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Post by newestconvert on Aug 26, 2007 18:33:05 GMT -5
The smell of brewing coffee and cooking bacon eventually forced Nick out of bed. He touched his head as it throbbed when he stood up. He shouldn't have had that last shot of whiskey, he thought. Max should have stopped him...yeah, Max. Nick opened the door and stepped out into the main cabin. Max looked over from flipping a strip of bacon and took in his friends obvious discomfort.
"Coffee?" Max asked.
"Hmmmm," Nick grumped in return. "Thanks," he said as Max set a cup of strong black coffee in front of his friend. Nick watched his friend shrewdly. He could have sworn Max had matched him drink for drink last night. Yet here he was up making breakfast, looking fresh as a daisy. Daisy, indeed, Nick thought sourly. He sipped his coffee and frowned as Max began to whistle. "Do you HAVE to make so much noise," Nick asked nastily.
Max simply laughed. Yes, his friend had quite a nice little hang over and he had no sympathy. The man had been handed heaven on a platter last night and had spent the night drinking. NO, Max had no sympathy. Silence reigned as Max scrambled eggs and made toast. Eventually he set a plate in front of Nick and walked back to the sink to clean up. Nick dug in, silently grateful that his friend knew his way around the kitchen. While Nick finished eating Max continued to tidy up the Shady Marlin. He might wear a scruffy appearance but he insisted a boat be ship shape. He stepped out of site behind a closet door and was still there as he heard the outside door slide open.
"Nick!" Taylor said as she stepped into the cabin. "Thank heavens you're alone! I have to speak with you!"
Nick looked up at Taylor and suddenly lost what remained of his appetite. She was impacably dressed this morning, exuding an air of coolness and sophistication. Nick swallowed back a comment on her boldness. He didn't like the way she had let herself into his cabin, as if the conversation they had had the previous day hadn't taken place.
"What are you doing here, Taylor?" Nick asked sipping his coffee which suddenly seemed bitter in his mouth.
"What a silly question to ask your fiance, Nick," Taylor chided.
"Fiance? I thought we settled that yesterday Taylor," Nick said cooly trying to cover his disdain.
"Oh Darling," Taylor gushed, "You know we both said things we didn't mean yesterday. You weren't thinking straight what with being distracted by the prospect of a child of your own. And I... well... I was angry. But Sweetheart, look!" Taylor placed the wand on the table in front of Nick. "We're going to have a baby of our OWN!"
Nick looked at Taylor then at the wand. "No," he said hoarsely. "It's impossible. I used protection.." he trailed off remembering their last heated session before he'd found out about Brooke's peril. They'd had sex one last time trying to recapture the affection they had once felt for one another. It had all fallen flat in Nick's mind. And he HAD worn a condom.
"Well it's obvious the condom broke, Nick," Taylor said waspishly. She softened her voice. "You obviously don't remember. You must have been so caught up in the passion."
Nick looked skeptical, then confused and finally overwhelmed. He stood up and began to pace, touching his head as the throbbing renewed. He failed to notice the sly smile Taylor wore as she watched him. Max, still standing out of sight however, didn't miss a trick. He could smell a woman's lie a mile away and he was certain that Taylor was up to no good. Max shifted his weight and brushed up against a broom. He caught it before it stuck the wall but Taylor turned at the noise. She was startled to see Max and she quickly masked her expression. She nervously smiled at Max in greeting. Max stared at her stonily.
"M..M..Max, are you hiding from me?" she stuttered haughtily.
"No such thing," he responded, watching her warily. Max looked at Nick who was pacing away. "Nick," he said, “If we’re going to make that appointment, we’ll have to hurry.”
Nick sent a look of gratitude to his friend. During their years at sea, Max had always known when Nick needed an out and this time was no different. Taylor watched the interplay and her eyes narrowed as she watched the unspoken signals between the men. So Max thought he could rescue Nick, did he? She’d let him have his way this time but Max would soon find out that he’d come up against the wrong woman.
