A road trip to NYC.

"Thank you again for helping me with my new wardrobe," Marlissa said, hugging the blonde and brunette.

"It was my pleasure," Katie winked at Ryan. "How long are you two staying in town for?"

"I think we're going to leave today. It'll be quite the long drive back to New York," Ryan answered.

"Aw, that's too bad! But if you are ever in town again please give me a call," Katie said, scribbling her home phone number on her business card before giving it to Ryan.

"Of course we will!" Marlissa assured her new friend.

Ryan pulled out his wallet and gave both Valerie and Katie his business cards. "And if either of you are ever in New York, give us a call."

"Actually, I can go to New York with you two!" Veronica suggested while Katie flipped the sign back to "Open" and unlocked the door. "My father has a private jet so we can arrive in New York in an hour or so."

"I'm not sure about leaving my Jeep here," Ryan remarked. "Besides, it's less than half a day's drive to Manhattan."

"Okay, I understand," Veronica acknowledged with a hint of disappointment in her voice. She took out her pink iPhone and looked up her contact list. "Whenever I'm in Manhattan I stay at the Mandarin Orient. Let me write down their address and their phone number so you can reach me when you get into town. I'll get in touch with my modeling agent and see if I can arrange a meeting with her for Sam."

"Thank you!" Marlissa cried, hugging Veronica tightly.

"You can thank me afterwards," the brunette joked, winking at Ryan as she handed him the address of the hotel.

"Well then, I guess we should get back to the hotel to pack and be on our way to New York," Ryan said, accepting Veronica's hug. "We have a long drive ahead of us!"

Ryan made a couple of trips to his Jeep with the bags of clothes. He was not going to complain about the amount Marlissa had spent at the boutique since she had only the one green sundress he bought for her just so she could blend in with humans. Besides, she wore every piece of clothing well like a haute couture runway model, magically morphing her body slightly to make every blouse, dress, and skirt seem to be molded just for her. They stopped at a shoe store, so she could have matching footwear for her new wardrobe, and then bought luggage to carry everything. Marlissa was giddy like a little girl opening presents on Christmas morning. If Ryan had not constantly reminded her that he needed to concentrate on driving, she would have ravished him in the car.

The hotel valet opened the door for Marlissa after Ryan pulled up to the front of the hotel. She thanked the young man with a smile as she stepped out the car in a new blouse and skirt that showed off her ample cleavage and long, slender legs.

"Do you mind bringing the bags to our room?" Ryan asked, handing bag after bag to the valet to load onto the luggage cart. He handed the young man a five dollar bill.

"Of course not!" the valet exclaimed a bit too excitedly. Marlissa shot a knowing look at her husband as he got back into the Jeep to park it.

As Ryan set the parking brake he realized that he had left Marlissa alone with another mortal man for the first time. He was surprised he did not worry about her, guessing that she was contractually bound him so there no need to feel possessive or jealous.

Swiping his hotel room lock, he opened the door and was surprised at what he saw.