Page 52 of One of Six

"Richard's not going to like that."

"Tomorrow will be very difficult for you." Essex drops his forehead to mine. "I can hide in your room, so I'll be there if you need me."

"It won't be safe. I'll come to you. Tomorrow night. I promise."

"How can I apologize if you won't let me?" Ridge shouts at Violet, interrupting my conversation with Essex.

I sigh. "Not again." I look at Essex. "What's going on now?"

"Ridge back off," Galen says. "I'm taking her home."

"Violet came with me. She's going with me!" Ridge tells Galen firmly.

"I'm right here!" Violet snaps. "Galen, I will go with you. Thank you." She faces Ridge. "My crush on you is cured!" She sticks her nose in the air and walks past where Galen is helping her onto his bike.

"Fuck!" Ridge curses and walks away.

"We better go, too," Essex says. "I can't come over tonight. I have a job to finish."

"Because you played hooky today?"

"Hmm, but I got to spend it with you, so it was worth it."

"You make my heart pound, amongst other things," I tease.

He grins broadly. "Other things, huh?"

I wrap my arms around his neck and whisper, "Get us some alone time on your boat and I'll let you touch those other things, and you can see for yourself how my body reacts to you."

"Baby, you're killing me."

"I'm wet and aching for you too."

"Shit! Get on the bike."

I giggle. "Are you sure?"

He lets out a chuckle. "Considering Ridge is hiding on the boat, yeah, I am."

"Okay." I brush against his erection, terribly pleased with myself.

23

BEATRICE

Today,of all days, we had breakfast with Richard, David, and Judge. The memorial service starts early, and we all travel together. Lucky me! Evelyn is nervous and watches closely.

I'd wanted Evelyn to travel the short distance with us, but Judge had vetoed that. Very strongly. She's worked for my parents since I was born, so she should be with me.

It's a silent affair because I refuse to talk. I'm also tired from lack of sleep. I wish I'd had Essex with me last night. Maybe sleep wouldn't have been so hard to come by.

Judge clears his throat; my eyes go to him. Richard frowns and David glances in my direction.

"Girl," Judge says. "You better behave yourself today. Your father needs you there for him."

Fury coils in my blood and my fists clench on the table. "Today is about Mom! How dare you make it about her killer!" I hiss.

David is as quick as a snake, catching Judge's hand before he can punch me in the face.

---