Before settling into bed, Brenda padded down to the kitchen to get a glass of water. She didn't bother putting a robe over her short cotton nightgown because Jason had told her he would be out late working. The penthouse was silent and still as she walked through the living room. She couldn't help but glance at the closed door; wishing she could see through it, and the one across the hall. She wondered what Sonny was doing over there, in his new life. Shaking the thoughts from her head she went into the kitchen and retrieved a glass from the cabinet.

Sonny opened the door without knocking. He and Jason did that to each other all the time, and it was a bad habit they each knew they should break. But Jason was doing some important work for Sonny, and he wanted an update. Closing the door behind him, Sonny strolled further into the living room and looked around, realizing that Jason wasn't there. Brenda emerged from the kitchen and almost walked right into him, barely preventing the water in her glass from sloshing over the rim. Startled, she let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, it's you!" Sonny couldn't find his voice. He tried not to be obvious as his eyes raked up her body; over her smooth, tanned legs, her hips covered by a thin veil of material which also lay like an invitation over her breasts. Her lips, which were now in the form of a smile, just showing her perfectly white teeth; and her eyes, large, brown, and capable of pulling him in for life.

Finally, Sonny spoke; "as opposed to whom?" "Well, Jason of course," Brenda replied. "You walk around like that in front of Jason?" Sonny questioned, his jealousy simmering at the surface in plain site. Brenda got a thrill from his obvious displeasure; but then again, she'd gotten a thrill the minute she saw his face. The years had been good to him, and while he looked older, like he'd been through a lot, he also was more handsome than ever. Brenda tilted her head slightly to one side and told him, "Jason's not here; he's out doing something for you." Sonny nodded his head, although she didn't really answer his question. He stared into her eyes, not wanting to move. Brenda stared back, her heart pounding. She knew one of them would have to break the tension, so she did. "Well, goodnight Sonny." And before he could react, she disappeared up the stairs with her water; her stomach doing flip-flops.

She hurried into her bedroom, and shut the door. She walked over and put the glass down on the night table, and then turned to pick up her hairbrush. Standing in front of a large mirror, she brushed her hair; the door to the room clearly visible behind her. She wanted it to open; she hoped it would open; she willed it to open. It opened. Sonny rushed in, closed it behind him, and covered the few feet to her in less than a flash. He reached out and spun her around by the shoulders. Brenda dropped the hairbrush to the floor. Cupping her face in his hands like he'd always done, Sonny took her mouth in a fierce kiss. Brenda's knees buckled, and she melted into him. In the next moment they were on the bed, and as Sonny continued kissing her, his strong hands slid under her teddy. He groaned upon feeling her soft skin once again, and Brenda whimpered against his mouth as he reached her breasts.

Suddenly, Sonny stopped kissing her and pulled his head back. Brenda looked at him with questioning eyes; didn't he still want her? "This is all that matters to me now," he whispered. "And I know I'm wrong…I have a family…" Brenda smiled and told him, "just knowing it's what you want is enough Sonny. I don't want you to do anything you'll regret." Sonny's hands were still caressing her skin; he couldn't seem to stop…he didn't want to. "What I want," he told her, "is to forget the last six years ever happened. To pretend I met you in the church that day, and that you're my wife." Brenda reached up and started unbuttoning his shirt. "Then make me your wife," she whispered. "I will," Sonny whispered back; "I swear to God I will." Brenda giggled, "no silly…I mean now!" Sonny smiled, and lowered his mouth onto hers once again.

THE END