her face.

"Oh Doc, I am so happy you said yes to me."

"Maybe if I knew it would involve a plane trip I would have said no."

"I don’t think so. I think your curiosity would have gotten the best of you." He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. She didn’t resist, in fact she laid her head on his shoulder.

"We shouldn’t be doing this." She said.

"Or this either." He said as he claimed her mouth. Taylor tried to move her head away but found herself giving in to his kiss. Soon they were entwined in each other’s arms.

"Well, well, well." Adrienne said to Michael. "Looks like Mrs. Jackson isn’t a very faithful wife."

"It’s none of our business Adrienne. Just don’t pay attention to them. You shouldn’t be here anyway."

"Maybe we can try something like that out ourselves. Brooke would never have to know. We’ve always been so good together." She said as her well manicured nail touched the inside of his thighs. He grabbed her hand and put it back on her own lap.

"I’m not looking anymore Ade. I’m happy now. What we had was fun but it’s over."

"What ever you say." She said as she leaned over and kissed him on the neck. He turned towards her and laughed.

"You never give up do you?"

"I have an itch that only you can scratch Mike." She grinned at him.

"You got the wrong guy Ade. This one is faithful to his wife."

"Let’s see how long that lasts." She laughed as she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Sit back, I have to land to refuel."

"Where are we?" She asked.

"Miami. Why? You want to get off and go home?"

"Not on your life fella." She smiled. "I came for fun and I plan to have lots of it."

 

"I see you still haven’t cleared out of this office." Brooke said to Morgan walking in the door. "I thought I’d made myself clear."

"Ridge doesn’t mind Grant using his office Brooke."

"Well I do and I’m in charge."

"Please Brooke, at least let it wait till the baby is born." Morgan begged her.

"When is the baby due? It’s very soon isn’t it?" Brooke said softening.

"It should be about a week and a half. If it isn’t even sooner."

"How is Ridge reacting these days?" Brooke asked. "Is he starting to take an interest?"

"He’s being wonderful. We are really starting to have a strong marriage."

"Don’t fool yourself Morgan." Brooke warned. "He married you for the baby, that’s all."

"I suppose you should be familiar with that. He married you for his father’s children now didn’t he?"

"I’m not trying to start a fight with you." Brooke said. "I just hope you realize you won’t be getting any support from his family. They’ll probably encourage him to divorce you as soon as the baby is born."

"Why are you being so cruel?" Morgan asked.

"I’m only being honest. In fact I think I’ve treated you much better than you have a right to be treated. Maybe because you’re an outsider to them, just like I am."

"But I have something you’ll never have, Ridge’s child."

"Perhaps, but I have his respect and I’d take that any day." She looked around. "Fair enough, you stay until you have the baby but after that this office is Grant’s." She turned and walked away.

"Stupid bitch." Morgan whispered. "It’s all your fault that Ridge is hurt. You’ll pay for that Brooke, I swear you will."

 

"Oh my God Ridge!" Taylor exclaimed. "It’s St. Thomas! You brought me back to St. Thomas!"

"You like your surprise Doc?" He asked.

"Oh Ridge." She said as her eyes filled with tears. "I can’t, I can’t do this."

"Yes you can. For today we both forget everybody and everything. It’s just you and me and the tropics. I have a day planned for you that you will never forget. Just give me today Taylor. That’s all I ask."

"Why do I have the feeling that there are strings attached to that request?"

"Today you’re just Taylor and I’m just Ridge, no spouses, no kids, no problems. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes Ridge, I can." She said as she looked into his eyes with love.

Adrienne turned to Michael. "What does he have planned?"

"I have no clue. It’s none of my business."

"What do you want to do?" She asked.

"I’ll leave it to you." He said with a smile.

"Let’s go to the beach."

"Do you have a suit?"

"Well buy them."

"Okay." He agreed. "Alright everyone. I just got cleared for landing. Hold tight we’ll be on the ground in a few minutes."

 

 

Michael cleared everyone and filled out all the necessary paperwork. He rejoined Taylor, Ridge and Adrienne.

"Okay guys, we need to make a plan on where and when we’ll meet to go home."

"Well I rented two cars." Ridge told him. "That way you and Adrienne can go where ever you want and Taylor and I can go where I have planned."

"Nice guy giving his lady a choice." Adrienne commented.

"She’ll like my choices Adrienne, believe me." Ridge told her. He turned to Michael. "Are you familiar with the island at all?"

"Never been here. How about you Ade?" Michael asked her.

"I’ve been here a couple of times. But how about we meet back here at the airport." She suggested.

"Sounds like a good idea." Michael agreed. "I’d like to be in the air by seven. I hate flying tired."

"Well I can help." Adrienne volunteered.

"You’ve had five lessons in California, in the daylight. You certainly can’t fly my plane."

"Then I’ll do something to keep you wide awake." She said in a sexy voice. "Although the flight might get a little bit wobbly."

"Seven is fine Mike." Ridge agreed. "Ready Doc?"

She took a deep breath. "I think so." She said.

"Good." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "Prepare yourself for a day you will never forget."

"You too." Adrienne said to Michael with a mischievous grin.

Changes Part 78

 

Ridge took Taylor by the hand and led her to the car. He opened the passenger door and helped her in. He then got behind the driver’s seat.

"Prepare to have the time of your life Doc." He said with a smile.

"Ridge, I can’t believe this. I really can’t."

"Believe it Doc, and we’ve only just started." He looked at her. "I know this is difficult for you but please, if you can do it at all try to forget about anything but us today."

"Oh Ridge, how I wish I could."

"We’re where it all started for us Doc. Just relax and enjoy it." He said as he started the car.

 

Michael and Adrienne walked out to the car. Michael handed Adrienne the keys.

"You know your way around here. Why don’t you drive?"

"Sure." She smiled. "First we’ll head into town and pick up swimsuits and whatever else we need. Then we can head to Magen’s Bay. It’s a great beach, I just know you’ll love it."

"Sounds good. How is the shopping here? I’d like to pick up something for Brooke."

"It’s excellent Mike. There are tons of jewelry shops and other things. What do you have in mind?"

"Jewelry sounds good." He told her.

They got into the car and headed for Charlotte Amalie.

 

Taylor and Ridge sat in the boat as it neared the island. Taylor once more felt her eyes fill with tears as she tightened her grip on Ridge’s hand.

"It’s the same place isn’t it?" She softly asked him.

"It is." He confirmed. "I felt the need to be here with you again."

"Life is so unfair." She said to him. "This is how it should have been for us."

"It still can be Doc. Just give in to it all." He smiled. "At least for today."

The boat docked and the captain helped them off.

"I’ll be back in two hours." He told Ridge.

"Thanks." Ridge said as he handed him a large tip.

"Thank you sir." He said. He turned and returned to the boat. Ridge led Taylor across the beach as the boat left.

"We’re all alone." She said. "Like the last two people in the world."

"I love you Doc." He said drawing her into his arms. Her lips met his in a passionate kiss.

They stayed in each others arms for a few minutes and then Ridge pulled away from her. "We have so much to do and so little time to do it." He took her hand and they walked down the beach until they came to a blanket. There was a huge umbrella and two picnic chests waiting for them. Ridge helped her down and then he sat down next to her. He opened one of the baskets and took out a chilled bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses.

"Champagne?" Taylor asked.

"Only the best." He said as he opened the bottle and poured them each a glass. He handed one to Taylor and held his out to her. "To you Taylor, the woman that I love more than life itself."

"Ridge." She said as the tears welled up in her eyes. "It’s so perfect. Just so perfect."

They clinked their glasses and took a sip.

"Remember the last time we were here Doc?" Ridge asked.

"How could I ever forget." She replied.

"I don’t have a treasure hunt for you this time, we already have our treasure and they’re all at home waiting for us. You’ve given me more than any man could ever hope to have. Three wonderful children and a love like no other on earth." He leaned over and kissed her. "I know that I messed things up Doc, I know I messed them bad but I truly believe that there is nothing that can’t be fixed. If I could go back in time none of it would have happened, but I can’t do that. All I can do is offer my most sincere apologies and hope that you can forgive me."

"I do forgive you Ridge." She told him.

"Taylor." He said reaching into his pocket. "When we were last here I had you hunt for something, at that time all I could do was hope and pray that you’d say yes to me. Well this time is different, yet it’s the same." He took a huge diamond ring out of his pocket. "That day so long ago I put this ring on your finger and we began our life together. We’ve gone through so much since then, some good and some bad but one thing that never changed is my love for you."

"Ridge no." She said.

"Shhh." He said touching her lips softly. "I know that right now neither one of us is free. But Doc that was all a huge mistake. Nothing should ever have parted us. I was so wrong to let it happen and I swear to all that is holy that I will fix it." He held the ring to her. "Doc please, please let me find a way to fix it. I swear I will move heaven and earth to put this ring back on your finger. Doc I need you, I need our family. I can’t live without you and I don’t think you can live without me either."

"Oh Ridge." She sighed. "It’s just not that easy. There are so many other lives involved. How can I just toss aside what I’ve built with Bryan?"

"Because it never should have happened. It was a mistake Doc."

"That may be true but it isn’t an answer. He loves me, he committed himself to me. I owe him so much. He brought me through a time when I didn’t know how I could survive. He made me smile, he gave me love. How can I pay him back by throwing away our vows Ridge? How?"

"How can you remain married to someone when in your heart you know you belong with another?"

She reached over and gently touched his face. "There will never be another love for me like you Ridge but our time is past. We let it slip away from us."

"Only temporarily Doc. I love you. Do you understand me? I love you."

"And I love you." She admitted. "I love you so much." She suddenly found herself in his arms. Their mouths were dangerously close. "We can’t do this Ridge, it’s wrong."

"How can love be wrong?" He asked before his lips met hers.

 

"These stores are amazing Ade. I can’t believe there is so much to buy here, and the prices are fantastic."

"Well what is it you think you’d like to get her?"

Michael looked up and down the street. "Colombian Emeralds. I’d love to get her an emerald."

"Then let’s go." She said taking his hand. They walked to the store and stepped inside. It was wonderfully air-conditioned. They walked up to the counter and started looking at all the fine jewels. "Look at that." Adrienne said pointing to an exquisite bracelet.

"Very nice." He agreed as he kept looking.

"May I help you sir?" A salesclerk asked Michael.

"Well I’m looking for something for my wife, something very special."

The clerk looked at Michael taking in his appearance, He turned his nose slightly at his jeans and casual shirt. "Perhaps you might like to look at that counter." He said pointing across the store. "Those things are a bit less expensive."

"Money is not an object." Michael said looking him straight in the eye. "That is unless you are looking to lose a huge commission."

"What can I show you sir?" The clerk asked, somewhat taken aback.

"Let’s see." Michael said looking at the display. His eye caught on a lovely necklace with one huge emerald surrounded by two smaller emeralds and several diamonds. "I’d like to see that." Michael said pointing down at it.

"You have wonderful taste sir, that is a one of a kind. But I warn you it is not cheap."

"May I please see it."

The clerk took it out and placed it on a velvet cloth.

"May I?" Michael asked.

"Oh course." The clerk replied.

Michael lifted it and looked at it. "It’s lovely." He looked around and saw Adrienne. "Ade!" He called. "Come here."

Adrienne walked over to Michael and looked at the necklace. "Oh my God Mike, it’s beautiful."

