Alison_NP1 Ridgefield_NP1 glanced_VVD at_II her_APPGE watch_NN1 ,_, briskly_RR making_VVG her_APPGE way_NN1 up_II the_AT flagstone_NN1 path_NN1 to_II the_AT front_JJ door_NN1 ._. 
To_II her_APPGE surprise_NN1 it_PPH1 was_VBDZ slightly_RR open_JJ and_CC she_PPHS1 could_VM hear_VVI an_AT1 angry_JJ voice_NN1 inside_RL ._. 
While_CS her_APPGE gut_NN1 was_VBDZ screaming_VVG at_II her_PPHO1 to_TO run_VVI she_PPHS1 knew_VVD the_AT right_JJ thing_NN1 to_TO do_VDI was_VBDZ stay_NN1 ._. 
This_DD1 was_VBDZ ,_, after_II all_DB ,_, an_AT1 interview_NN1 ._. 
The_AT mellow_JJ chimes_NN2 of_IO the_AT doorbell_NN1 brought_VVD an_AT1 end_NN1 to_II the_AT loud_JJ voices_NN2 ._. 
A_AT1 second_NNT1 later_RRR the_AT door_NN1 swung_VVD open_JJ to_TO reveal_VVI a_AT1 very_RG tall_JJ ,_, very_RG good_JJ looking_VVG ,_, very_RG pissed_JJ off_II man_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 glared_VVD at_II her_PPHO1 in_II welcome_NN1 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ ?_? "_" 
Undeterred_JJ she_PPHS1 smiled_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM Alison_NP1 Ridgefield_NP1 and_CC I_PPIS1 'm_VBM looking_VVG for_IF Mr._NNB Cole_NP1 Montgomery_NP1 ._. "_" 
Cole_NP1 stared_VVD at_II the_AT petite_JJ woman_NN1 in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 him_PPHO1 ._. 
Good_JJ lord_NN1 she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ short_JJ !_! 
The_AT top_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE head_NN1 barely_RR made_VVD it_PPH1 to_II the_AT middle_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE chest_NN1 !_! 
She_PPHS1 'd_VHD mentioned_VVN her_APPGE name_NN1 and_CC he_PPHS1 belatedly_RR remembered_VVD who_PNQS she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ._. 
"_" Right_RR ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 ground_VVD out_RP ._. 
"_" The_AT housekeeping_NN1 assistant_NN1 job_NN1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 nodded_VVD ,_, her_APPGE brown_JJ eyes_NN2 sparkling_VVG as_CSA she_PPHS1 tucked_VVD back_RP a_AT1 strand_NN1 of_IO dark_JJ hair_NN1 ._. 
"_" Yes_UH ._. "_" 
That_DD1 damn_JJ woman_NN1 started_VVD screeching_VVG through_II the_AT phone_NN1 in_II his_APPGE hand_NN1 and_CC he_PPHS1 glowered_VVD at_II it_PPH1 ._. 
"_" Would_VM you_PPY be_VBI able_JK to_TO come_VVI back_RP some_DD other_JJ time_NNT1 ?_? 
Now_RT 's_VBZ not_XX a_AT1 good_JJ time_NNT1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 pulled_VVD out_RP her_APPGE Blackberry_NN1 and_CC nodded_VVD ._. 
"_" What_DDQ day_NNT1 works_VVZ best_RRT for_IF you_PPY ?_? "_" 
What_DDQ day_NNT1 ?_? 
Hell_NN1 if_CS he_PPHS1 knew_VVD !_! 
He_PPHS1 shoved_VVD a_AT1 hand_NN1 through_II his_APPGE short_JJ dark_JJ hair_NN1 ._. 
"_" Tomorrow_RT morning_NNT1 ,_, same_DA time_NNT1 but_CCB at_II the_AT office_NN1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 finally_RR said_VVD ._. 
"_" Address_NN1 ?_? "_" 
He_PPHS1 gave_VVD it_PPH1 to_II her_PPHO1 and_CC she_PPHS1 smiled_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'll_VM see_VVI you_PPY tomorrow_RT ._. 
