Chapter One

      How are you going to prove it to me?” Seth asked.

      “I just won’t have sex with you,” Lily stated simply.

      He laughed. “Yeah right! For how long?”

      “Your call.”

      “One month,” he answered.

      “Ha! Easy!” she exclaimed. “I went longer than that waiting for you to come back.”

      “Yes,” he replied, “you did. I was gone for a while too. On the other hand, I wasn’t around all the time to tempt you, and we didn’t live together then.”

      “True, but still no problem,” she stated with a smile. “I say we start now.  No sex, and no kissing.”

      “No kissing?” he asked.

      “None,” she answered.  “We both know where kissing will lead us, and I say it would be too much temptation.”

      “Fine,” he said. “I agree. No sex and no kissing for one month.  You have that time to prove to me that love is a factor in this relationship. I seriously disagree though. I’m telling you, it’s still just a relationship of convenience… and great sex.”

      “You had to throw that last bit in there didn’t you?” she asked with a smile.

      “Yes,” he said, returning the smile.  “Yes, I did.  You know it’s true.”  She smiled wider, and started to walk away. “Where are you going?”

      “Well,” she turned and faced him, “I have to make dinner and get two little girls ready for school tomorrow, remember?”

      “Oh, yeah,” he said. “You do that. I’ll go check on their school work.”

      “Good plan.” She flashed him a flirty grin and headed to the kitchen. He stood there for a minute watching her walk away. One month. No big deal, he thought to himself. One month would be long enough to convince her that this was still just a very convenient arrangement between good friends. Good friend who cared for each other, who even liked each other, a lot, but not friends who were in love with each other. Love was for kids.

      He knew she probably felt infatuation, and lust, hell yes, that was there on both sides, but not love. Love was for kids and fools. He’d been down that road before, and were did it leave him. Alone. A single dad raising a little girl. He gave up on love long ago. No, they didn’t love each other, merely shared a mutual friendship and respect for each other.

      He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and then turned to go check on the girls and their school work.

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      One month, she thought to herself. One month was nothing. She knew she loved ever since that time he left to save his daughter. He had been gone for six months. She had waited for him, knowing she loved him. Going a month going a month without sex, and still be able to get along well wouldn’t be a problem. Sure, the sex was great, and she’d be thankful when they could resume that part of their relationship, but waiting a month to prove it wasn’t just about the completely awesome sex would be worth it.  He loved her too. She knew he did. He was just afraid to admit it. But he would, and before the month was out, he’ll tell her.  She was sure of it. Proving to him their love shouldn’t be hard.