The clerk smiled at her and turned to Michael. "The emeralds will be a perfect match for you wife’s eyes."

"What?" Michael asked. "Oh, no. That’s not my wife." He looked at Adrienne and laughed. "Not anymore that is. You think she’d like this Ade?"

"How could she not?"

"Alright." Michael said handing it to the embarrassed clerk. "I’ll take it."

"The price sir? You didn’t ask the price."

Michael looked at him. "I guess I’m just not a good bargainer. How much is it?"
"Forty thousand dollars." The clerk said waiting for him to become embarrassed and change his mind.

"What do you think Ade, this is your business. Is it worth it?"

"Oh yeah." She said.

"Fine" Michael said reaching for his wallet. He handed the clerk his platinum card.

"I’ll have to verify this." He told him. "Will you excuse me."

The clerk walked away.

"You still love doing that don’t you Mike?" Adrienne said. "Poor kid showing off his new wealth."

"You can’t take it with you Adrienne. And yeah, when someone looks down their nose at me I certainly like to prove them wrong."

They looked at the wares for a while and then the clerk returned. His attitude had totally changed.

"Dr. Copeland, can I show you anything else?"
"What? Not a big enough commission?" Michael teased. "I think this is enough for now."

"Are you taking it now or would you like me to hold it until later for you?"

"We won’t be here long. I’ll take it." Michael said. He reached down and signed the credit card receipt and took the bag from the clerk.

"Thank you Dr. Copeland, do come again." He said as Michael and Adrienne walked out laughing.

 

Taylor moaned in pleasure as Ridge took her hardened nipple into his mouth. She reached his head and pulled him closer to her. They had abandoned their clothes and had been slowly and sweetly exploring each others bodies. She felt herself jump as his hand slid between her waiting legs. At first she stiffened to stop him but slowly his fingers persuaded her willing legs to separate and allow him greater access.

"I love you." He whispered into her ears. "God how I love you."

"This is wrong." She cried, at the same time moving herself closer and tighter to his exploring hand.

"That’s impossible Doc, our love can never be wrong." He brought his mouth back to hers and she kissed him like she was drowning and only his mouth could save her.

Taylor groaned as she felt his fingers enter her and start to move in and out. She bit on her lip to stop herself from screaming aloud. As if they had a will of their own her hands reached down to stroke him and make him harder and bigger. Taylor moved slightly and slowly guided him inside her. With a sigh of contentment Ridge began to slowly move in and out building to a crescendo. Kissing him and crying Taylor pulled her legs tightly around his waist holding him deep inside her. Slowing down the pace he rolled over pulling her on top of him. Ridge reached up and caressed her breasts as she rode him. Suddenly she felt herself going over the edge. Ridge reached up to her and took her hands as they moved harder and harder together. As if in a burst of lightening they felt themselves climax at almost the same exact moment.

 

"Here you go." Adrienne said handing Michael a tiny Speedo swimsuit.

"You’ve got to be kidding." He said with a laugh. "You’ll never see me in one of those."

"Why not? If you’ve got it flaunt it and Mikey, you have got it."

"This is more my style." He said reaching for a more conventional style of trunks.

"Boring." She said in a sing-song voice.

"Sorry." He laughed. "But it’s this or nothing."

"Ummm. I’ll take you in nothing then." She purred.

"Did you find anything?" He asked, ignoring her.

"Yup. I already paid for it."

"Did you get towels and suntan lotion?"

"I never thought of that."

"What would you ever do without me?" He teased.

He grabbed two large, thick towels and brought them up to the counter with his swimsuit. He added suntan lotion and two tee shirts and paid the bill.

"Let’s hit the beach." He said with a smile. "No wait a minute." He said spying a pay phone. "I’ll be right back."

"Brooke, Brooke, Brooke." Adrienne moaned to herself as she watched him close the door to the booth.

"Hello, Brooke Logan’s office." Megan answered.

"Please tell me she’s there." Michael told her.

"Sure thing Mike. I’ll put you right through."

"Honey?" Brooke said happily a few moments later. "Where are you?"
"St. Thomas. I was just doing a little shopping and suddenly I knew I couldn’t make it another moment without hearing your voice."

"St. Thomas?" Brooke said questioningly. "My God! Stephanie was right!"
"About what?" He asked.

"You did take Ridge and Taylor, I can’t believe this. Why didn’t you tell me?"

"He asked me not to tell you till we got home. He didn’t want Taylor to change her mind."

"I never would have tried to change her mind Michael. You should have trusted me."

"I do trust you. It was Ridge. Sweetheart let’s not fight."

"You’re right. This is their problem not ours. So what are you doing while they romance each other?"
"We did a little shopping and now we’re going to the beach."

"We?" Brooke questioned.

"Oh sh*t." He said. "I didn’t want to go into this on the phone."

"Michael! Who is with you?"
"Please don’t get mad. I didn’t invite her, she invited herself."

"Her? You’re down in St. Thomas with a woman!" She shouted. "You told me I couldn’t come and you are down there with a woman? Who is she Michael. You tell me right now!"

"Adrienne." He said.

"You took your ex-wife to a romantic island? How could you do that to me?" She said angrily. "I trusted you!"
"I’m not doing anything with her Brooke. She jumped on the plane and wouldn’t take no for an answer. All we’re doing is going to the beach. I swear to you I wish she hadn’t even come."

"So what are you doing now? Clearing a guilty conscience?"

"Brooke!" He said sternly. "Even if I could do anything with her I wouldn’t. It’s you I love, no one else. How can you accuse me. I’ve been totally honest with you."

"Well you certainly were not totally honest at all. You didn’t tell me who you were going with, you didn’t tell me where you were going and you surely didn’t tell me you were taking your little tart with you!"
"Well you know everything now. Please don’t be mad. I wish I was with you and not here. I swear I do."

"I think we better hang up before this gets any worse." Brooke said.

"No. I will not hang up with you mad. Please honey. I swear I couldn’t stand the thought of not talking to you. If I was fooling around I would have just walked in tonight and acted like nothing happened. I’m not keeping any secrets."

Brooke was silent as she thought about it. Suddenly she started to cry. "Please don’t let me down Michael, I just couldn’t take it if you let me down like they did. I just couldn’t."

"I will never let you down. Brooke I love you. I want to be the father to your children. You mean everything to me. Please don’t doubt me, please."
"I’m so upset Michael. I feel like you’ve made a fool out of me. Imagine what would happen if Stephanie found out. I’d never hear the end of it."

"Calm down and listen to me." He said. "Ridge asked me to fly him and Taylor here. He also asked me not to tell you. I didn’t want to do that but he begged me. He promised he’d explain it to you when we got home. When I met them at the airport this morning Adrienne was here. We talked and I said goodbye to her. We were getting ready to take off when she jumped in the plane. Brooke it would have taken hours of arguing to get rid of her and to be honest with you I was a little selfish too. I didn’t want to be all alone. But we are only going to the beach. I haven’t and I won’t touch her. The only woman I want to touch is you. You have to know that by now."

"Michael I’m so confused." She said.

"Brooke I love you. I called you because I love you and I needed to talk to you. I swear I will never be unfaithful to you. All I’m doing is spending some time with Adrienne. If you don’t trust me then tell me and I’ll go back to the plane and sit there all day. I don’t want to make you unhappy."

"I’m sorry. You’re right, I’m being silly. I have to remember that you’re not Ridge or Thorne. You love me and I love you. Please honey, go to the beach and rest. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. We can talk some more when you get home."

"Will you wait up for me?"

"You bet I will." She said as she took a deep breath. "I love you. I’m sorry for doubting you."

"I love you too sweetheart and you never have to be sorry for anything at all. Just believe me when I say that I can’t wait to be home in your arms again."

 

Taylor reached up to touch Ridge’s face. "Oh Ridge, what have we done?" She asked. "I was unfaithful to my husband. How could I do that?"

"This had nothing to do with Bryan. This was us. Taylor we needed this. We needed to realize what we meant to each other. We needed to remember what we had. Now we can fight to get it back."

He pulled her tightly into his arms and kissed her. "You did nothing wrong. Nothing at all."

"I want so much to believe that. This day, this day is like a fantasy. I can almost believe that we are still together but we aren’t. We aren’t and I cheated on my husband." She started to cry. "But I love you so much. I wish we could just stay here and never go back. I wish I could just stay in your arms for the rest of my life."
"We can make it happen Doc, we can."

Taylor sat up and looked around. "It’s so beautiful here. I can almost believe your words Ridge, almost."

"Think of our family Doc. Don’t our kids deserve to have their mother and father together again?"

"What can I say to Bryan? How can I explain it to him?"

"You can tell him that you care for him a great deal but that it was a mistake, you should never have married him." He sat up and looked at her. "You are so beautiful." He looked up and down her body. "I can’t believe that this wonderful body gave birth to three children." He leaned over and kissed her breasts. "Please Taylor, come back to me."

She looked at him sadly and then turned back to the water. "I can’t do it to him."

"Isn’t this worse? You being married to him and loving me?"

"For us but not to him. I can make him a good wife. He deserves a good wife."

"Yes, but not you. You’re mine Taylor and you’ll never be anyone else’s."
"Please don’t push me Ridge, I already feel so guilty. Please just let me have this day with you. Let me hide it away and whenever I’m sad I can take it out and remember, remember how it feels to truly love someone."

"Oh Doc, this isn’t going the way I planned it."

"You didn’t really think I could just leave him did you?"
"The day isn’t over yet. I still have time to change your mind." He looked soulfully into her eyes. "Nothing is impossible Taylor, not when you have what we have."

 

 

"What happened?" Adrienne asked Michael when he came out of the phone booth. "You look upset."

"Brooke knows. She knows everything."

"And?"

"She’s mad. And Adrienne she should be. You had no right to invite yourself along. How does it look? I’m married and here I am on a romantic island with my ex-wife."

"Then why did you tell her?"

"I told you, I won’t lie to her. Understand this Adrienne, I love her. I really love her. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her."

"Okay" She said waving her arms. "I get it. So what do you want me to do? Hitch a ride back?"
"No. She understands. We’ll go to the beach like we planned. It’s just that I’m not very happy about it all. I don’t want to hurt her or lose her love."

"You’re bordering on pathetic Mike." She said. "Does she have your balls in a jar next to the bed?"

"Just shut up." He said. "You have no conception of true love and commitment."

"Maybe if I had gotten it from you."

"Don’t hand me that Adrienne. You and I went in it for the same reasons. This is different." He looked out the glass window of the store. "Come on, let’s just get out of here."

 

"You had this dress in that bag all along?" Taylor asked as she modeled the sundress that Ridge had given her.

"Yeah. That and the swimsuit that you didn’t need." He laughed.

"Skinny dipping in the Caribbean was fun." She laughed. "But I sure wish I had a shower."

"I’ll get you one later. The captain should be here any moment now."

"Where are we going now?" She asked.

"Someplace a little bit more public."

"Good, I don’t know how much longer my resolve would hold up."

"Today isn’t about resolve." He took her hands. "Taylor, we made love. It wasn’t a crime and it wasn’t part of the plan. Yes I did have my hopes but I would have been satisfied just spending the day with you. But you can’t be regretting this, it was too special."

"I’ll try not to." She said. She looked out at the water. "It really is beautiful here isn’t it. We should take the children some" She suddenly stopped. "What was I thinking?"