Have_VH0 a_AT1 good_JJ day_NNT1 ,_, Mr._NNB Montgomery_NP1 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 stood_VVD there_RL for_IF a_AT1 second_NNT1 then_RT remembered_VVD the_AT phone_NN1 ._. 
God_NP1 he_PPHS1 'd_VM be_VBI lucky_JJ if_CS he_PPHS1 ever_RR dated_VVN another_DD1 woman_NN1 after_II today_RT !_! 
Hoping_VVG he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ in_II a_AT1 much_RR better_JJR mood_NN1 today_RT ,_, Alison_NP1 gave_VVD her_APPGE name_NN1 to_II a_AT1 man_NN1 in_II the_AT lobby_NN1 who_PNQS phoned_VVD Cole_NP1 's_GE office_NN1 ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 'll_VM see_VVI you_PPY now_RT ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD politely_RR and_CC directed_VVD her_PPHO1 to_II his_APPGE floor_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 knocked_VVD on_II his_APPGE door_NN1 and_CC at_II his_APPGE bidding_NN1 entered_VVD an_AT1 office_NN1 the_AT size_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE studio_NN1 ._. 
The_AT man_NN1 behind_II the_AT desk_NN1 kept_VVD those_DD2 midnight_NNT1 eyes_NN2 on_II her_PPHO1 while_CS the_AT other_JJ four_MC turned_VVD to_TO watch_VVI her_PPHO1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 smiled_VVD and_CC shook_VVD his_APPGE hand_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 waved_VVD for_IF the_AT two_MC in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 his_APPGE desk_NN1 to_TO offer_VVI her_PPHO1 a_AT1 chair_NN1 and_CC she_PPHS1 smiled_VVD her_APPGE thanks_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX say_VVI anything_PN1 when_CS she_PPHS1 sat_VVD down_RP so_CS she_PPHS1 tucked_VVD her_APPGE legs_NN2 beneath_II the_AT chair_NN1 ,_, folded_VVN her_APPGE hands_NN2 and_CC waited_VVN ._. 
She_PPHS1 had_VHD great_JJ legs_NN2 ,_, he_PPHS1 noticed_VVD and_CC fought_VVD the_AT urge_NN1 to_TO stare_VVI ._. 
They_PPHS2 were_VBDR n't_XX exactly_RR slim_JJ ;_; they_PPHS2 were_VBDR toned_VVN ,_, the_AT muscles_NN2 defined_VVN with_IW each_DD1 step_NN1 she_PPHS1 took_VVD in_II her_APPGE high_JJ heels_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 followed_VVD her_APPGE legs_NN2 to_II the_AT floral_JJ print_NN1 skirt_NN1 to_II the_AT v-neck_JJ white_JJ shirt_NN1 to_II the_AT silver_NN1 chain_NN1 around_II her_APPGE neck_NN1 to_II those_DD2 brown_JJ eyes_NN2 that_CST were_VBDR smiling_VVG at_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Ms._NNB Ridgefield_NP1 ,_, thank_VV0 you_PPY for_IF coming_VVG ._. "_" 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR welcome_JJ and_CC it_PPH1 's_VBZ just_RR Alison_NP1 or_CC Ali_NP1 ._. "_" 
"_" Very_RG well_RR ,_, Alison_NP1 ,_, and_CC it_PPH1 's_VBZ Cole_NP1 ._. 
These_DD2 are_VBR my_APPGE colleagues_NN2 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 named_VVD off_RP each_DD1 man_NN1 starting_VVG with_IW the_AT two_MC on_II her_APPGE left_JJ ,_, Mark_NP1 Gilbert_NP1 and_CC Travis_NP1 Hamilton_NP1 ,_, to_II the_AT two_MC on_II her_APPGE right_NN1 ,_, Josh_NP1 Miller_NP1 and_CC Sam_NP1 Harper_NP1 ._. 
"_" Nice_JJ to_TO meet_VVI you_PPY all_DB ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD politely_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 glanced_VVD over_RP her_APPGE resume_NN1 but_CCB did_VDD n't_XX know_VVI what_DDQ the_AT hell_NN1 he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ reading_VVG ._. 
