Much More Sex and The Married Woman – By Sweetiepie29024

Work hard, play harder.

 

It was a signature, personal motto that sat perched on the corner of her Lshaped silver and beveled glass desk in a platinum trio business card holder. The infamous idiom was elegantly strewn in an inscription along the bottom panel of the tasteful piece. It was a gift from her father, a reminder, as he said, of how hard he worked to put her through undergraduate and law school. For her, it was a reminder of the many grueling hours she slaved huddled in an apprentice’s office over stacks of papers, and how she picked her brain until the brink of headache trying to find the best possible solution so that her client would be in favor of the court each time. Averting her eyes from the screen of her computer, Marlena stared down at the four words, reflecting on how much her life had changed within the past ten years and envisioned how it was going to change within the next ten. A career, baby and  marriage. They all had manifested in that exact order, neither of them planned. One may have argued that each event reversely occurred, resulting in an unbalanced life. But she chose to think optimistically and was thankful that each precious milestone, in her opinion, originated perfectly. They had allowed her to grow as a person, a daughter, a friend, a mother, and wife.

 

A picture of she and John sitting to her left beside the 27” inch monitor caught her attention. Thinking of her dear, sweet husband and their somewhat t perfect marriage, caused a sad smile to tug at the corners of her mouth.

 

Removing her glasses from her eyes, she grabbed the silver frame and stared at their smiling faces. It was taken a few months ago on an unusually beautiful and slightly warm day at San Francisco Bay and Cowell Ranch beach. They had ventured to both locations for family pictures — all of them in matching light washed jeans and crisp, white shirts with the pacific ocean, sun-kissed tan shores and Golden Gate Bridge as backdrops. As much as she loved their group shots, she selfishly loved their one-on-one pictures more. They had just finished their final group shot near some of the boulders at Cowell Ranch. While the kids played along the shore, the photographer suggested they ventured a little further south on the beach to where the sun would produce the perfect light in their pictures, along with the added romance of the gentle, crashing waves. With she in his arms and hers around his waist, the sun casted a loving glow on them as they appeared every bit the happy  couple as they were.

 

The way he stared into her eyes…the way her head fit snugly in the crook of his neck…the way they tenderly kissed as if they were the only people there…  It was safe to say that nearly after a year of marriage, those ‘cloud-nine’ and fuzzy feelings she got whenever he walked into the room or whenever they were alone, remained the same. Simply put, she was still head-over-heels in love with her husband and he made her feel as if she walked on air. It was something she was certain would never change and a wholesome feeling she found comfort in to keep her grounded.

 

“Mrs. Black, you have a call on line 1,” her secretary buzzed through the phone

conferencing system.

 

Setting the frame back in its respective position, Marlena shook away the dreamy fog she was enveloped in. Leaning forward within her executive chair, she pressed the silver button for the speaker, “Who is it, Amy?”

 

“The caller wishes to remain anonymous. Though, I think you will be pleased.”

 

The hint of laughter in her voice, which was followed by a bashful smile Marlena was certain, had her curious as to who it could honestly be. “Okay, Amy. Thank you.” Removing an earring from her left ear, she picked up the phone and pressed the button to relieve the blinking light. “This is Attorney Black.”

 

“How I love the sound of that name.” Each time she spoke her professional name, John never failed to sing his praises of her decision in changing her professional last name to her now married one. It came to her advantage actually. By opening and practicing at a law firm in a new location, there would be no prior confusions from her maiden name.

 

Her face broke out into a wide smile as she shifted her body within the chair and began twirling her hair. “I should have known it was you. Why the secrecy, doctor?”

 

“I like to keep you on your toes. So, is your nose buried in cases or can you steal a few hours away to have a romantic lunch with your husband?”

 

Confusion knitted her brows as she glanced at the clock. “A few hours? Just for lunch?”

 

“Yes. I have more than food in mind.”

 

Swiveling her chair around, she tugged at the cord of the phone for length as she got lost in his voice along with the pleasant view out the floor-to-ceiling windows of the tall, glossy, sky scraper building adjacent to her own and the bustling city of downtown San Francisco below.

 

“You do, eh?” Leaning her head to the side and flexing her foot, a sly smile adorned her lips as she glanced down at her newest pair of 4-inch, patent, black heels. They were a courtesy of her husband. He was on a new kick lately. Either he surprised her with lingerie or shoes. She happily reaped his admiration with no questions asked. “Is this the kind of lunch I should take the rest of the day off for?”

 

“I might advise so.”

 

Her eyes traveled down the length of her body as she scrutinized her black skirt fitted suit and wondered if she had time to change, or even if she should change. As always, each time John did something on the spur of the moment like this, she felt like a hormonal and vibrant16-year old girl again. She wanted to spend hours of primping to ensure sure she looked drop dead gorgeous.

 

Lifting up the lapel of her designer peplum blazer, she caught a peek of her champagne and black laced bra that rested beneath. Thinking of John’s predicted reaction to the tantalizing lingerie dismissed the idea of donning the low-cut, a-line black dress she kept in her office bathroom for emergencies. These were new undergarments, pieces that he had not seen. And wearing a suit that showed off the results of her dedication in going to the gym and running five miles twice a week provided him an unmistakable eyeful of each of her delicate curves. Maybe she shouldn’t change…

 

A quick glance to the calendar on her computer, she decided that particular meeting this afternoon could be rescheduled. They needed this time alone. “Alright, the rest of my days is yours, Mr. Black. To where shall I meet you for our rendezvous?”

 

“That’s my girl. Meet your dashing and thoughtful husband at the St. Regis, suite 1080. Now,” he practically growled. She felt a hot tingling begin in her thighs at his wanton demand.

 

Her voice dipped to a tone she reserved only for the bedroom. “I’ll be right there.”

 

“I love you, baby.”

 

“Love you too. See you soon!”

 

Lowering the phone from her ear, Marlena rested it over her heart and dreamily sighed joy. How did she get so lucky?

 

Swiveling back around, reality sunk in as she noted that if she and John were likely to spend the rest of the afternoon and later part of the evening holed up in a suite, someone needed to tend to their son. It never occurred to her to ask him about that during their conversation. Swiftly dialing the numbers, she waited with baited breath as the recipient finally answered.

 

“Hello!…Oh, c’mon, dammit!”

 

Chuckling, Marlena smiled as she spoke, “Laura, did I catch you at a bad time?” “Is it ever a good time when I’m in traffic? And for the record, I hate you for convincing me to move to this city. The traffic makes me want to hang myself!”

 

She would never take credit for it but she did play a major part in convincing her best friend to relocate to San Francisco. Although it was for the purposes of a job offer Laura would never resist, she selfishly wanted her here. They had never lived more than an hour from each other and the short time that she was here without Laura within driving distance, was just heartbreaking. Even though she had John and Nathan, it still never quite felt like home here. It probably never would. But at least Laura was a much needed, big slice of comfort.

 

“I keep telling you to take Beacon Street. It’s much faster.”

 

“It’s about as fast as Liam in bed!” Laura’s quest of finding a French bred lover for the sole purposes that he would be amazing in bed had slowly backfired on her. Yes, her new found post-divorce lover was amazing in bed…just amazingly slow. Laura never thought she would see the day when she would complain about experiencing too many orgasms and wanting a little caveman action. She desperately wanted him to get rough with her just once, to pound into her recklessly like a mad man. Sadly, everyday she lived to tell the slow-paced tale. “He’s still making love like its the end of the world?”

 

“Stillll. So, what’s up?”

 

“I need a favor. Can you pick up Na —”

 

“Your hubby already called. I have it covered. I’ll be picking up Austin and Nathan after school. We’ll probably go to my house first so they can do homework, then Liam and I will be taking them to their favorite pizza parlor and having frozen yogurt afterwards. I think you two will be back by then.”

 

Marlena’s cheeks flushed a shade of pink. “John called you? He told you we’re going to the St. Regis?”

 

“Yes, he called, but noo he did not tell me you two were going to the St. Regis! Is that some fancy lovemaking or what?!”

 

Marlena covered her eyes and shook her head. “I never said we were going there for sex.”

 

“You’re married. I won’t judge.”

 

There was honestly no point in arguing. Laura was the only other soul she confided in about her never-ending sex life. “Alright. We should be by to pick-up Nathan by…” She checked the clock. It was only 1:05. “…by 6:00.”

 

“No problem. Your little one will be all but ready for bed when you pick him up.”

 

“Thank you! We owe you.”

 

“How about Saturday you get Austin all to yourself while Liam and I go  sailing on his new boat?”

 

“You got it. Okay, I need to go. Drive safe and no swearing in front of the boys, please?” When her son dropped the f-bomb while playing his video game on TV, Marlena nearly had a heart attack. He had never used that type of language before and she and John were very careful to their word usage when he was around. When she questioned him about where he heard such foul language, he confidently confessed that he heard it from ‘Aunt Laura.’

 

“Yeah, yeah. Have fun!”

 

Exchanging goodbyes, Marlena quickly cleared the rest of her day before shutting down the computer and tidying up her office. She had to admit, she loved being the boss lady. Suddenly taking the day off without having to report to anyone was a very nice feeling that she was still struggling to get adjusted to. Although, she would have to stop by Keith’s office for a curtailed briefing before she left. The healthy relationship she had with her business partner was one that she took pride in. Especially considering her past failed partnerships. As for her husband’s opinion of the professional relationship, they were on polar ends of the spectrum. During the successful nine months Evans & Scottsdale had been in business, John was slowly beginning to turn sour at the thought of another man besides him spending so much time with her. Just the thought  threatened to remind her of their growing disagreements on the topic.

 

She wasn’t going to dwell on that now.

 

Butterflies swarmed her stomach as she practically skipped to her in-office bathroom and touched up her makeup, then twirled around in front of the mirror to ensure everything was in place. She felt as if she was involved in an extramarital affair. An affair with her very own prince charming.

 

Dragging the nude colored lipstick in a smooth sweep along her bottom lip, she puckered them a few times, fluffed her hair and then smiled. She was more than ready for an afternoon of passion and just to be consumed by the love of a man who had the power to suck the wind from her lungs and cause her knees to buckle by just one look into his eyes.

 

Turning off the light, she left the room with a gleeful pep in her step.

 

***

 

“John?” Entering the suite, Marlena kept a firm grip on the door knob and craned her neck, looking as far as she could into the room for his familiar figure. Her curious eyes were greeted with the shadows of flickering flames from the candles as they danced along the walls and ears graced with soothing sounds of jazz. He truly did mean romance. She was merely expecting roses, not all of this.

 

Turning to close the door, she could have sworn she was nearly knocked off her feet when she felt his tall, solid body pressed against her back. The clear feel of his rippling muscles alerted her that he was either shirtless or had his shirt fully unbuttoned.

 

“Hey, good lookin’,” he breathed into her ear. Biting her lower lip, she stifled a moan.

