Jude stood in the shower with his head against the porcelain tile. He let the heated water pelt his sore muscles and restless soul; while the tile cooled his racing thoughts. He didn't plan to stay away from home for nearly 10 days, but each day just seemed to crawl into the next. And before he realized it more than a week had slipped by.

In the short time that Noah had been back in his life, he had been dealing with a litany of feelings; and he didn't like it. Jude didn't want to examine any of them and he certainly didn't want to go back to sitting on Dr. Dave's couch.

He knew that everyone would be eyeing him with caution because of hs latest retreat. But he needed that time alone. Jude wished that that they could just understand that sometimes he needed to get away from it all to refocus his energy. He had never stayed gone longer than a few days, in the past; but now he needed more time, because his thoughts were everywhere.  He had so much to think about and he just wanted to be alone to do it. These emotions were new to him and it was making him feel as if his skin was on too tight.

The main thing that had him stumped was his growing fixation with Samara. Holding her so close the day she almost slipped out of his truck, had him day dreaming about making love to her all the time. He felt so guilty over that, he did everything he could to avoid her the days thereafter.  What made it worse was Noah insistence that he explore his feelings for her. He couldn't, for fear that he would succumb to his desire to possess her.

Though, Noah kept reminding him that he was dying and Samara's happiness was all that mattered to him, For Jude, Noah was still very much alive and he couldn't accept that his brother was so tolerable of the idea of another man with his wife.  What if his brother wasn't battling Cancer and dying? He questioned himself. Would he be as attracted to Samara? Just thinking about it was making him crazy.

Damn Noah! What kind of man pushes his wife on his brother? And worse what kind of man would actually entertain making moves on his dying brother's wife? Shit! Feeling extremely guilty, for wanting her, had him twisted in knots. Initially, he did feel uneasy about agreeing to be their natural donor, especially after finding out that Samara had no idea what Noah had planned; but Jude slowly warmed to the idea after spending time with her. He really did try to fight the growing feelings that crept into his heart. Yet the more he fought, the stronger they became.  As each day went by, Jude thought of little else except prolonging their time together by getting Samara pregnant. And that only made him feel all the more guilt-ridden.

Noah reassured him that having his baby, would give Samara the comfort that she would need once he was gone; but Jude still couldn't wrap his mind around that. Samara was so loving and supportive of her husband. How could she possibly agree to any of this? How could he? How would she feel about Noah's final wish or about Jude in general? Maybe that's what his fear was about this whole thing? Her rejection of him.  Jude genuinely feared that though he looked like Noah,  Samara would realize that he was nothing like his brother. Just as their father had constantly reminded him so many times before.

Jude would be lying to himself if he didn't admit that some part of him wanted her to desire him above the need for procreation. He was pretty sure that Noah had apprised her of everything in his past and Jude couldn't bear the thought of her regarding him as the flawed character that stared in the melodrama that was his life.  Though they had only known each other for a short time, he wanted  her to see him as the protagonist, in their new story that was evolving each day. He'd never been in a relationship so he wasn't sure that he had enough to offer her. But he knew that above all else, he had this growing need to protect and take care of her. She was everything that he could ever want in a woman, mind, body and soul. And now he wanted her with a need so strong, it forced him into a sort of self-imposed exile.

As he spent the time in solitude, Jude considered their situation from Noah's perspective.  He couldn't imagine what it was like for him to see his wife everyday knowing that in a few months they would no longer be together, she would no longer have his comfort, love or protection. Surely it has to be the hardest torture a man is asked to endure. He thought about his brother spending the days regretting things that he didn't do as a husband or as her friend. Noah shared that his biggest regret was not having children, and that made Jude feel all the more obligated to grant him his dying wish. He knew that Noah's confession was difficult for him to share; but it helped Jude to better understand why his brother was so determined to ensure that Samara was not alone in the world and fully taken care once he passed. Jude had to admit that he would want the same thing if he were in Noah's position.

***************

A Few Days Later

Noah knocked on Jude's office door, not sure if this was the best place to have the conversation that he sure Jude was avoiding for the past few days.

"I hope that I am not bothering you; I know that you have a lot to get done."

"No come in." Jude invited Noah into his office and he took a seat on the edge of his desk.

When Jude returned that afternoon a few days ago, he retreated to his bedroom and stayed there for the rest of the day. He was exhausted both mentally and physically. He was avoiding both Noah and Samara on purpose; wanting only to talk to them when he felt confident enough to face them both.

