Cowboy Joe DJ SHEYWOLFS fuhusband's blog: "Prince Charming"

Aidan had, as Leda requested, vacated her apartment before she returned. What he wanted more than anything else was for her to listen to him, but somehow he doubted that she would be very calm if he was still there when she got back. In the time since he'd left her apartment he'd considered a hundred different ways to get her to listen. Yet nothing Aidan came up with seemed right. He lay sprawled out on his bed, ignoring George's ranting and pacing. Even the comforts of home couldn't cheer him up. Every time Aidan stretched out on his bed, he couldn't stop thinking of how he'd love for Leda to be with him. And he'd been lounging about his place in jeans and a t-shirt, having been completely unwilling to even consider putting on a suit. "Damnit, Aidan, listen to me!" George growled. "I can't put your father off any longer!" "I'm not in the mood," Aidan grumbled. George threw up his hands, exasperated. "Not in the mood!? Aidan, what the hell happened to you? You've changed! You're..." "I'm me!" Aidan snapped, sitting up. "More myself than I've ever been before!" "Then go back to being whoever you were before!" George shot back. "Carl Rosenfeld is sitting in on the board meeting today! You have to be there! If you don't get off your ass right now and start getting ready, I swear to god I'll-" "Shut up!" Aidan interrupted, lifting his hands. "Just...shut up and let me think!" Carl Rosenfeld...a man with money and power, just like his father. Like any other businessman his father dealt with, Aidan had learned everything he could about Carl Rosenfeld and his family. Something settled in the back of his mind, just out of reach, something he knew was dreadfully important. He has several daughters, he thought, frowning. The youngest is seven. Trudy was always talking about how she takes up all their parents' attention...Aidan concentrated, calling up all those conversations with Trudy Rosenfeld that he'd hoped to forget. His eyes flew open suddenly. Jenny Rosenfeld, youngest daughter of Carl Rosenfeld, had been born with cystic fibrosis. All the money in the world could not change the fact that she could die very suddenly. When he'd heard that originally, it had meant nothing to him. Having seen Leda and the children she loved, Aidan suddenly understood why the Rosenfelds lavished so much attention on their youngest daughter. He'd been focused on getting Leda to forgive him. But why should she? It was true that his original intentions had been cruel and selfish. She had no reason to see him as anything other than a self-centered prick that had never done anything for anyone but himself. This isn't about forgiveness, Aidan thought, jumping up from his bed. This is about showing her how much her kindness taught me. He turned to George and grinned. "Call the limo around, George," Aidan said, even as he headed for the bathroom. "We've got a business meeting to attend!" ***** He would have thought he could never be comfortable in a suit again. And yet, dressed in his finest Armani, with his hair slicked back from his face, he felt that old businessman confidence coming back. This time, however, it was tempered by the warmth Leda had shown him. When Aidan burst into the boardroom, with a frantically chattering George at his heels, he immediately had the attention of every man in the room. His father rose, an expression of outrage on his face, but Aidan held up a hand, silencing him. "Gentlemen," Aidan said, setting the briefcase he was carrying down on the table. "We're here today to discuss the plans of the mall, are we not?" "What's your point?" Earl Kirkland growled. "Have you secured the building site or not?" "No," Aidan answered, opening the briefcase. "We cannot build on that spot." "And why not!?" his father demanded, barely able to contain his temper. Ignoring his father's tired, Aidan began pulling papers from his briefcase. In the two hours he'd had before the meeting he'd had proposals and plans drawn up, albeit a bit hastily. They would have to be refined, of course, once he convinced his father and the other businessmen to go along with his plans. However, Aidan looked at none of them as he spoke. He focused his gaze on Carl Rosenfeld. "This land where Mr. Kirkland proposes we build the mall is home to a hospice," Aidan said. He spoke firmly and loudly, drowning out his father's protests. "It's a home for terminally ill children who have nowhere else to go. If we decide to build there, they will lose everything they've ever known." "This is business, not charity!" his father growled. Aidan turned a cool gaze on his father. However, his father's attention was across the table, where Carl Rosenfeld had just stood up. Rosenfeld was a tall man of middling years, thinner than any other man here and with a fuller head of hair, albeit all gray. His expression revealed little, and yet Aidan was almost certain he saw the hint of amusement in the man's faded blue eyes. "Please continue," Rosenfeld said, his voice quiet but commanding. "Certainly," Aidan said, pulling open the roll of paper with the plans on them. "Now, these are only ideas, of course, but they're the beginning of my plans to renovate the hospice. Why should we build a mall there? There are other places to build a mall." "Why should we pay for this renovation?" a man next to Rosenfeld asked. His voice was steady and musing, not angry. "I would tell you to do it for the children," Aidan said. He opted for diplomacy. "However, I can understand why you would hesitate. This is, after all, still the business world. Yet keep in mind...the entire nation will know of this. What better publicity could you ask for?" He could tell by the faint murmuring that his words were being seriously considered. Well, expect perhaps by his father, who was near apoplectic with rage. He could use a good dose of having the rug pulled out from under him, Aidan thought, fighting back a smug grin. Lord knows it did me a world of good. "Why the change of heart?" Carl Rosenfeld asked, at last. Aidan took a deep breath. "Well...these last few weeks, I've been living with one of the staff members of the hospice," he explained. "She believed that I had amnesia. It was a cruel, childish trick, because I felt that she'd humiliated me. But I was wrong, Mr. Rosenfeld. I didn't need her help to humiliate myself." All eyes were on him now. He'd always loved attention, craved it, but this was disconcerting. Aidan felt incredibly vulnerable, but he wouldn't let that stop him from saying what need to be said. "Her kindness towards me, the man who could take away her whole life in a second, was astonishing," Aidan continued. "She accepted me without question. Through her I saw what it was that drove her to put so much of herself into loving these children. With support...emotional and financial...they could be given a chance to have lives. Just because they're ill doesn't make them less deserving of that than any other child. I want to help them. I want to help her..." Somehow it was such a relief to finally say it. The warm feeling inside him when he thought of Leda was too strong to deny. Aidan wanted more time with her. Deep in his heart he was already entertaining a few fancies of working side by side with her through the years, running the hospice together. He wanted more nights like Valentine's, many, many more nights like that. "I think it's a perfect idea," Rosenfeld said quietly, interrupting Aidan's thoughts. Earl Kirkland stood up, clearing his throat and trying to regain control of the situation. "I'm sure we will take Mr. Kirkland's suggestions into consideration. However..." "Kirkland," Rosenfeld interrupted, a hint of a smile showing at the corners of his mouth. "You've been trying to rope me in for years. And you're a great businessman, I'll grant you that. But this young man is without a doubt your son and I'm certain that, with enough financial support, he could lead a business that would rival yours with ease." Checkmate, Aidan thought, unable to fight a grin. He watched the color drain from his father's face. If putting money into the hospice would win over Rosenfeld, Earl Kirkland would not pass up the opportunity. Now there was only one thing left to do, but first Aidan had to finish up here. As he outlined his plans for the hospice, he kept Leda in mind. When at last the meeting was over and everyone was filing out, Rosenfeld caught him by the arm. As Aidan turned, he caught the look on his father's face before Earl Kirkland walked out. "I'm sure you know my youngest daughter has cystic fibrosis," Rosenfeld said, his expression knowing. "Yes, sir," Aidan answered, smiling. "You should bring her to visit the hospice. The people there are very kind." It didn't matter if Rosenfeld thought this was just a business ploy. It was what Leda thought that worried him. Aidan didn't know what he'd do if she decided he was just trying to play another trick on her. And it was already getting late, almost three in the afternoon, but he wasn't going to allow his plan to wait a moment longer. "Aidan," Rosenfeld called, before he could leave the room. "Yes?" Aidan asked, glancing over his shoulder. "She must be an amazing woman," Rosenfeld said quietly. Aidan smiled. "She's the most amazing woman in the world." ***** It was the longest period of time that Leda had ever been away from the hospice. When she'd come close to having a nervous breakdown the day after Valentine's Day, Martha had sent her home with strict instructions to relax for the rest of the week. She wouldn't have listened, if it hadn't been for the empty feeling that had filled her when she returned to her apartment. Leda suddenly found herself in a gloom so thick she could hardly move. The place felt so empty without Aidan. Oh, she told herself over and over that he wasn't who he'd pretended to be. But he'd seemed so sincere, so different from who he'd been before. Leda didn't want to believe that all they'd shared had been a lie. Sighing, she brushed her fingers against the browning petals of one of the roses. Despite what had happened, she'd had to put them in water, unable to throw them out or leave them to wither. And yet they were beginning to wilt now, petals dropping away to litter her night table. It's falling apart, Leda thought, fighting back tears. That wonderful time is falling apart. How could Aidan do this to her? I need to get back to the hospice, she thought, forcing herself out of bed. I have to find out what's happened. She'd received no reports from Martha. What if Aidan had decided to take away the hospice after all? The thought that he might decide to simply because she thrown him out made panic flutter in her stomach. Leda forced the thoughts aside, long enough to get through a shower and get dressed. She was running a brush through her hair when the phone rang. Leda had to throw aside papers and trash before she unearthed the phone. "Leda!" It was Martha's voice on the other end. "Leda, you have to come to the hospice right now!" Leda's heart plummeted to her feet. "What's wrong, Martha? What happened?" "Oh, Leda, you have to come now," Martha pleaded. "Hurry!" Leda tried to get Martha to explain, but the other woman hung up before she could say much more. With her heart pounding so loudly it nearly drowned out her thoughts, she raced out of the apartment and down to the street. Outside, she pulled to a halt, startled by the limo parked out front. The chauffeur opened the limo door and much to Leda's dismay, George stepped out. "Good," George said, stepping aside and beckoning towards the limo. "Get in." "I don't have time," Leda mut

Leda supposed that, in retrospect, it probably wasn't a good idea to give Tara and Mary control of the confetti. She laughed, shaking pieces of red and pink heart-shaped paper from her hair. Aidan had a ton in his hair, too. He looked slightly dismayed by the amount of confetti in his hair and on his clothes. Leda thought he looked cute like that, though. She reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair away from his face. "This is so unruly," Aidan said, brushing his hair back. "I like it," Leda told him. "You used to wear it slicked back all the time, but it looks so much better like this." Aidan smiled. "In that case, I'll keep it this way." That smile warmed her down to her toes. In the two and a half weeks they'd known each other, they'd gone from wary dislike to a warm friendship. Could it ever be more? Leda wondered, glancing at him. If he regains his memory, what then? They settled together on the floor of the crafts room, which had been cleared for the party. Each child clutched a little bag, which was full of the Valentine's cards they had made and given each other. "Mary must be pretty popular," Aidan said, indicating the bulging bag the little girl held. Leda grinned. "She's a doll, yes, but I think many of those are ones she made herself. If she can paint it or stick something to it with glue, she's happy." There was candy in those bags, too, although not too much. The staff had put a little money together to get Martha a box of chocolates, but she ended up giving most of them away, unable to resist the puppy eyes turned her way. While the children made a mess of the crafts room, Leda left Aidan long enough to help the rest of the staff bring in trays of refreshment. "Here," Leda said, settling a can of soda in Aidan's hands. "It's not Kool-Aid." Aidan smiled up at her. When he looked at her like that, it made her heart thump wildly. He had such a sweet smile, completely at odds with his nature. Or at least, with his nature prior to his amnesia. Her cheeks burned beneath his gaze. Flicking her hair so that it fell forward over her face, Leda settled back on the floor next to Aidan. As much as she loved being with the children, tonight she couldn't wait to be alone with him. ***** It had taken some careful planning and collaboration with George, but Aidan had managed to arrange the perfect evening for Valentine's Day. He could not get her measurements, so he'd had to settle for a ready-to-wear dress. And yet she looks as though it was made just for her, he thought, gazing at her across the table. The short dress she wore, made of a floaty, near sheer crimson material, looked amazing on Leda. It contrasted perfectly with her pale skin, bringing out the roses in her cheeks and the touches of fire in her hair. "Aidan," Leda hissed, her eyes wide. "This place is expensive!" Aidan grinned, leaning across the table towards her, keeping his voice low to match hers. "You've been telling me since I came to live with you that I'm the son of a rich family." "Yeah, but...I mean..." Leda stammered, her cheeks turning red. She started down at her lap, fiddling with her napkin. "There's no need to spend so much on me..." "There's every need," Aidan insisted. "Now, either start telling me how wonderful I am and how great this all is, or be quiet." Leda laughed. He loved the sound of her laugh; soft and silvery, like wind chimes, but not quite so high pitched. Aidan could tell that, despite her misgivings, she was enjoying this very much. I should tell her, he thought, feeling his joyful mood fade a bit. I really should tell her, before this goes too far. But he just couldn't stand the thought of seeing contempt in those lovely eyes of hers. Not now that he knew her so well. Dinner with Leda was a treat. She'd never been taught how to use the proper silverware. Aidan watched her puzzle over the forks for a few minutes before showing her which to use. And finding something she liked on the menu proved interesting; for someone who worked as hard as Leda, fine dining was anything not shoved into a paper