Another flash of guilt hit her. Had she told him, then cried, just to get near him like this? His body was firm, sweaty, deliciously heady, engulfing her like a muscular blanket. His crotch was thick, pushing into hers.

"I'm terrible!" she cried out.

"Now tell me, why are you terrible?" Brian said, kissing her cheek. "You're my mom and you're terrific." He squeezed his arms around her a little harder. "Now tell me. Why do you really think you're so terrible?"

"I'm terrible, because… because, I'd like to do the same thing to you," she spluttered, wondering where she'd gotten the courage to utter those words.

"Same thing to me?" Brian repeated, as if by rote, like her words were foreign. "You… you and me?" he said finally, pulling back.

"I told you I was terrible!" she cried. "Oh God, what's wrong with me!"

"There's nothing wrong with you," Brian said. "You're just a horny lady, that's all." He kissed her again, his act tender, loving. "And as soon as you get yourself a steady man…"

"I don't want a steady man," she said. "I want…"

"Well, until you do get that steady man, and believe me, you will, we'll take care of you," the boy said. "But be sure and get rid of that guilt."

"How can I?" she asked, her voice desperate. "When I want my own sons!"

"Well, have you ever thought that your own sons might want you?" he said, a strange look in his eye. "Like I said," he added with a chuckle, "I'll do anything to keep from mowing that lawn."

Before she knew what was happening, he lifted her in his sweaty arms and carried her through the double doors that led to the bedrooms. He then entered her bedroom and lowered her down on the bed. Without saying a word, he shucked out of his shorts, then stood before her.

"Still want me?" he asked. "Or should I shower first?"

Bernice couldn't believe this was happening! She honestly wanted to think that she confessed to him so he could help her. He was now adding to her guilt! And he stood there, almost mocking, arrogant. Calling her bluff!