 

Finally turning around, she got an eyeful of him. A very tasteful eyeful. Her assumptions were correct. He was standing there shoeless with his favorite dress socks on — checkered, black, and cashmere. His muscular legs were covered by a pair of unbuttoned, charcoal grey tailored trousers and a white dress shirt fully undone, draped his upper body while he dangled two glasses of champagne in his hand. Noticing his slightly dampened, short hair that was freshly cut and catching a whiff of his cologne — her favorite — her heart warmed at the thought that he had showered and spiffed up just for her. “My, don’t you paint the picture of a play boy.”

 

“Yourplayboy,” he said with a gentle kiss to her lips.

 

Pulling back, he boyishly smirked and offered her a glass.

 

Hoisting her purse in the crook of her elbow, she accepted the glass in her free hand while linking her other arm through his and followed him further into the suite. They had stayed at the St. Regis on many occasions, but never once had they frequented it for a moment like this. Her excitement matched his desiresome and seducing mood as they passed by the continuous stream of modern and cozy decor and headed in the direction of the set dining table in the nook, near the windows, overlooking the city.

 

“So, what sparked this mood?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink.

 

Downing the contents of his own glass in two gulps, John set it on the edge of the dining table and brought their stroll to a stop. Grabbing her purse, he placed it within a vacant chair as he stared down into her eyes.

 

“I’ve taken heed to your not so subtle hint in your displeasure of my working longer hours. I decided a surprise, romantic and uninterrupted lunch along with a weekend of just us and the kids would let you know that I’m listening.”

 

She smiled shyly at him over the top of her glass. “I didn’t mean to complain. Its just…this past month…we’ve seen so very little of you. I hate that I’ve gotten used to falling asleep staring at your empty side of the bed.”

 

His hands slid up and down her arms in smooth, comforting sweeps. “I hate it, too. But, things are changing.”

 

She held the glass against her chest as she arched her brow. “Oh?”

 

Placing his hand on her lower back, he steered her to one end of the table and pulled out a chair. “Yes. I’m working with the hospital board in hiring a new surgeon. In a sense my partner, so to speak. He’ll basically be a seasoned surgeon whose willing to take the ranks so that I can spend more time with you and kids.”

 

“I don’t believe that.” Sitting down within the chair, Marlena set her glass beside the silver covered plate as she watched him take a seat at the opposite end.

 

“Now why would you say that?” He leaned back within the chair and propped his elbow along the arm as his blue eyes seemed to stare into her soul even across the table.

 

“Well,” she traced her finger tip around the brim of the glass, “for one, you’re a workaholic. And two, you’re even more of a perfectionist. You wouldn’t freely trust someone else operating on your patient.”

 

His lips turned down as he shrugged, considering her reasons. “That’s a gamble and trust I have to take. I realized today that before, for a long time, it was just me. Granted, I had the kids…but they only needed me on every other weekend. Not everyday.” He leaned forward and reached across the table for her hand and held grasped it tightly within his own. “I have a family once again and I am married once again. You need me everyday. More than my work does. I have no choice but to prioritize. I vowed not to make the same mistake twice and I am doing everything in my power not to.”

 

She knew what he was referring to. Often he would tell her of when he was first appointed chief cardiothoracic surgeon and how he unintentionally put his work before Trisha and the kids. It was never his intent just as it wasn’t for the other surgeons. His tales of how many of the doctor’s whom were married for years got divorces right after their children went off to college were somewhat humorous. To her, it was like a domino effect. The reasons for failed marriages in the field of medicine? Extra marital affairs but mainly because many of them forgot they had a life outside of work. Forgot that they had a family whom needed them just as much as the patient lying on their operating table.

 

“I know you would never do that to us…you do try.” She was fully aware of the minor adjustments he had made in regards to his availability. Selfishly, she wished it was even less.

 

“Clearly it’s not enough. After our fight last week, I don’t see how you can disagree.”

 

Watching him avert his attention to uncovering his plate of food, it was a clear signal that he did not want to rehash the subject. Frankly, neither did she. Their near twenty-minute argument had caused not only their son to witness them fighting for the first time, but them to sleep apart for two days as well. They were still getting back on track and finding their harmonious balance. His surprise of them spending some time alone here was his form of the ultimate apology and as he said, a sign that he had heard her concerns loud and clear. Still, even as happy as she felt with John…as much as she was still falling in love with him, the shred of jealously she felt next to his career was beginning to show. And as much as she didn’t want to, she began to resent it in every

possible way.

 

“Alright, I’m going to simply appreciate your thoughtfulness and be grateful for this time we have together.”

 

Unfolding his dinner cloth, he spread it in his lap. “That’s what I like to hear. Ah, I ordered you grilled chicken and their spinach salad. Good?”

 

Uncovering her tray, her mouth watered at the still steaming meat that was dripping with seasoned juices and perfect grill marks. She imagined it tasted as juicy and succulent as it looked along the white, square plate with her fresh salad to the side.

 

“It’s perfect.” Reaching for her fork and knife, she took a quick bite before looking around the room. “Where’s the bathroom?” she asked.

 

Dabbing his mouth, John placed the cloth back within his lap as he slowly chewed his steak. “Right through the double doors behind you.”

 

Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled back in his direction as she rose from the table and sauntered down towards his end.

 

Standing behind his chair, she rested her hands on his shoulders before sliding them slowly down the planes of his chest. How she had missed his body and forgotten how spoiled she was to have a lover like him.

 

Bending at the waist, she leaned her head to the side and looked at him.

 

“If I haven’t said so, thank you for this.” Gripping her hands in his own and holding them over his heart, John drew nearer to her awaiting mouth as she cradled his face within her hands and met his lips. She could taste the spicy seasoning from the steak as well as a hint of pear from the champagne as they widened their mouths and deepened the kiss. It seemed like ages since they have kissed like this. That would be changed within a few hours she knew. The second when he reached a hand up to wrap around her waist, she broke their heated lip lock, ending it with a kiss to the side of his mouth. “I’ll be right back.” Pecking his lips once more, she retreated from him in the direction of the bedroom.

 

Leaning over the side of the chair with his elbow pressed into the brass arm, John ran a finger along his upper lip as with hazy eyes, he watched her go. The sparkle of her rings, which told the world that she was his, caused his heart to soar and made him want to pinch himself that this woman was his wife. A year and counting, they were still going strong. Even despite the minor bumps in the road.

 

Seeing her stop at the bedroom doors, the flirty wink she sent his way and then turned the handles to disappear into the room, made his heart to skip a beat.

 

Smiling like a little kid on Christmas morning, he began to count down the minutes until he would have her for dessert. He couldn’t wait.

 

***

“This is the kind of game,” he landed atop the comforter in a thud from her push, “we are playing? Where you toss me around and have your way?” Laughing, John propped himself up by way of his arms as he laid near the edge of the bed and focused on the woman before him.

 

With a smirk etched on her lips, she pressed her hands and knees into the bed on either side of his body and climbed over him as though she was a prowess to straddle his waist. His eyes twinkled with mirth at the sight of her skirt shimmying up to mid-thigh in the process.

 

Resting on her knees, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against mouth, dragging them past his nose and to the top of his head, ending in a sweet kiss. “Indeed. Are you complaining?”

 

Leaning his head back to stare up at her, he eagerly shook his head. “No, oh no. Be my guest. Show me how it’s done.”

 

When she went into the bathroom earlier to freshen up, she stood and examined herself in the full-length mirror, wondering how they should make the best of their rare, uninterrupted time alone. After a few minutes of pondering, a naughty smile permeated her lips as she removed her heels and blazer, leaving her in a silk, white blouse, skirt and nylons.

 

John didn’t know what she had done during those five minutes while in the bathroom. But the moment she emerged and stood within the doorway with both legs spread as she leaned seductively against the frame, she seemed like another woman he didn’t know with the hypnotizing attitude of a vixen. Maybe it was that brush she kept raving to him about, of how it had the supernatural ability to transform her hair into the sleekness of super models. For the first time, he believed her. Something, that he had yet to put his finger on, was different. When she sauntered back to the table, with her hair so alluring, bouncy and full, and in her dressed down work attire, all he could think about was cementing himself deep inside her body.

 

They finished their lunch in record time as both were eager to be joined as one. Finally, the time was now. As they journeyed to the bed, they playfully bantered about her wanting to engage in a naughty game, one that they made up themselves which resulted in her taking the reigns and leading him down a path he was sure not to regret.

 

Now balancing herself above his body, John inhaled an excited, nervous breath as he watched her smile that sexy smile that never failed to get him going.

 

“Ok, take your pick. Shall we play a game about how you’re going to make love to me or about the things you love about me?” she snickered. He thought for a moment. “What I love about you.”

 

“Okay. Rules are, each answer that I find satisfying, you get one step closer to having your way with me. And each that I don’t, well, I just might have to call up a gigilo.”

 

He laughed, “Yeah right.”

 

“Alright…tell me, what do you love about your wife, Dr. Black?” She swooped her hair to lay on one side of her shoulder while she began to slowly unbutton her blouse.

 

John watched her movements closely. “I love her big heart.” Another button undone. Her manicured hands teasing the opening of the shirt, flashing him a piece of her creamy flesh, made his mouth begin to salivate. “What else?” she asked, licking her lips slowly.

 

His hands clenched the comforter when she undid the third button, providing him a brief glimpse of the swell from her perfect breasts that sat within the cups of her bra. “I love her devotion to our marriage and family.”

 

Another button came undone giving him a clearer view of the bra. Was it the all black laced one he loved? She unbuttoned another. His brows furrowed. No…it was the white and laced one? Or was it the leopard one?

 

“Anything else?” she purred. Taking her index finger into her mouth, she sucked on it briefly before releasing, then ran her hand down the part between openings of silk. He deeply groaned. There was only one button left and then he would be able to see the prizes beneath.

 

“I love how much she loves me.” Marlena’s hand paused on the last button she was undoing as she stared into his eyes. An unexpected strong wave of emotion enveloped her as tears threatened to flood her eyes and ruin her playful mood. Never had John said anything like that. His statement filled her with a level of completeness she was unsure how to describe for she knew, that same love, he felt for her.

 

“Ido love you…so very much,” she whispered, finally undoing the button and pushing open her shirt. It was safe to say she had forgotten all about their little game.

 

“And I love you.”

 

John shifted beneath her, his slight movement causing her skirt to ride higher up her thighs. The warmness from her inner thighs burning through his shirt while hugging his rib cage, increased the tightness along the zipper of his pants. “Is this new?” he asked, finally extending a hand up to touch her. He trailed careful fingers along one of the satin and laced bra cups.

 

“It is. Do you like it?” she asked, placing her hand atop his.

 

John admired the detailed design, taking a moment to memorize the look and feel as they both guided his hands across her supple flesh.

 

Dropping his hand, he gazed back into her deep, brown pools. “I love it.”

 

His eyes roamed down her trim stomach and rested on her nylon covered legs.

 

The peeks of her garter teased him as he realized for the first time that she hovered over him; not once had she sat flush against his lap and felt the urgent need with her name on it. “Take off your shirt.”

 

Flipping her hair over her shoulder to tumble down her back back, she did as he asked, her hands coming to grip both openings and push the material from her body, letting it fall down her arms to drop onto the floor as if she shed a second skin. Letting her head fall back, she trailed her hands up the backs of her thighs, over her hips then swooped past the inward curves of her waist to finally graze across her luscious breasts. The second she slid them up her neck to entangle themselves within her hair and form a sexy pout with her mouth, John felt as if his member would burst through his pants.