"You were thinking about the future, the way it should be."

"The way it never can be." She said sadly. She turned to him and smiled. "Can we still make the rest of today special?"

"I wouldn’t have it any other way." He said. "Look, here comes the captain. It’s time to move on to part two."

"Won’t you tell me anything?"

"I’m having way too much fun." He grinned. "But don’t worry, you’ll love it."

 

"Bryan you haven’t heard a word I’ve said." Connor complained. "What’s wrong?"
"We had another fight. Only this one was worse. I suggested we take the day off and spend it together and what does she say? No Bryan, I have plans. For God’s sake Connor, what could be more important than our marriage? We’re falling apart and she can’t stop and spend time to try and fix it." He shook his head. "Sometimes I feel like I’m in this marriage all alone."

"Why don’t you leave early and take her out for a romantic dinner? That always helps." Connor suggested.

"I would if I had any idea where to find her. She isn’t home. She isn’t answering her cell phone and no one answers at Katherine’s either. I have no idea where the kids are."

"Maybe she and Katherine took them somewhere. Bry you worry too much."

"Maybe." He admitted. "Connor I don’t want to lose her. I love her so much and I feel her slowly slipping away. And you know whose fault that is."

"I’ve been there Bry. Ridge is a hard man to compete with."

"How a guy like that can have women like Brooke and Taylor throwing themselves at him is beyond me. He’s half man half ego."

"There must be something. But Bryan you can never let your guard down. He’ll never stop, never."

"Was he still after Brooke even when he was married to Taylor?"

"They had their own little dance. Neither one of them could let go. I doubt if they ever will. He can still draw her in."

"Then I guess Mike is in the same boat huh?"

"Not exactly. Somehow he and Brooke have something different. I hate to admit it. I never thought it would work but I’ve never seen her happier. I wish it could have been me but it wasn’t."

"But she’d still jump at Ridge’s request?" He asked.

"Maybe not." Connor said thoughtfully. "I hope not. I want the best for Brooke. But Bryan you have to watch out. You know how vulnerable Taylor was to him even when you were first married."

"Somehow I have a feeling that he’s behind her disappearance today. I just can’t put my finger on it but it feels right."

Michael and Adrienne had put their things in a locker and Michael had quickly changed and gone to the beach. Michael had found a quiet, deserted place on the beach for them. He was lying on a lounge chair soaking in the sun when Adrienne joined him. She was wearing the smallest, sexiest bikini he had ever seen. He sat up and took off his sunglasses to look at her.

"Holy sh*t Ade, didn’t you plan on covering anything?"

"You like?" She smiled.

"Well you can carry it off, that’s for sure. You look great." He touched the chair next to him. "Sit down and get some sun, it feels great."

"You think it would be alright if I lost the top?"

"You know you can’t do that here." He warned her.

"There’s no one around here but you." She said as she unhooked the top and dropped it to the sand. She watched Michael’s face and was pleased by his reaction. He quickly turned away from her. "It’s fate Mike. You’re going to be mine before this day is over." She handed him the lotion. "Get my back huh babe?"

"Sure. Turn around." He said. She sat on the edge of his chair and he carefully put lotion on her back. Suddenly she swung around and he found his hands holding her ample breasts.

"That feels nice." She said. "Rub it in a little more will you?"

"You’re such a tease Ade." He laughed. He took the lotion and handed it to her. "I think you can do that yourself."
"Can I do you?" She asked suggestively.

"Yeah, you can get my back." He lay down on the lounge on the stomach and she leaned over and started to slowly rub the lotion onto his back. Slowly she got closer and closer until her breasts were rubbing against him. "Stop it Adrienne." He said sitting up. She put her arms around him and kissed him with intensity. For a moment he let himself get caught up in it and then he pulled away. "Are you happy now?" He asked her.

"Not quite but I will be later." She said as she made a show of rubbing more lotion on her breasts.

"Give it a rest." He said with a laugh as he lay down again and closed his eyes. She looked down at him with longing.

"Don’t you find me desirable?" She asked him.

"You are very desirable Adrienne, but the only woman I desire is my wife now be quiet and let me rest."

"You are a difficult man to seduce Michael Copeland."

"Try impossible." He laughed. "If only you knew exactly how impossible."

 

"Where are we going now?" Taylor asked as Ridge took her hand as they stepped off the dock at the Havensight Mall.

"First the Captain said we can use his building to shower and change." Ridge answered.

"Change?" She asked. "What am I changing into now?"

"I brought us some shorts and shirts and sandals. Come on." He said leading her to the building. Once inside he handed her a stack of clothing including panties and a bra. They each went into a shower stall.

A little while later a clean and refreshed Taylor walked out to where Ridge was waiting for her. He took the clothes she had changed out of and put them into the suitcase and looked her over. She had on a pair of short white shorts, a bright turquoise halter and white sandals. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. He smiled and handed her a pair of sunglasses and a disposable camera.

"What’s this for?" She asked.

"I thought you might like to capture some of the memories. Just let me store this suitcase for now and we’re ready to go." Ridge walked away and Taylor looked out the window at all the tourists shopping and

walking and having a great time. She was having a great time too but it was going to end. How she envied the couples holding hands and kissing. They would be going home together, home to their happy lives. All I have to look forward to was more arguments and misery. She thought. My God, where did that come from? Bryan is a wonderful man and he loves me. We can make it work, we will make it work. She felt her determination returning. She turned back to where she last saw Ridge and he was walking towards her smiling.

"Ridge, I can’t do this. I think we should just go back to the airport and wait for Michael and Adrienne. I’m just feeling too guilty. This isn’t what I planned on doing at all."

"Taylor stop it. We’re here. Let’s please enjoy ourselves. I have some wonderful things planned for us. You shouldn’t be feeling guilty. We love each other. Now come on." He took her hand and led her out of the building. They walked a little and he made a turn. "Doc, have you ever been on a submarine?" He asked her.

"Not in this lifetime." She said with a laugh.

"Good." He said leading her along again.

"Are we going on a submarine? Ridge how can we go on a submarine?"

"It’s really a tourist one but they tell me it’s a lot of fun and the views are fantastic. And don’t worry about being hot or anything, it’s all air-conditioned. It’s called Atlantis Submarines. They have them in quite a few on the islands but this one is supposed to be one of the best."

"I guess I can do that." She agreed.

"Of course you can do that. Look," He said. "There’s the building. Let’s go in and see if we can get on the next ride."

They went to the building and Ridge walked up to the desk. He talked to the clerk and returned to Taylor.

"Perfect." He smiled. "The next ride is in fifteen minutes and they have room for us. All we have to do is walk to the dock."

He took her hand again and happily they walked towards the dock, all problems at home forgotten. Suddenly Ridge stopped at an ice cream stand. "How about a cone?" He suggested.

"Butter Pecan." She said.

He went to the counter and ordered a Butter Pecan for Taylor and a Chocolate Chip for himself. He handed her the cone and took a taste of his. "This is great." He said. "Want to try it?"

"Sure." She said. He held it out to her and she took a lick. "It’s good but I like mine better." She said as she ate more of her own cone. "Wanna try mine?"

"Yup." He said reaching over for a taste. Instead of tasting the cone he captured her mouth and kissed her deeply. "Yeah Doc, it is good."

"Yeah." She said dreamily as she let him take her into his arms again. Their mouths came together and all thoughts of ice cream were momentarily forgotten.

"I love you so much Taylor." Ridge murmured without letting her out of his grip.

"I love you too Ridge. I really do." She said letting her cone fall to the ground as her arms when tightly around him.

 

"Wow Mike, look at the sky." Adrienne said sitting up in her lounge. "It looks really ominous out there."

Michael opened his eyes and slowly sat up. "It sure does. Man I hope it passes before we have to take off. I certainly don’t like the thought of flying in a storm."

"Well you know these island storms. They’re pretty localized. I bet it isn’t even raining on the other side of the island. I bet the sun is shining."

"I think we better get dressed and head in. I really don’t want to be caught here in that."

"Okay." She reluctantly agreed. "But first one thing."

"What?" He asked.

"This." She said. She got up and sat on the edge of his chair. She pulled his head to hers and kissed him again.

"Adrienne," He said pulling away. "I wish you would stop doing that. You never liked me this much when we were married. What is with you?"

"Forbidden fruit I guess." She said. "Besides, we were always so good together."

"What wrong? Your lawyer isn’t keeping you satisfied?"

"As a matter of fact he is. I just miss you." She touched the side of his face. "I liked knowing that we always had each other when we needed each other."

"Adrienne, if you need me for anything else you know you can count on me but that part of our life is over. When will you get it through your head that I love my wife and I don’t want anyone else but her?"

"That’ll get old Mike and what if I’m not around anymore when it does?"

"It’s not going to get old. I’m in love Ade, I’m really in love." He stood up. "Now where is that guy who brought these chairs over?"

"Who knows." She said. "You can carry them back, you don’t need him."

He looked at the chairs. "I can’t Ade. I um, threw out my back and I can’t strain it. If I do I may not be able to fly home."

"Are you wimping out on me Mike?" She laughed. "They can’t be that heavy."

"I can’t do it. I’ll go find the guy." He said.

"Who would have ever believed it. Mike Copeland you are turning into an old man." She laughed.

 

"Ridge it really looks like a storm brewing." Taylor exclaimed as they got out of the submarine. "I can’t believe the change in the sky. It was sunny and clear when we got on."

"It doesn’t look too good does it?" He agreed. He looked at his watch. "It’s only five but maybe we should head to the airport. Michael might already be there. Though I hate to cut this day short."

"We may be cutting our lives short if we don’t." Taylor said.

"You wait here, I’ll go get the suitcase and then we can get back to the car."

"Hurry honey. I really don’t like the way it looks."

"I’m sure it isn’t that bad. But I will hurry." He said as he took off in a run.

 

Ridge and Taylor ran into the airport check in area just before the rain started. They were amazed at all the people standing around.

"Do you know where we should be waiting?" Taylor asked.

Ridge looked around. "Well this is for the commercial airlines. Maybe we should walk down a bit and ask someone."

Suddenly they heard someone shouting at them.

"Ridge! Taylor! Over here!" Adrienne shouted.

They turned to her and walked to where she was standing.

"Where’s Mike?" Ridge asked.

"He’s checking on the plane and trying to get a take off position. This storm came in fast and everything is a mess." She explained.

"Can he fly in this?" A panicked Taylor asked.

"He won’t take off if it isn’t safe but I don’t think it’s that bad." Adrienne told them. "Look." She pointed. "Here he comes."

They all watched him as he made his way across the crowded airport. The closer he got the more glum looking they could see he was.

"What’s wrong Mike?" Ridge asked when he got up to them.

"The airport’s closed. No one is taking off tonight. There are thousands of people stranded, it’s high season and there are six conventions going on. Ridge. Go back to the rental place and see if you can get a car. I’m still going to try to score us a few rooms."

"Try?" Adrienne said, her eyes widening.

"Didn’t you hear what I just said?" Michael exclaimed angrily. "There isn’t a room to be had on this entire island."

Changes Part 79

 

 

"Well you have to find us rooms Mike. Where will we go? We can’t just stay here all night." Adrienne complained.

