You didn't try and hide the act like some naughty secret. I think you must be remarkably well-adjusted and healthy-minded, my dear. It would be a pity if you made too much of the fact that I accidentally observed you." He cleared his throat again. "So I wanted to commend you and to make certain that you knew I understood. Everybody does it, after all," he laughed. "It's just that you do it more beautifully than anyone I can imagine."

Vicky stared up at him, hardly believing her ears. It was the doctor's turn to blush. He chuckled goodheartedly.

"You see, I'm shyer than you are about the whole thing." He leaned into the aisle. "And your secret is safe with me." Vicky gave him a weak smile and pretended to be busy looking out the window. Lights were twinkling up to them now. The plane dipped, flattened out and touched the runway. Vicky didn't look across the aisle again until the plane had stopped and people began getting up. Dr. Holden went down the aisle without looking back. Only when she was sure he was off the plane did Vicky get up and make her way down to the door.

CHAPTER TWO

"Well, I certainly don't want to go pick her up," Abby said, pulling the brush through her hair. She loved her hair. So black, so silky, so long. It wasn't the only beautiful thing about her but people seemed to notice it first. It framed her thin delicately featured face perfectly. She rested a hand across her chest and admired the long fingers, the long, crimson nails. It was no wonder that men adored her, competed for her attention. She caught the reflection of her brother in the mirror and frowned. "Somebody has to go meet the plane," she said, "and I'm expecting my date any time now."

Howell finished his beer, put the can down on her dresser and belched.

"You mean that weird dude who works at the bank? I bet he likes you to wear spurs, don't he?"



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