bag. Aidan had never been to this restaurant. He knew better than to go to one he usually frequented. So neither of them knew what to expect from their chosen meals. "I never knew you could do so much to pasta," Leda commented, poking at her fettuccini with her fork. "What happened to grated cheese?" Aidan chuckled. "Well, if the lady is displeased..." "No," Leda said, shaking her head. She looked up at him and smiled. "Actually...I'm very pleased..." "Good," Aidan said. "Now...shall we discuss dessert?" Leda's eyes widened. "I couldn't!" After a bit of gentle banter they agreed to take dessert home. Which lead into another discussion about what they should get. When at last they left the restaurant, Aidan was feeling inordinately pleased with himself. Leda sat close to him in the limo (a rented one, not a company one). The weight of her pressed against his shoulder was wonderful. If only we could do this all the time, he thought, resting his head against hers. There were so many places he wanted to take her, but couldn't. Although his attitude certainly didn't show it, Aidan was not a completely uncivilized brute. He enjoyed the theater, most especially musicals, he'd been in just about every museum in the state and he liked to go dancing. It was unfortunately limiting, being unable to go to the places he usually frequented. Yet Aidan was afraid that telling her now would shatter the warmth between them. ***** Leda was in heaven. She twirled merrily, completely undaunted by the cold night air. This is the best night ever, she thought, spinning to face Aidan. It hadn't been anything hugely extravagant; dinner, the limo, and the dress, all of which she loved, but couldn't have put a scratch in the Kirkland fortune. We could have sat around in burlap sacks and ate frozen dinners, Leda thought, and it still would be the best night ever. "Aren't you cold?" Aidan asked, sliding an arm loosely around her waist as he unlocked the door of the apartment building. "Maybe a little," Leda replied, leaning against him. "Keep me warm." Aidan glanced at her, fighting a smile. "You're tipsy." "I'm happy," Leda corrected, grinning. She paused a minute, then nodded in agreement. "And tipsy." Chuckling softly, Aidan tightened his hold on her. Leda had to admit, she felt a bit unsteady. Leaning on him, she wobbled her way up the stairs. Once they were back in her apartment she released him, just long enough to take off the strappy, heeled shoes she was wearing. When she turned to him again, Aidan caught hold of her shoulder, and gently pushed her towards the bedroom. "Go on," he said, smiling. "I'll be there in a minute." Humming faintly, feeling completely aglow, Leda wandered into the bedroom. She paused in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise. Laid out on her bed were a dozen long-stemmed roses. Each bud was such a deep, rich crimson that it took her breath away. When did he... she thought, turning to glance back into the kitchen. Aidan stood behind her, holding the box with their dessert. "Do you like them?" Aidan asked, his voice soft. "Oh, Aidan," Leda sighed. "They're so beautiful..." "A little cliché," Aidan said, grinning. "But I wanted to get them for you anyway." Leda settled on the edge of the bed and scooped the roses into her arms. Usually the thought of getting flowers didn't impress her much, but these were from Aidan. I don't care if they are cliché, she thought, gently fingering the soft petals of one particularly lovely bud. They're wonderful. Leda glanced at Aidan, who had settled next to her. She took a moment to clear her night table and set the roses down gently on it. Then she threw her arms around him, almost carrying him to the floor with her momentum. "Whoa!" Aidan laughed, closing his arms around her and dropping down onto the bed. "Easy there..." Leda settled herself carefully, straddling his hips, and gazed down at him. When he reached up and settled his hand gently against her cheek, she leaned down to press her mouth to his. The way Aidan held her, one hand cradling the back of her neck and the other resting on her back, was heart-achingly tender. Leda shifted willingly as he rolled her onto his back, taking command of the kiss. Each dip of his tongue into her mouth sent shivers of delight down her spine and filled her with the undeniable certainty that she could not resist him...and didn't want to. To her disappointment Aidan broke the kiss and let her go. He sat up, settling on the bed, and patted the spot next to him. Leda settled beside him, snuggling against him as he opened the box containing their chosen desert. It was a large slice of cake, layers of devil's food and mousse, with whipped icing, shavings of dark chocolate, and chocolate dipped strawberries on top. Leda snatched a strawberry first and bit into it, cooing as sweet juice filled her mouth. "Don't do that," Aidan said quietly, turning his head to kiss her neck gently. "I'll never make it through dessert if you do that." Leda shivered at the touch of his lips. "Maybe I don't want you to make it through dessert..." She couldn't even believe she'd said it. Her cheeks blazing, Leda turned her attention back to the cake. Aidan nipped her neck gently, then did the same. It was fun, sharing dessert. When she licked traces of chocolate mousse from the fork, she could feel the sudden tension in him. It was decidedly fun, teasing him, and so Leda ended up in his lap for much of dessert. Pressed against him, with the fingers of one hand buried in his hair, she lifted a strawberry to his mouth. He has such long eyelashes, Leda thought, watching them flutter shut as he bit into the fruit. She felt the brush of his lips against her fingers, then a faint touch of his tongue. Aidan's eyes flicked opened suddenly, and the intensity of that bright green gaze set her pulse to pounding. He returned the favor, holding a piece of cake while she nibbled on it, giggling softly. Leda closed her eyes as she licked the chocolate from his fingers. Aidan ran the tip of his index finger along her lower lip, the faint pressure urging her to open her mouth. She heard his soft intake of breath as she closed her mouth around his finger. His hand cradled her chin, holding her as she suckled until the last traces of chocolate were gone. "I guess I won't be making it through dessert," Aidan murmured, grabbing the box and setting it down on the floor. Leda shifted in his lap, settling herself so that her thighs straddled his hips. Her fingers curled tightly around his shoulders as he kissed her. Aidan's hands crept up her sides, pulling the thin fabric of her dress slowly upwards. Although she didn't want him to stop kissing her, she broke apart willingly to let him pull the dress completely off. Beneath she wore red lace, panties and a strapless bra. Aidan's eyebrows rose. "I know I didn't buy those..." "I did," Leda said quietly, her cheeks flushed. His mouth settled on hers once more. She squeaked softly against his lips as he lifted her suddenly from his lap and pinned her down on the bed. Aidan trailed kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, over the tops of her breasts. She felt the heat of his tongue through the edge of the lace. Leda moaned softly, arching her back to allow his hands to slide beneath and unhook her bra. The lace slipped down. Aidan's mouth worked restlessly against her breasts, teasing with the tip of his tongue and small, gentle nips. She slid her hands down along his back, then beneath his shirt, tugging it free from the waistband of his pants. He sat up long enough to pull his shirt off and toss it away, then he was kissing her again; her mouth, her neck, her shoulders, her breasts...everywhere. Leda shivered as his mouth traveled down along her stomach. "Beautiful Leda," Aidan murmured, as he hooked his fingers in the waistband of her panties. Somehow she couldn't break her gaze from his as she lifted her hips, allowing him to pull her panties off. Aidan's hands settled on her thighs, gently urging them apart. Leda was trembling with anticipation, her breath caught in her throat as she waited for that first touch. When his fingers brushed soft, aroused flesh, she gasped softly. Each light, teasing brush of his fingertips made her squirm. "Aidan..." Leda breathed, quivering as he teased her clit. "Tell me what you want, sweet Leda," Alex murmured, his touch easing away from her body. "I want you hear you say it." Leda's cheeks burned, but her body ached. She reached for his hand, drawing it up to her cheek. "I want you," she said softly, turning her head to kiss the palm of his hand. "Please..." She watched him as he pulled off the rest of his clothes. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he must be able to hear it. Frightened and eager all at once, she could do little more than tremble as he settled over her, his hands catching hers and pinning them on the pillow above her head. Leda threaded her fingers through his, staring up into those bright green eyes. Aidan's mouth covered hers, his tongue and teeth teasing her lips until the ached slightly. She could feel him pressed against her thigh. Uncertainty bubbled up, but she never got the chance to panic. He was inside her so suddenly, with a white hot stab of pain that was agony and exquisite delight all at once. Leda closed her eyes and bit her lip as her body slowly adjusted to the invasion. Aidan held still inside her, an effort she could feel in the tension in his body. "Are you all right, sweetheart?" Aidan asked, his lips brushing lightly against her ear. "I'm sorry..." "I...I'm fine," Leda stammered. How could she explain the wondrous feeling of being filled by him? As the pain eased, leaving only a bare ache, Leda opened her eyes and smiled up at him. The smile she got in return was the same one that always set her heart to hammering. She squeezed her fingers around his, hoping to reassure him. When Aidan withdrew from her, then carefully pushed back in, she knew he knew she was ready. Each stroke was long, slowly, careful. It built a friction between them, one that soon had her wanting more. Leda lifted her hips, wanting to feel him deep inside her. She heard his soft groan as her body tightened around him. Aidan's mouth settled on hers, ravishing her lips with hungry kisses as he moved inside her. His hands slid from hers, freeing them, allowing her to put her arms around him. Leda ran her hands over his back, feeling muscle flex beneath his skin as he thrust into her. The effort raised a thin sheen of sweat on his skin. There was something incredibly sexy about the strength of his body. She moved her hips against his, her movements not as fluid as his, and yet Aidan didn't seem to mind. In fact, when he moved his mouth from hers and pressed it against her ear, she felt his breath against her neck as he spoke. "That's it, my Leda," Aidan murmured. He slid an arm around her thigh, pulling it up, nearly pulling her hips completely off the bed. Leda moaned, shuddering with each stroke, even more as his pace increased. She could not fight the sweet pleasure. She knew her cries as she came were loud, but she could not stop herself. Would not. She wanted to savor every moment of this. Aidan's arms wrapped around her. Startled, Leda threw her arms around his neck as he sat up, pulling her with him. She settled in his lap, burying her face against his shoulder. Wonderful. Amazing. So many words she could think of, and yet none of them were accurate for describing this feeling of connection, physical and emotional. Aidan's mouth moved along her neck, his teeth nipping, waiting for her to be ready for more but insistent that there would indeed be more. Braced by his hands, Leda lifted herself up, experimentally, curiously. As she slid back down on him, he groaned softly. The effort it took to lift herself up made sweat break out on her skin. And yet each hot stroke was well worth the effort. She wasn't certain what brought her more pleasure...his body inside hers or the soft noises he made against her skin. Quite suddenly, it seemed, Aidan was no longer able to be patient. He rolled her onto the bed again, pinning her down as his moved inside her, each stroke fast and deep. Leda clung to him, crying out as she came once more. As she shuddered she felt him come inside her. Savoring the glow of heat and passion between them, she buried her fingers in his hair and held onto him tightly as she lay, catching her breath. For long moments they lay tangled together, both of them panting. When at last Aidan rose, withdrawing from her carefully, Leda bit the inside of her lip to keep from wincing. The faint ache was nothing she couldn't handle, but she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. He brushed her hair back from her face and gently kissed her forehead, somehow able to sense exactly what she was feeling. "You okay, sweetheart?" Aidan asked, gathering her into his arms. "Mmm," Leda murmured sleepily, snuggling up against him. "Just tired..." Aidan chuckled softly. "Then let's get you cleaned up and tucked into bed, hm?" He picked her up and carried her into the bathroom. All throughout their brief shower Aidan held her tight, laying gentle kisses on her neck and shoulders. It would be the easiest thing in the world to fall for him right now, Leda thought, leaning against him as he helped her out of the shower. Except that I already am. As soon as they were back in bed she settled her head on his chest and closed her eyes, feeling more content than she had in years. Aidan's fingers stroked idly through her damp hair. For a moment she thought there was something bothering him; she thought she felt tension in his body. But it was gone as soon as she felt it. Must have been imagining things, Leda thought, sighing softly. A smile curved the corners of her mouth as she drifted off to sleep. ***** Aidan had not slept one wink all night. Guilt ate him alive. Worse, Leda was sleeping so peacefully, snuggled up against his side. He watched the early morning light slide in through the cracks in the window-shade and streak gold across her skin. As she stirred, slowly waking, he slid his fingers through her hair. Aidan couldn't help smiling as her eyes flickered open. "Morning, sleepyhead," he murmured. "Mmm," Leda mumbled, pushing herself up enough to stretch from head to toe. "What time is it?" "Time to get a move on, I suspect," Aidan answered, feeling sorrow begin to well up inside himself. "Leda, I need to tell you something..." "Well, talk while you dress," Leda said, suddenly wide awake. She was in a very good mood this morning, bouncing around her room and rooting out clothing. Aidan watched her as she ran a brush through her hair, working the tangles out and leaving it a long sheet of silken brown. Leda turned to him at last, frowning. She was pulling on socks, hopping on one foot and staring at him expectantly. "Aren't you going to get dressed?" Leda asked. Aidan sighed. "Leda...listen to me." She stopped fidgeting once she got her socks on, but she was still anxious to get moving, he could tell. Aidan took a deep breath and plunged forward, forcing himself to keep his gaze level with hers. "I don't have amnesia, Leda," he told her, feeling his heart constrict as her brow wrinkled in confusion. "I...never did. It was a stupid, petty, childish thing to do..." Her looked changed quickly, flitting through an array of emotions: the tail-end of confusion, the shock of understanding, and then anger. The fury blazing in her eyes made him feel about three inches tall. Aidan rose from the bed, hoping to get a hold of her before she tried to leave. He reached for her, but she slapped his hand away, hard enough to make his skin sting.

