Never Too Late – By Kat

This story is inspired by “A very Salem Christmas” which didn’t have enough of the magic that is John and Marlena. 

Part 1

The Brady Pub, a place filled with so many wonderful memories and amazing people. 

Laughter and the buzzing sound of voices had filled the place for almost 50 years. People had fallen in love there, babies had taken their first steps, first dates, anniversaries, parties and even funerals had taken place inside of those walls. 

It was a place where people would come to find some sort of peace and experience the warm feelings of family and belonging. Problems and concerns were often being solved by the compassionate and vice woman behind the bar. Helping people by listening to what occupied their minds, giving advice and encouraging them to do their best in life. Just like the good people before her, who had opened their hearts and the pub to the people of Salem. 

Marlena looked up and smiled at a picture which was displayed on the wall behind the bar. Caroline and Shawn Brady, truly an amazing couple. They had been the heart and soul of the pub and when Shawn passed away, Caroline made sure to keep his legacy alive. And that she did, until the day she died. 

Marlena averted her eyes to the picture right next to Shawn and Caroline’s. 

Roman Brady, the son of Shawn and Caroline and her husband. When his parents died, Roman left the police force and took over the pub. He had loved it and was loved by the many customers who had come to the pub for years. 

Marlena blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. It had been almost three years since she found him in bed, dead from a heart attack in his sleep. 

“Mom..do you mind closing up today?” Sami yelled as she walked in from the kitchen. 

Marlena quickly dried off the small tears that had fallen on her cheeks, hoping her daughter wouldn’t notice. “No, not at all.” 

The tone of Marlena’s voice made Sami stop in her tracks and look up from her phone. She knew that tone. 

“Mom, are you crying?” Sami said with compassion. Marlena rarely showed her vulnerability, the last time she had seen her cry was one month after her father died, when she thought nobody was watching. Not even the day he passed or at his funeral did Marlena shed tears. She always came off as so strong and collected but Sami knew that behind her calm and stoic appearance she was a very sensitive and vulnerable woman. 

“No..no..I’m fine honey.” Marlena cleared her voice and shook her head, trying to cover up her sadness. “I was just remembering your grandparents and how truly wonderful and special they were….and of course you daddy.” A sad smile adored her face as she looked at her daughter. 

Sami smiled back at her. “They were amazing weren’t they?”. 

“They were.” Marlena stated and watched Sami take off her apron and hang it on the rack behind the door to the kitchen. 

“Will you be okay? It’s only 30 minutes until closing time” Sami asked and walked up to her mom. 

“Of course, it’s been a quiet day and I doubt that anyone will come bursting through the door and order something to eat this late.” Marlena smiled and tucked a loose string of hair behind Sami’s ear. 

“I hope not or else they are in for a treat.” Sami laughed, not so discreetly hinting at her mothers horribly cooking skills. Marlena did not enter the kitchen unless it was to get some supplies. Their roles were sharply defined, Marlena took care of the customers and Sami was in charge of the kitchen. 

“Careful now..” Marlena laughed. “You better hurry up and leave then before I change my mind.” 

“Bye mom, see you tomorrow.” Sami yelled, not looking back and hurried out the door. 

Chuckling to herself, Marlena started preparing to close up, wiping down the tables and tidying up behind the bar. 

Again her thoughts traveled back to the past and her deceased husband. 

She moved to Salem from Colorado right after she graduated medicine school, having accepted a job at University Hospital. She quickly adapted to life in the small quiet city, finding new friends and getting lots of experience as a psychiatrist. Dr. Horton had seen something special in her and had not only welcomed her as a colleague but he had also opened his home to her. Marlena considered Tom and Alice Horton as her family and through them she was introduced to the Brady pub and their famous clam chowder. 

The thought brought a soft smile to Marlena’s face. They had all been so welcoming and made her feel like Salem was her home. 

She had met Roman when a crazy man started stalking her, threatening her life. Roman was assigned to protect her, never leaving her side. At first she thought he was obnoxious and hot headed but slowly she fell in love with him, married him and gave birth to the twins, Sami and Eric.  

Standing with her back to the front door, she heard the doorbell ring, signaling the arrival of a customer. 

“I’m sorry but I’m just about to close up” She said, not looking up, as she finished folding some napkins. 

“Oh, I’m sorry. I saw that the lights were still on, and thought…” A man said. 

The sound of his voice made her abruptly stop what she was doing and made her heart skip a beat. 

Slowly turning around, she couldn’t stop the bright smile that the sight of him always brought. 

“John..hi..” Her voice was soft and with a hint of shyness. 

“Hi Marlena..” He said, his tone matching hers. 

Marlena watched as John walked the short distance from the front door to the bar. He was still such a handsome man. 

“What brings you by at this hour?” She asked and brushed her hair away from her eyes, suddenly becoming very aware of her appearance. 

John took in the beautiful sight of her. Her beauty and grace always took him by surprise even after all the years they had known each other. Every time he laid eyes on her, he felt himself react. Not just to her beauty but also to her personality. She made him feel at ease, safe somehow and when she smiled the whole room would light up, making his stomach flutter. 

“I was just out for an evening walk and suddenly had an urge for the best cup of coffee in town.” He said as he now stood in front of her. 

Marlena swallowed hard, her eyes still locked with his. “Well you are in luck because I was just about to pour the rest out.” She said and grabbed a cup and poured the last remains of the hot black liquid into it. 

“There you go, black coffee for Mr. Black.” She giggled and placed the cup in front of him. 

John reached out to take the cup and just as he did, their fingers touched. They both froze, letting their fingers linger for a moment as their eyes met again. 

John was the first to break the spell as he cleared his throat and brought the cup to his mouth. “So..how is business?” 

“Ahm..it’s good..quiet at times..” She answered and turned around, needing a moment to collect herself. Why was it that when John was near her, she started acting like a shy and nervous girl? 

“And how is the Inn?” 

John smiled to himself as he watched her start to refold the napkins which clearly didn’t need to be folded again. “It’s good…quiet at times.” He repeated playfully. 

