The next morning

Ava wanted to know more. Hannalore seemed so willing and so happy, and she wanted to feel that happiness as well. She looked over at Ward as he began to stir. Then, she snuggled up to him and kissed the back of his neck. "Morning sleepyhead," she smiled. "Don't forget you have early appointments today at the office."

Ward rolled over and looked at her with a smile. "I know. Wish I could cancel them, but that's impossible. At least you have Hannalore to keep you company until I return. I shouldn't be too long, I hope."

"I'm sure we girls will find something to do. Shopping, or something." She propped herself up on one elbow. "I like her a lot. She seems so carefree and happy."

"Oh, believe me, she is very carefree and happy," Ward replied. "I'm very glad you like her. That makes me happy." He gazed into Ava's eyes as he smiled at her. She was so beautiful, so innocent. He loved that about her. She had a body he desired every night. That sudden look in her eye and that shy little smile she always gave him were enough to get his juices flowing. "She'll be with us for the rest of this week. Then it's off to Honduras to cover the unrest down there." He thought to himself for a minute. "Say, would you like to go with her? I'm sure she'd appreciate the company. And it would be a nice little getaway for you."

Ava smiled at him. "Why sir, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to get rid of me," she teased.

Ward caught on. "Now why would I ever want to get rid of someone as charming and beautiful as you are?"

"Charming and beautiful, am I?" she teased again as she pulled off the covers to expose her naked body. "You like this, huh?"

Ward noticed that shy little smile and her wanton look in the eye. He loved her dearly. "Why do you think I married you in the first place? It certainly wasn't for your money."

Ava could not help but giggle like a schoolgirl. "I think you married me because the carpet matches the drapes."

Ward laughed out loud. "I do love your carpet. It's so nice and red! You keep it so nicely trimmed. You're so soft down there." He allowed his hand to stray down to Ava's crotch. He could feel the morning dew on her soft, trimmed bush. He brushed over it lightly with his fingertips.

Ava let out a low moan. She loved the sweet sensation of his light, electrifying touch. She wanted more, but she knew time was short. There would be later when he returned. "As much as I would love to accommodate you, kind sir, time is running short, and you'll have to leave soon."

Ward gave her a frown. But he knew she was right. Today was a big day after all. "Be here when I get back?"

"With bells on!" she smiled.

Ward raised an eyebrow. "Nothing but bells?"

Ava gave a lilting laugh. "Sir, it is not very nice to stoke a girl's imagination with such lewd images of bells dangling from her most private parts!"

"Hmm..." Ward smiled back at her. "I think that would actually be a very nice image."

"Oh, you!" she giggled as she picked up her pillow and whacked him with it.

Ward fell out of bed and raised his hands in surrender. "Truce!" he laughed. "I'm going to get a shower."

After Ward left for his shower, Ava lay back down deep in thought over what she and Hannalore had discussed. At least she had some time to pump her for more information. Maybe she should go with her to Honduras? It might be fun and exciting to see exactly what Hannalore did firsthand.