A Warm Welcome

Kate's mother drew a warm bathrobe out of the dryer, and gracefully draped it over her daughter's shoulders. Kate stared intently at the ground, avoiding eye contact as her mother wrapped the robe around her nude body.

"Poor thing," her mother said, "this is why I told you to stay away from Clint. You could've gotten really hurt."

Kate didn't move, only flushed a deeper red. "This isn't his fault. It's mine. I was stupid."

Her mother brushed a hand against her cheek. "Hey, stop that. This wasn't your fault. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Kate glared at her mother. The older woman continued. "You have a gorgeous body, Kate."

She shot up at once. "Oh my God, mom! No!" She groaned. "Forget this, I'm going to go save Clint. Let me get dressed."

Her mother shook her head. "Young lady, I've already asked you to stay away. Please, he can take care of himself. I don't want you getting hurt."

Kate sighed, pausing for a moment. "I can take care of myself too, mom. Now let me go get dressed."