When Worlds Collide – GearJamGranny

She cursed under her breath slightly as she watched the contents of her small silver purse scatter on the carpet and mumbled an apology to the broad chest she had just run into as she crouched down to retrieve her things. He was about to lean down and help her but his eyes alighted on the creamiest cleavage he had ever seen, and the slit in her dress showed off a long expanse of tanned thigh. He swallowed convulsively as she stood, her task finished.

 

“Again, I’m so sorry. I’m not usually that clumsy.” He could only muster enough breath for a few words.

 

“It’s all right.” With that she disappeared around the corner, her face slightly pink from embarrassment.

 

“Nice Marlena, real nice. It’s this damn dress, and Laura is going to pay dearly for picking it out.” Her thoughts went back to the man she had just run into. Thick, black hair, the most incredibly blue eyes she had ever seen, strong nose, chin, and jaw, shoulders that seemed a mile wide, the broad chest that she already had first hand knowledge of, trim torso, and long muscular legs. She blushed again as she wondered what was truly hidden under his tuxedo and her fingers tingled where he had touched her while helping her back to a standing position. She shook her head against her thoughts and went to the ladies room to fix her makeup.

 

“Smooth John. Stammering is so attractive.” John Black had never been tongue tied with a lady before, and he had no idea why this one was different. He flexed his hand that was still tingling from contact with her and a mental picture formed in his head. Golden tresses that were pulled up with just a few wisps around her face, an angel’s face. He tried to find a description for her eyes. He had never seen any quite that color before, and he finally decided that looking into them reminded him of sipping Brandy on a cold winter’s night. She would

 

definitely keep him warm. High cheekbones, pert little nose, totally kissable mouth, long slim neck, perfect shoulders, and the body of a goddess. The dress she was wearing left just enough to the imagination. It had thin spaghetti straps and the red satin pooled just above her breasts and at the small of her back, leaving the peachy skin above it totally bare. The material draped straight down her legs with one slit on the left side that went almost to the top of her thigh. He noticed her height when she bumped into him; her head would fit perfectly into the crook of his shoulder, and the thought of holding her like that made him smile. He shook his head to clear it and continued mingling.

 

Dinner was consumed and the fundraising part of the evening was about to commence when John saw her again. She was being backed into a corner by an obviously drunk man who didn’t want to take no for an answer. John gave her credit for trying to be tactful and not make a scene, but he was across the room in five strides.

 

“I have been looking all over for you.” He turned to the inebriated man, flashed a brilliant smile, and extended his right hand. “Hi, I’m John Black; the lady’s date for the evening.” The other man tried to focus, and almost missed John’s hand.

 

“Iss nice ta meet ya. I’m, I’m, Jim Heller.”

 

“Well Jim, maybe we should call you a cab.” Jim shook his head and stumbled to the waiting area where the host did indeed call a taxi for him. John turned back to the woman whose name he still did not know and was shocked to find her gone. He stood perplexed, then shrugged his shoulders and walked over to the stage where Dr. Tom Horton was getting ready to announce the next portion of the evening. John saw his mystery woman sitting on stage.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my lovely wife Alice and the rest of my family, I would like to welcome you all to the 1st Annual Horton Foundation Dinner and Dance Auction. As many of you know, my wife and I lost our daughter Addie to leukemia just last year. The Horton Foundation was started in her memory as a way to raise funds for

 

ongoing leukemia research so that one day a cure can be found.” Tom waited for the applause to die down. “I would like to thank the lovely ladies who have donated their time tonight and agreed to be auctioned off for a dance with a lucky winner. I’m going to introduce them in the order that you will bid on them. First, Kate Roberts, Vice-President of Titan Publishing; Dr. Marlena Evans, psychiatrist at University Hospital; Kristen Blake, volunteer with the Horton Foundation; Dr. Laura Spencer, psychiatrist at University Hospital; Hope Williams, police officer with the Salem PD…” Tom kept going through the women, but John was staring at Marlena and missed the last ten or so women. He didn’t care; he was only going to bid on one of them and she was the second one to be auctioned. Finally Tom finished the introductions and started the bidding. Victor Kiriakis bid on his VP and won a dance with her for one thousand dollars. The couple moved off to the side to wait for the auction to conclude. Marlena took center stage and blushed a bit in the light. The bidding started at fifty dollars and quickly escalated to five hundred. Roman Brady looked a bit upset at not being able to bid higher, as John made an offer of one thousand. Tom was just about to bang the gavel when an accented voice shouted “fifteen hundred”. John looked to the right, where the voice had come from and was surprised to see his brother standing a few feet from him. They continued to out bid the other until Tony’s bid was thirty thousand dollars. Marlena shifted uncomfortably on the stage, and John depressed a button on his cell phone while upping the ante. He watched with a smirk on his face as Tony left the room to answer his phone. In a clear voice John shouted “One hundred thousand dollars.” Tom didn’t wait for anyone to outbid John and banged the gavel to signify that Marlena belonged to John for the dance. Tony watched from the outer room, slightly piqued, but amused at the ingeniousness of his brother.

 

John took Marlena’s hand as he helped her down from the stage and the applause finally quieted down so Tom could continue. Victor commented on the outcome.

 

“Nice show John. What happened to Tony; I never saw him as a man who would give up.” John smiled at the memory.

 

 

“He didn’t. He got a mysterious phone call, but no one was on the other line.” Victor laughed heartily.

 

“You’re a sneak John Black. Maybe that’s why we make such good business adversaries.” He turned his attention to Marlena then. “Marlena, you look lovely tonight; red is striking on you.” She smiled and blushed again.

 

“Thank you Mr. Kiriakis.”

 

“Victor, please. I know I’m on the board at the hospital, but we can be on a first name basis.” She nodded. Finally all of the women were chosen and the dance began. John led Marlena to the middle of the dance floor.

 

“So why did you just disappear earlier?”

 

“I had to get to the stage.”

 

“I wanted to make sure you were all right.” She hiked her chin up a notch.

 

“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you, and I don’t appreciate you telling people you are my date when you’re not.” He swallowed his anger and moved with her as the music began. He laughed as he recognized the intro.

 

“What’s so funny?”

 

“You don’t recognize the song?” She listened, but shook her head.

 

“It’s by Enrique Iglesias and it’s titled ‘Hero’. A little ironic, don’t you think?” She laughed a bit and he reveled in the sound of it.

 

 

Would you dance

 

if I asked you to dance?

 

Would you run

 

and never look back?

Would you cry

if you saw me cry?

And would you save my soul, tonight?

 

Would you tremble

 

if I touched your lips?

Would you laugh?

Oh please tell me this.

Now would you die

for the one you loved?

Hold me in your arms, tonight.

 

I can be your hero, baby.

 

I can kiss away the pain.

I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

 

Would you swear

 

that you’ll always be mine?

Or would you lie?

Would you run and hide?

Am I in too deep?

Have I lost my mind?

I don’t care…

You’re here tonight.

 

I can be your hero, baby.

 

I can kiss away the pain.

I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

 

Oh, I just want to hold you.

 

I just want to hold you.

Am I in too deep?

Have I lost my mind?

 

I don’t care…

 

You’re here tonight.

 

I can be your hero, baby.

 

I can kiss away the pain.

I will stand by your forever.

You can take my breath away.

 

I can be your hero.

 

I can kiss away the pain.

And I will stand by you forever.

You can take my breath away.

You can take my breath away.

 

I can be your hero.

 

When the song ended, she practically flew out of his arms, but he got a hold of her wrist.

 

“Marlena, what is the problem? Have I done something to offend you?” She looked at him, her feelings clashing with her mind.

 

“Everything about you offends me Mr. Black. You stand for everything that I abhor.” He looked at her flabbergasted. John Black was not used to women rejecting him.

 

“Care to elaborate?” They were standing in the middle of the dance floor still, and a small crowd stood watching the drama unfold.

 

“You are a billionaire playboy who doesn’t take anything seriously. You buy whatever you want, and that includes people, and you act as if everyone should bow down and kiss your feet, just because you walked past them.” He was angry now. She might have the face of an angel but she had the temperament of a shrew.

 

“How dare you pass judgment on me. You don’t even know me.”

 

“I’ve met plenty of people like you, and I’ve read enough about you to have a good idea of what makes you tick. You’re scared of being hurt, so you don’t let anyone get close to you, you use women because you can, and you hide behind your money so you don’t have to face reality.” With that she turned on her heel and stalked from the room. John followed her.

 

“Nobody walks out on me.”

 

“It seems to me that I just did.” She kept going, refusing to give him the last word. He was shouting at her retreating back, but his words stopped her cold and she turned to him slowly, golden sparks shooting from her eyes.

 

“And you pretty lady are scared shitless of the same things I am, but you don’t hide behind money, you hide behind your cold as ice demeanor and your ‘I am always in control attitude’. As far as using people, I don’t see that, simply because you don’t let anyone close enough to you to use. The thing I don’t get right now is why in the hell you would show up here looking as drop dead gorgeous as you do when you don’t want any attention.” Her simple admission made him laugh out loud.

 

“I lost a bet.”

 

“To whom? I’m going to have to thank him or her profusely.” She blushed again and cursed under her breath for the tell tale sign of her discomfort.

 

“My ex-friend Laura Spencer. We had a bet on whether or not the Yankees would win the pennant. I lost.” His mouth dropped open.

 

“You bet against the Yankees? What were you thinking?”

 

“Nothing. I don’t know the first thing about baseball, and Laura took advantage of that.” He laughed again. Seeing the look on her face, he held up his hands on mock surrender.

 

 

“The next time someone wants to bet you about baseball, come see me first.” The only response he got was a muffled “Um hmm.”. The silence was awkward, and Marlena finally made a move to leave.

 

“Thank you for the dance, but I really need to go now.” He took her hand, and when she didn’t pull away, he turned it over and kissed her palm.

 

“The dance was my pleasure.” He watched her go, his fingers touching his lips lightly where her palm had been moments earlier, and wondering what the hell had gotten into him. She irked him, mainly because her observations were dead on, but she intrigued him. He saw sadness in her eyes, and he wanted more than anything to make it go away; he just had no idea how, or if she would allow him to get close enough, or if he wanted to get that close.

 

As Marlena walked away, she again cursed her clumsiness that led to her bumping into John Black. “How dare he say these things to me.” She knew he was right though and that bothered her. She fingered her palm where he kissed her and marveled at the tingly sensation those lips had caused. She balled her fist at her lack of control and thought back to when he had rescued her from the drunk. John had been gallant and she had been secretly relieved that he showed up when he did, but she was not going to give him an ego trip by admitting it.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

On Monday, Laura popped her head into Marlena’s office, relived that her friend didn’t throw a heavy object at her.

 

“So where did you and Mr. Hunky disappear to after the dance?” Marlena gave Laura a retiring glare.

 

“Nowhere, thank you. Although you do have his profound thanks for the dress you made me wear.” Laura noticed the sour note of

 

Marlena’s voice.

 

“You didn’t like the dress?” That earned her another glare from her friend.

 

“Laura, let’s just say that paybacks are hell.” Laura winced. She knew that the dress had been a deviation from Marlena’s reserved style, but truth be told, Marlena’s wardrobe needed a little pizzazz.

 

“Honey, you looked fabulous in that dress. I didn’t buy it to embarrass you; I bought it as a mood booster because you’ve been really down lately.” Marlena smiled at her friend’s concern.

 

“Laura, thank you, really, but I’m fine. It’s just the time of year, that’s all.” Light dawned on Laura’s face and she spoke softly.

 

“Your college roommate?” Marlena just nodded.

 

Across town, Victor was talking to John in one of the boardrooms of Basic Black.

 

“So, things didn’t go with Marlena the way they go with most of your women huh John?”

“Not even close, Vic.” He shook his head ruefully. “She nailed me for being the shallow bastard that I am. I usually try to stay away from the smart ones. That’s why Kristen has lasted as long as she has, but Marlena bumped into me, literally, and there was this electricity between us. Now I think it’s just animosity.” Victor laughed at his friend’s obtuseness.

 

“John, you’re in love.” If John’s head hadn’t been connected to his neck it would have gone flying off from the way he cranked it around to look at Victor. John laughed until tears formed in his eyes. Holding his sides, he finally managed to speak.

 

“Vic, your radar is way off. I don’t fall in love.” The older man just shrugged his shoulders.

 

“Time will tell.” And with that parting shot, Victor walked to the elevator so he could go back to his own company. John walked into his office and placed a phone call.

 

“Abe Carver.”

 

“Abe, it’s John. I need to grab a beer after work tonight. You game?”

 

“Yeah, I’m done here at five. I’ll meet you at the Blue Note at five thirty.”

 

“Great, and thanks.” John hung up and made another phone call.

 

“Dr. Laura Spencer’s office.”

 

“Is she available? This is John Black.”

 

“Please hold.” He listened to the elevator music, and then heard her pick up.

 

“Dr. Spencer.”

 

“Dr. Spencer, this is John Black.”

 

“What can I do for you?” Her curiosity was peaked.

 

“I have a couple of questions for you, but I’d like to keep them between us if that’s o.k.”

 

“It depends on what they are.”

 

“What are Marlena’s favorite color and flower?” Laura smiled on her end of the line.

 

“Lilacs and pink.” John made a mental note.

 

“Thank you, and my most profound thanks for betting with the Yankees.” He heard Laura’s laughter come through the phone.

 

“I would never bet against them. And it was fun seeing Marlena in something other than pastels and soft colors, although I think she was uncomfortable the whole night.” “So was I.” He thought to himself. To Laura he said.

 

“Well, thanks for the information. If I have more questions like this, can I call you?” Again, Laura smiled.

 

“Anytime, and yes, this will be just between us.” They disconnected and John dialed the phone again after finding a number in the directory.

 

Marlena jumped when she heard the knock on her office door. She was done with patients for the day and was scanning a chart.

 

“Come in.” Her secretary opened the door and all Marlena saw was a huge bouquet of pink lilacs with one long stemmed red rose nestled in the middle.

 

“Oh my.”

 

“These just arrived for you Dr. Evans. There’s a card in here somewhere. Oh, here it is.” Brenda handed the card to Marlena and turned to leave.

 

“Brenda, I’m done with patients for the day, go ahead and leave early.”

 

“Thanks Dr. Evans. It’ll give me some extra time to get ready for my date tonight.”

 

“Have fun.” The door snicked quietly behind Brenda as she left, and Marlena turned back to the flowers.

 

“Who would be sending me flowers? Roman doesn’t seem the type and he’s the only one I’ve dated lately.” She fingered the card, her analytical brain trying to figure it out. Finally she gave up and opened the small pink envelope. The card was written with bold strokes:

 

 

“Marlena, I’m sorry for my harsh words last night. They were out of line, but you were right on about me. Thank you for being honest; very few people in my life have been. Sincerely, John” She didn’t know what to make of it, or him.

 

“How did he know what my favorite flowers were, or my favorite color?” She picked up the phone.

 

“Dr. Spencer.”

 

“Laura it’s Marlena. I could use a glass of wine after work. Do you want to join me?”

 

“Sounds good. How about the Blue Note?”

 

“We can go together from here. I’ll be finished about five.”

 

“Me too. I’ll meet you at your office.” They hung up and Marlena sat staring at the flowers in front of her, inhaling their sweet scent. She shook her head sadly and went back to her paperwork.

 

At five sharp, Laura showed up at Marlena’s door.

 

“You ready?” Marlena put the file she had been working on away and grabbed her purse.

 

“Yep, let’s go.” They got to the Blue Note and chose a table instead of sitting at the bar.

 

“So, who gave you the huge bouquet of flowers on your desk?”

 

“John sent them.” Laura hid her annoyance at Marlena’s lack of detail.

 

“For no reason?” Marlena hid her annoyance at her friend’s nosiness.

 

“They were an apology for his comments about me Saturday night.” She chose not to divulge the other part of the note; it was more personal to her, though she didn’t know why.

 

 

“Why should he apologize; he’s right.” Marlena looked at her friend and considered truly making her an ex-friend like she had joked to John the other night.

