August 2006

Ridge has planned a romantic take-out dinner for Donna. Donna feels like she's stepping into her sister's shoes. As Ridge and Donna talk about the business, they flirt and the attraction between the two of them slowly builds.

At Brooke's, Donna comes downstairs while Brooke, Nick and Bridget are having breakfast. Brooke is surprised that Donna's photo session with Ridge went so late into the night. Donna tells Brooke she has the proofs from the shoot, but she isn't sure if they're any good. When Bridget looks at them and comments that Donna certainly is not shy, Donna replies that Ridge made her feel like she could do anything. Brooke is impressed that the pictures turned out so well, but she is annoyed to find out that Ridge scheduled another photo shoot for today without consulting her. Happy that Donna is modeling instead of his wife, Nick thinks Brooke should let Ridge have his shoot. Donna can't believe Ridge did not tell her about the shoot and offers to have it canceled, but Brooke pretends like it's no big deal and goes along with it. Donna hugs her sister and tells her she won't be sorry. However, Brooke looks doubtful. After Donna leaves, Bridget worries that Brooke is sacrificing too much by allowing Donna to take over her spot. Brooke assures her she is fine with Donna becoming the new model. Brooke just wants to insure that it is a positive experience for her sister. Nick tells her she needs to relax, because Donna is having a good time with it. He is annoyed when Brooke tells him she wants to stop by the shoot, before heading to Marone.

Meanwhile at Forrester, Stephanie asks Ridge about his doctor's appointment, and is glad to hear that he got a clean bill of health. She tells him she is worried that Donna won't be able to hack it as a model, but Ridge says he is excited about working with her. Stephanie can't believe he is taking losing Brooke so well. When Ridge shows her the sexy pictures he took of Donna, she begins to understand. Donna and the photographer walk in and begin preparing for the shoot. Stephanie picks up on the growing chemistry between Donna and Ridge. At the beginning of the photo shoot, Donna is very nervous, however Ridge is able to relax her and coax her into being sexy. Brooke walks in and sees him giving Donna some hands on direction and becomes jealous. After Ridge's encouragement, Donna hams it up in front of the camera, basking in all of the attention, just like her big sister would. When Ridge sees Brooke is at the shoot, he tells her Donna is going to be a big hit. Brooke doesn't look happy. When Brooke sees the proofs from the shoot, she acts like they are too provocative. Ridge disagrees and tells her it is time for a change. He tells her the campaign with Donna is going to be bigger than anything she can imagine. Brooke has her doubts, but is persuaded by Ridge's enthusiasm. After Brooke leaves Donna comes out and Ridge tells her she is going to be a huge success. Brooke pops back in and is shocked to see them kissing. After Ridge leaves, Brooke confronts Donna demanding that she never kiss Ridge again.

Ridge tells Eric that he is feeling happy again because he is convinced that Donna is the perfect replacement for Brooke. Brooke confronts Donna about the kiss with Ridge and Donna accuses her of being jealous. Donna offers the spokesmodel position back to Brooke and tries to convince her that she belongs with Ridge. Brooke is confused about her feeling for Nick and Ridge. Later, Brooke tells Ridge he needs to maintain a professional relationship with Donna. Brooke apologizes to Ridge for ever hurting him and he confesses that he will always love her. Donna secretly watches the whole confession.

At Forrester Creations before her preview as the new face for Brooke's Bedroom, Ridge gave Donna encouragement. Eric told the press that it was Brooke's idea to hire Donna for the job. Stephanie showed her distaste of Donna as the new Brooke's Bedroom model to Felicia. Felicia assumed that Donna was infatuated with Ridge as all the other models have been in the past.

Meanwhile at Marone Industries, Brooke decided to attend the showing for Donna's preview as the model for Brooke's Bedroom. Nick firmly but playfully told Brooke that he would accompany her to the showing. When she arrived, Brooke told the press that Brooke's Bedroom is new and improved and that Ridge has outdone himself. Brooke didn't agree with Ridge's new ideas but she did not want the press to know.

