As much as they didn't want to take the advice of the Dr, what did they have to lose? Lindsey was shocked to realize he was in fact quite manipulative. He began to see the signs of it everywhere now, in everything he said for the past few days. Was he like this all the time? He also saw how he could be emotionally and mentally abusive, the way he would pick at what she wore or what she chose to eat but it wasn't on purpose. He thought he was being helpful, but he began to see that he did often hurt her feelings. Stevie would reassure him that it was fine, that it was nothing but as he did his research, he realized that too was a sign of abuse, called minimization.

On the flip side of this, he realized just how much affection he gave Stevie and how much she gave him. Since part of the test was to keep intimate physical contact to a minimum, they noticed how often they would kiss, hug, or just lean into each other for a dose of the instantly satisfying connection they had. There would be no sex until the end of the experiment at an undetermined date and that was the hardest part for Lindsey. More than just loving her and wanting to express that in a physical way, she seemed to become even more attractive to him know he couldn't have her. Every movement was sensual and enticing. She had a killer figure, changed slightly by their daughter almost two years before but to him, she looked even better.

Stevie got dressed in a white blouse, a black skirt and heels. Lindsey sat behind her on the edge of the bathtub, and she looked at him through he mirror as she applied blush to her cheeks with a fluffy brush.

"This is stupid" Lindsey said, unable to hold it in any longer, arms crossed over his chest.

"You set me up, Lindsey. This is your friend. You know Alan would never do or say anything inappropriate. He's a good guy."

"Well, I don't like the idea of someone else dating my wife"

"I don't like the idea of anyone dating my husband Lindsey but like Dr Banzo said, you went out there and...mingled" she said, gesturing with the makeup brush in her hand. "And I never did. It's my turn."

"You can play along just...don't kiss him, okay? Don't hug him or anything like that."

"Yes, dad. Now can you please help me lock up my chastity belt, I wouldn't want you to think I'd slip up."

"Ha-ha!" he said, "I just worry."

"I know, but it's just for a little while. It's dinner."

"We have dinner, you're practically married to the guy now" Lindsey joked and Stevie turned to look at him.

"He doesn't even like me that way, Lindsey. It's just dinner with someone you knew would treat me well."

"He better not treat you too well or I'll wring his neck."

"I'm sure you will. Getting a little possessive, aren't we?" she asked and he tried his best to calm down.

"Have fun, Stevie. Arabella and I will miss you."

"I will miss you both so much. When I get home, I will tell you all about it."

"I don't think I want to know" he said, pouting.

"That's your choice." she said, reaching out to pat his cheek then stopping herself. They heard the intercom and she left the room to let Alan up. When he arrived, he had flowers in hand. Stevie kissed his cheek and took the bouquet from him. "Thank you, they're beautiful. Have a seat, I'm almost done."

Lindsey entered the room and shook the hand of his friend before hugging him. "How's it hangin, old dog?"

"Loose" Alan joked and Lindsey laughed, patting his shoulder. Stevie wrinkled her nose, men can be so crude. She listened to their conversation about music and the album Alan was producing for some up and coming artist while she filled a vase and arranged her flowers. When she was finished, she joined the men. Lindsey wrapped an arm around her shoulders, then quickly put his arm back at his side. "What- is she on fire or something?"

"No, uh, it's dumb but Dr Banzo also said we can't have intimate physical contact, hugging, kissing...sex."

"Brutal, man."

"Yeah" Lindsey said, not quite sure what to do with his hands now so he jammed them into his jeans pockets.

"Remember, if Arabella needs anything--"

"I'm here. I'm not going to call you and ruin your evening. If she wakes up, I can warm up some milk for her."

"Thank you." Stevie said. She leaned forward to kiss him but once again stopped herself, awkwardly extending a hand for a handshake. Lindsey shook it, giving her a strange look, then kissed her knuckles. "Uh-uh, against the rules."

"Rules were meant to be broken" he said, giving her a devilish grin. She blushed and withdrew her hand from his.

"Goodbye, Linds. See you later."

"See you." Lindsey waved and watched as Alan took her hand then wrapped an arm around his wife's waist as they left the apartment. Once they were gone, he punched the couch cushion and sat down. "What a crock of shit this is! Dr Fucking Bozo!" He turned on the television and stared at the screen, though not really watching. Lindsey was devising a plan to not only woo Stevie as he was instructed, but also get her to cave completely, breaking the no intimacy rule in a big way. His plan was almost perfect, but he couldn't do it tonight. No, he had to wait, let the dates with Alan build. The tension would be so great between he and Stevie, she wouldn't be able to turn him down even for a second. He rubbed his hands together, satisfied with his scheme. "Oh, it's so good to be king!" Lindsey stretched out, resting his feet on the coffee table, arms bent with hands laced behind his head. Total relaxation. He closed his eyes and let himself drift off, a smile plastered on his face.