"Jude, I just want you to know that....."

"Listen, " Jude cut him off, "I'm sorry that I was MIA for the last few days. I Just needed some alone time. I owe you and Samara a week at the ranch, so you're welcome to stay longer if you like."

Noah smiled, "I'd like that. I know Samara would too; she has grown attached to your garden and Legacy too."

"Good; I know Millie likes having her company during the day."

"We missed you at breakfast these last few mornings and I just wanted to make sure that you were ok." Noah looked to his brother cautiously.

"I'm fine. I just had to get a shit load of stuff done this week; and I had to get an early start before my doctor's appointment this morning. That's all."

"Doctor's appointment? Is everything ok?" Noah asked becoming slightly alarmed.

"Yes. It was just a follow up for some tests I had done before I left." Jude answered moving to search his desk for a file.

"Tests? Tests for what Jude?" Noah was suddenly gripped with panic; though his doctors had advised that his cancer wasn't hereditary he still feared that it could afflict Jude.

"Well if I plan on making babies, I have to make sure that all my tools are in working order." He looked up from his desk and to his brother, "Dr. Sudler told me that, I'm a baby making machine." Jude laughed dryly. "This, after she squeezes by ass and winks at me."

Noah laughed too. Dr. Sudler was old enough to be their grandmother and she was known to openly flirt with all the young men she encountered.  His laughter quickly faded, when he realized what Jude's words meant. "Then you will do it, brother?"

Jude looked at Noah and replied, "I will do this for you, twin." Before Jude fully responded, Noah had him wrapped in arms, "Thank you."

Jude didn't say anything in response; he just stood there and returned Noah's hug. To Noah it felt like Christmas and his birthday all in one; and he couldn't be happier, he and Jude could finally head down that path to forgiveness.

 "I spoke with..." Noah started but stopped when Russell came into Jude's office.

"Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you two; I just need final approval on all of these Jude." Russell handed Jude a stack of contracts that needed his signature.

"I can see that you have a lot going on so, I'll just get out of your way." Noah headed for the door but turned back to his brother, "We'll talk later."

"You can stay if you like." Sitting down to sign the contracts that Russell gave him, Jude looked over to a stunned Noah. "That is if you and Samara don't have plans, today."

"No, no plans; Mari was meeting one of her sorority sisters in town for lunch today. I can help out if you need it." Noah replied happily. 

 "Good, I will probably put you to work too. We have quite a few cars to get ready over the next few weeks; so I hope that you can still remember how things work under the hood." Jude handed him the spec documents that he had been reading, "This is the next one up; we have a team meeting in 20 minutes so, this will help to get you up to speed on the project." Noah quickly took the empty seat in front of Jude's desk and started reading the project specs handed to him.

"Oh and if you can spare the time, I may need you to go to a show at the Original Breakers in Palm Beach with Russell."

"The Breakers? Wow! The one that Henry Flagler designed?"

"The very one."

"I'd like that." Noah smiled. Only his brother would understand that for him as the architect, to experience the Breakers design and history in person was like finding one of his classic models that he now kept in cold storage; it was once in a life time.

"I thought you would."

To say Noah was surprised was an understatement. As he sat there in disbelief, Jude just carried on talking with Russell as if it were the most normal thing in the world for them to be working together again. Noah sat there feeling more hopeful that he ever had in the past decade and was happy that he and Jude were now in the process of getting to know each other as men.

As Jude continued signing the forms, Russell smiled at Noah who still sat there in stunned silence. He was happy that the brothers that he loved as his own were taking this time to heal their relationship. Jude wouldn't admit it, but he needed his brother just as much as Noah did.

*************

The Next Morning

It was a beautiful start to the day already, Jude thought as he made his way to the stables for his daily ride on Mercer. The sun had yet to break the horizon but that air was still and crisp. It was a perfect morning for a ride and he knew that Mercer was probably restless, because they hadn't been out in few days. His thoughts were interrupted and he stopped short when he saw Samara, guiding Legacy out of the stables. He was surprised to see her out and about this early in the morning; and by herself at that. Jude watched her as mounted Legacy, and smiled; her skills had improved significantly since the last time that he watched her ride.

Samara heard the heavy fall of his steps before she saw him. She held her breath when she saw his confident sexy stride come into view. His penetrating amber gaze never looked away from her and it made her shudder.

