By the time Michael arrived home I had my frenzy well in control through meditation and soul-searching. I was in the office when he came in, and his pleasant surprise at the sight of me was reassuring. He immediately came to my desk and kissed me. "What a great surprise, Lise!! I didn't expect you for another couple of days! What happened? Oh, no - it didn't go south, I hope, did it? I thought the negotiations were going well. Did they go that well? Are you done? You're absolutely amazing, kiddo!! You can break down the best of them in no time at all, can't you?" When I stood and hugged Michael, I wanted to kick myself for my doubts and insecurities. I had a man in front of me that was pleased I was home early, that had unconditional faith in my abilities, and loved me. I had overwhelming guilt about doubting his fidelity and questioning his motives. My regret mounted when Michael nuzzled my neck and said, "Damn, Lise. You can't imagine how much I miss you when you're gone. This bed is way too big and cold when you're not here. I'm so glad you're home, babe. Let me grab a quick shower and then I want to make love to you until we both pass out. Why don't you call for some pizza or Chinese, for when we take a break, huh?" He grinned at me lecherously.

"Hey, look! You cleaned my side! Have I told you lately how wonderful you are? I knew the maid would never clean it up, and she wasn't doing a great job of cleaning around it, but, well ... you know me. Organization just isn't my forte. Leave it to you to come home after a long trip, and then clean up after messy me! I'll have to think of SOME way to demonstrate my gratitude, heh heh. Mmmmmm, I think I have just the thing in mind," he said, as he slid his hand into my pajamas, grinning even more. He let me go with a chuckle.

I felt a flood of guilt, love and remorse. I told him that I had already called for food, and had a quick cry while he took a shower. The remainder of the night passed slowly and passionately, with very little talk at all, and no talk whatsoever about phone calls or Caller ID.

Sometime during the dark hours of early Wednesday morning, I woke with a start, sweating yet cold. I wandered the house, trying to force the irrational thoughts from my mind. I decided to speak to Michael first thing in the morning, in order to close the subject and stop the insanity. I went back to bed and fell into a restless sleep. My plans to confront Michael were quickly dispelled when he woke me by making love to me again. He swept the alarm off the nightstand when it rang and said, "We're staying home today, Babe, at least this morning. You can call Lissa later and tell her you've got to attend to some personal stuff you've been neglecting with all your travel. Maybe we'll go in later. Probably not." He dove back under the covers before I could react. His expertise pushed the thoughts from my mind again and again. I fell in love with Michael all over that morning.