Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Part Three

   (Character names have been changed for privacy reasons)



   "Hello, this is Heather." "Hey, how are you doing?" "Hey Mike.  I'm
alright, how are you?" "Good, good.  Say, do you think you'll have some
time after work to get together?" "Gee, I don't know Mike.  Joe will be
waiting up, so I'll have to get home.  Why, what's up?" "Oh nothing.  I
just wanted to see you.  It has been almost a month now." "I know Mike. 
But we will have to wait until I have some time." "I miss you." "I know
Mike, I miss you too.  Look, I have to go.  Call me back and I'll see if I
can meet you outside for a little while." "You mean the parking lot by the
hockey rink?" "Yeah.  Call me back, I have to go."

   `God he sounded good,' she thinks to herself while hanging up the phone.
`I've got to find time to see him again.' She thinks about the last time
they were together and feels her face reddening.  'Uh, it was awesome.  He
knows just what I like.' She feels her heart begin to race as she thinks of
the two of them together, sweat covering their bodies, the sheets twisted
around them, and his hands all over her body.  "Coach Heather?  Are you
okay?" Startled, she turns and looks over at Ryan standing in the doorway
of the office.  "Yes Ryan, I'm fine.  Thank you." She says as she
straightens up in her chair.  "What's up?" "I was hoping you could go over
these figures with me.  I always seem to confuse them." "Sure." She says as
he brings them to the desk and stands next to her.

   By ten o'clock, Heather is letting the majority of the employees out the
front door.  As she walks back to her office, she remembers that Mike was
suppose to call back.  No sooner does she reach for the phone to call him,
the manager's line rings.  She picks up the phone.  "Security." "Hey
Heather." "Oh hey Joe." "Are you coming home soon?  I have a surprise for
you." "Oh really." She says and begins to smile.  "Are you leaving soon?"
"Yeah, probably in about ten minutes." "Good.  Meet me upstairs." "Will do.
See ya." "Bye." She hangs up the phone and frowns.  `Well, there goes that
idea.' She picks up the phone and dials Mike's number.

   "I'm so sorry Mike.  I know you were looking forward to getting
together." "It's no problem, really.  Besides, it will only make the next
time we meet even better." "Oh Mike, I miss you so much." She feels herself
beginning to blush.  She looks at her watch.  "Mike, I have to go."
"Alright Heather.  I'll talk to you soon." She smiles as she hangs up the
phone.  "Ready?" Jackie asks as she walks through the door.  "Yep." Heather
says then grabs her purse.

   Joe wakes up to the alarm at five o'clock and looks at his wife sleeping
peacefully beside him.  He looks at her shoulder length, dirty blonde hair,
and follows her profile, although it is covered by the sheets, and begins
to smile.  He gently kisses her bare shoulder, trying not to wake her on
this Friday morning, knowing that she has the day off.  He gets out of bed
and walks into the bathroom to shower.

   Heather awakes to find Joe dressing for work.  He has a light build with
a stern face, wavy black hair and deep brown eyes.  She smiles as he winks
at her through the mirror.  "Good morning." She says while reaching for her
robe.  "Good morning." He replies as he watches her put the robe on,
through the mirror.  When he finishes buttoning his shirt, he turns and
meets her midway across the room.  "We should do that more often." He says
then kisses her.  "Only if Abigail goes to bed early like last night.  By
the way, how did you manage that?" He shrugs then kisses her again before
heading out of the room and downstairs.

   Heather stands in the doorway of her daughters' room, watching Abigail
sleep peacefully in her bed.  It's hard to believe she turned a year old
two months ago.  She hugs herself as she also remembers that that was the
last time she was with Mike; celebrating their own two birthdays.  `Stop
thinking about him,' she says to herself.  `Especially after last night.'
She walks downstairs and joins her husband in the kitchen.

   "Honey, when is your company party?  "Sometime next month I think. 
Why?" "Then it makes sense.  I thought June sounded too late." "I think
they wait until May to start them, then they have until August to get them
in." "I never did keep track of those things." He says, then finishes his
coffee.



   Part Four



   "Hey Mike.  I can't talk long because I'm in the middle of a meeting."
"No problem.  Just wanted to let you know I should be back in the States
next week." "Okay, call me when you get home." "I most definitely will.  It
has been a long two months Heather." "I know." "It just seems like if it
isn't our schedules conflicting, it's my other job." "Maybe you should quit
this one." "And lose my excuse to visit you at your building?  I don't
think so." They both laugh, then say their goodbyes.

   "Hey honey." Joe says after placing his briefcase down on the kitchen
table.  "Are you free next Friday night?" "Well, I get out at five.  Why?"
"That's when my company party is.  I want you to meet someone.  He is my
right hand man.  I want to promote him to department manager, but he won't
take it because of his family business." Heather looks up from the game she
is playing with Abigail.  She feels her ears begin to tingle.  "Sounds like
someone who use to work for me.  But he left for that reason." "Yeah well,
there are only a few, but you love them when you find them." `That you do.'
She thinks to herself.

   "Hey Heather.  Just calling to let you know that I'm home." "So how was
your trip?" She asks, then points to a salad on the menu for lunch and
hands Amy a five.  "Well, they settled for less, which is good, but I would
rather have been home so I could see you." "That reminds me Mike.  Your
company party is this Friday." "Oh really." They both smile.  "Problem is,
my husband plans on introducing you to me." "We don't know each other,
right?" "We'll see how it goes." "Or would you rather tell him we once
worked together?" "Maybe we should do that.  But we still have to play it
cool." "Think we can handle that?" Heather frowns.  "I certainly hope we
can."

   By seven o'clock that Friday, just about everyone in Joe's building has
met Heather and their beautiful daughter Abigail.  "She's so adorable.  I
can't believe how much she looks like Heather." They all say.  Joe looks up
and sees Mike walking through the main entrance to the room.  "Honey, I'll
be right back." He says as he hands Abigail to Heather.  She nods and looks
in the direction he is walking.  'Oh my God!' She thinks to herself as her
heart begins to race.

   About five minutes later, Joe returns with Mike.  "Heather, I'd like you
to meet someone." He looks at Mike.  "Mike, this is my wife Heather. 
Heather, this is my right hand man Mike." They look calmly into each
others' eyes while shaking hands.  "Pleased to finally meet you Mike.  I
have heard so much about you." She hesitates unnoticeably before releasing
his hand.  "Likewise." He says.  Joe leans over toward Heather.  "Is he the
one that you worked with?" She blushes slightly.  "I believe he left when I
started.  I was not aware that he transferred." Mike nods in agreement,
unable to take his eyes off of her.  "Heather, would you care to dance?  If
you don't mind of course." He says to Joe.  "No, of course I don't mind."
He says as he pats his back, then takes Abigail.

   Mike leads them across the room and amid the group of people on the
dance floor.  "Mike, what are you doing?" "Dancing." He says then smiles.
He takes his hands and places them on the small of her back and she places
her hands loosely around his neck.  "Be careful." She says to stop him as
he tries to slide his hands down around her behind.  "Do you think he
knows?" He asks seriously.  "If you keep this up he will." She says as she
moves his hand to her back again.  He leans forward, barely touching her
neck.  She leans away from him.  "What are you doing?" "Just smelling your
perfume." He touches the side of her face, then pulls his hand away.  "I
can't take much more of this." "Neither can I." She says while looking for
her husband.  "What are we going to do?" She asks when she looks back at
Mike.  "Do you trust me?" He asks while looking into her eyes.  She nods,
and he suddenly starts moving them toward the entrance by the dance floor.