"We may not have an option." He looked at the panic on Taylor’s face. "I’m sorry honey, I’d get you home if I could. But I wouldn’t be doing your babies any favor if I tried to take off with their Mommy in this." He looked to where Ridge was in line at the rental stand. "You two wait here. I’m going to see if I can pull any strings and get us some rooms." He walked away leaving Taylor and Adrienne standing there.

"Well, did ya have fun?" Adrienne asked.

"Yes. It was lovely." Taylor admitted. "We had a picnic on the beach and we took a submarine ride. What did you two do?"

"Mike shopped for his wife." She said glumly. "Then we went to the beach, but I couldn’t get a rise out of him if you can catch my drift."

"You shouldn’t have been trying to." Taylor told her. "He’s married to Brooke now."

"Would ya talk about the pot calling the kettle black." Adrienne said with a cruel laugh. "Last time I heard your last name was Jackson, not Forrester."

Taylor blushed and looked away.

"I’m sorry sweetie. That was nasty of me." Adrienne said. "A woman has to do what a woman has to do. I can tell you and Ridge are still in love. My lips are sealed, I promise."

"I don’t think it’s going to matter much now." Taylor admitted. "What will I ever tell Bryan?"

"Doncha worry about that. We’ll think of something." Adrienne assured her.

"I don’t want to lie to him Adrienne." Taylor said.

"You don’t mean you’re gonna tell him you were getting a little hoochie from your ex now are you?"

"Not exactly." Taylor laughed. "But I have to tell him where I am and why I can’t get home."

"Why even worry about it now. The phones may be down anyway."

Taylor turned pale at the suggestion.

 

"Well I appreciate it, I truly do. No, I understand, we’ll just have to make do. We’re lucky you had that to offer us. Yes. As soon as we get either a car or a taxi. Thank you again." Michael said hanging up the phone.

"Any luck Dr. Copeland?" The girl at the desk asked.

"Yeah. The Ritz Carlton came through with two rooms."

"The Ritz? My you’ll certainly be roughing it." She teased.

"Unfortunately I’m here as a favor to a friend and his woman. I guess they’ll be happy."

"And you don’t want to stay at the Ritz?" She asked in confusion.

"My ex-wife joined us for the ride. Now it looks like I’m going to have to share a room with her."

"Well maybe you can relive some old memories." She suggested with a giggle.

"I’m a happily married man now. Adrienne came cause she was bored. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to explain this to my wife."

"Well I’m sure she’ll understand you had no choice, the airport is closed."

"Yeah." He sighed. "Look, you don’t mind if I call her from here do you? I promise to reimburse you for any charges. I’m really worried that the phone lines may go down."

"Go ahead. My boss won’t mind." She said as she walked away to give him more privacy. He dialed the number and gave a sigh of relief as the phone rang.

"It’s your quarter." Bridget answered.

"Budge, it’s Mike, is Mom home?"

"I’ll get her." She held the phone away. "Mom!" She shouted. "Mike’s on the phone." She put the phone to her ear again. "Here she comes. You sound funny. Is something wrong?" Bridget asked.

"Your Mother will tell you all about it I’m sure." He said.

"Michael?" Brooke said as she picked up the phone. "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah honey. There’s a bad storm, they closed the airport."

"Oh my God. Are you in danger?"

"No honey, we’re fine. We just can’t take off and right now it’s just a little rain and some high winds. They let me move my plane to a safer place so that should be okay but the real problem is that we have to stay overnight. The girl at the airport thinks we’re going to lose the phone lines so I wanted to call you right away."

"Did you get hotel rooms?" She asked.

"Uh, yeah. We did."

"What’s Taylor going to tell Bryan?" She asked.

"That’s not my problem Brooke. The only one I was worried about is you. Anyway I have to get back to them so we can get to the hotel. I’ll try to call you again later. Watch the weather channel so you can see what’s happening here. I love you sweetie."

"I love you too Michael. Please be careful."

"I promise." He said. He put down the receiver. "Thanks honey." He told the girl.

"Anytime." She answered with a smile as he walked away.

 

"I got a car." Ridge told the women. "I was lucky. I think they ran out about two people after me. Where’s Mike? Did he get rooms?"

"We don’t know yet." Taylor told him.

"Here he comes." Adrienne announced. "Hey doll, howdya make out?" She called

Laughing he walked over to them. "It cost me a bribe or two but I got two rooms."

"That’s great." Ridge said, obviously relieved. "I hope it’s at least a halfway decent place although beggars can’t be choosers."

"I imagine even you would find the Ritz Carlton halfway decent Forrester." Michael told him.

"Good work Mike." Ridge said with a smile.

"But we better get there fast before they give our rooms away." Michael instructed. "Plus you all better call home as soon as we get there."

"What about you?" Ridge asked. "Won’t Logan care?"

"I already called her."

"Again?" Adrienne said rolling her eyes. She turned to Taylor and Ridge. "She has him by the balls. He called her from town and then again from the beach."

"He loves her." Taylor told her.

"He’s scared of her." Adrienne laughed.

"Maybe a little of both." Ridge said with a laugh. "I know personally it’s a huge mistake to cross Logan."

"I’m not afraid of my wife." Michael said. "I happen to love her. Now let’s get going."

 

Blake walked into the control room where a bored Joe was sitting with his legs up on a table drinking a beer from a long neck bottle. "What’s going on?" He asked him.

"Not a thing. She went out with the kids, came home alone, went out again, came in, grabbed her purse and left. I should have rigged the outside."

"She’s still not back? What about Jackson?"

"No one, not even the nanny. I’ve been bored out of my mind."

"I pay you well enough to be bored." Blake said sharply.

"No problem man, I’m just explaining. I think I’ll go rewind all the tapes. No reason to waste them." Joe said. "Unless you want to check them yourself."

"Now why should I want to do that? Can’t I trust you?"

"Never trust a con man Blake, I don’t trust you and you don’t trust me, that’s why we work so well together." He got up and started working with the tapes.

"Well you had better not be double crossing me Joe. That’s something you would live to regret."

"Take it easy dude. It was only a joke." Joe insisted. "Oh, by the way. I misplaced a few things today."

"What?" Blake asked.

"Mouthwash bottle put away empty, new one gone. Oh, you’ll love this. I changed his after-shave to some chick stuff. The man will smell like flowers." Joe said with a laugh. "And I broke that bracelet that he gave her. The thing will not close anymore. Either she’ll lose it or she won’t be able to wear it."

"I don’t want you to do anything to harm her. This is only about splitting them up." Blake warned.

"What’s the deal with them anyway?" Joe asked.

"You have no need to know." Blake said. "None at all."

"Dude, I know she’s your ex and all that, but why do you want them split?"

"Frankly Joe it’s none of your business." Blake reiterated.

"Whatever, she sure is one fine looking woman. I wouldn’t mind a taste of that." Suddenly Joe found himself on the floor holding his jaw. "What the f*ck did you do that for?" He shouted at Blake.

"You keep your slimy hands off her." He said with a look of total anger and madness on his face.

"Man you are crazy." Joe said to Blake as he rubbed his jaw.

 

"We’re staying here?" Adrienne said as Ridge pulled the car up to the hotel. "It’s gorgeous."

"You did good Mike." Ridge said with a smile. He stopped the car and got out. He quickly ran to the other side to open the door for Taylor but the valet beat him to it. He then helped Michael and Adrienne out.

"Your luggage sir?" The valet said to Ridge. He opened the trunk and removed the one small suitcase and handed it to him. Michael held the shopping bag that contained his and Adrienne’s purchases. "Is that it?" He asked them.

"We’re stranded." Michael explained. "We’re only here for the night."

"Very well sir." He said. "Please follow me."

They walked into the lobby, the luxurious floors were made of Italian marble and the statues gave it a true Mediterranean look. Keeping with the style of the islands it was open and there were abundant tropical plants. Adrienne was truly impressed by the style and architecture. Ridge took Taylor’s hand and gave it a squeeze. She looked up at him and smiled.
"Let me take care of this okay?" Michael said to the group.

"Sure." Ridge agreed.

Michael walked up to the desk. He turned back to the group. "Taylor, can you come here a minute?" He called out to her.

Taylor walked over to him. "What’s up Michael?"

"Honey I want to do what ever you want. I don’t want any embarrassment or misunderstandings."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Do you want to share a room with Ridge or would you rather share with Adrienne?" He looked at her. "I don’t want to put you on the spot, so you make the choice."

She looked at him with a pained expression.

"I know." He said to her. "I know how hard this is for you. I’m aware of the feelings you have for Ridge but I also know how you feel about Bryan. Sweetheart if you want to share a room with me that’s okay too. It appears that you are the only one here that knows how truly harmless I am right now." He laughed.

"You’re a sweet man." She said kissing him on the cheek. "I hope you’re not mad that Brooke told me. I think it’s a wonderful thing you did. You are going to make a fantastic father."

"I’m sure I’ll agree in a few weeks." He laughed. "When the pain stops anyway."

"Michael I don’t know what to do." She confessed. "I feel so guilty already. But somehow I don’t want to let it all end yet." She looked longingly back at Ridge.

"Say no more." He told her.

"But what about you? I can’t subject you to Adrienne. She is on the warpath for you."

"Don’t think I don’t know that." He said with a grin. "I can handle her. You two have this night together, you both deserve it."

"Thank you Michael." She said. He put his arms around her and gave her a hug. She walked back to Ridge and Adrienne.

"What was all that about?" A suspicious Ridge asked.

"Just friendship." Taylor answered. She looked up at him and then kissed him.

A few moments later Michael walked over and handed Ridge a key. "There’s a couple of stores on the grounds. We can get a change of clothing. All the toiletries are in the rooms so we should be okay. There are three restaurants here and they’re all open." He looked at Adrienne. "Shall we go get something else to wear?"

"I’d rather have you naked." She smiled.

"Not gonna happen." He laughed and took her hand. "Ridge, Taylor we’ll meet you tomorrow morning at nine for breakfast. If everything is clear then we can head right for the airport."

"Sounds good." Ridge said.

"Aren’t we having dinner together?" Adrienne asked.

"Let’s give them some privacy." Michael told her as he led her towards the shops.

"Well here we are." Taylor said to Ridge.

"Here we are." He repeated. "Ready to go to the room?"
"Oh yes." She said as she gazed longingly into his eyes.

"Doc?" He said questioningly.

She just tightened her grip on his hand.

"Mom, where is Mike?" Bridget asked Brooke who was pacing in the living room.

"He took some people up in the plane and there was bad weather. He’s stuck in St. Thomas for the night."

"Is he alright?" She asked.

"He’s fine but I’m worried. Those tropical storms can get bad so fast." Brooke pushed a strand of hair from her face.

"He’ll be okay Mom." Bridget said as she put her arms around her. "Mike is so careful."

"I know honey, I know." Brooke said sadly.

 

"Look at the view." Taylor called to Ridge from the balcony. Although the clouds were dark and ominous it was still an exquisite sight.

"I am." He said as he looked at the woman he loved. He smiled and walked out to her and put his arm around her. "I love you Doc."

"I love you Ridge." She said turning and falling into his embrace. She looked up at him and then moved her lips to his. She pulled him closer to her and let their bodies touch each other closely.

"I need you Doc, I need you so much."