"_" Alison_NP1 ,_, I_PPIS1 'll_VM be_VBI honest_JJ ._. 
You_PPY look_VV0 too_RG young_JJ to_TO do_VDI this_DD1 job_NN1 and_CC I_PPIS1 'm_VBM looking_VVG for_IF someone_PN1 who_PNQS can_VM hold_VVI their_APPGE own_DA ._. 
I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX have_VHI time_NNT1 to_TO be_VBI overly_RR sensitive_JJ about_II someone_PN1 's_GE feelings_NN2 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 regarded_VVD him_PPHO1 in_II silence_NN1 for_IF a_AT1 moment_NN1 then_RT said_VVD ,_, "_" I_PPIS1 know_VV0 that_CST I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX look_VVI old_JJ enough_RR to_TO handle_VVI this_DD1 job_NN1 but_CCB I_PPIS1 assure_VV0 you_PPY I_PPIS1 can_VM do_VDI it_PPH1 ._. 
It_PPH1 's_VBZ not_XX just_RR determination_NN1 ;_; it_PPH1 's_VBZ experience_NN1 ._. 
Sometimes_RT the_AT best_JJT experience_NN1 is_VBZ n't_XX gained_VVN from_II a_AT1 job_NN1 but_CCB from_II life_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" That_DD1 may_VM be_VBI so_RR but_CCB I_PPIS1 wo_VM n't_XX waste_VVI my_APPGE time_NNT1 trying_VVG to_TO figure_VVI you_PPY out_RP so_CS I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX offend_VVI your_APPGE or_CC make_VV0 you_PPY feel_VVI uncomfortable_JJ ._. 
It_PPH1 's_VBZ not_XX just_RR my_APPGE job_NN1 that_CST 's_VBZ stressful_JJ ;_; it_PPH1 's_VBZ my_APPGE personal_JJ life_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY need_VV0 to_TO take_VVI orders_NN2 without_IW questioning_VVG me_PPIO1 ._. 
You_PPY need_VV0 to_TO understand_VVI that_CST if_CS I_PPIS1 snap_VV0 at_II you_PPY it_PPH1 may_VM have_VHI nothing_PN1 to_TO do_VDI with_IW you_PPY at_RR21 all_RR22 ._. 
The_AT people_NN in_II my_APPGE life_NN1 can_VM be_VBI just_RR as_CSA demanding_VVG and_CC they_PPHS2 're_VBR in_II my_APPGE home_NN1 or_CC office_NN1 and_CC I_PPIS1 ask_VV0 you_PPY to_TO assist_VVI them_PPHO2 ,_, you_PPY 'll_VM need_VVI to_TO do_VDI it_PPH1 without_IW complaining_VVG ._. "_" 
"_" And_CC I_PPIS1 can_VM do_VDI that_DD1 ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 insisted_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM not_XX some_DD hormonally_RR sensitive_JJ high_JJ school_NN1 teenager_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY being_VBG demanding_JJ and_CC maybe_RR a_RR21 little_RR22 insensitive_JJ to_II my_APPGE feelings_NN2 is_VBZ expected_VVN ._. 
I_PPIS1 'm_VBM not_XX going_VVGK to_TO run_VVI away_RL crying_VVG about_II you_PPY having_VHG hurt_VVN my_APPGE feelings_NN2 ._. 
I_PPIS1 can_VM do_VDI whatever_DDQV you_PPY need_VV0 me_PPIO1 to_TO do_VDI to_TO make_VVI your_APPGE life_NN1 and_CC home_NN1 more_RGR manageable_JJ ._. "_" 
Cole_NP1 leaned_VVD back_RP in_II his_APPGE chair_NN1 ,_, thoughtfully_RR tapping_VVG his_APPGE pen_NN1 against_II his_APPGE desk_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 reread_VVD her_PPHO1 resume_VV0 ;_; combined_VVN with_IW what_DDQ she_PPHS1 'd_VHD just_RR said_VVN he_PPHS1 knew_VVD she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ capable_JJ of_IO doing_VDG the_AT job_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 just_RR felt_VVD a_RR21 bit_RR22 guilty_JJ about_II jading_VVG her_PPHO1 at_II such_DA a_AT1 young_JJ age_NN1 ._. 