Leda Harper was hands down the most frustrating woman he had ever met. Aidan leaned against the far wall of the auditorium and watched her add cookies to a sheet on one of the tables. Apparently the hospice she worked at was not the only one like it in the state. And all of them were here today participating in the bake sale. This is not a good place for me to be, Aidan thought, frowning. He'd been staying as far away as possible, in the shadow of the wall, so no one could see him and recognize him. It was really amazing how much could change in such a short time. When he'd begun this charade his goal had been to humiliate Leda as much as she had humiliated him. That was no longer Aidan's goal. I can't spent the rest of my life pretending to have amnesia, though, he thought, frowning. I've got to find a way to make sure she won't hate me when I finally have to tell her. And he was going to have to tell her soon. He wanted her, wanted her in a way he'd never before wanted another woman. Aidan shifted against the wall, feeling restless. Just watching, not being able to participate, was really chafing at him. When he was helping out Leda would watch him, thinking he didn't realize. The look in her eyes warmed him straight down to his toes. She wasn't looking at Aidan Kirkland, son of Earl Kirkland, a big, rich businessman. Leda saw him as just Aidan, a co-worker and companion. No woman had ever just liked him. It had seemed as though his scheme might backfire on him. In a way, it had. But it will work to my advantage in the end, Aidan thought, licking his lips as he watched Leda brush a strand of hair away from her face. When he'd first begun this his intent had been to humiliate her, and amnesia had seemed like the perfect guise. And it was perfect...perfect for seducing her and making her his. ***** Leda usually loved the bake sale almost as much as the Valentine's Day party. Today, however, she found she couldn't enjoy it as much. This morning, when Aidan had asked her if it would be wise f

Aidan watched from the corner of his eye as Leda collected cups and plates from lunch. They hadn't really been talking to each other much the last couple days. Of course, it was hard not to feel awkward after what had happened. Waking up with her snuggled against his side had been surprisingly pleasant. But Leda had seemed embarrassed and horrified, and she was no longer relaxed in his presence. Of course she was horrified, Aidan thought, scowling. She thinks I'm a complete ass. Well, if he was going to be truthful with himself, he was a complete ass. He'd never had any motivation to be anything but, and since he was learning the business from his father, it wouldn't due to become softhearted. But he wasn't the Aidan Kirkland she knew anymore. And as far as she was concerned, he didn't even remember who that was. Then again, neither do I, he thought, frowning. Guilt, an emotion he wasn't very used to, was sneaking up on him. No one in Aidan's life had been nice or caring. He'd never known his mother, his father hardly wanted anything to do with him, and the people hired to care for him treated him like a charge, not a son. Leda's calm, gentle demeanor was bringing out a side of him he'd long stuffed down and tried to forget. Well, he was on crafts room duty, so he put those thoughts aside for now. Aidan left the kitchen for the crafts room and winced upon his first glance of it. Stacks of construction paper in red, pink, and white sat on the table. There were a bunch of strips cut up, and already a long chain of paper circles trailing across the room. Mary, who loved arts and crafts, had bolted her lunch and was alone in the room. There'll be more in a few minutes, Aidan thought, as headed over to Mary. "Making something?" Aidan asked, crouching in front of her. "Decorations!" Mary responded brightly. "For the party." Aidan chuckled. "You all really love to party, huh?" "Yeah," Mary said, nodding vigorously. "And we're having a bake sale too. Leda says that we can have a better party if we sell lots of stuff." "Sounds like fun," Aidan said, settling on the floor. "Don't you think it would be better if uh...if you made more than one chain?" Mary shook her head. "Uh uh! It needs to go through the whole place." She just stared at him expectantly. Sighing, Aidan grabbed a pair of scissors and a stack of paper and began cutting. Satisfied, Mary went back to looping the strips through each other and pasting the ends together. Soon a flood of other children, about half of the total group, came into the arts and crafts room. Aidan hid a smile as they settled in a circle around him and began to help with the chain. Who would ever have guessed that he would enjoy working with children? ***** "I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself." Leda glanced at Martha and nodded in agreement. It was dinner time (she and Aidan had agreed to stay late tonight) and they'd gone to the crafts room to collect the rest of the children. The paper chain Mary had been making was strewn throughout the room. Lying in the middle of the floor like a pile of puppies curled up with papa dog was Aidan, Mary, and everyone else. Even Tara, who didn't really like physical closeness. "They're so cute," Martha cooed. "I almost don't want to disturb them..." "I bet they'll be hungry, though," Leda said. "Why don't you wake them? I'll start pouring drinks and stuff." If she was a little abrupt and rude, Martha seemed unconcerned. She did look a little puzzled, but Leda wasn't about to explain. How do you explain warm, tender feelings for a man you despised a week ago? she wondered, biting her lip. He may not remember, but he's still Aidan. Seeing him curled up with the kids had given her a warm, fuzzy (and therefore uncomfortable) feeling. Leda used table setting as an excuse to get away for a few minutes. Some of the children filed into the dining room from outside, led by Jacob, currently the oldest resident at thirteen years old. He helped set the table and pour Kool-Aid into plastic cups. By the time they were done the rest of the children were making their sleepy way to their seats. Aidan came last, looking a bit groggy and very ruffled. There was glitter on his shirt, which had to be Tara's work, and his hair was badly tousled. He looked...well, now was not the time and this was not the place to think about how he looked. If anyone noticed that she was unusually silent during dinner no one said anything. Usually Leda lead the conversation, asking the children about their day even though she was always there for most of it. Tonight she could barely focus on her food. Aidan was leading the conversation, asking questions about the bake sale and the party. "We could use some help, actually," Martha said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The things we make need to be frosted." Ginny, who was also sitting in on dinner, looked up and nodded. "With the two of you, you can get it done even faster." "They always pawn the frosting off on me," Leda muttered, speaking for the first time since dinner had started. "No one likes to do it." The children listened to this exchange with wide, curious eyes. This was "adult talk", the stuff they didn't usually understand too well. For once I really, really want to be anywhere but here, Leda thought, ignoring Mary's and Tara's barely stifled giggles. Those two are too observant for their own good. They had picked up on the tension between her and Aidan, even if the didn't understand it. And unlike the older kids, they weren't good about keeping silent. Finally the day was done and she and Aidan went home. There was a message on the answering machine from George, who said that Earl Kirkland was getting irritated at his son's absence. That ruined their already precarious moods. They had spent some time looking at the things George had brought, but to no avail. I don't want him to remember, Leda thought, feeling guilt settle heavily in her stomach. I want him to stay just the way he is now. She watched Aidan drop onto the couch with a groan. He really wasn't sleeping as well as he needed to on the couch, although he had adjusted some. I could let him sleep in my bed... Leda mused. Except he might get the wrong idea. Or he might get the right idea, which was what worried her. The old Aidan would have found it hilarious that she wanted to cuddle up with him again, but what about the new Aidan? There's no use wondering over it, Leda thought stubbornly, because it isn't going to happen. ***** "Put those down on the counter." With a sigh of relief, Aidan set down the plastic bags he was carrying, then the boxes he had balanced precariously against his body. As if the twenty-something cans of frosting weren't enough, the boxes full of cookies had turned the trip up to Leda's apartment into hell. She came in behind him, also carrying boxes, and nudged the door closed with her foot. Aidan grabbed the boxes from her and she flashed a small, grateful smile. "Do you really sell all of this?" Aidan asked, opening a box of sugar cookies shaped like hearts. "Not every last thing," Leda answered, shrugging off her coat and hanging it up. She took his and hung that up, too. "But quite a bit of it. We use it on food and little gifts for the kids." Aidan began pulling the cans of frosting out of the bag, to uncovered bottles of sprinkles. "Can they eat stuff like this? I mean..." "Most of them can eat some sweets," Leda answered, helping him sort through bags and boxes. "It's not healthy for any child to have too much, obviously. And we have records of allergies, too." Aidan helped her clear off as much of the counter as possible and spread tin foil over the surfaces. Leda got out two butter knives and handed him one of them. They both opened a can of frosting and a bottle of sprinkles and got to work. There were a lot of cookies, but Aidan bet they could get this done in a single night. And it turned out to be surprisingly fun, too. Leda was focused, so he was able to get her to talk casually again. "I used to do this sort of thing with my mother," she was saying, as she spread chocolate frosting on a cookie. "I never...I uh, really don't think I knew my mother," Aidan stammered. He was suddenly glad she was distracted, because he'd nearly given himself away. "I mean, from the stuff George brought us...I don't see many signs of her." "Well," Leda said, setting down her knife and going for the sprinkles. "The Kirkland family is in the news quite a bit. If I remember correctly, Earl Kirkland's first wife died in childbirth...oh!" She stopped, suddenly fully aware of what she was saying, and turned to him. Aidan looked up and forced a smile to his face. The fact that Leda was concerned about hurting him eased the sorrow of being reminded about his mother. What would things have been like, if she'd lived? he wondered. Would I have been a different person? In the last week or so Aidan had come to realize that he'd never really known who he was. He'd given in to being what others expected of him his whole life. "I'm sorry," Leda said quietly. "I didn't mean to bring up something like that..." Aidan shrugged. "Either way, I wouldn't remember her. Though I suppose if I was as big an asshole as I'm getting the impression I was, maybe I deserved that." "No one deserves to lose their mother," Leda said, staring down at the sheet of frosted cookies. "Even if you were a...a jerk, you don't..." Way to ruin the mood, Aidan thought, sighing. He went back to frosting and sprinkling until he ran out of cookies. Leda took some time to mix some red food-coloring into vanilla frosting, giving him that to work with for awhile. They worked in silence for a long time. When Aidan glanced over at her, he noticed that her cookies were much neater and prettier than his. Guess I'm not much good at this, he thought, wiping his hands clean on a paper towel. "How are we going to repack these?" Aidan asked, gesturing to the cookies that were already finished. "There's wax paper in the drawer next to the sink," Leda answered, not even looking up. "Do a layer of