"No buts. Consider this an intervention." Darla planted her hands on her hips and jutted out her chin at a stubborn angle. With determination glinting in her green eyes, she reminded Lexie of Xena: Warrior Princess-or at least Xena's beautiful, tawny-haired, Ralph Lauren-clad sister. "Here's the deal, Lex. I'm not letting you leave the handbag department until this is settled."

"Great. I wouldn't mind so much if you'd picked the shoe department instead," Lexie joked.

Genuine concern softened Darla's fierce expression and she reached out to clasp Lexie's hands. "Lexie, I'm worried about you. You're working yourself to the bone."

"I'm working extra hours because this is the resort's busiest time of the year. I have to take on the extra work while it's available. You know I need the money. When that plot of land I've been saving for comes on the market, I'll need all the cash I can lay my hands on to buy it." In an effort to erase the worry still puckering Darla's brow, she teased, "You realize the only reason I keep you around is because I want that land and you've got real estate connections."

"And the only reason I keep you around is because you get me great discounts at the resort's spa." Darla's eyes narrowed. "You know, the spa-a place where people go to alleviate their stress. I would suggest you go, but in your case, more drastic measures are needed. A simple massage and a facial just aren't going to cut it. You need a full-fledged, hot, steamy-"

"-sauna?"

"Fling." When Lexie didn't reply, Darla plunged on. "I don't even want to think about how long it's been since you've had sex."

Eleven months, two weeks and three days. Lexie didn't want to think about it, either. And she sure wasn't going to add fuel to the fire by reminding Darla.

"You're under a lot of stress, Lex."