 

Greedily licking his lips at her stretched body, his mind ran rampant of all the things he wanted to do to her. Since they had been married, it seemed their sex life had a reawakening. Even though it had only been a year, they still tried to push their limits every time. Whether it was the positions, the scenarios or location, it never failed to get better and better each time. He could no longer look at another woman and admire her simple beauty. They all deathly paled in comparison to his wife. No woman could ever compete to everything that she embodied.

 

John was positive he felt the tensed need of his manhood begin to undo the zipper of his trousers when she extended her arms out to cup his face and find a home within his hair to lightly massage his scalp. He loved when she did that.

 

“How about in front of the terrace doors?” she whispered, her lips now hovering about his.

 

Opening his eyes, he glanced to his right, a perfect view of their city filling his vision. As much as he would’ve loved to have her against the glass as he pummeled her from behind, he had other things in mind.

 

“Maybe later,” he said. Finally moving his dormant arms, he wrapped his hands around the backs of her thighs and trailed them upward. Inches of soft flesh caressed the palms of his hands as they came to a halt once they met the soft cheeks of her rump. Holding firm to the skin, he roughly pulled her against him causing her upper body to jerk forward as he held her so tight that a gasp rushed from her mouth. The dark smoldering of her once warm, hazel eyes, told him she was right where he wanted her.

 

His surgical hands found themselves now at the tender skin of her waist.  Ensuring to hold her securely against his chest, he kept his gaze locked on hers as he slid one hand down the crescent of her lower back, the heel of his palm applying a heavy amount of pressure as he curved it over the hill of her bottom to finally guide her down and sit atop his bulge. John observed how her eyes fluttered when her heat met his and mentally recorded the low moan she gave. “You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?” he said, bringing his hands back up to undo the clasp of her bra at the back. With one flick of his finger, the material fell apart.

 

“That’s what happens when you marry your soul mate,” she teased.

 

John said nothing as he slid the thin straps of her bra from her shoulders and down her smooth arms, watching in amazement as he did every time when the laced cups finally bared her to him. Marlena always felt a little uncomfortable from the intensity of his stare and love that shone in his eyes each time he saw any part of her body. It didn’t matter that she was more than comfortable in her skin and that nearly every night he beheld such a sight. It was always like the first time.

 

Sliding her hand around his neck, she cupped the back of his head, encouraging him to lean in and lose himself in the valley of her breasts per usual. But he didn’t.

 

Placing a chaste kiss on each mound, he slightly reclined back and began to slip off his own shirt with her help.

 

“Tell me something, counselor?”

 

“Hmm?” She grabbed the ends of his shirt and tugged at them before tossing it onto the floor beside her own, leaving them bare chest-to-bare chest.  “Did you know I’ve been thinking about you…fantasizing about you since I saw you getting dressed this morning?” John was humored at the sight of the stumped expression that now graced her face while she pondered his question as he began to lower the zipper of her skirt.

 

“No…you were watching me? When?”

 

She didn’t know it, but on the rare occasions when he didn’t have to leave for work before her, he always watched her get dressed. It was something that become one of his favorite things to do. Why? He didn’t know. But watching her stand within their closet and restlessly pick an outfit, then spend five minutes putting it on, he found it such a turn on to watch her graceful movements and incredible body become hidden within her tailored suits.

 

“When you were putting on your skirt. I was about to head downstairs when I saw you struggling with your zipper.” He had finally slid the zipper to the bottom. Wasting not another second, John reached his hand inside the back of the skirt and was instantly rewarded with a handful of supple, warm flesh. His large hand squeezing and caressing caused a gush from her heated pool to burst between her thighs. “I was going to offer my help, but you got it. Then, I couldn’t look away. You just looked so natural…so beautiful.”

 

She placed a kiss to his mouth. “I didn’t see you.”

 

“You never do.” Averting his eyes downward, he occupied the bands of her skirt and began to tug it down her thighs. Once he reached her knees, they both looked at each other and laughed, realizing they were going to have to reposition themselves to completely remove the remaining articles of clothing as much as they didn’t want too.

 

She quickly slid from his lap and dropped her skirt, nylons and underwear, to which he followed suit and they now found themselves beneath the sheets. John lay to her side as she was sprawled on her back and legs spread with one calf dangling over his thighs while the other lie bent. He was thoroughly enjoying watching her body respond to his touch, watching how with every flick of his finger and wisp of his lips did she near the point of no return.

 

Marlena’s eyes closed as her bodily involuntarily arched up from the bed. His hand moved calculated and slow as he parted her softness and slid a finger into her warmth. She was so hot and always ready for him. His mouth fixated itself to her breasts, his wet tongue swirling around her nipple before greedily sucking on the peak. The second when he flicked the tip of his tongue lightly back and forth across the rigid center did shocks of heat course through her body. Her muscles tensed and heart raced as her legs felt like putty.

 

John grunted against her chest when she began to rock against his hand, her pelvis forcefully pushing downward and driving his fingers even deeper into her cove. He was painfully hard, her hand that was once stroking him now lay barren as he overwhelmed her senses with his motions. He didn’t mind though. Being an unselfish lover required diligent patience and skill. There was no greater pleasure for him than pleasing her.

 

“Are you going to scream for me?” he asked, releasing a now sore mound from his mouth.

 

She was breathless as her slim fingers tugged his hair and body arched higher. She could feel herself about to let go any second. “Wha-t?”

 

He buried his fingers further inside, searching for the familiar, cushy pressure point where he would curl his fingers and draw them back in a come hither motion. “John!” He found it.

 

Grinning, he trailed kisses from her her collar bone up to her ear as he enlisted the help of his thumb and began to rub her hardened nerve bundle in deep, heavy circles. Her gasp of something incoherent, truly made him feel like a master of lovemaking.

 

“Are you going to scream for me?” He wanted to hear her sweet song. But for reasons John would never understand, she had a thing about being as quiet as possible when they made love in hotels. It puzzled him actually. She was always extremely cautious, usually biting hard onto his shoulder, screaming into a pillow or making no noise at all. The fact that she was more willing to scream at home with their children right down the hall, but not with perfect strangers within ear shot, was simply humorous.

 

“John…baby…” Her hand fell from his hair as it lay splayed on his back and her body began to wildly gyrate against his hand. She was there. Kissing her lips, he swiftly removed his hand and replaced it with his rigid tool in one fluid motion. She didn’t want too, but the incredible tenseness of her body and the perfect thrusts of his hips caused her to release herself against him. Hard. John never witnessed a better sight as he observed the way her brows furrowed, the angelic manner in which she bit down on her lower lip, the pleasure and pain of feeling her nails dig into his arms, then finished it all with a low, guttural growl escaping her mouth. All intensifying his own arousal.

 

His hips entered and withdrew at a plodding cadence, careful to remain gentle as she rode out the erotic waves. John rotated his hips in a manner he knew she loved while he patiently watched her come down from her high. Her eyes finally opened, glossy and laden as she gave him that look she always gave, silently telling him that she was climbing that mountain right again, right behind him, and she wanted him to give everything he had. It was a look so raw and pure that he swore if he were to die in this moment, he would surely die a happy man.

 

Roughly grabbing her hands, he pinned them to the bed beside the pillow her head lay on as his hips picked up their pace and plunged deeper. He could feel the sweat begin to trickle down his back as her thighs clung to the side of his waist.

 

John quickly thought of the day. It was Friday. They hadn’t had sex since…was it last Wednesday? That was too long for them. Way too long. Even though they had an argument and then made up two days later, they still had not made love. The few hours they spent in this hotel, he knew without a doubt that they would utilize every ounce of their strength to make up for lost time. Marlena widened her legs beneath him even more and met him thrust for thrust. God, he feels amazing. “John,” she gasped, squeezing his hands tightly. She was approaching that peak again.

 

“Scream, baby,” he whispered, laying his body fully atop hers, weight and all. “Let me hear you.”

 

Releasing her hands, he placed them both on her waist as he held her pelvis to his and began to slowly gyrate. The change of pace was an instant, numbing pleasure. Marlena felt her body begin to ascend higher and higher, muscles tense more and more, and breaths come in shorter and shorter spurts each time he retreated then plummeted. He had never taken this motion before nor held her this way before.

 

With heavy eyes, she slid her hand down the spine of his back then up once more. The sweat melted into her hands as she became aware of her own body glued to his and of their heated and labored breathing filling the room. The pulsating tip of his organ reminded John that he wasn’t wearing any protection. She had actually agreed to him no longer wearing it. That was until about two weeks ago. Her cycle being a few days off caused her to panic and beg him to wear condoms once again. As much as he hated it, he did it out of respect for her for he knew it was only temporary. Soon they would begin trying for a baby.

 

Marlena could’ve cared less about a barrier between them at the moment. The fiery ripples flowing through her limbs had her focused on only one thing. “Honey,” she moaned, her voice getting louder with every passionate cry. The imprints of his large hands were seared onto the skin of her waist from his tight grip as he felt her insides tighten and hold on to him for dear life. John whimpered against her neck as he too was fighting a losing battle. He quickened his speed and abandoned the loving and gentle pace. The muscles in his back worked over time as he lost himself in her temple, the sounds of their bodies coming together drowning out her low moans.

 

Marlena tightened her arm around head, fixating him in the crook of her neck and let her free hand mold itself into the skin of his back. Her core felt as if it were about to combust as John stroked a place within her she never knew existed. Oh, the continuous discoveries that were constantly made when they had sex. Her breasts pressed against his chest and sweat trickled down their valley. Tossing her head back, the slight stimulation of her hard nipples scraping his muscled chest caused a burly growl to escape him.

 

John felt her. She was right there, ready to tip over. But she was holding back. Waiting for him.

 

Crushing her delicate frame to him, he sucked greedily on her neck before he lost all will power and let go of her waist. Submerging his hand into the sheets, he moaned long and deep against her ear as he impaled into her with a superhuman force, releasing every precious drop of his seed into her soul. She quietly tumbled over that cliff behind him.

 

Slight tremors shook their bodies as he lay atop her, still sheathed inside. Marlena smiled lazily as she ran her hand up and down his back. In the still quiet of the room and above their slightly labored breathing, did she hear their rapid hearts beating in sync. She thought of how when each time they made love, as did John, it simply got better. It never was at a stasis or stale. It only increased in power and nurtured into a union that could not be replicated.

 

Kissing his temple, she peered down at her husband who lay atop her, his damp head resting just above the slope of her breasts. She felt his organ begin to fall limp within her.

 

“Honey?” She stroked the side of his peaceful face.

 

“Hmm?” It was unlike him to fall asleep so quickly after making love. That had only happened once and it was when he had worked nearly thirty six hours at the hospital. He was bone tired.

 

That was most likely the case now. “How many hours?” His cheerful tone on the phone earlier never brought her to suspect that he was probably lacking sleep from working longer than usual. Mondays were usually the days he caught up on sleep. Which he had, or so she thought.