cookies, then wax paper, then cookies...and so on." That was much easier than decorating cookies, although he did more of that, too. It was nearly eleven by the time they had all the cookies frosted and packed back in their boxes. Leda sat on a clear spot on the counter, running her finger along the knife she used to get some of the chocolate left on it. Aidan watched her lick the frosting from her finger and he felt his body tighten in response. "So uh...we should probably get the dishes done too," Aidan said quietly, stacking the dishes on the counter beside her. "We should," Leda agreed. "But I don't really want to. Here." She was holding the knife out to him. Aidan scooped some of the frosting off of it and tasted it; it was just shy of being too sweet for him. He realized that Leda was watching him and he wondered if she realized how sexy she looked, peering up at him from beneath her lashes. Aidan stepped closer to her until he was right up against the counter. "It's too sweet," Leda said quietly. "Without a cookie or a cupcake or..." Her voice trailed off. A charming pink flush had crept into her cheeks but she continued to meet his gaze. Aidan was certain that she too felt the attraction that sparked between them. He closed his hand around hers, taking the knife from her, and leaned in to kiss her. Leda responded with a shy, hesitant press of her lips on his. He slid an arm around her waist, determined not to let her go. Considering how gentle she was, it amazed him how much fire she responded with as she relaxed. Her lips parted willingly, allowing him to taste the heat of her mouth. Leda closed her thighs around his hips, keeping him directly up against her. The little moans she made as he kissed and nipped at her neck drove him crazy. Aidan set the knife down long enough to get a hold on her shirt and lift it off. "Aidan...wait..." Leda protested weakly. He didn't want to wait. And she didn't try too hard to stop him, either. In fact, she slid her hands beneath his shirt, over his back, her fingertips running lightly over his skin. Aidan found her mouth again, kissing her ardently as he reached around to unhook her bra. She shivered and blushed when he pulled it off, but she didn't stop him. He trailed kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, and between her breasts, savoring the soft noises she made. Aidan locked his hands beneath her thighs and lifted her up off the counter. Her hold on him tightened, her nails pressing against his skin. He brought them down onto the couch, covering her mouth was his, settling himself comfortably between her legs. His hands traveled up along her sides, up to her breasts, fondling them gently. Leda writhed beneath him, moaning softly. He wanted her. Now. Aidan sat up long enough to pull his shirt off and unfasten his jeans. Leda's eyes widened and she scrambled up to a sitting position. Startled, he studied her face, not certain what to make of the nervousness in her eyes. She closed her arms around herself and scooted away from him. The look in her eyes was the same one that had been there when they'd woken up on the couch together. "I'm going to go take a shower," Aidan growled, jumping off the couch. She didn't answer. He stomped into the bathroom and slammed the door shut, feeling frustrated and angry. Of course she doesn't want me touching her, Aidan thought, as he turned the shower on and struggled with his feelings. I'm still Aidan Kirkland, the snake. ***** Leda had never been so terrified in her life. At first, when it had just been kissing and petting, she'd felt safe. But Aidan had definitely wanted more and that was not good. Because she did too. It wouldn't be right, she thought, as she changed into an old t-shirt she used to sleep in. He isn't himself right now. Except that it was getting harder and harder to think of Aidan any other way than the way he was now. And she'd hurt him, too. She hadn't meant to, but she'd seen it in his eyes before he got up to take a shower. What am I supposed to do? Leda wondered, as she ran a brush through her hair. I don't know how to deal with this. She'd spent so much of her life first taking care of her brother, than the children at the hospice. There'd been no time for a social life. Leda had always figured that she was just one of those women who would rather do what she loved than find a man and get married, so it hadn't really bothered her when boys didn't ask her out. The shower turned off. Leda held her breath, trying not to imagine him in the shower, with water running down his skin. She dropped back onto the bed and closed her eyes, trying to still the pounding of her heart and pulse. Rustling in the living room had to be Aidan getting ready for bed. On that damn uncomfortable couch, Leda thought, biting her lip. It was against her better judgment, it really was. She knew she shouldn't, even as she climbed out of bed and tiptoed to the door. Leda peered out into the living room, to see Aidan straightening the blankets on the couch. His back was to her and if he'd heard her at all, he showed no sign of it. "Um...Aidan," Leda called softly. He paused briefly, then went back to work. "Look, um...I know that couch is uncomfortable...so uh...if you'd like to sleep in here..." She saw his shoulders tense and cringed. This was just not coming out the way she wanted it to. Taking a deep breath, Leda tried again. "You work just as hard as I do," she said, just loud enough for him to hear. "You should be comfortable too. There's plenty of room so...if you want..." He didn't respond. Well, I tried, Leda thought, as she padded back to her bed. He probably lost his desire to be near me, after that. She hadn't meant to look so frightened and horrified. It wasn't because of him; she just couldn't believe the way she was acting. I have never been like this, Leda thought, groaning softly as she burrowed under her blankets. I don't know what's gotten into me. Exhaustion didn't leave her much space to think about it. Her eyelids felt heavy. Leda was beginning to drift off when she heard the faint creak and felt the faint pressure of someone climbing into bed. The covers lifted for just a moment, long enough to let in cold air that made her shiver. And then strong arms closed around her, dragging her close. Leda couldn't stop the contented sigh that escaped her lips as Aidan curled up against her. She felt his breath against her neck, warm and soothing. His legs tangled with hers, drawing her even closer. Leda closed her hand over one of his and he twined his fingers with hers. This...is wonderful, she thought sleepily. He's so warm and strong... Like the night on the couch, she was so comfortable that she didn't want to move. In moments she'd drifted off to sleep.

Aidan woke the next morning feeling groggy and stiff. He sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and stood up off the couch. Bathroom, he thought, as he stumbled through the apartment. He'd had a lot of soda with his pizza last night and hadn't gone to the bathroom before bed. Figuring that it must be too early for Leda to be up (his vision was still foggy) Aidan barged into the bathroom without thinking. Heat and the smell of flowers hit him as soon as he opened the door. However what caught his attention was Leda...turned towards him and just sliding a towel around herself. She froze when she saw him, but not for long. As Aidan stared, she wrapped the towel around herself, tucked it so it would stay on, and pushed past him. He stood in the doorway for a long moment, completely stunned. There's nothing to be stunned about, damnit, he thought, trying to shake the cobwebs from his head. She's nothing special! She was slender, but not trim and toned like the women he knew. He'd caught enough to see that she had nice legs and somewhat hips, but her breasts were of an average size, nothing to get worked up about. So why didn't he feel so nonchalant? Aidan closed the bathroom door and leaned against in, drawing in deep, steady breaths. So what if I'm attracted to her physically, he thought. That means nothing. Still, it would make his scheme that much harder to pull off. How was he going to remember that he had a role to play when she kept distracting him. And for that matter, Aidan thought, why the hell am I doing this, anyway? Well, technically to get back at her for humiliating him but...why did that matter so much? Because he had to impress his father? Stop thinking about it! he told himself furiously. He was not going to break his resolve just because a girl with a pretty face smiled at him. So he would simply have to do his very best to ignore her kindness. It's overbearing, anyway, Aidan thought, rolling his eyes. She's ridiculously naïve, too. He went to the bathroom and cleaned himself up, the whole time determined not to wonder just who he was trying to convince. ***** Aidan could never have expected just what a nightmare working at a hospice could be. The sick boy didn't get worse, but he didn't get better either. He had to be well taken care of and everything he touched, everything in the sickroom, and everyone who attended to him had to be scrubbed clean. Sometimes several times a day. Aidan spent much of his time cleaning: dishes, laundry, the floors, etc. Although the staff usually shifted, taking their turns with each chore, he wasn't comfortable watching the children. It was a learning experience, especially watching Leda. Her endless patience was both endearing and irritating at the same time. Although she spent time with every child as much as she could, Aidan saw that she had especially taken to the little blue-eyed girl, Mary. He hadn't been certain why, until his third day working at the hospice. While he was eating lunch apart from the crowd, Martha came over to him with a photo album. "How've you been doing, dear?" Martha asked. She was always kind to him, just like Leda, despite who he was. "Tired and sore," Aidan answered, smiling slightly. Martha chuckled. "Hard work, isn't it? But it's very rewarding...take a look at this." She handed him the photo album. Curious, he flipped it open. There were dates on the inside that indicated the pictures were from about two years ago up until the present. And as Aidan browsed through them, he realized each and every one was from some sort of party: Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter, and so on. They love their holidays, I guess, he thought. Leda was in plenty of the pictures and in many of them she was holding a small blonde girl who could have easily been her sister. "Mary," Martha explained. "Before the chemotherapy...well, you know." Aidan nodded. "None of them seem self-conscious, though." "That's because of Leda," Martha said, chuckling to herself. "She tells each one of them that if they're ever embarrassed, she'll shave her head so they won't feel alone." "Seriously?" Aidan asked, his eyebrows lifting. "And that works?" "It does," Martha replied, smiling gently. "I'm not sure if it's because they find it funny or comforting, but it always helps break the ice." Aidan looked back down at the photo album. In one of the pictures Leda and the children had somehow gotten their hands on a variety of large, silly sunhats. In another they were gathered around a gigantic pumpkin with a big, toothy grin. He found it hard not to smile as he looked through the photos. His father's business was a serious, solemn place. Aidan couldn't help feeling as though this place, despite the grim reality it was built upon, was a ray of sunshine in comparison. "What about um...Leda's brother?" Aidan asked, looking up. "I don't see any family resemblance in any of these other children..." Martha sighed. "Well, these are after he...passed away. But Nathan was...he was a fussy boy. He hated being in pictures. It's not that he was a bad boy...it's just that he got out of hand on the days he was feeling well. Like any boy his age." "So...why does she still come here?" Aidan wanted to know. "Isn't it painful?" "Plenty of things are painful," Martha replied, smiling gently at him. "The things in life that