Marlena burst out laughing and turned around to face him again. With the cup to his lips, he arched one eyebrow and gave her a boyish smile. He loved her infectious laugh. 

“Do you need any help closing up? I might as well give you a hand now that I interrupted you.” He asked, secretly hoping she would accept, just so he could spend a little more time in her company. 

“No but thank you. There is nothing left to do.. I’m just waiting for my last customer to leave so I can go home.” She laughed and winked in his direction. 

“Okay okay I can take a hint” He laughed and quickly finished his coffee. 

Their laughter died down and was replaced with a comfortable silence. 

John watched Marlena with a content smile as she reached back behind her neck to take off her apron. 

“Oh my gosh, what’s going on behind there?” She giggled as she struggled to loosen the knot. 

John was quickly on his feet and strode behind the bar. “Let me help you with that.” He said, standing so close to Marlena’s back that she could feel the heat of his body. 

Marlena slowly let one arm fall down to her side while she pulled her hair to the side with the other. She could feel his warm breath hitting her exposed skin and his gentle fingers gracing the back of her neck. 

“How in the world did you manage to make such a mess?” John softly chuckled, taking his time and enjoying being so close to her. 

“I don’t know” She whispered, trying not to sound too flustered. 

Her skin felt so warm and soft against his fingers, making it difficult for him to concentrate on his task. 

Just before he was done, he leaned in closer to her warm body and discreetly inhaled the scent of her hair, hoping she wouldn’t notice. There was something so special and intoxicating about it. He had always loved her scent and it hadn’t changed through the years. But he rarely got to experience it so close, and combined with the smell of her skin, he was sure that he had never smelled something or someone so sweet and wonderful before. 

Marlena’s breath hitched in her throat when she felt him lean into her. And when she felt his small intake of air, goosebumps traveled over her skin. 

But no matter how wonderful he made her feel, this wasn’t right, she thought and broke their closeness, taking a small step forward. 

“Thank you.” She whispered as she took off the apron and hung it behind the door next to Sami’s. 

“Any time.” John said, clearing his voice and eyeing her retreating form. “I’m gonna go now…good night Marlena”. Walking towards the front door, he turned around to catch one more glimpse of her. 

With her back to him, Marlena softly said “ Good night John…Say hi to Kristen for me!” 

Part 2:

“The best place to get the greatest home cooked meal is definitely The Brady Pub” John told the young couple who were staying at the Inn.  

“You will love it and not just the food. The whole atmosphere is so full of coziness and the woman who owns the place…she..she’s amazing” John stuttered the last part. 

“Honey, you need to stop telling our guests to go to the pub. We have a perfectly fine cafe here” Kristen came up from behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. 

“I know, but they have been through so much, Sami and Marlena. I don’t want them to worry about the pub’s survival.” He said thinking about how their lives had changed the day Roman died. How they had to face the difficult dilemma of quitting their beloved jobs in order to save the pub and keep the Brady legacy alive, or to sell the pub, ending an era of history of Salem. John had seen first hand how hard Sami and Marlena had worked day and night for almost three years to keep the pub alive. 

“John, it’s been three years now. I think the pub is doing just fine. You need to focus on what is important here..this Inn..our dream.” She said enthusiastically, placing a kiss on his cheek. 

John sighed with resignation and unwrapped her arms, stepping out of her embrace. She could be so insensitive and self centered at times. 

“I am focused but that doesn’t mean I can’t care about the pub as well.” 

“Aww you and your big heart.” Kristen laughed and swatted his chest. There was something in her voice, a certain tone, that made John feel like she was mocking him. 

John put on a fake smile. “I’ll be in the office. There are some things I need to take care of.” He said, needing some space away from her. 

——-

John sat behind the big wooden desk in his office. Leaning back in the large leather chair he closed his eyes and let his mind wander. 

It was something he did from time to time, taking a break from his life, his work and his wife. It was his free space where he took time to remind himself of how lucky he had been in his life. 

It wasn’t written in the stars that he would end up living a quiet and simple life in Salem, running an Inn, not for profit but just because it was something he found meaningful.

He came from a privileged and wealthy family, where the only thing that mattered was money and how good you were at making it. 

He had fallen in love with the beautiful town and its welcoming residents when he had been invited to a gala function at the University hospital. His company Basic Black had donated 1 million dollars to a new psychiatric unit and the leading psychiatric doctor had insisted that he should come to the gala so the whole hospital could show their appreciation. That was when he first met the beautiful doctor in charge…Dr. Marlena Evans. 

It wasn’t long after that, that he had stepped back as the director of Basic Black, letting his son Brady take over. He had convinced Kristen that buying the Inn was a great way of cutting down on work and enjoying an early retirement. 

It had been 8 years since they moved to Salem and John had never regretted the decision. He had never been more content with his way of life, contributing to the community not just with donations but also taking part of everyday life and activities brought him a greater sense of belonging and meaning than he had ever felt before. People saw him for what he truly was, not just for his wealth, but for the kind man who was ready to drop everything in order to help any way he possibly could.

The ringing of his phone interrupted his thoughts. 

“John Black..”

“Hi John, it’s Sami. I’m sorry for calling but I didn’t know who else to call on a Sunday..” Sami said hurriedly. “There’s a leak somewhere…there’s water all over the kitchen floor..” 

“Sami, don’t panic..I’ll be right there” John laughed as he pictured her running around the pub in panic. He had a soft spot for her. Her energy, determination and charisma was so infectious. In some ways she was like a hurricane, the complete opposite of her calm and collected mother.

———-

John walked in through the back door to the pub, which led directly into the kitchen. He wasn’t sure what he expected to see, but what met his eyes definitely wasn’t it. 

The whole floor was covered by 5 centimeters of water, Sami was standing by the sink looking down at a couple of legs sticking out from the cabinet beneath.

“ Can you see where the leak is?” Her voice was filled with a mix of panic and laughter. 

John heard the muffled sound of an answer coming from the person, and could tell by Sami’s resigned expression that it wasn’t what she wanted to hear. 

“Help is here..” John said smiling, holding up his tool box. 