"Yes." She said softly. Letting go of him she let him take her hand and lead her to the bed. She sighed deeply as he pulled down the soft comforter. Slowly her hand reached up to untie the halter-top. She took it off and dropped it on a chair. She then reached down for the zipper on her shorts. Ridge turned around to look at her. His breath caught when he found her standing there naked in front of him. Taylor smiled seeing the reaction in the arousal in his pants. She walked to the bed and lay down in the center.

"I hope you don’t plan on keeping me waiting." She said.

"Oh God Doc, never." He said as he tore his clothes off.

 

"Look Mike, there’s a mini bar here. Let’s open some wine." Adrienne said after she dumped the packages on the bed.

"Not for me Ade." He told her. "I have to fly in the morning."

"That’s hours away. You can have something. It was bad enough you wouldn’t at the beach but now you have no excuse."

"I’ll have one drink with dinner but I can’t be drinking a bottle of wine with you Adrienne."

"You used to be fun." She complained.

"See, aren’t you glad you got rid of me now?" He said with a chuckle.

"You know I’m not."

"I really don’t understand you Adrienne. What is it that you find so appealing all of a sudden? It’s not like I hadn’t been available to you before."

"We always had each other Mike, I don’t like losing that."

"I’m married." He told her. "I’ll always be your friend but the sex part is over."

"It doesn’t have to be. Brooke never has to know. I’ll never tell her."
"Begging doesn’t become you and this is just plain stupid. You don’t want me anymore than I want you. You’re just acting childish Ade. Now let’s just clean up and decide what to do for dinner."

"I’m going back down to the store." Adrienne told him. "I think I’m going to treat myself to something. Besides with all the money I get from my ex I can afford it." She smiled at him.

"Get out of here." He answered with a laugh.

Adrienne grabbed her purse and went out the door. Michael took a bottle of Advil out of his pocket and downed three. He then sat on the bed and picked up the phone. Staring at it for awhile he finally dialed the number.

"Hello." Came Brooke’s nervous voice.

"Hi Honey." Michael said to her.

"Michael," She said with a sigh of relief. "I was looking at the Weather Channel and it really looks bad."

"It’s not too bad here," He said walking to the balcony. "In fact it stopped raining."

"So you got a room?" She asked.

"Brooke, there’s something I have to tell you." He started.

"I was so worried you’d have to sit in the airport all night. I’m so glad it worked out for you. And I’m really glad you called again. I think I would have been up all night long worrying."

"I’d never want you to do that. I’m so sorry that I’m putting you through all this, it’s so unfair. I swear next time, if there ever is a next time, that you will come with me no matter what."

"Well I was thinking about that and I can understand how Ridge felt. Taylor might have been embarrassed if I was there. But I wish you had at least told me."

"I promise, no more secrets."

"So is it a nice hotel at least?"
"The Ritz Carlton." He told her. "It was nuts, no one at all had any rooms. They must have been saving these for some VIP’s. I was lucky to get them."

"Well I think that a famous surgeon and a famous fashion designer qualify as VIP’s." She said with a giggle. "Are Ridge and Taylor sharing a room?" She asked. "I bet they are."

"Yeah honey, they are and that’s what."

"Hold on Michael, my call waiting just clicked in and I’m worried about Rick." She told him and clicked off.

"You aren’t making this very easy for me Brooke." He said aloud to no one. "Maybe I should wait till I get home, no sense in upsetting her over nothing." He scratched his head and waited for her to return to the phone.

 

"How can you possibly tell me that our future isn’t together after that Taylor?" Ridge asked as he held her in his arms. "I know you need me as much as I need you."

"I do Ridge, but you and I aren’t the only ones involved. If we were it would be so easy."

"I never said it would be easy." He pulled himself up and looked her in the eye. "Please Doc, please tell me you’re coming back to me."

"I need more time. I can’t give you an answer yet."
"I’m winning you over." He smiled. "I love you Doc."

"Ridge?" Taylor said softly. "If I were to say yes would you give me time to work it all out. Would you keep it between us?"

"Are you saying yes?"

"Not yet."

"But soon." He smiled and kissed her. "We’re gonna get our family back Doc, I just know it."

"Please just give me some more time to think. This came so suddenly Ridge."

"I will. As a matter of fact you can have all the time you need. But right now I’m going to take a shower. Why don’t you phone home and then I’ll call while you shower."

"I’m not looking forward to that." She said.

"It’ll be fine." He said with a kiss. He got out of the bed and walked into the shower. Taylor found she was unable to take her eyes off his body as he walked away.

"It is right Ridge." She said to herself. "We do belong together. But now is not the time to deal with Bryan about it." She sighed as she picked up the phone. She was almost sorry that she got a dial tone. She took a deep breath as the phone rang.

"Blake," Joe called. "The phones ringing. You want to come in and listen?"

Blake walked into the room and sat down next to Joe. "Is it her?"

"He hasn’t picked up yet."

 

"Hello." Bryan’s voice said.

"Bryan?" Taylor said. "It’s me."

"Where the hell are you Taylor? And are the children with you?"
"Stephanie has the kids. She’s keeping them overnight."

"Well then where are you and when are you getting home? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

"Bryan this isn’t easy."

"Just tell me, don’t make excuses!" He shouted. "You started the day mad and then you didn’t return a single call I made and don’t you dare say the message wasn’t there cause I checked and it’s still there. I want to know where you were, where you are and when the hell you plan on coming home."

"Don’t shout at me." She said. "I’m trying to explain."

"Then explain!"

"I went on a little trip today, it was only supposed to be for a few hours, but the weather got bad and we’re stranded."

"We?" He asked. "Who the hell is we?"

"Bryan you have to understand. I never planned this. It was only supposed to be an afternoon to talk."

"Who Taylor? Who?" He demanded.

"Ridge." She answered sheepishly.

"Ridge?" He shouted. "You went off somewhere with Ridge? Why the hell did you do that? Hasn’t he already caused us enough troubles? Okay Taylor, where are you?"
She sighed deeply before answering. "I’m in St. Thomas."

"That better be the name of a resort in California."

"You know it isn’t." She said. "I had no idea we were going here. I thought we were going for a ride."

"Even that would have been unacceptable. How can you do this to us?"

"I didn’t mean to. I got in the car and the next thing I knew we were at the airport. Michael was waiting by his plane. I was shocked. I didn’t know what to do."

"You should have just said no Taylor. That’s what most married women would say." He said angrily. "So Mike Copeland is in on this too? That’s just great. I suppose Brooke is there too?"
"No, she didn’t come. Mike only acted as the pilot."

"I can’t believe this. How could you do this? Obviously this marriage means sh*t to you." He shouted. "Where the hell do we go from here Taylor? I’m sick of being in this marriage alone."

"Bryan can this wait until I get home please?"
"And when is that? When do I get the honor of you appearance again? Oh, don’t even tell me, I don’t even care anymore. You come home when you feel like it. Just don’t expect me to be waiting for you!" He shouted as he slammed the phone down.

Taylor stared down at the phone as she heard the silence. The tears welled in her eyes and slowly fell down her cheeks. "I never wanted this Bryan." She whispered. "I swear I never meant to hurt you." She walked to the bathroom and opened the door. Ridge was in the shower with the water beating down on him. She slowly slipped into the stall with him. "Ridge?" She said softly. "Hold me?" He instantly complied.

 

"Well Blake, it looks like you’re getting your way." Joe said with a trace of disappointment that Blake picked up on.

"Don’t worry about your paycheck Joe, once we get rid of Jackson we’ll have to start working on Forrester."

"The dark haired dude?" He asked.

"Yes. Her ex-husband and a man I want to destroy." Blake said. "No Joe, our work has just begun."

 

"Sorry Michael." Brooke said returning to the phone. "You know after everything you told us the other night I don’t know what to do about Rick. It seems he’s either with Amber or Sara and I really don’t want him with either of them now." She sighed heavily. "I wish you were here. You could talk to him, he respects you."

"He respects you too Brooke. He’s just a kid. He’ll work it out. But I hope it’s not with Sara. I really think that Amber isn’t that bad."

"I’ll have to tell you all about her when you get home." She told him. "Anyway was there something you wanted to tell me?"

"Just that I miss you and as soon as this storm is over I’ll be home."

"Are you going to have dinner with Adrienne?" She asked.

"Yeah, you don’t mind do you?"

"Well I’d rather it wasn’t just the two of you but I guess you have no choice. Just watch out for her, I don’t trust her."

"All you have to do is trust me Brooke. I’d never do anything to hurt you."

"I know." She told him. "Now make sure you get plenty of rest. It’s a long flight home."

"I love you Brooke, remember that no matter what else, I love you."
"Me too." She told him.

 

With one last tender kiss Ridge let go of Taylor. "I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I never meant to cause you any hurt."

"I know." She said tenderly touching his face. "I know."

"Are you alright to shower yourself?" He asked. "I’d like to call home too."

"I don’t think Morgan is going to be any happier than Bryan was."

"I have to be careful Doc. I don’t want her to go into early labor. I think I have to lie to her for now."

"I suppose the circumstances warrant it." She agreed. "You go call and I’ll be out in a little while." She kissed him again. "Maybe you should call down for reservations."

"Yeah, I’ll do that. I hope we don’t run into Mike and Adrienne, I want tonight to be just us."

"I think he knew that." She smiled. "Ridge you have no idea how happy you’ve made me."

"Are you ready to say yes?" He asked hopefully.

"Soon." She said. He smiled, got out of the shower, grabbed a towel and left the bathroom closing the door.

He sat on the bed and picked up the phone. Without any hesitation he dialed a number.

"Hello Mother." He said.

"Honey! Where are you? Are you and Taylor together?" Stephanie asked excitedly.

"Actually we are." He admitted. "But don’t read too much into it just yet."

"I’ll read exactly what it is honey." She said. "I’m getting my family back."

"It’s way too soon for that Mother, but we are communicating much better. Anyway the reason I called is that I have a little problem."

"What is it?"

"We’re down in St. Thomas and the airport is closed because of a storm. We can’t get home tonight."

"How wonderful!" She gleefully exclaimed.

"Mother!" He said sternly. "It’s a serious storm and it’s causing Taylor a lot of grief."

"Well she doesn’t have to worry about the children, they are fine. Helen and I are taking wonderful care of them."

"I don’t doubt that." He chuckled. "But I need you to do me a favor. I can’t take the chance of upsetting Morgan so close to her due date. Can you tell her that I was held up at a conference or something?"

"Where did you tell her you were going?" She asked.

"I didn’t." He admitted. "But now I wish I had. I don’t want anything to happen to the baby."

"Do you think you should talk to Jonathan about him?" Stephanie asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well you and Taylor can sue her for custody. Surely any judge will realize that you are far better parents than she’ll ever be."

"Stop it Mother. Nothing is decided. Please just do this one thing for me."

"Of course honey. Now you just go back to Taylor. Oh honey, I’m so happy for both of you."

"Thanks Mother, I hope it works out too." He said. He hung up the phone and smiled. "You’ll say yes before the night is through Doc. You’ll say yes and I’ll have my family back again."

He picked up the phone again and punched in the number for the outdoor restaurant. "Hello, this is Ridge Forrester in 118. I’d like to make reservations for tonight for two. Yes. Entertainment? Who? Wow, that’s impressive, yes please as close to the stage as possible. When does she go on? Alright perfect. Then make it eight. Thanks." He said hanging up. "Oh Taylor, if only you knew what I have planned for you now."