   She looks up at him with a puzzled expression on her face.  "What are
you doing?" "Just trust me." As he nears the wall, he looks around to see
who may be watching them.  Not noticing anyone, he reaches out a hand and
hits the light switch.  Through the light from the nearby door, he can
still see her profile as everyone starts asking what's going on.  "Mike?"
He leans over and kisses her.  As she returns the kiss, she wraps her arms
around him and parts her lips.  He kisses her again, deeply, passionately
then breaks the kiss and as he slips out the door, hits the light switch.
Heather looks around after her eyes quickly adjust to the light.  There is
no sign of Mike anywhere.  She looks for Joe and as she walks back to him,
she feels a pain in her heart.  A pain representing the definite reality of
how much in love she is with Mike, and knowing that there is no way to turn
back now.



   Part Five

   About two weeks later, Mike is lying in bed watching as Heather is
redressing in front of the mirror.  "Do you really have to go back so
soon?" She smiles at him through the mirror.  "Mike, you know I have to go
back to work." "I know." He says as he gets out of bed.  He reaches for his
boxers and pulls them on before walking over to Heather.  As she buttons
the last button on her blouse, he puts his arms around her, hugging her
tightly.  "If we only had more time." He says as her hands hold his arms
closer.  "I know honey." His hands begin to caress her body as he nuzzles
his face into the hair against her neck.  He senses the excitement building
inside her as his hands find her breasts and begin caressing them through
the silky material of her blouse.  When he begins kissing her neck, she
turns in his arms to face him.  "You are determined to make me late, aren't
you?" He smiles, then kisses her passionately.

   Fifteen minutes later, they are leaving the hotel and walking to his
car. He walks to the passenger side, and holds the door open for her.  He
begins to whistle as he walks to the drivers' side.  When he gets in the
car, he notices her looking at him and smiling.  "What?" He asks.  "You're
crazy." "For what?" She smiles and places a hand on his leg.  He feels the
heat from her hand burning into his leg and looks deeply into her eyes. 
Her smile begins to fade as the passion begins to burn again.  They lean
forward and kiss briefly, then more passionately, not caring who may see
them at that moment.  He breaks the kiss.  "We better get going." He says
as she slowly opens her eyes.  She leans back into her seat.  "Yeah, I
guess you're right."

   As he pulls up next to the buildings' entrance, Heather looks at Mike.
"How long do you have the room rented?" "Well, I'm supposed to check out
tonight, but I can extend it.  Why?" "Are you sure that won't be a problem?
Extending your stay?" "I can buy that room with no questions asked.  I get
the same room whenever I stay there.  It's a tradition my father started
when the business grew." "Then you can stay one more night." He nods.  "I
may be able to stop by for a little while after work." Mike takes her hand
into his.  "That wouldn't be a problem at all.  Just give me a call later
with when to expect you." "Will do," she says, then touches the side of his
face before exiting the car.

   Around ten o'clock, Mike hears a knock at the door.  "Be right there."
He says as he sets his glass of water on the table.  He walks across the
room, runs a hand through his hair, and opens the door.  "Hey, I thought
you changed your mind." Heather smiles as she walks through the door.  "I'm
sorry Mike.  I got tied up in a meeting and lost track of the time." Mike
closes the door and turns towards Heather as she places her purse on a
table near the door.  They wrap their arms around each other's waists and
kiss briefly.  "So how was your night?" "Oh, it was alright." He rubs her
back.  "You know, I think we have to stop these lunch dates." Mike looks
concerned as he asks, "Why?" She runs a hand against the side of his face.
"Because I can only think of you afterwards." He smiles.  "Is that a bad
thing?" She gently kisses him.  "Only when I have a lot of work to do." He
gently holds her head with both hands and kisses her passionately.  He
breaks the kiss and looks deep into her eyes as she runs her hands down his
back.  "I can't stay all night.  Joe is waiting for me." He kisses her
again, then takes her hand.  "I figured you might be hungry.  We didn't get
a chance to eat at lunch." She kisses him on the cheek, then sits in the
chair he pulled out for her.  "So how bad was it?" "How bad was what?" She
asks between bites of a salad.  "It's getting harder to do isn't it?" She
realizes what he is referring to and sets her fork down.  "All I want to be
able to do is spend the night with you, and wake up in your arms.  But I
can't do that with my husband and daughter at home." She pauses as she
stands up and walks over to him.  "But then again, no one has ever made me
feel the way you do." He pushes his chair away from the table and she sits
on his lap.  "I'm not sure what to do anymore." He untucks her blouse and
begins caressing her stomach.  "We knew we were taking a chance when this
started.  And I tried to warn you that night in my car by the hockey
rink..." "I don't regret a thing Michael." "Neither do I." She runs her
fingers through his hair as his hands move up to her breasts.  "So what are
we going to do?" She asks as he continues to caress her and gently kisses
the side of her neck.  "I could request a transfer," he says.  She begins
to unbutton his shirt.  "How would that help?" She asks.  "Our working
together helped start this in the first place." "Maybe if we worked
together again, our physical needs for each other wouldn't be as strong. 
And maybe we could be as content with just having lunch again, like we use
to." She runs her hand through his hair again.  "We won't know until we try
right?" He nods.  "What will your husband think of me transferring?" "Well,
what would be your reason?" "Moving because of my business." She runs a
hand up the back of his neck.  "I doubt he will like it, but he won't
refuse it either." She kisses him briefly as he runs his hands up her back.
"Let's hope not." He says before pulling her close and passionately kissing
her.

   "Good morning," Heather says, then leans over to kiss her husband.  Joe
lies the paper on the table.  "What has you in such a good mood this
morning?" Heather shrugs as she picks up a slice of toast from Joe's plate.
"Just a nice day I guess." Joe smiles as he watches her play with Abigail.
"What time did you get home last night?  I never heard you come in." "Oh,
around three I think.  I had to do a reset and it took longer than I
planned." "Is everything alright?  You've seemed a bit distracted lately."
Heather pours a cup of coffee and sits at the table.  "Yeah, just been busy
with work.  A lot of stuff hasn't been getting done, and it seems to be
more of the pass the buck type thing." "Ah, sounds like fun.  You've got to
find someone like Mike.  Employees like him help when things get rough like
that." She smiles and sips her coffee.  'If you only knew,' she thinks to
herself.

   Part Six

   A month later, Heather is pushing play on the VCR when the phone begins
to ring.  "Mommy will be right back Abigail." "Daddy?" Abigail says as she
sits up looking over the back of the sofa.  Heather picks up the phone. 
"Hello?" "Heather?  This is Mark.  Sorry to bother you at home." "Daddy!"
Abigail says as she reaches over the back of the sofa towards the phone. 
"No honey, it's not daddy." She watches Abigail sit back down and watch the
movie.  "No problem Mark, what's up?" "I just wanted to let you know Jay
just called.  He is sending a transfer over Monday for an interview at
noon." "Did he say who this person is?" "Nah, just that he had to transfer
because of his other job.  He's going to mail his file overnight, but you
won't get it till Monday." "I'm off tomorrow anyway, so it's just as well."
"That's right, you and your husband try to get Sunday's off together."
Heather smiles, "yeah, we try.  Thanks for letting me know.  See you
Monday." "No problem.  Cya." Heather smiles as she hangs up the phone, then
walks over to the sofa and sits next to Abigail.

   Knowing Joe won't be happy about the news, Heather manages to give
Abigail a bath and get her in bed by eight o'clock.  She tucks her in,
kisses her goodnight and turns out the light before leaving the room.  She
stands at the door for a moment and watches her daughter through the dim
light of the night-light.  She smiles and turns to walk downstairs.