 

“You heard what he said to me. How can you say he was right?” The truth was Marlena knew he was right too, but it hurt to have other people tell her.

 

“Honey, I’m not trying to hurt you, but you don’t open up to anybody, including me, and supposedly, I’m your best friend. You’ve dated a few men here and there. Most recently, Roman Brady, but you keep him at arms length. You don’t want to get close to anybody, but no one knows why. Marlena, you are an exceptionally beautiful woman who is smart, funny, and doing quite well for herself, but you’re alone and lonely. Why?”

 

“Laura, I didn’t ask you to come here with me so you could ‘shrink me’. I know all about my life, and I’m fine with it, so please just drop it.” Laura looked at her friend sadly.

 

“Fine, for now.”

 

Across the room, hidden by one of the brick support pillars, Abe and John were sitting at a table drinking beers.

 

 

“So Part, how’s the cop business?”

 

“Pretty good. Things have been a bit slow lately. In my line of work, that’s a good thing. How’s the business mogul thing?” John laughed.

 

“Pretty steady. Sales are good and seem to be climbing.” They sat in silence for a while. Finally Abe prodded John along.

 

“You going to tell me or do I have to shoot you?” John looked at him.

 

“Damn, you know me too well. I’m going to have to stop hanging out

 

with you.”

 

“Yeah, well, then I’m going to have to arrest you ‘cause I’m the only one that keeps you in line.” They laughed again and John gave up the game and came clean with his long-time friend.

 

“It’s a woman.” Abe just rolled his eyes.

 

“Please don’t tell me you want to talk about Kristen.”

 

“No, I said a woman didn’t I?”

 

“John, why did you ever start dating her if you don’t respect her?” John shook his head sadly, a little regretful for the first time in his life.

 

“She was convenient, I was bored, she was good for my ego, she didn’t ask hard questions. You want me to keep going?” Abe was thunderstruck. Whoever this woman was who knocked John on his ass, she had to be something.

 

“You’ve done some soul searching. So does this woman have a name?”

 

“Yeah. Dr. Marlena Evans.” Abe let out a long whistle.

 

“You weren’t kidding when you said woman. John, are you sure you can handle someone with a brain?” John took a swipe at Abe. “I thought you were just being magnanimous when you paid a hundred grand to dance with her. Did you know her before that?” John shook his head as he swirled the beer in his glass.

 

“No. I didn’t even know her name before Dr. Horton introduced her, but I’d bumped into her twice earlier that night. Once literally and the other time I helped her get a drunk octopus off of her. Not that she needed my help.” Abe laughed out loud.

 

“Yeah, she is kind of independent.” John raised an eyebrow.

 

 

“Kind of? Her whole demeanor shouts ‘back off’ before you get within five hundred feet of her. She’s a good shrink though. She had me figured out before she even said two words to me.”

 

“Like it’s hard to figure out that you’re a player John.” John gave Abe the death glare.

 

“Thanks a lot friend.” John rubbed his forehead. “No, I’m sorry; I know you’re right. I sent her a bouquet of lilacs today with a card that told her I was sorry for snapping at her and told her how right she had been about me. Don’t know if it’ll melt the ice though.” Her voice surrounded him

 

“It might.” She was standing behind him and he turned to face her. “Thank you for the flowers. They were lovely, and so was the card.” She gave him a shy smile.

 

“You’re welcome, and again, I’m sorry for overstepping my bounds.” She took a deep breath. After all, he had been honest, why shouldn’t she be?

 

“Actually, you were right. Thank you.” She wanted to walk away quickly but he again took her hand.

 

“Have dinner with me.”

 

”I’ve already eaten.”

 

“Another night.” Her brain was screaming no.

 

“That sounds nice.”

 

“Tomorrow night? Tuscany?” “No, no, no, no!”

 

“All right.”

 

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

 

 

“I’ll be ready.” She wrote down her address on a piece of paper and their fingers touched as she handed it to him. Hazel and blue locked. Abe cleared his throat to break the spell and Marlena hurried back to her table. “Why am I starting something that’s doomed?”

 

 

Chapter 3

 

John sat staring after her.

 

“John you are hooked. Are you sure you want a relationship, because from what I’ve seen, Marlena isn’t the one night stand type.” John’s next words shocked even him.

 

“I don’t want her for just one night. I have a feeling that once I do make love to her I won’t ever want to stop.”

 

“You do have it bad; what about Kristen?” John shrugged his shoulders.

 

“What about her? We were never exclusive.” Abe gave his friend a pointed look.

 

“Does she know that?”

 

“Abe, I don’t want to talk about Kristen anymore.” They moved on to other topics and finished their beers. When they left, John looked for Marlena but she was already gone.

 

The next day, Marlena had trouble concentrating and was glad that she only had three patients; she wasn’t able to give them her full attention. About an hour after lunch, Brenda knocked on Marlena’s door.

 

“Come on in.”

 

“Sorry to interrupt your paperwork Dr. Evans.” Marlena laughed.

 

“Yeah, you know how much I love reports Brenda. What do you need?”

 

“Actually I have a delivery for you again.” Marlena furrowed her brow.

 

“This came for you while I was at the nurses’ station.” Brenda came into the room with a single pink rose. There was a note attached with a pink satin ribbon. Marlena’s facial expression softened.

 

“Thank you Brenda.” Marlena figured she knew who sent the rose, but she read the card.

 

“Marlena, I’m looking forward to dinner tonight. No strings attached. Sincerely, John.”

 

On the card he drew an arrow from the word string to the pink ribbon on the rose. She laughed at the cuteness of the card and put the pink rose in with her lilac bouquet. The time crawled until she could go home and get ready for her date.

 

John sat in his office, not accomplishing anything except for thinking about the blonde haired beauty he was going to dinner with that night. The ringing of the phone brought him into reality.

 

“John Black.”

 

“Hey baby, how about dinner tonight? I haven’t seen you for a couple of days.” He rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between his middle finger and thumb.

 

“Kristen, I’m sorry. It’s been pretty busy around here. I can’t have dinner with you tonight; I already have plans.”

 

“Fine. Do they have anything to do with Dr. Marlena Evans?” John didn’t like the tone of Kristen’s voice.

 

“What if they do?” He didn’t like to be rude, but she was on his nerves.

 

“John, the last time I checked you and I were a couple. You didn’t tell me any different, except for that really nice brush off at the fundraiser the other night.”

 

“Explain, because you lost me.”

 

“Duh. You paid a hundred grand to dance with someone who could have cared less and you left me sitting up there on stage looking like a fool. You completely forgot you came to that stupid dinner with me.” John stifled a laugh as he realized that this was the first time he had ever forgotten a date with someone, especially while he was still on it. “Kristen, I’m so sorry. I just think that we should move on. Our relationship doesn’t seem to working. I have to cut this short because I’m expected in a board meeting in five minutes. Again, I’m sorry.” He disconnected before she had the chance to say anything more. John finally let go of the laugh that had been threatening to erupt while ending the conversation with Kristen, and his thoughts drifted to the woman who consumed his every thought. “Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?”

 

 

Chapter 4

 

John picked Marlena up promptly at seven, another pink rose in hand.

 

When she answered the door, he slowly perused her.

 

“You look gorgeous.” She blushed.

 

“Thank you. You look nice too.” He handed her the rose.

 

“I’m going to run out of vases pretty soon.” She took it and added it to the lilacs she brought home from her office. She saw the quizzical look on his face.

 

“I brought half of the bouquet home with me. It was too pretty to only

 

see for half the day.” His smile lit up the room. “God, what a gorgeous smile.”

 

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the flowers.”

 

“Thank you again. How did you know that lilacs were my favorites?” He gave her a sly smile.

 

“Sorry, that’s classified. Are you ready to go?” Knowing she wouldn’t get the information from him, she grabbed her jacket from the closet.

 

“Sure.” He took her coat and held it for her. She hesitated then put her arms through the sleeves.

 

Maggie greeted them when they walked through the door of Tuscany.

 

“Marlena, John, I’m so glad to see you.” Marlena smiled at her friend.

 

“It’s good to see you too Maggie.” The two women hugged.

 

“I have a quiet table set up for the two of you. Follow me.” Maggie led them to a secluded corner. Marlena looked a bit uncomfortable, but swallowed the lump in her throat and sat when John held the chair for her.

 

“Just let me know if you need anything.” John smiled at their hostess.

 

“Thanks Maggie. We will.” John sat across the table from his date and noted her nervousness.

 

“So, how ‘bout them Yankees?” She looked up from the menu, startled by his question. The twinkle in his eye gave him away and she laughed.

 

“That’s better; I was beginning to think I’d scared you off before you even saw how much I could eat.” They lapsed into silence as they looked over the menus. Once they placed their orders John made chit-

 

chat, something he was unaccustomed to doing.

 

“So, Doc, where did you go to school?” She looked at him, but the vile retort she usually gave when that nickname was used wouldn’t leave her tongue.

 

“Why did you call me that?”

 

“What?”

 

“Doc. Why would you call me that?”

 

“I’m sorry. I hope it didn’t dredge up bad memories or something. To be honest, you are the antithesis of what I picture when I say the name Doc, and my juvenile sense of humor thinks that’s funny.” Marlena had a look of utter confusion on her face.

 

“Yeah, I know, most people don’t get my jokes. I’ll explain. When I say Doc, I think of someone like that doctor from Little House on the Prairie. Doc Baker, that was his name. You know the typical country doctor, or someone who’s been around for a while, like Doc Horton. Most people would never peg someone like you for a doctor, and the whole irony of that makes me want to call you Doc. I won’t if it really ticks you off though.” She just shook her head, torn between wanting to scream at him and wanting to have him hold her.

 

“First of all, no, it doesn’t really bother me. Whether or not you can call me by that name however, hinges on the answer to this next question.” She gave him a heart melting smile, and he figured he was dead meat.

 

“What question?”

 

“What does ‘someone like me’ usually do for a living?” He looked her straight in the eye.

 

“Model.”

 

“What?”

 

“When you bumped into me at the fundraiser, I thought you were one of Titan’s newest models, and I cursed Victor’s luck at finding the most beautiful ones under my nose.” She just stared at him.

 

“You thought I was a model?”

 

“Yep, and I’ll tell you this. I’m surprised you ever get out of your office.”

 

“I’m almost afraid to ask.”

 

“I would think that your male patients would be making things up just to come see you.” She blushed and thanked the chef’s timing.

 

“Colorado State.” Her statement seemed to come out of nowhere.

 

When she realized that he didn’t follow, she reiterated.

 

“You asked me earlier where I went to school. I went to Colorado State University. What about you?”

 

“I didn’t.”

 

“You’re in the Fortune 100, and you don’t have a college degree? I’m impressed.”

 

“Don’t be. My old man owns Alamain Industries and taught me almost everything he knows.” She nodded, hoping he would elaborate.

 

“When did you move to Salem from Colorado?”

 

“Just before my residency. They placed me at University Hospital, and when I graduated I filled one of the empty positions in the Psychiatry Department. How long have you been in Salem?”

 

“Since just before I opened Basic Black.” A long silence ensued.

 

“John…”

 

“Doc…” They laughed together.

 

“You go first.” John took Marlena’s hand.

 

“I was wondering if you would like to dance.” She looked into his eyes.

 

“I’d love to.” On the dance floor, he took her hand and enfolded it in his against his heart, while his other hand rested at the small of her back. Her free hand wrapped around his shoulders and they lost themselves in each other. It was as if a magnet was slowly drawing them toward one another. Their lips were mere centimeters apart when a high pitched voice interrupted them.

 

“John, I’d like to dance with you.” He turned to see Kristen, on the arm of Tony Dimera. As nicely as he could, he turned her down.

 

“Kristen, I’m sorry. I already have a dance partner.”

 

“Oh, but honey, they’re playing our song. I’m sure Tony wouldn’t mind dancing with, with, I’m sorry, what’s your name? I can’t keep all of John’s dates straight.” Marlena did her best to keep her face from crumbling.

 

“It’s all right. I’m not really in the mood to dance anymore.” She headed back to the table. John tried to go after her, but Kristen grabbed his arm, and Tony followed her instead. John rounded on Kristen, his eyes throwing daggers of blue ice at her.

 

“Keep your hands off of me, and stay the hell away from me.” He ripped his wrist from her grasp and stalked across the room to his date. As he neared the table he heard his brother trying to comfort Marlena.

 

“My dear, my brother just has no clue how to treat a woman properly. He and Kristen have been dating for some time now and he blew her off tonight without so much as an explanation. I think you deserve

 

better.” Tony reeled around when a strong hand gripped his shoulder.

 

“Tony, I think you should leave the lady alone.” Marlena spoke, her voice brittle.

 

“John, it’s fine, I’m fine, but our date is over.” She headed for the entryway.

 

“Maggie, would you please call a taxi for me?” Maggie gave Marlena a worried look.

 

“Maggie, don’t call the cab. Marlena came with me, and she’ll leave with me.” Marlena turned slowly around, her hazel eyes spitting sparks of green fire.

 

“I am a grown woman, and I can make my own decisions. Maggie, please call a cab for me. I will not be riding home with Mr. Black.” He gave her an exasperated sigh, and ran his fingers through his hair.

 

“Doc, I think I deserve the chance to explain what happened here. Please.” The please got her every time. Her brain was railing against going with him, but again, her heart won. “No, no, no, no, no!”

 

“Fine. You will get three minutes when we get to my apartment. Three minutes, no more.”

 

 

Chapter 5

 

The ride to Marlena’s apartment was tense and quiet. John didn’t want to try and explain on the ten minute drive. She opened the door and flung her coat onto the desk chair. She didn’t even look at him.

 

“Well, the clock’s ticking.” He grabbed her arm and spun her around, his hands in her hair and his lips crushed against hers. His tongue was familiarizing itself with her sweet mouth, and she let out a soft moan of pleasure in spite of her mind’s resistance. When he

 

disentangled himself from her, she cracked him across the cheek. He grabbed her wrist.

 

“Don’t you ever hit me again!” She gave him an indignant stare.

 

“Then don’t presume that I want to be kissed by you again.” He gave her a half smile.

 

“You weren’t complaining when you pulled me closer to you.” She balled her fists at her sides.

 

“I think your three minutes are up.”

 

“Nope, not yet. I want to know why you keep running away from me, from what we could have together.” She wasn’t sure she had heard him right.

 

“Are you serious? This slinky girl sidles up to you in the restaurant and acts as though you two know each other, very well I might add, and you wonder why I ran away from you? Are you that dense?” He ran his hands through his hair again.

 

“Doc, I know Kristen and Tony made it look bad, but I didn’t break a date with her tonight. I ended things with her and she took it badly. I’m sorry if she made you uncomfortable.”

 

“You make me uncomfortable.”

 

“Why, dammit? You jump like a scared rabbit every time I come near you, and I finally get the chance to hold you and kiss you and Kristen ruined it. Now I’m back to square one all over again. Why the hell won’t you give us a chance?”

 

“I can’t. I just can’t.” He took her arm again.

 

“What are you so afraid of? Why do you always have to be so in control, so tightfisted with your emotions? Why can’t you just let go and see where this takes us?” He was shouting at her, but he was so

 

frustrated, he couldn’t lower his voice, and she shouted right along with him.

 

“Because the last time I lost control, someone died.” She was sobbing uncontrollably, and he took her into his arms. She stiffened initially, but then relaxed as her emotions finally let go. “She died, and it was all my fault. Oh my God.” He let her cry, not understanding why, but sensing that it was the first time she had let go like this and knowing that it was cathartic for her. He was running his hands through her hair, trying to calm her, whispering to her.

 

“Shh, Marlena, it’s o.k. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her temple and her wracking sobs subsided to snuffled hiccups. His shirt was hopelessly wrinkled where her hand had it clutched in a tight fist, and there was a mascara stain on the shoulder. She tried to apologize.

 

“Oh, your shirt. I’m sorry…” He put a finger to her lips.