 

"What did you get?" Michael asked Adrienne as she returned to the room.

"Some jewelry." She said. "I’ll show you later." She walked to the balcony and looked out. "Mike, I’m getting tired. Would you mind if we just ordered in some room service?"

"Sure Ade. That sounds like a good idea."

"I’m going to take a shower. Why don’t you just order for us."

"What would you like?" He asked.

"You know my tastes. You pick something out. I’m really too tired to even think." She smiled at him, walked into the bathroom and closed the door. A few moments later Michael heard the sound of the shower running. He picked up the hotel room service menu and picked up the phone.

"Hi, this is Dr. Copeland in 135. I’d like to order some room service, yes, thank you. Hi, I’d like to order room service for tonight. Room 135. Yes. Two New York Steaks, medium, baked potatoes, tossed salad. French on the side. And two pieces of the chocolate cake. Yes, yes that’s it. Thank you, um, can you connect me to the desk please. Thank you. Hello this is Dr. Copeland in 135. I was wondering if you could send up a rollup bed. No, it’s a king size. Well you see I’m stuck here with a woman that I, yes, yes, I understand. Yeah we’re stranded too. Well I guess it will have to be the couch. Thanks anyway." He hung up the phone. "Damn."

 

Ridge and Taylor walked hand in hand into the candle lit dining area of the outdoor restaurant. "This is beautiful Ridge." Taylor exclaimed.

"It is." He agreed. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much." She smiled.

"Do you have a reservation sir?" The host asked.

"Yes, Ridge Forrester, room 118."

"Very good sir." He said looking at the list. "Please follow me."

He led them to a table and held out the chair for Taylor. Once they were seated he handed them menus. "Your waiter will be here shortly." He told them and walked away.

Taylor looked around and spotted the stage. "Do you think there will be entertainment?"

"I imagine so Doc." He said with a smile. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"

"Ridge." She said with a blush.

The waiter walked over to them. "Good evening, my name is Andre and I will be your waiter tonight, may I start you off with a cocktail?"

"I’d like a bottle of your finest champagne." Ridge told him.

"Very good sir." He smiled and walked away.

"Champagne?" Taylor asked. "Is this a celebration?"

"I certainly hope so."

"No pressures Ridge, you promised."

"No pressures." He smiled. "Will you excuse me for a moment Doc?" He asked standing up.

"Is something wrong?" She asked.

"Not at all. I just have to take care of something."

He walked away and winked at the waiter who was returning with the champagne. Andre walked up to the table. "Shall I wait for the gentleman?"

"Why don’t you open it and pour. I’m sure he’ll be right back." Taylor told him with a smile.

Andre carefully uncorked the bottle and poured them each a glass. He put the bottle into a wine cooler. "I’ll be back soon to take your orders." He said walking away.

Taylor looked around at the crowd while waiting for Ridge to return. She felt so happy, happier than she had in months. She grinned at Ridge as he returned.

"Everything alright?" She asked.

"Everything is perfect." Suddenly the lights dimmed. A man took the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Ritz Carlton is proud to introduce Miss Nina Gordon." There was polite applause and Taylor looked at Ridge.

"She’s good. I know her music."

"I like her too Doc." He told her. He pulled his chair closer to her and took her hand. They lifted their glasses and took a sip of the cool champagne.

Nina Gordon started to sing. Taylor and Ridge held hands and sipped their wine as they listened to her. She sang one, then two then three songs and the she took a break to address her appreciative audience.

"Thank you." She said. "This is a real treat for me. I never get the chance to play such an intimate scene these days and I’m really enjoying it. I’m glad the weather has held out so far. Well I don’t usually do this but tonight I’m making an exception. The next song I’d like to dedicate to Taylor from Ridge, he’d like to know if you’re ready to say yes Taylor." She looked out at the crowd and spotted a shocked Taylor. "Anyway, this is for you."

"Ridge?" Taylor said.

"Dance with me." He said as he led her out to the dance floor. "This song always makes me think of us Doc. Please say yes." He said taking her into his arms. From the stage Nina sang these words.

We're the same and you don't even know it

We're afraid and we try not to show it

And you're tired and I am too

So there's only one thing you can do

You've gotta hold me

And tell me what you need

And don't be (don't be) afraid of what you're feeling

When you know me

Well then I’ll never want to leave you

Just hold on to me

When we're apart I still feel together

I still believe in a thing called forever

But we're drifting apart it's true

And it's breaking my heart in two

You've gotta hold me

And tell me what you need

And don't be (don't be) afraid of what you're feeling

When you know me

Well then I’ll never want to leave you

Just hold on to me

Hold onto me

We'll drive away where no one can find us

It's time to leave those dark days behind us

In my dreams it's always you

So there's only one thing we can do

You've gotta hold me

And tell me what you need

And don't be (don't be) afraid of what you're feeling

When you know me

Well then I’ll never want to leave you

Hold onto me

Just hold onto me

(hold me)

Still believe in a thing called forever

(hold me)

I still believe in a thing called forever

(hold me)

I still believe in a thing called forever

(hold me)

I still believe

(hold me)

As the song ended Taylor looked up into Ridge’s eyes. "Yes." She whispered softly.

 

Changes Part 80

 

 

"Coming! Hold your horses!" Connor shouted. Someone was at his doorbell ringing it over and over. He flung the door open to find Bryan standing there. "Bryan? What’s wrong?"

"I’m sorry," He said. "Can I come in?"

"Sure." Connor stepped aside and let him into his condo. "What’s wrong buddy?"

"Everything. Every single thing. My marriage, it’s over." Bryan walked to the bar and poured himself a tall glass of scotch. He drank it in one gulp and refilled it. He took that drink with him and sat down on the couch.

"Okay start at the beginning. Did you have another fight?"

"Oh it’s worse than that Connor, you can’t even begin to imagine how much worse." He picked up the drink and took a huge gulp.

"Slow down, that’s not going to help anything." Connor warned him.

"I did everything for her. She wanted to wait, we waited, she wanted to get married, we got married. And this is how she pays me back? Well I’ve had it! No more! She may think she can treat me this way and I’ll still be there for her but that’s over. I tell you it’s all over."

"What did she do?" Connor asked.

"You want to know what she did? You want to know? She took off for St. Thomas, in the Caribbean. Just took off, no note, no phone call! Bam! Gone!"
"Do you know why she went?"

"Oh yeah." He said angrily. "I know exactly why. Mr. Ridge God Damn Forrester asked her to go."

"She went with Ridge?" Connor asked, obviously flabbergasted.

"Oh yeah." He said downing the rest of his drink. "And what about her kids? Does she tell me, her husband where they are? Hell no. She dumps them off at her ex witch in laws house." He got up, poured another drink and sat down again. "I need you to represent me. Let her get the damn Forrester puppet to take her side. I want it fast and painless. I want out Connor."

"You want to divorce her?"

"You bet I do. Infidelity, mental cruelty, you name it she’s done it."

"Bryan don’t you want to think about this? You may be able to work it out."

"Never again. She’s in his bed Connor. Damn her!" He gulped the drink and slammed down the glass.

"Careful Bryan." Connor warned. "You might want to take it easy on the booze too."

"I’ve barely started."

"Keys." Connor said holding out his hand.

Bryan took his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Connor. "Keep them. I have no intention of ever going back there again."

 

 

Taylor kissed Ridge tenderly on the lips. "I can’t believe you did that for me."

"It worked." He smiled. "You finally said yes." He kissed her again.

The crowd was watching them. Nina looked at them from the stage. "Well?" She asked Ridge.

"She said yes." He shouted to her.

"She said yes." Nina announced to the audience. "True love lives. Let’s give them a hand." She started clapping and the rest of the crowd joined in. Nina then went into her next song.

Ridge pulled Taylor close to him. "I love you Doc."

"I love you Ridge." She said, kissing him again. They walked off the dance floor amid congratulations. When they arrived back at the table Taylor found a bouquet of a dozen white roses. "Oh Ridge." She said.

He pulled her chair out for her and she sat.

"Congratulations." Andre said as he came to the table. "Have you had a chance to look at your menus?"

"Not really." Taylor said. She was shaking.

"May I make a suggestion?" He asked them.

"That would be terrific Andre," Ridge told him. "Just make sure it’s very special."

"Ah, but it will be. Do you both enjoy seafood?’

"We love it." Taylor said with a smile.

"Good, then I’d like to start you off with an appetizer of Cajun Shrimp. It is lightly dusted with flour and then sautéed with a lemon wine sauce. It’s very hot and spicy, you will love it. We can follow that with a Salad of Young Greens with a wonderful Fennel Dressing, it’s made here fresh every evening. Then for your main course a Cider-Poached Salmon with Spiced Pear Sauce with a Rice Pilaf and Steamed Snow Peas and Broccoli prepared with Lemon-Peel Treads."

"That sounds fantastic Andre." Ridge told him. "Doc?"

"Yes, it sounds perfect."

"Then," Andre continued. "A light dessert, perhaps our famous Raspberry Soufflé in Ruby-Red Raspberry Sauce? I ask because it takes time to prepare. It is our house specialty and I would like to offer it to you with our complements."

"Thank you Andre." Ridge smiled. "We’d love to try it." He took Taylor’s hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed it. "This wonderfully beautiful woman has consented to be my wife again." He told him.

"And how proud you must be sir."

"You can’t imagine how proud, and how happy."

 

 

"Bridget would you get the phone?" Brooke shouted to her daughter. "Bridget?"

"I’m on my line Mom!" She shouted back.

Brooke wiped her hands on the dishtowel and reached for the phone.

"Hello." She said.

"Hello." A woman’s voice said. "Have I reached Michael Copeland’s home?"

"Yes, this is his wife. Can I help you?"

"Is Michael at home?"

"No he’s not. May I ask who’s calling?"

"This is Anne Copeland, his sister."

"His sister? I, I"

"I know, Michael never told you he has a sister did he?"

"Well no, he didn’t. I’m Brooke."

"Hello Brooke. I’m so sorry to disturb you. I have been trying to reach him for about a week without any luck."

"I’m sorry that you missed him. He’s going to be away overnight. Can I give him a message?"
"I’d ask you to have him call me but it appears that he wants to forget about all of his family."

"I’m sure that’s not true." Brooke said. "He’s been very busy lately."

"You don’t have to make excuses for him. I don’t blame him."
"But you’re his sister."

"Do you have a close family dear?" Anne asked.

"Yes I do." Brooke said with a smile. "We live far apart but we’re still very close."

"Hold onto that, family is very important."

"Anne? Does Michael have your number?"

"I should hope so, it’s the same number he grew up with."

"You live in your family home?" Brooke asked.

"I raised Michael dear, he and his brother. Our parents were killed in an accident when the boys were very young. I was seventeen and the courts let me raise them. I suppose that I’m more of a mother to them than a sister."

"I didn’t know." Brooke said.

"Michael is a very private boy. He worked hard to get away from everything he was brought up with. He wanted so much more."

"And he turned his back on you?" Brooke asked, somewhat pained at the idea.

"Oh no dear, he saw to it that I have had plenty of money, new cars. But that isn’t what I want. I miss my boy."

"Oh Anne, I’m so sorry. Maybe if I talked to him."

"You seem like a lovely girl. Adrienne had no real use for me. She was polite but that was all."

"Where do you live Anne?"
"Manhattan Beach." She answered.

