"I don't feel that sexy." Stephanie had to reply candidly, but she smiled when he offered her the roses. She took another kiss from him.

She took a deep breath and looked up at him. "I'm sorry. This isn't even remotely fair for you. But ... my mind is a complete mess, Marcelo. You were right about Crane, but Essex has been working in my mind too." She leaned her head against his chest. "I feel like I've been nothing but a puppet."