“Obviously, you have an appointment, Nick, so we can talk about this later.” She reached over and pulled Nick to her, locking her lips to his in a drwn out kiss. “We’re pregnant darling,” she whispered passionately. “Please try to be as excited about it as I am..” she added instantly instilling guilt in her target. She turned to Max. “Maybe someday you’ll get lucky enough to find a woman to have your baby and then you’ll understand what a draw a baby really is, Max.” She finished with a rather hateful smile in Max’s direction and walked up the steps and out the door. Both men stared after her, one wiping his lips in distast, the other in staring after her with contempt.
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Post by aussieicon on Aug 27, 2007 1:08:24 GMT -5
What a bitch! I hope Nick has the brains to realise that just because she 'is' pregnant, which we all know she isn't, that he doesn't have to go back to her. Let's hope that Taylor wasn't successful in sucking out the last of his intelligence. Nick was quite willing to raise his baby with Bridget from afar, both times he thought she was pregnant with his child. So I don't know why he'd think he has to be shackled to the living dead just because she's carrying his child. Especially not when a warm, loving, real human being is carrying his child right this moment.
I know that you are going to give us suspense but I certainly hope you don't have Taylor win this little round. I want her falling flat on her face (if she'd actually reach the ground. There are two rather large floatation devices that should cushion the fall). Let her go and try to pass this baby off as Ridge's - well, the baby that doesn't exist. I don't want her anywhere near Nick and Brooke.
And way to go Max for being smart enough to figure the Corpse Bride out.
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Post by newestconvert on Aug 27, 2007 19:43:39 GMT -5
Early afternoon found Max standing outside Brooke's door. He wasn't quite sure why he was there or what had possessed him to seek her out. All he knew was that something had driven him to come see her. He'd already figured out that Taylor would have no doubt made a bee-line to Brooke's door to reveal her "little secret." It wasn't really any of his business, he thought as he stood in front of her door. But nevertheless, here he was. He lifted his hand and knocked even while his inner voice was telling him to turn around and leave...not to get involved. Hell, he thought...he was already involved...too involved for his own good. He'd lost his heart to a woman only once before in his life and he'd vowed it would never happen again. Max made a noise of disgust as he'd realized where his thoughts had led him. He turned from the door ready to flee when suddenly it opened. Brooke stood in the doorway looking relaxed and, Max thought, incredibly beautiful. For the second time in their acquaintance he felt his heart shudder.
"Max!" Brooke said in suprise, smiling. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong with Nick?" She asked in a worried tone, her smile fading. Max wrapped the wall back around his heart. Of course she'd ask about Nick, he chided himself. She was crazy about him.
When Max didn't answer, she continued explaining, "I mean, he was pretty upset when he left here last night. He had a lot of information to digest." she added matter-of-factly. Truth was, Brooke had seen the hurt come into Max's eyes when she'd mentioned Nick and, for some reason that she didn't even understand herself, Max's hurt affected her strongly. He mattered to her, she realized, confused by her own self revelation.
"No, Nick is fine, Brooke. I... do you have a moment?" Max asked quietly.
Brooke opened the door and ushered the man inside. Max seemed almost self-conscious in front of her. Brooke found this quiet attitude far more unnerving than his sarcasm and rough arrogance. Why, he was actually nervous, even shy, she thought. Her heart warmed to his discomfort. She laid a hand on his arm.
"What is it Max. Are you ok?" she asked gently.
"I'm fine," Max replied, steeling his heart. "Look, Brooke. Was Taylor here this morning?" Max watched as Brooke's expression closed down.
"Yes," she replied trying to remain unemotional.
"Well, she made a stop at Nick's this morning too claiming to be carrying his child." Max said, his voice hard remembering the woman's sly smile. "I can't say for sure but I'd bet dollars to dimes that she isn't telling the truth about the baby." Max watched Brooke's face trying to judge her reaction.
"You can't be sure, Max," Brooke said, a break in her voice. She didn't want to care one way or another about Taylor and her baby.
"I am and I'll prove it," Max replied. Her reached out and touched Brooke's cheek. Her skin was soft as silk. He rubbed his thumb across her lips. He bent his head as if to kiss her but pulled back at the last moment. Brooke was suprised at the rush of disappointment that filled her.