She sat atop Legacy with butterflies fluttering in her stomach and sweaty palms on Jude's approach. Why was she nervous about seeing him? What was so different about being alone with him now, than in the past. If Samara was being honest with herself then she could easily admit that, the difference was now she wanted to be alone with him; she wanted to be close to him. She had to laugh at her silly thoughts, a woman could hope. Hope that a man like Jude wanted to make to love to her because he wanted to; and not because his brother asked him to. Jude could have any woman he wanted; why would he be interested in her that way.

As he made his way down the pebbled path toward the corral, he couldn't help but state at her. She was sitting there looking deliciously tempting and had his pulse racing at this early hour. Wearing a tight black t-shirt that read ‘Mathers Racing,' He smiled at seeing that, jeans and sans make-up; she was a natural beauty. The closer he got to her, the closer he wanted to be to her. And that scared him a little. More than giving her a baby, he wanted her in his life.

"Hey you..." The simple look he gave her, made her catch her breath and want to squeeze her thighs together.

"Hey yourself; what are you doing up so early?" he asked; hoping that his immediate reaction to her nearness wasn't evident.

"I've been up for a while I couldn't sleep. I was helping Mille ice cupcakes for Lily's party. So when Eli came by to pick them up and get Lily's pony, I asked him to saddle up Legacy for me."

"I see that you've been practicing. You look more relaxed now."

"Yes. Just about every morning; I do feel more comfortable on her now."

"Great; so that means that you don't need any more lessons?"

"I can trot along all by myself." She smiled. "But what I really want is to build up to galloping. What's the fun in horseback riding if you can't ride off into the sunset with your hair whipping in the breeze."

Jude laughed as she shook her hair dramatically. "You want to gallop? Noah hasn't taken you out to do that yet?"

"No. He hasn't felt up to it."

"If you want to; we can go right now; I was about to take Mercer out for our usual morning ride."

"Will you?" she brightened.

"Sure; if you don't mind us riding on Mercer."

"No." Was her quick response, as he walked over to them to take the harness.

Jude took the reins to lead Legacy back into the stables. He smiled at her excitement and thought about all of the emotions that she was starting to dig out of him. She was making him think about a life that he always thought was only reserved for others but never for him; and he was starting to like it.

----------------------------

Jude insisted that they gallop on Mercer, because he was much bigger than Legacy; and could support both of their weights. He helped her up on his saddle and quickly got behind her.

"Once we start; you can lean into me if you get nervous." He offered. "If I'm going to fast, just yell at me to slow down."

"Ok."

"And if I feel you drifting, I'll pull you closer to me."

Samara nodded her head ok in understanding.

When his hands brushed her thighs to gather the horse's reins, Samara sighed and imagined his hands slowly moving all over her body; especially touching the spot that he narrowly missed.

"Ready?"

"Yes." Was her whispered response; being this close to Jude was already having an effect on her.

As soon as they took off, Samara leaned into his warmth and Jude tighten the arm that was around her middle. He didn't anticipate the intense sexual burning that quickly surfaced and it made his blood boil with want.

The sensation of sitting so close to each other on Mercer was causing both riders to reluctantly admit to themselves, that they missed being in the arms of a lover. This type of closeness with another was a desperate need in both of their lives.  It had been over a year since Noah and Samara made love; and for Jude it had been two years since he shared himself with a woman; and never was it with someone he loved.

Jude inhaled her citrusy scent, loving the feel of her silky strands tickling the sides of his face and chin. Leaning into his body, Samara was fully aware that he was now evoking thoughts and feelings that were once only reserved for Noah. Jude holding her so close was making it difficult to think of little else besides making love with him.

His heat was pulsating with every stride Mercer made; and the intensity of want radiating from their bodies was quickly melting his defenses. Jude knew he had to fight his body's reaction to her; as one errand touch could lead to something more. He quickly chastised himself for the thought, though her nearness threatened to conjure up even more explicit images.

Samara's breathing changed when his hands accidently brushed the underside of her breasts, and he quickly apologized to her. As much as he wanted to touch them, he was trying to being careful not to do so; lest he gave into the urges to find a quiet spot to make love to her, as the sun came into view.

Her bouncing mounds slapped his hands and her nipples tightened at the accidental contact.  Samara was glad that Jude was behind her; otherwise he may have seen her eyes roll into her head at the slight caress. She shuddered when she felt his hands and was tempted to feign ignorance and thrust her breasts into his palms.