are most worth doing are never easy. Leda comes here because it's what she loves. It's her calling. So she's happy, because she's doing what she loves." Frowning, Aidan closed the photo album and handed it back to Martha. She took it from him, then stood up and walked away. Which was just as well, because his mind was buzzing. Because he was the eldest son and slated to take over the family business, he'd never stopped to think about what it was he loved to do. I'm not sure there is anything I love to do, Aidan thought, sighing. I never had hobbies or played sports or anything... Looking up, he glanced at the children, some of whom were sitting around the crafts table. After long moments of thought he rose and walked over there. Mary, who was busy sticking big red buttons onto a shoebox that had been spray painted silver, looked up as he approached. She flashed a gap tooth smile that had Aidan smiling back. "Whatcha doing?" he asked, crouching beside the table. "Making a photo box," Mary replied in her small, slightly lisping voice. "Leda says we don't have enough books for all our pictures so we gotta make somethin' they can go in." It took Aidan a moment to realize that by books she meant photo albums. He imagined that she must have some trouble with the word 'album', especially with her front teeth currently missing. He settled down on the floor beside the table, deciding to watch first. Aidan never noticed when first Martha, then Leda appeared to watch him for a few minutes before getting back to work. ***** "Oh...oh my!" Leda clapped her hands over her mouth and fought hard not to giggle. It wouldn't be polite. Martha had no such qualms and she was laughing loudly and heartily, so that they could hear her even as she headed into the crafts room to clean up the mess. Aidan looked furious, and Leda couldn't really blame him. Aside from the massive amounts of glitter in his hair and on his clothes, he'd also managed to get silver paint all up his arms. "I uh...I should have warned you," Leda stammered, fighting back laughter. "Tara can get um...a little carried away with the glitter. Although the paint is a new one..." Aidan scowled. "Mary had me hold another shoebox for her while she sprayed it." "Let me guess," Leda said, grinning. "While you have been silvered, the shoebox has not." The look on his face was answer enough. Leda found Ginny (another member of the hospice staff) and asked her to take over her last chores. Since they had Aidan helping, not everyone had a full schedule, and Ginny was one who didn't. Leda knew from first hand experience just how uncomfortable it could be to spend any length of time covered in glitter and paint, so she decided to take Aidan home. And not a moment too soon, she thought, glancing at him. He sure looks grumpy. By the time they reached the apartment he was showing signs of his normal self. Leda winced as he slammed the bathroom door. Maybe he'd regained his memory. I guess I should take care of dinner, she thought, as she opened up the refrigerator. If he's remembered then there's little I can do, but if not maybe I can distract him. It was really too bad things had ended up this way. Leda had snatched a few minutes here and there when she could to watch Aidan working with the children. She'd been surprised at the level of his patience. He'd helped with a lot of the things the children didn't or couldn't do, like cutting. Watching him, Leda had been overwhelmed first by a feeling of warmth, then by the urge to brush a stray lock of hair away from his face. He definitely looks better without it slicked back, she thought. Aidan hadn't been able to get all the glitter from his hair. Of course, since he was only wearing a towel it was hard to pay attention to his hair. Although he was usually so modest, he didn't so much as glance at her before pulling off the towel. Leda turned away, startled. She could hear rustling as he pulled on his clothes. No doubt he was still angry. That's more like the Aidan Kirkland I know, she thought, sighing. "You know," Leda said aloud. The rustling stopped. "I was really impressed today. With you, I mean..." "You were?" His voice was hesitant. Leda turned to face him, relieved and yet not that he had some pants on. "Yeah. You were really good with the kids...especially Mary." "I uh...well...there wasn't anything else to do," Aidan said quietly, looking away. That seemed to ease his anger, but it also left him practically silent for the rest of the evening. So maybe he didn't remember anything, Leda thought. She watched him closely throughout dinner, but he showed no signs that anything had changed. Although she was unnerved by how quiet he was, she left it alone and allowed him to simply curl up on the couch after dinner. Leda settled on a chair with a book until he was asleep, then watched him for while before going to bed herself. ***** When Friday morning came and they had heard nothing from George, Aidan had begun to worry. And yet for some reason he was neither relieved or happy when he heard pounding on the door. He dragged himself off the couch, pulled on a pair of jeans, and opened the door. George looked ruffled and irritated, and he was carrying a large suitcase with him. "Wh...who is it?" Leda mumbled, as she peeked out of her room. "Oh...you." "Nice to see you too," George growled. "Fortunately I can't stay...I have to be at a site we're inspecting in half an hour." Aidan's eyebrows rose. "Dare I ask what's going on?" "Supposedly I'm traveling with you all over the state, looking at possible sites for this mall," George replied, rolling his eyes. "Your father is currently too busy with a business deal to realize that there's a flaw in our story, fortunately." Aidan was about to ask, but he caught himself before he did. He couldn't show any sign of memory, not yet. George handed him the suitcase, which turned out to be heavy. Can't be more clothes, Aidan thought, frowning. So what's in it? "So, what exactly is keeping Kirkland so busy?" Leda asked, finally a little more awake. "The Rosenfelds," George said shortly. "There's some stuff in the suitcase that I thought might help you regain your memory. Now, I'd really love to stay and chit chat, but I must go." And then he was out the door. Ah, the Rosenfelds, Aidan thought, setting the suitcase down on the couch. That explains so much. The Rosenfeld family owned one of the largest, most successful law firms in the country. His father had been trying for years to convince Rosenfeld Sr. to become an investor. He'd gone so far as to suggest an engagement between Aidan and the Rosenfelds' eldest daughter, but that had fortunately fallen through. Trudy Rosenfeld had been a pampered, prissy snob who spent everyday either shopping or at the beauty spa. "So what's all this?" Leda asked, stepping up next to him. "Not sure," Aidan replied, as he opened the suitcase. "George said it might help restore my memory..." He's getting into this more than I am, Aidan thought, frowning. This idea is starting to get out of hand... The things in the suitcase were a testimony to George's talent for making up stories: old baby clothes, some pictures, old toys, and other similar things. Leda picked up a picture from the top of the pile, of a small boy with shaggy hair and a big, gap-toothed grin. "Is this you?" she asked, holding up the picture and leaning against him. That made it hard to think. "Um...I guess so...flip it over." "Yep, Aidan, six and a half years old," Leda said, as she studied the back of the picture. "It's definitely you. You were so cute!" "So, what...I'm ugly now?" Aidan asked, feeling a bit disgruntled. Leda looked up at him, startled. She didn't say anything, but her cheeks turned a charming shade of pink. He watched her face, entranced by the deep blue of her eyes and the way her soft, full mouth parted ever so slightly. Aidan reached up, cradling the side of her face against his palm. He was leaning down to kiss her when the phone rang, startling both of them apart. It was Martha. Tyler, who was supposed to be in charge of breakfast this morning, had called in sick with the flu. So Aidan and Leda scrambled to get dressed and out of the apartment. The shift in the schedule meant that help was needed and they were already supposed to be there early, anyway. ***** The rest of the week was no less tiring than the first part of it. The boy who was sick got better, much to the relief of all the hospice staff. He had to remain in the sickroom until they were certain the illness had cleared up, and of course that meant the constant scrubbing and washing. Fortunately none of the other children showed signs of getting sick. Leda grew more and more impressed with Aidan and his ability with the children. After the glitter incident he was a little more wary, but eventually he began joining them again. For the most part her avoided arts and crafts, but he seemed to enjoy helping them take care of the plants. Leda went upstairs one day to find Mary showing Aidan how to plant marigold seeds. He'd actually been asking her questions about how long the marigolds took to grow and how to care for them. It's like he's a child himself, Leda thought, watching him as he read a bedtime story to the few stragglers who weren't able to sleep yet. It was Sunday night. Despite the fact that he was no doubt exhausted, Aidan read the story with enthusiasm. The first time he'd read to them, the children had stopped him constantly, telling him that he'd forgotten to do the voices. I guess when you're the son of a rich family, Leda thought, there isn't anyone to read bedtime stories to you. By the time they got home that night they were both dead tired and hardly able to eat. Leda sat in the armchair she usually read in, trying to eat some of the lukewarm Spaghetti-Os she'd made. Aidan was on the couch, slumped down; his bowl was on the coffee table and he'd eaten hardly anything. Finally, when she couldn't force herself to eat another bit, Leda rose to collect his bowl and put them in the kitchen. Aidan caught hold of her before she could. Startled, she set her bowl down and turned to look at him. The smile he gave her was sleepy but sweet. "I didn't know children could be so exhausting," Aidan said quietly. "They can be a handful," Leda agreed. "Um..." An arm slid around her waist quite suddenly, dragging her down into his lap. Leda shrieked in surprise, grabbing hold of his shoulders as she wobbled on his lap. Aidan braced the back of her neck with his hand, his fingers tangled in her hair. She stared down at him, startled by the look in his eyes. "I am so...tired..." Aidan groaned. Leda laughed. "Why don't you let me go so you can sleep, huh?" "Give me a goodnight kiss," Aidan murmured. She should have told him to go to hell. Leda knew better than to get mixed up with Aidan Kirkland. Yet for some reason when he pulled her mouth down to his, she didn't resist. She was startled by the tender way he kissed her. His lips coaxed hers open just enough to allow his tongue into the moist warmth of her mouth. Leda trembled from head to toe, but she clung to him tightly and didn't pull away. Aidan pulled away after a long moment. His brilliant green eyes were sleepy and yet there was definitely desire there. He shifted beneath her, hooking his foot around her leg to hold her as he lowered himself down on the couch. Leda sank against him, meeting his mouth eagerly as he kissed her again. She'd experienced the occasional kiss over the years, but none of them had been like Aidan's. Something about him sent fire roaring through her veins. It was apparently not enough to win past exhaustion though. After a few minutes their kisses petered off into sleepy pecks. Finally Leda rested her head on his shoulder and relaxing, sighing as he close his arms tightly around her. This really isn't a good idea, she thought, trying to break through the veil of sleepiness around her mind. It really, really isn't... And yet she couldn't really find a good enough reason to move. Leda was so tired and so comfortable that she let herself drift off to sleep.