"I'll prove it and clear the way for you and Nick to be together," he said softly turning to the door to leave.
"And are you so sure that's what I want, Max?" Brooke asked huskily suddenly torn by a rush of feeling for the man standing in front of her. She didn't know what drew her to him, but she couldn't deny that she was definitely drawn.
"It's where you belong," Max replied, struggling to maintain the wall squeezing his heart. He touched her face gently one last time before he turned and let himself out.
Brooke stood watching the door close. "I'm not so sure..." she murmered to the door. "Not so sure anymore..."
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Post by Donna on Aug 27, 2007 20:18:41 GMT -5
WHOA!
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Aug 27, 2007 22:56:51 GMT -5
Yowza! You certainly have me interested in where this is all gonna lead ... and feeling torn! Max sounds a lot like the original Captain Payne ... so I understand his appeal...even if Brooke doesn't! ;D Great installments, NC!!
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MissJr
Lounging on the Deck
Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Aug 28, 2007 9:42:20 GMT -5
WHOOOO HOOOOO!! I know one thing, Nick had better wake up soon because Max is definitely stealing his thunder! Not only that, he seems to have inherited the common sense and thought processes that Nick used to have before hooking up with the Undead. Like Brooke, I'm torn also. It's not enough for Nick to glare in distaste and to wipe Elvira's vampire kiss from his lips. So come on, Nick! Surprise me! Boy, Taylor is one trifling piece of work, isn't she? Walking around with some other girl's pee stick! But I guess desperate times call for desperate--and unsanitary--measures, huh? And that early morning visit to Brooke's smacked of the kind of desperation Taylor is known for. Why is she trying to hold onto a man who so obviously doesn't want to be with her? The condom broke? Yeah ... only if she stuck a pin in it beforehand! These installments are great and I'm looking forward to more!
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Post by GIOVANNA on Aug 28, 2007 10:30:24 GMT -5
WHOOOO HOOOOO!! Boy, Taylor is one trifling piece of work, isn't she? Walking around with some other girl's pee stick! But I guess desperate times call for desperate--and unsanitary--measures, huh? And that early morning visit to Brooke's smacked of the kind of desperation Taylor is known for. Why is she trying to hold onto a man who so obviously doesn't want to be with her? The condom broke? Yeah ... only if she stuck a pin in it beforehand!These installments are great and I'm looking forward to more! Good observation about the pee stick. Heavens, doesn't Taylor feel a little grossed out? I guess not. And of course, she has to have proof that she is pregnant. What, is she worried that her fiancee won't believe her? Boy, Taylor certainly is digging herself into a hole, isn't she? First we have her checking the calender before she screws Ridge, then she manages to get some other woman's pee stick. Suppose she DOES get pregnant with Ridge's child? After all, the pantywaist has shown himself to be so, ahem, potent that he can get a woman pregnant with one shot. Pregnant with Ridge's kid and using it to hang onto Nick. I have a feeling that when Nick finds out, he is going to be furious.
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Post by brookennickfan on Aug 28, 2007 17:16:31 GMT -5
You have me so torn. I like Max but I want my Bricky.
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Post by newestconvert on Aug 28, 2007 17:45:14 GMT -5
Just for the record, I saw on Survivorman that urine is actually sanitary when er, first excreted so if you're ever dying of thirst you can, well, drink it! hehehehehhe Don't ask me why I'm telling you this... I watch dirth jobs too... maybe I'll send taylor to the island of throwing up birds! Oh I am evil... but ain't Max a doll? xoxo
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Post by newestconvert on Aug 28, 2007 18:24:02 GMT -5
Sam finished up his rounds that afternoon with tired feet. He'd worked double time in the morning trying to catch up with patients before performing a complicated heart stent insertion. He walked into his office and poured himself a cup of coffee before sitting at his desk. Once seated, he let go of the days events and let his mind wander back to what he considered the real world. Brooke. He had a message from her telling him not to worry about her and to have a great day. He smiled and reached for the phone to call her when suddenly his office door swung open. Jackie entered the room with a picnic basket and a broad smile. He looked tired, she thought immediately. She felt guilty having kept him out the previous evening until almost midnight. They'd gone to dinner at the little Italian restaurant and chatted for hours, finding numerous topics of interest to discuss. Once she had turned the conversation away from Brooke and Nick, Sam had opened up about his life and his job. Jackie had, at first, been reluctant to be as open with Sam about her own past but Sam had coaxed her into talking about her hopes, dreams and disappointments. He'd been kind, Jackie thought, and had explained to her what he had explained to Brooke. He was no one to judge as he had made his own mistakes. He believed firmly that everyone got a second chance and some people were lucky enough to get more than two! Jackie was impressed and charmed...and most definitely attracted.