 

“27…37?” he murmured.

 

Her heart softened as she placed a kiss into his hair.

 

“Move up on to the pillow.” As if he were one of the kids, she helped him reposition along the bed so that she could cradle him close. Pulling the covers up over them, she combed her fingers through his hair in soft strokes and rested her thigh over his waist as they both drifted off into dreamland. For now.

 

***

His fingers glided through her silky tresses as he tugged her head back and latched his mouth onto the skin of her neck. Weak gasps fell from her lips as her soft hand slid down his perspired back, coming to rest on his taut rump. The sounds of the pleasures from their arduous union echoed throughout the room, resounding in an anticipatory tune of the grand finale.

 

It was 4:00 and they were on their second wave of lovemaking. The first round was hungry and greedy, leaving them both restless and breathless. It was a week since they were joined as one and the encounter left both entirely spent, thus ensuing a nap afterwards.

 

She was awakened by him, as on occasion. The sleep induced confusion of his hands in places that made her beg over and over for more, consistently became a pleasant, tangible reality once her eyes opened. He always began with smooth, tender kisses across the vicinity of her chest and neck until she graced him with her hazel orbs and signaled for all systems to go. But, this time was different. He didn’t wait for her to fully awaken, per se. He teased the slick opening of the cleft between her legs, the pulsating head of his organ sliding up and down, playfully dipping in then retreating. The second she touched him and let him know she was awake did he completely bury himself inside and establish an excruciatingly slow pace. Her body automatically responded while still rousing from the land of sleep. His deep grunts filled her ears, telling her of his pleasure, and the kinky sex that was going to ensue.

 

It was a slightly odd way to wake up. Just as she was on the brink of consciousness was she flooded with his unconfined passion for her. It wasn’t typical and while possibly normal for some couples, it still felt a bit strange. Dare she say she was fond of waking up this way? Her body already aroused only to enter a conscious state of even further arousal.

 

Grabbing a fistful of her thigh, John hiked it higher around his waist as he filled her to the hilt in one long thrust, causing her to move along the bed. He felt so good as he pushed all of her worries and fears aside and she just focused on being with him like this. The 700-thread count sheets lazily clung to his hips as he threaded to and fro, cementing his place inside.

 

Buzz….Buzz….Buzz.

 

Marlena’s eyes popped open at the sound. Wondering if she was hearing things, her questions were put to rest when it sounded off again. John sliding his hand down the outer plane of her thigh to cup her bottom and lift to draw them closer, nearly succeeded in her completely concentrating on him when she heard it once more.

 

Kissing his cheek, she whispered into his ear, “Honey, I think your phone is vibrating.” It wasn’t hers for she had purposely turned it off when she stepped foot into the hotel.

 

“Ignore it.”

 

Encasing his arm around her waist, he flipped them over so that she rested on top. Staring down at him, Marlena grazed her hands down the plane of his chest and chiseled abs as she swept her hair from her face with the back of her hand and began to rock her hips. Her ears perked for the vibrating of his phone once more when she realized it had finally stopped. Peace at last. Lacing their fingers together, she ground her pelvis against him, relishing in the sensation of him being so far inside. John was undoubtedly the best lover she’s ever had. He took them places and ignited such a zealous desire that would be unfathomable to most women. Tossing her head back, she moaned his name as he pushed her to that much sought after point. She bit her lower lip so hard when he bent his knees and extended a hand up to palm a breast then lazily tease her nipple in a circular manner, that she tasted the littlest drop of blood. It was all she could do not to scream.

 

Buzz…Buzz.

 

Opening her eyes again, she peered down at her husband whom was watching her face intently, his hands heavily occupied on her chest. He had not heard the phone again. What was it with men being able to easily tune out everything when having sex?

 

“John, get your phone,” she said, annoyance dripping from her voice. Slowing the movement of her hips to a stop, she grabbed the sheets and began to roll off of him when he gripped her waist and halted her motions. “What are you doing? It will go to voicemail.”

 

“Whoever it is, does not want to speak to your voicemail. Go see what is so urgent.” Sliding off of him, she lay on her back beside him in the bed and tucked sheets around her chest. Realizing he wasn’t moving, she stared at him, an expression of flabbergast pasted on her face. “What?”

 

He shook his head and said nothing as he crawled from the bed and went to go retrieve his phone from his trousers on the floor.

 

Marlena closed her eyes and exhaled a breath as she waited for him to tell her it was the hospital, that it was an emergency and he was sorry, but he he had to go — as usual. In the beginning, the first few times it happened, she was always understanding, then became hurt. That silent hurt transformed into a simmering anger from him always leaving. Never once did he try to negotiate the circumstances. Now, she accepted it…more so expected it…which sparked a level of sadness and sign of trouble she wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge. Feeling him climb back into the bed, her eyes bolted open in surprise.

 

“You’re staying?” It was too good to be true. She watched as he peeled back the sheets and reached for her naked body once more.

 

“I told you, things are changing. I am with my wife now. Everyone else can wait.”

 

Her heart melted as she instantly felt bad for her coldness. Letting him pull her back atop him, she leaned down so that her hands rested on either side of his head, her hair blanketing them in an intimate curtain.

 

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, followed with a kiss.

 

“Nothing to be sorry for.” He kissed her again. “Let’s get to work, girl!”

 

Playfully tapping her hips, she giggled into his mouth as she reached between them and began stroking him once more.

 

“I love your scent,” she moaned into his ear. His primal male scent mixed with his cologne was a fragrance she always wanted to be enveloped in. “I love everything about you…” He slid his hands down her back and palmed both her cheeks.

 

“What do you want?” she asked so quietly he barely heard her. It was a question she’s only asked him twice since they’ve been together. A question she usually had no need to ask for she knew exactly what he liked and exactly how to please him. But with her on top, John felt like a kid sitting on santa’s lap. “A baby. I want us to have another baby.”

 

Marlena froze at the mention of a baby. Every muscle in her body felt like it turned to stone. An iced chill ran down her spine, paralyzing her on his groin. Since last month, John had incessantly been expressing his desire for them to expand their family. It’s not that she didn’t want to have another child, she just wasn’t ready to yet. Her company had just gotten into a solid position of growth. If they added onto the family now, she would have to retract on her involvement in the longevity of a successful firm. For that, she was not yet willing to compromise. Yes, along with his overworking, there was the issue of a baby. “Let’s not talk about that now, honey. Please, not now.” Grabbing his semirigid member, she began to slide down onto his length.

 

“Then when, Marlena?” The seriousness in his tone told her that they would not be able to continue if she didn’t tell him what he wanted to hear. And that was certainly not happening today.

 

“I don’t know.” She watched as his eyes narrowed in curiosity before settling in irritation. For the second time, she slid off of him and wrapped herself in the sheets to his side. This time, there was no hope of sitting back atop his lap.

 

Sighing, John decided to take a different approach than he had in the past. He wasn’t going to get angry. No, he wanted to find out the real reason why she was hesitant. Turning onto his side, he propped his elbow along the bed and rested his head within his palm. Extending a hand out, he lay it on her belly as he stared at her profile.

 

He carefully chose his words. “I thought we agreed we both want more children.”

 

Closing her eyes, Marlena covered her face with a hand as she braced herself for this tried and true argument. Her voice was soft, “And I still want that, John. I also thought we agreed we would wait at least a year, or so.” “It’s been a year. Your firm is off the ground…getting rave reviews.”

 

She opened her eyes to look at him, a realization donning on her that she hadn’t thought of before. “Is that why you’re cutting back at work and hiring a partner? So you can have more time…” Her face contorted into a look that verged on disgust and utter disbelief, “for a baby?”

 

John shrugged his shoulders. “It would be an easy transition when the time came.”

 

Shock resonated from her mouth in a gasp as she groaned in anger. “I can’t believe you! You’re already arranging your life around a child that has not even been conceived, and to which, I have not agreed to.”

 

“Why are you so reluctant on this?” he softly asked, his hand continuing to move across her tummy in slow circles.

 

Sighing, she sunk her head further into the plush pillow and sought the right words. “It’s only been a year since we’ve been married. Nathan just started first grade, my firm is finally in a good place…”

 

What were the other reasons she was delaying another chapter of mother hood for? Lying naked next to him like this, her train of thought became a struggle to grasp. It was easy to fight and scream her reasons when they were at home. There were vacant rooms to flee into and find safety from his hurtful tone and disappointing eyes. There were doors to lock while creating a protective barrier, instantly searing the exchange of heated words. But being so close in quarters, the sensitivity of the situation was getting to her.

 

“Is that all?” Apparently her poor reasoning resonated with him as well. That angered her.

 

She rose from the bed and propped herself up by her elbows causing the sheet to fall and rest below her breasts from the swift movement. The longing glance of his eyes to the now exposed coral peaks didn’t go unnoticed. “Yes,” her eyes widened as she gave him and incredulous look, “that’s all.”

 

John ran a hand through his messy hair and met her gaze. “Well, look at it this way.” He laid his open palms out on the space between them, seeming to weigh their invisible options. “Since your firm is doing so well, I’m sure Keith won’t mind carrying a little more of your weight and Nathan would like the idea of no longer being the younger sibling. You know he hates it when Rachel and Christian leave after spending the full weekend. It would be nice for him to have a playmate.”

 

She rolled her eyes. “I’m not ready, John. If you’re so desperate for a baby, go find some woman whose willing to let you impregnante her with your child.” Flinging back the covers, she grabbed the white terry cloth robe from the end of the bed and slipped it on. She was beyond tired of fighting about this. Her sharp words unfazed him. She had said far worst before. The easy blow was actually welcome.

 

He grabbed her arm before she could get out of the bed. “Don’t run. You always run when we have this talk.”

 

“Maybe because I’m tired of having this talk, John.” Attempting to rise from the bed again, he tugged her back, this time with a little more force.

 

“Sweetheart, talk to me. Tell me why you really don’t want a baby right now.”

 

She hated when he took that tone. That sweet, gentle tone. One look into his tender baby blues made her crumble. It was a look that Nathan always gave her when he wanted something he knew he couldn’t have or genuinely wanted to know a reason as to why the the world worked the way it did. That innocence…and so much love screaming out to her…it was all she could do not to give him what he wanted in that moment. Just as she felt the sudden desire to give John what he wanted most right now — a baby. But she couldn’t.

 

Turning away from him, Marlena tried her best to blink away the tears that were rapidly filling her eyes as she hung her head. The real reason for her delay in wanting to bring another Black into the world was one she wasn’t ready to admit. It was quite foolish actually but still, it haunted her.

 

Lowering her head, she swiped the continuous stream of tears that betrayed her control, mad at herself for breaking down like this. “Baby…” Coming up behind her, John pulled her back to lay within his arms once more as he softly stroked her hair. “What is it? Talk to me.” She shook her head as she found solace against the strong plane of his chest. Laying her head there while the taut and warm muscle rested beneath her cheek was always a place of comfort.

 

“Nothing. Can you just…” she peered up at him, “be a little more patient. No more pressure?”

 

Closing his eyes, John held his head against hers as he reluctantly nodded. For now, he would play by her rules. “No more pressure.”