   After picking up her daughter's toys, she picks up the phone and dials
her husbands' work number.  "Hello, this is Sheryl..." "Joe Hollins
please." "One minute please." "This is Joe.  How can I help you?" "Hey
honey.  How was your day?" "Probably the worst I've had in months." There
is a short pause.  "I lost Mike.  He's being transferred next week." "I'm
sorry to hear that.  Did he say why?" "His family business is moving their
headquarters to a larger building, and it will be almost two hours away
from here." "Wow, that's a long drive to make everyday." "Yeah, I know." He
lets out a sigh.  "Well, I have some good news for you then." "Oh really?
Like what?" He begins to smile.  "Oh, you'll just have to wait and see."
"You are so mean." He says as he starts to laugh.  "Hey, at least I cheered
you up." "That's true.  I'll be home soon, so you can tell me then." "I'll
be looking forward to it." "By the way, is there any dinner leftover?  I
had a long meeting this afternoon and skipped lunch." For some reason,
Heather remembers her last night with Mike.  Her skin begins to tingle as
she remembers the feel of his hands as he made love to her that last night.
"Heather, are you alright?" She lets out a deep breath.  "Yeah, fine.  I
was just distracted by something on TV.  I'll heat up the leftovers for
you." "Alright.  I'll see you soon.  Love you." "Love you too." She says
then hangs up the phone.

   For the next hour, Heather tries everything she can think of to keep
busy.  Ever since she received the call from Mark, the anticipation and
excitement of seeing Mike again has been building up inside her.  Several
times she hung up the phone in the middle of dialing his number.  She even
considers going online, but knows she wouldn't be able to stop herself from
writing if he was online.  "What is wrong with me?" She says aloud to
herself.  "Mike isn't any different from any other transfer..." He own
thoughts trail off as she recalls another time they were together.  She
swallows hard as her heart begins to race.  "Joe, please come home soon."
She thinks aloud, although her heart says it won't be the same.

   Around 9:30, Joe walks in the door and drops his bag on the table. 
Heather walks into the foyer and greets him with a passionate kiss.  "How
was the rest of your night?" "Better after you called, but still the same I
guess." As they walk into the kitchen, Joe begins talking about the
meeting, asking for her opinions or suggestions, then begins talking about
the loss of Mike as an employee.  Heather clears his plate, then stands in
front of him, leaning against the table.  "Do you want to hear the good
news now?" She asks as she begins to unbutton his shirt.  He looks up at
her.  "Sure." He studies her face as she begins to smile.  "Abigail has
been in bed since eight." "Oh really?" Joe says, then stands up.

   Mike has been counting down the days, for the past week, to when he will
see Heather again.  They both agreed that it would be best to not have any
contact during the time he tried to get the transfer, so they wouldn't
arouse any suspicions.  However, by the end of the first week, he really
regretted that decision.  By now, he would be willing to go as far as
telling her husband everything if it would mean seeing her again.  He has
considered sending her email, to let her know he was still thinking about
her, but feared her husband reading it before she did.  And he refused to
use the text messaging things online for fear that it wasn't her, but her
husband.  However, his main fear now is exactly what may happen during this
interview Monday.

   Around ten o'clock Monday morning, Mike gets out of the shower and dries
off.  After wrapping the towel around his waist, he reaches into the
cabinet for his razor and shaving cream.  Catching the beginning of "She
Drives Me Crazy" on the radio by the sink, he smiles and turns it up. 
After cleaning his razor and putting it back in the cabinet with the
shaving cream, he puts on deodorant and splashes on Heather's favorite
cologne.  He walks into the bedroom to dress.  He selects navy blue khaki
pants, a white polo shirt, and his navy blue sports jacket.  After
dressing, he walks into the bathroom to comb his hair.  He applies a little
gel and combs it with a slight wave.  Afterwards he brushes his teeth and
turns off the radio.  As he checks himself in the mirror by the door, he
grabs his wallet and places it in his rear right pocket, and his checkbook
in the inside pocket of his coat along with a day planner.  He grabs his
keys and cell phone and heads out the door to the elevator.  Once on the
ground floor, he heads to the main desk and requests the manager.  Fifteen
minutes later, papers are signed, and Mike hands over a check for ten
million dollars.  He hands over his door card and shakes hands with the
manager before leaving.

   During the two-hour conference call, Heather couldn't help but to check
the clock every fifteen minutes.  Her thoughts kept wandering from
yesterdays' events with her husband and daughter, to how the interview will
go.  Knowing the fact that she almost confessed to her husband, due to her
growing need to see Mike, made her fear that it may be near impossible to
keep this interview professional.  When the call was over, she called Mark
aside.  "What's up Heather?" "You know how you asked to sit in for the
interview?" His face lights up.  "Yeah!  After looking at his file, he
sounds like just the kind of person I need." Heather relaxes.  "Good.  Meet
us in the office at noon." "Sure, no problem." Heather sighs in relief,
then glances at her watch again.

   At quarter to twelve, Mike walks into Heather's building and finds the
restroom.  Then he heads to the main desk and has Heather paged.  "May I
ask why you need her sir?" "I have an interview with her at noon." The
phone rings.  "Excuse me." The lady at the desk picks up the phone.  "Your
noon interview is here.  Okay.  I'll tell him." She hangs up the phone. 
"She asks that you wait in the office." She walks around the corner of the
desk.  "I'll take you there." He follows her across the building and into a
room with a desk, a couple of chairs, TV monitors, a computer and several
binders and paperwork.  "She will be right with you." He smiles and nods,
then sits down.

   Heather, knowing that Mike is up front waiting in the office, tries to
wrap up the conversation she is having with another employee.  "Well, we
will have to try it that way first.  If it doesn't hold, then we will have
no choice but to drill into the table.  We can't take a chance of the
display falling when the cables alone aren't strong enough to support it."
She looks at her watch as she listens to another issue.  "I'm sorry Carol,
but I have an interview now.  When do you leave tonight?" "Not until
seven." "Could we discuss this later?  I'm really sorry, but Jay sent this
guy over, and I have to get back to him today on whether or not the
transfer is going through." "Sure, no problem." "Thanks and I'm really
sorry." "It's alright.  I know you're busy.  I'll talk to you later."
Heather smiles and head up front.

   Before going to the office, Heather pages Mark up front.  When she sees
him turn the corner, she points towards the office and meets him there. 
Mike, having heard Heather's page, tries to get comfortable in the chair.
As he hears her voice outside the door, he shifts again as his skin begins
to tingle.

   "Are you alright?" Mark asks.  "Huh?  Oh yeah, why?" "You turned red for
a second there.  Thought maybe something was wrong." She shakes her head.
"Must have been a passing thought.  I'm alright.  Really." "Okay then. 
After you."

   "Hello Michael.  Nice to see you again.  This is Mark Stephens.  He is
the merchandise manager." Mike shakes hands with Heather and Mark.  "Nice
to meet you Mark.  Pleasure to see you again Heather." `So far so good'
they both think to themselves as the three of them sit down.  "I only have
one question Mark, then you can continue the interview." Mark nods as he
flips through Mike's work file.  "Mike, why do you want to transfer to this
branch of the company?" Mike looks directly into Heather's eyes.  "My
family business recently moved into this area.  I now live five minutes
from here as opposed to two hours from my previous branch." Heather smiles
then looks away, slightly blushing.  Mike smiles to himself as Mark looks
up at him.  "Family business, eh?" What do you do?" "I buy small companies,
or those struggling financially, and either help them get back on their
feet, or break them into smaller branches and combine them with other
companies.  Sometimes even sell them altogether." Heather looks up at him
never really knowing all the details to his business.  "It all depends on
what the owners want to do." Mark nods in approval.  "So what do you do
with this company?" "Whatever I am needed for.  I have worked in every area
and can build just about anything from scratch." "Really?" Mark says,
obviously impressed.  "When can you start?" He asks while looking at Mike.
"Whenever you need me to.  Of course, I may need certain days off for
meetings and such with my business." Heather begins to nod before he even
finishes the sentence.  "That won't be a problem at all." She says.  Mark
looks at her.  "You sure about that?" Heather turns and looks at Mark.  "If
you have ever seen him work, you know it won't be a problem.  That's why my
husband hated to see him leave." She looks at Mike.  "Though he understood
entirely." Mike notices a hint of a smile.  "Well," Mark says while
standing.  "I guess we will use you as a floater.  I'll go put you on the
automotive schedule for now.  Just let me go look at it and see what I can
come up with for you this week." He opens the door, walks through it and
closes it behind him.  Mike and Heather look from the door to each other
saying nothing.