"_" How_RGQ old_JJ are_VBR you_PPY ,_, Alison_NP1 ?_? "_" 
She_PPHS1 blinked_VVD ,_, slightly_RR taken_VVN aback_RL by_II his_APPGE question_NN1 ._. 
"_" Twenty-six_MC ._. "_" 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ his_APPGE turn_NN1 to_TO blink_VVI but_CCB with_IW surprise_NN1 ._. 
"_" Twenty-six_MC ?_? "_" 
"_" Yes_UH ._. "_" 
Understanding_NN1 lit_VVD her_APPGE eyes_NN2 and_CC she_PPHS1 chuckled_VVD softly_RR ._. 
"_" How_RGQ old_JJ did_VDD you_PPY think_VVI I_PPIS1 am_VBM ?_? "_" 
"_" Not_XX twenty-six_MC !_! "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD gruffly_RR ._. 
Two_MC of_IO his_APPGE colleagues_NN2 shifted_VVN and_CC smirked_VVN ._. 
Ignoring_VVG them_PPHO2 she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, "_" I_PPIS1 assure_VV0 you_PPY I_PPIS1 'm_VBM old_JJ enough_RR to_TO do_VDI this_DD1 job_NN1 and_CC old_JJ enough_RR to_TO do_VDI it_PPH1 well_RR ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 nodded_VVD ,_, glaring_VVG at_II his_APPGE colleagues_NN2 ._. 
He_PPHS1 released_VVD a_AT1 deep_JJ breath_NN1 and_CC leaned_VVD forward_RL ._. 
"_" You_PPY start_VV0 tomorrow_RT at_II seven_MC ._. 
I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX care_VVI if_CSW you_PPY 're_VBR an_AT1 hour_NNT1 early_RR but_CCB do_VD0 not_XX be_VBI late_JJ ._. "_" 
The_AT warning_NN1 was_VBDZ clear_JJ and_CC she_PPHS1 nodded_VVD her_APPGE understanding_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 wrapped_VVD his_APPGE fingers_NN2 around_II hers_PPGE in_II a_AT1 firm_JJ handshake_NN1 and_CC eyed_VVD those_DD2 legs_NN2 as_CSA she_PPHS1 walked_VVD out_RP ._. 
Alison_NP1 was_VBDZ n't_XX prepared_VVN to_TO meet_VVI his_APPGE family_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 were_VBDR warm_JJ and_CC friendly_JJ and_CC loving_JJ ,_, yes_UH ,_, but_CCB their_APPGE straightforwardness_NN1 shocked_VVD and_CC amused_VVD her_PPHO1 ._. 
And_CC Ray_NP1 's_GE question_NN1 &hellip;_... 
That_DD1 threw_VVD her_PPHO1 ._. 
The_AT problem_NN1 was_VBDZ she_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX not_XX answer_VVI it_PPH1 ;_; the_AT entire_JJ table_NN1 had_VHD fallen_VVN silent_JJ awaiting_VVG her_APPGE answer_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 glanced_VVD around_RP at_II the_AT faces_NN2 of_IO his_APPGE family_NN1 ,_, ending_VVG with_IW a_AT1 hard_JJ swallow_NN1 when_CS she_PPHS1 settled_VVD on_II Cole_NP1 's_GE face_NN1 ._. 
What_DDQ did_VDD she_PPHS1 think_VVI of_IO him_PPHO1 ?_? 
Keeping_VVG her_APPGE gaze_NN1 on_II his_APPGE she_PPHS1 said_VVD ,_, "_" It_PPH1 's_VBZ not_XX what_DDQ I_PPIS1 think_VV0 ,_, Ray_NP1 ,_, it_PPH1 's_VBZ what_DDQ I_PPIS1 know_VV0 ._. 