"Hi, " Jackie said with a smile. "how do you feel about fried chicken, potato salad, gourmet cheese and crackers and a fine Pinot?"
Sam had to admit he was charmed. His evening with Jackie had been delightful and he knew that if he hadn't fallen for Brooke already, he'd have fallen for Jackie immediately. He too was charmed and not quite sure what this sophisticated, beautiful women was doing in his office. He certainly couldn't deny his attraction to her. Again he thought how she reminded him of Brooke, warm, loving, caring...giving.
Sam replaced the phone. brooke had told him not to worry and he decided to take her at her word. Afterall, it wasn't everyday a man was invited on a picnic with a lovely woman.
"Sounds perfect!" Sam replied. "Lead the way, lovely lady...lead the way!"
Jackie smiled at Sam and held out her free hand. Sam took the picnic basket from her and they left the office, together, hand in hand....
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 4, 2007 19:43:14 GMT -5
Nick was sitting at his desk staring at some paperwork when the buzzer rang. He picked up the phone and barked "Yes? I thought I asked not to be disturbed!" he said irrately.
"Mr. Marone, I thought you'd want to know that Ms. Logan, Ms. Brooke Logan, just entered the building."
Nick sat up a little straighter. "Yes, yes of course," he said clearing his throat of its sudden constriction. "Where is she headed?"
"She appears to be headed for the supply office, Sir," the receptionist responded.
"Thanks," Nick replied briskly, hanging up the phone. Nick stood behind his desk and took a deep breath. Brooke was there...on his turf. Maybe he hadn't ruined everything the night before when he'd left her in anger. Composed, he strode to the door and down the corridor to the supply office. He saw Brooke inside holding two large pads of drawing paper, charcoals and pastels. He opened the door and, stepping to her, he removed the large pads of paper from her overburdened hands. Brooke looked at him in suprise and then smiled in gratitude. The pads were large and bulky. Nick smiled back and asked her if she had all she needed. Brooke shook her head in affirmation and they left the office together.
"I'm dying to draw," Brooke explained. "I have so many designs in my head, so many colors after the hurricane. I need to get them down on paper."
Back in the corridor Nick asked, "Do you have a moment? I have something I'd like to show you in my office."
"Of course," Brooke responded warmly and followed Nick to his office. Once inside, Nick walked to his desk and picked up the papers he'd left in such haste. He handed them to Brooke.
"Sales totals," Nick said with a smile. "Your designs are a smash hit!"
Brooke blushed in pleasure. "I'm...I'm SO glad Nick," she said with feeling. "And so grateful to you for giving me the chance to prove myself."
Nick looked away for a moment. How like her to be humble and thank him, he thought, when in reality he owed HER for saving his company. He cleared his throat. "It's obvious the public loves your designs. They have great taste," he said smiling again at Brooke.
Embarrassed by the praise, Brooke added, "The designs are just a small part, Nick. The production, manufacture and marketing account for just as much," she finished with an encouraging smile.
"Brooke, about last night..." Nick began, "I'm sorry I reacted the way I did..."
"Last night was difficult for both of us," Brooke interrupted gently. She reached out and brushed the hair from Nick's forehead. "You had a lot to absorb."
Nick grabbed Brooke's hand and pulled her fingers to his lips. "It wasn't you I was frustrated with," he said huskily, emotion clouding his voice.
"I know," Brooke answered, her fingers tingling from Nick's touch.