   Heather leans back in her chair.  "So, how have you been?" "Alright I
guess.  You?" Heather smiles, then looks down at her hands folded in her
lap.  "How are you really doing Mike?" He leans forward and reaches across
the desk.  She looks up and takes his hand in hers.  "I've missed you so
much.  And you can't imagine how relieved I was that you had someone in
here with us." She smiles again.  "That's exactly how I have been feeling,
and why I arranged it that way." They lean closer to each other, feeling
the chemistry between them growing stronger by the second.  "I bought that
penthouse room I stayed in.  I gave them a check for ten million dollars."
He watches the shock spread across her face.  "Why so much?  Even if you
pay the regular cost per night for the year, it won't cost you that much."
"I had some extra things included.  Door key with lock, not door card, room
service, open bar fully stocked, they shop for my groceries, and enough to
cover everyone's tips, and the most important of all my requests." He
begins to smile, then holds her hand more firmly.  "What's that?" "If you
should ever decide to come visit, no one questions who you are, you don't
have to sign in, and if anyone should be suspicious and decide to follow
you to me, there are diversions and security, and no one has ever seen you,
knows you, or has ever heard of you." They smile at each other, although
there is still shock on Heather's face.  "Oh yeah, and I'll give you a key
when I get them from the front desk today." They hear the doorknob turn and
quickly release hands and straighten up in their seats.  "Well, now that
you two have had time to get reacquainted." Mark says before sitting down.
"Have you settled on wages?" He asks Heather.  "Yeah, it will stay the
same." Mike nods in agreement.  "Good." He hands a paper to Mike.  "How
does this look for the next two weeks?"

   Three hours later, the live broadcast is over and Heather is grabbing
her purse to head out for lunch.  As she is approaching her car, she
notices a piece of paper and small envelope stuck between her wiper and
windshield.  After opening the note, she heads back inside the building. 
"Kim, something has come up and I have to leave for the day.  Can you let
Mark know and if he needs anything, have him call my cell phone?" "Would
you like me to take messages or have everyone call back tomorrow?" "Have
them call back.  Except for my husband." "He is to call your cell."
"Exactly, have a nice day." "You too." Heather rushes out the door and into
her car.

   As she gets off the elevator at the top floor, she turns to the right
and walks to door 2246.  She pulls out the key, slowly unlocks the door,
and walks inside.  She sees Mike, before he sees her, sitting at a table
going through papers.  As she puts her purse and keys on the table, he
looks up and drops his pen.  "I wasn't expecting you for a couple more
hours." He says as he gets up from the table.  "I saw your note as I was
leaving for lunch.  I decided to take the rest of the day off." She says as
he reaches to caress her face.  "I'm glad you stopped by." He says while
holding her head in his hands.  "So am I." She says before they kiss
passionately.  He breaks the kiss and looks deep into her eyes.  She smiles
at him and kisses him.  He holds her head as they continue to kiss and she
reaches her arms around him.  He breaks the kiss, pulling her bottom lip
between his as he backs away.  They stand there breathless, staring at each
other and wanting each other.  As they look into each other's eyes, Mike
pushes her hair behind her ear, then caresses the side of her face.  She
stands there watching him and rubbing his back and he slowly slides his
hands down her neck and against her chest.  She closes her eyes as he
begins to caress her and gently squeezes her breasts.  She lets out a
slight gasp as he tenderly kisses her neck, then pulls his head closer. 
She turns her head to whisper in his ear, but gently brings it between her
lips and pulls it instead.  She turns her head up to the ceiling, her eyes
still closed, as he begins to suck on her neck.  "Oh my God, Michael!" He
wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her against him.  As he continues
sucking on her neck, he caresses her back with his hands.  Slowly he moves
his hands around her behind and pulls her up against him.  He moves away
from her neck, checks to make sure he didn't leave a mark, then wraps his
arms under her behind and lifts her legs up and around his waist.  She lets
out a laugh as she wraps her arms around him.  "What?" He asks.  "You must
have been working out this past month.  You weren't able to do that
before." He smiles as he walks them over to the couch.  "There is a lot I
learned this past month." "Oh really now." She says before kissing him. 
"However, it is way too much to show you in one night." He says as he lies
her on the couch.  "For some reason, I believe that." She says as she pulls
him down on top of her and passionately kisses him.

   He breaks the kiss and backs up so he is sitting on the opposite arm of
the couch.  He leans over and takes off his shoes and socks, then reaches
for one of her feet.  She moves them out of his reach for awhile, then
gives in.  After removing her shoes and socks, he caresses each foot and
calf, then slowly makes his way up her body.  After caressing her breasts,
he lies above her, keeping his weight on his elbows.  As he stares into her
eyes, he caresses the side of her face with his right hand.  She wraps her
arms around him and begins rubbing his back.  "I missed you so much
Heather." "I missed you too.  More than I should have." He leans over and
gently kisses her lips.  They look into each other's eyes and kiss again
and again.  Each kiss growing longer and more passionate than the first. 
As Mike feels the emotions building up inside, he presses up against her.
Heather lets out a short gasp, the moves her legs around him.  He presses
against her again, as close as their clothes will allow them, then slowly
moves down her body and up onto his knees.

   As Mike pushes Heather's shirt up, she sits up to him and allows him to
remove it.  As he begins to unfasten her bra, she starts unbuttoning his
pants and slowly sliding down the zipper.  As he bends to kiss her breasts,
Heather lets out a chuckle.  "You know Mike.  You were supposed to transfer
to stop this from happening again." Mike looks up at her and smiles.  "So
this is an exception." He says as he moves down her legs enough to unbutton
her pants.  "Yeah, but how many more will there be?" He sits up a little so
they can remove her pants and underwear.  Then he lies her back on the
couch.  She helps him slide his pants down to his knees.  "As many as it
takes I guess." He leans down and kisses her.  She wraps her arms around
him as he enters her and lets out a soft moan.  She turns her head away
from him as he begins to kiss and suck on her neck.  "Oh Michael!" He
reaches his hands up to caress her breasts as they continue to move
together.  "Oh Heather.  I missed you so much." He reaches under her and
presses her hips against his.  "Mmm, yes Michael!" He brings his hands up
to both sides of her head.  "Tell me what you want me to do." He says as he
looks into her eyes.  He sees the passion burning in them and feels the
excitement running through their bodies.  She touches the side of his face.
"You already know what I want Michael.  And you always know exactly what I
want you to do." He kisses her, then stand up and pulls his pants back on.
She looks up at him slightly confused.  "Michael?" He bends over and picks
her up off the couch and carries her into the bedroom.

   An hour later, Heather is lying in Mike's arms feeling his chest expand
and contract with each breath.  She tries to think back to the last time
she felt this close and comfortable with Joe.  She begins to wonder if they
ever really connected at all.  "When do you have to go?" Heather turns and
looks up at Mike.  "I didn't know you were awake." "I was trying to figure
out what you were thinking.  All I could figure was that they were not
happy thoughts." Heather lies on top of Mike with her arms folded against
his chest.  "I was wondering if I ever felt this content with my husband."
Mike winces at the word.  "Even if you weren't, what have I got to offer
you that he doesn't?" "I'm not worried about that.  I've never felt so
connected with someone as I do with you.  When we are together, especially
like this, it feels so right I can't help but to wonder." "Wonder what?"
"If it was you and me that were meant to be together." Mike moves from
beneath her and climbs out of bed.  "You would never leave him.  Mostly for
the sake of your daughter." "For my daughter yes, but..." "There are no
buts." Mike pulls on his boxers and sits on the bed next to Heather. 
"Look, I love you with all my heart and all my soul.  I haven't even looked
at another woman since our personal relationship started.  But your
marriage alone shows that it isn't meant to be between us." Heather looks
down at the bed.  "I almost told him." "Almost told who what?" Mike asks
growing concerned.  Heather looks up and into his eyes.  "I almost told Joe
about our affair." Mike's eyes widen.  "When?  Why?" "Yesterday, after we
made love." Mike looks down at the bed.  Heather touches the side of his
face.  "No honey.  That's not how it is."