Feeling Mercer moving so powerfully between her legs, she closed her eyes and imagined that it was Jude pounding deep into her. The thrill of that possibility sent a shiver down her spine and a fiery throb to her hot spot. His strong arms were wrapped around her waist, as he pulled her closer to his body. Her ass was practically in his lap and she could feel him growing hard underneath her. When she felt his warm breath tickle her ear, asking her if she was ok; Samara thought that she would climax right there.

Suddenly shame took a hold of her. They had not even talked about or committed to making a baby, yet; but here she was day dreaming about him deep inside her. What made it worse was that her thoughts were not for the purpose of conception; it was only to sate her sexual wants.

When Jude thought that they had gone as far as he could manage without dragging her off the horse to feed their hunger for each other, he slowed Mercer to a light trot so that their bodies could become un-glued.

"How was that for your first gallop?" He managed to get out, still hold her close.

Being so close to you had me thinking of other things. Samara thought to herself. "Fast...I barely remembered what I saw on our way here." She rushed out, still reeling from his touch.

He dismounted Mercer first, and then helped her off.

"Come here, I want to show you something."

Jude took her hand and led her to the spot that he wanted her to see. She gasped when her eyes met, what he had just pointed out. The open pasture was blanketed in wild flowers are far as the eyes could see.

"Did you plant all of these?" Samara grinned.

"No, I think that the previous owners did."

"This is incredible."

Jude watched her as she silently examined the blooms. She looked up at him with her big smile and it instantly warmed his heart.

"Is this your quiet spot?"

"One of them." Jude returned walking over to her.

"You know you try to project this tough guy image, with your bikes and fast cars and all; but I know better. You are nothing but a big ole softy." She laughed.

"You think so?" Jude smirked with his arm folder across his chest.

"I know it. You brought me here to see these flowers didn't you?"

Jude smiled at her observation; and the moment she saw his pearly whites break into a smile at her, she wanted nothing more than to launch herself into his arms.

When he took his impromptu sabbatical, she realized just how much she missed him. At that point it dawned on her how much time they had been spending together; whether it morning coffee on the deck, in his gardens, down by the stream with him teaching her how to fish, trotting back and forth on Legacy. At every opportunity that presented itself she would find a way to be alone with him.

When she first met him, she was immediately drawn to him and it scared her. Not because she thought ill of him; but because it overwhelmed her. In the short time that she'd known him, he managed to earn a special place in her heart; and she liked him being there.

Samara was enjoying this quiet time with Jude. The pair continued on walking through the pasture in companionable silence taking in the dawn of a new day, when she stopped suddenly to look at him and smiled, "Thank you for sharing this with me, Jude."

***************

A Week Later

"Well Russell, please let the Gasten's know that I rarely indulge in public appearances, so you're as good as it gets." Jude advised, pacing the kitchen; he thought about all of the other things he had to get done.

"Jude, come on; they have been very loyal clients over the years. You can spare one day?" Russell tried to negotiate.

"I know that they wanted me to accompany the cars to the showing but that is something that I don't do. I know that they are very good clients, but I just don't have time to do it." Jude exhaled a deep breath.

"This is one of the biggest shows of the year. Which translates into more clients for us? All the high society types will be there. So should you."

 "Remind me again, exactly what it is I pay you to do?"

"I know what you pay me fore Jude, I take care of this type of stuff; but they did ask for you personally."

"Listen Russ, please just let them know that I am extremely busy but for their next event, I will send the 1936 Mercedes Benz cruiser as their show piece. How's that?"

"The cruiser, they'll love that."

"Good. Can I go now?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Call me when you guys get down there. Oh and thanks Russell."

"Anytime, Jude."

Jude knew that Russell meant well and he was right. He should be the one headed to Palm Beach for the annual Land Sea Air Vintage Showcase & Auction; but he had at least 5 cars that he was still working on and on top of that he was taking yet another impromptu vacation.

---------------------------------

 "Samara." Jude called as he exited the kitchen heading towards the sunroom. His phone call to the office ensured that they could head to beach just like she wanted; he hoped that she would be happy with his news.

Samara was sitting in the sunroom with several books in front of her. He knew that she was disappointed that her weekend plans to visit Tybee Island were scrapped when Noah jumped at the chance to accompany Russell to West Palm Beach instead.  Jude hated that she was disappointed and it was partly his fault for suggesting that Noah take the trip; so as a consolation, he cleared his schedule to surprise her with the new plans.

"Hey you." she smiled placing her books on the end table. "What are you still doing here? I thought you left for the office already."