He_PPHS1 's_VHZ got_VVN a_AT1 great_JJ laugh_NN1 ,_, a_AT1 killer_NN1 smile_NN1 ,_, is_VBZ amazingly_RR polite_JJ ,_, courteous_JJ and_CC sincere_JJ ,_, can_VM be_VBI serious_JJ about_II business_NN1 and_CC easy_RR going_VVG everywhere_RL else_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 's_VHZ got_VVN great_JJ friends_NN2 who_PNQS compliment_VV0 his_APPGE personality_NN1 and_CC keep_VV0 him_PPHO1 in_II line_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 may_VM have_VHI just_RR met_VVN you_PPY guys_NN2 ,_, but_CCB I_PPIS1 know_VV0 he_PPHS1 's_VHZ got_VVN an_AT1 amazing_JJ family_NN1 that_CST wants_VVZ what_DDQ 's_VBZ best_JJT for_IF him_PPHO1 even_CS21 if_CS22 you_PPY guys_NN2 are_VBR pretty_RG blunt_JJ and_CC he_PPHS1 does_VDZ n't_XX like_VVI it_PPH1 so_RG much_DA1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX know_VVI what_DDQ to_TO expect_VVI when_RRQ she_PPHS1 'd_VHD stopped_VVN talking_VVG but_CCB the_AT slack-jawed_JJ ,_, wide-eyed_JJ stares_NN2 was_VBDZ not_XX it_PPH1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 glanced_VVD from_II them_PPHO2 to_II Cole_NP1 who_PNQS wore_VVD the_AT same_DA expression_NN1 and_CC she_PPHS1 wondered_VVD if_CS she_PPHS1 'd_VHD answered_VVN wrong_JJ ._. 
"_" Did_VDD I_PPIS1 say_VVI something_PN1 wrong_JJ ?_? "_" 
That_DD1 jarred_VVD Ray_NP1 to_II life_NN1 who_PNQS came_VVD around_RP to_TO sweep_VVI her_PPHO1 into_II his_APPGE arms_NN2 and_CC he_PPHS1 kissed_VVD her_APPGE cheek_NN1 ._. 
"_" Honey_NN1 ,_, are_VBR you_PPY sure_JJ you_PPY 're_VBR not_XX more_DAR than_CSN his_APPGE assistant_NN1 ?_? "_" he_PPHS1 laughed_VVD ._. 
Gary_NP1 chuckled_VVD ._. 
"_" What_DDQ he_PPHS1 means_VVZ is_VBZ you_PPY 're_VBR observant_JJ ._. 
I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX think_VVI any_DD of_IO his_APPGE ex-girlfriends_NN2 were_VBDR that_RG insightful_JJ ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 blushed_VVD ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 's_VBZ hard_RR not_XX to_TO notice_VVI when_RRQ I_PPIS1 work_VV0 for_IF him_PPHO1 ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 mumbled_VVD ,_, tugging_VVG at_II the_AT hem_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE shirt_NN1 nervously_RR ._. 
Ray_NP1 snatched_VVD up_RP her_APPGE hand_NN1 ,_, bringing_VVG her_APPGE wary_JJ gaze_NN1 up_RP to_TO meet_VVI his_PPGE ._. 
"_" Do_VD0 n't_XX be_VBI shy_JJ ,_, sweetheart_NN1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 grinned_VVD ._. 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR just_RR what_DDQ Cole_NP1 needs_VVZ in_II his_APPGE boring_JJ life_NN1 !_! "_" 
He_PPHS1 gave_VVD her_PPHO1 one_MC1 last_MD hug_NN1 and_CC laughed_VVD his_APPGE way_NN1 back_RP to_II his_APPGE seat_NN1 ._. 
The_AT others_NN2 ,_, she_PPHS1 noticed_VVD ,_, were_VBDR just_RR as_RG amused_JJ with_IW her_APPGE answer_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 twisted_VVD her_APPGE fingers_NN2 together_RL and_CC dared_VVD a_AT1 glance_NN1 at_II Cole_NP1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ looking_VVG at_II her_PPHO1 intently_RR with_IW those_DD2 gorgeous_JJ midnight_NNT1 eyes_NN2 of_IO his_APPGE but_CCB she_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX read_VVI anything_PN1 in_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
She_PPHS1 gave_VVD a_AT1 small_JJ smile_NN1 and_CC he_PPHS1 smiled_VVD slowly_RR ._. 
