Jamie wasn''t done yet and threw in another jab. "You''re splitting in six months anyway, so why bother with her so much?"


    Everett shrugged. "As long as she''s Mrs. Bet, even for just one day, she''s got to do her part!"


    "And what exactly is ''her part'' supposed to be?"


    Everett''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. After a moment, he took another sip of his drink and replied, "She needs to be obedient, listen to me, not get on my nerves, and bepletely devoted to me as my wife." She had been doing just that for the past three years.


    Jamie shot back, "You want her to be all about you, but can you say the same for yourself?"


    Everett found himself at a rare loss for words.


    "Yeah, keep dreaming!" Jaime teased.


    Jamie considered himself a bit of a scoundrel, but even he felt Everett was taking things too far.


    He patted his good friend''s shoulder and said earnestly, "Your wife''s been dealing with your cold shoulder for three years. If you''re really not into her, let her go out of respect for the time she''s given you!" "She''s still young and gorgeous; finding someone new won''t be hard. Waiting until she''s older and worn out would be unfair."


    A new love? Everett''s jaw tightened, and he shook off Jamie''s hand, gritting out, "Selena married me, and she''s not going to make a fool out of me, not even after we divorce!"


    Jamie sighed, "Honestly, it seems like your wife got the short end of the stick with you. I might shed a tear for her out of sympathy."


    Everett had heard enough and stood up abruptly, ready to leave.


    Just as he was about to walk out, Jamie called after him, "Everett, haven''t you noticed you''re more concerned about hertely? You should really think about what''s going on with you!" Him, care about Selena? What a joke! Everett didn''t pause or look back as he left.


    He couldn''t drive because of the alcohol, so the club arranged a chauffeur. Once he was in the car, the driver asked where to go.


    He mumbled an address and shut his eyes to catch some rest.


    Over an hourter, the car stopped, and the driver gently woke him. "Mr. Bet, we''re here."


    Everett opened his eyes to find himself at the vi in Moon Bay, not at the office. He frowned, "I thought I said Bet Corporation?" The driver looked surprised, "Mr. Bet, you said Moon Bay."


    "Did I?"


    The driver nodded sincerely.


    Everett paused for a moment and then said, "Never mind. You can call it a day."


    He got out of the car and walked into the vi, his long strides echoing in the quiet.


    Selena and Ava were asleep; the house was peaceful. He changed his shoes at the door, touched the rail as he went up the stairs, and entered the bedroom.


    Selena was asleep on the soft bed, the dim light of the bedsidemp casting a gentle glow over her. Somehow, it brought a sense of calm over him.


    Just then, Selena turned over unconsciously, kicking off the nket Her nightgown had ridden up to her waist, giving Everett an unexpected view of her delicate form.


    Thece panties and the slender legs stirred something deep inside him.


    Perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe just instinct, but Everett shed his jacket and tossed it aside, removing his tie as he moved.


    Clothesy scattered on the floor as he lifted the nket and slipped in beside her, wrapping her in his arms.


    He breathed in her unique scent-not perfume, just body wash-and it was intoxicating.


    Unable to resist, he kissed the back


    of Selena''s neck, his touch


    vel


    bing more insistent, and Selena seemed to sense it, murmuring softly, hershesN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    fluttering as she began to wake.