"I decided to work from home this morning; I figured we could head to Tybee in time for lunch?"

She was completely caught off guard with the news. She knew that Jude and his team were extremely busy with several big upcoming shows and auctions. Even Noah, was helping out. He can't go. He can't spare the time. He has more than a couple of cars to ready for auction.

"I thought you had some big projects to complete?" she asked suspiciously.

"Change of plans." He simply stated. Though he needed to have the three cars that his team was currently working on ready for auction next week, he knew that he couldn't do his best working thinking about her being at home all alone and mopey.

"Are you sure that this little trip isn't keeping you away from something more important?"

Nothing is more important than you. "No, nothing." Jude assured.

"Are you sure?" Samara was still eyeing him doubtfully; but excited about a possibility of a weekend away at the beach.

"Yep." He countered with a devious smile.

"Then give me 10 minutes to pack a bag." She beamed, jumping from the chair and running out the door.

-----------------------------------

 In the midst of her packing, she abruptly stopped and returned to the kitchen where Jude was working on his lap top. He was so engrossed in what he was doing that he didn't hear her come in. She stood and watched him work for few moments before interrupting him.

He had prints and specs of cars all over the kitchen table. He was taking her to see Tybee, even though he did have work to do; she knew it. She debated whether or not if she should tell him that this trip could wait. But in the short time that she'd been in his company, Samara knew that once Jude's mind was made up there was no changing it. So she decided that she would do the next best thing.

"Jude." Samara uttered softly; not wanting to really disturb him from his tasks.

"Huh." He muttered, chewing on the end of his pen, but not looking up.

She walked over to him, taking his face in her hands, and planted a soft kiss on his lips, "Thank you." She whispered, leaving a startled Jude to his work.

--------------------------------------------

Jude sat in the foyer and checked email messages on his phone, while he waited for Samara to come downstairs.

"I'm ready." Samara stated, walking down the staircase to place her weekender at the door. "But I do have one small request."

"What's that?" Jude asked, putting his phone away.

"Can we take the Healey?"

Jude's head immediately shot up, "Is that right?" Her bold request to drive to the beach in his $500,000 vintage 1956 Austin Healey Roadster caught him off guard. And it also caused him to break out in a thunderous laugh.

"Are you serious? The Healey? The one I purchased from the original owner? The one that has the original paint job and interior? Do you know what that salty sea air does to a car's paint job?" he asked amused, but the look on her face told him she was serious.

"That same one and I'm pretty sure that you have a garage, right?" She pondered. "Besides, we can park it once we're there and play tourists for the next few days."

She was waiting for his answer. "Of all the cars that I have in my collection, that's the one you want to take on a road trip to the beach?" Jude rubbed his hands over his face, still undecided.

"I could have easily asked to take the Shelby." She smirked, knowing that Jude would have said no instantly at her request to take his multi-million dollar rare 1967 Shelby Cobra Roadster race car to the beach.

"I know the Healey is one of your treasured classics; but I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her in your showroom...please say yes."

She was something else, Jude thought. One look into her big brown eyes, he knew that he was going to cave; he was going to call Russell to tell him have it ready in 30 minutes.

It was a rare to find a classic car like that in mint or near mint condition. So the fact that he owned one that was in pristine shape made it all the more revered.  

"You want to ride in the Healey?" He stalled.

"Yes, I really do." Was her enthusiastic response...can we? Tybee isn't that far away; so you won't put too many miles on her.  It would be so old school Hollywood glam." She batted her eyelashes in attempt to seem dreamy. "You could be Cary Grant and I could be Dorothy Dandridge."

Jude laughed at her coquettish attempt; anything you want Samara; he thought but did not say aloud. "You know that they never starred in a movie together, right?" he pointed out, reaching for his cell phone to call Russell.

"Yes, but they should have; those two look good together. Just like we will, cruising into town in our chic classic roadster. Come on let's do it." She urged.

"Are you sure, you're a teacher? Because I think I may have a sales position for you...if it means that much to you, we can take the Healey."

"Yes!!" She yelled, pumping her fist and going into Noah to give him a high five.

 "Wait, wait, wait... there is one condition" Jude cautioned, "You have to clean out every grain of sand that ends up in the interior."

"Deal. Give me a minute to change." She yelled running upstairs.

Confused Jude asked, "Change? I thought we were ready to leave."

