Theresa was finishing up the work downstairs for the day when she saw Chad.

” Damn, Girl. You really kicked butt in the kitchen.”

” Thanks. I think the new cabinets you picked out work well with the countertops.”

” The marble rocked. I didn’t think it could be finished in such a short time.”

” This is the power of the Cranes, my friend.”

” I’m beginning to totally comprehend this. “

” What about upstairs? You like the furniture in the other bedrooms?”

” Yeah. I love the purple room. The entire art deco vibe totally works.”

“ You feel like this is your house?”

” Room by room. I have to tell you. I took a shower for an hour last night. It was like heaven, Girl. I mean,  four different showerheads hitting you at the same time? Oh man.”

“ They’ll be finished with your other bathrooms in a couple of days.”

Chad put his arms around Theresa’s waist and pulled her towards him. “ So, you had enough for the day.”, he said as he kissed her.

” I can definitely be persuaded to stop.”, she replied as she kissed him back. Their kisses were long, deep and passionate.

” I have a surprise.”, Chad said, taking her by the hand, leading her towards the back of the house. He handed Theresa a towel. She looked at him curiously.

” They finished the sauna. And, I think we deserve to inaugurate it tonight.”, Chad said, as he took his clothes off, ultimately wrapped in only a towel. Theresa did the same, and they entered the sauna together. Theresa sat down on a bench, closed her eyes and began to relax. Soon Chad’s hands were massaging her shoulders.

“ Hmmm….feels good.”

“ Really, Baby?”

” Absolutely, Chad.”

Chad continued massaging her shoulders, then he kissed her shoulders. Theresa moaned as Chad’s hands roamed her body. Theresa turned around to face Chad, so that she could enjoy his lips. Her hands made their way down to his towel and pulled it away from him. She then pushed him down on the bench, and let her kisses trail down his body. Chad closed his eyes, just feeling everything Theresa was doing to him with her lips and talented hands. Chad moaned, not believing that Theresa had limited partners, because she shows so much knowledge. Chad opened his eyes to see Theresa enjoying herself on him. He looked at her, mesmerized. She’s like a siren and he thrust his hips in order to join her in their mutual pleasure. As they both came to climax, Chad knew that she was in his blood, and he didn’t mind.

As they both came back to their senses, Chad kissed Theresa passionately.

” Let’s finish this in my bedroom.”

Theresa responded with a kiss.
 
 

Julian listened to Eve’s tape again. He thought about his visit with Eve. Had he imagined it – their connection? The electricity that filled the room. Julian shook his head. There’s nothing good that could come of the connection. He promised Chad that he would make sure that his sibling would come into the world – having fantasies about his mother and complicating her life isn’t the right move.

Julian looked at the report on the table. Alistair is up to something. Julian shook his head. He didn’t know what, but he knew it involved Chad – and that worried him.

He was very glad that Chad was close.
 

Eve walked into the private dining room. Everything was just so. A perfectly set table. Two glasses of champagne. Roses on the table. Candles everywhere. It was a room set for love.

She opened the card that had come with the simple gold locket.

” From the man who loves you with all his heart.”

Eve had been told by the Maitre-D that she was to put on the blindfold after she sat down, so that’s what she did.

She waited for a few minutes and then heard the door open. Like a giddy child on Christmas Eve, Eve couldn’t wait. She felt his hands on her shoulders, then his lips. She kissed him deeply and passionately. He took off the blindfold and she turned to face him.

“ Oh Julian, Darling.”

Eve woke up in her bed startled.
 

Theresa was asleep in his arms. Chad looked out the window. His grandmother’s diaries had been informative, but he didn’t know what to do with them. Theresa was right – he was supposed to read them. They had explained a lot about his life. He understood a great deal about the workings of the Cranes, and knew that he had the right to claim his place. There was no other way – HE was the Heir, and he would run the Crane Empire. His biggest obstacle would be his grandfather, but his grandmother had given him the means to neutralize him, and he’d use it – when the time was right.

Chad looked down at Theresa. She looked so innocent when she slept. Chad smiled just thinking about it. Theresa was not innocent; had she ever been? He didn’t care. He knew who she was, and her complexity was what drew him to her. He hadn’t said the words, but he knew himself, and he knew where this was headed.

He was on the verge of falling madly in love with Theresa.