“Oh my God, John….Thank you, thank you, thank you” Sami said and threw her arms around his neck. “You are a lifesaver”.

“Don’t thank me yet…” John laughed and winked. “So..who’s hiding under the sink?” 

“It’s mom..” Sami laughed. 

Marlena lay perfectly still the second she heard John’s voice. Although she was more than thankful for him coming to help, she was also a bit annoyed that she wasn’t able to fix the problem by herself. 

It wasn’t John’s fault. Roman had never let her do any handy work, and when she did try he had always mocked her, telling her that she should stick to what she did best. After his death she had been forced to do a lot of things herself and had taken great pride in being independent and not relying on a man or anyone else to do things for her. 

Stepping closer, John couldn’t believe that Marlena was lying on her back under the sink in the cold water, trying to fix the leak. He was in awe of her. This woman could do everything. 

“Do you need any help down there?” He said with a big smile on his face,squatting down next to her. 

Peaking in he saw the determination on her face, her eyes were fixed on her hands which were holding a spanner and a rag, and she was biting her lower lip. Her hair and clothes were soaking wet. 

“No.. I think I got it now” She said through clenched teeth as she used all of her power to  tighten a pipe that was clearly leaking. 

“Damn it…” She bursted out when the spanner slipped out of her hand, making her drop the rag in her other hand and resulting in the water pouring out and down on her face. 

John tried not to laugh. “You almost had it. Try again, but use this instead” He encouraged and handed her a pipe wrench. 

Marlena grabbed the tool, took a deep breath and tried again, this time with success. 

“I did it…oh my gosh” She yelled proudly. 

“Good job” John said softly and gently padded her just above the knee. 

“Mom, you’re such a badass..I’ll go find some towels and a mop to clean up this water” Sami clapped her hands and rushed out of the kitchen. 

John stood up and held out his hand for Marlena to take. “Do you need a hand?” 

Marlena slowly squeezed her way out from under the sink. She looked up at John, a smile adored his face, not one of mockery but a kind and loving one, maybe even a proud one. 

“Thank you.” She whispered almost shyly and placed her small cold hand in his warm large one. “I’m not as young as I used to be.” She giggled quietly. 

None of them said anything as John helped Marlena to her feet. 

John stepped closer to her. “You could have fooled me.” He whispered and gently brushed her wet hair away from her forehead. 

The intimate touch and the way his eyes roamed her face sent shivers through her body. 

Her hand was still in the safety of his warm palm, his thumb tracing a soft path over her knuckles. 

For a long moment they searched each other’s eyes, not knowing what they were looking for, but what they found scared the both of them. 

Their moment was broken when Sami bursted through the door holding two mops and a stack of towels. “Who’s ready for some cleaning.” She shouted, oblivious to the tension in the room. 

Marlena stepped back, putting some much needed distance between herself and John but he kept holding on to her hand. He didn’t avert his gaze from Marlena as he answered Sami. “I am, but I think your mother needs a nice hot shower.” 

“Great. Then let’s do this.” Sami said and threw some towels in John’s way. 

Their hands were slowly being pulled apart as Marlena backed away. 

The moment their physical contact was broken, they both felt something they hadn’t felt in years…Longing and lust. 

Part 3:

Large snowflakes were falling from the dark sky, covering the streets in a fluffy white blanket. There was something so magical about snow and the complete silence that came along with it. 

It was Thanksgiving day and the pub was buzzing with life. Since Marlena and Sami had taken over the pub, they had made it a tradition to share the special holiday with people who didn’t have a family to share the day with. 

The delicious smell of turkey filled the room and the street outside, inviting guests to come in and join the warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Even though the last three years had been a struggle and not how she hoped her life would turn out to be, Marlena still had a lot to be thankful for. Her children, her friends and the opportunity to still help people who were struggling. 

A smile adored her lips as she looked around the pub, the happy faces of children, parents and elders enjoying themselves made her proud of what she and Sami had accomplished. 

Throughout the day, every time Marlena heard the doorbell ring, she would unconsciously look towards the door. And when she realized it wasn’t the person she hoped to see, her bright smile slowly faded away only to be replaced with a disappointed look on her face. 

“Happy Thanksgiving mom”. Sami said, coming up beside her and wrapping her arm around Marlena’s shoulder. “We did good!”

“Happy Thanksgiving my sweet girl.” Marlena looked at her daughter with admiration and love. 

———

It was almost midnight before the final guests left with their stomachs full and with memories of an amazing day. 

A piece of wood was still burning in the fireplace, the orange flames dancing a slow tango to the sound of crackling. Marlena sat down in the old rocking chair and got lost in the imaginary creatures the flames created. The warmth from the fire felt amazing as it seeped through her exhausted body. 

“I’m going home now, see you tomorrow.” Sami said, coming up from behind and placing a kiss on the top of Marlena’s head. 

“Good night darling..”Marlena whispered tiredly. 

“Oh I almost forgot. I found this letter at the bar with your name on it” Sami hurried to the bar to grab the envelope and handed it to her mother. 

“Wonder who it’s from?”. Sami said curiously. 

Marlena studied the envelope, but didn’t recognize the handwriting. “Probably a guest saying thank you.” 

Stroking her mother’s hair, Sami yawned loudly. “Well.. tell me about it tomorrow. I’m almost sleeping standing up…good night mom.. I love you.”

“I love you.”

With heavy eyelids Marlena looked down at the envelope and traced her finger over her written name. The handwriting was beautiful, she thought before her eyes closed and she dozed off into a peaceful sleep. 

———-

John looked out the window. The full moon and bright stars combined with the new fallen snow illuminated the dark night. 

He loved this time of year, the beautiful landscape the snow created, the silence and the warmth from the fireplace. 

“Honey..come to bed.” Kristen said quietly, running her hands up and down his arms. “You have been so quiet all day.” 

John kept his eyes on the glistening snow. “You go ahead..I’ll be there in a minute.” 