Brooke was very upset by Donna's performance. Stephanie advised Brooke that it's the same we she used to feel when watching her years ago. Stephanie advised that Brooke is the one that should have been on stage with her true love, Ridge. Brooke spoke to Ridge and Donna alone. Brooke accused Donna of taking something sophisticated and turning it into something cheap. Brooke told Donna that she had no choice, and things had gone too far. Brooke fired Donna.

At Forrester, Donna is shocked that Brooke is firing her. Ridge thinks Brooke is being too harsh, but Brooke says it is not debatable. Brooke tells Donna her "sex show" degraded the Line and the damage may be unsalvageable. Ridge defends Donna, saying everybody loved the show. Brooke points out that several of the buyers were offended and walked out. She tells Ridge his designs were beautiful, but Donna demeaned the line by acting like a stripper. Donna tells Brooke her problem is that she is still in love with Ridge and still wants to work at Forrester, but can't because of Nick. Donna says Brooke is upset because she is not center stage anymore. Brooke argues that she is just trying to keep her sister and The Bedroom Line from being the laughing stock of the fashion world. Ridge thinks Brooke is over reacting and defends Donna. He admits that he was the one who told Donna how to model for the show adding that Brooke couldn't have done it better. Brooke is hurt that Ridge thinks she is so easy to replace. Ridge replies that nothing would make him happier than for her to be his model again. Donna says that will never happen because of Nick. Ridge feels the main problem is that Brooke is never around to give her input, since Nick won't allow her to work at Forrester. He tells her he needs to work side by side with her so they can collaborate and tries to convince her to come back to Forrester. Brooke is tempted, but before she can think about it Nick calls demanding she return to Marone. After she gets off the phone Ridge tells her to call Nick back and say she is staying. Although that is what she wants to do, Brooke chooses to obey Nick and leave. After she leaves Ridge is upset because he hates to see Brooke being such a wimp. Donna consoles him. Trying to get more positive again, Ridge tells Donna she is a hit and that is what he is going to focus on. Donna beams, telling him she loved being on the runway. Stroking his ego, she tells him all men pale in comparison to him and promises to never take him for granted like Brooke does. They share a passionate kiss.

Meanwhile at Marone, Brooke sadly looks at a magazine with Donna on the cover and wishes it were her instead. With tears in her eyes, she fearfully wonders what she has done to her life.

At Forrester Creations, Ridge kissed Donna. Ridge disclosed that it felt like old times. Donna asked him what he meant by that. Ridge explained that he felt the same excitement as when Brooke's Bedroom was new. Ridge explained he had been nervous before the showing not knowing what to expect. Ridge said he was no longer nervous but confident after the reception that Donna received from the media. Ridge told Donna to enjoy this ride in the fashion world. Donna said she already was, except she didn't' know if she still had the modeling job because Brooke had fired her. Ridge advised Donna not to worry about Brooke.

Brooke told Nick she had fired Donna to protect her from Ridge. Brooke admitted that she had seen Ridge kissing Donna. Brooke felt that Donna was delusional thinking that she had done a good job when she had not. Also, Donna probably misinterpreted what Ridge's kiss meant. She knows Ridge does not have feelings for Donna. He would lead Donna on and hurt her. Donna arrived at Brooke's after the fashion show. Donna told Brooke she understood why Brooke fired her; Brooke is jealous that Donna is getting close to Ridge! Donna begged Brooke to allow her to continue to model for Brooke's Bedroom. Brooke demanded that Donna would have to be professional. Brooke explained to Donna that this means she could not flirt with or kiss Ridge. Lastly, Donna would have to be loyal to Brooke. Brooke hesitantly re-hired Donna.

In Ridge's office, dressed in one of his latest skimpy designs, Donna daydreams of being a famous model and dating Ridge. Her daydreams are interrupted when Felicia and Ridge walk in raving about the reviews from Donna's debut. Noticing her dreamy look, Ridge asks her what's on her mind and she replies that she is still on a high from the fashion show. When she gets off the phone, Felicia informs them that the press are clamoring for and interview with Ridge and his new diva. Ridge is excited and thinks the line is going to be better than ever with their new model. After Felicia leaves, Donna tells Ridge that Brooke agreed not to fire her as long as she and Ridge keep it strictly professional between them from now on. Ridge is glad that she dodged the bullet but admits it won't be easy to obey Brooke's rules. After adjusting her lingerie, Ridge begins to massage and caress her and they look lustily into each other's eyes. He then tells her to try on another design. While Donna is changing Ridge makes them some Mimosas. When she comes back out she struts around in front of him seductively asking him if he likes what he sees. Ridge enjoys brainstorming with her about new ideas for their ad campaign and they continue to flirt.