"I want to see him... tell him....today! I don't want another day to go by without the world knowing that I have a son!" Nick replied desperation in his voice. His face twisted when he remembered his son was named after the brother he despised. They'd change that soon enough.
"I know. I want that too," Brooke replied. "I am on my way over to tell Ridge. Tell him about the paternity, and my plans to tell RJ tonight. Could you come tonight for dinner? We could tell RJ together," Brooke said softly, reaching out a hand to Nick.
Nick took her hand and felt the electricity run between them.
"Yes, yes. Tonight," he said enthusiastically. "I'd planned to show Max the town but this is more important!"
"Oh, Max!" Brooke said, blushing bright red, pulling her hand from Nick's.
Nick took in Brooke's heightened color at the mention of his friend's name, suddenly uncomfortable with the implications. "It's ok, we can do that another time," he said cautiously.
No... No, you can bring Max," Brooke said her face going even more red. "To dinner, I mean. He can entertain Hope while we talk to RJ. And after the children go to bed you can show him the town, I mean," Brooke finished flustered. Brooke looked away uncomfortable talking about Max with Nick but wanting him to know that it was ok to bring him to dinner. More than ok, she thought to herself. She wanted Max there more than she cared to admit.
Nick took in Brooke's flustered reply and wondered just what was going on between his best friend and Brooke. Something, he thought jealously. He'd wanted his best friend and Brooke to like one another, be friends. Was more going on here?
Brooke pulled away from Nick and took her drawing pads back. "I'll see you...and..um...Max..tonight. Around 7?"
"I'll be there. We'll be there," He finished and watched Brooke walk nervously out the door. Nick walked to the window and looked out over LA never seeing a thing. He could only see Brooke's flushed face as he'd mentioned his friend.......
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Post by Horsey on Sept 5, 2007 6:43:33 GMT -5
Absolutely captivating I really get lost in your story and that is a good thing.
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 5, 2007 18:50:11 GMT -5
Max ducked into a doorway in the halls of Forrester Originals when he saw Taylor exit an office down the hall. He had gone to FO to check out Brooke's former fiance and get a read on the man. Ridge Forrester. He'd done some research on-line and gotten the scoop on the man's private life...or at least what the press had wanted the world to see. Somehow, Max knew he had some connection to RJ's paternity issues and Max was determined to find out what exactly that connection was. Nick's brother. Max had gotten an earful about his friend's brother over the past two years. Bad blood between them. Was it enough to make one brother steal another's child? He knew it was enough to steal another man's wife...and when the moves didn't work, would he have resorted to paternity to hold on to a woman? Max was determined to find out. For Nick's sake, he told himself. ..... And for his own if he were being honest, he thought. Nick had told him about Brooke's obsession and he wanted to meet the man who had inspired such passion and devotion.
Max pulled back into the doorway as Taylor walked past. She was so busy adjusting her blouse and smirking in pleasure that she never noticed Max in the shadows. Max watched her walk down the hall still smoothing her clothing. She rubbed her tummy and actually smiled at it as she waited for the elevator. He watched as the door she had come out of opened and a tall, dark haired man leaned on the door jamb watching her.
"Are you sure you want to leave?" The man asked provocatively.
Taylor preened like a peacock and stepped back in the man's direction. "Are you sure you're UP to things?" she asked suggestively not wanting to miss an opportunity to ensure her pregnancy.
Max struggled to hold back a laugh. Visions of some of the C-rated porn flicks he, Nick and the guys had watched years earlier flashed into his mind.
The man held out his hand. "I'm up for it, Taylor. Unless you are too tired." he taunted.
"Too tired Ridge?" she responded, confirming Max's suspicions. "Not on your life!" she added and stepping forward took Ridges hand to lead him back into his office. She paused on the doorstep looking around. "Are you laughing at me?" she asked, looking around the hallway.
"Not on your life!" Ridge answered and pulling her back in the room, closed the door behind them. Once the door closed, Max couldn't help but let out a low chuckle. He quickly sobered as he realized the implications of the situation. The bitch was trying to trap his friend with someone else's baby. His quest to meet Forrester would have to wait.