   She raises his chin and looks into his eyes.  "This past month was too
much for me.  And honestly, if I wasn't fair to anyone it was Joe, because
it was you I was thinking of when we were intimate." She caresses his face.
"But why yesterday?  Why not sooner or later?" She shrugs.  "I was
frustrated yesterday.  I had needs that he could not fulfill and has not
been able to fulfill.  And I guess I never fully realized it sooner and I
didn't really want to wait until later.  But I knew I had to talk to you
about it first." "I guess that's why I waited too." She looks at him in
shock.  "I needed to see you so bad, that three weeks ago I considered
telling him.  There was a huge chance I would see you sooner, but I knew it
wasn't a decision I could make on my own." She swallows hard.  "You know
what this means right?" He begins to smile.  "Yeah.  We get to do it
again." She laughs as he lays her down on the bed and kisses her.  She
holds his head in her hands.  "Michael, I think we are in love." He pulls
the sheets out from between them.  "What took you so long?  I've been in
love with you since I first saw you.  Remember?" He smiles as she gently
kisses him.  "Actually, I fell for you when we first met.  Then you
confessed." He kisses her lightly.  "Oh yeah.  But..." She places a finger
over his lips.  "Shhh." She moves her hands down her nude body as they kiss
passionately.  As he moves her leg around him, they both stop and look at
each other as Heather's cell phone begins to ring.

   Part Seven

   "Before we close today's meeting, I'd like to introduce a new employee.
He transferred here from Middleton, NY due to his family business
relocating.  Michael, would you stand please." Mike stands and waves to
everyone.  "Hello.  I hear this is one of the best in the area.  Let's hope
I never have to buy you out and sell you into little pieces." Everyone
starts to laugh.  "I thought he looked familiar." Says someone in the back
of the room.  "Well, unless someone has any questions or another matter to
bring up, the meeting is over." Heather says as everyone gets up to leave.
"Carol, when you get a minute later, come see me." "Thanks Heather."
Heather smiles then walks towards Mike.  She waits until he is done shaking
hands with introductions.  Mike catches her in the corner of his eye. 
"Excuse me for a minute please." He smiles at a group of girls that have
been watching him throughout the meeting and walks over to Heather. 
"What's up?" "When you have minute, could I see you in the office?  I have
a project for you." He imitates her serious tone.  "Sure, I'll be there in
a minute." As Heather turns to leave, Jake comes up behind Mike.  "She's
got a project for you already huh?  I'd watch out if I were you." Mike
looks back at him.  "No problem." Jake watches him leave the room and
shrugs his shoulders.

   "Did you lock the door?" "Yeah why?" Heather turns around and kisses him
passionately.  She places her hands on his shoulders as she breaks the
kiss. "I've been wanting to do that all morning." "Is everything alright?"
He asks as he rubs her back.  "You mean the phone call?" She looks away. 
"Yes and no.  And I am sorry for running out on you like that." He caresses
her face.  "I understand." She looks at him and smiles weakly.  Mike sighs,
"so what did Joe have to say?" She hugs him tightly.  He rubs her back
while holding her.  "He wanted to know why I didn't go back to work after
lunch.  I told him I went to see my sister." "Did you tell your sister you
are using her for an alibi?" "No I..." There is a knock at the door causing
them to break apart.  They sit in chairs on opposite sides of the desk and
Mike unlocks and opens the door.

   "Hey Mark, what's up?" "Sorry to bother you Heather, hello Mike, but
Carol is waiting outside." "Oh, I almost forgot.  We will have to finish
this conversation later Mike." "No problem.  I have a couple displays to
build anyway." Mike stands up to leave.  "One more thing Mike." Heather
says as she grabs a set of keys.  "You will need these to get into the back
room with all the tools.  It's the one with the red sticker.  Just make
sure you bring them back before you leave." "Yes ma'am." Heather smiles as
he leaves the room.

   Three hours later, Heather sees the door to an office slightly ajar. 
Not being able to see into the office, because of no windows, she
cautiously walks towards the door.  About a foot away, she hears Mike's
voice and sighs in relief.  As she walks into the room, she notices that he
has the lights out, but the computer screen is still on.  He looks up at
her and holds up one finger, asking her to hold on.  She sits down in the
chair next to his and opens the Word program on the computer.  `Is that
your girlfriend?' She types onto the screen.  He looks at her with a mixed
expression of surprise and disgust.  `No.' He types back with one hand. 
"Well did you look in the old filing cabinets?  The one containing some of
the earliest files." `The who is it?' Heather types and smiles.  `Just my
secretary.  I'll explain later.' He types back.  "And Jason left for the
day right?" Heather rolls her chair closer to his and rests her hands on
his legs.  Mike clears the computer screen and closes the program.  "I'll
figure something out." He looks at Heather as she begins to rub his thighs.
"I'm not sure.  It depends on my schedule." Heather runs her hands up his
inner thighs and to the seat of his pants.  He looks up in surprise.  "Tell
him it will be done by the end of the week." He points to the door. 
Heather rolls the chair over to close it.  "He has my word." Heather rolls
back over and starts caressing his chest.  He moves her hands away, only
for her to find his lap again.  "I'll take care of it.  Talk to you later."
He hangs up the phone and takes Heather's hands in his.  "Now what can I
help you with, ma'am?" Heather smiles and sits on his lap, straddling him.
"So what's up?" Mike shrugs.  "Nothing yet." Heather smiles.  "I'm sure
that can change." Mike says nothing but runs his hands down her chest. 
"You seem happier than earlier." He says while looking into her eyes.  She
smiles.  "I have my reasons." "Oh." He says.  "If it helps, you are one of
them." He nods while continuing to caress her chest.  "You want to finish
our earlier conversation?" He asks finally.  She runs her fingers up the
buttons of his shirt.  "I'd like to make plans for tonight...to be honest
with you." He shakes his head.  "I can't tonight." "Oh," she says while
frowning.  "You have a date?" "I thought that's what this was." He smiles
and touches her face.  "You gave me the key ring for a reason." From the
light of the computer screen, he can see she is blushing.  "Is the door
locked?" She smiles then hits him on the shoulder.  He smiles back, then
leans forward and kisses her.

   Ten minutes later, Heather's bra is unhooked and they are still making
out in the chair.  "Oh God!  I wish we were at your place." She says while
he kisses her neck.  He begins to nibble on her ear.  "So why won't you
tell your sister?" He whispers.  "Because I don't want her to know, and he
won't call her anyway." "And what did he say when you got home?" She
scrunches her nose.  "Do we have to discuss this now?" He backs away from
her.  "I love you and I want to know what's wrong." She touches his face.
"Oh baby." "I'm serious.  Did he hurt you?" "No not at all.  He just said
he wanted us to spend more time together.  And that means less time with
you." Mike cradles her face in his hands.  "I don't want to do that
Michael." He drops his hands and stands them up.  He turns them towards the
counter and sits her on it.  He stands in front of her and as he begins to
kiss her, they hear a page for Heather to pick up on line one.

   Heather picks up line one.  "This is Heather.  How can I help you?" She
looks at Mike.  "Could you hold please?" She pushes the hold button. 
"Mike, this is going to be awhile.  I'm sorry." "No problem.  My shift is
over soon anyway." "I'll call you." "I'll be waiting." He says, then kisses
her briefly.  As he reaches the door he turns around.  "Don't forget your
bra." She reaches behind her to hook it, then takes the call off hold.