Meanwhile at Brooke's, Ridge approaches Donna when she is looking at her picture in the latest "Eye On Fashion" and congratulates her on being the newest sensation. Donna is excited and tells Ridge she is ready for more. Becoming a little shy, Donna says she is going to go check on RJ, but Ridge tells her he is sleeping. They begin talking about how much they love RJ. Ridge wonders if RJ knows how much he loves him since they don't get to spend a lot of time together. Donna assures him that RJ knows who his real father is, and that Nick could never replace him. Ridge asks when Nick is coming home, and Donna tells him he shouldn't try to work his visits to RJ around Nick's schedule. However, Ridge maintains that it is better for everybody if they don't cross paths. Ridge feels bad about losing his chance to be a family with Brooke and RJ. Donna tells Ridge it wasn't his fault and that Brooke made the biggest mistake of her life when she chose to marry Nick. When Ridge confides to Donna that he doesn't know what to do with his life, she advises him to forget Brooke and move on. Later when she is admiring her magazine layout again, Donna thanks Ridge for changing her life. Ridge thinks she deserves all the credit. Donna feels like she is living a fairy tale and says these things never happen to her, they happen to Brooke. She admits that Brooke is a hard act to follow. Ridge tells Donna she is captivating and a hard act to follow. As Ridge goes on about all of her wonderful attributes, Nick walks in. He isn't impressed with all of Ridge's flattery and asks him why he is still there. Donna huffs that they are talking business, but Nick doesn't buy it. Donna angrily shows him the magazine layout trying to prove that they were working. Nick argues that the sleazy crap that Ridge was spouting was more about risky business. He warns Ridge to leave Donna alone saying that she is not just another one of his bimbo models. Donna doesn't appreciate Nick's interference and let's him know that he can't be bossing her around. As their voices get louder, they wake the baby and Donna goes to check on him. After she leaves Nick accuses Ridge of using Donna in another pathetic attempt to win Brooke back. Ridge points out that Nick encouraged Brooke to let Donna be the new model. Nick says that was supposed to be a new opportunity for Donna, not Ridge. Nick doesn't like all of the touching, flirting and kissing going on between Ridge and Donna. Ridge argues that it is completely innocent, but Nick believes that is all a ploy to get Brooke back. Nick adds that he will protect Donna from Ridge's manipulations. Donna overhears Nick's remarks and confronts Ridge asking him if what Nick says is true. Ridge refuses to answer and walks out. Donna is crushed and Nick feels sorry for her.

At home, while in bed, Nick told Brooke that Ridge had been there to visit RJ and with Donna. Brooke became upset with the idea that Ridge would hurt Donna. Nick predicted that Ridge was using Donna to make Brooke jealous and it seemed that Ridge's plan was working because Brooke was upset.

Meanwhile, Donna went into work at Forrester Creations. She poured her heart out to Ridge. She asked him point blank if he is using her to make Brooke jealous. Ridge told Donna he isn't sure of his feelings. He does not know if he has feelings for Donna, however, he loves Brooke and always would. Ridge described himself as "on the rebound" and a very risky person to have a relationship with right now. Donna told Ridge she is willing to take a risk. Brooke arrived. Brooke noticed the flirting between Donna and Ridge and was not happy about it. When Donna left, Brooke again told Ridge that she is hurt when she sees them flirting with one another. She accused Ridge of trying to make her jealous with Donna. Ridge simplified that he is only trying to move on. However, he told Brooke that all he really wants is to hold her and to be with her. Ridge made a very passionate plea to Brooke to leave Nick and return to him