 

“Don’t worry about it. I’m not, and don’t move. Stay where you are for as long as you want.” He smiled down into her tear stained face, and used his thumb to wipe away the remaining tears. She looked down, ashamed to face him.

 

“Why are you still here? How can you be so nice to me after everything, everything that I’ve done?” Her eyes overflowed again, and he took her chin in his hand so she would have to face him.

 

“Why don’t you explain it to me?” She took a ragged breath and he placed her head back on his shoulder. She was grateful for not having to see his reaction to what she was about to tell him. Her mind went backward eight years and she found herself in her dorm room, getting ready for a night out.

 

“Hey Marnie, what are you wearing tonight?”

 

“Just jeans and my pink off the shoulder shirt. What about you?”

 

 

“I don’t know, probably the black tank and jeans.” Sam was running her brush through her long blond tresses.

 

“So should we hit up the Betas or the Phi Kaps first?”

 

“Does it matter? Hot guys, lots of beer, and loud music. Either one is good.” Identical laughs were heard in the hallway. As the twin beauties set out for their night of partying, they gave each other a quick hug and said the phrase at the same time.

 

“I got your back.”

 

Marlena stopped for a minute and wiped her nose with the handkerchief that John had handed her. She took another deep breath and continued her tale.

 

“It was a long night and we were both pretty smashed when we got back to the room. I normally didn’t drink so much; Sam was the big partier, but she and I got into a silly contest and we both ended up totally buzzed. All I wanted to do was crash, and so did she, but a couple of guys from down the hall came knocking on the door and Sam was raring to go again. I begged her not to, but she insisted, and I let her go. I let her go, knowing that I should have gone with her, or knocked her out so she didn’t go, or something, anything, but I didn’t. I passed out and when I woke up the next morning, she wasn’t there. I went looking for her, but the two guys she was supposed to be with hadn’t seen her since they left her at the party the night before. They just left her there.” There was anger in her voice, but John didn’t interrupt, he just squeezed her a little tighter. “We finally found her. She had tried to walk home, but never made it. My sister was lying on the side of the road, partially hidden in a bush, and she was already gone. The doctors said it was alcohol poisoning.” She turned her face to his then, determination in her amber eyes. “Do you understand now, why I let no one get close to me? I killed my twin sister, my best friend. If I hadn’t been so out of control, I could have watched her back, the way I was supposed to, but I didn’t, and now she’s dead.

 

And do you know what that stupid school did? They rewarded me for her death. They gave me a four point average for that semester. Sam died and I got free As.” He wiped her tears away again and looked at her, the pain of eight years of isolation etched into her beautiful features.

 

“Doc, what happened to Sam is not your fault. She made a bad choice, and those idiots that took her to that party made a bad choice by leaving her there. Baby, you tried to get her to stay with you, but she chose to go. You can’t keep beating yourself up for something you had no control over.” She tried to protest, but he cut her off. “Marlena, there are some things in life we can not control no matter how hard we try. We are all born to people that may or may not be good parents. What do your parents think of the situation? Do they blame you?” She shook her head.

 

“Momma and Daddy were sad that Sam died, but they love

me as much as they still love her. Sam always had a wild streak in her, and they blamed the two boys that left her; I don’t think they ever blamed me.” He was relieved that she had her parent’s support. He now knew that her isolation was self-imposed. He continued with his earlier thoughts.

 

“We all die someday, and no one knows when their time will come. Sam’s time came way too early. We also can’t control who we fall in love with. We can fight it, but if it’s there, it won’t go anywhere, regardless of our determination. Doc, Sam’s death was tragic, but it was not your fault, and you may get mad at me for asking you this, but I’m going to anyway. Besides, this time I’ll be ready for your anger; I already know how hard you can hit.” She blushed crimson at the memory.

 

“I’m sorry for that.”

 

“Don’t be. I kind of deserved it.” He took a long breath and then asked. “Doc, would Sam have spent the last eight years holed up inside herself the way you have? Would she feel as guilty as you do if you had been the one to leave that night?” She shook her head slowly,

 

rubbing her forehead.

 

“I don’t know. Probably not.”

 

“I know that you and Sam weren’t the same person and that you made different choices in life. She obviously loved you, but I don’t think that she would have lived life as a hermit if you had been the one to die. You said yourself that she had a wild streak, which tells me that she loved life. You did once too, and for her memory you need to get back to that. Doc, I know how deeply you feel things; even in the short time I’ve known you, I know how passionate you are, but you have to let go of this guilt. Have you ever told anybody?” She nodded negatively.

 

“Not even Laura?” Again she shook her head.

 

“I told her my college roommate died, but not much more. I just couldn’t. I didn’t plan on telling you either, but you made me so mad, and then I got started and couldn’t stop.”

 

“Did it help at all, to get it out in the open?” She smiled at him.

 

“Yes, doctor, it did.” He laughed, then turned serious eyes on her.

 

“Maybe you should talk to Laura, or someone else that you trust.”

 

“Maybe, but I thought that’s what I was doing.” His heart swelled knowing that she trusted him and he took her face between his hands gently, bringing her lips to his. He brushed over them gently. When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, gently probing the soft, warm crevice of her mouth with his tongue. She snaked one arm around his neck and pulled him closer, her hand entangled in his hair. Her other hand ran up the length of his arm, sending shivers down his spine at her light touch. He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. No woman had ever done to him what this one could do with just a kiss.

 

“Marlena, I want to make love to you, so badly.” He heard her sharp gasp, and then she pulled back from him.

 

 

“John, I…” He cursed his words in his mind.

 

“I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have said anything to you. I don’t want you to feel pressured to do something you’re not ready for.” His crestfallen look made her want to start crying again, but she swallowed the lump in her throat. It was her turn to take his chin and lift so she could look into his incredible blue eyes.

 

“John, don’t be sorry, please. I’m sorry.” She stumbled over her next words. “I’ve never…I mean, I…” He stopped her with a light kiss, knowing where she was going with her admission. She was still slightly pink from embarrassment.

 

“You must think I’m some sort of freak.” His anger flared.

 

“Will you stop that?” His tone of voice startled her and she stared at him with wide, frightened eyes.

 

“You are the most incredibly beautiful woman I have ever met in my entire life. Marlena, you’re passionate, brilliant, compassionate, sexy as hell, gentle, kind, and way too self-recriminating. You make me angrier than anyone I’ve ever met, but in the next breath you make me laugh. I’m on an emotional roller coaster with you, but I can’t get enough. You can do more to me with one look, one kiss…it’s like you’ve possessed me, and there’s nothing in this world that I’d rather do than be with you. I love talking to you, dancing with you, watching you watch the world go by. Everything is so much more interesting when I see it through your incredible amber eyes. Dammit woman, I’m in love with you, and I swore I would never fall in love, but you changed that, and you can’t take it back; I can’t change it, and I don’t want to.” She was transfixed by his admission; her eyes glowing with an inner light. “As far as the fact that you have never been with a man before, that doesn’t make you a freak. Physically, yeah, I’ve had more experience than I probably should have, but I’ve never had an emotional connection, and so you are the first woman that I’m ever going to make love to, and you’re the only woman I am ever going to

 

make love to.” She looked at him, her eyes full of questions.

 

“I’m going to marry you Marlena Evans, and that’s a fact.” He leaned in and kissed her then. He made it quick but thorough, knowing that if he kissed her much longer he probably wouldn’t be able to restrain himself. Marlena found herself a little disappointed when he pulled back and headed to the door.

 

“Are you angry with me?” She hated her self for being on the verge of tears again. He saw her stricken look and crossed the room, crushing her in his embrace.

 

“Baby, I am not even close to being angry with you, but I am close to losing control, and tonight isn’t the right night for us to make love, but I promise you, the right night is coming soon.” He kissed her forehead, and she looked into the eyes she trusted more than anything.

 

“John?”

 

“Um, hm?” She kissed him lightly, loving the feel of it.

 

“I’m in love with you too.” He took her mouth then, and their tongues mated in a primitive dance. Finally, reluctantly, he pulled back, breathing hard.

 

“Doc, I have to go. I love you.” His voice was raspy with longing.

 

“I love you too.” Marlena shut the door behind him and leaned against it. Her heart was light for the first time since Sam’s death, and she knew she wouldn’t sleep without thinking of John and what it would be like to have him lying next to her. John leaned against the outer door for a long moment before making his way to his jeep; he didn’t sleep that night, wondering what it would be like to wake up with the woman of his dreams lying next to him.

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

John and Marlena spent the next few nights together, having dinner, talking and getting to know more about the other, though their souls already knew what their minds were trying to catch up on. Each night ended with passion fueled kisses and tentative caresses, but John always found the strength to go home. He had promised to wait, and although it was getting more difficult, he respected Marlena too much to put her in an uncomfortable position, even though he was uncomfortable most of the time.

 

She was spending her day off at Salem Place when she was startled by a familiar voice.

 

“Marlena, how long are you going to go on avoiding me?” She turned to see Roman, not looking very happy, behind her.

 

“Roman, how are you?”

 

“I’d be better if you would return my phone calls.” She gave him a faltering smile.

 

“I’m sorry, but I’ve been so busy with patients that I haven’t gotten back to you.”

 

“Fine.” She knew he didn’t believe her. “How about dinner tonight? It’s been a while.”

 

“Yes, it has, but I can’t. Roman, I think it would be better if we stopped dating.” He just stared at her, an ugly sneer coming across his face.

 

“Fine, but I hope the next guy you decide to date is into not getting anything for his time.” Her mind reeled with his insult, and Roman fell backward with the intensity of the punch. She looked at him lying sprawled on the ground in confusion until she felt a pair of familiar arms around her. John whispered into her ear.

 

“Are you all right Doc?” She nodded and watched as Roman pulled himself upright.

 

“So, this is the guy you dumped me for? Well pal, I’ll tell you right now not to waste your time because she doesn’t put out.” John grabbed the smaller man by the lapels of his coat and shook him.

 

“Don’t you ever let me catch you talking about her like that again. Did you ever stop to think that maybe she didn’t sleep with you because you’re an asshole?” John shoved Roman away from him.

 

“Get out of here, and if you ever bother Marlena again, I’ll have a nice little chat with my good friend, Commander Carver. I’m sure between the two of us we can mess your sorry life up pretty well.” He watched Roman slink away, and turned back to Marlena. He cupped her face in his hands.

 

“Are you o.k.? He didn’t touch you did he?” She just shook her head sadly and backed away from John.

 

“That’s all men ever want isn’t it? To be paid for their time.” He grabbed her hand before she slipped into her shell again.

 

“Not all men.” He laced his fingers through hers. “All I want from you is whatever you are willing to give. I’ll wait for you until whenever you’re ready.” He could see Marlena’s mind and her heart doing battle behind her topaz eyes. Finally she walked back into his arms and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

 

“Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? I can’t cook to save my life, but I dial the Chinese take-out number like a pro.” He laughed with her and told her he’d be over about six. She kissed him again and it took everything in his power to not crush her to him and ravish her mouth. Before he let her walk away, he placed a hot, wet kiss in the center of her palm.

 

“I love you Doc.”

 

“I love you too. Thank you for being my Hero.” She winked at him and he watched as she walked toward Balistix. Taking a deep, cleansing

 

breath, he walked back to his Jeep.

 

At six o’clock, Marlena’s doorbell rang. She opened it to find John standing there, dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and his black leather coat,with a pink sprig of lilacs in his hand. She gave him a beaming smile and his heart melted.

 

“You’re going to spoil me you know.” He kissed her cheek.

 

“You’re worth spoiling.” He looked her over from head to toe. “You look great.” She scrunched her nose at him.

 

“I’m in jeans and a sweater.” He didn’t embarrass her by pointing out that the V-necked sweater was just tight enough and cut just low enough to make him salivate, or that the jeans delineated her hind end and legs perfectly. Instead he swallowed convulsively, trying to pull his mind back to the conversation and out of the more carnal recesses of his mind.

 

“Yeah, but casual is a good look on you. To be honest, I think you could wear anything and you’d look beautiful.” She blushed at the compliment.

 

“Well, if we’re being honest, I was thinking that you look pretty good in jeans too.” She had covertly eyed him as he walked into the apartment and loved the way he filled out his jeans, and the way his t-shirt stretched across his chest made her pulse quicken. She blushed at her thoughts and got caught as he turned around. She averted her eyes from his and started for the phone book. He grabbed her hand and swung her around, catching her in a tight embrace. He lowered his head, slowly, giving her a chance to pull away. When she didn’t, he captured her mouth with his and sipped at it, running his tongue along the outline of her lips. With his passion inflamed, his mouth demanded more and she acquiesced, opening her mouth to his insistent tongue. They tasted one another repeatedly, each giving and taking. John’s hands slid down her sides and roved to her bottom, cupping it and bringing her toward him. Their bodies fit together

 

perfectly and he let out a groan of deep longing. One hand came back up her side and brushed her breast lightly. He felt her quickening breath and rubbed his thumb over the puckering nipple. When she moaned in pleasure he dipped his head and kissed her through her sweater.

 

“Oh, John.” It was nothing more than a throaty whisper, but John had never heard anything sexier in his life. He brought his face back up to hers and hazel and blue locked. Both sets of eyes were dark with passion, and the two people entranced with each other were breathing hard. She broke the silence first.

 

“John, after dinner, will you make love to me?” He groaned from deep in his throat.

 

“How do you expect me to make it through dinner knowing that Heaven is waiting for me after I eat a fortune cookie?”

 

“So, is that a yes?” She held her breath, afraid he might turn her down for making him wait as long as she had.

 

“If, after dinner, you still want to make love to me, there is nothing in the world that could stop me.” He kissed her hard and possessively, wanting nothing more than to take her right there in the living room.

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Their dinner arrived and they took turns feeding each other with the chop sticks, stealing kisses between bites. When they finished the contents of the cartons, they each took a fortune cookie.

 

“You know, these things are like horoscopes, so vague that they could fit anyone or any situation.” He gave her a half laugh.

 

“Yeah, but corny is fun sometimes. Open yours.” She did and read the fortune out loud.

 

“A tall handsome stranger will change your life.” He looked at her

 

skeptically, raising one eyebrow.

 

“Is that what it really says?” He reached for the white slip of paper, but she pulled it out of his grasp.

 

“No, no, no. You open yours.” He rolled his eyes at her and cracked his cookie in half.

 

“A blonde beauty will steal your heart.” She slapped his arm.

 

“It didn’t say that.” He gave her his best hurt look.

 

“Sure it did. Just like yours said something about a tall guy changing your life.” She knew the argument was futile. She got up to throw the empty cardboard away, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him for a searing kiss. She was lying half under him on the floor, and both were quickly losing control of their senses. The harsh ringing of the phone restored their composure.

 

“Don’t answer it. They’ll leave a message.”

 

“I have to. I’ve never been able to let a phone ring.” She moved out of his embrace and tried to calm her voice before picking up the receiver.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Marlena?”

 

“Yes?” John was behind her, nibbling her neck, running his tongue around her ear.

 

“This is Mike. I’m sorry to bother you after office hours, but they just brought a young girl in through the ER who tried to kill herself. She’s thirteen and took her Dad’s sleeping pills. Right now we’ve got her stabilized but she’s in a rough place and I was wondering if you would be able to come talk to her.” Her heart went out to the girl she hadn’t even met yet.

 

“Mike, give me twenty minutes.”

 

 

“Thanks Marlena. You’re the best.” She smiled sadly as she disconnected.

 

“John, I’m sorry. That was the hospital.” She explained what she knew about the young girl.

 

“I understand. Would you like me to drive you?” She cupped his cheek with her hand.

 

“That’s sweet, but no. I have no idea how long I’ll be. I’m sorry our plans got interrupted.” He kissed her lightly.

 

“Don’t be.” She wondered at the twinkle in his eyes, but dismissed it.

 

“Will you call me when you get home?” She tried to protest.

 

“John, it could be really late when I get back.”

 

“I don’t care. I love having your voice be the last thing I hear before falling asleep. It gives me wonderful dreams.” She stood on her tip toes to kiss him.

