CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THREE – STOLEN AFFECTIONS

Back at her small cottage, Charlotte changed into her nightgown and climbed into bed. She tossed and turned, unable to shake the image of Richard and Sabrina laughing together. Hours passed, and still sleep eluded her. Just as the first rays of dawn were beginning to peek through her curtains, Charlotte heard the crunch of gravel outside. Peering out the window, she saw Richard stumbling up the path, looking disheveled and slightly drunk. She opened the door as he approached. "Richard? What are you doing here?" He grinned lopsidedly. "Charlotte! My Charlotte. Wanted to see you." "It's nearly morning," she said, helping him inside. "Have you been up all night?" Richard nodded, collapsing onto her sofa. "Sabrina... she brought ouzo. For old times' sake, she said. We got to talking, and... well, you know how it goes." Charlotte's heart clenched. "I see," she said stiffly. "And you thought you'd come here instead of going to your own bed?" "Wanted to see you," Richard repeated, his