Considering what a lousy place the couch was to sleep, Aidan was not happy when he was woken up by a loud pounding. He pulled the pillow over his ears and rolled against the back of the couch, trying to tune out the noise. There was the sound of someone scrambling around the apartment and finally reaching the source of the pounding to make it stop. Aidan sighed in relief, but as it turned out, he wasn't going to have the opportunity to sleep. "Take these," said a familiar, frantic male voice. "I need you to watch him today. I've got a business meeting." "Me!?" a female voice. "I can't, I'm busy!" Aidan sat up, groaning. "George, what are you doing here?" "Bringing you your damn clothes," George shot back. "Forget that too?" "Sorry," Aidan muttered, winding a blanket around his hips and standing up. "Sorry...I just feel kinda...disoriented." Well, that was the truth. It had been incredibly odd trying to sleep in a place that wasn't his home, on a couch that was definitely not his comfortable bed. And being woken up by George pounding on the door didn't help his mood any. Well, I agreed to this plan, Aidan thought, taking the duffle bags from George. So I have to deal with it. A glance at Leda revealed that she certainly didn't look happy about it. "What am I supposed to do with him?" Leda asked desperately as George turned away. "I have to be at the hospice!" George didn't respond. He left the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Leda scrambled for the door and pulled it open, but he was already gone. Aidan set his bags down on the couch and began rummaging through them. He wasn't really comfortable wearing only a blanket. He was in good shape and usually he didn't care who saw him naked, but for some reason he felt awkward with Leda in the room. "Great," Leda muttered. "Just great. I'm gonna go take a shower." Aidan waited until she had disappeared into the bathroom, then began to pull on some clothes. George had brought mostly plain jeans and t-shirts, since he'd have no need for suits for awhile. Good to see that she does get cranky, he thought, as he pulled on a shirt. I was beginning to think she was inhuman. Aidan was just beginning to poke around the kitchen, looking for something to eat, when she emerged from the bathroom. "Looking for something?" Leda asked. He turned around to look at her and almost choked. Sure, the towel she was wearing was a large one, but it was still just a towel. Leda stared at him curiously for a moment, then realized what he was looking at. Her cheeks turned red and she disappeared into her room. Aidan chuckled softly to himself. Damn, I shouldn't be so attracted to her, he thought, leaning against the counter. That's gonna lead to some serious trouble if I'm not careful. "Sorry about that," Leda said, as she came back out of her room. "Would you like something to eat?" "Coffee," Aidan grumbled. Leda laughed. "Yeah, I hear that. All right, I'll make some coffee. And something to eat." ***** Aidan didn't know what to expect when he went with Leda to the hospice that morning. He really didn't want to go, but that appeared to be what she did with her time. How does she get the money to live without working? he wondered, glancing over at her. She was helping some of the children out of bed, to get dressed and then go downstairs for breakfast. Aidan hung back, uncertain and feeling a little queasy. He'd never dealt with healthy kids, never mind kids who were terminally ill. "What's for dinner, Leda?" a small, blue-eyed girl asked, staring up at Leda adoringly. "Breakfast, sweetheart," Leda corrected gently, lifting the girl out of bed. "Martha's making French toast this morning." "Yay!" the girl cheered. Aidan watched until all the children had been bundled up and sent downstairs. When she was finished Leda straightened and turned to look at him. The gentle smile she gave him surprised him. "That's Mary," Leda said quietly. "Would you lend me a hand? I need to change the sheets." He considered refusing, but he realized that wouldn't be in keeping with his new personality. Or non-personality, since he wasn't supposed to remember who he was. So Aidan helped her with the sheets, or tried. He'd never made a bed before and he didn't really understand. Leda was trying not to laugh, he could tell. "Let's try this differently," Leda said, walking over to him and grasping one end of the sheet. "Hold onto that end and do what I do, okay?" Aidan gripped the end of the sheet and watched her. She lifted it up and he had to scramble to keep up with her. The sheet puffed out, making it much easier to spread it and settle it on the mattress. Oh, he thought, frowning. Well, this is easy. He and Leda moved onto the next bed, then the next. It was kind of fun, actually. Aidan watched the way her hair swung with the sudden upward movement of her arms and found himself smiling slightly. "Okay," Leda said, grinning as she dropped the sheets into a basket. "Laundry time! Grab that and follow me." Aidan stared at her for a moment, then picked up the laundry basket. So I get amnesia, move in, and now I'm her slave? he wondered, as he followed her down the stairs. I'm beginning to think I got the short end of the stick here. But if he complained she'd realize that he was just faking. Aidan had always thought she was intelligent, so he was surprised that Leda had questioned him much yet. Or maybe I'm being paranoid, he thought, sighing. It was an interesting morning, to say the least. Aidan had never done laundry before and so Leda had to help him with that, too. She was amazingly patient, showing him how much laundry detergent to put in and how long to put the washing machine on for without so much as a word of criticism. And her voice was steady and calm, without even a hint of the condescending tone Aidan was used to from his father's business partners. By lunch time he was feeling very confused. He had thought that spending the day in the hospice would be dreary and depressing. But neither the kids nor the staff showed any hint of sadness. They laughed and listened to music as they covered picture frames and shoeboxes in macaroni and paint. They tended to the plants on the second floor with a caring and responsibility that was astounding in small children. Aidan was impressed, but he didn't want to admit it, even to himself. He and Leda were sitting upstairs on the floor, with their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and their plastic cups full of Koolaid. It was definitely not the sort of lunch he was used to, that was for sure. "I wonder what George will tell your father..." Leda mused, sipping her Koolaid. Aidan glanced at her, deciding it would be best to play stupid. "Hmm?" "Oh, right," Leda said, smiling sheepishly. "Well, your father is Earl Kirkland...he's a big businessman. Corporate. And he's not going to be happy that you're not there..." "I imagine George can come up with something," Aidan said carefully. "He seemed like the type...you know..." "To be good at lying?" Leda asked, her eyebrows lifting. "Yeah. Still, I'm gonna check with him tomorrow and find out what he came up with." I didn't even think of that, Aidan thought, biting his lip. I suppose George will say I'm working hard, studying which place will be best for the mall. That would be enough to satisfy his father for a short while at least. He certainly had spent a fair amount of days away while doing research before. Aidan only hoped that his father would accept the excuse for a long enough period of time. "What about you?" he inquired. "Do you work?" Leda shook her head. "I um...I get money. Life insurance money...from when my parents died. Although not for too much longer, I'm afraid..." "Oh," Aidan said softly. "I'm sorry." "They uh...they died in a car accident," Leda said, staring down at the floor. "When I was fifteen. It was just me and my little brother..." Aidan glanced at her. The look on her face surprised him; she was always so cheerful, so that sorrow seemed out of place. You're not supposed to feel sorry for her, idiot, he scolded himself, you're supposed to be reeling her in so you can get her back for humiliating you! Aidan shifted his position, moving his hand a little closer to hers, and telling himself it was just another part of his ruse. "I didn't meet your brother," Aidan said. "Where is he?" Leda's smile was wan. "He um...he died. He was terminally ill. Martha adopted him after my parents died...brought him here. And uh...she became my legal guardian, too, when I put up a fuss about being separated from him. But a couple years ago...well...the chemotherapy stopped working..." And she still comes here everyday? Aidan thought, studying her. If it were me, I'd despise this place. It was already a thorn in his side, because his father wanted so badly to have the mall here. Although he'd suggested other places, so far his father had refused. It was so hard to please his father that Aidan had decided, when he'd gotten this assignment, that he would make sure he got it completed. To his father's satisfaction. ***** Leda was exhausted by the time the day was over. Although it had started out as a calm day, one of the children had gotten sick. A fever and vomiting, which meant work for the whole staff. They'd had to get the child into one of the sick rooms to be quarantined. Then they'd had to scrub the hospice until it sparkled and make sure that all the children got cleaned, too. Sheets, clothes, and dishes had been washed and many things had been sterilized. "Can't...move..." Aidan groaned, dropping onto the couch. "I...may not be able...to remember who I am...but...I'd remember if...I'd ever done that...before..." Leda chuckled wearily as she dropped down beside him. "Yeah. We really have to scramble when they get sick. We don't have the facilities for it, really. If he gets worse, we'll have to take him to the hospital." "Why not?" Aidan asked. "I mean, why don't you have the facilities?" "No money," Leda explained, sighing. "Martha and her husband do the best they can, but we don't have state funding. And there's rent on the building and all the things we need for the children...there is never an extra penny. Money for crafts and games comes from the pockets of the staff." Leda glanced at Aidan and was surprised by the look on his face. He looks a little confused, she thought, frowning. I don't understand... The expression faded quickly and she gave herself a mental shake. It had to be her imagination. Oh, she had considered that his moments of odd behavior could be his memory coming back...or the memory that never left. Leda knew it was naïve to trust him so easily, but so far she'd seen very little sign that this was all a sham. The Aidan she knew never would have rolled up his sleeves and cleaned all afternoon. "You said my father is a big businessman, right?" Aidan asked. "Yeah," Leda answered. "Why?" "I um...I don't understand what he has to do with the hospice," Aidan explained. "Or myself, for that matter." Leda sighed. "He wants to buy the land the hospice is on. Tear it down to build a mall." She could feel her anger rising as she spoke. Usually Leda was a calm, non-confrontational person, but when she thought of what the Kirklands wanted to do to the hospice, it made her furious. And I'm sitting on the couch in my apartment with the enemy, she thought, scowling. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I such a damn bleeding heart? "That seems to make you unhappy," Aidan said quietly. "A mall, Aidan!" Leda exclaimed, turning to face him. "A mall! A stupid mall! They're going to destroy the only home these children have ever known for a place where idiot teenage girls can spend money and chatter 'til their hearts' content! How can a mall be more important than a home for children who don't have one?" Aidan stared at her, looking very much like she'd backed him into a corner. Leda felt immediately guilty for her outburst. She slumped down on the couch, feeling tears slide down her cheeks. The hopelessness of her situation was starting to catch up to her. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder, lightly, as though he wasn't sure exactly what he was doing. Leda glanced at him, and Aidan gave her an attempt at an encouraging smile. "You have a lot of passion about this," Aidan said quietly. "I won't give up without a fight," Leda told him. Aidan looked away. "Who knows...you might change some minds..." he murmured. Leda glanced at him, her brows furrowed. But he didn't look back at her for a long time. Finally she rose from the couch and stumbled to the counter to uncover a phone book. "I'm going to order pizza," Leda told him. "Are you hungry?" "Yes," Aidan answered, stretching out on the couch. "Unfortunately I think I might be too tired to eat." Leda chuckled. "Well, why don't you got take a shower while we wait for it to get here. It might perk you up." Aidan grumbled an answer, then stood up and trudged to the bathroom. When he was gone Leda dropped onto the couch herself. It would be a struggle to stay awake while waiting for the pizza, and then eating it. And she really, really needed a shower. Maybe I'll take one in the morning, Leda thought, folding her arms beneath her head. I can barely move... And she had a feeling it was going to be a long week. ***** Despite the fact that he'd worked his ass off and was absolutely exhausted, Aidan couldn't sleep. He found he couldn't stop thinking about what Leda had said, and the expression on her face when she'd said it. There was no way she could save the hospice from his father, but she was determined to try anyway. Anyone with some sense would just give up, Aidan thought, frowning. So why doesn't she? Because she wasn't the type of person who gave up. There was no one pushing her, but she still worked hard. There was no real reward for what she did, but Leda seemed to feel that there was. Aidan had never done anything for someone if there wasn't a benefit to him; he'd never seen a reason to. All his life he'd followed his father's example: hard, cruel, and completely indifferent. It was what was expected of him. He heard a soft thump and realized that Leda was awake as well. Aidan opened his eyes just enough to spot her moving silently through the apartment, into the kitchen. He watched her as she poured a glass of water and drank it in one gulp, then started back towards her room. She must have changed her mind, because she turned and started heading towards the couch. Aidan quickly closed his eyes. "Poor Aidan..." Leda murmured. He felt her fingertips brush his forehead. "I really am sorry I knocked that flowerpot on your head. Even if it was an accident." Is she high? Aidan wondered, trying not to move. Her fingers slid through his hair in a gentle caress that made him shiver. She hesitated at the movement of his body and he had to force himself to lay still. Why on earth was she being so kind to him? There was really no reason. Deep down she must feel as though this was all a farce, even if she wouldn't admit it to herself. "I wonder if this side of you existed before," Leda mused, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope so. I don't want this part of you to disappear when you remember who you are." She wanted him to stay like this? Even...liked him like this? Aidan was used to seeing nothing but contempt from Leda Harper. Even when they were younger, her eyes had always been full of anger and annoyance. She'd always made him feel like he could never, ever be good enough. But she likes me like this, Aidan thought. As a nobody, with nothing to my name, not even a memory, she likes me. Was that cruel irony or poetic justice? Leda sighed. "I dunno why I'm bothering...you're out cold." He felt her fingers brush his hair aside again. Then she bent down over the back of the couch and kissed his forehead. A sudden wild urge to grab her and drag her close seized him and he had to stomp down on it hard. "Good night, Aidan," Leda murmured, finally turning and heading back into her room. He was surprised by just how alone he felt when she was gone.