 

“Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.” They left her apartment hand in hand, and he kissed her again before opening her car door.

 

“I love you. Don’t forget to call me.”

 

“I won’t, and I love you too.” With a wave she was gone, and John went home to take cold shower number whatever. He couldn’t keep track anymore, but he knew that Marlena was worth waiting for. On the drive home, his brain hatched a plan, and as it unfolded in his mind, his smile grew wider. By the time he got to his place he was positively giddy, until he rounded the corner and saw who was standing in his doorway. His smile turned to a grim line.

 

“What are you doing here?” Kristen placed well manicured fingers around his bicep.

 

“I came to see you silly.” He unlocked the door.

 

 

“I don’t want to be seen by you.” He tried to get in and shut the door but she followed right on his heels.

 

“Kristen, please don’t give me a reason to be rude.”

 

“Ouch, somebody’s in a bad mood. Did the high and mighty doctor not give you any tonight? It is rather early for you to be home after a date.” He grabbed her arm roughly.

 

“Don’t even think about making crude remarks about Doc. She is twice the woman you are in just her pinky alone.” He let go of her with a slight shove, and opened the door that she had shut. “You need to leave Kristen, and not come back.” She pouted and came up to stand in front of him, her hands sliding up his chest.

 

“You don’t mean that.” She ground against him and tried to kiss him. John was caught off balance and grabbed onto her to try and right himself.

 

“See, I can still make your head spin.” A soft gasp from the doorway caught John’s attention.

 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt anything. Perhaps you should shut the door next time.” Without waiting for an explanation Marlena ran out of the building into the rain that had started to fall. John pushed Kristen off of him and ran after Marlena, but she was too far ahead of him, and he watched her car pull out of its parking spot. He went back to get his keys so he could follow his soulmate, but Kristen pounced on him again.

 

“John, I…” The venomous look in John’s eyes stopped her cold.

 

“You bitch. I told you to get out once, and if I have to I will physically pick you up and throw you out. Stay the hell away from me. Stay the hell away from Marlena. I don’t want to ever see you again.” He grabbed his keys and jacket and pushed Kristen out the door as he left. She was still standing in the hallway with her mouth hanging open as he strode to his jeep in search of Marlena. He had a feeling he

 

knew where to find her. She told him that she went there when she needed to think, and it was ironic to them both that with all the piers on the waterfront that they would both go to Pier 29. She was standing there, mindless of the falling rain when he found her. He approached her slowly. She knew he was there; she could feel him behind her.

 

“Doc, you’ve got to quit running away from me. What you saw wasn’t what you thought.” She didn’t turn around because she knew that if she looked into his eyes, she’d be lost, and she needed to hold on to her anger this time.

 

“It looked pretty straight forward to me. You two were kissing and she was on top of you. Did you call her in the car on your way home? Again, so sorry to have interrupted.” Her voice was dripping with bitterness and sarcasm, and John ran a hand through his wet hair.

 

“No, I didn’t call her. Kristen was outside my door when I got home. I was trying to get rid of her when you walked in.” Despite her resolve to not look at him, she turned around, incredulity written all over her face.

 

“She was on top of you, trying to have sex with you through your clothes and you’re telling me you were trying to get rid of her? Do I look that stupid?”

 

“No, just misled. Doc, listen to me. I don’t want Kristen; hell I don’t even like Kristen. She came to my place to try and seduce me, but when I opened the door to kick her out, she tried to kiss me. I wasn’t expecting it and I lost my balance. That was the moment you came to the door. If you had come a half minute earlier or later, you would have heard me telling Kristen to leave.” He took Marlena by her upper arms and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Her body melted against his and he pulled back, looking deep into her burning eyes.

 

“Do you honestly think I could kiss you like that if I wanted to be with somebody else?”

 

“No, I just saw you in her arms and I lost my head. John, I’ve never felt this way about anybody, and what we have both scares me and

 

makes me feel safer than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I look into your eyes and see my own soul staring back at me, and looking at you is like coming home.” She shivered slightly.

 

“You’re soaked to the skin. We need to get you home and out of these wet clothes.” She pulled him down to her level and slanted her mouth over his. Her tongue pried his lips apart and she slid her pink muscle in and out, running it along the roof of his mouth. Suddenly neither on noticed the cold anymore. The rain was falling more slowly now and they continued to kiss on the pier, making a new commitment to one another.

 

 

Chapter 8

 

John called her at work the next day to check up on her.

 

“Hey there Doc. I wanted to make sure you didn’t wake up with pneumonia.” She laughed a bit.

 

“No, I’m fine. How about you?”

 

“Fit as a fiddle.”

 

“Hmm, I’ll say.”

 

“What did you say?” She bit down on her lip as soon as she realized she had spoken aloud.

 

“Nothing. So, any plans for the weekend?” She cleared her throat at the same time he did.

 

“I was hoping to take a little trip.” She was disappointed that he would be gone.

 

“Oh, where to?”

 

“Green Mountain Lodge. Have you ever been there?”

 

“No, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I hope you have a nice time.” She was biting her lip trying not to cry, but she had no idea why she was so emotional.

 

“I will, if you come with me.” She wasn’t sure she had heard him correctly.

 

“What?”

 

“Come with me. I’d like for us to go away for the weekend together.” He heard her hesitation. “Doc, I promise that I won’t put any pressure on you. I booked two rooms.” She smiled at his thoughtfulness and took a deep breath.

 

“Why don’t you cancel one?” On his end of the line, his face fell. “She doesn’t want to go with me.”

 

“Doc, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you. I just thought that maybe if we got away from some of the day to day stuff…” She smiled at his confusion.

 

“No, I didn’t mean that I didn’t want to go. I meant that I’d like to stay with you, in your room. If that’s all right?” Suddenly she wondered if she was being presumptuous, but he immediately put her mind at ease.

 

“I would love for us to share a room. I just didn’t want you to be uncomfortable. Do you want me to keep the extra room, just in case?”

 

“No, I want to be with you.” Her voice had dropped an octave and it had the same effect on John as her kisses. He stifled a small groan.

 

“What time will you be done with patients tomorrow?”

 

”My last one is before lunch, but I want to stop in and see Amanda before I go.”

 

“How is she?” She smiled at his concern.

 

 

“She’s still fragile but doing better. Mike said that physically she’ll be ready to go home Saturday, but I’m hoping that her parents let her stay for evaluation for a few more days.”

 

“I’m glad she’s moving in the right direction. How about if I pick you up tomorrow around two at your place, and we can leave from there?”

 

“That sounds good. I’ll be ready. John?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I just wanted to say again how sorry I am for last night, for not trusting you and running away like I did.”

 

“Doc, it was a natural mistake. Just promise me that you won’t ever run away again, that whatever bumps we hit, you’ll stick around and we’ll work through them together.”

 

“I promise. I really love you, you know.”

 

“I really love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow and talk to you tonight.” She hung up and her thoughts flashed back to the way John looked in the rain the previous night. “God, it should be illegal for a man to be that hot.” She thought about the way the rain plastered his shirt to his chest and the rivulets that ran down his face from his hair. She could have stood there kissing him all night, but he had been the sensible one. He sent her home and told her to drink some hot chocolate before going to bed. She had told him to take a hot shower. It wasn’t the best suggestion because then she thought about him all night, steam surrounding him as he stood under the hot spray. Marlena shook her head, trying to get back to her files. Finally she gave up and depressed the intercom button.

 

“Brenda, I’m done with patients today right?”

 

“Yes, Dr. Evans.”

 

“Good, I’m leaving for the day. And you can take off too. It’s only an hour early.”

 

“Thanks Dr. Evans. Have a good night.”

 

“You too Brenda.” Marlena grabbed her purse and headed for Salem Place.

 

John wasn’t doing much better. He sat at his desk, remembering how Marlena’s wet sweater had clung to her every curve, and how the cold, night air had made even more curves on her body. Again he groaned as he thought of the rain turning her straight hair curly. He absolutely loved the tousled look. “How is it possible for one woman to be so incredibly sexy and not have a clue?” He could have stood on the pier kissing her all night, but she shivered and he sent her home to have some hot chocolate. Her suggestion of a hot shower was great, until he started thinking of sharing it with her. “Screw this. I might as well do something productive.” He left Basic Black and headed to Salem Place to pick up some things he wanted for the weekend.

 

They bumped into each other coming around the corner of the Java Café. She dropped her bags and he laughed from his toes as he bent down to help her pick them up. John placed a quick kiss on her lips as his eyes met hers.

 

“Hi there.”

 

“Hi yourself. We really need to stop meeting like this.” She laughed. As he helped her back to her feet, and led her to a table, he let her in on a little secret.

 

“Do you remember the night at the fundraiser, when you dropped your purse?” She nodded, flushing a little at the memory, but waiting for him to go on.

 

“Well, I was a complete heel for not helping you pick things up.”

 

“I guess I didn’t notice. I was so embarrassed for running into you.”

 

“Normally I would have given a lady in distress some assistance, but when you knelt down to pick your things up, all I could see was the way your dress draped across your breasts and the most incredibly sexy leg I’d ever laid eyes on.” She blushed from the roots of her hair all the way under the collar of her blouse. He decided to change the subject for her.

 

“So what are you doing out of work so early?”

 

“I had a couple of errands I needed to run, and I couldn’t concentrate on my paperwork, so I left. What about you?” He smiled.

 

“Same thing.” He took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “There is this incredibly beautiful woman who consumes my every thought. I don’t think I’ve actually worked since the fundraiser.” She blushed again.

 

“So, have you ever been to Green Mountain Lodge?” He stared across the small table into her eyes.

 

“Nope, I wanted to take you some place where we could make memories together.” They continued to stare, lost in each other.

 

“Hey John, Marlena, how are you?” John stood up and shook his friend’s hand.

 

“Abe, what are you doing here?”

 

“Came to grab some coffee. Marlena, how have you been? I haven’t seen you around the station for a while.” She smiled at Abe.

 

“You haven’t needed my help with a case in a while.” John watched as the two chatted.

 

“You help out at the station?”

 

“When they need profiles, evaluations, a psychiatrist for a victim or

 

perpetrator, yes. I do what I can.” John ran his thumb across her knuckles.

 

“There’s always something new about you that amazes me.” The world disappeared again and Abe cleared his throat.

 

“John, some of the guys from the station are getting together to play some hoops Saturday. Want to join us?” John glanced from Marlena to Abe.

 

“I’m sorry Abraham, I have plans for the weekend already. Keep me in mind for the next game.” Abe smacked John on the back.

 

“Count on it. Have a good weekend. Marlena, always a pleasure to see you.” The waitress brought Abe his cardboard holder with four cups of coffee and he left. John stood and pulled Marlena up with him, wrapping his arms around her waist. He placed a light kiss on her nose.

 

“Do you mind if I leave you here? I have a few more things I need to get done.”

 

“No, I have to finish up too.” He kissed her on the mouth before handing her her bags.

 

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.”

 

“I love you too.” He gave her one more quick kiss and hurried off to complete his mission. Marlena finished her shopping and headed home to pack, hoping that John would like her surprises.

 

Marlena called Laura when she got home. She just needed a female

 

friend to talk to.

“Hello?”

 

“Laura, it’s Marlena.”

 

“Hey there. I haven’t talked to you for a couple of days. Obviously we’ve had patients at opposite times.”

 

”Yeah, it’s been crazy. Listen, I need to apologize to you for not being honest with you about a lot of things.”

 

“Honey, it’s o.k. I know I put you on the spot last week at the Blue Note, and I shouldn’t have.”

 

“Laura you were right. I finally talked about it all and it’s like this constriction around my heart is gone.” Marlena retold the story of her sister to Laura and as she concluded, she felt the guilt ease a little more.

 

“Marlena, I am so glad that you were finally able to unload that. John must be pretty wonderful to get you to trust him so quickly.” Marlena smiled as a picture of John flashed through her mind.

 

“He is incredible Laura. In fact, I’m going to Green Mountain Lodge with him this weekend.”

 

“Whoa, this seems rather sudden for a girl who hardly dated.”

 

“I know, but John is the one. I have absolutely no doubts in my mind. There’s this constant energy between us, like a magnet that keeps pulling us together. I don’t even know how to explain it.”

 

“Well, you’re going to have to tell me all about the lodge. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous, but Bill is paying no attention to me. I don’t think he knows that I exist, so I’m going to have to live vicariously through you for a while.” They laughed together and said their goodbyes so Marlena could actually get her packing done.

 

She was just closing the suitcase when the phone rang.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hello beautiful. I just wanted to hear your voice before I went to sleep.”

 

“Oh. Well, I just finished packing for the weekend.” On his end he was smiling.

 

“So, what did you pack?” She decided to tease him a bit.

 

“Some jeans, a couple of sweaters, my mumu, bunny slippers, and flannel pajamas.” There was nothing on the other end.

 

“John, are you still there?” He couldn’t take it anymore and burst out laughing.

 

“What the hell is a mumu?” She was laughing with him.

 

“I guess you’ll just have to wait and see.”

 

“Sweetheart, I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

“I love you too, John. Sweet dreams.” She flopped back on the bed, knowing it would take way too long for the clock to reach two p.m.

 

 

Chapter 9

 

Marlena was pacing at quarter to two, when the doorbell rang. She ran to answer it, hoping it would be John. When she opened the door, she was met with two dozen pink roses.

 

“I hope that there is one hell of a hot man behind those flowers.” John lowered the bouquet as he came through the door.

 

“Well, there’s a man here.” He was squirming at her compliment, something he never did. She flew into his arms, relishing in the strength with which he held her.

 

“Whoa, what’s that for? Not that I’m complaining.”

 

“I’ve just missed you, and I’m excited and nervous and I don’t think I know what I’m doing.” He laughed at her completely out of character behavior, but he loved the playful side of her.

 

“So, I take it you’re ready to go?”

 

“Yes.” He picked up her bags and they left. On the drive they talked about their childhoods and other things to take up the time. If there was a lapse in conversation, it was met with companionable silence.

 

When they arrived at the lodge, the bell hop took their bags and led them to their room. There was a king size bed in the middle and a patio with a hot tub on it. Their balcony overlooked the hot springs and Marlena noticed that the bed was the only piece of furniture in the room besides the writing desk and chair. Her stomach did flip-flops as she thought about what the night would bring. John came up behind her after the bell hop left and wrapped his arms around her middle. He kissed her temple and whispered into her ear.

 

“So, are you as nervous as I am?” She turned around in his arms.

 

“You’re nervous?” Somehow his admission made her feel a little better. He placed his forehead against hers.

 

“Yes. Marlena, I want this to be perfect for you, for us.” She ran her fingers over his cheek and spoke from her heart.

 

“John, just being with you, knowing how much you love me is going to make this weekend unforgettable.” She kissed him and they lost themselves to their restrained passion. He kissed her jaw and her cheek before taking a step backward. He had a hold of her hands still.

 

“I need to go check on a few things, so I want you to relax in a nice hot bath.” He released her and went into the bathroom. When the tub was filled he came back out.

 

“I shouldn’t be too long.”

 

“I’ll be here.” He kissed her cheek again before leaving. She undressed and stuck her foot into the tub to test the temperature. It was perfect, but her toes touched something in the water. “What is this?” She pulled the bottle out of the tub, and uncorked it. There was a note inside. Marlena dried her hands and pulled the tube of paper out. Tears formed in her eyes as she read John’s words.

 

“Marlena, I just wanted you to know how much it means to me that you trust me enough to be here with me this weekend. I have never felt for anyone what I do for you, and to be honest, sometimes it overwhelms me. I love you, and I will do everything in my power to make this time for us as perfect as what I feel for you. My love now and forever, John.” Marlena folded the paper and put it into the pocket of her make-up bag. Her tears were falling freely as she lowered herself into the tub. She said a small prayer of thanks for the incredible man she knew she would spend the rest of her life with.

 

“Doc, are you still in the tub?” John cracked the door open, and Marlena rubbed her eyes.