"Why that’s right around here." Brooke said. "And Michael doesn’t visit you?"

"He’s busy Brooke. I don’t like to interfere in his life."

"Well I can’t agree with that at all. Anne I’d love to meet you."

"I don’t want to inconvenience you or Michael. He doesn’t want that."

"Don’t be silly." Brooke told her. "Now you give me your number and as soon as Michael gets home we are all going to get together, and that’s a promise."

 

 

"Did you drown in there?" Michael called to Adrienne who was still in the bathroom. He no longer heard the shower running. "Ade?"

"I’m still getting ready." She called back to him. "Doesn’t Brooke indulge herself?"

"Not for hours like you."

"It hasn’t been that long." She shouted back. "Did you order dinner?"
"Yeah and if you don’t hurry I’ll eat yours too when it comes."

"Oh Mike, you are so silly. I’ll be out soon. You want me to look pretty don’t you?"

"Frankly Adrienne, I really don’t care how you look. Just hurry up, I need to use the facilities."

"I’ll be out in a minute." She called to him.

 

 

"Soon you are going to have your Mommy and your Daddy back together and you will be a happy family again. Yes you will, yes you will." Stephanie cooed to Phoebe and Stephanie as she and Helen fed them. "I knew it would happen, no one believed me but I knew it."

"I am so happy Mrs. Forrester. Ridge and Taylor belong together." Helen agreed.

"Yes they do." She sighed. "Things are finally looking up for this family again."

"What’s looking up?" Eric asked as he walked into the house.

"Hello dear." Stephanie said getting up to great him. "I didn’t expect you home so early."

"Well it’s a slow time right now with the showing over." He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "So what is looking up for the family?"

"Ridge and Taylor, I think they are reuniting."
"Don’t be silly. Ridge and Morgan are having a baby in a couple of weeks. Taylor and Bryan are getting married on Saturday. Where you come up with these ridiculous ideas is beyond me." He walked up to the children. "Now let me see my grandbabies." He looked at Phoebe. "You are Phoebe, and you," He said looking at Stephanie. "Are Stephanie. You both get prettier and prettier every day. And where is my boy?"

"He’s taking a nap." Helen replied. "He played himself out today. He and his grandmother had so much fun."

"I bet they did." Eric said with a smile. "Where is Taylor?"

"That’s what I am trying to tell you." Stephanie said. "She’s with Ridge."

"Is this a joke?" He asked angrily. "What about his wife?"

"Taylor is the only wife that counts."

"Stephanie, Taylor is no longer his wife, Morgan is. Do you mean to tell me that he took off with Taylor and left his pregnant wife alone?"

"Isn’t that wonderful?" Stephanie said gleefully.

"No! It is not wonderful! What did he tell Morgan?"

"Nothing. He just went. He called me and asked me to tell her that he was at a conference." She looked at Eric who was getting red in the face with anger. "Now don’t you go and ruin this. It is meant to be. We can handle Morgan when the time comes."

"Sometimes I wonder what happened to your heart." He said. He walked to the door and walked out slamming it.

"Oh dear," Helen said to Stephanie. "I hope he doesn’t do something silly."

"He won’t. He better not." Stephanie said. But the more she thought about it the more worried she became.

 

 

"Adrienne the food is here, it’s going to get cold would you get the hell…..Oh my God." He stopped speaking because Adrienne had finally emerged from the bathroom. She was wearing nothing but a chain of gold and diamonds around her waist. She had oiled her body and she looked as sexy and appealing as he had ever seen her.

"You like the jewels I bought?" She asked.

"Why? Why are you doing this to me? Ah f*ck!" He shouted. "Damn it Ade!" He ran past her and into the bathroom. She heard the shower go on and Michael was moaning softly.

"Come on out here Sugar, I can take care of that better than you can by yourself." She said with a sexy laugh. "Mike! Come on! This isn’t funny. I saw how hard you got! Now come on and let Ade take care of it!" She sat on the bed. "This is making me mad! What the hell is wrong with you? You’d rather jerk off than f*ck me?"
A few minutes later Michael came out of the bathroom. He was wet and covered in a plush robe that the hotel had supplied. He threw the other robe at her. "Put it on!" He shouted angrily. "Now!"

Adrienne was frightened by his tone of voice so she found herself complying. "What’s the matter with you. It wouldn’t have hurt anyone." She complained. She stared to get up from the bed and walk to him.

"Sit!" He shouted. "It did hurt someone Adrienne, it hurt me. You have no idea how much it hurt me!"

"Why? Cause I can still turn you on? Maybe you wanted me more than you want that blonde tramp you married?"

"Shut up!" He looked at her with hatred. "Number one, you will never, and I mean never refer to my wife as a tramp or any other of your choice words. Number two. You will keep your clothes on and your hands off me."

"Jesus Mike. Take a chill pill."

"Number three. You will never, ever force yourself into a situation where you are not invited. I’ve been nice to you, I’ve been good to you. I really though you were my friend."

"What did I do that was so wrong? Why are you so mad? Jeeze Mike I didn’t force you to f*ck me."

She got up and walked into the bathroom where his clothes were thrown on the floor. "I guess I really got to you. You didn’t have time for your Felix Unger show." She laughed as she bent down to pick up his things. "What the hell is this?" She asked walking out with his support in her hand. "You planning on playing some baseball or" Suddenly her face lit up with the realization of what it meant. "You f*cking son of a bitch!" She shouted. "You did it! You did it for her! You bastard!"

She started throwing things at him. Anything that wasn’t nailed down went flying in his direction. He took turns ducking or catching them.

"Cut it out Adrienne, calm down."

"You want me to calm down after I find that out? You lying son of a bitch! I’ll f*cking kill you!"

He walked up to her and grabbed her, keeping her from throwing anything more. He screamed in pain as she pushed her knee into his groin. "You like that? See how many f*cking babies you make when I’m through with you!"

"You bitch!" He shouted as he grabbed a tighter hold of her. They struggled and both landed on the bed locked together. As quickly as the anger came it was replaced by tears. She threw herself into his arms and sobbed.

"Why Mike? Why wouldn’t you do it for me?"

"Ah Ade." He said softly as he stroked her hair. "Honey we didn’t want that. You know we didn’t want that."

"I wanted your baby, I did Mike. More than anything else I did."
"You never told me, but Ade it would have been a mistake. We didn’t really love each other. We never would have lasted. What kind of a life would we have given our kid?" He sat up and pulled her with him. He held her gently in his arms and rocked her. "I wasn’t ready for that. You weren’t either. You know it’s true. Honey you know it’s true."

"You think you can do it now?" She said. "You know it’s never going to last. You can’t make anything last. You self-destruct every time someone or something gets too close to you. I know you better than anyone else Mike. I know you better than you know yourself."

"Not this time." He said softly. "She changed me Ade, she made me into a different person. I’m happy, for the first time in my life I’m happy."

"Happiness comes and goes."

"Not with Brooke. I love her, more than I thought was even possible. Not only do I love her but I love her daughter too. And I’m started to build a really good relationship with her son. Ade we already are a family. A baby is just the next logical step. Brooke wants it and I want it." He let go of her and took her hand. "I’m not saying this to hurt you. I’d never trade what we had but that’s over, and Ade it wasn’t healthy. All we ever did was f*ck, that and hurt each other. Sure it was electric in the bedroom but eventually we had to come out. And then where were we? A couple of strangers who could barely tolerate each other. We’ve finally moved to a place where we can respect each other and be friends. I know I want to keep that, don’t you?"

"You’re the only real thing I ever had in my life." She told him. She looked up at him with sad green eyes. "Now it’s gone forever."

"Nothing is gone, it’s just different." He leaned over and kissed her tenderly on the lips. "I love you Ade, I’ll always love you. But not the way a man should love a wife. Not the way I love my wife."

She got off the bed and walked to the balcony and looked out. He got up and came up behind her and put his arms around her waist and held her. "Can we get past this and try to be friends?" He asked her.

"You can’t even give me one last romp." She said with a sad laugh. "At least tell me you wanted to."

"I won’t lie to you." He said. "I felt a desire for you when you flaunted yourself like that, but not the way you wanted me to feel. No matter how appealing you were, even if I hadn’t had the procedure, I would never have cheated on Brooke. It wouldn’t have been worth it."

"Thanks a whole lot."

"You know what I mean." He turned her around to face him. "Please don’t twist my words to make them hateful."

She pulled herself out of his arms and walked into the bathroom and closed the door. A few minutes later she came out dressed. "I need to go take a walk. Don’t wait up for me." She grabbed her purse and walked out of the room.

 

 

Morgan opened the door and smiled to see Eric standing in front of her. "Hi." She said warmly. "What a pleasant surprise."

"May I come in?"

"Oh course." She moved aside to let him enter. "I was just getting ready to make some dinner, have you eaten?"

"As a matter of fact I haven’t."

"Then you’ll join me?"

"I’ll do better than that. How about I make you dinner?"

"Oh Eric, you don’t have to do that."

"I know I don’t have to but I’d like to."

"Ridge isn’t here, Stephanie told me he’s at a conference. It’s funny because he didn’t mention anything about it. I suppose it’s another one of Brooke’s tricks to drag him away from me."

"Brooke had nothing to do with it. I think he and his mother are the only ones involved this time. But let’s not worry about Ridge right now. Let’s check out what we can make to eat."

"I don’t have much. Ridge prefers to eat out."

"And you?"

"Both, but lately cooking is a real bother." She said patting her belly. "It won’t be long now."

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Pretty good really. But big." She laughed.

"You look beautiful." He told her.

"Thanks, but I know that’s not true." She took his hand. "Let’s check out the fridge."

They walked into the kitchen and Morgan opened the refrigerator. "Let’s see, milk, eggs, cheese, two apples. Not much huh?"

"I could make some omelets but I think you need something more substantial than that." Eric told her. "You don’t have any meat or vegetables?"

"An onion." She said with a laugh.

"Well this won’t do at all." He took her hand. "Come on, I’m taking you out and then on the way home we’ll pick up some groceries."

"Oh Eric that’s alright. I can call for a pizza or something."

"Nonsense. We’re having a nice meal together." He led her out to the living room. "Get a sweater or a jacket there’s a chill in the air."

"You think of everything." She smiled at him. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I sure hope Stephanie realizes how lucky she is."

"And I hope Ridge does the same."

"I doubt that Eric. No matter how hard I try I can’t make him happy. I know he didn’t want to marry me but I really hoped he would come around, and don’t say give it time cause I have."

"I know you have. And I’ve tried talking to him. It isn’t easy for him Morgan. He misses Taylor and the children."

"I never tried to keep him from his kids."

"I know you didn’t dear. But Ridge is having a hard time letting go of what he once thought of as his family. In time he’ll realize that you and he have a family too, I’m sure of that."

Morgan let out a deep sigh. "I hope so. But I’m still mad that he didn’t tell me about today. I bet he never did that to Taylor."

"He did it to her and to Brooke and Caroline. Ridge doesn’t always think of others. He is impulsive, but you already know that."

"Let’s not talk about Ridge right now. Oh!" She said clutching her belly. "The baby must be really restless tonight. Would you like to feel?" She took Eric’s hand and placed it on her belly.

"It still amazes me, even after having all the children I’ve had. It’s truly a miracle." He smiled at her.

"I wish you were his father." She said sadly.