 

Cupping her cheek, he angled his head down and kissed her lips before rolling her onto her back and undoing the robe. She continued to dab her eyes as she watched him lower his head and shower her body with adoration, starting with her breasts. He nipped, bit and sucked to his hearts content then traveled further down, pausing at her stomach.

 

Marlena sniffed back more tears as she watched him, the tightening guilt surrounding her heart causing her to feel at a loss as she lay beneath the mask of his love and battle with giving him his one wish.

 

John took several moments and lay his head there, kissing her navel and murmuring words she couldn’t understand. Massaging the curves of her waist, he glanced up into her eyes and stared as he whispered ‘one day’ before shimmying further down between her legs. The tears came faster.

 

Widening the creamy flesh with his large hands, he rested one thigh over his shoulder as he pushed the other back towards her stomach and leaned in close. His gaze was penetrating as he observed her closely while sliding his tongue from the bottom to the top of her slick, wet heat.

 

“I love you,” he whispered.

 

Her tears slowly ceased as pleasure became the dominant emotion and her hooded eyes settled on witnessing him feast from her warmth. All she could do was entangle her hands within his hair and throw her head back into the pillow as she envisioned them making love like this for another 50 years, a baby the farthest thing from her mind.

 

***

The doorbell resounded throughout the still home, breaking the silence with its signature high-pitched sing-song chime. “Damn it,” John muttered. Bare chested and unbuttoned jeans hugging his hips, he fumbled with his shirt as he charged towards the winding staircase.

 

It was Saturday. The one day he looked forward to sleeping in. Usually, he was guaranteed such a luxury. Marlena would deter Nathan from bursting through the doors of their master suite and jumping on the bed to awaken him until around noon. But today, his much needed slumber was cut short. It was his weekend to spend with his other children and after an unexpected 18-hour shift last night, he was drained and wanted nothing more than just a day of relaxation.

 

The doorbell rang again, the visitor consistently causing the chime to grate his nerves.

 

“Alright, I’m coming!” Slipping his arms through the openings of the tshirt, John ran across the dark, hardwood floor towards the front door. Fresh out of the shower, he wasn’t expecting them so soon. Tugging his jeans up around his waist, he quickly buttoned the dark denim and opened the door.

 

“What took you so long, dad?” Christian asked as he glanced at him from beneath the shade of his baseball cap. The older the boy got, the more he resembled his father. Inheriting John’s trademark baby blues and complimenting dark, wavy hair, the features seemed to only intensify, granting him the praise of being mistaken for a child model everywhere he went. At the ripe age of 13, he was beginning to hit his growth spurt and transforming into a very handsome younger version of his parent.

 

“Well hello to you, too.” Slapping the brim of his cap, John watched as he brushed past him into the house without uttering another word. Shaking his head, he wondered if it would only get worse as his son progressed through the teenage years.

 

Combing a hand through his damp hair, he turned to settle his gaze on his ex-wife who was now standing on the doorstep, looking back at their daughter running towards them.

 

“I hope you got everything,” Trisha yelled.

 

With an overnight bag in tow and her stylish backpack loaded on her back, Rachel smiled widely as she exhaled loudly. “I did.” Standing beside her mother, she looked down her at her bag then other empty hand and frowned. “Oh mom! I forgot my poster board at home!”

 

Trisha ran her fingers through her daughter’s loosely curled hair and soothed her fears.“Your father can get you one.”

 

She smiled her approval. Walking into the house, Rachel beamed up at John. “Hi, dad!”

 

“Hey, pretty girl.” Leaning down, he kissed her on the head, watching as she too left them and scampered down the hallway.

 

“What happened to the days where they clung to my legs and begged me to pretend as if I was a man on stilts the moment they saw me?” he asked Trisha with a smile.

 

Pushing up her sunglasses to unveil her bright, green eyes, she perched the designer frames on top of her hair and leaned against the frame of the doorway, smiling widely. “Hormones invaded their bodies is what happened.” Her eyes scanned his laid back form in a simple t-shirt and jeans. He was truly living up to the saying that as men aged, they got sexier. His dedication to still being fit and healthy showed, the bulging pecs of his arms and overall trim form matched his striking face nicely. “Do you have a few minutes? I need to talk with you about some things.”

 

John opened the door further. “Sure. Come on in.”

 

Trisha apprehensively stared behind him into the house. “Are you sure?  Marlena won’t mind?”

 

Even though she barely communicated with his wife, when in the presence of his spouse, they were respectful and got along as expected. They even went as far as engaging in a deep discussion once. But on numerous occasions has Trisha seen a flicker of…something in the blonde’s eyes when she and John were near each other. Something she had yet to name. She wouldn’t say it was jealousy. Maybe…a territorial defense? Regardless, she had learned her boundaries and was mindful to respect them.

 

“Yes, I’m sure. She and Nathan went to the store. They should be back soon.” Trisha still looked unsure. “Trust me, she won’t mind.” He reached a hand out and tugged on her arm to lead her in.

 

Shyly smiling, Trisha entered the house just as nervously as she always did. Instantly met with a new warmer and cozier and interior, the memories ran through her mind in a flash. She remembered how the home was decorated prior to his new marriage. Dark colors, few pictures and every technology gadget that she could imagine graced tables and walls. Although minimal, his decision in hiring a professional interior designer to customize the home was a wise choice. Now, the few times she actually ventured here and dropped the kids off, she noticed that the few times she did come in, less of his bachelor status existed as it was more and more apparent that a woman lived here. Warm colors adorned the walls, fresh flowers strategically positioned to catch the eye while bringing life to a room, it always smelled pleasant and pictures were placed tastefully in beautiful frames here and there.

 

In a way, she was jealous of her ex-husband’s new found happiness. Especially when she saw them together. Her hit-and-miss relationships and one night stands were like a punch to the gut from just a few minutes of witnessing their love. It was always as if they were the only two people in the world. Tender kisses, soothing touches and a closeness indescribable is how John and Marlena were every time. Without fail. She was honestly happy for them and couldn’t think of another woman that she would approve for him nor allow around her children.

 

Following John into the kitchen, she wondered where the children had indeed ventured off to. “Where are the kids?” she asked, taking a seat at the island.

 

“Probably upstairs in their rooms unpacking like always. They’ll be down in a minute to tell me how hungry they are.” John opened the fridge and grabbed a beer. “Want one?” He swung a longneck back and forth in her line of sight. “Or would you like water, some wine?”

 

“Uh, I’ll have water.”

 

Setting her keys on the countertop, Trisha smoothed a hand down her shirt as she became self- conscious of her attire with just she and John alone. Things were perfectly harmonious between the three of them and she didn’t want to disturb the peace. It still felt wrong being inside the home without Marlena present. This was certainly a first. Even though nothing was going to happen between she and John and the children were here, it still unnerved her. Maybe it was her low-cut top that teased an eyeful of cleavage and her cropped pants that fit perfectly, accentuating her round and firm hips.

 

“Here you are.” He placed a glass of water in front of her and set the half full bottle beside it. Pulling out a chair, he sat next to her and rested his feet on the bottom handles.

 

Taking a sip of water, she smiled warmly at him. Being friends and courteous after a divorce was nice. She didn’t miss their fights one bit. “Thank you.”

 

“So, what do you want to talk about?” he asked, taking a swig of beer. “The kids tuition, Rachel’s project and a trip I have coming up.”

 

“That’s a mouthful,” he joked.

 

“Yes.” She nodded. “The tuition will increase by 10% next year for Christian since he’s advancing to the higher grade. I thought we can just take them both out of private and go the public route.” It was originally her idea for her children to only attend private schools. John initially disputed her notion, but eventually came around to it. She’s always felt a tad bad she forced a decision on him regarding their kids education. Now she had a chance to make that right, hoping they would both reach an agreement.

 

John rubbed the circular snout of the beer along the bottom of his lip.

 

“Why the change of heart?”

 

“Well, since I’ve moved, the school is too far of a commute every morning. There’s a stellar public school closer to the house.” She picked up the glass of water and brought it to her lips. “Besides, Rachel and Christian said they’re willing to give it a try. I just thought it would be a waste to pay an inflated tuition when its a big inconvenience. And you know how I feel about carpooling.” He was more than certain she was the only mother who hated the idea of carpooling.

 

“Makes sense.”

 

“So, we agree?”

 

He swallowed a few gulps. “Yes as long as the kids are happy. Now, what about this project?”

 

“Rachel will tell you everything but please, make sure it’s done when I pick them up on Sunday and get the poster board, John. Please. We don’t need a repeat of her not having her work done.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. And your trip?” Setting the beer onto a coaster, he leaned back in the chair with folded arms.

 

The sound of both of their children entering the room interrupted Trisha’s train of thought as she focused on the energetic kids walking through the entryway.

 

“Dad, can we order pizza?”Christian asked, Rachel trailing close behind on his heels.

 

“Where’s Marlena and little brother?”

 

“No to the pizza and she’s on her way home.”

 

Scampering over to her father, Rachel patted his leg for him to turn so she could sit with him. A stroke of happiness coated her face when John reached down and pulled her into his lap as he watched Christian open the fridge and stare.

 

With a slim arm wrapped around his neck, she pushed her french braid over her shoulders and smiled up at him as if he was king of the world. John’s heart swelled so much he felt it would burst. He was confident, she would always be a daddy’s girl.

 

“Can I make a sandwich then?” asked Christian, already grabbing the meat and cheese without waiting for a response.

 

John observed his busy hands, frowning at the amount of mayonnaise he spread on a slice of bread. “Yes, but not too big. We’re going out for dinner later.”

 

Trisha smiled at her daughter as the little girl tousled John’s nearly dry hair. She wondered when her innocent adoration of her father would cease and another boy would take his place.

 

“So, your trip?” John asked, resuming their conversation.

 

“I have to go to Canada for a week for work. I was wondering, if you wouldn’t mind, that you could possibly keep them while I’m gone?”

“Canada?”

 

She laughed lightly. “I know, but, yes. We acquired a big merger and I need to be there in person.”

 

“Mom said we couldn’t go. Bummer,” said Rachel causing her parents to laugh.

 

At that moment, Marlena waltzed into the kitchen with an armful of groceries along with Nathan behind her carrying an eco-friendly bag. She nearly dropped the bags at the sweet scene before her. It made her stomach contract in knots and heart skip a beat.

 

It was true. She, John and Trisha were all on amicable terms. But to see them sitting together, smiling and sharing a laugh, with their two children together…inher kitchen…it sparked that flicker of jealousy she felt every time she saw them in the presence of one another. And sparked feelings she was determined to remain in denial about.

 

Pushing those insecurities aside, she inhaled a deep breath and masked a brave face as she prepared to engage with the one woman whom she once despised but found herself, oddly, growing to like and dislike.

 

***

“Hello, Trisha!” Marlena cheerily greeted.

 

Green met hazel in a quick, nervous exchange. This wasn’t the usual circumstance in which they would encounter one another. A past of heated exchanges and seething dislike always overshadowed the concept of true peace existing between the women. John may have accepted her new attitude for the sake of his children, but his wife remained on the fence. It was awkward to say the least.