 

“John? I’m sorry, I must have dozed off. I’ll just be a minute.” She quickly toweled off and put on the fluffy white robe that the lodge provided.

 

“How long were you gone?”

 

“About a half hour.”

 

“Oh golly, I really did fall asleep.” Then she remembered the note and pulled John to her to thank him for it. She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him with complete abandon. Finally they pulled apart, and when John could breathe again, he questioned her motives.

 

“What was that for?” Marlena smiled sweetly at him.

 

 

“For the beautiful note you left me. Thank you.” He pulled her to him and held her for a long moment, inhaling the fragrance of her skin and her hair.

 

“Dinner starts in about an hour, so I’m going to get in the shower, then you can have the bathroom to finish getting ready.”

 

“O.K.” He kissed her and disappeared behind the door. She went to her suitcase and pulled out her lingerie. Marlena ran her fingers over the pale green silk of her new nightgown and hoped that John would like it.

 

Once they were both ready to go, John stopped Marlena and took her right hand in his.

 

“There’s something I want to give you before we go down to dinner.” He pulled out a small box and handed it to her. She took it with shaking fingers. When she opened it there was a heart shaped diamond pendant strung inside the box. Marlena looked up at John, who was trying to gauge her reaction.

 

“It’s beautiful.”

 

“I’ve never seen you wear a necklace, so if you don’t like it, I…” She put a finger to his lips.

 

“John, I love it, and the reason you’ve never seen me wear a necklace is because I’ve never had one that meant as much to me as this one.” She watched as his eyes softened. “Will you put it on me?” She held her hair as he fumbled with the clasp. When it was in place she turned around so he could see it. It went perfectly with the square neckline of her simple black dress.

 

“The diamonds pale in comparison to the incredible woman wearing them.” He kissed her and she kissed him back, full force. The passion between them was just waiting to erupt, but John found the strength to pull back one last time.

 

 

“Let’s go get dinner. I think I’m going to need sustenance for the night.” Marlena blushed crimson again, as John placed his hand in the small of her back and they walked down to the dining room.

 

 

Chapter 10

 

After dinner, John kept her on the dance floor for as long as he could stand, but he knew that he would do something to embarrass her if he didn’t get her back to the room soon.

 

“Are you ready to call it a night?” She looked into his azure eyes and nodded, knowing that what was about to happen was the most right thing she had ever felt in her life. John put a blindfold over her eyes before opening the door to their room. He checked to make sure that everything was the way he’d asked for and then led her to the middle of the room. He lit all the candles and then came back to stand in front of her. Placing his hands on either side of her face, he kissed her reverently, but with increasing passion. A small moan escaped her and he took the blindfold off. She blinked a few times, then surveyed the room. Throughout the small space there were lit candles, and white rose petals strewn about the bed and on the floor. On the desk there was a chilled bottle of champagne and a tray with strawberries and whipped cream. John walked to the stereo in the wall and turned it on. Soft music wafted through the air, adding more ambiance to the already romantic setting. Marlena placed her hand over her mouth. “This is beautiful John. Thank you for going to so much trouble.” He took her hands in his and kissed them both.

 

“When you are as in love with someone as I am with you, something like this isn’t any trouble.” She leaned into him and pressed her mouth against his. Their tongues sought each other slowly, their hands moving around each other’s backs to press their bodies together. One of her hands was in his hair, the other on his middle back, John had his hands on her hip and shoulder blades, but the lower one moved bit by bit to her bottom, pulling her closer. As his hardness nestled into

 

the softness of her belly, he groaned.

 

“Baby, I love the way you make me feel. Just kissing you drives me completely insane.” She giggled, not quite knowing what to do with this newfound power. Her tummy was turning summersaults as she asked the next question.

 

“John, would you like me to change?” He looked at her, his blue eyes smoldering with unquenched desire.

 

“If it would be all right with you, I’d like to undress you.” She blushed and John watched in fascination as the pink stain disappeared under the neckline of her dress. To try and ease her nervousness, he offered her some champagne.

 

“Would you like something to drink first?” She shook her head and he poured two glasses.

 

“To us and the future that lies before us.” He clinked her glass and they never broke eye contact as they sipped. John set the flute down and picked up a strawberry. He dipped it in the cream and held it out for Marlena to take a bite. She did, but he moved the berry on purpose so that she would have whipped cream on her lips. When she moved to wipe it off, he took her hands and used his mouth. A low moan came from deep in her throat and he shifted his lips to her ear.

 

“Marlena, I’m going to make love to you now.” There was no question, and he didn’t hesitate. His fingers found the hidden back zipper of her dress and he pulled it down, ever so slowly. She was trembling slightly.

 

“Are you cold?”

 

“No.”

 

“Scared?”

 

“No.” He pulled one of his hands from behind her back and showed

 

her how it was shaking slightly. She took it and mimicked one of his moves. Amber looked directly into sapphire and she kissed his open palm open mouthed. He took in a deep breath and made her mouth his. His tongue slid along hers, mating with it, battling for control. He turned her around so her back was to him and slipped his hands under the straps of her dress, sliding it off her shoulders, inch by inch. He placed feather kisses on her neck and shoulders as the dress pooled at her feet. She stood before him in a black lace bustier, black lace thong and garter belt attached to silk stockings. The diamonds around her neck twinkled in the candle light. John looked at her appreciatively from head to toe.

 

“My God, you are a goddess.” She could feel the heat rising in her neck as she moved a step closer to him and began unbuttoning his shirt. Her fingers were still trembling and she was having trouble getting the buttons through the tiny holes. She stopped when she got to the place where his shirt disappeared into his pants and slipped what was unbuttoned off of his shoulders. Marlena ran her hands through the crinkly black hair that covered his broad chest and John just stood still, letting her explore. When his flat nipple puckered under her light touch she pulled back, then touched it again as he gasped.

 

“Did I hurt you?” He smiled at her innocence.

 

“Baby, if that’s pain then you can keep touching me all night long.” He had to taste her again, to feel her pressed against his bare chest. Their tongues collided and each kiss became more carnal and less restrained. Her fingers found his belt and let it loose before undoing his pants. As they slid down his legs, so did the shirt that still had the lower buttons intact. He stepped out of the clothes, standing before her in only his black silk boxers. John brought her to the bed and sat while placing her in front of him. He lifted one of Marlena’s legs onto one of his and unclasped her garters with one hand, slowly rolling the stocking down her tanned thigh, over her knee and down her calf until it was finally off. He repeated the movement on her other leg. Putting both of her feet on the floor, his strong hands ran up the outer sides of her thighs to the small of her back where the garter belt was clasped.

 

He undid it and let the lacy material fall to the floor, then worked his way up to her bra and unclasped that as well. He kissed her mouth again, moving down her neck to her collarbone. Before he placed a kiss on her breast, he looked into her eyes.

 

“Is this o.k.? If you want me to stop, I will.” She shook her head, words failing her at the love she saw in this man’s eyes. Finally she found her voice.

 

“John, I want you to make love to me. Don’t stop.” He gave her mouth another quick kiss and carried her back to the bed. He laid her down and stretched out next to her, running his hands over her exposed skin. He traced one finger lightly around her breast, watching her nipple pout at his touch. John’s lips followed and he nipped softly at her, making her hips move involuntarily. One hand ran down her stomach but stopped at her panty line and followed it across her hips. Her hands were roaming down the expanse of his back to his silk clad bottom; she squeezed the taut skin and heard him moan at her touch. He took both sides of the thong in his hands and she lifted her hips so he could lower the black lace. Again, John worshipped her body with his eyes. He touched her so briefly and so lightly that she wasn’t sure if she had really felt it, then he removed his boxers and positioned himself between her thighs, trying not to put too much pressure on her. Marlena stared up shyly at the man who would soon be her lover. “John, would you just hold me for a minute.” She took all of his weight on top of her and they reveled in the feel of skin on skin. He kissed her softly and let the passion grow. As he felt her getting restless under him, he placed just the tip of his hardened manhood at her wet entrance. Hazel and blue locked and he watched her face as he entered her, slowly, giving her body time to adjust to his. When he saw her eyes dilate slightly, he pushed forward as slowly as possible. Just as quickly as the discomfort came it passed and John entered her fully with a throaty moan of pure ecstasy. He didn’t move for long moments. More than anything he wanted to make sure that Marlena was all right. When her hips met his, he rocked slowly back and forth. Instinctively they found their erotic rhythm and as the passion grew more heated so did the thrusting. Suddenly she opened her eyes and

 

locked them with John’s.

 

“I feel…oh…like I’m breaking in two…oh John…” He felt her tight wetness constrict against him and they shattered together. He held her against his chest as their breathing returned to normal. He ran his hand down her face and felt her tears. John pushed himself up on one elbow to look into her eyes.

 

“Marlena, are you all right? Did I hurt you? Would you have rather waited?” There was panic in his eyes as he worried about her, but she placed a finger to his lips.

 

“No, you didn’t hurt me; I’ve never experienced anything more incredible in my life, and no, right now was the perfect time. These are tears of joy. I have never felt more alive or free in my life, and you’re the reason for this feeling. I’m so in love with you, and I never imagined in my wildest dreams what I was missing by not letting anybody into my life. I love you John Black. I love you.” Her tears were still falling and he wiped at them with his thumb, and kissed her ever so softly.

 

“I love you too, and please believe me when I tell you that I have never experienced anything more beautiful in my life. It’s as if you were created just for me, and I promise to never take the gift of your love for granted.” He kissed her again and felt the reaction he usually felt when her tongue slipped into his mouth. She looked up at him shyly again.

 

“John, how long do we have to wait before we can do it again?” He let out a lusty laugh as he led her hand to his already restored erection.

 

“Does that answer your question?” She giggled and timidly ran her fingers along the hardened length. She flicked his ear lobe with her tongue.

 

“Tell me how to please you.”

 

“God baby, I don’t think you need any help. You’re doing just fine.” She smiled at his face and increased her touches, running her fingers through the hair at the base of his shaft and her nails lightly over the rounded skin. When she took the length of him in her hand and stroked him, he almost lost control. He was on his back and letting her explore his body, but she was driving him to the brink with her light touches, small kisses and innocence. Her next question was his undoing.

 

“Can I kiss you…here?” Her fingers were again wrapped around his hardness and he swallowed convulsively, trying to think of pink elephants, the ratty looking cleaning lady at Basic Black, anything that would keep his mind off of what she was bringing him so close to. As he nodded she lowered her body and licked him lightly. One of his hands was on her back, the other entangled in her silky tresses. She ran her tongue flatly up the length of him and he inhaled sharply. His mind started going through Basic Black’s quarterly prospectus when she took him into the hot cavern of her mouth. He pulled her up and kissed her mouth, rolling her onto her back and laving her breasts with his tongue. His fingers found her wet and ready for him and he ran one finger slowly around her opening before slipping it inside of her. As her hips bucked against him, he slid another finger into her and she moaned with pleasure. He kept his lips and fingers busy until he knew she was right on the edge. John lowered himself to her again and entered her. There were only a couple of hard thrusts before they both were breathing raggedly and clutching at each other as their orgasms rocked them. The new lovers lay there for long moments, just relishing the feel of being together. There was no need for words as they fell into the most peaceful sleep either had ever experienced.

 

 

Chapter 11

 

John was having an incredible dream. He was spooned up against Marlena, his right arm wrapped around her neck, his hand softly clutching and kneading her malleable breast. His left hand was splayed across her middle and moved slowly down toward her pelvic

 

area. It encountered a silky thigh and as John slid his hand back up, his fingers found the downy delta in her center. A delicate moan brought him slightly out of his sensuous fog.

 

“Oh thank God, I’m not dreaming.” He placed light kisses along the back of her neck, and she finally came out of her slumber enough to turn toward him. Their lips met in the darkness, their tongues reacquainting themselves greedily. Their kisses were sleepy and seductive, erotic and insatiable. John rolled onto his back and pulled Marlena on top of him without breaking the fusion of their mouths. Bracing herself on her hands, she peered down into his face that was bathed in moonlight.

 

“I’m not dreaming am I?” Her raspy, sleepy voice was an aphrodisiac.

 

“No, thank God. You and I are both very real.” To prove his point he strummed at her breast lightly with his lips and tongue and she arched her back toward him instinctively. When she did, he could feel the overwhelming heat emanating from her body. Marlena slid down a bit and when she did, she could feel him waiting for entrance to her inner sanctuary. She didn’t make him wait long. When she slid over him, her moan mingled with his and he pulled her down for a searing kiss. She rocked her hips against his and he pushed her up into a sitting position. His hands reshaped her breasts while his thumbs stroked her nipples. She rode him with her hands braced against his chest, and when he felt her losing control, he placed one hand where they were joined and manipulated her sensitive nerve bundle. No longer able to hold back, she convulsed and collapsed on top of him. John took her face in his hands and kissed her slowly, loving the aftershocks her body went through after her orgasm. Suddenly she looked at him and bit down on her lip.

 

“John, did you…I mean…” He kissed her again.

 

“Not yet.” She was glad that he couldn’t see her blush in the dark.

 

“Did I do something wrong?” He loved that she was so concerned

 

about his pleasure and he kissed her again.

 

“You did everything perfectly. This way I get to get you there again.” She was blushing furiously again, but her mind was overtaken with pure carnal pleasure as he licked his way down to her breasts. His tongue swirled around each one and then made a wet trail down her abdomen to where her thighs joined. John ran his tongue through the crease of her hip and thigh, skipped her heat zone and repeated the motion on her other side. Marlena’s hands were balled into fists on either side of her, but when John’s tongue delved into her she grabbed at his hair and arched her back. His voice reached her passion saturated brain.

 

“I knew you would be so sweet.” As he loved her with his mouth, she fell over the edge again. She loved the way he slid his body back up hers and when he kissed her, she responded with utter abandon.

 

“John, I want you, please.” He took her with as much force as he dared, but Marlena pushed him harder; she wrapped her legs around him, urging him deeper, digging her nails into his back. As he neared the threshold of his tolerance, she gave a little cry of pleasure and they crossed into a sweet sexual oblivion. He brushed a lock of hair from Marlena’s forehead and lay down next to her, holding her tightly against him. Sated for the moment, they fell back to sleep.

 

The bright morning sun woke John before Marlena, and he propped himself on one elbow, transfixed by her beauty. Slowly she opened her eyes.

 

“Good morning beautiful.” He dropped a light kiss on her lips.

 

“Good morning.” She snuggled closer into his arms and he placed another kiss on her temple.

 

“I think I could get used to waking up like this every morning.”

 

“Mmm, me too.” She was driving him mad, running her fingers through

 

the hair on his chest. Her hand dipped lower and she pulled back when she accidentally bumped her fingers against his erection. He took her hand and kissed it before she raised up on one elbow and looked John in the eye.

 

“I didn’t mean to startle you, but I didn’t think that I’d touch you with where my hand was, and I didn’t think that you would be, well, after last night…” He took her mouth with a searing kiss and couldn’t help teasing her a bit.

 

“So what you’re trying to say is that I’m well hung huh?” She slapped his arm, and feeling a little bolder, lifted the sheet to peruse his naked body.

 

“I guess you’ll do.” He plastered a hurt look on his face and then threw her onto her back so he could torture her with tickles. Her laughter rang through the room as she tried in vain to get him back.

 

“John, oh, stop, please.” He had her arms pinned above her head with one hand and was poised to attack again when she saw a glimmer of something pass across his face.

 

“I’ll stop, but you have to do something for me.”

 

“Do I want to know?” He ran his tongue around the back of her ear and sucked the lobe into his mouth.

 

“Shower with me. I’ve been thinking of you under the hot spray since that night on the pier, and now I want to show you what I’ve been fantasizing about.” He was kissing her neck between words, and she could hardly think straight. Without waiting for an answer, he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. John started the water and let it get to the right temperature before he grabbed Marlena and pulled her into the glass stall with him. The water was running down their bodies, but finding no trail between them with the embrace they were locked in. John gasped when Marlena’s hand closed around him and she stroked him slowly, applying the perfect amount of pressure, and when she squeezed his testicles, he let out a soft curse. He backed

 

her up against the cool glass and her legs wrapped around his waist. As he entered her, his mouth fused with hers and their tongues kept pace with their lower bodies. As they both lost control Marlena bit down on John’s shoulder. He stood for as long as his legs would support him, then set her down so they could actually shower.