   Part Eight

   Three weeks later, Mike is washing his hands in the break room when Mark
walks in shaking his head.  "What's wrong Mark?" Mike says while drying his
hands.  "I'm not sure really, but Heather has been in the office all
morning asking everyone to not bother her.  Something is obviously wrong,
but she won't talk about it." Mike shrugs.  "Well, she can't be too upset
or she would have locked the door." Mark nods in agreement then walks out
of the room.

   Mike takes his break, then looks around for any employees before
approaching the managers' office.  He sighs in relief when the doorknob
turns and allows him to open the door.  As he quietly steps into the room,
he sees Heather looking at the computer screen with her back to him.  He
quietly closes and locks the door, then slowly walks up to Heather.  He
watches her jot notes on a paper to the left of the computer as he gently
places his hands on her shoulders and begins massaging them.  "What's going
on?" He asks as she puts her pen down and begins to relax.  "I've had a lot
of time to think these past three weeks, and I keep coming to the same
conclusion." She spins the chair around to face him.  "I need you Michael."
"I haven't gone anywhere.  I'm still here." "But it's not real.  I don't
want to pretend anymore." She stands up and hugs him.  "I don't want to
have to hide how I feel anymore, and pretend we only have a professional
relationship." Mike holds her closer and kisses her neck briefly.  "I
realized something these past few weeks, and now I fully understand what
you were going through before all this started.  I know why you pushed
deadlines and how it feels to wake up in the morning wanting nothing more
than to see that certain someone.  I know how disappointing it is when you
find out that person has the day off and you have to wait even longer to
see them again.  And I know how it feels when you are finally with them and
how much better you feel when you leave them, even if you were only
together for a short time." "So what do you want to do?" Heather backs away
and looks at Mike.  "Whatever we can to keep this going.  Even if it just
means going to lunch." "Are you okay with that?" "Michael, I think we have
moved beyond that point.  Don't you?" "Well, it has been almost a month,
but you are right.  I am still just as happy to be around you as I am when
we have sex.  However..." "I know.  Sometimes you just need it." She smiles
as he touches her face.  "You're so beautiful." He says, then kisses her.
They break the kiss and she licks her lips.  "I think I missed that the
most." She says while blushing.  "Yeah, so did I." Mike says, then kisses
her again.

   "By the way, do you have the schedule made up for July 26?" Heather
looks up at him.  "I'm not sure." He releases her as she turns to check the
computer.  As she sits in the chair, Mike moves closer and massages her
shoulders again.  He gently massages her neck as she pulls up the file. 
"No, not yet.  Why?" "I have a business trip in Chicago that week." "Oh."
She says as she looks from him to the computer.  "I just wish I didn't have
to go." Heather smiles to herself.  "Maybe it won't be so bad after all."
She says, then looks up at Mike.

   Part Nine

   "Are you sure you want to do this?" "If you keep asking me that I might
get nervous and change my mind." "Sorry." Mike says as he paces the room.
"And you're sure the company has a class going on that week?" Heather
laughs then stands up and stops Mike in the middle of the floor.  "I called
headquarters to double check." Mike sighs in relief.  "Do you not want me
to go?" Heather asks.  Mike looks up in shock.  "No, that's not it at all.
I'm just worried about our flight and your husband seeing me." "If he does,
so what." "I'd rather he didn't see us together at all." Heather frowns. 
"I know.  But you said he's never seen you with a moustache." Mike nods
then looks at his watch.  "Heather, I have to go.  I have to go over the
plans for this week with the guy I'm leaving in charge and all the papers
are in my office." "No problem.  What hat are you wearing again?" "NY
Giants.  See you tomorrow." He kisses her twice then turns towards the
door. "I love you." "Love you too Mike." She watches him leave then sits in
the chair in front of her desk.  She raises her hands and sees them
shaking. 'What were you thinking?' She thinks to herself.

   "You have any questions about what needs to be done this week?" "Nope, I
think I've got it all down.  If I have any questions or concerns, I'll call
you in Chicago." "Thanks Steve.  I know I'm asking a lot, but I've been
working on this deal for six months now and..." "Mike, I understand.  I've
been helping on the side, remember?" "Sorry Steve.  I've just had a lot
going on lately." "Anything else I should know?" "Anybody calling for me
will have to wait until I get back.  Unless you want to send me a fax or
email." "You plan on being that busy?" "Let's just say I won't be alone."
There is a silence on the other end.  "Um..." "Don't ask Steve.  Good night
and I'll talk to you next week." "Sorry, I was just curious." "I know. 
Good night and good luck." Mike says before hanging up.

   "Are you sure you have to take these classes?  I don't remember you
mentioning Jay telling you to take the course." Heather closes her
suitcase. "He didn't.  He just said it was available if I wanted to take
it. I thought about it and decided that taking a new course on
merchandising wouldn't be a bad idea." "Honey, I really don't think it's
necessary.  Seeing the reports on your branch proves that you are doing
something right." "But Joe, I know I can do better.  Let me prove myself
wrong then." "What are you going to tell Abigail?" She looks at him in
shock.  "You make it sound like I'm going away forever." Joe puts his head
down.  "I know, I'm sorry.  I'm just being selfish.  I just feel like all
we have done lately is talk on the phone, and with you leaving tomorrow,
that's all that we can do for a week." "Joe, I'll only be gone for a week.
But this is something I feel I need to do for my career."

   Around 7:30 the next morning, Mike catches a glimpse of Heather walking
through the crowd with Joe and Abigail.  He pulls his Giants hat out of his
back pocket and puts it on.  Then he moves his bag and briefcase to the far
side of the waiting area and takes a seat.  He pulls a book out of his
briefcase and begins to read, occasionally glancing in Heathers' direction.

   Heather glances around the waiting area looking for Mike.  "Are we in
the right place?" She asks Joe as she sees a Giants hat.  Joe looks up from
Abigail.  "According to the monitor we are." "Oh, there it is." `When did
Mike start wearing glasses?' She asks herself as she looks for another
Giants hat.  "Mommy, big plane!" Abigail says while pointing out the
window. Heather smiles, "Yes dear.  Big airplane." "That's mommy's plane
Abby.  She will go bye-byes for a little while." Abigail looks from the
plane to Heather with wide eyes.  "Mommy's plane."

   Mike watches as Heather and Joe show Abigail the plane outside the
window.  He can just barely hear their conversation, but smiles as he
watches Abigail's reactions.  When the flight attendant begins calling rows
to board, he watches as Heather briefly kisses her husband goodbye and hugs
Abigail, telling her to be a good girl for daddy and that she will be home
soon.  After she boards the plane and Joe and Abigail begin to leave, Mike
picks up his things and boards the plane with the last group of passengers.

   As he walks down the main aisle, he sees Heather looking over the seats
for him.  He puts his bag above their seats and sits down.  He takes her
hand in his.  "How are you feeling?" She smiles weakly.  "Still a little
nervous I guess.  By the way, when did you start wearing glasses?" Mike
begins to laugh.  "I wore them years ago but now wear contacts.  I thought
it would help with my disguise." As he takes of his hat and glasses she
touches the side of his face.  "It worked too well.  I almost didn't
recognize you." "I thought it might be more exciting for you that way."
"Believe me.  Having the two of you in the same room together and knowing
where you and I are going was exciting enough." He leans closer to her. 
"Yeah, but now we can take our time with things." She smiles before they
kiss passionately, then prepare for takeoff.

   Mike looks at Heather as she looks out the window of the plane.  "Did
you sleep at all last night?" He asks.  "For a little while in Abigail's
room." He puts an arm around her.  "Well, we will be in the air for a while
if you want to take a nap." She looks up at him and he gently kisses her
forehead.  "And if you're lucky, I might even sleep with you." She smiles
and playfully hits him on the leg.  He smiles back.  "Seriously, go ahead
and rest.  I will wake you when we get there." "Why are you so good to me?"
She asks quietly.  He looks at her and smiles.  "Because I love you." She
leans up and kisses him, then rests her head on his shoulder and closes her
eyes.

