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were the case, Sam should have taken the time and energy to make sure his partner understood what she was getting herself into. Knowing that Abby's world would soon be turned totally upside down when the review continued, he asked his next question. "Tell me, Abigail, did you grow up with domestic discipline, or is this all completely new to you?" Seeing her cheeks once more suffuse with color, he was charmed. He hadn't seen a grown woman blush as many times—or in quite so many attractive shades—during one conversation in a very long time, especially one who still had all her clothes on.
    "I, um, well, while I really don't think that is any of your business, but I am not totally ignorant of discipline. My parents were very strict."
    "And your husband?" Dean asked, without a shade of embarrassment at the personal question.
    "Ex-husband. No, Nick never, perhaps…" her voice trailed off, almost as if she had forgotten he was there.
    His eyes locked on hers . Perhaps? Perhaps she was deciding that the reason for this gift was that Sam was intending on introducing domestic discipline into their relationship. He waited for her to continue, to explain her rather cryptic answer. Her silence told of her choice to keep him in the dark, but before she looked away, he had seen her eyes fill with an emotion that appeared to be sad, as well as confused. His desire to know far more about Abigail Pierce grew with every moment he spent in her presence.
    "Good to know. I wouldn't want to totally shock you," he said softly and watched as she took another sip of coffee, as if fortifying herself before responding.
    "No problem. As I said, I'm a big girl and can take care of myself. I have managed on my own for several years now. Believe me, it would take more than this, um… well, it is hard to shock me, that's all."
    Her words 'big girl' caused him to grin. She certainly wasn't big—she was one of the smallest women he had ever met. Despite her size, he did give her credit in the 'big' department as he considered her bravery. "I'm glad to hear how very capable you are. However, time management might be something you need to work on, as well as proper preparation."
    "Sorry to disappoint you. You don't have to worry about me; I'll be just fine. I don't need anyone to look after me, I can take care of myself," she said, her gentle look becoming a glare. Returning to her table, she sat down, unaware that Dean's eyes had never drifted from the sway of her hips as she walked across the room. Trying to decide whether to stay for the remainder of the review or leave, she swallowed another sip of coffee. Despite the words she had just spoken, she admitted to herself that she wasn't fine; in fact, she was a bit shocked. It wasn't only the subject that had her head spinning; it was the fact that every time she looked at Dean, she felt quivers in her tummy, as well as in parts a bit further south.
    Just as she decided to retake control of her life and leave, she stood up only to see Dean returning to the front of the class. Afraid that if she looked to the front, she'd see that annoying self-satisfied smile plastered on his face, she lost her courage. Sitting back down, she pulled her book closer and opened it. Despite her initial shock, she found it was no longer necessary to pretend to be engrossed in the book—the subject matter was causing her to wonder about things she had never really considered before.

Chapter 2
     
    At the sound of chairs scraping again, Abby lifted her head to see the couple she had observed earlier walking to the front of the room. She watched as Dean placed one of the chairs in a clear space and then stepped back. Abby was puzzled for a moment as the man seated himself and then drew the woman to stand at his right side. Something about the way the woman stood, head bowed, hands clasped in front of her, captured Abby's complete attention. Oh my God, she thought, her heart threatening to jump out of her chest. The pose