 

The voluptuous woman uneasily shifted within her seat. “Hello, to you,

 

Marlena.” Smiling, Trisha averted her eyes down to Nathan whom stood to her side. She waved at the quiet child. “Hi, Nathan.”

 

Further leaning against his mother’s leg, the little boy shyly grinned. “Hi.” Joy spread across Rachel’s face at the sight of them as she practically jumped from John’s arms and ran over to her step-mother. “Marlena! I missed you!” She hugged her waist tightly, clinging to her like a child who had been deprived of motherly love for years.

 

Reaching her free hand down, Marlena held her head against her stomach. Regardless of her misgivings with Trisha, her children had definitely cemented a place in her heart. “I missed you too, sweetie.”

 

“Hey, little brother. What’s in the bag?” Rachel asked, letting go of Marlena and walking over to help the occupied boy who was now crouched onto the floor, rummaging through the bag.

 

“Vegetables. There’s candy at the bottom though!” She huddled beside him on the ground and widened the sides of the bag, earnestly peering into the filled sac for the treat.

 

John’s careful eyes shifted from the kids to his wife. He watched as Marlena bypassed him and went to greet Christian with a kiss to his cheek before he grabbed his sandwich and left the room without uttering a word, leaving her stunned.

 

“What’s wrong with him?” she asked as she set the bag onto the countertop.

 

“Hormones,” answered Trisha.

 

“Mommy, can we take these in the family room?” asked Nathan. Glancing down to witness her son and Rachel ripping into a bag of grapes, she frowned. “Yes, but here,” she handed him a dishtowel, “and don’t let them make a mess, Rach!”

 

“I won’t,” the little girl yelled back before disappearing around the corner with her brother trailing behind.

 

Turning her attention back to the two parents, the smile slowly faded from Marlena’s face as she made note of their quietness and skating eyes. Recollections of couples pining for divorce that she advised crossed her mind as she thought of how things usually got ugly once the touchy subject of co-parenting arose. It was a practice that she was positive would never be an issue between them. So far, it wasn’t. But given the complications within her marriage as of late and just the simple image of John, Trisha, Christian, and Rachel all together, here, produced a feeling that she knew would certainly lead to rocking the boat.

 

“Uh, did I interrupt something?”

 

Observing her husband casually rub the back of his neck and say nothing, Marlena’s worry increased when his ex-wife responded instead.

 

“No. John and I were just talking about the kids. Which, I must say…you’re great with them,” Trisha said as she took a sip from her water.

 

Marlena shot him a telling look. Their eyes met, a million questions being asked by the simple meeting. All of which were answered with doubt.

 

“Was that all of the groceries?” he finally asked.

 

She looked down at the three bags. “Uh, yeah. I just needed a few things.”

 

Again quietness resumed. Watching Trisha timidly continue to sip from her glass of water while John sat there seemingly oblivious to her anxiety without a care in the world, and not bothering to fill in the blanks, she decided it was best she leave. It was too stifling and uncomfortable. “Well, I’ll leave you two, to finish your talk. I can unpack these later.”

 

Grabbing her purse, she began to retreat when he called her.

 

“Marlena, you do not have to go, honey. Trisha was just asking whether it is alright with us to keep the kids for a week while she goes out of town for a work assignment.” He viewed Trisha as he spoke causing Marlena’s heart to twinge. “I told her it was alright with me. What do you say?” he asked, looking at her once again.

 

Marlena combed a hand through her hair and folded her arms across her chest. She would be strong and not give them reason to hint at signs of weakness. No matter how obvious it was that she was crumbling by the seconds. “Fine with me. It will be nice having them around longer.”

 

Trisha’s face broke out into a smile. “Thank you, Marlena. I really appreciate that. It will be in about a month or so. That will give you both plenty of time to prepare.”

 

Nodding, Marlena shifted her gaze between them once more. The discomfort was still lingered. Their calm conduct and seeming fear as if they were treading on thin ice, resonated with her. Badly. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, even though they were all amicable, a lot of issues left unsaid were partially because of her doing. They were concerns that unfortunately continued on into their marriage and to which they had yet to completely put behind them and declare it a thing of the past.

 

She had to get out of here. “Trisha, it was nice seeing you.” John looked at her for the second time, his stare sending signals she could not read. They were back to normal since their rendezvous in the hotel. Back to being a typical newlywed couple who were simply infatuated with one another, enjoying such a strong bond that had no grounds for fighting and equipped with ample, fluid communication to dispel any fear. Yet, his attitude right now completely threw her for a loop. “Honey, I’ll be in the office if you need me.”

 

“Alright.” John watched her leave the room, never picking up on her odd behavior as did the woman next to him.

 

“She’s still uncomfortable seeing us together,” Trisha said as she hopped from the stool and grabbed her keys.

 

“No she is not.”

 

\“Still blind to women I see, John.” She smiled knowingly at the confused expression now possessing his face. “Why don’t you check on her? I’m going to say goodbye to the kids and let myself out. Thanks for being understanding.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Everything is fine with Marlena and me, alright. Don’t you start causing problems,” he teased.

 

Trisha held her hands up in defense. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

 

“So, are we meeting at our usual place on Sunday or will you come here and get them?”

 

“We can meet halfway as usual, if you don’t mind.”

 

“Not a problem.” He stepped down from the seat. “I’ll see you at 6.”

 

“Thank you, again.” They embraced in a quick hug.

 

John sighed, never thinking he would live to see the day when he was able to invite this woman into his home, let alone have a civilized conversation with her like this. Things had definitely changed for the better.

 

Watching her exit through the opposite entrance in the direction of the family room, John grabbed his beer and left through the other side in search of his wife  As soon as he turned the corner, the remainder of his ale sloshed onto his shirt when he bumped into her. He didn’t see her at all. “What the hell?!”

 

The deep redness which coated her cheeks made it even more apparent that she was eavesdropping. She had obviously tried to escape when she heard him leaving the room, but not quick enough. John shifted his gaze from her embarrassed face and down to his wet shirt. He didn’t know whether to be mad, shocked or embarrassed himself.

 

Dropping his shoulders, he sighed loudly once he pieced together the situation.

 

“Come on, baby. No —”

 

“Are you mad?” she asked, tears filling her eyes. Folding her arms across her chest, she lifted a hand to cover her mouth as she inspected his unreadable face, searching for the familiar wrought expression.

 

Why she lingered near the doorway, she didn’t know. It was the first time she had ever listened in on their conversations. Maybe it was something about seeing them together like that. It just…gripped her and wouldn’t shake. Regardless of all the times she had witnessed he and Trisha act as if they were friends of the past, it never got any easier.

 

Reminders of them fighting so badly about not having a baby, his cool approach when the three of them were alone once the kids cleared the room, and their colored past with Trisha, simply haunted her. How else would he have expected her to react given everything as of late?

 

“I am not mad. More like confused.” He stepped closer to her, his baby blues earnestly searching the glossy windows of hazel. “Why?” He reached a hand up to cup her face but she retreated from his touch, surprising them both. His eyebrows crunched in worry as his tone softened, “What is it?”

 

She began fiddling with her wedding ring and broke their stare to peer down at the grains of the hardwood floor. “To see the two of you together like that…with the kids…smiling. So cheery and happy.” Lifting her gaze from the floor, she met his confused face yet again. “I don’t know,” she swallowed the lump budding in her throat, “I guess I became a little jealous.” She watched as he sighed then closed his eyes and tilted his head back towards the ceiling, sucking his teeth. “Does that disappoint you?” she asked in a small voice.

 

“We are past this, Marlena. There is no reason for you to be intimidated. I am not going to run off with her nor,” he inched closer, nearly bridging the gap between them, “do I have feelings for her.”

 

“I know, I know. It’s just…seeing the four of you in this house…it was as if I didn’t belong. As if you were still married and Nathan and I didn’t exist.” He bent to set the beer down onto the floor and stood again to successfully reach out and pull her into his arms. Resting his chin on top of her blonde mane, he stroked her hair softly while she lay her head in the crook of his neck, waiting with baited breaths for what he had to say.

 

“Trisha is a part of my past. You are my wife, now. I know it makes you uncomfortable seeing us on good terms, but that’s something you just are going to have to accept.” John paused, waiting for any signs of dispute.

 

Receiving nothing but quiet, he continued, “With that said, I am not in any way forcing you to accept it, but I want you to know, I am with you every step of the way until you do. And whenever you feel uncomfortable at the sight of us together, talk to me about it. That’s all I ask.” He spawned his hands across her back, rubbing in big, slow circles. “I also want you to know, and remember, there is not a chance in hell for that relationship again. Ever. You know that, baby.” She nodded her head against his chest and let his words reassure her.

 

“I’m sorry. I’m being silly.” Inwardly smiling and realizing that they were still okay, she began to massage the muscle across his lower back that rested right above his hips. He liked when she did that and his exhale of a small groan told her so. “I won’t argue there,” he teased, earning a pinch to his side. Pulling her head up, he stared down into her eyes and laced his fingers at the base of her neck, prompting her to tilt her head back and lean against his hands. “I am serious. There is nothing for you to worry about. You are the only woman for me.You, are my dream girl,” he lowered his head, “I love you only, Marlena.” “I love you, too.” Closing her eyes, she let him kiss away her fears.

 

***

Marriage is hard work. Very hard. Or maybe it was just difficult being married to a man of caliber like the Dr. John Black.

 

Marlena wished, out of all the advice she was given on her wedding day, that someone had mentioned the challenges of remaining optimistic and strong through ‘for better or worse’. Especially since: a) She vowed the rest of her life to a very successful and in-demand surgeon whom they were beginning to see less and less of b) John had an extremely high sex drive that she always yielded to and a knack for jealousy that skyrocketed since they said ‘I do’ c) Adding another child to their family was becoming a not so subtle desire by him, causing major rifts in their usually blissful union more than she liked and d) His ex-wife. Their blended family was also another factor she was still adjusting to. Having his other children, Rachel and Christian, spend every other weekend with them was not as easy a transition as he would’ve liked. Accustomed to caring for only one child, the increase of that responsibility by two on nearly three weekends out of the month certainly tested her mothering skills for every claim and praise she had allotted. Rachel, a diva in the making with a no-filtered mouth and Christian, stubborn, a typical hormone raged teenager and still not too keen on having a stepmother, presented her with opposition that she had yet to learn to tackle. Surprising even herself, she had slowly grown to genuinely love the kids as if they were her own, without much strife. Yet.

 

Though as time pressed on, she was beginning to find singular fault with each instance — except one — making it very arduous to heed the insightful advice with more than a grain of salt. Still, despite them all igniting the urge to pull out every strand of her hair, there was nothing she could honestly direct anger towards. Gratitude was the only emotion that soared through her each time she pondered their lives and especially their relationship. Without a shred of doubt, there was none other for her than John Black. He was and would always be the wind beneath her wings.

