Deacon Romances Sheila — and Thomas Goes in for a Kiss While Alone With Hope

At the Forrester mansion, Thomas and Hope celebrate their success. They talk about how awesome it is to have Douglas’ admiration and she hopes they never let him down. Thomas wonders if she’s worried she let Liam down and points out he’s the one who let her down by not showing up. Hope wishes her husband was as excited for her as their son was. She knows he had his reasons for not coming. Thomas suggests she focus instead on the people who always show up for her.

In the cabin, Liam asks Steffy, on the phone, to kiss Kelly goodnight for him. He disconnects and Wyatt comes in. Liam’s expression tells him he’s not the person his brother was hoping to see, and he apologizes. He asks about the fashion show and wants to congratulate Hope. Liam relays that she’s at Eric’s, “With our favorite person.” Wyatt grimly asks, “Thomas?” Liam nods.

At Brooke’s place, Bill vows to always protect her and those she loves. They complain about Hope being drawn into Thomas’ orbit more and more. Bill thinks she doesn’t want to see the truth because she’s all about forgiveness. He figures Brooke must feel very alone with them all celebrating at the Forrester mansion… including Ridge.

At Il Giardino, Deacon tells Sheila that the restaurant closing early seemed like the perfect chance to get her out of the apartment. “Pretty cool, huh?” Sheila worries someone will see them, but Deacon locked up himself and saw to the cameras. He’s thought it through and assures her they won’t get caught. She grins, “Doing what?” He teases that she’s the one with the twisted imagination. “You tell me.”

Deacon and Sheila pour glasses of “the good stuff” and he raises his glass. “Bottoms up.” She’s taken aback at his lingo, so he turns on the romance. She muses, “I bet you wouldn’t have trouble toasting Brooke, would you?”

At Brooke’s place, Bill tells her Deacon can’t be coming around there; he’s trouble. If he wants to hang out with Hope, that’s fine, but she is completely off limits. If she thinks that’s because he wants her all to himself, “I do.”

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At the cabin, Liam explains that Hope was tucking Douglas in, and the boy was watching the success of both his parents tonight. Wyatt gets that but assumed that Hope would be home because it’s late. He guesses there’s more going on. Liam wishes he could be excited for his wife, but it’s like she doesn’t want to see what’s happening with Thomas.

At the Forrester mansion, Douglas wants to go to work with his parents tomorrow and skip school. Hope tells him to keep dreaming and suggests he head upstairs to bed. Thomas backs her up. Douglas asks that they both tuck him in. They agree. The boy wishes it could be like this every night.

At Brooke’s place, she tells Bill she believed she would always be with Ridge. Bill reminds her he’s with Taylor now. Brooke still loves him and wishes she could understand why he left and went into Taylor’s arms. Bill says she may never know that, but she should know this — he will always be her stallion. With that, he whinnies and stamps his foot on the ground. Brooke giggles about how silly he’s being.

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At the restaurant, Deacon tells Sheila he’s having a good time and suggests they dance. She points out there’s no music. Deacon shrugs that they’ll have to get creative. He asks her to close her eyes and think of a song, and then they’ll dance. Sheila didn’t realize he could be so romantic. She whispers the name of a song in his ear. He likes that one. Deacon pulls Sheila into his arms, and they slow dance with their foreheads together before he spins her around.

At the Forrester mansion, Hope tells Thomas she needs to get going, so can’t have more champagne. He pours her some sparkling cider and they “cheers” as he tells her she was incredible tonight. The entire fashion world can see what he sees — the woman full of passion that he adores.

At Il Giardino, Sheila thanks Deacon; today has been a Godsend. She appreciates him giving her a place to stay, but she really appreciates him giving her a night out. It’s what she’s really missed; going out without having to wear a mask. Deacon observes that when he’s with her, he feels he doesn’t have to wear a mask. Sheila calls it a piece of paradise, even if it’s just for a couple of stolen hours. She kisses him. It’s a reminder that she has so much to live for. “My life’s not over, not by a long shot.” Deacon downs his drink as Sheila looks off into the distance.

At Brooke’s place, Bill’s encouraged that he’s made her laugh and reminds her how good it was when they were together. “We were incredible together, and we could be again.” Brooke looks at her framed photos of Ridge.

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In the cabin, Liam thinks about Hope hugging Thomas and says aloud, “Don’t fall for it, Hope.” Suddenly, he wonders, “What am I doing?!?”

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At the Forrester mansion, Hope goes over how Thomas has stepped up, not just as a designer but as a father to Douglas. “You really have changed.” He explains he wanted to become a man who was worthy of Hope and Douglas. He was also thinking of her with every single step. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Hope. Literally, nothing.” Hope stops him as he’s about to kiss her. “This isn’t going to happen, Thomas.” She shakes her head.

More: Exclusive! B&B star reflects on the one that got away

Next on The Bold and the Beautiful: Liam offers Hope a mea culpa, and Thomas garners insight into his future with Hope.

See Bold & Beautiful alum Courtney Hope’s fiercest photo shoots in the gallery below.

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