At Forrester, Ridge tells Brooke that they belong together, but she reminds him that she is married. Not being deterred, Ridge says he can see that Brooke is still in love with him when he looks into her eyes. He pleads with Brooke to leave Nick and give them another chance. Brooke remains loyal to Nick, but Ridge tells her that she is making the same mistake he made when he left her for Taylor. He tells her she is going down the wrong path, but she is afraid to admit it to herself. Ridge says he wants to spend the rest of his life with her more than anything else in the world, but if he can't he will go on living and eventually meet someone else. Brooke admits they will always be connected and seeing him with another woman would make her jealous. Brooke feels like she needs to stay away from Forrester, but Ridge says she can't run away from their love. Eventually he thinks she will come back to him and he doesn't understand why it can't be now. They embrace and Brooke's eyes tear up, then she pulls away saying she has a meeting at Marone. Ridge tries to convince her to stay, but she insists that she has to go. Later, Donna comes in to see how things went with Brooke. Ridge tells Donna that Brooke is pulling away from him because she is scared and can't deal with her feelings. Donna can't believe it when Ridge tells her that Brooke is joining Marone's Board of Directors. Ridge says Nick thinks if he can replace Forrester with Marone, maybe one day he might be able to replace Ridge with himself in Brooke's heart.

At Marone, Nick eagerly prepares for his board meeting, excited by the fact that Brooke is now going to be a member. He is surprised when Donna stops in to thank him for motivating her to confront Ridge. Nick warns Donna to stay away from Ridge or she will get burned. Donna lets him know it is her choice to do what she wants with Ridge and he needs to butt out of her life. She tells him to get over his attitude with Ridge. A little while after Donna leaves, the board members gather and Nick informs them that he is making Brooke a member. One of the members is not happy about a model becoming a board member. Nick tells him not to underestimate Brooke. When Brooke arrives, Nick introduces her to the board as one of the most successful minds in business today. The board members remain skeptical. They begin to discuss tactics for keeping Marone at the top of it's game. When Nick asks Brooke how they can set Marone apart from the competition, she suggests that they paint the tankers green instead of black.

Brooke defends her new idea to the Marone Board. Later, Nick compliments Brooke on how great she was in the meeting but she's not sure if working with Nick at Marone is the best idea. Brooke feels that the fashion industry is more her expertise.

Brooke mentions to Nick that she would like to plan a special surprise for Bridget to apologize for not being at her graduation from Medical school. Nick then pleads with Brooke to work side by side with him at Marone. Brooke is hesitant and tries to deflect the subject by talking about their love. Nick sings a love song to Brooke that he wrote for her.

Meanwhile in Brooke's Bedroom, after serenading Brooke, Nick pressures her again about playing a bigger role at Marone. Brooke tries to wiggle out of it, saying she is already spread too thin with her duties at Forrester. Nick is disappointed with her lack of enthusiasm for Marone. Brooke points out that even though she has given up having an office at Forrester, she still wants to run the place and she can't devote her full attention to Forrester if she also has responsibilities at Marone. Nick gets mad and leaves after she tells him she has some Forrester business to work on tonight.

Ridge arrived after Taylor called him and told him that she had something important to tell him. Taylor advised Ridge that he should continue to take good care of the children if she cannot. Ridge was concerned and thought perhaps Taylor was going to alcohol rehabilitation. Taylor did tell Ridge that she is going to take responsibility for all the pain she has caused. Ridge did not understand why Taylor was acting strangely.

Brooke is jealous of Ridge's flirting with Donna, and later watches her sister on the "Rich Ginger" talk show. Ridge encourages Donna as she is about to walk on stage, Felicia is suspicious as she feels that Ridge is up to something.

As Nick came in, Brooke was glued to the TV so that she could watch the Rich Ginger show. She wanted to know about the interview and how everything was going. As Donna was introduced on the show, she became to answer questions that he asked her, and was surprised when he did ask her one about her and Ridge. How did she feel about Ridge -- was she in love with him? Donna, not wanting to give a straight answer, caused Rich to go straight to Ridge himself, by asking him to come out on stage. When he did, Donna questioned Ridge as to what was going on, and Ridge told everyone that the woman he was with, has managed to change his entire life. With that, he planted a big kiss on her. Brooke sat watching at home, unhappy with the whole ordeal and commented that she couldn't let this happen, to a very unhappy Nick.