She_PPHS1 breathed_VVD with_IW relief_NN1 ;_; at_RR21 least_RR22 he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX upset_VVN ._. 
With_IW the_AT promise_NN1 of_IO meeting_VVG for_IF breakfast_NN1 ,_, they_PPHS2 started_VVD back_RP to_II their_APPGE hotel_NN1 ._. 
Alison_NP1 ,_, he_PPHS1 noticed_VVD ,_, was_VBDZ unusually_RR quiet_JJ during_II their_APPGE ride_NN1 back_NN1 and_CC it_PPH1 was_VBDZ n't_XX until_CS they_PPHS2 were_VBDR safely_RR in_II his_APPGE room_NN1 that_CST he_PPHS1 asked_VVD ,_, "_" Something_PN1 wrong_JJ ?_? "_" 
She_PPHS1 shrugged_VVD and_CC opened_VVD the_AT connecting_JJ door_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM sorry_JJ if_CS my_APPGE answer_NN1 upset_VV0 you_PPY ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 stared_VVD at_II her_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Upset_VV0 me_PPIO1 ?_? "_" 
"_" You_PPY did_VDD n't_XX say_VVI anything_PN1 afterwards_RT and_CC I_PPIS1 could_VM n't_XX tell_VVI if_CS I_PPIS1 'd_VM upset_VVI you_PPY ,_, "_" she_PPHS1 explained_VVD ._. 
He_PPHS1 chuckled_VVD and_CC closed_VVD the_AT space_NN1 between_II them_PPHO2 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM not_XX upset_VVN ,_, Alison_NP1 ,_, I_PPIS1 promise_VV0 ._. 
Your_APPGE answer_NN1 shocked_VVD me_PPIO1 ,_, that_DD1 's_VBZ all_DB ._. 
I_PPIS1 did_VDD n't_XX realize_VVI you_PPY were_VBDR so_RG detailed_JJ ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 looked_VVD at_II her_APPGE feet_NN2 ._. 
"_" Besides_RR ,_, I_PPIS1 'm_VBM pretty_RG sure_JJ your_APPGE answer_NN1 won_VVD over_RP my_APPGE entire_JJ family_NN1 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 leaned_VVD against_II the_AT door_NN1 jamb_NN1 and_CC crossed_VVD his_APPGE arms_NN2 ._. 
"_" You_PPY did_VDD n't_XX upset_VVI me_PPIO1 ,_, Alison_NP1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 looked_VVD at_II him_PPHO1 ,_, uncertainty_NN1 still_RR in_II her_APPGE eyes_NN2 ._. 
"_" Really_RR ?_? "_" 
He_PPHS1 brushed_VVD her_APPGE hair_NN1 from_II her_APPGE shoulder_NN1 ._. 
"_" Absolutely_RR ._. "_" 
His_APPGE fingers_NN2 trailed_VVD down_RP her_APPGE arm_NN1 to_TO entwine_VVI with_IW hers_PPGE ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX sure_JJ how_RRQ they_PPHS2 'd_VM behave_VVI around_RP you_PPY ._. 
I_PPIS1 did_VDD n't_XX want_VVI them_PPHO2 scaring_VVG the_AT crap_NN1 out_II21 of_II22 you_PPY ._. 
We_PPIS2 've_VH0 got_VVN an_AT1 entire_JJ weekend_NNT1 with_IW them_PPHO2 and_CC they_PPHS2 can_VM be_VBI intense_JJ ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 smiled_VVD and_CC said_VVD lightly_RR ,_, "_" I_PPIS1 think_VV0 I_PPIS1 'll_VM live_VVI ._. 
I_PPIS1 'm_VBM just_RR glad_JJ you_PPY 're_VBR not_XX upset_VVN ._. "_" 
Ah_UH ,_, honey_NN1 ,_, how_RRQ could_VM I_PPIS1 be_VBI when_CS you_PPY were_VBDR only_RR saying_VVG the_AT truth_NN1 ?_? 