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Post by aussieicon on Sept 6, 2007 1:22:07 GMT -5
Finally someone is seeing Taylor for what she really is. I can't wait for her smack down to come. It's been a very long time coming.
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Post by Ginster on Sept 6, 2007 5:38:02 GMT -5
I love it!!! I can't wait to read more!!! Excellent ;D
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Post by karen3012 on Sept 6, 2007 8:59:34 GMT -5
Oooooohh, I love it how Taylor is digging her own grave. And I loved the little intimate gestures between Brooke and Nick. ITA with brookennickfan I like Max, but I want my Bricky, too.
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MissJr
Lounging on the Deck
Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Sept 12, 2007 15:25:40 GMT -5
Excellent! Max's observations about Ridge and Taylor's pitiful attempt at sexual intrigue had me absolutely giggling my butt off! Like most men with some common sense and pride, I can't blame him for wanting to see what the big deal about Ridge was. Indeed ... what in the world would cause such slavish devotion to such a lout? Boy, did he get an eyeful! I'm also glad that Max was honest enough to admit what his true motives were as they relate to Brooke. He should definitely let Nick know what the deal is with Taylor so he can dump her sorry butt and move on. I loved Nick and Brooke's interactions also and am glad that they both have had a chance to calm down after such emotionally charged revelations. Now, I do have to wonder about Brooke's feelings for Max. Obviously, she's drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Very intriguing!
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 12, 2007 19:26:18 GMT -5
Brooke finished putting the last touches to the table settings as she heard the door bell ring. Her heart picked up speed as she wondered whether Max had accepted her invitation to dine with her, the children and Nick. She opened the door to find Nick standing alone. Her heart flip flopped as she took in the fact that Max was not with him and then it simply seemed to stop altogether when Nick held out a small bouquet of violets.
"For you," he said softly and, bending to her, he gently kissed her cheek. Brooke felt a warmth steal through her veins as their fingers touched when she took the little bouquet. "I remembered," he said simply.
He had remembered Brooke thought in wonder. She loved all kinds of flowers but the tiny delicate violets in their rich royal purple were her absolute favorites. It had been their little secret back when they had first fallen in love. Brooke wondered fleetingly what else he remembered.
"Max will be along," Nick said watching her closely. "He's been out roving the town all day. " He didn't tell Brooke that, when he'd finally reached Max on his cell phone, Max had told Nick they needed to talk...alone... and soon. Max had agreed to dinner as long as they could talk alone later that evening. He also didn't offer that when Nick had mentioned Brooke wanting Max to join them for dinner that there had been a noticeable pause before his friend had agreed. For the second time that day, Nick had wondered about his friend's feelings for his ex-wife. Brooke, herself, turned away to find a vase for the violets effectively hiding her own reaction from Nick's view.
"I'm glad Max isn't here yet," Brooke started, "We need to talk." Nick felt a small surge of satisfaction that she obviously wanted to talk to him alone. They walked to the couch and sat.
"I went to see Ridge today, Nick. It was the strangest thing! I explained to him about RJ ...the test mix up...the paternity issue," Brooke explained.
"What was so strange, Brooke?" Nick asked already knowing the answer.
"Well, he didn't seem shocked or even mildly suprised. In fact, the only thing that seemed to even move him was the fact that you and I were going to tell RJ tonight and together!" Brooke couldn't quite keep her contempt for the man she had loved so devoutely, for so many years, from her voice. "I think he knew...already knew, I mean." Brooke got up from the couch and began to pace. "I hate that I trusted him... trusted him completely ....for so many years..."she finished in a whisper, unable to hide her hurt and shame.
Nick stood up quickly and went to her. He pulled her to him and held her while the hurt raged through her heart and mind. He stroked her back and whispered in her ear, "He is the one who should be ashamed. He had everything a man could ever want and he threw it away time and again," Nick said softly into her hair.
