"You know, I kind of like watching you work," she said, coyly. "You get all serious, and concentrated, and I have to be honest... it's really s.e.xy."

Stephen chuckled, "You find everything I do s.e.xy."

"This is true," Grace giggled.

When they got home, they were confronted by a quiet house again. The twins were already in their room, and his mother was asleep as well. Looking in the refrigerator for some leftovers, Stephen found a plate of chicken that his mother had made earlier in the evening.

"Are you as hungry as I am, Grace?"

She nodded, "Definitely!"

"Why don't I get this chicken ready? If you want to wait in my room, I'll bring up everything so we can eat a quiet dinner."

"Okay, I'll be waiting, babe. Don't take too long," she winked, before slipping into the hallway.

Stephen just smiled and shook his head, as he started to microwave the food and find some forks and napkins. Grace could find a way to make just about anything s.e.xy. It was just who she was. But then again, she was designed for him. And here, on the second day that he had known her, he was starting to understand that Grace's effect on him went far beyond the s.e.xual realm.

Even just today, he never would have been able to stand up to Ram if not for Grace. Just her presence alone was able to give him the backbone he needed to stand his ground. She was giving him back his self-confidence, even if it was a little at a time.

Yet, there were still things on his mind, and conscious, that would require more time to heal. The pain with his cousin, Danny, was still somewhat raw. As was the missing link that was his father. As Stephen put together the food and took it back to his room, his demeanor started to sour, being reminded of all the things that still caused him pain.