Aidan's head was pounding and he felt slightly nauseous. Worse, he'd just woken up in a hospital room; he hated hospitals with a passion. Sitting in the chair across from him was George, the son of one of his father's business partners. They weren't friends, really, so much as partners in crime. Whenever Aidan had a scheme it was George who helped him. "You're awake," George said, rising from his chair. "Let me get a nurse." "Wait," Aidan rasped. His throat hurt. "What the hell happened?" "A flower pot fell on your head," George explained, trying and failing to hide his amusement. "She said she didn't, but I think it was that chick from the hospice. She sure as hell didn't like you." Aidan groaned. "Damn bitch! And in front of everyone!" That was humiliating. It was hard to get businessmen to respect you when they saw you get knocked out by a girl. Even indirectly. Well, I can't let her get away with this, Aidan thought, frowning. There's no way in hell she's going to be able to save that hospice now. That didn't seem like enough, though. There had to be something he could do to humiliate her the way she had him. "You're lucky," George told him. "The doctor said you didn't even get a concussion." "I have a headache," Aidan grumbled. "I feel like I have a concussion." "Nope," George said, shaking his head. "The only thing the doctor was worried about was amnesia, but you're obviously fine." I'll just bet that bitch was hoping I'd get amnesia, Aidan thought, rubbing his head. That I'd forget all about her precious hospice. Fat chance! He was going to sue her, though. Dropping a flower pot on his head! Anyone could see that she had plenty of motive to do it. I hope if I did get amnesia someone else would have sued her, Aidan thought wryly. I'd hate for her to get away with it just because I forgot...to... "That's it!" Aidan exclaimed, aloud. George stared at him. "What's it?" "Amnesia," Aidan said, grinning. "What do you think a girl like that will do if she thinks I have amnesia?" "She'd probably feel sorry for you," George snorted. He paused, thinking about that for a second, then looked up, grinning. "What did you have in mind?" ***** "Amnesia!?" Leda stared at the doctor. When she'd been told that Aidan was not injured she'd been relieved. But then they'd asked her to come to the hospital. And so she had, and now they were telling her that he had amnesia. There's just no way, she thought, frowning. I mean...he's not injured and he doesn't remember who he is? I'm never that lucky! Okay, Leda knew it was bad, but part of her was overjoyed. "You should go see him," the doctor said. "See for yourself that's he's all right, physically." "Yeah," Leda said softly. "Thanks..." She didn't want to see him. Leda glanced sideways at Martha, who had called in other staff members so she could come along. The look she gave said clearly that Leda ought to go see Aidan. Resigned, she checked in with the nurse, then headed down to his room. I just need to get this over with fast, is all, she thought, biting her lip. See that he's all right, then go. Because she did feel bad about knocking the flower pot on his head, at least a little bit. The room he was in was a private room, and it was quiet. Aidan was sitting up in bed, talking to one of the businessmen that had been with him. His hair was no longer slicked back and a lock of it was hanging over his face. He looked up as she entered and smiled bemusedly. Oh my, Leda thought, as her heart thudded loudly in her chest. He's still Aidan Kirkland, damnit. I can't think he's cute. "Hello," Aidan said. His voice even sounded different. "Um...hi," Leda stammered. "I uh...I came to...to see that you were okay." "You're the girl who knocked the flower pot on his head," the man in the chair said, scowling. "I didn't mean to!" Leda protested. Aidan sighed. "It's all right, George. I'm sure she didn't mean to do it." Leda blinked at him. Even though the doctor had told her that Aidan didn't remember who he was, she had trouble believing it. The gentle, quiet tone of his voice really threw her off guard. She took a step into the room, just as George came up out of his chair. The angry look on his face startled Leda. She stumbled backwards, bringing her hands up reflexively. "What are you going to do about this!?" George demanded. "He need his memory back!" "I...I...I..." Leda stammered, backing up further. "Stop, George!" Aidan insisted. "Enough! I'm sure we can figure out something. This isn't her problem." Good lord, Leda thought, staring wide-eyed at Aidan. Aidan Kirkland is standing up for me! He gave her a wan smile. Really, he looked so much like a sad, lost child that she just wanted to hug him. Moving in a wide arc around George, she approached the bed. Leda reached out timidly and laid her hand on Aidan's arm. She would talk to him like she did the children at the hospice: in a quiet, steady voice that was not patronizing. "I'd like to help if I can," Leda said. "I do feel really bad..." Aidan shrugged. "I don't even remember what happened...or who you are." "Your father can't find out about this, Aidan," George said, dropping back into the chair. "Not if you want to protect this...girl. He'll do his best to get her charged with something." "Well, we can't have that," Aidan said, frowning. "But...what am I supposed to do? I don't know if I can go home...I don't remember home." "You need to stay somewhere," George mused, sinking low in the chair. "I might be able to take you...I'm the only one who knows about this. No one else can find out...well, unless you're willing to leave her to her fate." "No," Aidan said firmly. "Absolutely not." I can't believe this, Leda thought. She wished she had a chair too, because he legs felt weak. Could his father really get her in trouble for this? Earl Kirkland had a lot of money and a lot of influence. If nothing else, he would take the hospice away, and that would be punishment enough. And Leda couldn't believe this was really Aidan. He must really have amnesia, she thought, eyeing him. He'd never act like this, otherwise. "I suppose if we could teach you enough," George said, "You would be all right at home. But that would take time...you might just regain your memory by then." "But...you could?" Leda asked. "Teach him what he needs to know, I mean?" "I could," George replied, his voice cool. "Not that it matters. He has no place to stay until then...unless you want to take him in." Leda stared. He can't be serious, she thought, gaping at him. I'm not...I mean why should I...well, this is kinda my fault but... Aidan, however, was shaking his head. "Absolutely not," he said. "I can't impose upon her." "This is her fault!" George exclaimed, starting to rise again. "Stop!" Leda interrupted, lifting her hands. "Just...stop. I need to think for a second." This was insane. It was not the sort of thing that happened to everyday, normal people like her. It seemed much to outrageous to believe. But from everything she'd seen, Aidan really couldn't remember who he was. Still, I don't trust this, Leda thought, frowning. I can't help feeling like something is out of place. They were both looking at her expectantly...a little too expectantly. "Could I speak to Aidan alone for a few minutes?" Leda asked quietly. George opened his mouth to say something no doubt angry, by the look on his face, but Aidan interrupted him, "It's all right. I'm sure she's not going to drop another flower pot on my head." George eyed her for a long moment, then rose from the chair and left the room. With him out of the room it was much easier to think. Leda went around the bed and took a seat in the vacated chair. Now this is better, she thought, resting her hands on her lap and trying not to fidget. Aidan was watching her with wide, curious eyes. "You're awfully calm," Leda said. "For someone who can't remember who he is." Aidan chuckled. "I guess so. Hard to panic when you don't know what you're panicking about." "I...suppose you could stay with me," Leda said hesitantly. "If you really think your father will be angry..." "I don't know," Aidan admitted. "I can't remember. But George insists he will be. And George is supposedly my friend or something...I personally don't like him much." "So...you probably...I mean, I don't have much," Leda stammered. "But if you want to...your other option is to stay with George. I'm going to be busy, though...so you know." "Work?" Aidan asked. "No um...volunteering," Leda explained. "At a hospice. For terminally ill children." He went quiet so she did as well. I can't believe I offered to let him stay with me, she thought, biting her lip. I don't know what's gotten into me. But she couldn't see anything to indicate that he was being insincere. Oh, Leda knew there was a chance that he could be a very good actor. But she'd always been soft-hearted, so she really didn't believe that. After all, what would be the point of pretending to have amnesia when it would be easier to just take the hospice away from her? ***** Now that he was actually in Leda's apartment Aidan was really beginning to think this was a bad idea. The place was cramped and messy. There was one couch, but it was covered in plastic bags filled with...something. The tiny kitchen was crowded with dirty dishes and what he could see if the bedroom looked like a tornado had hit it. She lives like a guy in college, Aidan thought, stepping over something that was laying across the doorway. "Sorry," Leda muttered, toeing stuff out of the way. "I uh...I'm not here often...the couch...it's pretty comfy." "It uh...looks that way," Aidan responded, trying not to cringe. This was a stupid idea, he thought, leaning hesitantly against the couch. I didn't really think...I mean...ugh! Really, he should have know that Leda would agree to take him in. The kind of woman who worked in a place for terminally ill children wouldn't say no to someone in need. Even though I'm the man who wants to take the hospice away, Aidan thought, amnesia or no. It chafed him to admit to himself that that impressed him. He had never met a woman who would do anything like that. His father was always having him introduced to the daughters of business partners and they were all prissy and stuck up. Leda was much gentler than those girls. She smiled at him as she began to remove all the bags from the couch and set them aside. "Stuff for making decorations," Leda explained. "For the Valentine's Day party we're having at the hospice." "Really?" Aidan looked at her. He already knew about it, of course, but he couldn't let her see that. "So...what are you doing?" "Oh, they're gonna make cards and we'll probably bake cookies," Leda said, smiling to herself. "And watch a movie. I was thinking Lady and the Tramp..." Aidan watched her as she moved around the apartment. She retrieved sheets from the linen closet which, he was pleased to see, looked pretty clean. As she made up a bed on the couch she talked about the children of the hospice as if he was a friend, not the man who was the enemy. Right now I'm not the enemy, Aidan thought, moving to help her with the sheets. I am a friend. He didn't even realize he was smiling. "Ha, now there's something I thought I'd never see," Leda said, as she tossed him a blanket. "What?" Aidan asked, spreading the blanket on the couch. "You uh...well," Leda stammered. "You aren't...weren't...the type to make your own bed. Or you didn't seem like it." Aidan's eyebrows lifted. "I wasn't?" "No, you...you were..." Leda sighed. "Well, it's not important, really. Let me get you a pillow." She disappeared into her room for a moment, leaving him staring after her. Why not just tell me? he wondered. I didn't think she'd have a problem telling me exactly what she thought of me. Except that right now Aidan wasn't himself. It had been tricky at first, figuring out how he was going to change his attitude. George had suggested that he simply followed Leda's example and emulated her mood. Aidan was good at adjusting how he acted to meet other people. It was a part of business. "Here," Leda said, tossing him a pillow. "Use this." Aidan caught it, and dropped it on the couch. "Thanks." "Why don't you take a shower?" Leda suggested. "I'm sure you feel icky...the hospital always makes me feel that way. I have to be up early to get to the hospice, so..." Aidan nodded. He really did want a shower. When Leda had disappeared into her room again he went into the bathroom. That, at least, was surprisingly clean. He was feeling a little unsettled, actually. I didn't expect her to be this nice, Aidan thought, as he pulled off his clothes and stepped into the shower. I thought she'd just tolerate me. Still, that was nothing. He was a business man. He could handle a naïve, trusting girl like Leda. ***** Leda was feeling edgy. It was odd to think of Aidan Kirkland as a nice man...a nice man living under her roof. She'd been doing her best to keep from telling him exactly what she thought of him. After all, he didn't even remember who he was. It wouldn't be right. Leda listened to the sound of running water as she headed into the kitchen for something to drink before bed. There was juice in the fridge. She poured a glass of it and was sipping it when the shower turned off suddenly. That didn't take long, she thought, frowning. I should get back into my room. Leda set the glass down and was heading for her room when the bathroom door open. Aidan came out, still dripping wet and wearing only a towel. He stopped when he saw her. "Uh...George isn't bringing my clothes until tomorrow..." Aidan explained. "These are...kind of dirty..." "Right," Leda said, swallowing hard. "Yeah, um...well...I can wash them for you tomorrow but..." "It's not a big deal, as long as you don't mind," Aidan told her. "Uh...I wanted to thank you for...allowing me to stay. I got the impression from...well, from George that...I guess I don't see how I could be friends with someone like him. He's an ass." "Well, you were a-" Leda began, then stopped, biting her lip. "I mean...look, it's not important." "You can tell me," Aidan said. "I can handle it." Leda shook her head. "No. You're not who you were then. So...so it isn't important now." She might have been imagining it, but she thought she saw surprise on his face. Then it was gone, replaced by a sleepy smile. Leda began edging around him, towards her bedroom. He's drop dead gorgeous, she thought, feeling her face heat and glad it wasn't very light in the apartment. I wish he'd put some clothes on...and at the same time I don't. As she was moving past him Aidan reached out suddenly and grabbed her wrist. "You're a very nice person, Leda," Aidan said quietly. "And...beautiful..." Leda's mouth felt dry. "Um...well...I..." "Sleep well," Aidan murmured. He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles gently, then let her go. That is not Aidan Kirkland, Leda thought, as she fled into her room. He's...I don't know who he is, but he's not Aidan! Her heart was hammering in her chest. She dropped onto her bed with a heavy sigh. If she couldn't keep control of herself, this was going to be a problem. Thing was, Aidan was a good-looking man and right now he was being very charming. He's not a prince, Leda, she reminded herself, rolling onto her back. He's a snake. Even though he doesn't remember he's a snake, he is one. So she would have to keep herself distant from him, keep herself from falling for his charm. Besides, she would be spending her days at the hospice and he would be spending them with George, relearning his life. This should be no problem at all. So why was Leda feeling so uneasy?