Kristen let out a deep sigh. She could feel him pulling away, the question was why…Did he know her secret? Her heart started pounding and an unsettling feeling started growing in the pit of her stomach. He can’t know…

John closed his eyes when he heard the door to their bedroom closing after Kristen. His mind wandered back to that day, one week ago when he had last seen Marlena standing completely soaked in the pub’s kitchen. God, she looked so beautiful. Her eyes were the most special and stunning color, and in them he saw her strength and her vulnerability. He remembered how he had struggled to keep his gaze from dropping down to her mouth…her perfect lips. The way she would unconsciously bite her lower lip followed by the tip of her tongue, made him swallow hard as it felt like they invited him in, tempting him. He had been seconds away from leaning in and accepting the silent invitation but Sami had interrupted. 

He remembered that special feeling when she had looked him so deeply in the eyes, it felt like she was staring right into his soul, revealing all of his secrets. At first he was scared, afraid that what she saw would make her turn away but she hadn’t. The fact was, that through her eyes, he saw himself for the first time. 

He wanted to go see her again after that day, but a family emergency forced him to go to New York and he had just returned in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with Kristen. 

Sami had invited them to come to the pub, but Kristen had insisted that they spend the day only the two of them together at the Inn, much to John’s disappointment. 

But on his way back from the airport he stopped by the pub. He didn’t go inside, instead he stood unnoticed and watched through the window. It felt like his heart was about to burst when he saw Marlena walking around with someone’s baby on her arm, the way her eyes lit up as she undoubtedly whispered sweet words in the baby’s ear and how she danced around made John’s heart flutter. 

It took every ounce of strength not to burst through the door and join them, but he couldn’t, so instead he left something for Marlena to find. 

Backing away from the window, John let out a sigh, turned off the lights and made his way to his bedroom. 

———-

The fire had died out when Marlena woke up. Her neck was stiff from sleeping in the rocking chair, and the warmth from the fire was replaced by a cold breeze from the wind outside, causing her to shiver. 

As she stood up, about to go upstairs to bed, her eyes caught the white envelope on the floor. She picked it up and placed it on the bar, deciding that she was too tired and would read it tomorrow. 

As she ascended the stairs to the bedroom something made her stop and look back. It was like a magic force was pulling her back, telling her that whatever was in the envelope was very important. Slowly she turned around and went back down. 

Again, she ran her slender fingers over her beautifully written name. Her tiredness was long gone as she started opening the envelope with shaky hands. As she read the first few lines her heart began beating faster and faster. 

Thanksgiving 2022

Dear Marlena…

Part 4:

‘Thanksgiving 2022

Dear Marlena

I’m writing you this letter because unfortunately I wasn’t able to come to the pub today. Today is about giving thanks and being grateful and I hope I’m not crossing a line but there are some things I need to tell you. 

To be honest I’m not sure if I would have the guts to tell you in person what you mean to me, so maybe this letter is the best way. 

I have been thinking a lot lately, soul searching some may say, about my life and about who I am. I have traveled the country and the world, always looking for something, but never knowing what. That was until I came to Salem. Here I found myself, my home, my meaning and you have been a big part of that journey. And for that I would like to say thank you and that I’m forever grateful. 

I often wonder what kind of man I would have become if I hadn’t met you. Sometimes I even wonder what would have happened if I had come to Salem earlier, when I was a young man. Who would I have become then, and who would you be to me? 

I knew from the first moment I laid eyes on you, that you were special. You have a way of making everyone around you feel comfortable and cared for. 

Your grace, your kindness, your generosity, your determination and your wisdom inspires me to be the best version of myself, it has since the first day I met you and it still does to this day. 

I can’t even explain to you how much I admire you. 

In many ways you have played a big role in the man that I have become, the man I always wanted to be. I can’t even begin to thank you. 

I know it hasn’t been easy for you the last couple of years. I have watched you with the utmost respect and admiration, how you have taken care of others and put yourself aside even through your grief, you always think of others. 

So if you ever forget, let me tell you…You are beautiful, and you are brilliant and you are the bravest person I’ve ever met. 

You are compassionate, capable and I can honestly say that I have never met anyone like you. 

So thank you Marlena. Thank you for everything you are to others..for everything you are to me. 

Love John.’

The letter fell from her shaking hands, tears streamed down her face as she tried to comprehend what John had written. Never before had anyone expressed such kind and genuine words to her, not even Roman. 

“I need some air..” She said and put on her coat.

There was something special about wandering the streets in the middle of the night when it was snowing. It was peaceful, the streets were deserted, no cars and people were sleeping peacefully in the comfort of their homes. It felt like you were the only person in the world. 

It was something her twin sister Sam and her used to do when they were young, but that was  a lifetime ago. 

The snow crunched beneath her feet as she walked towards the pier. It was a place she would always find herself when she needed to think, to get a clearer perspective. The sound of waves coming in and the fresh air always seemed to comfort her and guide her. It was as if the wind whispered answers which were buried in her subconscious, answers or truths she sometimes was afraid to hear or admit. 

Through the years she had found herself standing at the edge of the pier, looking out at the ocean, needing guidance and advice and tonight was no different. 

The letter from John had set something in motion inside of her, something she hadn’t felt in ages. It wasn’t that she doubted what she meant to her children and friends but reading those words from John opened up a piece of her heart that had been closed down for many years. She felt seen, understood and appreciated by someone who didn’t expect anything from her. As a wife and a mother, words of appreciation always came along with needing something in return. 

Nobody had ever thanked her for just being her, except for her twin sister Sam. 

She was the only person who really knew her and never expected her to be more than she was. 

A lone tear fell from her eye at the thought of Sam. “God, I miss you so much” She whispered into the cold night. A small wind blew through her hair, gently caressing her gray locks. “Sam…” She called out quietly, looking up into the sky. 

“Marlena..” The deep voice behind her startled her, making her jump forward and almost falling into the dark water. She felt a large hand grab a hold of her upper arm, steadying her. 

“I got you.” 

The sound of his warm voice made the small hairs in the back of her neck stand. 

“John, what are you doing here this late?” Marlena asked surprised as she turned around to see his small smile. 