"That was before. If we are going to cruise into Tybee in the Healey, I have go get Hollywood glam." Gesturing at her current state of dress that consisted of a loose ponytail, denim shorts, a white tank top that read ‘reading rocks' and flip flops. 

In her best Hollywood starlet voice, flicking her tresses over her shoulder she advised, "I have to be paparazzi ready. I'll be down in a few dahling... toodles."

Jude laughed as she blew kisses to him from the landing and then headed to her suite, to change.

-------------------------------------

Jude sat down to make his call to Russ; If Samara had asked for the moon just then, he probably would have run out to buy a space craft; just to go get it for her. Shit! She had him.

"Russell, before you leave for Palm Beach, get the Healey ready." Jude barked without a hello to his friend.

"The Healey?" Russell stuttered in disbelief.

"Yes, I said the Healey." Jude repeated.

"What's going on? Is this for a show?"

 "No it isn't for a show. I am taking her to Tybee Island for the weekend."

"The Healey. The one that you own, is this a joke?"

"No, this isn't a joke?"

"Is this Jude?"

"Dammit, Russ! Yes this is Jude, who else would it be." Jude snapped.

"You are taking the Healey to the beach?"

"That's what I just said."

 "Wow! Are you trying to impress someone?"

"Russell..."Jude warned.

"What? I'm just saying that whoever she is; she must be something else. I mean to sweet talk you into that one." Russell let out a whistle, "I don't remember you ever driving the Healey on the streets."

"Just take her out and make sure she's good, ok." Jude replied but didn't elaborate on who ‘she' was.

He half listened to Russell babble on in disbelief at his request to ready the roadster; Jude rarely took her out for shows and hardly ever drove her. He started the car every few weeks to make sure that she was still in tip top shape; and he probably only drove it around the compound once every six months. So it came as a complete surprise to Russell that he would actually take her out of storage for a drive to the beach. The Healey was a true piece of art and one of the few cars that he would never consider selling from his collection. So for him to even contemplate driving it to the beach was a very big deal. But Jude didn't care about that now; if cruising in it made Samara happy that was all that mattered to him.

Jude smiled as his thoughts drifted to the pixie upstairs getting "glammed up". Jude wanted to tell that she was already perfect and there was nothing she could do to make herself more beautiful. 

He couldn't stop thinking about her soft plush lips on his, from her kiss earlier in the kitchen. The kiss that she laid on his lips was so gentle and warm, that it sent Jude immediately into a sense of calmness. It completely caught him off guard and it was a good thing. Otherwise, had he given himself time to react to that shy, soft kiss, it may have grown into something bolder; like them making love right there on the table.

For the past few weeks, just being near her was wreaking havoc on his libido. Jude was fighting the desire to be with her every day. So what was he thinking spending 2 days alone with her?  Dr. Dave warned him that when he was ready to be in a physical relationship again he'd know it; because his body would wrestle his brain for control and his body would win. He didn't get it then. But now he fully understood.

He killed his thoughts from drifting further when he heard her suite door closed.  He looked up when he heard her steps hit the stairs. Samara now sported a white floral bandeau style romper cinched at the waist. The top strained against her ample breasts, giving him full view of her hardened peaks; and the shorts that stopped mid-thigh, left her toned bronzed legs fully exposed to his gaze. Her thick black tresses that he'd come to love, dusted her shoulders in soft curls and a light pink gloss covered her lips.

On her approach, his pulse speed up and the words that he was about to utter to her died on his lips; he stared at the beauty coming down the stairs towards him and smiled. She was beautiful and his manhood saluted in response to seeing her.

"So, am I paparazzi ready for a weekend away at the beach?" she asked with a timid smile.

"Yes." Jude replied staring into her eyes; he wanted to say more but he couldn't. She had rendered him speechless.

Wanting to do the right thing for both of them, Jude resolved to discuss Noah's wishes with her this weekend; and get her thoughts on the whole situation. He wanted them to come to a mutual decision that they could both live with and not be guided by their obvious attraction to each other. 

He offered his hand to her, "Shall we go?"

"Yes!" she replied enthusiastically reaching for it.

As her white stilettoed feet hit the last stair, Jude realized that spending the weekend alone with Samara, at his beach house was going to be one of his greatest challenges. She was slowly becoming his weakness. Hell, who was he kidding; she already was.

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Just for fun: Pictures of the Hot Hollywood couple that never was. And the Classic 1956 Austin Healey Roadster.

Dorothy Dandridge                                    Cary Grant

The Classic Austin Healey Roadster