There was nothing worse than the dead of winter. The cold, the snow, the cloudy, gray skies. No sun for days on end. Leda Harper was the kind of girl who couldn't stand not seeing the sun. She wasn't a pampered beach bunny or anything. She just loved the feeling of that warm, golden glow on her back. And when it was warm enough and sunny enough, the children who were healthy enough could go outside and play. Leda felt a tug on the leg of her jeans. She looked down at the small, blue-eyed girl who she was taking care of today. Mary was absolutely adorable and so sweet. She was six years old, very small for her age, and had lost her first teeth...the front two. In fact she looked like a normal girl, except that she had no hair. It's not fair for this to happen to one so young, Leda thought, as she lifted Mary up. As if the illness wasn't bad enough, she might lose the only home she's ever known. She worked in a hospice for children who were terminally ill. Worse, these children had no parents to love them. They'd all been abandoned or orphaned at a very young age. Mary herself had been left behind by a drug addict mother who didn't want to "stick around to take care of a sick little brat". Except that Mary is a complete sweetheart, Leda thought. And if I ever saw her stupid mother again, I'd smack her. "What're they doin' Leda?" Mary asked, lisping slightly through her missing teeth. Mary was referring to the men outside who were inspecting the land around the hospice. All trim young men dressed in business suits and a few contractors. Earl Kirkland was a rich business man who wanted to start his own mall. Right on the land where the hospice was. Unless he could find a better place, the hospice would be torn down in February. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Leda thought. And they were so excited about making their own Valentine's Day cards and having a party. "Nothing important, Mary," Leda responded, kissing the girl on the cheek. "Let's go finish your macaroni picture frame, okay?" "Can we use the wheels?" Mary asked eagerly. "Will you paint them silver for me? Please?" "Sure," Leda replied, setting her down and taking her hand. "Anything you like, sweetie." She hadn't been lying when she'd told Mary the men were doing nothing important. Building a stupid mall wasn't important. Taking care of these children, that was important. Leda lead Mary into the crafts room and sat down with her at a table covered in glitter, glue, and pieces of macaroni. That was how they spent the afternoon, making a picture frame with pieces of silver-painted macaroni and enough glitter to choke a horse. "Leda?" Leda glanced up. Martha, the woman who ran the hospice, stood in the doorway. She was a plump, middle-aged woman with the kindest smile Leda had ever seen. If she could, she would probably buy the hospice. But it was owned by the state, and the price was just too high. Leda stood up, trying to wipe some of the glitter on her hands off on her jeans. "Mr. Kirkland's son, Aidan, would like a tour of the premises," Martha explained. Leda froze. Now there was a name she'd hoped to never hear again. She'd gone to school with Aidan Kirkland for years and they had never liked each other. He was a spoiled prick who didn't care about anyone but himself. Leaving Mary in the care of Martha, she headed out into the "front office", a dingy spot with a desk in the corner that was hardly ever cleaned. Aidan Kirkland was dreamy, and that made him even more irritating. Although at the moment his hair was slicked back from his face, which didn't look very good. It was usually kinda long and shaggy, as if he just didn't think about cutting it for months at a time. His jaw line was a bit strong for the elegant lines of his nose and cheekbones, but it gave his face character. Too bad the rest of him doesn't have any character, Leda thought, stopping in front of him. He's like a snake. A snake with the most brilliant green eyes she'd ever seen. "You wanted a tour?" Leda said shortly, scowling at him. "Not that this place is big enough to warrant one," Aidan responded, yawning. "All right, lead the way." "Mr. Kirkland," Leda said quietly. "If you'd rather not see the place, than I'd rather not show you." "Watch how you speak to me!" Aidan snapped, glaring at her. "What's your name?" "Leda Harper," Leda replied. "We went to school together. Don't you remember?" She watched the expression on his face flicker, his eyes widening slightly. It was gone just as quickly, though, and his smooth business face was back. So he does remember, Leda thought, biting back a grin. I bet he remembers the time I kneed him in the balls quite well. Her first year of high school (she'd been a couple years behind him) she'd had to deal with freshman hazing. Until Aidan had pinned her to a locker, trying to get her to eat a raw egg, and she'd nailed him in the nuts. "Vaguely," Aidan said, looking irritated. "Are you going to show us around or not?" "Follow me," Leda muttered, turning on her heels and heading into the crafts room. ***** Leda Harper. Oh yes, Aidan remembered her very well indeed. Well, he remembered how she had been, at least. She'd had glasses and braces, muddy brown hair, and had been rather pudgy. Something had to have changed in all the years since he'd last seen her. The glasses and braces were gone. Her hair was now a long, silken sheet of golden brown. And she was trim and slender, as though she'd grown out of her baby fat just a little later than everyone else. Damn bitch, Aidan thought, following her into a cramped room full of messy tables. I never did get her back for that day. His body still ached, thinking about it. At first he'd had fun teasing her. He'd actually gotten the hare-brained notion, for a short time at least, that she was cute. And now that she was beautiful, Aidan hated her even more. He felt rather sulky as he followed her through the building and into the lot in the back. "Pretty pathetic," Aidan commented, staring at the weedy, dusty yard. "Not worth letting stand." "Children live here, Mr. Kirkland," Leda said through gritted teeth. "This is their home." "Then they'll have to find another one, won't they?" Aidan said, smiling viciously. Leda took a deep breath, as though calming herself down. "Mr. Kirkland, please. The hospice is all these children have..." She really did have pretty eyes. Soft, pale blue in color, lined in thick lashes that gave her the look of someone who spent too much time day-dreaming. So what? Aidan thought, giving himself a mental shake. In a couple short weeks I'll never have to see her or these brats again. He turned slightly, beckoning for the contractor who had been following them. Johnston (that was his last name and all he was ever called by) was a different contractor from their usual, who hadn't approved of this plan. Aidan didn't much like Johnston, actually. He was slimy, beyond the greed seen in a lot of big business men. There was just something about him that didn't feel right, but it was his father's choice who was hired, not his. "What do you think?" Aidan asked. Johnston leered at Leda as he answered. "Ground here isn't too bad. If it warms up a bit, we could get started by the end of February." "Good," Aidan said. He looked at Leda. "Make sure this place is cleared out by the fourteenth." "But...but that's Valentine's Day!" Leda protested, taking a step forward. "We have a party planned for the children, you can't just-" "Yes I can," Aidan interrupted, glaring at her. "And there's absolutely nothing you can do about it." Leda stared at him for a long minute. Her nose was turning slightly red, as if she was fighting not to cry. Then she turned and hustled back into the building, pushing past the rest of the men who'd come out to join them. Many of his father's business partners had sent their sons to attend to this matter. Aidan gave them a smile and a shrug, and they all laughed. "Take a look around, gentlemen," Aidan said, opening his arms and turning to face the empty lot. "Before you know it, this pathetic scrap of nothing will be a bustling center of economic activity!" They all laughed again. Nothing to worry about, Aidan thought, smiling to himself. This is one business venture that will go over without a hitch. Some little bitch from school wasn't going to stop him from achieving his goals. Not even someone as beautiful as Leda Harper. ***** Leda paced the upper floor of the hospice, in the one room that wasn't currently in use. The children grew plants in here...mostly marigolds and aloe, which didn't need much tending. There were many days when they couldn't get out of bed, but they wanted to care for their plants themselves. Leda could hear the voices of Aidan and the other business men through the open window. They were right below her, talking about the plans for the parking garage. A parking garage! she thought, clenching her hands into fists. How can they do this!? They hadn't even glanced at the children as they walked through the building. Leda couldn't believe that anyone could be so callous and cruel. Sighing, she sank down to the floor beneath the window, trying to tune out their voices. How long are they going to stand out there? she wondered, running her fingers through her hair. "Leda?" She glanced up. Mary was standing in the doorway, clutching a ragged doll and dragging a sewing kit. Ah, time for the annual patching of Suzie, Leda thought, smiling to herself. I forgot it was that time again. Suzie was the doll she'd made for Mary originally, when she'd come to the hospice three years ago. Mary had taken the doll everywhere, until it began to fall apart. Now Leda had to sew up some part or other once a month. She'd offer to make a new doll, but Mary refused. "Suzie has a boo-boo," Mary pouted. "Come here, sweetie," Leda said, opening her arms. "I'll make it all better." Mary came over and sat down on the floor next to Leda, handing the doll over. This time the doll's head was close to falling off. Although it had been re-stitched once, nearly a year ago, the stitches had finally fallen out. She acts so young, Leda thought, watching Mary stick her thumb in her mouth. Or maybe it's just because each one handles it so differently. Some of them were wise beyond their years and others were hyper and silly. "Those men were talkin'." Mary mumbled around her thumb. Leda only understood her because she was used to it. She threaded a needle, then glanced down at Mary. "It's not polite to eavesdrop, Mary." "You did it," Mary pointed out. "Ouch," Leda laughed. "Okay, smarty pants, you caught me. What were they talking about?" "Are they really takin' our home away, Leda?" Mary asked. Leda sighed. If Mary had realized this, then the other children had too. She would have to go downstairs when she was finished sewing up Suzie and talk with them. They were smart children, too perceptive for their own good. Tuning out the voices of the men below the window, Leda concentrated on sewing up Suzie. She loved to sew, and aside from dolls, she made a lot of clothes for the children. "There you go," Leda said, handing the doll back to Mary ten minutes later. "She's all better." "Thanks, Leda!" Mary exclaimed, hugging the doll tightly. "No problem, sweetheart," Leda said, standing up and helping Mary to her feet. "Go on downstairs. I'll be there in a minute." As Mary headed downstairs, Leda turned back to the window. She could still hear the voices coming up from below. Resting her hands on the sill, she studied the heavy terra-cotta plant pot sitting there. Taking a peek out of the window, she could see Aidan Kirkland below her, talking animatedly to the other men. He didn't look up. I'd like to drop this on his head, Leda thought, biting her lip. If he was dead he couldn't take the hospice away from us. It was a horrible thought, and so unlike her. Even when it came to a snake like Aidan, she felt guilty for a thought like that. There must be a way I can convince him to drop this project, Leda thought, frowning. Or maybe I can find a better place than here to build it. Except she had no idea where. She knew nothing about the kind of land needed to build a mall on, or if there were any places big enough available. "Leda?" She jumped, startled out of her thoughts by Martha calling for her. Leda's elbow knocked against the pot on the window sill, sending it off balance. Her eyes widened as the pot tipped over the edge of the sill and fell. There was a loud crash below and a lot of shouting. Leda squeezed her eyes shut, afraid to look and see what had happened. She heard Martha's footsteps as the woman raced down the stairs and outside. It took long minutes before she could make herself move and go downstairs. By that time an ambulance had already been called. Leda stood, frozen, as an EMT checked Aidan's pulse. Oh no, she thought, feeling her stomach sink. I...I didn't mean to... "He's just out cold," the EMT said, standing up. "But we'll take him to the hospital and have them run some tests." "What the hell happened?" one of the businessmen asked. "Something fell on him!" "Um..." Leda cleared her throat. "I um...It was an accident. Martha startled me and...and I knocked it over...I'm really, really s-sorry..." All eyes turned to her. She could feel her heart pounding hard against her ribs. What if they don't believe me? Leda wondered, biting her lip. They certainly don't look like they believe me... Martha stepped up to her and put an arm around her shoulders. "I saw the whole thing," Martha said. "Sirs...Leda would never do something like this on purpose. She was distracted and when I called her name, she accidentally knocked the pot over." "And coincidentally hit him directly on the head?" the man demanded. "Sure." Leda winced. "I swear, I didn't mean to knock it over! I really didn't!" "Calm down, miss," the EMT, who was working with another to slide Aidan onto a stretcher, soothed. "There's no proof of anything but that it fell on him. I suggest you wait here. We'll have someone call when we know how he is...okay?" "Thank you," Leda said, feeling relieved. At least they weren't treating her like a criminal. It was true that no one but Martha had seen her, after all. Still, she was pretty sure she'd end up in trouble anyway. Earl Kirkland wasn't going to take this sitting down. I am going to be in so much trouble, Leda thought, watching as the ambulance drove away. Ah...I shouldn't be hoping this will keep him from coming back here! But she was. Maybe Earl Kirkland would decide it was better to just stay away. Fat chance, she thought, sighing. He'll just want to take this place even more. Martha helped her back into the hospice and into the kitchen. All the children were in the crafts room at the moment. Leda sank down onto a stool that was generally used while peeling potatoes or carrots. She felt completely numb. Looking up at Martha, she realized that the older woman was smiling. "I know I shouldn't find it funny," Martha said quietly. "But that slimy prick deserved it."