 

 

Chapter 12

 

The rest of the day was spent lounging, swimming, and just being lazy. It was an unusually warm spring day, and the heat of the day gave way to a muggy night. John was showering when Marlena looked out over the hot springs from their balcony. The full moon was reflecting off the still water and was too inviting to resist. She changed into her robe and left John a quick note.

 

John called for her from behind the closed door. When she didn’t answer he stuck his head out and noticed the white paper propped up on the lamp. He rubbed at his wet hair vigorously while padding to the table.

 

“John, look out over the balcony when you’re done showering. I’m sure you’ll find me. Love, Marlena” He walked to the open doors and scanned the area. He missed her the first time, but his eye caught sight of her in the shimmering white light as he looked again at the springs. He watched her as she dove below the water and resurfaced. Unable to resist her, he put his robe around himself and went to join Marlena.

 

“Hey there gorgeous. You looked rather lonely out here. Do you mind if I join you?” She turned toward his voice, her face bathed in moonlight.

 

“I don’t know. What do you look like under your robe?” She blushed at the boldness of her question.

 

“Why don’t I take it off and you can decide for yourself whether or not I can stay.” John dropped the robe and watched her reaction.

 

Unconsciously she licked her lips.

 

“Well, I think you can stay.” He dove into the water and surfaced right in front of Marlena, pulling her into a passionate embrace.

 

“Mmm, you can definitely stay after a kiss like that.” She kissed him again, pulling his bottom lip through her teeth and running her hands down his slippery back. John broke the fusion of their mouths and kissed down the side of her neck, paying special attention to the sensitive spot on her collarbone. His hands pulled her bottom toward him and her legs wrapped around his waist. She could feel his hardness against the juncture of her thighs and a small moan escaped her. He was kissing the tops of her breasts and raised her so that more flesh was exposed to his roving tongue. When John lifted her she shifted her hips slightly and took him inside. He wasn’t expecting it and almost dropped her from the feeling of being buried in her heat.

 

“Oh my God Doc.” He lifted her off of him and took her hand, leading her to a more secluded area. She backed up against one of the larger, smooth rocks, found a foothold in the water, and pulled him toward her.

 

“I think you need to come back over here John.” She loved the sparkle in his eyes.

 

“What for?” His hand was slowly running up the inside of her thigh.

 

“For this.” She pulled at him with all her might and he crashed into her. The water acted as a buffer, but before he could ask if he hurt her, Marlena had his lips and tongue engaged in fierce battle of sexual conquest. His moan was deep and primal and he entered her again, thrusting deep and hard.

 

“God, John.” He kept going, hell bent on bringing them both into a spine shattering orgasmic oblivion. With one last pounding thrust they both let go, and as they came, their bodies convulsed with the power of their love. Marlena kept her legs wrapped around John, not trusting them to support her. John placed tiny kisses on her face and neck as

 

they both regained the ability to breathe normally. He took her hand and pulled her to the edge of the water. He got her robe for her and held it open so she could step into it. Rubbing her arms vigorously, he kissed her again.

 

“Let’s go back to the room and get you warmed up.” She gave him a lecherous leer.

 

“I think I can handle that.” She pinched his rear through the terry cloth robe, and he laughed.

 

“I created a wonton sex goddess.” She blushed and laughed with him.

 

“Maybe if you didn’t make me feel so incredible.” They laced their fingers as they made their way back to the lodge.

 

“You feel incredible without my help.” She swatted at his arm. Tired of not holding her, he swept her up and carried her the rest of the way back. Once inside the room, he deposited her on the bed and untied the belt of her robe. He kissed only what was exposed between the white terrycloth. His tongue flicked at the edges of her breasts, dipped into her belly button, and traced just above the downy curls of her nether region. Her fingers were tangled in his hair as he retraced the trail back up her body. Their tongues collided as she slipped his robe off of his shoulders and ran her hands over the taut muscles of his arms. She undid the knot of his belt and let his robe hang loosely from his body. Marlena took her fingernails and ran them lightly over the tops of his thighs, around to his butt, and up his back. When she brought them around his sides, his muscles quivered slightly and she kept going until she reached his hardened muscle. He groaned softly at the sensations her fingers were causing. She leaned up to him and bit gently on his ear.

 

“I want you, now.” She pulled him down to her and took him in fully. She ground her hips against him and they found an urgent rhythm. Again, he thrust into her hard and fast, but she couldn’t get him deep enough and kept lifting her hips to meet him. What was building between them was intense and mind numbing, and all John could do

 

was chant her name. Finally they both exploded and lay sated between the sandwich of their robes.

 

 

Chapter 13

 

She was giggling as she lay in his arms.

 

“Are you going to let me in on the joke?” She looked up at him.

 

“Well, I bought something new for our weekend, but I’ve been out of my clothes more than I’ve been in them, so I haven’t even had the chance to see if you like it. I was just giggling because I was so nervous about wearing it, but now you’ve seen me with a lot less on.” The tell tale blush stole across her cheeks and down her neck, although it was happening a bit less as the weekend went on. He kissed her gently.

 

“Will you model it for me anyway?”

 

“Are you sure? I mean, I wasn’t sure what you might like, or what you’ve…” He brought his finger to her lips.

 

“Marlena, I need to make something clear to you right now. The minute you bumped into me at the Fundraiser, all other women faded from my mind. Everything with you is as new to me as it is to you, do you understand what I’m telling you?” She nodded slightly.

 

“I think so.”

 

“Let me make sure that you do. Please don’t ever try to compare yourself to any other women that you think I might have had in my life, because there is no comparison. Once I realized just how much I love you, you became the only woman that existed. My memory begins and ends with you.” He took his thumb and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Now will you model that surprise for me?” She just nodded as she slipped out of the bed and headed toward the bathroom. She slid

 

the lacy green silk over her head and stepped into the matching panties. The negligee stopped mid-thigh and was hemmed with lace. It had spaghetti straps and a low plunging, laced trimmed neckline. She turned slightly as she gazed in the mirror, and was surprised to see that she looked just a little more confident as she looked into her own eyes. Marlena ran a brush through her tousled hair and took a deep breath as she opened the door to the outer room.

 

“You didn’t fall asleep on me out there did you?”

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to sleep again without you in my arms.” Marlena bit down on her lip to stop those infernal tears and decided to tease John just a bit. She stuck her leg out of the bathroom, but nothing more.

 

“If that gorgeous leg of yours is any indication of what the rest of you looks like, I’m in heaven.” She giggled and he laughed along with her. Finally she stepped completely out of hiding and walked to the bed. John motioned for her to turn around and he whistled as he saw the cut-out back and the thin criss-cross straps.

 

“You are stunning. I’m glad you mentioned this, because if I hadn’t seen it, I would have been missing something wonderful.”

 

“You do have a honeyed tongue, Mr. Black.” He cocked an eyebrow at her.

 

“Maybe that’s why you taste so good.” This time she blushed from head to toe and he laughed at her shyness.

 

“One of these days, I need to learn how not to blush like that.” He took her in his arms.

 

“I like the blush. I think it’s sexy.” She looked at him in mock horror.

 

“How can turning all red like you’ve been sunburned be sexy?”

 

“Because I know you aren’t quite as innocent as that blush makes you

 

appear, and that little secret turns me on immensely.” She blushed again, but ran her hand between his legs.

 

“Hmm, I see what you mean.” John growled as he lunged for her and she lay underneath him, breathless from his attack on her neck.

 

“And those little moans of yours, oh my God, they push me to the edge.” Just as he finished his sentence and his fingers delved into her, she pushed him a little farther with another moan. John pulled the straps off of her shoulders and pushed the bodice of the nightgown down so he could flick his tongue over her nipples. She arched her back to him and ran her fingers through his hair. He still had one hand inside of the silk panties and was driving her insane with little touches and strokes. She was almost to the breaking point and when John rammed his fingers into her, she groaned with release. John stood and pulled her up with him so he could remove the panties and nightgown. She caught his mouth and kissed him carnally, her tongue invading his mouth, her hands wandering his body. She pulled him with her, and he wondered briefly where they were going until he felt them stop against the wall.

 

When they finally came up for air, Marlena explained her actions, which wasn’t easy since John was exploring her neck and chest.

 

“I um, saw this…um…against a wall…” She never finished as John lifted her slightly and her legs wrapped around his waist. He teased her for a few minutes as he nibbled on her neck and ear.

 

“John, I want you.” The breathy whisper in his ear spurred him to action and he thrust into her. He rocked against her and they moved in time to their own erotic rhythm. John was holding back, willing Marlena to get to the point of no return with him, but soon her breathing became more choppy and her little moans increased. He latched onto one of her breasts, flicking the erect nipple with his tongue. He felt Marlena’s inner walls tighten around him and he let go, sending his warmth into her. They were clinging to each other for support, but John mustered the strength to get them both to the bed,

 

where they collapsed. He turned to her with a sexy smile.

 

“Now, where did you say you got that idea?” The moon was now hidden behind clouds so he couldn’t see her discomfort, but he knew it was there.

 

“I, um, in a movie, and I wondered, well, um.” She stopped, hoping he wouldn’t make her continue, but he wasn’t letting her off the hook this time. “You’re going to make me tell you aren’t you?” He was grinning devilishly.

 

“Yep.” She swallowed convulsively and tried not to meet his eyes, but he took her chin and made her look at him.

 

“I watched ‘Basic Instinct’ with a bunch of friends when it first came out on video and they were talking about all the different ways it could be done, and the scene where they have sex against the wall, just kind of stuck in my mind, and I wondered if it could really be that hot.” He quirked an eyebrow at her.

 

“And…”

 

“It was. You were.” Surprising herself, she was still staring into his eyes with that admission. He kissed her sensually.

 

“So were you.” He pulled them under the covers where they again fell into an exhausted but sated sleep.

 

 

Chapter 14

 

She rolled over to find John watching her in the morning light.

 

“Hmm, hi there.” He leaned down and kissed her.

 

“Good morning beautiful.”

 

“What time is it?”

 

 

“Early, a little after seven.” She opened one eye.

 

“Then why are we talking instead of sleeping?” He laughed.

 

“Actually, I was thinking of one more thing we could be doing.” This time both eyes opened and she ran a hand along the sculpted lines of his chest.

 

“And what would that be?”

 

“Showering. We’re supposed to be out of here by eleven, and I was wondering just how long the hot water would last in a resort.” She smiled coyly at him.

 

“So why do we both need to be in the shower to find out how long the hot water lasts?” Grinning mischievously at her, he brought his mouth right next to her ear.

 

“Because it’ll be fun to see how many times I can make you blush standing naked under the hot spray of the shower.”

 

“John, you’re insatiable.”

 

“Only with you.” He leaned over her and kissed her fully awake before getting out of bed to go get the shower ready. She waited a few seconds and followed John to the bathroom. Marlena walked over to the open shower door and ran her hands down John’s back.

 

“Hey there Sailor. Mind if I join you?” He turned around and pulled her under the spray with him.

 

“Not at all. In fact, I’d be upset if you didn’t.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“That’s a fact.” They smiled at each other and John took the soap

 

between his hands so he could work up a good lather. As he rubbed Marlena’s arms and torso, he avoided the spots that were begging to be touched. She held her breath as he made his way up her legs and his fingers grazed the inside of her thighs before sliding over her hips and belly again. When he was standing in front of her, he leaned down and gave her a hot open-mouthed kiss. She was mildly disappointed that his tongue stayed in his own mouth, but when his lips caught hers again and teased her, her senses took over as the anticipation built.

 

When she could see straight once again, she took the soap and let her hands lather John’s body. She raked her fingers as close to his sensitive spots as she could get without actually touching him and smiled slightly when she heard him gasp in disappointment. She stood on her toes to whisper in his ear.

 

“Paybacks are a bitch aren’t they?” His eyes flew open and he laughed out loud at her comment.

 

“Oh my god, I’ve created a monster.” He took her face between his hands and kissed her with all of his pent up longing. Marlena pulled back and John watched lustfully as her chest heaved up and down with her rapid breathing.

 

“I still need to wash your hair.” He shot an eyebrow up at her and they each poured a small amount of shampoo into their hands. They lathered each other’s hair at the same time and then John conditioned Marlena’s. As soon as the water ran clear, John had her backed up against the cool glass of the shower stall and was attacking her neck. In between little moans, she teased him.

 

“We aren’t just a bit impatient are we?” In between love bites, John answered.

 

“Baby, I just never seem to get enough of you.” His mouth had descended on her breast and she writhed beneath the sensations of his rough tongue on her soft skin, but when John fell to him knees and his tongue delved into her center she grabbed on to his wet hair and

 

screamed softly. When her trembling stopped, John kissed his way back up her body, loving the way she clung to him for support. He lifted her under her behind and her legs wrapped around him as she once again felt the cool glass at her back. He slid into her easily and thrust hard a few times before slowing the pace and driving them both into a frenzy. She could tell he was holding back, trying to make her pleasure that much more intense, but she wanted him so badly.

 

“John, go harder, please.” He obliged, but she still urged him on. “John, harder.”

 

“I don’t want to hurt you.” She opened her eyes and hazel and blue locked. She kissed him ferociously.

 

“You won’t hurt me, please, go as hard as you want, make me cum with you.” Her words just about did him in right there, but he fought off the wave that was about to engulf him and rammed into her. He looked into her eyes to make sure she was all right and when he saw pure lust staring back at him he rammed into her again and again until she was screaming his name. When she tightened around him, he let go and thrust one last time, exploding within her. They both collapsed on the shower floor, trying to recapture their breath. John leaned over and kissed Marlena tenderly, running his finger over her swollen lips.

 

“I didn’t hurt you did I?” She could only shake her head as she returned the kiss. Finally she found her voice.

 

“No, I would definitely not call that painful.” John got up a bit shakily and turned off the water spigots. Marlena smiled as she took his outstretched hand and stood next to him. She lowered her voice slightly and the timbre made John shiver.

 

“I thought we were going to see how long it took for the water to get cold.” John swallowed convulsively at the look in her eyes.

 

“Sweetheart, after what you just did to me, I think I need just a few minutes to recover.” She bit her bottom lip and took the towel he was

 

offering her. He could tell she was thinking something, but was afraid to say it.

 

“Marlena, please talk to me.” John had wrapped his towel around his waist and was leading her back to the bed. “Honey, you don’t ever have to be afraid to say something to me.” She looked him directly in the eye.

 

“I’m not afraid, but I guess I’m a little embarrassed to talk about some things, unless I’m caught up in the moment, like in the shower.” Her cheeks flushed hotly and she averted her eyes. “I didn’t mean to sound so crude, but it felt so good and I just couldn’t seem to get you close enough.” He lifted her chin.

 

“I couldn’t get close enough either, and in case you didn’t notice, what you said kind of turned me on.” She bit down on her lip again, and nodded a little.

 

“I noticed.” Marlena was still blushing furiously and John took her in his arms.

 

“I know this is all really new for the both of us, so let’s make a deal all right?”

 

“What kind of deal?”

 

“That no matter how embarrassing or hard it may be to say something, we say it anyway. Doc, I want us to always be honest with each other. That was one of the things that made me fall in love with you.” She looked at him quizzically.

 

“It was?”

 

“Yep. You called me a cold-blooded bastard, and I was hooked.” She laughed at him.

 

“I never called you that.” He laughed at the look of horror on her face.

 

“I believe your exact words were, ‘a billionaire playboy who hides behind his money.’”

 

“I did say that didn’t I? I’m sorry. Sometimes I speak before I think.”

 

“I’m not sorry. Like I said in the note I sent with the flowers, no one had ever been so brutally honest with me before, and it made me take a look at where I was going in life. I didn’t expect to fall head over heels in love with you, but I’m glad I did.”