"I take that as a compliment." He told her. "It makes me feel honored that a beautiful woman like you would say something like that, even if it isn’t true."

"But it is." She said. "It really is."

 

Ridge held his jacket over Taylor’s head as they ran into the lobby of the hotel. The rain had started as a drizzle but had picked up and the wind was howling.

"Made it." He said. "I can’t believe it got so bad so fast. I guess the people at the airport knew what they were doing."

"Could you imagine if we had been up in the air?" Taylor asked him.

"Thank God we weren’t Doc." He answered. "I hope Mike and Adrienne aren’t stuck out there."

"Me too."

Ridge took her hand and they walked to the stores and started to look into the windows. "Maybe we should get something new to wear home tomorrow." Ridge suggested. "I hadn’t planned on an overnight."

"Maybe I should get a nightgown." She answered.

"Doc," He laughed. "You aren’t going to need a nightgown." He leaned down and kissed her. "I love you."

"Oh Ridge, I can’t believe this is really happening. I can’t believe we made it."

"We did Doc, we did." He smiled. "Why don’t you go into that shop and find something for us to wear and I’ll check out the other shops."

"What are you up to now?" She asked suspiciously.

"Never mind that." He told her. "I’ll meet you in there when I’m done." He started to walk away. She was eyeing him. "Don’t peek Doc." He warned.

Once she was safely in the store Ridge backed up and entered the jewelry store. He slowly walked from counter to counter looking at all the beautiful pieces. The sales woman nodded to him that she saw him and let him have time to examine the wares. She then walked up to him. "May I help you find something sir?"

"You sure can. I need to find something for my wife. It’s a very special day for us and this has to be special too."

"Do you have anything in mind? Any specific type of jewelry or a specific gem perhaps?"

"A sapphire, to match her beautiful blue eyes." He replied.

"Good, now would you like to see a ring? Or perhaps a pendant?"

"Let’s see both." He answered.

She took him over to another counter and placed a velvet cloth on the glass countertop. She then took out three large rings. One set in yellow gold, one in white gold and one in platinum. All three were spectacular stones. Ridge picked up the one in yellow gold, the stone was pear shaped with a diamond on either side. He examined it and put it down. Next he picked up the white gold ring. That was an emerald cut stone and it was unadorned. "This one is lovely." He said putting it down and picking up the last one, the platinum ring. It was an oval surrounded by small brilliant diamonds. "I like this one but I was hoping to find something more original , something really unique."

"Let me see." She said. She took the rings and put them back in the case. "I’ll be right back." She then walked over to a huge safe and opened it. She took out a small box and brought it to the counter. She opened it to reveal a huge stone cut in the shape of a heart. It was also in platinum. "This just came in. One of our European designers made this." She told him.

"It’s perfect." He said. "This is just what I was looking for."

"I’m so pleased." She said. "I don’t have a pendant to match but there are matching earrings."

"Yes." He replied. "I want them too." He said sight unseen.

"Let me get them." She said. She went back to the safe and took out the earrings. She handed them to Ridge to examine. "Like the ring these are perfect stones, hand set into platinum."

"She’ll love them." He told her. "Can you wrap them for me?"

"Of course sir. Let me write this up for you." She took out her calculator and started to hit in numbers. "You came on the right day, not only are we having a sale but by purchasing both I can give you an additional ten percent off. The total will be thirty-five thousand. Will that be credit or a personal check?"

"I’ll write you a check." He told her. He reached into his back pocket and took out his checkbook. He wrote out the check and handed it to her.

"I thought so." She said. "You are Ridge Forrester."

"One and the same." He said with a smile.

"I used to work for you, about five years ago."

"In Los Angeles?" He asked. "I’m sorry but I don’t remember you."

"I worked at Forrester International, in Milan, but we did meet once."

"And I thought I never forgot a pretty face." He said. "Wait! You worked for Roberto didn’t you?"

"That’s right. I was his assistant."

"And why did you leave us? That is if you don’t mind my asking."

"My husband had the opportunity to come to St. Thomas and we didn’t want to pass it up. But it was a wonderful place to work."

"Thank you, we try to make everyone happy."

"Let me go wrap this for you. I’m sure Mrs. Forrester will be very happy." She walked away with the jewels and returned a few moments later with an exquisitely wrapped package. "Here you are. Now you have a good evening and enjoy the rest of your stay here."

 

 

A soaking wet Adrienne let herself into the room. Michael had been looking out the glass window of the balcony. He turned around to face her.

"Ade." He said softly. "I’m so sorry."

"You did nothing wrong, it was me." She said.

"You got really wet." He said. He walked into the bathroom and came back out with a plush towel which he wrapped around her.

"Thanks." She said quietly.

"I wish things could have been different."

"No you don’t. But I appreciate your saying so."

"You must be starved."

"I kinda lost my appetite."

"Come on Ade, let’s order again. Let’s have a nice meal together."

"Didn’t you eat?"

"I was too worried about you, and too upset. I let them take it away. Why don’t we try again?"

"You’re always a sweetie aren’t ya Mike." She smiled at him. "Why do you have to be so damn sexy?"

"I could say the same thing."

"Ha! Didn’t bother you at all Mike."

He looked at her and laughed. "Why did you think I needed the cold shower? Don’t underestimate yourself honey, you’ve still got it. You never lost it."

"I’m real sorry I was such a bitch. I guess I just don’t like losing."

"Not many of us do. But you haven’t lost anything, not really."

"You should have seen your face when I walked out of the bathroom." She said with a laugh.

"You’re a beautiful woman Adrienne. You should know that you have that effect on men."

"Just not you."

"Oh definitely me." He laughed. "But I know you too well. This was just a game for you. I know you don’t think so right now but you’ll realize I’m right." He walked up to her and hugged her. "You have no reason in the world to be so sad."

"I really wanted your baby." She said in a whisper.

"I wish I had known."

"Would you have done this then? Would you have had the operation for me?"

"I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t have acted the way I did." He held her chin and made her look him in the eyes. "Smile for me angel. I can’t stand to see you this way."

Adrienne gave him a weak smile. Then she leaned over and kissed him. He let their lips touch for a moment and then he gently pulled away.

"You wanna take me out to eat?" She asked him.

"I’d love to." He told her. "You go dry off and we’ll go anywhere you’d like to go."

"Thanks doll."

Adrienne went into the bathroom and Michael sat down on the bed. He started to pick up the phone and then put it down again. He looked at the closed bathroom door. He reached once more for the phone. He heard the hair dryer turn on. He picked up the receiver and dialed.

"Hello." Brooke’s voice answered.

"Hi sweetie."

"Michael! I didn’t expect to hear from you again. Is anything wrong?"

"I just miss you. How’s everything?"

"I’m fine, but you had a phone call tonight."

"Yeah? Who?"

"Anne."

"Oops."

"Oops?" She asked. "I find out my husband has a sister and a brother I never heard about and you say oops?"

"Oh Brooke, it’s a long story. I don’t have time to go into it right now."

"I thought it was supposed to be no more secrets."

"It wasn’t a secret, exactly. I want you to meet Anne, I’ll tell you all about her when I get home. I promise."

"You better. I don’t like to have to always find out things second hand."

"You’re right, I’m sorry."

"Anne seems like a lovely woman, Michael she told me she was practically your mother."

"She was. It’s not Anne that I wanted to keep from you."

"Well then who is it?"

"Joey, my brother. Brooke he is bad news, he’s been in and out of juvenile homes and jail half his life. Every time he says he’s going to straighten himself out he ends up in trouble again. He steals from Anne all the time. He’s stolen from me. I don’t want him anywhere around you."

"He’s your brother."

"He’s a loser. But Brooke that’s not why I called."

"Alright. We can talk about this tomorrow. Why did you call? Cause you missed me?" She said with a giggle.

"Oh yeah." He said. "Like you can’t believe. But I have to tell you something."

"What? It sounds serious."

"It is. Now please let me finish before you say anything." He said. He took a deep breath and continued. "When I tried to get the rooms I found out that there were all these conventions on the island. And with the airport closing everyone was stranded. I was very lucky to get the rooms I got."

"Yes you were."

"Brooke!" He said. "No interruptions. Anyway I could only get two rooms."

"Two?" She asked. Her voice was shaky. "But you told me Taylor and Ridge were sharing a room."

"They are."

"That means that you and."

"Yeah Brooke, Adrienne and I have to share a room."

"Michael you can’t."

"What choice do I have?"

"Make Ridge share with you."

"You know I can’t do that. It’s okay honey. You do trust me don’t you?"

"I want to, but Michael she’s your ex-wife."

"And it’s you I love. Look Adrienne and I had a huge fight before. But I think we cleared the air and I think she understands how things stand. I love you, not her or anyone else, you!"

"Michael I don’t like this."

"I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s just a room. Brooke nothing is going to happen."

"Why? Because you can’t?"
"That isn’t fair honey. I’ve never given you reason to doubt my love. Nothing is going to happen because I would never want anything to happen."

"But she does. And Michael you can’t sleep on a little couch and then get up and fly home. Can’t you see if there is another room?"

"I tried. There isn’t anything. What the hell do you want me to do?" He asked her, growing annoyed. "Here I am being totally honest with you and you’re getting mad at me for something I have no control over."

"But you did have control. You could have insisted that you and Ridge and Taylor and Adrienne shared rooms."

"Yeah I should have but I didn’t and now it’s too late. So what exactly is it you expect me to do?"

"What I don’t want you to do is sleep with her!"

"Okay, fine. I told you I’d sleep on the couch."

"No! Let her sleep on the couch."

"I’m not going to do that. I’d never do that to a woman."

"Well then get one of those cots or something."

"I tried that too. There aren’t any. Brooke, it’s a huge king sized bed. We wouldn’t even be touching each other. I’ll sleep in my clothes. And besides, she knows about my operation."

"How? How does she know?"

"I took a shower and she was straightening up the bathroom and she saw my support on the floor, she figured it out."

"And what did she do about it?"

"That’s when we got into the fight. Look I’ll tell you the whole story tomorrow. I just couldn’t go to sleep with this secret between us."

"How noble." She said sarcastically. "It seems every minute I’m finding out about another one of your secrets. What next? Are you a serial killer?"

"Knock it off Brooke."

"I don’t like this."

"Neither do I but there is nothing I can do about it. You have any ideas then you tell me."

"Please Michael, please don’t let anything happen."

"Nothing is going to happen. I swear to you that nothing at all is going to happen. We’re going to go out, have some dinner, come back, go to sleep and in the morning we’ll be on our way home."

"Look, I’m glad you told me but I doubt I’ll get any sleep now."

"Brooke you have to learn to trust me. I’m not Ridge, I am not going to leave you for another woman, you are the only woman I want. High maintenance that you are." He said with a laugh. "Please trust me."

"Alright." She said. "Please be worthy of my trust."

"Always."

"Goodnight." She said.

"Brooke, I love you."

"Michael, I just."
"Brooke, I love you. That’s the only thing that’s real."

"I love you too."

"You’re crying."

"No I’m not." She said as she held back her tears.

"Believe in me honey. Please."

"Goodnight Michael." She said as she gently hung up the phone.

"Damn it." He said as he heard the buzzing sound of the disconnected phone. "Oh Brooke, please trust me."

"I’m ready." A stunningly beautiful Adrienne said as she emerged from the bathroom.

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