   Part Ten

   "How many bags do you have?" Mike says, while standing with his arm
around her waist and his belongings to his left, at the luggage pick-up
site.  "Just one." She says then points to a bag coming down the conveyor
belt.  "There it is." She says as he begins walking over to it.  He grabs
her bag, then walks back to get his.  "Ready?" She nods as she wraps an arm
through his.  As they walk through the airport he notices her checking
things out.  "Ever been out here before?" She shakes her head.  "Kansas
City, Missouri once, but not here." "You want to stop for a gift for your
daughter?" "Not yet.  We can do that when we leave." Mike shrugs and steps
ahead of her to get the door.  "Thanks." She says, then helps keep the door
open so he can get through.

   He sets down the bags by the curb and hails for a cab.  As he turns to
face Heather, he wraps his arms around her.  "Feel better now?" She nods
then closes her eyes before kissing him.  He slides his hands around her
behind and gently squeezes.  She breaks the kiss, gasping for breath and
hugs him tightly.  "Oh Michael!" As the cab pulls up they break apart and
Mike puts their bags in the trunk.  As he gets into the car, Heather
reaches for his hand.  "Chateau Suites please." "What about cars?" Heather
asks.  "Already at the hotel." "Oh," she says then begins to smile. 
"What?" He asks.  "Why do you look so serious?" She says as she wraps her
fingers around his.  "I don't look serious." "Sure, like this isn't a
serious look." She imitates the expression on his face.  He starts to
laugh. "I don't look like that.  It's more like this." He reaches over and
gently pushes her eyebrows up and moves the corners of her mouth. 
"There..." he says before she grabs his hand and slowly slides his index
finger into her mouth.  His mouth drops as he watches her slowly pull his
finger out of her mouth.  He turns to the driver who is now a bright shade
of red.  "Twenty extra to shut the divide." Mike watches as the driver
disappears behind a darkly tinted window of glass.  As he turns back to
face Heather, he is greeted by a passionate kiss.  She moves into his lap
as his hands find her breasts and begin caressing them.  "It's been so long
Michael." "It's been a long month, I know." "Not just that.  My husband and
I haven't had sex since the day before your interview to transfer." "I
thought he was trying to spend more time with you." Heather reaches into
his lap.  "Yeah, but that wasn't part of it.  He kept saying he was too
tired.  He would start but never finish." "You mean foreplay?" "If that's
what you call what he did." He smiles.  "Then you need some tending to."
"Depends on what you have in mind.  We are both here on business." "I'm
sure I'll think of something." He says before sucking on her neck.

   Fifteen minutes later, the cab is stopped in front of the hotel and the
driver gently taps on the glass.  Mike looks up from Heather's chest.  "I
think we have to go." Heather straightens up and fixes her bra and shirt.
Mike buttons up his shirt and knocks on the window as Heather climbs out of
Mike's lap.  She leans over and whispers in his ear.  "If you want to go
further than this, you will have to stop at the store.  I left my pills at
home." Mike's eyes widen.  "You're on the pill?" She smiles as she opens
the door.  "I may be crazy by having this relationship, but I'm not that
crazy." She looks over as Mike climbs out the other door.  "You don't mind
do you?" He pays the driver twenty over the total and walks to the trunk
for their bags.  "No, not at all.  And I'm not sure why I was surprised."

   After signing into both rooms, Mike stops at the store in the lobby. 
"Just in case." He says with a smile.  "Yeah right." She says as they walk
to the elevator.  "So what do you want to do tonight?" She looks at him. 
"You're kidding right?" "I meant for dinner or afterwards." She blushes
slightly.  "Why don't we play it by ear.  I'm still a bit tired from the
flight." "Sounds good." He says as they get on the elevator.  As they
slowly go floor to floor, Mike reaches over and pokes Heather in the side.
"Hey!" She says, then playfully hits his arm.  He smiles and waits a bit
before doing it again.  "Quit it!" She says while laughing.  As she goes to
hit him, he pokes her in the other side.  "Mike!" She says as she grabs his
hands.  He smiles trying not to laugh.  As she begins to relax her grip, he
breaks away and instead of poking her, pulls her closer.  "I'm really glad
you're here.  These trips can be pretty lonely." She touches the side of
his face as the doors open with a "Ding."

   Heather unlocks the door and pushes it open for Mike.  "Thanks." He says
as he walks through the door and into the living room.  "Do you mind if I
make a phone call?  I told Joe I would call to talk to Abigail when I got
in." "Sure, no problem." She pulls her cell phone out of her purse and
walks into the other room.  He watches her leave then pulls his laptop out
of his briefcase and connects it to the fax machine on the desk in the
living room.

   Ten minutes later, Mike is checking his companies online when Heather
comes out of the bedroom.  "Miss her already?" Heather nods as Mike reaches
an arm out to her.  She takes it and he sits her across his legs with his
right arm around her.  "Was she upset?" He says as he rubs her back.  "Not
really, but she was asking when I was coming home." "It'll be alright."
Heather sighs as she nods.  "What's that?" She says as she points at the
screen.  "This is part of the list of companies I own and how they are
doing in the stock market.  These tabs on the right show different
financial aspects of each company." "What if you click on them?" Mike
smiles.  "Go ahead.  See what happens." Heather clicks on one called
BenCorp.  "Wow, you have all their figures for the year.  Sales, costs,
payroll, everything." "The first tab on the right shows what I paid for
them and whether or not I'm making money on them." "You paid fifty billion
for them?" "Not all at once.  I purchased that company when I started
working with my father fifteen years ago.  It was paid off a couple years
ago, but I still had a high return." "What about these tabs?" "Go ahead."
She watches as the screen changes from employee information to payroll to
finances, etc.  with each click of a tab.  "Why do you keep track of the
employees' kids and marital statuses?" "Because it all effects their work
habits and productivity.  If you have a top employee with a low error
percentage that all the sudden begins making a lot of simple mistakes, with
this information, instead of firing him right away for poor productivity,
you can help him deal with any problems he may be facing.  Then, if things
don't change, you let him go." "Do they know you monitor this stuff?"
"Everyone is aware of it when we first buy a company.  I personally go in
and speak to all the employees.  I let them know I am willing to help them
through the rough times with no extra expenses.  They are also aware that
they may call me at home with any problems or suggestions they have." "You
do that for all these companies?" She asks as she scrolls through the list.
"Yep.  And I am still waiting for those first phone call." "How many people
have you helped a year through that method?" "Oh, probably one hundred to
one fifty a year.  Then again, that's out of seventy-five current companies
with over a thousand employees each." "So you don't speak to them all
individually." "If I can, but no.  The information comes with their
contracts." "Then why are you still working for Pearson Distribution?  Why
waste your time in our warehouse when you have all this?" "Mainly because
of you.  I love watching you work and being with you.  But from my business
standpoint...  What is a better place to see what's in demand then in a
distribution center?  Anytime I need to replace a company that is doing
poorly, I look for what goods are in demand and focus on buying those types
of companies; or changing the products of a struggling one to those goods
that are in demand." "So it's a benefit to your career?" "In the long run,
yes.  For the present time, it's to be with you." He looks up at Heather
and notices tears in her eyes.  "Michael, that's so sweet." He wipes the
tears from her eyes.  "Then why are you crying?" "Because no one has ever
said anything like that to me before." She caresses the side of his face,
and as she runs her hand behind his neck, leans over and kisses him.  He
wraps his arms around her as they kiss more passionately and she runs her
fingers through his hair.  Heather breaks the kiss and runs her hands down
his chest while standing up.  She reaches for his hands and pulls him up
from the chair.  He kisses her briefly before she turns and leads him by
the hand toward the bedroom behind him.  "Come on." She says as he starts
walking behind her.  He pauses once as he grabs the box of condoms off the
dining room table.