“I could ask you the same question.” John replied, keeping his hand on her arm. 

“I…I couldn’t sleep and needed some air…John.. I..” John cut her off before she could finish the sentence. 

“Marlena..it’s okay, you don’t have to say anything.” John said tenderly, knowing she was about to comment on his letter. 

Letting go of her arm, he came to stand next to her, facing the water. Marlena followed him and they both stood in silence taking in the incredible view. 

They stood for minutes without saying anything, John with his hands in his pockets and Marlena with her arms wrapped around herself. Marlena was the first to break the silence. “Thank you.” She said and glanced to her side, taking in John’s strong profile. “You can’t possibly know how much your words mean to me.” 

John met her eyes and saw the tears that threatened to break free from her beautiful hazel eyes. “I meant every word.” He whispered softly, getting lost in her soulful orbs. When he saw her tears run down her cheeks, he couldn’t help himself as he reached for her face with both hands, his thumbs tenderly brushing her tears away. 

His intense and caring eyes were too much for Marlena and forced her to look down. 

“I’m sorry…I..” She sobbed, feeling embarrassed by her emotional state. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional.” 

“Don’t apologize…sometimes we just need to let go and let it all out.” John said and tilted her head slightly up so he could see her eyes again. He had never seen her vulnerable before but it made her even more beautiful. 

Taking a deep breath Marlena gave him a sad smile. He was right, it was refreshing to allow herself to let her guard down and let someone comfort her. She didn’t feel the need to explain to John what she was feeling and why, because she saw in his eyes that he already knew. 

Marlena shrugged her shoulders, needing to change the subject and the focus away from her. “It’s so beautiful out here on a night like this.” She said as she tried to turn around and look at the ocean again, but John held her in place, his hands never leaving her face. 

“You’re beautiful…” He couldn’t stop the words from leaving his mouth. His thumb softly traced the outline of her lower lip. He searched her eyes, looking for approval. Her lips parted slightly as she gave him her silent acceptance. 

John was almost afraid to breathe, afraid that their moment would somehow be broken if he moved an inch. But he had to taste her perfect soft lips. No thoughts of Kristen or consequences entered his mind, only Marlena consumed his entire being at that special moment. 

Marlena’s heart was beating so hard that it felt like it would burst out of her chest. The anticipation of John’s lips on hers made her stomach flutter like never before. The intense feeling of desire was so foreign to her but also too strong to be ignored. She wanted him, his lips on hers and his hands on her shivering body no matter how wrong it might be. 

Marlena unwrapped her arms from her torso and hooked them around Johns, leaning her body closer to him, inviting him in. 

Agonizingly slow, their lips gently brushed as they stared into each other’s eyes. Both pulled slightly back to take a moment to comprehend what was happening, what was about to happen. 

“Kiss me..” Marlena whispered breathlessly. 

John didn’t hesitate as he captured her lips, this time with more force. He flicked his tongue against her lips, asking for entrance to her mouth and Marlena immediately responded. Their eager tongues met, and a sensation that was new for the both of them surged through their bodies. The kiss was soft yet intense, laced with desire and left them both wanting more. 

It was as if their mouths were made for each other, their tongues dancing along and around in perfect harmony.  

Large snowflakes were falling quietly from above as the two stood in a tight embrace and continued to explore, neither wanting to stop and face the world outside the bubble they had created. 

Part 5:

He could still feel the tingling feeling of her wet lips and hear her small moans as he walked back home. He never planned for what happened between them tonight, but he had always wondered what it would feel like to hold her in his arms, to kiss her. Marlena was a very attractive woman and you would have to be completely blind not to notice her striking beauty. She had turned the heads of many men and women when she walked into a room, leaving them all in amazement, not just by her physical appearance but also with the grace she carried herself. 

John smiled as he touched his lips. Now that he had gotten a taste of her, he wasn’t sure that this one kiss would ever be enough. She was even more perfect than he could have ever imagined. The way her lips moved against his, how her tongue so effortlessly swirled around in his mouth as if it had done it a million times before. The way her body melted against his, so soft and warm despite the cold weather. How was he going to get her out of his mind? 

He truly was infatuated by her, the small signs of being in love so present in his whole body. 

Entering the Inn, he was immediately confronted with reality as the scent of Kirsten’s perfume filled the space. What am I going to do? He thought to himself, but he knew that after tonight there was no way of getting Marlena out of his mind..and out of his heart. 

John carefully opened the door to his office. There was no chance that he would get any sleep tonight, his adrenaline was still high or was it euphoria?. Turning the light on, his eyes immediately scanned the room. Something was wrong, out of place. 

Standing in front of the desk he noticed small signs that indicated that someone had been in there and made an attempt to cover it up. His notepad lay at a different angle, a pen at the wrong side of it and his chair not pushed all the way under the desk. 

Furrowing his brows in suspicion he reasoned that it was most likely Kristen who had used the office, but why would she try to cover it up? 

“Where have you been?” Her voice startled him. 

John looked up to see Kristen standing in her robe with her arms crossed. Although she had surprised him, he was even more surprised by her tone of voice. It was filled with anger and hostility and bore no sign of concern about his whereabouts. 

“I couldn’t sleep, so I went for a walk. Have you been in here?” He asked with suspicion, changing the subject while straightening out the misplaced objects. 

“No..why are you changing the subject? I have been worried sick. It’s cold and snowing outside.” Kristen hissed defensively. She nervously watched as he ran his hands and eyes over his desk. 

“I’m sorry, let’s go to bed.”He said and walked past her and out of the room. 

There was something strange going on with her but he couldn’t put a finger on it, so for now he let go of it. 

———

Marlena stood and looked at herself in the bathroom mirror. How she had gotten there, she couldn’t remember. But the evidence of what had taken place earlier was still visible. Her lips were swollen and red, her eyes hooded and glazed with a spark she hadn’t seen in years. Her cheeks were red, and it was not caused by the cold weather outside, no it was the result of the burning fire that John had ignited within her. 

Placing her hands on the sink, to steady herself, she closed her eyes. 