Breakfast_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 found_VVD out_RP ,_, proved_VVD to_TO be_VBI just_RR as_RG insane_JJ as_CSA dinner_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 talked_VVD over_II each_PPX221 other_PPX222 ,_, talked_VVN across_II the_AT table_NN1 ,_, laughed_VVD loud_RR ,_, joked_VVD and_CC teased_VVD mercilessly_RR ._. 
Alison_NP1 discovered_VVD that_CST Ray_NP1 and_CC Faith_NN1 ,_, Gabe_NP1 and_CC Hannah_NP1 had_VHD left_VVN their_APPGE kids_NN2 at_II home_NN1 ._. 
Hannah_NP1 explained_VVD ,_, "_" They_PPHS2 would_VM 've_VHI torn_VVN down_RP the_AT hotel_NN1 by_RT21 now_RT22 and_CC asked_VVD to_TO rebuild_VVI it_PPH1 !_! "_" 
Her_APPGE amusing_JJ statement_NN1 gave_VVD testimony_NN1 that_CST the_AT rambunctious_JJ attitude_NN1 of_IO the_AT Montgomery_NP1 men_NN2 had_VHD been_VBN passed_VVN down_RP into_II their_APPGE children_NN2 ._. 
The_AT women_NN2 were_VBDR organizing_VVG a_AT1 few_DA2 hours_NNT2 without_IW the_AT guys_NN2 today_RT and_CC they_PPHS2 wanted_VVD her_PPHO1 to_TO join_VVI them_PPHO2 ._. 
"_" Come_VV0 on_RP ,_, "_" Faith_NN1 urged_VVD ._. 
"_" Hang_VV0 out_RP with_IW us_PPIO2 ._. 
Cole_NP1 can_VM hang_VVI out_RP with_IW his_APPGE brothers_NN2 and_CC do_VD0 whatever_DDQV guys_NN2 do_VDI ._. "_" 
The_AT invitation_NN1 was_VBDZ too_RG much_DA1 to_TO turn_VVI down_RP ._. 
She_PPHS1 really_RR liked_VVD these_DD2 women_NN2 ,_, really_RR wanted_VVN to_TO spend_VVI time_NNT1 with_IW them_PPHO2 so_CS she_PPHS1 accepted_VVD ._. 
"_" Have_VH0 fun_JJ ,_, "_" Cole_NP1 smiled_VVD ._. 
"_" You_PPY guys_NN2 be_VBI nice_JJ to_II her_PPHO1 ._. "_" 
Hannah_NP1 laughed_VVD ._. 
"_" After_II what_DDQ she_PPHS1 said_VVD last_MD night_NNT1 ,_, why_RRQ would_VM we_PPIS2 be_VBI anything_RR21 but_RR22 ?_? "_" 
Before_CS they_PPHS2 piled_VVD into_II the_AT huge_JJ SUV_NN1 rental_NN1 ,_, Cole_NP1 caught_VVD her_APPGE arm_NN1 and_CC kissed_VVD her_APPGE cheek_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'll_VM see_VVI you_PPY later_RRR ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 promised_VVD and_CC sauntered_VVD after_II his_APPGE brothers_NN2 ,_, leaving_VVG her_APPGE red_NN1 faced_VVN and_CC with_IW butterflies_NN2 in_II her_APPGE stomach_NN1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 ended_VVD up_RP shopping_VVG at_II a_AT1 huge_JJ indoor_JJ mall_NN1 ,_, purchasing_VVG a_AT1 few_DA2 items_NN2 before_II having_VHG lunch_NN1 followed_VVN by_II a_AT1 manicure_NN1 ._. 
As_CSA they_PPHS2 sat_VVD in_II the_AT salon_NN1 Diane_NP1 asked_VVD ,_, "_" How_RRQ long_RR have_VH0 you_PPY been_VBN working_VVG for_IF Cole_NP1 ?_? "_" 
"_" Two_MC months_NNT2 ._. "_" 
"_" And_CC in_II two_MC months_NNT2 you_PPY observed_VVD all_DB that_DD1 ?_? "_" 
Alison_NP1 shrugged_VVD but_CCB nodded_VVD ,_, the_AT question_NN1 leaving_VVG her_PPHO1 a_RR21 little_RR22 uncomfortable_JJ ._. 
