Just a sisterly affection, nothing more.”

For a moment, Deanna found herself lost for words. Rosalynn's reasoning was like a swiftly moving river; it was impossible to find a foothold to argue against. So, she chose to turn away, her silent defiance the only protest she could muster.

Rosalynn glanced at her wristwatch, waited patiently, then removed the silver needles.

“Time for you to hit the hay," she announced.

“ve got to head out."

As she prepared to Leave, Rosalynn tucked the needles away and nudged the temperature up on the air conditioner.

ALL the while, Deanna watched, her thoughts as complex and Layered as the scene unfolding in front of her.

As moments slipped by, the discomfort Lessened.

Rosalynn's thoughtful and skilled touch made it all the more bearable.

Her genuine concern, her efficiency, maybe these were the qualities that drew Brian to her, Deanna mused.

Downstairs, Rosalynn was caught in a reverie, her gaze flitting between the ticking hands of her wristwatch and the door. Would Brian return soon?

He had gone to meet a client with Selina, and would Likely drop Selina home.

Caught in her own thoughts, Rosalynn wondered if she should linger here, or retreat to solitude.

Weighing her options, she decided to reach out to Brian

Meanwhile, Brian and Selina emerged from a hotel.

The effects of a few drinks made the world around Brian spin slightly.

He craved the comforting solitude of closed eyelids the moment he nestled into the car seat.

Next to him, Selina was stealing glances at his compelling visage, her eyes brimming with hidden affection.

She leaned in, her voice softening to a whisper.

“Brian, is your head throbbing?"

“A bit," Brian answered, his eyes still closed against the intrusive world.

“Let me ease it," Selina offered, her voice a mere breath away. She lifted her hands to his temples, her touch feather-light as her body leaned into the proximity.