She didn’t know what had come over her when she told John to kiss her. He was a married man for god’s sake. He was her friend…

But in that moment all she wanted was to be loved, to feel a man’s warmth and caress.. correction, it wasn’t just any man she wanted…It was John..only John. 

The way he held her face so tenderly in sharp contrast to his powerful and possessive mouth that devoured hers, leaving them both breathless in the most intense and incredible way. His masculine scent was still present on her clothes and skin. 

After their kiss on the pier, which seemed to last forever, he had followed her home to the pub, holding her hand in his, never letting it go. They had walked in silence, both trying to comprehend what had happened, both trying to climb down the high they felt. 

At her doorstep, he looked at her, with what one could interpret as love, but it couldn’t be, she thought. He then tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned forward, his lips naturally seeking hers, only to be met by Marlena’s cheek as she turned her head slightly to the side. He placed a soft kiss on her rosy cheek, letting his lips linger on her warm skin before he pulled away. His voice was soft and quiet as he said, “Goodnight Marlena”. 

She stood and watched with her heart pounding hard in her chest as he walked away, home to his wife. Regretting that she hadn’t allowed herself to kiss him again, realizing that that would probably be the last time they would share such an intimate moment.

Looking up at her reflection, she shook her head lightly and spoke to the woman staring back at her. “What have you gotten yourself into, Marlena?…You are too old for this and he is married. It’s too late to go down that road..”. 

Believing that she had convinced herself of that fact, she gave herself a little encouraging nod and started getting ready for bed. But a small voice in the back of her mind kept telling her that maybe, just maybe it was never too late. 

——

Morning came fast and the lack of sleep was present throughout her day. Again, she found herself looking at the door every time the doorbell rang, hoping that John would stop by. She tried desperately to stay focused on her customers and listened to them but her mind kept drifting back to last night….to John. 

Around late afternoon, she felt the cold air coming in as the door opened, making her quickly snap her head up. When she realized it wasn’t John, she let out a disappointed sigh and observed a well dressed man approaching her. 

“Miss Evans?” He asked in a formal voice. 

“Yes..” Marlena confirmed. 

She watched as he opened his briefcase and took out a manila envelope and a piece of paper. 

“If you could just sign here to confirm that you have received this.” He said coldly and pointed at the signature line. 

Marlena looked at the paper with confusion and worry. “What’s this about?” 

“Sorry, I can’t tell you.” He stated and handed her a pen. 

She hesitated and tried to read the man in front of her, but he was like a closed book. Taking the pen, she signed the paper. 

“Thank you. Have a good day.” He said and handed her the envelope and then he was gone. 

For the second day in a row, her hands were shaking as she stood holding a letter from an unknown sender, only this time she had a gut feeling that whatever was in this one would not be as sweet and precious as the one before. 

Taking a knife she opened the envelope and slowly started removing the content inside. The first thing she saw were big letters with a name and a logo she knew all too well…Basic Black inc. 

——-

“Mom…” Sami gasped when she came out from the kitchen to find her mother standing paralyzed with something in her hand, tears streaming down her face. 

She snached the piece of paper from her and quickly started reading. 

‘To Miss Evans

We are sorry to inform you that your property has been bought by Basic Black Inc. 

To invest in the future of Salem and to accommodate its citizens’ increasing demand for a more modern community, we have purchased the whole area around Salem Place to establish a new and large mall. 

You will have until the first of January to close down your business. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the new and improved Salem Mall. 

Kind regards

Basic Black Inc’ 

“What the hell….that son of a bitch..!” Sami bursted out, not caring if their customers heard. 

“Why would John do this to us?” 

Part 6:

Betrayal comes in many forms but the one common thing that always comes along with it is heartbreak. The hurt and heartbreak when you realize that the person you trusted just took that trust and ripped it apart like a thin piece of paper, throwing it away like garbage, leaving you behind with sadness, grief, anger and self blame. 

That was exactly how Marlena felt. She had trusted John, he was her friend…her… or at least she thought so. But apparently she had been fooled, blinded by his charm and helpfulness. 

For days, after she received the eviction notice, she had felt so helpless and sad. Sad that they were losing the pub, the Brady family legacy, but she was heartbreakingly devastated by the fact that John was behind it. She kept asking herself why? How was he able to kiss her and look at her with such care, knowing that he was about to take away the pub. She wasn’t ignorant to how he had alway subtly flirted with her, always coming by to help or for a cup of coffee and the way he would look at her. How could she have been so naive to actually think that he liked her, that he  appreciated her company?

John had been calling, texting and even showed up at the pub several times but she ignored him. She didn’t want to hear his excuses or explanation, it would only break her heart even more. 

Now the sadness and despair was replaced with anger. Good old fashioned anger that ignited a fire and a will to fight, to bite back and not to surrender to willingly. 

Marlena watched Sami with pride as she stood in front of the special guests they had invited. It was Sami’s idea to invite the other shop owners for a meeting, to discuss their options and make a plan to somehow stop Basic Black from taking away their businesses and their livelihoods. 

“As I see it we have one option and that is to have everybody in Salem sign a petition that says that we don’t want this large Mall and then we need to raise money to buy back what is ours.” Sami said to the crowd, and received a standing ovation. 

“But it’s going to take a lot of money.!” A man said. 

“I know, but even if we can’t reach the amount that it takes, it will still be a strong signal to the mayor that he needs to take us seriously and reconsider the deal he made with Basic Black.” 

“Hear…Hear..” Another chanted. 

“So here is my suggestion. We throw a fundraising event where we auction off all kinds of things. Like a dinner with friends, a spa day, whatever you can offer from your business or shop, only your imagination is the limit. And it will take place at the Horton Square, right in the heart and center of everything that will be destroyed by the Mall, so that everyone can see what they will miss and how it will destroy what we all have worked so hard for.” Sami spoke enthusiastically. “And I think it should take place on the first of December, when we have our annual Christmas tree lighting.” 

“But that’s in 3 days.” A woman said. 

“I know, but if we do this together then I’m a hundred percent sure that we will be able to arrange everything. So who is with me?” 

