8:30 the same morning. Ned is downstairs, about to go to work when Alexis comes down.

N- G'morning.

A- Hi. Listen I'm sorry about last night.

N- Hey, you have nothing to be sorry about.

A- I mean for imposing on you.

N- You didn't impose. If you remember, I asked you to come.

A- Yeah, but I was a rude guest.

N- Stop arguing, counsellor, and have a cup of coffee.

A- No thanks. Do you have to go to work?

N- No, but i should check in with Grandfather. I'm going to the main house. I should be back in about 20 min. Do you mind staying here?

A- Not at all.

While he is gone, Alexis showers and puts on one of his shirts. When he comes back, she is curled up on the couch, listening to an Eddie Maine cd.

N- Hi. Feeling better?

A- Yes, thanks to you.

N- You're welcome. Grandfather was kind of mad, but I'm taking the day off anyway. I like how you look in that shirt.

A- Well, you've got good taste.

N- I know.

A- Aren't you Mr. Modesty?

N- I see that you are feeling better; up to your witty repartee.

A- That's right.

N- Since you are feeling better, want to go out to breakfast?

A- I'd love to except I don't have anything to wear.

N- You could wear that. I'm sure nobody would mind.

A- I would.

N- I wouldn't.

A- (laughing) Oh, you.

She throws a pillow at him.

N- No fair! I never said that we could have a pillow fight.

A- Yeah, but I did. Pillow fight!

She throws another pillow at him. He throws one back. Soon they are laughing hysterically. Ned lunges at Alexis, catching her off guard. He has her back pinned down against the couch.

N- (smiling) The best part of fighting is making up.

A- We should do it more often.

N- Agreed, counsellor.

Then he kisses her, the kind of kiss that makes her go weak.

Aleixs wants Ned to make love to her but she isn't up to it right now. After a few minutes, she pushes him away.

N- We wouldn't want to get carried away.

A- Actually, *we'd* like to, but I don't think I'd be into it right now.

N- I understand.

A- I think I should get back to my suite.

N- Do you want me to drive you?

A- Sure, but I should change into clothes that would be appropiate for me to go into public.

N- Um, Lex... Alexis...

A- Wait a sec. What did you just call me? Lex?

N- Well, I was going to say Lexi.

A- (quietly) You know, no one has ever called me that before?

N- Oh?

A- Actually, I kind of like it. Lexi. It sounds nice. You can call me that if you want.

N- Okay... Lexi.

A- I like it. I'll be right down.

N- I'll be here.

Ned is dropping Alexis off at the Port Charles Hotel.

N- Bye.

A- See you.

He gives her a quick kiss. Alexis watches him drive away. Ned has certainly given her alot to think about. Well, she can't think now. She wants to go see about some office space downtown so she can start her private practice. She should focus on her carreer, not love. She's never had time for love before. She had always needed to... Wait, when did her needs come first? Never, until she met Ned. Things were moving a little bit faster than she would've liked, but it wasn't so bad. And, besides, Ned had told her he loved her. Well, he hadn't actually told her, but he did say it. Love, that was a nice change. Stefan had loved her, but that was different. It wasn't like this. This was what she needed.