 

Outstretching her arm to the right to grab her glass of wine from the end table, Marlena’s attention focused on John whom was playfully wrestling with Christian and Nathan along the family room floor. What she deemed as their ‘rowdy sessions’ to mindlessly beat each other up, had turned into somewhat of a tradition. Much to her dislike. Without fail, each time Christian was here, all three boys spent nearly an hour tackling one another. As much as she didn’t like it, the scene always warmed her heart and reminded her of the love she had for this man.

 

Swallowing a mouthful of the vintage wine, she held the glass against her cheek and sighed in content. It was Saturday evening. After a wonderful day at the zoo and late lunch, they all — the kids — decided to come home and have a movie night, complete with pizza and popcorn.

 

An adorning smirk decorated her face as she observed the slow, bright smile that spread across her husband’s lips followed by a laugh. He was an amazing father. One who made it a point to put their children and their marriage above all. As she continued to take-in the joyful sight of him, that familiar twinge she got each time she remained hidden and quietly watched him interact with either of the children, settled in her lower abdomen and traveled down to the place that made her surrender to him every night. She recognized that feeling. It was maternal, seizing and an abundance of overwhelming love. Resting her hand there, she rubbed in subliminal circles, allowing her mind the pleasure of imagining a creation from their bond.

 

“Ok, how about Rio?” asked Rachel as she adjusted the cashmere afghan around her small frame.

 

So deep in thought, Marlena nearly jumped at the sound of the girl’s chipper voice. Luckily she didn’t notice. Glancing down at the outspoken 10-year old snuggled against her side, she wrapped an arm around her warm body as she watched Rachel continue to flip through their digital collection of movies on the TV. As the wine began to take effect, all she honestly wanted to do was forgo their movie night and spend time alone with her husband in their bed. All three kids still screaming for popcorn and a movie ceased any hope she had for uninterrupted moments.

 

“I think…that’s a good choice.” Setting her glass back onto the contemporary designed accent table, Marlena slid closer to her step-daughter on the couch and helped prepare the movie to play. With a few presses of the buttons on the remote, they were all set to go. “Alright boys, rowdy session is over. It’s movie time.”

 

Rising from the couch, she snickered as both Nathan and Christian pinned their father down onto his back, securing both hands and legs. He cried out his defeat in between laughs.

 

“Help me, baby,” John pleaded as he gazed up at the blonde now towering over them.

 

Tucking her hair behind her ears, she cocked her head to the side and rested her hands on her hips. “What’s the magic word?”

 

“Please,” he nearly begged as Christian tightened his hold.

 

“Okay, boys. Let Daddy up so we can make the popcorn.”

 

“Who’s the boss, Dad?!” asked Christian.

 

“You two are…you two!” And with his surrender, he was released. Seeing his sons’ high-five each other then take their places on the couch, John slowly rose fro

m the floor, inhaling mouthfuls of air, still trying to stabilize his breathing. “We’ll be right back with the popcorn. Go ahead and start the movie,”

 

instructed Marlena. Waiting until the children did as told, she then grabbed John’s hand and led them towards the kitchen.

 

“I tell ya, I have to stop roughing it with them. I’m getting old.”

 

Entering the kitchen, Marlena smirked at him over her shoulder as she left him by the island and ventured into the pantry to emerge with an airtight container of pop corn kernels.

 

“I know…you are verging on old man status, Dr. Black,” she teased. Coming to stand in front of the air popper on the counter, she missed the devious look in his eyes.

 

With arms folded across his chest and one leg bent, he resembled a popular jock standing idle during cheerleading practice as he took a second to appreciate the view of her svelte backside. John suppressed a groan upon the realization that he was most certain to have her tonight. Since earlier, when he was captivated by the sight of her bountiful breasts swinging freely beneath her V-neck shirt while she chased Nathan down from venturing too far off, all he could think about was making love to her. Man, he loved when she wore V-neck t-shirts. It always provided him the same, lust filled vision and instant desire to bind her hands as he bent her over and plunged himself so deep until she cried for mercy.

 

Pushing away from the island, he crept up slowly behind her with hands extended, ready to seize the object of their desire. The second the front his body made contact with her back, he groaned. She felt so soft…so womanly…and sexy. Deeply inhaling the scent of her hair, he brushed fistfuls of the silky strands away and lowered his head to her neck.

 

“Oh, you think so, huh?” Securing his arms around her waist, he held her even closer against him, trailing kisses across her shoulder.

 

“Mhm…I do.” Carefully measuring the kernels, she poured them into the popper along with a little olive oil. Switching on the machine, she then turned in his embrace and laced her arms around his neck. “Care to prove me wrong?”

 

“Always.”

 

Craning his head downward, John met her lips hungrily as he skied his  hands down the curve her back to rest on her rump and squeeze softly. It had been three days since they were intimate, which was just torture for him. They made love every night without fail, only skipping when she was on her cycle or the few times when they had fights. Given her flirty innuendo right now, it meant all systems were go.

 

“John, we don’t have time,” she practically moaned against his mouth while trying to push his hands away that were busy under her shirt trying to unfasten the delicate bra.

 

“Yes we do.”

 

Groaning in frustration when he couldn’t unhook the complicated garment, his hands gravitated towards the front and pushed the bra cups upward to settle on her naked breasts. Squeezing and caressing her nipples until they were stiff, Marlena lost all self-control once he reached his hand down to seize her leg and lift it to curl around his waist. Stabilizing herself by way of his shoulders, she tried her hardest not to scream into his mouth when he leaned her back further onto the counter. Her mind was a field of haze as they clung to each other, messily kissing and nearly forgetting the fact that they had innocent children just feet away who could walk in any second and get a possible, traumatizing eyeful of them.

 

They didn’t care.

 

The kernels began popping in the machine behind them, the slow then frenzied bursting of kernels leading them both to teeter on the edge of reckless as their longing for one another climbed higher. John groaned low and soft, the persistent hardening of his member causing him to increase his tempo as he ground himself hard into her gushing core. The moment he lifted one side of her shirt and lowered his head to enjoy the familiar feast, did her eyes clamp shut in ecstasy.

 

“Oh, baby,” she whispered.

 

Biting down on her lower lip, Marlena laced her fingers into his hair and arched her chest more into his hot, greedy mouth. Her head felt so dizzy and body very languid as the pleasure burst between her thighs. It’s because of the wine. As John continued to drive her crazy, she momentarily wondered if she had one or two glasses. It was the only reason she could conjure as to why she wasn’t punishing him like a child for acting so crudely with their offspring near. The second when he lifted her other leg to wrap around his waist did the arm she had bent behind her for stability, falter and fling out, coming in contact with the loosely topped bottle of kernels. They fell onto the floor in a heap.

 

Pressing her hands against his chest, she tore her lips from his and breathed heavily, frowning at the mess now splattered beside his feet.

 

“Honey!”

 

“Leave it,” he murmured. They needed privacy and he needed her. Now.Picking her up into his arms, John checked the popper before leaving thekitchen. It would be alright without supervision for a few minutes.

 

His strides were long and quick down the hallway as he held her firmly against his chest. Fixing her bra and lowering her shirt, Marlena kissed his cheek as she noticed him journeying in the direction of the living room. She grinned at his fixated face, now so enriched with a zealous determination.

 

“I love it when you take control.” With her free hand, she used her fingers to trace the contours of his mouth, giggling when he teasingly pulled it between his lips and sucked.

 

“You’re going to love a lot more in a few minutes.”

 

Feigning a southern accent, she playfully batted her eyes, “Goin’ to make me your sex slave t’nite with children in the house, Mr. Black?” The way she drawled out his name caused his member to twitch and begin to throb.

 

John tightened his secure hold and playfully lifted her up and down as they rounded the corner, her loud giggles filling the still silence. “It’s the one area of my expertise. It would be a failure if I didn’t.”

 

Pecking her lips, they came into the room to find each of the youngsters huddled in various spots around the center of the floor resting against plush pillows and covered in blankets while intently staring at the movie playing. “Rachel, honey, can you do me a favor and fix the popcorn. It should be done in about a minute. Also, don’t worry about the mess on the floor. Mom and I will be right back. We have to work in the office.”

 

His daughter rolled over from off her stomach and onto her side to look at them in the entryway. She stared for seconds which felt like minutes, seeming as if she was going to ask just exactly what work they were heading off to do. But an upbeat song beginning to play caught her attention.

 

“Okay.” Out of all his children, she was honestly the most responsible. She took care of her brothers as if she was their mother.

 

Confident that a fire of burnt kernels wouldn’t happen, John practically ran down the hallway to their office. The secured room, which was only accessible by the silver keypad nestled into the wall outside and adjacent to the door, ensured all the privacy they needed.

 

Marlena remembered when he redesigned his home office to accommodate them both. The main purpose in expanding the room so that they could have individual desks, as well as a few other tweaks, she was baffled and completely stunned when he decided to secure the room in this manner. His reasons? For the sole motive of moments when they just needed to get away and didn’t want to be disturbed as well as concealing scantily clad pictures of her he had stashed somewhere in this office she had yet to find, as well as some that sat perched on his desk.

 

Laura jokingly called it their ‘Boom-Boom’ room. And the less they used this office for business and more for fighting and passionate encounters, she was beginning to agree.

 

Her excitement rose as she watched him quickly punch in the code. Just as the light turned green did the sound of Rachel’s screeching voice call out for John. They looked at each other in shock, too afraid to move or breathe.

 

“Daddy!”

 

Both parents glanced behind them in the direction of the kitchen. There were no signs of a child running down the hall in hysteria. That was all the ammunition he needed. Using his foot, John cautiously pushed open the door. They peered down the winding hallway again and waited a few seconds more to be beckoned yet again. Hearing nothing but the sounds of the movie, he shrugged and ventured into the room.

 

“Daddy! Come help! The popcorn is spilling!” John froze his foot that was in mid-air, prepared to kick the door shut. Rachel had called for him from the kitchen.

 

Sighing, he set Marlena down onto her feet and held his head against hers. “Besides your mother, they have a radar on our sex life. It never ends.” Laughing, she kissed his lips and let him set her down on her feet before following him to the kitchen.

_______________

 

A clean kitchen, fresh, buttery popcorn and an hour into the movie later, the Black clan found themselves surrounded by a mass of pillows and blankets as all watched the animated film on the projector in the family room.

 

Nathan and Christian on separate beanie chairs to the left while Rachel lay in the middle with her own bowl of popcorn on her stomach snacking away and John and Marlena, resting behind them all against a large pillow that was propped against the couch as they snuggled beneath their own blanket, Marlena didn’t think life could get any more perfect.

 

“I love this part,” Rachel smirked as she stuffed her mouth with more popcorn.

 

Christian glared at her. “Shh!”

 

“I can say what I want!”

 

“You always ruin the movie.”

 

“You’re such a —”

 

“Alright, that’s enough,” John chimed in. “Everybody be quiet and enjoy the movie.” Witnessing both children give each other threatening looks, he shook his head in disbelief when he noticed Nathan curled into a ball, clearly sleeping away on the beanie. The youngest of the bunch and usually the one with the most energy, he was usually worn out when his siblings came, even though he tried his hardest to fight his exhaustion.