Within seconds everybody raised their hands, clapping and cheering. 

———

It had been 5 days since he had last seen her, 5 days since he had passionately kissed her and held her small hand. 5 days since he said goodnight to her at her doorstep with the hope that he would see her again the next day. 5 days of agony and confusion. 

John was going out of his mind. He had tried everything, calling, texting, showing up at the pub several times a day but the message from her was always the same. Marlena refused to speak to him. No explanation, nothing. 

He knew he had crossed a line when he took her lips and pressed her body against his, but he was positive that she consented, that she wanted to kiss him too at that moment. Had he misread her, wasn’t she the one who told him to kiss her? The more he thought about it, the more he was beginning to doubt himself, thinking that he misinterpreted the situation and her. 

“Oh God, what have I done?” He questioned, blaming himself for not being able to put his feelings and attraction aside and ruining their friendship. Just the thought of not having her in his life, even just as a friend, was heartbreaking to him. “I need to fix this..”

John quickly put on his jacket and stepped outside. 

“Where are you going?” Kristen shouted as she saw him running to his car. 

Not bothering to stop and explain, John shouted back, “There’s something important I need to take care of.” Then he got into his car and drove away. 

————-

Within 10 minutes he was parked outside the pub. A large group of people were leaving the place, so he decided to wait until he was sure that Marlena would be alone. 

From his car he saw Marlena and Sami standing in the door, shaking hands with a man. Who were these people, he thought when he didn’t recognize the ones he had seen leaving. 

Sami put her jacket on, kissed her mother on the cheek, and followed the man down the street, leaving Marlena alone. 

Now was his chance. With quick strides he was at the door just as it was closing behind her. 

“Marlena..” 

She jumped at the sound of his voice and stopped in her tracks. “You need to leave.” She said sternly without turning around to face him. 

“Please let me explain.” His voice was desperate. 

“I don’t want to hear it…so please leave.” Her voice softened, revealing her sadness. She needed to get away from him, afraid that if she turned around and saw his haunting eyes she wouldn’t be able to stand her ground. She really wanted to hate him. 

John wasn’t blind to the fact that she was upset, hurt even, but he needed her to listen to him. When she started walking away he quickly grabbed her by the elbow, stopping her from leaving. “Doc..please!” He begged. 

His gentle yet firm hand and his deep voice calling her Doc, sent shivers through her body. The fact that his touch and mere presence was affecting her in a way that it shouldn’t, made her even more angry. 

Spinning around with fire in her eyes, she was met by his puzzled expression. “You don’t get to call me that…”

He had never seen her angry before and although he shouldn’t, he couldn’t help but notice how beautiful and sexy she looked. Her normally soft hazel eyes had turned darker, her cheeks were blushing and her lips were just as kissable as ever. With his hand still on her elbow he felt like lightning struck, the tension between them was making it difficult for him to remember what he had planned to tell her. 

Marlena felt it too, no matter how hard she tried to deny it. 

“I’m sorry…but will you please hear what I have to say.” 

For a moment she looked into his eyes and for a second she was just about to give into his plea. How could he look at her with such sad and begging eyes when he knew damn well what he had done. 

Her gaze left his face and slowly traveled down to her elbow where his hand still held onto her. 

“Whatever you have to say won’t justify what you did..so leave and don’t come back here.” 

With that, she turned around and walked away with her heart in her throat and shaky legs. 

Part 7: 

John opened the morning paper for the first time in a week. He needed something to distract him from the constant thoughts of Marlena. He had respected her wishes and hadn’t tried to contact again, even though everything inside of him screamed for him to do something, to get her to listen to him. 

Scanning the pages, a headline caught his attention. 

‘Large company plans to build a new mall in the heart of town’ 

An unsettling feeling started to spread as he began reading. 

“What the hell!!” He burst out when he discovered the company’s name. 

He couldn’t believe it. How was he not aware of Basic Black’s plans? Although he had retired, he was still the director and all major decisions regarding the company were to be run by him. But nobody told him about this. 

And then it hit him like a brick wall….Marlena. The reason she was upset wasn’t because of their night on the pier, it was because she believed that he, the man she had known and trusted for 8 years, was responsible for this ordeal. 

“Oh God..no, no, no,” He chanted desperately. 

John quickly grabbed his phone and paced around in his office as he listened to the dialing tone. 

“Hey dad..what’s up?” Brady answered cheerfully. 

“What have you done? What the heck were you thinking?” John yelled. 

“Wow..calm down! What are you talking about dad?” 

John ran his hand through his hair, frustrated with his son. “Do you really need me to explain it to you? Did you really think that I wouldn’t find out?” 

“Dad…what are you talking about” Brady was getting more and more confused. “Find out about what?” 

John let out a loud sigh. “You went behind my back…Basic Black buying out the small businesses around Salem Place to build a mall…what the hell were you thinking?” 

“Wow wow.. hold up. What are you talking about? This was your idea, you set everything in motion and signed the paperwork!” Brady told him even more confused than before. 

John stopped abruptly. Did he hear that right? His head was spinning, trying to make sense of what Brady was telling him. 

“Are you sure?” He asked his son. 

“Yeah I’m sure. What’s going on? Do you want me to email the papers to you so you can see for yourself?” 

With a distant look in his eyes, John said. “Yeah..yes. Thanks kid.” And then he hung up. 

Many questions flooded his mind. Who did this? And why would that person do it behind his back? 

John was intent on getting to the bottom of it but first he had a more important thing to take care of. Grabbing the paper again he read the last part of the article again. 

Tonight during the Christmas tree lighting, the shop owners will raise money to buy back their community. Everybody is welcome to come and show their support and donate whatever you can afford. 

———

Salem Place was illuminated by Christmas lights. The beautiful voices of the choir singing Christmas carols filled the area and added an even more cozy atmosphere to the already festive evening. Children were hanging their pacifiers on the large Christmas tree, as a gift for Santa, hoping he would exchange them for gifts. The smell of spices and Glögg filled people’s noses and invited them to enjoy the hot delicious drink. 