   Two hours later, Heather is lying in Mike's arms with her back to his
chest.  "I didn't know it could be like this." Mike gently kisses her
shoulder.  "Be like what?" Heather turns in his arms.  "That the time we
have together would make that much of a difference.  I mean, I thought we
were already great together." Mike smiles then kisses her.  "Your husband
is a lucky man to have you." Heather frowns.  "Why would you say something
like that?" Mike's smile fades.  "Why wouldn't I?  You are a beautiful,
intelligent woman.  I just wish I had found you first." Heather smiles and
touches the side of his face.  "So do I."

   "Heather, I'm going to ask you something, but you don't have to answer
if you don't want to." Heather lowers her hand.  "What went wrong at home?"
Heather sighs, then rolls onto her back and stares at the ceiling.  Mike
props himself up on his left arm.  "Well, for starters, my husband and I
haven't made love like we just have in over a year.  As a matter of fact,
we have only made love once in the past year.  We had sex that day before
you transferred because I knew it would put him in a better mood than the
one he was in after being told you were leaving.  Most of the other times
were because he was in the mood.  But then again, that's only part of what
is going wrong." She pulls the sheets up closer to her chin.  "Sometimes I
just want to be held, you know." She turns and looks at Mike.  "Like the
last couple times you came into the office to talk.  It doesn't always have
to be something intimate.  Or like the day you left the note on my car.  I
have been married to my husband for three years, and he has never done
anything like that.  When he calls me at work, or from work, it's usually
about work.  And when we are home together, he either plays with Abigail or
is busy reading some newspaper or magazine.  It's only when I get up to
leave the room that he notices.  It's like he has lost interest or
something, but I'm suppose to be there when he needs something." Mike
gently wipes the tears from her eyes.  "When I notice you watching me, I
get goose bumps wondering what you are thinking.  Even the thought of your
hands on my body makes my face blush and my heart race.  And every time a
night goes well with my husband, and the sex is great, afterwards he just
rolls over and goes to sleep.  It's not that I want to talk, but I wish he
would still hold me like you do." "Have you tried talking to him about
this?" Heather turns on her side facing Mike.  "I did, two years ago.  He
said he would work on it." "And?" "It had only gotten worse.  Then you came
along.  You paced the floor in my office and told me what you had been
feeling.  And I knew from that point on, I wouldn't be able to hide my own
feelings.  I knew from the day I met you that there was something about you
that I would grow to love.  I use to dread the days you were off and fear
those days when you would have to leave on business trips.  I thought it
was just your work and productivity I liked.  Then one day, you asked me if
I wanted lunch.  I noticed how intently you listened and how you seemed to
enjoy hearing about Abigail.  Soon after, I realized how much I looked
forward to going to lunch with you.  I never expected to fall for you, and
I never expected it to go on this long.  But I don't regret it, and I don't
want it to end." "Then why did you decide to come with me this time?" "As a
test to see if I can leave my husband.  To see if all this is real." "But
we still have things to do this week." "All the better as a test for
myself. Is it just my outlook on the situation at home, or is it really
just my husband?" Mike looks at her with a puzzled expression.  "Then it's
a test for me as well." Heather smiles and places her hand behind his neck.
"For someone that I only work with, you must be doing something right
during your daily routine to pull me in this far.  I don't think it would
be natural for you to change now because I'm here with you." "But then
again, maybe we both need the same test after all.  Is this relationship
real, or is it just an affair?"

   Heather smiles, then leans forward and kisses him.  He breaks the kiss
and stares into her eyes.  He caresses her face before kissing her again.
As they begin kissing more passionately, Mike moves above her.  He looks
down at her and holds her head between his hands.  "I've never had anything
feel so right before in my life.  And I would do anything to keep this
relationship going." Heather raises her eyebrows.  "Would you leave your
company?" Mike looks down at her.  "If it came down to that, yes.  If it
meant you and me being together forever, yes.  Heather, there isn't
anything within my power that I wouldn't do for you.  Nothing." Heather
looks up at him with tear-filled eyes.  "You never hesitated before
answering." Mike wipes away her tears.  "What is there for me to think
about?" Heather shakes her head then leans up to kiss him.  As Mike lowers
his hands down to her body, the phone begins to ring.  Mike breaks the kiss
and looks at Heather.  "Did you give Joe this number?" "No.  I told him to
call my cell because I didn't know what my schedule would be like." "Then
it has to be for me." Mike looks at the phone as it rings a fourth time,
then back at Heather.  "Answer it silly." Heather begins to laugh as Mike
frowns then leans over and grabs the phone.  "Hello?" He looks down at
Heather.  "Yes, this is he." There is a pause.  "Could you hold on while I
switch phones?  My computer is in the other room." Mike frowns.  "Thanks."
He leans over and puts the phone on hold.  "I'm sorry dear, but I have to
go to work." "Michael, it's okay.  We both came here on business.  I don't
expect you to change that because of what I said earlier." He touches the
side of her face.  "Now go.  You've worn me out anyway.  I need a nap."
Mike smiles then kisses her briefly before climbing out of bed.  He pulls
on his boxers, then turns around to find Heather asleep already.  He leans
over and gently kisses her forehead.  "Sleep well my love." He stands up
then turns and walks out of the room.

   Part Eleven

   Around five o'clock, Heather awakes with a smile on her face.  As she
gets out of bed, she hears Mike's voice in the other room.  "It's not worth
the man-hours tracking that company.  Yeah they've had a few bad months
recently, but they are still too stable." Heather smiles again as she walks
into the bathroom.

   "All I can say is get me more proof." Mike clicks on the mouse, opening
another window on the computer.  "There is still too much black.  Work on
it for another week, if you insist, and show me what you have when I get
back." He scrolls down on the screen and highlights a section of numbers.
He pastes them in an email and hits send.  "Well that's the best I can tell
you Jack.  I'll talk to you next week." Mike hangs up the phone, just to
pick it up a second later, mid-ring.

   "Hello." Mike closes the open windows on the computer.  "Hey Jeff,
what's up?" "Mike we may have a problem in our St.  Louis branch." "Really?
What's going on?" "Well, they have had an awful lot of miscellaneous
expenses these past few months.  The problem is, when you look at their
inventory and supplies, the figures don't match up." "Hold on while I pull
up their files." "I saved you part of that work, I just need your fax
number out there and I'll send it over." "815-555-2032.  Who's in charge of
the region out there?" "Steve McPherson I believe.  I'm sending you the
info on the branch now." Heather walks into the room and in front of Mike.
He does a double take after catching a glimpse of Heather the first time.
"You see what I mean about their miscellaneous expenses?" Mike looks for
the line on the papers as Heather takes them from his hands and places them
on the table.  "I, ah..." He looks from the papers and back to Heather's
nude body standing before him.  "Um, Jeff.  I'm going to have to call you
back." He says as Heather climbs into his lap.  "Something has just come
up." "Well okay.  Just look over the info and let me know what you think.
If I'm not in the office, call me at home." "Will do Jeff.  Bye." He hangs
up the phone as Heather leans over to kiss him.  "I thought you were still
sleeping?  Are you hungry?" Heather smiles then places a finger over his
lips.  She stands up from his lap only to kneel before him.  He watches as
she reaches for his boxers and pulls them down.  He lifts himself from the
seat so she can pull them off completely.  "I thought you could use a
little break.  You sounded like you were getting stressed." She says as she
rubs her hands up and down his legs.  "Well, what do you have in mind?" He
asks before she bends down towards his lap.

   He looks into her eyes as she slowly takes him into her mouth.  He
closes his eyes as he fights the moans he knows are coming.  As he reaches
for her head, he remembers their first time together in a parking lot in
her complex.  He remembers the passion that led them there that night and
as the first moan escapes his lips, feels that passion burning inside
again. He stands her up and pulls her towards him.  He enters her as she
slowly lowers herself onto his lap.  He holds her head with both hands and
as she looks into his eyes, she sees the same passion that woke her a short
time ago.