Diane_NP1 looked_VVD thoughtful_JJ ._. 
"_" Most_DAT of_IO Cole_NP1 's_GE ex-girlfriends_NN2 were_VBDR not_XX interested_JJ in_II him_PPHO1 as_II a_AT1 person_NN1 ._. "_" 
Elizabeth_NP1 nodded_VVD in_II agreement_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM sure_JJ you_PPY know_VV0 he_PPHS1 's_VBZ not_XX exactly_RR dirt_NN1 poor_JJ ,_, Alison_NP1 ._. "_" 
"_" Well_RR ,_, yes_UH but_CCB it_PPH1 's_VBZ just_JJ money_NN1 ._. "_" 
Faith_NN1 chuckled_VVD ._. 
"_" Honey_NN1 ,_, to_II some_DD women_NN2 that_DD1 's_VBZ all_DB it_PPH1 's_VBZ about_RP ._. 
I_PPIS1 'm_VBM amazed_JJ you_PPY 've_VH0 stuck_VVN around_RG two_MC months_NNT2 ._. 
His_APPGE last_MD assistant_NN1 quit_VVN because_CS he_PPHS1 could_VM be_VBI so_RR &hellip;_... so_RR &hellip;_... 
What_DDQ 's_VBZ the_AT word_NN1 ,_, girls_NN2 ?_? "_" 
Diane_NP1 laughed_VVD ._. 
"_" Intense_JJ ._. "_" 
"_" Irritating_JJ ,_, "_" Hannah_NP1 supplied_VVD ._. 
"_" Not_XX that_CST any_DD of_IO those_DD2 things_NN2 are_VBR bad_JJ ,_, "_" Faith_NN1 added_VVD ,_, "_" but_CCB he_PPHS1 's_VBZ a_AT1 Montgomery_NP1 and_CC all_DB Montgomery_NP1 men_NN2 are_VBR intense_JJ by_II nature_NN1 ._. "_" 
Alison_NP1 laughed_VVD ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 's_VBZ still_RR all_DB those_DD2 things_NN2 at_II times_NNT2 but_CCB not_XX as_RG much_RR now_RT than_CSN when_CS I_PPIS1 first_MD started_VVD ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 paid_VVD and_CC tipped_VVD the_AT woman_NN1 as_CSA they_PPHS2 rose_VVD to_TO leave_VVI ._. 
"_" He_PPHS1 really_RR is_VBZ a_AT1 great_JJ guy_NN1 ._. "_" 
Hannah_NP1 nudged_VVD her_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Sounds_VVZ like_II you_PPY have_VH0 a_AT1 crush_NN1 on_II him_PPHO1 !_! "_" 
Alison_NP1 blushed_VVD and_CC it_PPH1 sent_VVD the_AT women_NN2 into_II peals_NN2 of_IO laughter_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 ca_VM n't_XX help_VVI it_PPH1 !_! "_" she_PPHS1 said_VVD defensively_RR ._. 
Diane_NP1 hugged_VVD her_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" Ah_UH ,_, sweetie_NN1 ,_, do_VD0 n't_XX get_VVI uptight_JJ ._. 
You_PPY 're_VBR perfect_JJ for_IF him_PPHO1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 just_RR has_VHZ to_TO realize_VVI it_PPH1 ._. "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX want_VVI a_AT1 relationship_NN1 with_IW him_PPHO1 if_CS he_PPHS1 feels_VVZ forced_JJ ._. "_" 
Faith_NN1 chuckled_VVD ._. 
"_" You_PPY ca_VM n't_XX force_VVI Cole_NP1 to_TO do_VDI anything_PN1 ._. 
Give_VV0 him_PPHO1 time_NNT1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 'll_VM come_VVI around_RP ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 kissed_VVD Alison_NP1 's_GE cheek_NN1 ._. 
"_" Trust_VV0 me_PPIO1 ,_, honey_NN1 ,_, he_PPHS1 'll_VM come_VVI around_RP ._. "_" 