 

“Oh, and why is that?”

 

“Why what? Why am I glad I fell in love with you?” She shook her head yes. He smiled tenderly at her.

 

“Because you make me happy. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt happy before. I grew up following my father around in my older brother’s shadow, and Dad loved the fact that Lawrence wanted to take over Alamain Industries some day, so he gave him all of the attention. The woman I thought was my mother died when I was very young, and when I found out that I had another older brother because of Dad’s affair with my biological mother, I completely shut myself off from getting involved in romantic relationships.” Marlena was a bit confused.

 

“So, you lived with your father and your brother Lawrence’s mother? What about the woman who gave birth to you?”

 

“She also died when I was very young and her husband was so disgusted by the affair that he gave me to my father to raise. I think Dad always saw me as a bit of a burden.” Marlena ran her hand down John’s face.

 

“I’m so sorry.”

 

“Don’t be. It’s all in the past, and I went through four or five shrinks before my twenty-first birthday, so I’ve worked through it.” She smiled up at him.

 

 

“Are you sure?” He took her face between his hands.

 

“If you had asked me that a couple of months ago, I would have probably said no, but since meeting you everything in my life has finally fallen into place. Marlena, you’ve brought this incredible light into my life, and I can’t describe it, except that it makes me happy. And even saying that I am truly happy doesn’t begin come close to what I feel when I’m with you. You make me a whole person, and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel as though something is missing.” He gave her the raised eyebrow again. “And of course it doesn’t hurt that you are stunningly gorgeous and have the body of a goddess.” She swatted at his arm.

 

“Be serious.”

 

“I am, completely.” To prove it he took her mouth with another sensuous kiss.

 

“We only have about an hour before we need to go home.” She looked at him a little sadly. “I don’t know how I’m going to get to sleep at night without you beside me.” He wrapped her in his arms.

 

“I know what you mean.” He kissed the top of her head and held her for a bit longer.

 

 

Chapter 15

 

John walked with her up to her apartment and kissed her again before leaving her to unpack.

 

“I’ll give you a call later.”

 

“All right.” She caught his arm as he was heading out the door. “John, I just wanted to thank you for this weekend. I’ll never forget it.” He gave her a heart stopping smile.

 

“Neither will I.” He held her against him and kissed her temple. “I love

 

you Marlena.”

 

“I love you too.” He blew her a kiss before disappearing into the elevator. She had just about finished when her phone rang.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Marlena, I’ve been trying to get a hold of you all weekend! Where have you been?”

 

“Hi, Mom. I went away for the weekend. Is something wrong?”

 

“No, nothing’s wrong, I just usually find you at home. I’m glad you got out. Did you go with friends?” Marlena hesitated for a minute.

 

“Just one friend.”

 

“Oh. Shall I assume from your short answer that this friend is a man?” Marlena blushed on her end of the phone.

 

“Mom, I…”

 

“Marlena, you’re a grown woman, and I’m not going to give you a lecture. If you have met someone, I just want you to be happy. Sweetheart, you deserve that.” Marlena swiped at her tears.

 

“His name is John Black, and Momma he’s wonderful. I really want you and Daddy to meet him.”

 

“Maybe we can. That’s why I was calling. Your Dad finally decided to use some of his vacation time and we were thinking of coming out to spend a few days. I know how busy you are with your job, but we just miss you terribly.”

 

“I miss you too. I would love for you to come for a few days. When?”

 

“How’s next week?”

 

“Wow, that soon?” She was flipping through her calendar. “Things are actually pretty slow next week, so it would work well. I might even be able to finagle a day off.”

 

“Oh, that would be great! I’ll call in a couple of days and let you know exactly what day to expect us.”

 

“Alrighty, I’ll talk to you soon.” She had no more put the phone down when it rang again. She picked it up laughing. Her mom always did this.

 

“What did you forget to tell me?”

 

“I didn’t forget to tell you how much I love you did I?” Her smile

 

immediately softened.

“No, but I love hearing it.”

 

“In that case, I love you. Now who forgot to tell you something?”

 

“I just got off the phone with my mom and she and Daddy are going to come for short visit next week. I’d really like for you all to meet.” John cleared his throat.

 

“Well, if you are any indication, I think I can handle meeting them.”

 

“You’re so sweet. So, did you call just to tell me you love me?”

 

“Nope, I want to take you to dinner tonight.”

 

“All right. What time and what should I wear?”

 

“Seven and nothing would be good, but I think we would get kicked out of the restaurant.” She was laughing hysterically at his comment and she was glad he couldn’t see her blush.

 

“John Black, you have a one track mind.”

 

“With you, yes, I do. Would you like me to change?”

 

“No, I don’t think so. Now seriously, what should I wear?”

 

“Something that will go with my suit.”

 

“I’ll see you at seven then. I love you.”

 

“I love you too pretty lady.” Marlena went through her closet but couldn’t find anything she wanted to wear so she called Laura to go shopping with her.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Laura, it’s me, what are you doing?”

 

“Watching my nails dry.”

 

“That sounds fun. I need you to come shopping with me.”

 

“For anything special?”

 

“Not really, just a new dress for dinner tonight.”

 

“Oh, Mr. Hunky taking you out?” Marlena laughed at Laura’s nickname for John.

 

“Yes, he is, and I just can’t find anything in my closet that I want to wear.”

 

“I’ll come with you on two conditions.” Marlena rolled her eyes.

 

“I’m afraid to ask.”

 

“One, you need to buy something out of your comfort zone.”

 

“I can probably swing that. That’s why I called you to come with me. And the second condition?”

 

 

“You give me the dirt on this weekend.”

 

“There’s really no dirt to give you…”

 

“Well, I have a date with my toenails…” Marlena clenched her teeth.

 

“Fine, I’ll tell you about the weekend.” She could tell Laura was trying not to giggle on the other end.

 

“Pick me up in twenty minutes. My nails should be dry by then.” As they disconnected, Marlena just shook her head.

 

They walked into Balistix and headed toward the racks of dresses.

 

“So did John tell you what you should wear tonight?”

 

“No, he just told me to wear something that went with his suit.” Laura rolled her eyes.

 

“Men.” Marlena gave her friend a sly smile.

 

“Of course, it would be nice if the dress had a neckline that would show off my new necklace.” Marlena laughed at the expression on Laura’s face when she examined the pendant more closely.

 

“Mar, that is gorgeous. I’m telling you, John is a keeper.”

 

“I know.” They searched the racks in silence for awhile, but Laura couldn’t stand it anymore.

 

“So, are you going to tell me anything about this weekend?” Laura watched Marlena’s face light up with whatever she was remembering.

 

“It was wonderful. Laura, the lodge is beautiful and we had a really nice time.”

 

“A really nice time? Marlena Evans, I swear, I’m going to die an old

 

maid and you don’t feel sorry enough for me to even let me live a little through you.” Marlena laughed at the expression on Laura’s face.

 

“Well, John is pretty romantic. The first night we were there he got a bubble bath ready for me and he had a note floating in a bottle in the tub. He just wanted to thank me for coming with him.”

 

“Now that’s what I need to hear. Oh my goodness. Does John have a brother?” Marlena laughed again.

 

“He has two, but from the way John talks about them, I don’t think they’re the type of men you need to be around.”

 

“So, he’s the only good one huh?”

 

“Sounds like it.” Laura was about to go on, but Marlena was holding up a dress.

 

“I need to go try this one on.” Laura continued to look but found nothing and headed to the dressing rooms to give Marlena her opinion. When Marlena opened the dressing room door, Laura whistled.

 

“Marlena, it’s beautiful.” Marlena was beaming.

 

“I think so too. Sold.” She went back into the tiny room to remove the dress that she would put on again in just a couple of hours, and then emerged to find matching shoes.

 

At promptly seven o’clock, Marlena’s doorbell rang. When she opened it, John’s mouth dropped.

 

“You look gorgeous.” She gave him her brightest smile.

 

“I bought it this afternoon, just for tonight. Well, just for you.” He kissed her gently.

 

“Turn around.” She turned slowly so he could see the whole dress. It was ice blue with a sweetheart neckline and only one shoulder strap. The hemline was just above the knee and Marlena found silver strappy sandals that accentuated her long legs. She had her hair swept up into a loose French twist and John wanted to forgo dinner so he could attack her neck.

 

“I’m on the verge of forgetting about dinner, so maybe we better go.”

 

“You can’t forget about dinner; I was so busy buying a dress that I forgot to eat lunch. I’m starving.”

 

“Well, then m’lady, your chariot awaits.” He held out an arm to her and she tucked her hand into his elbow.

 

 

Chapter 16

 

John took her hand as they were sitting at dinner.

 

“I hate to have to do this, but I had several e-mails when we got back earlier. It seems that there is some major trouble in the London office and I need to fly out tonight after dinner.” She was trying to hold back her disappointment.

 

“How long will you be gone?” He squeezed her hand a bit tighter.

 

“Shouldn’t be more than a couple of days, and if it’s a worst case scenario, then I’ll be home by the end of the week.” A small, sad smile stole across her face.

 

“I’ll miss you.”

 

“I’ll miss you too, but I’ll be home before you know it.” He dropped her at her apartment and said their goodbyes for a few days.

 

“Well, I guess I’ll see you when you get back.”

 

 

“Count on it. I’ll be thinking of you every second that I’m gone.” Marlena smiled up at him.

 

“I’ll be thinking about you too. Have a safe trip.”

 

“I will. I love you Marlena.”

 

“I love you too.” They embraced and were both breathless when they let go so John could catch his plane.

 

“You get another one of those when you get home.” She winked at him as he headed for the elevator.

 

“This’ll be the shortest trip in the history of business trips then.” John blew Marlena a kiss and mouthed, “I love you” to her as he stepped into the elevator and the doors closed behind him.

 

 

On Wednesday, Marlena was sitting in her office trying to work, but her thoughts were full of John Black. They had talked every day, at least twice a day since he left Sunday night, but she missed him. The ringing of the phone brought her out of her reverie.

 

“Dr. Evans.”

 

“Hi there Doc.” Her face lit up at the sound of his voice.

 

“Hi. Are you on your way home yet?” She could hear how tired he was over the line.

 

“No, these idiots really messed up and it’s taking me longer to smooth things over than I thought. I might be lucky to make it home by the weekend. I’m so sorry.” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.

 

“It’s all right, really. I understand.”

 

“Well, I don’t. I miss you.” She laughed at the petulance in his voice.

 

“I miss you too. Just tell them that the next time they screw up like this, they’re all fired.” He laughed in spite of his dark mood.

 

“No, I think next time, I’ll just being you with me.”

 

“Oh…well, I think I could handle that. I’ll see you soon, and I miss you terribly.”

 

“I miss you too baby. I love you.”

 

“And I love you John.” She replaced the receiver slowly and jumped at the knock on her door.

 

“Come in.”

 

“Hey there. Are you still single tonight?”

 

“Yeah. John just called and he won’t be home until the weekend. Oh Laura, I miss him.”

 

“Let’s get some dinner to get your mind off it.” Marlena smiled weakly at her friend.

 

“All right. Thanks.”

 

“That’s what friends are for.” They arrived at The Blue Note and got a table just in time. Suddenly the press and throngs of people descended on the small club. Laura grabbed a harried waiter.

 

“What’s going on tonight?”

 

“A hot new up-and-coming band is playing tonight. They want to make sure they’re heard.” With a roll of his eyes he hurried away.

 

“Marlena, I’m sorry. Do you want to go someplace less ‘happening’?”

 

Marlena just laughed.

 

“No, we’re here. We might as well enjoy the music and the food. If we ever get the waiter back to take our order.” As the night waned on, Marlena and Laura did enjoy the music, but had they seen the couple behind them, huddled in secrecy, they might not have enjoyed themselves quite as much.

 

“Marlena, would you care to dance?” She looked up quickly at the man extending his hand to her.

 

“Tony. No, I’m not really in the mood tonight. Thank you though.” He smiled at her.

 

“Please. We got off to a rocky start and if you and my brother are going to be seeing each other regularly, I would like for us to be friends.” He still had his hand extended but Marlena ignored it, standing on her own.

 

“One dance, but only so that I can say that I gave you the benefit of the doubt.”

 

“Thank you.” As they danced Tony kept the conversation light and refrained from asking anything about John. He noticed a man standing behind them and spun Marlena around just a bit and kissed her fully on the mouth. In her surprise, it took her a second to shake him off and slap him hard across the cheek. She never noticed the flashbulb that went off when his lips were against hers.

 

“Don’t ever touch me again Tony.” She stormed back to the table, but Laura was gone. She returned a few seconds later.

 

“Laura, I’m ready to go home now.”

 

“Honey, what happened?”

 

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.” After the two women left, Tony

 

sidled back up to his accomplice.

 

“I think it went rather well, don’t you?”

 

“It was fabulous, and you and I are about to get what we want.”

 

John downloaded the Wednesday edition of the Salem Gazette as he sat relaxing after his meetings Thursday. When the download was complete, he almost threw the laptop across the room. Under the headline: Hot New Band Breeds Hot Romance, was a picture that almost made John lose the dinner he had just eaten. John read the caption and his hands flexed involuntarily at his sides; Tony Dimera and Dr. Marlena Evans get caught up in the romance of Kurt Elling and his new band.

 

“What the hell is this trash? Doc, what are you doing kissing my brother?” He dialed her apartment, but there was no answer. “Ah, that’s right, she’d still be at work. It’s mid-day there.” The same happened with her cell phone and her office. “Dammit Doc, where are you?” He made a quick phone call to his office.

 

“Terrance, it’s John, listen, an emergency came up back home and I’m flying out tonight…Handle it without me…Listen, I’ve fixed everything I can here…Yeah, call me over the weekend.” John threw his things in his suitcase and alerted the pilot of his schedule change before taking off for the airport.

 

 

Chapter 17

 

Marlena was sitting, reading a new novel when she was startled by a loud banging on her door. “Who in the world…”

 

“I’m coming, hang on.” She opened the door and was swept into an angry kiss. Just as quickly as it began it was over. She held the back of her hand to her tingling lips.

 

“John, what are you doing here? Why didn’t you call, and what the hell was that kiss all about?” John threw the paper on the table next to them.

 

“What, only Tony’s kisses turn you on now?” She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

 

“Did you pick that up at the airport?”

 

“Yes, but I’d already seen it. I came home as soon as I downloaded it. Care to tell me about it?” She started to walk back to the couch as she threw her words over her shoulder.

 

“Are you going to believe me?” John followed her.

 

“I’m sure as hell gonna try.” She glared at him.

 

“The first step would be to wipe that ugly sneer off your face and sit down.” Slowly John came around the couch and sat on the opposite end as Marlena.

 

“Secondly, don’t interrupt me. I’m telling the story and if there’s something that you don’t understand or you want clarified, wait until I’m done. After that brutal, barbaric kiss, I think I deserve a little respect.”

 

“Fine.”

 

“I didn’t kiss Tony, he kissed me.” John opened his mouth to talk but shut it quickly as he noticed the angry green sparks in Marlena’s eyes. “Laura and I went to The Blue Note for dinner last night so that I could get my mind off of missing you.” Again she pinned him with a stare when she knew he was about to make a remark. “I’m serious here John, not a word from you until I’m done or you can walk right out that door.” He nodded, not sure if he should run for the door now or not. “Tony asked me to dance and I initially refused but he said he wanted to make peace. I accepted and things were fine, but for no reason he spun me around and kissed me. I didn’t even notice the flashbulb

 

because I was so angry. I slapped him and went back to get Laura so we could leave, but she had just run to the restroom. As soon as she came back, we left.” They sat there in stony silence for moment.

 

“Any questions?” John held his hands up.

 

“I was just waiting for permission.” She kind of half laughed.

