The fact that Xanthe keeps us entangled in the character's heads and hearts is what gets me through the bits that are, as you say, a turn off. It doesn't really *matter* while I'm reading it. The fact that *they're* (ultimately) enjoying it and that it's filling different needs for both of them is all that matters.

I think Abby's half figured it out once she asked Gibbs if he'd had plastic surgery. :-) I figure it won't take much longer, if she hasn't figured it out already. :-)

Looking forward to the whole Grasso thing. ;-)