Brooke's head rested on Nick's shoulder. "So did I, Nick." She lifted her head and looked Nick in the eye. "Throw away everything a woman could ever want..." Nick touched her cheek gently, and then her lower lip, looking at her with incredible tenderness. He hadn't missed her inuendo. He lowered his lips toward hers and was about to kiss her when the front door opened. Max stood on the doorstep, taking in the couple standing so intimately together. His heart sank as he said quietly, " I knocked...."
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Post by pds on Sept 12, 2007 21:07:22 GMT -5
Shoot Max just had to interupt!! LOL
Keep it coming, I'm more into your story <and everyone else's here> than I am the show right now.
Such a great story, I love it!!
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 16, 2007 8:43:17 GMT -5
Nick and Brooke sprang apart as they realized they had company. Nick watched his friend closely as he entered the house and presented Brooke with a bouquet of wildflowers and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. Brooke took the flowers and wine from Max and shyly thanked him. She retreated through the doorwat into the dining room telling the men she would put the bottle on ice. Alone, she tried to assess what she had felt in those moments in Nick's arms. What exactly had Max interrupted? Would she have let Nick kiss her? She also recalled the brief look of hurt she had seen reflected in Max's eyes when he caught her in Nick's arms. She was, if she was honest with herself, distressed that she might have hurt Max. She admitted to herself that she was attracted to Max but she hadn't yet had time to examine her emotions where Max or Nick were concerned. And then there was Sam. Had she always been this fickle, she wondered? Unfortunately, being pregnant with raging hormones, she had no confidence in her own feelings or emotions. She turned back to the room and looked at the two men standing uncomfortably side by side. She knew she had inadvertently put a barrier between the men and she hated that. She just didn't know how to mend the rift without hurting one of them even more.
The doorbell rang and Brooke watched Nick go to the door and welcome both Jackie and Sam who entered bearing a large basket of fruit. Neither had yet spotted Brooke and she took a moment to watch her latestest arrivals. Sam, God bless him, looked relaxed and happy. He was smiling down at Jackie as she teased her son and tugged on Max's scruffy facial hair. Brooke saw Jackie smile back at Sam. Was that look one of adoration? It was certainly more than friendship. And Sam's own eyes had barely left Jackie's beautiful face. Was something going on between these two? She took a moment to try to assess what she felt about the possibility and found that she was only happy for both parties. In fact, she resolved to try to push things along in that direction. Brooke's eyes wandered over the entire group again and caught Max looking directly at her. He smiled and inclined his head toward Jackie and Sam, indicating that he too saw something going on between the two. He and Brooke shared a warm smile before Brooke stepped forward and welcomed her guests.
"Jackie, Sam," she held out her hands in welcome. "Please come in." Brooke looked over at Nick. "I thought maybe we could...umm... kill two birds?"
Nick shook his head in agreement. Max knew about RJ but his mother and Sam were still in the dark. Nick thought about Taylor's visit earlier in the day. Perhaps he needed to mention that to his mother as well. He caught Max's eye and saw him shake his head slightly as if he could read the trail of Nick's thought. Nick remembered Max had told him he needed to talk to him and he had sounded urgent. He wondered exactly how his friend had spent his day. He turned his attention back to Brooke as she led his mother and Sam into the living room.
"Katherine will be here shortly with the children. She took them to the park while I ran some errands," she explained. Errands, she thought. Telling Ridge that RJ was not his son had somehow become an errand. And for all he'd seemed to care, that was all it had been.
"Please sit down," Brooke said indicating the sofa. "I...Nick and I," she continued holding out a hand to Nick, "Have something to tell you."
Max watched Nick take Brooke's hand and felt a small pang in his heart. He sat close by, yet away from the group, as Nick and Brooke revealed the truth of RJ's paternity.