 

“Your son seems to be tuckered out,” he whispered into Marlena’s ear. Reaching for her glass of idle iced tea on the floor, he eyed her, waiting for her to snatch it back any second. She disliked when they shared drinks for he never saved enough to quench her thirst. Seeing her concentrate on the little boy sleeping instead, he happily gulped away.

 

Pulling the blanket up around her neck, she snuggled further into his chest as she continued to watch the snoozing child. “He has the stamina of his father.”

 

“Careful now.” Stretching out his arms to rest on either end of the couch, John sighed and leaned his head back onto the cushion.

 

Positioning both her legs to drape over his, she hugged his waist and rested her head on his shoulder to lean back and stare up into his face. “Laura and Liam asked if we could meet them for dinner tomorrow evening since they are not going sailing. Oh! The neighbors also invited us to their barbeque. You know we always miss them.”

 

John shrugged and continued sipping. He could care less about bonding with his neighbors, which he had only met twice. All he knew was that they were British and loved entertaining. That’s all he cared to know, honestly, unlike his wife whom had struck up a friendship with them.

 

She ran her hand across his broad chest, hoping he said yes. “The barbeque would be early afternoon and dinner would be after Rachel and Christian are gone. Can we do both?”

 

He gazed down into her eyes with the glass posed at his lips, visibly preparing to finish the rest and not offer her any. “Is the babysitter available?”

 

“Laura already scheduled hers. We agreed to double up and pay her babysitter extra. We can just drop Nathan off at her house, then head on to the restaurant. We won’t stay long.”

 

Finishing the drink, he set the empty glass down onto the floor and wrapped his arms around her. Dragging her to sit into his lap, he grinned and moved his sly hands below the covers. His grin widened once he reached the low-cut middle of her t-shirt and tugged on the v-neck dip.

 

“Do I get to have you for dessert?”

 

“Only if you’re a good boy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged his earlobe between her teeth.

 

“I’m always good.”

 

“Shh, Mom and Dad!” Rachel sniped.

 

Resting her head against his, Marlena grinned.

 

“Alright, movie police, we’ll settle down,” said John.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“When they go to bed, you” he whispered and squeezed her thigh, “are,”

 

he kissed her nose, “mines.” He sealed his promise with a kiss.

 

Their eyes met in a silent conversation of smoldering passion and unspoken temptations before he broke their gaze and drummed his fingers up and down her thigh while pretending to view the motion picture with avid interest.

 

She felt her whole body tingle as a tsunami of heat flooded her limbs. How was she supposed to sit here after that? But knowing her husband so well, everything was always worth the wait. Inhaling a deep breath, she cuddled against his chest and impatiently waited until the movie finished.

 

***

Her breathing came in labored gasps as she outstretched her hands and shook them avidly in a manner that suggested she was warning him. The visual alert did not register with the man standing opposite her. John merely cocked his head to the side and smiled that familiar smile, which signaled he was about to move in for the kill. She laughed heartedly and rose her voice, hoping to stop him.

 

“John, no!”

 

A dangerous smirk possessed his lips as his eyes lowered and he swayed along the carpet as though he was a boxer in the ring, patiently waiting for his rival to make a miscalculated move.

 

Positioned on one side of the bed, Marlena wickedly grinned as she closely tracked the movements of her husband, wondering which direction he was going to take. Would he dodge left or right? Their eyes locked, each observing the other with the scrutiny of a skilled scientist looking through a microscope as they watched for the slightest muscle to move on either of their tense bodies.

 

They had long gotten the kids tucked into bed, then showered themselves and intended to retire for the night as well. That was until they saw a clip from a television show about a guy giving his girlfriend a hickey. John teased he could do better and she teased back he couldn’t. Given that she simply wanted to cuddle with him, her disapproval was a clear mistake. One would think as long as they had been together, Marlena would know better than to challenge him. In any department. She was still learning her husbands limits.

 

When he tried to show off his expertise by demonstrating on her neck, as expected, she resisted. John took her opposition as ammunition and became determined to bind her to their bed and prove himself. In a tact unexpected, she escaped from his eager clutches, jumped from the bed and ran to the other end of the room to now leave her wondering if she was going to dart for the closet or jump across the bed and head for the bathroom.

 

Seconds had passed when he ended their stare off and began to dart to his right, then quickly revert back left. He thought his zippy moves would trick her. That, he underestimated. She met him move for move.

 

John suppressed a laugh at her determined face as he wondered if she was having as much fun as he was. They portrayed players on a football field, both seeming as though they were waiting for the center to hike the ball before they got down and dirty. With their game faces on, they concentrated and eagerly waited to see what move their opponent was to make.

 

“Come here,” he smirked, beginning to walk slowly around the bed like a lion closing in on his prey. She had no place to go but into the closet. This would be a piece of cake. “I thought after we got married you would stop playing hard to get.”

 

“Never.” She began to inch back towards the closet. Glancing over her shoulder, she was relieved to see the door open.

 

“Always going to make me work for it, huh?”

 

Her hands were outstretched behind her as her chest rose and fell in anticipation while she continued to tread backwards, carefully following his moves. Her eyes roamed over him as she momentarily considered how they might look to a bystander. He was clad in nothing but his usual black boxers while his bulging muscles and ripped abs screamed out to her, nearly making her forget that she was enjoying their playful game. And then there was her, in a white camisole and navy, laced panties with her hair pulled back into a low ponytail and strewn tendrils falling across her face. They resembled a youthful college couple, so full of love and mirth.

 

“Yes, you’ll always have to work for it,” she finally responded.

 

She was just breaths from the closet now. She planned to trick him. The moment he lunged for her — as she expected — would she dodge around him, grab his tie that was lying on the French settee to her right, bound his hands behind and make him beg that she was right.

 

“I have bad news for you. That is not going to work tonight.” John flexed his arms. “Last chance. Come here, Mrs. Black. Now.”

 

She laughed heartily. “No.”

 

Shrugging his shoulders, John adopted a startling momentum that could be compared to the likes of Speedy Gonzalez and lunged for her. She underestimated him considerably. He was too fast and too strong. Just as she was about to miss the clutches of his hands and find safety in the closet, did he grab her wrist and pull her body to him. Without a second to fight and chance to break free from his hold, their game to an end as she roared with laughter once captured. John bent down, picked her up and lay her over his shoulder as he carried her back to the bed like a proud hunter who had claimed his rightful prize.

 

“John, put me down!” Staring at the moving carpet from upside down, she clutched his sides as a grin tugged her lips. He said nothing, only continued to journey towards the bed. “Okay, okay. I take back what I said.” She hoped that was enough to negotiate her release.

 

Smiling smugly, he grinned at her apology and slapped her partially covered behind.

 

She yelped in protest. “Honeyy!”

 

“You should never doubt your husband, baby.” Turning his head to the side, he kissed her firm rump before tossing her onto the bed. He quickly covered her frame and bound her arms above her head. Nudging her legs apart with his knees, he lowered his body and peered down into her flushed face. The liquid warmth seeped from the cleft between her thighs once she felt his semi-swollen member pressed against the thin barrier of her underwear. She loved when he dominated her like this. It turned her on more than words could describe.

 

“I don’t doubt you. I know what you can do.” She nuzzled her nose with his. “Now, may I be released and we go to sleep, please?”

 

“I heard doubt in your voice.” He guided his lips down her neck in a repetition of kisses.

 

She locked her silken legs above his hips and closed her eyes as the feel of his strong body and smooth lips crumbled her strong will. “I can never doubt you.”

 

“Mmm…I still hear it. Looks like I must make a believer out of you tonight.”

 

Lacing their hands together, he kissed his way back up her neck, then paused to stare into her hooded eyes. “What do you say?”

 

Pinned beneath him, there was only one response she could muster.

 

“Prove me wrong.”

 

Grinning, John slanted his head down to meet her lips. She moaned deeply into his mouth as she arched her chest into his. Every bone in her body became putty. The sweet tension and buildup from their foreplay in the kitchen earlier returned in an instant. Her entire being was on fire as her mind became clouded with the strongest urge to travel to heaven and back with him. Letting one of her hands go, he grazed the other down her thigh as he thrust his tongue into her mouth, followed with hard grinding against her molten core.

 

She didn’t know why, but the day dream she had earlier about them conceiving coupled with minor deep thinking she did in the shower, caused her to utter a confession she would soon regret. Though, this was typical of her. Every time he hypnotized her under his spell, it was as though he had given her a truth serum.

 

“I’ve been thinking,” she whispered in his ear.

 

“About?” His skillful hands caressed the tender skin of her inner thigh as his mouth remained busy pecking the tops of her swollen mounds. “That maybe….maybe, I will stop taking the birth control.”

 

John stilled completely. It took him a moment to pull his head up and stare deeply into her eyes. He felt as if his heart had stopped in time and breath caught in his throat.

 

He managed to stammer a response, “R-really?”

 

She extended a hand up to cup his face and smiled softly. “Really.”

 

“Why the sudden change of heart?” He was careful not to let the excitement convey in his voice for fear she would have a change of heart, even though he was through the moon right now.

 

“I don’t know, honestly. I guess…it was something about watching you with the kids tonight.” She grabbed one of his hands, that had found a temporary home between her legs, and laid it on her stomach. Resting hers on top of his, she met his eyes once more, a gleaming happiness reflecting in both their orbs. “It would be nice to have another one of our children to beat you up,” she goaded.

 

John grinned so hard he felt his face begin to hurt. “Are you serious, baby?

 

Are you really, truly sure you want to do this?” He glanced back down to her stomach, the dreams he had of her belly so ripe and full of their baby flashing across his mind, nearly caused him to lose his train of thought. Inhaling a breath, he attempted to calm his racing heart and met her eyes once again. “I am remaining true to my word. I am not pressuring you. Take your time.”

 

“I know you aren’t pressuring me. I also want you to understand that I’m not saying I will stop taking it tomorrow or next week. But it will be soon, I assure you. And yes,” she leaned up to peck his lips then whispered, “I’m a million times sure I want to do this, honey.”

 

He felt his eyes line with a film of water. John couldn’t explain it but her confession filled him with a depth of love and adoration for her that he never knew was possible. Pressing his hands into the mattress beside her head, he rested his head against hers and closed his eyes, taking a second to enjoy their closeness.

 

“I love you…more than you know,” he whispered so low she barely heard him.

 

Trailing her hands up his sculpted back, she felt a tear trickle from her eye and down her cheek as she realized the seriousness of what she just agreed too.

 

Panic began to sink in. What did she just do? His utterance of ‘I love you’ once more, soothed her brief fear as she realized why she did verbalize words unrehearsed. For him.

 

Besides, she had plenty of time before he would begin nagging her, as predicted.

 

“I love you, too,” she heard herself say.

 

John didn’t waste another second as he swooped down to swallow her lips. He kissed her with an ardor of passion and longing that he did only when he was in possessive mode. Usually, that would provide a level of comfort and inspire her need to be one with him to skyrocket. But tonight, it was different. There was some fear behind that unquenchable need. And with the way his hands molded across her figure, caressing and stimulating areas that were guaranteed to make her beg, scream and cry all at once, she was certain, his mission was to impregnate her tonight.

 

Am I ready for that?

***