 

“I deserved that.” Her eyes softened slightly as she stared at the man she loved, but as she spoke they darkened again with anger. “John, I would never kiss Tony willingly. I never want to kiss anyone but you; however, I will never kiss you again if you play the overbearing caveman that you did when you came through my door. I am not your property or your possession, and I will not be owned by you or anyone else. John, I’m very serious; don’t even think of testing me on this.” John shut his eyes for minute and took a deep breath. When he opened them Marlena was shocked at the glistening tears he was trying to hold back.

 

“I’m sorry. I’ve never felt anything like what I felt when I saw the picture of you and Tony in the paper.” He lowered his eyes, shame making his shoulders slouch. “Doc, there have been a number of times that someone I’ve been dating ends up out with another man and it never bothered me because nine out of ten times I was seeing someone else too, but just the thought of Tony dancing with you, and then kissing you, I lost it. I’ve never been so…so…”

 

“Angry?” John looked at the woman sitting next to him and hazel and blue locked.

 

“Scared.” Marlena took John’s hand with hers and laced their fingers.

 

“What would you have to be scared of?”

 

“Losing you. Marlena, for the first time in my life, I’m complete. I never even realized that there was anything missing, but then you barreled into me and my life has been turned upside down and inside out, and the thought of losing you scares the hell out of me.” She took her free

 

hand and wiped his falling tears away with her thumb.

 

“John, I’m not going anywhere. I love you, and I made a commitment to you, not just with my body, but with my heart and my soul. What you and I share is not something I take lightly. Honey, please don’t ever doubt my love for you.”

 

“I’m so sorry I did. It’s just that some of these feelings are so new to me, and I guess I don’t know how to handle them very well.”

 

“Then how about if we learn together? I’m still pretty new to this whole being in love thing myself.” He ran his finger along her jaw.

 

“Deal.” John pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. “I love you, so much more than I could ever tell you or show you.” Marlena returned the kiss.

 

“I love you too.” John again barely brushed his lips over hers before making a light trail across her cheek to her ear.

 

“I missed you these last few days.” He blew lightly into her ear. “I dreamed about you endlessly.” He placed soft kisses on her neck.

 

“John, I missed you too. Make love to me.” He started to sit up so he could take her to the bedroom. “No, don’t go anywhere.” She took advantage of his position and undid his pants, sliding them down his muscular legs. John took his shirt off before sitting back down next to Marlena. He removed her sweater and had her stand in front of him so he could get her out of her jeans. He ran his hands up the outside of her thighs and rubbed his thumbs over her hipbones. John placed a wet kiss on her bellybutton and pulled Marlena onto his lap. As she straddled him, they tangled their fingers in each other’s hair and kissed as though there would be no tomorrow. John took one hand and unclasped her bra, deftly sliding it down her arms and flinging it across the room. He pulled her to him and groaned at the skin on skin contact as his mouth continued to rediscover the delicate skin of her neck and shoulders. He pushed her slightly away from him so that he

 

could continue his explorations of her body. Marlena arched her back as John latched on to one of her breasts and sucked gently. He ran his tongue over her nipple repeatedly until it was taut and then moved to the other breast. She needed to touch him, to give him some pleasure, so she snaked her hand between their bodies and stroked him through the silk of his boxers. She felt the vibration of his moan against her skin and smiled slightly at the power they had over each other. Marlena unbuttoned the single button of his shorts and pulled his rigid sex through the opening. John left his perusal of her breasts and brought his mouth back to hers as he took both of her hands in his and laced their fingers. They were still kissing as Marlena stood slightly to allow John to pull her panties down her legs. Then John raised his hips up as she pulled his boxers down and straddled him once again. For long moments they just relished the feeling of nothing between them as they kissed and touched and hugged. Quickly the passion careened out of control and they shifted slightly so they could become one. Both of them inhaled sharply as John slid into Marlena and they began to move in time with each other. John held firmly to her hips and pulled her around him more tightly. They were moving slowly, erotically, and the intensity was building to a feverish pitch. As the movements became more erratic, John thrust up into her farther, making her scream with passion. When he felt her tighten around him, he let go and they collapsed into each other’s arms. John kissed her nose and they shifted positions, spooning against one another on the couch. He grabbed the blanket that was lying, neatly folded, over the back of the sofa and draped it over them as he snuggled closer Marlena.

 

 

Chapter 18

 

She was in her office the next day, perusing her way through a new patient’s chart, when her secretary’s voice came over the intercom.

 

“Dr. Evans, there is a gentleman out here without an appointment who says it is urgent he see you.”

 

“Is it personal or professional Brenda?”

 

“He says it’s both. Dr. Evans, I think you should see him; you’re next appointment isn’t for an hour.”

 

“All right, send him in.” She rubbed her fingers over her brow and muttered under her breath as she put the file away. “So much for getting that done.” Marlena heard the door open and she stood to greet her visitor. Her smile widened as she stared across the room at the huge bouquet of lilacs and knew instantly who was holding them.

 

“Oh my, those flowers are lovely, and I have a feeling that whoever is hiding behind them isn’t so bad looking either.” John set down the flowers and swept her into a passionate kiss.

 

“Just not so bad? I’m wounded.” She laughed at the look on his face.

 

“I think your ego can handle it.” She kissed him again before taking his hand and walking to the couch.

 

“So, why are you here instead of at the office?”

 

“Well, that’s where the professional part comes in. I need to talk to you about something.”

 

“It sounds serious.”

 

“It is.” John got up and started pacing as Marlena watched him try to collect his thoughts. She sat silently, knowing he would start talking when he was ready.

 

“I got a call from an old buddy today. We did business together a while back, and while I can’t go into full detail about it, it had the potential to be pretty dangerous.” Those last few words grabbed Marlena’s full attention.

 

“What do you mean dangerous? How dangerous can the fashion

 

industry be?”

 

“It had nothing to do with Basic Black Doc. Not directly anyway. Shane, that’s the buddy that called me, needed some help with a case he was working on, and he came to me.” Marlena’s stomach was twisting in knots, but she had no idea why.

 

“What kind of case? For the police department?” John stopped pacing and sat down next to Marlena again. He could see the fear in her eyes even though she had no idea what she was afraid of.

 

“Shane works for MI-6. He’s a British Intelligence Agent, and he was trying to bring down an international smuggling ring. I used Basic Black as a cover and posed as an interested third party. Shane took it from there, but he called me today with a possible job offer.”

 

“He wants you to be a spy?”

 

“Well, not exactly a spy.” She was getting frustrated that he didn’t just come out with what he meant.

 

“Then what exactly do you mean? Are you going to be running from bad guys and bombs and putting your life at risk around every corner? I don’t think I could live like that John, and if this is what you want to do, then I don’t think I can be with you any more.”

 

“I didn’t think any one jumped to conclusions faster than me, but woman you take the gold. Let me finish, please?”

 

“Then just get to the point.”

 

“Shane called to let me know that he recommended me to the CIA. He knows quite a few people there and when he found out they were looking for someone that fit my profile, he called with my name.”

 

“John, what is the difference between the CIA and MI-6, except for the continent that they are located on?”

 

 

“Nothing I guess.” He ran his hand through his hair and stood again. “Doc, all I know is that business is boring as hell. I started Basic Black as a way to prove to my father that I was just as good at it as he and Lawrence were, but my heart isn’t in it. I really enjoyed working with Shane and fighting the ‘bad guys’, and even though I was only a fringe player, it was exciting, like I was making a difference. Does that make any sense?” She smiled up at him, a little sadness in her eyes mixed with the fear.

 

“Yes, it does.” She bit the inside of her cheek to keep the quiver out of her voice. “What exactly would you be doing with the CIA?”

 

“I don’t know yet. I don’t really have much experience in this field, and Shane was cryptic with me on the phone. I have a feeling this job offer is due more to my connections in the business world than anything else. And maybe I won’t even get the offer from the CIA. I guess I just wanted to know how you felt about it. Now I know.” He walked over to the table across from the couch and braced himself on his palms, letting out a long, hard sigh. He knew she was standing behind him before her slender hand ran up his back.

 

“John, look at me, please.” He took in another breath and turned around slowly. She looked down for a second with her eyes closed, gathering the courage to say her next words.

 

“The thought of you being in danger scares me tremendously, and losing you is something that I don’t even want to think about, but for me to consciously walk away from you and what we have is impossible. Whatever decision you make is completely yours, and I will stand behind you wholeheartedly.” He hugged her to him. “Beside me.”

 

“What?”

 

“You said behind me; I want you to always stand beside me.” She looked up at him, tears of love glistening in her eyes.

 

 

“I love you so.” He brushed his mouth tenderly across hers.

 

“I love you too. How about dinner tonight?”

 

“Sounds good. Where should we go?”

 

“How about the Grill? At seven?”

 

“I’ll be ready.” As he was exiting her office, she called to him.

 

“John, behind you has a really great view though.” She winked as he rolled his eyes and blew her a kiss.

 

 

Chapter 19

 

On his way back to the office he made a quick stop, knowing that he would catch the other man off guard. The knock on the heavy wood door was sharp and quick and matched the fuse of John’s anger. John had to reign it in a bit longer however when the maid answered the door instead of the intended target.

 

“Is he here?” John brushed past the servant without so much as a nod and stalked into the sitting room without approval.

 

“Ahh, I wondered when you would grace my doorstep.”

 

“Cut the crap Tony. What the hell kind of game are you playing?”

 

“One to win brother dear.” John’s fists clenched at his sides.

 

“If you have a fight with me, take it up with me, but leave Marlena out of this. She doesn’t deserve to get caught in the middle of one of your cat and mouse games.” John watched the gears click behind Tony’s eyes and his jaw twitched as Tony’s mouth stretched into an evil smile.

 

 

“She is in ‘the middle of this’, as you so eloquently put it, because of her associations. What happens to her is of no consequence to me. Now be a good brother and run along. I have work to do.” Before Tony knew what had hit him he found himself flattened along the wall with John’s arm strong as steel against his throat. It was the quiet calm that alarmed Tony, though he schooled his features into indifference.

 

“Don’t ever threaten Marlena again.” With that simple statement John turned on his heel and shut the door quietly behind him. The quiet click served as a stronger warning than a loud slam would have. Tony stood staring after him, rubbing the circulation back into his neck.

 

Marlena was shopping in Balistix for a new suit when she heard a voice that was familiar. When she turned, she kept a smile plastered on her face, but inwardly groaned at the unwelcome woman barreling toward her. Kristen had decided that the only way to try and keep John and Marlena apart, thus winning John back, was to befriend the woman standing in front of her. It might kill her, but she was determined.

 

“Marlena how are you? I haven’t seen you and John out on the town lately.” She put as much concern into her voice as she could. “Are things all right between you?” Keeping her voice even Marlena replied in the nicest tone she could muster.

 

“Things between John and me are fine.” With a twinkle in her eye, Marlena hit Kristen with both barrels. “We’ve been spending most of our nights in, rather than out and about. It’s much more intimate that way, don’t you think?” She reveled in the blanching of Kristen’s face as the meaning behind the words hit her. But Kristen quickly regained her footing.

 

“Yes, well, John always has been a romantic. He and I…” She had barely gotten the words out of her mouth and didn’t get a chance to dig in the daggers when John came up behind Marlena, whipped her around into his arms, and kissed her passionately. Neither of them

 

noticed the angry scowl that marred Kristen’s face momentarily.

 

“Oh my. What did I do to deserve that?” John smiled down at her.

 

“You just looked stunning standing here, that’s all.” He kissed her lightly on the nose and turned his attention to the other woman standing there.

 

“Kristen. How are you?” She looked up at him, hoping that nonchalance was in her eyes as she answered.

 

“Fine, and you?” He beamed down at Marlena, who was still pulled to his side and wrapped in his arms.

 

“Couldn’t be better. Will you meet me in about an hour at my place?” John’s enthusiasm was contagious.

 

“Sure, but why?”

 

“It’s a surprise.” He dropped another kiss on her lips and was gone.

 

She whispered out loud.

 

“I hate surprises.” Marlena didn’t even realize that she left Kristen standing there fuming until much later.

 

 

When she knocked on John’s apartment door, she tried to keep the butterflies at bay, but they wouldn’t stop. The whoosh of air as the door was opened didn’t prepare her for John’s crushing embrace. Finally she got her footing and slapped him playfully on the chest.

 

“What has gotten into you today?” He smiled lecherously at her.

 

“I think it’s more what I’d like to get into, but we can talk about that later. Come on in.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the doorway.

 

“John, slow down.” She was laughing at this side of him. So often he was serious and business minded, and she forgot from time to time how playful and jocular he could be. For a woman who was almost always serious, his sense of humor was a nice change of pace. Finally she caught his face between her hands. “So, are you ever going to tell me what put you in this mood?”

 

“Maybe. Come sit down by me.” Once they were comfortable on the couch John began.

 

“Remember last week when I told you about that friend of mine, the one with MI-6?”

 

“Shane wasn’t it?” He smiled, liking that she remembered little details.

 

“Yes, Shane. The CIA wants to meet with me. It seems that he sent them a glowing recommendation and they are flying out here to talk with me about working with them.” She tried to hide the fear but wasn’t quick enough. “Marlena, they just want to talk.” She sucked in a big breath.

 

“I know, and I promised to support you with whatever decision you made regarding this. It just scares me a little. Maybe it’s because I don’t know much about the CIA and what they do. I have all of these pictures in my head of the spy shows from TV and James Bond.” He threw back his head and laughed then looked at her with what she knew was blatant admiration and lust.

 

“You put all of those Bond girls to shame.” She blushed furiously as he took her mouth with his and made her believe it.

 

“When will they be here?”

 

“Tomorrow.”

 

“My parents will be here tomorrow. At least I’ll have a way to keep my mind off of your meeting.” She held up a hand to forestall his comments. “I’ll be worried until I know exactly what you are going to

 

be doing for the CIA, and I know that I will probably never know. Just humor me all right? I love you. It’s my job to worry.” He pulled her into his embrace once again.

 

“I’ve never had anyone worry about me before. It’s kind of nice.” She reached up and pulled his face even with hers before taking his lips softly with her own. The flames quickly ignited and they lost themselves in each other. So much so that it took a few moments for her to recognize the sound of her cell phone. She tried to disentangle herself form John, but he continued to kiss her along the side of her neck. Marlena grabbed the phone just as the caller hung up.

 

“Darn it.”

 

“Guess you just have to come back over here and let me finish ravaging you.” He caught her mouth again, but she pulled away.

 

“That was from my parents. I need to call them back.” He continued to nibble.

 

“Go right ahead; I’m not stopping you.” She rolled her eyes as she depressed number three on speed dial for their cell phone.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Hi Momma, sorry I didn’t get to the phone, but I couldn’t find it.”

 

“Oh, that’s all right, I just wanted to tell you that your father and I are here. Can you come get us at the airport?”

 

“You’re here? I thought your flight wouldn’t be in until tomorrow morning.”

 

“We changed our plans and didn’t have time to call. We’ve made it inconvenient for you haven’t we?” Marlena tried to keep her voice light as she swallowed a moan. John had just hit that spot on her neck that always threw her slightly off kilter and one of his hands was sliding

 

slowly up under her sweater.

 

“No, it’s not inconvenient.” She heard John mutter something under his breath that

 

sounded like “speak for yourself” but kept concentrating on her mother’s voice. It was becoming increasingly difficult. “I’ll be there in about twenty minutes to get you.”

 

“All right dear. We’ll see you then.” Marlena finally gave into a double moan of frustration and pleasure as she snapped the phone shut. John was placing hot, open mouthed kisses on her tummy and she was quickly forgetting that she needed to leave for the airport.

 

“My parents are here. I need to go get them and then…then…” She didn’t finish

 

because her mouth was assaulted by John’s. She had to fight off the wave of pleasure that promised to engulf her. “John, I’m sorry. I have to go.” He pressed his forehead to hers and tried to regain his composure.

 

“No, you don’t have to go. We have to go. They’re staying at the Salem Inn right?” She looked at him with a smile in her eyes, knowing what he was thinking.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Do you think if I buy them dinner we can escape and come back here afterward to finish what we started?”

 

“I think that’s a fabulous idea.”