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 16, 2007 15:25:13 GMT -5
Back at her house, Taylor continued to pace the floor. She had already left 3 messages on Nick's answering machine on the Marlin. He was either deliberately ignoring her calls or simply out for the evening. She'd also called his cell phone and found he'd turned it off as well. She picked up the pregnancy strip and stared at the positive result. This time the stick was her own as was the result. Her escapades, as she liked to think of them, with Ridge had paid off. She really was pregnant and she planned to use it to hold on to Nick. Not that she necessarily wanted him all that badly but she was certainly not going to see Brooke reunited with Nick. Not at any cost. As far as Ridge was concerned, well, maybe they could get back together some day after she'd ruined all chances of a Nick-Brooke reunion. Then she'd tell Nick the truth and he'd regret shunning her for Brooke. And she'd ruin his friendship with that odious sailor friend of his too. He'd had the audacity to look down his nose at her. She'd make them all pay! She stared at the phone again and reached into the desk drawer and pulled out her address book. She looked up Jackie's number and began to dial. There were two ways to skin a cat, she thought with a sly smile.
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Post by newestconvert on Sept 16, 2007 15:58:38 GMT -5
Ridge walked into his parents house and shouted "Mother!! Where ARE you?"
"Ridge," Eric said in concern as he came out of his office at the shout. "What's wrong?"
"Dad, where's Mother?"
"She's out back by the pool. Thorne is here with Ally. Is there something wrong? Eric's voice still reflected his concern.
"Could you go out and tell Mother I need to talk to her immediately? Please? I'd rather not have to make small talk with Thorne right now. It's rather urgent."
Eric looked at his son and wondered what Stephanie had gotten up to this time. He'd hoped over time that Stephanie would have mellowed but he knew that she was even more of a busybody than she had ever been. She just couldn't stay out of her children's lives...especially Ridge's. And as much as he'd wanted to ask what was going on, he decided against it. He'd learned long ago not to come between Staphanie and her son. As unhealthy as he thought the relationship was, he just didn't have it in him to care anymore. "I'll get her," he said and left the room.
Left alone, Ridge walked to the mantle. He stared dispassionately at the picture of him and RJ taken just this past Christmas. He and Brooke had been engaged for the umpteenth time and he had already begun dabbling with Ashley while waiting for the wedding to take place. He'd loved Brooke for what seemed like his entire life. Unfortunately, once she'd chosen his brother over him, he hadn't been able to forgive her even after she had left Nick. He'd agreed to pursue her yet again after his mother reavealed the sorry state of Forrester Originals' finances. If they were to make anything of the new company they needed full control of the company. Brooke refused to do anything to undermine Forrester Creations and so, his mother had decided that they needed to wrest the company completely from Brooke. Stephanie had insisted he convince Brooke to return to the Forrester fold long enough to at least have her bankroll the new company. Her plan had worked even though Ridge had been slightly disgusted in the deception. He HAD loved Brooke... and would have loved her more had RJ been his. Another of his mother's deceptions. Ridge broke out of his revelry as his mother walked into the room.
"Ridge, what's the matter? Your father says you are obviously distraught over something," Stephanie asked in concern.
"The gig's up, Mother. Brooke knows... about RJ. About Nick. She's looking for some answers, Mother, and when she finds them, heaven help us all."
"Calm down, Ridge! Calm down! She may know the truth but that doesn't mean she knows who changed the paternity results. I covered our tracks completely in that matter. She'll never find out that we were behind the switch. Never!" Stephanie said with conviction.
There was a sound over by the patio door and both Stephanie's and Ridge's heads turned in tandem. Eric stood in the doorway with a look of disgust on his face.
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MontanaLindy
Lounging on the Deck
Caution - Crabby Bricky
Posts: 14,104
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Post by MontanaLindy on Sept 16, 2007 17:33:08 GMT -5
Oooo....this is soooo good! Thank you, thank you, thank you ...! ;D
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Post by aussieicon on Sept 17, 2007 2:24:22 GMT -5
It is fantastic. Well done. Can't wait to read more.
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MissJr
Lounging on the Deck
Brooke IS the Bold & the Beautiful!
Posts: 14,065
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Post by MissJr on Sept 17, 2007 15:54:43 GMT -5
Excellent! That hag simply JUST won't leave people's paternity tests alone, will she? Poor Taylor--her whole future hinges on a pee stick. Like, how utterly pathetic is THAT? As for Max: Damn you, MAX! Talk about bad timing! But I have to admit he is definitely going to make Nick work hard for Brooke!
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