Marlena was on her second cup. She wasn’t much of a drinker but had a soft spot for the red spicy drink. She felt the warm alcohol spread through her body, as she took another sip and walked around and took in the smells, the sounds of people enjoying themselves and the happy and excited faces of children. Tonight was truly magical, just as Christmas was intended to be. What Sami and the other shop owners had managed to accomplish in such a short time, was indeed a miracle. 

“Mom…” Sami shouted, running towards Marlena. 

“Oh honey, everything is just perfect. I’m so proud of you.” Marlena said lovingly, feeling the effects of the alcohol. 

“Thanks mom. Everything is going great, but I have one problem and I really need your help. Please…don’t say no!” Sami looked at her with her best puppy dog eyes, knowing that Marlena wouldn’t be able to say no. 

Marlena giggled at Sami’s expression. She knew that look and knew that she wouldn’t be able to decline her request, whatever it was. 

“Allison from the bakery couldn’t be here for the auction, so I need you to take her place, okay?” Sami said, leaving out what it entailed. 

“Okay sure, whatever I can do to help.” Marlena said, figuring that she was going to help with some practical stuff. 

“Great…the auction is about to start so come with me”. Sami took Marlena’s hand and quickly walked to the stage in the middle of the square. 

“Welcome to the last auctions of the night.” The announcer said, earning applause from the crowd. “Are you ready to do some bidding?…great..let’s begin. The first auction is a dinner for two at the Brady Pub.” 

Marlena stood at the side of the stage and watched as the bids were made. 

“Sold for 500 dollars, to the woman in the back. Up next is the chance to dance to your favorite song, right here on the square, under the stars and Christmas lights. But you won’t have to dance alone, because your dance partner will be the wise and beautiful Marlena Evans. So ladies and gentlemen get ready to bid.” 

If looks could kill Sami would have been dead the second Marlena heard her name. “Sami….” She said sternly. 

Sami couldn’t hold back her laughter at her mother’s reaction. “Come on mom, it’s just one dance.” 

“Sami, it’s not funny….Oh my gosh.” Marlena said nervously. “Nobody is going to be bidding anything to dance with me anyway..” She whispered to herself. 

“Do I hear 200…400…500…” The announcer said and pointed out into the crowd. “500 going once..going twice…..”

“100,000 thousand dollars..” A voice shouted from the back of the crowd, followed by loud gasps. 

“One hundred thousand dollars…going once, twice…and sold to the gentleman in the back.” The announcer stuttered in surprise. “Please sir, come to the stage.” 

Both Sami and Marlena were speechless as they saw the crowd making room for the man to make his way to the stage. Small whispers and gaps followed the man as he passed by, leaving mother and daughter to wonder who he might be. 

Marlena caught a glimpse of a very familiar profile, which she had admired that night at the pier. “Shit…” 

“Mom….” Sami bursted out, shocked by her mother’s language, but when she saw the man standing on the stage she understood. “Shit…” 

——-

Standing on the stage in the warmth of the spotlight caused small drops of sweat to form on his forehead, despite the cold December weather. The crowd before him was silent, only small whispers were heard until a voice yelled, “traitor!!” 

From the corner of his eye he saw Marlena and Sami, surprise and anger written all over their faces. He knew he needed to do something, say something, to get the people of Salem and most importantly Marlena, to understand that he was not behind Basic Black’s plans.  

“Thank you for your very generous donation Mr. Black. I must say it is a very big surprise.” The announcer said and handed John the microphone. 

He had never felt so nervous about speaking before as he was in that moment. During his career he had spoken in front of many people before, sat at the end of the table when difficult decisions were made, and never felt uncomfortable or nervous about it. Maybe it was because all of that never really mattered to him…This, here, the people of Salem, they mattered. Their opinion of him mattered to him. And Marlena’s opinion mattered more than he ever thought it would. 

John took the microphone and took in a deep breath of air, preparing himself for the most important speech of his life. 

Part 8:

All eyes were on John as he cleared his throat into the microphone. The crowd went dead silent, so quiet that you could hear a penny drop in the back. 

John’s palms were sweaty and his throat felt tight. 

“Hmm..Hi…” He stuttered nervously. “A lot of you know me. My name is John Black and I know what you’re all thinking right now.” He stumbled over his words. 

“I know you are asking yourself, how can I have the audacity to stand here today when my company is going to destroy this place. But I promise you, that I have absolutely no involvement whatsoever in any of this and I will do everything in my power to stop Basic Black. And that’s a fact…My small donation today is just one step on the way and I give you my word that I will not rest until this is solved.” 

John heard the faint voices of people debating whether to believe him or not. He had given them the best he had to give, his word, and now he could only hope for their trust. From the corner of his eye he saw Sami and Marlena. Sami was saying something, and judging by her hand gestures he could tell she was not convinced. Marlena had her arms crossed as she looked down while she shook her head. John felt his heart beat faster..he couldn’t read her body language. What was she thinking? Did she believe him? 

The announcer took the microphone. “Thank you Mr Black. I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say that I really do hope that what you’re saying is true and that you will live up to your promises.” Most people nodded their heads in agreement. “We need to get on with the program so if everyone who was fortunate to win a dance with some of the lovely ladies or gentlemen, please find your way to the dance floor where the music will start in 5 minutes.” 

——

John slowly approached Sami and Marlena.

As he came closer he could hear bits and pieces of their conversation. 

“I don’t know mom.. I want to believe him. What reason would he have to want to do this? He has always loved the pub and he has helped a lot since dad died.” Sami said. 

John could tell that Marlena was hesitant as she again shook her head lightly. 

“Hi…sorry for interrupting..” John said and made his presence known. 

He noticed that Marlena took a small step back when she lifted her head and their eyes met. 

“John..that sure was a very generous donation.” Sami said, her eyes shifting between John and her mom, feeling the tension between them. 

With his eyes still locked on Marlena’s he spoke in almost a whisper. “It’s the least I could do considering…” He didn’t finish the sentence as the music started playing. “Marlena..may I have this dance?” He asked softly and held out his hand. 

His heart skipped a beat the second he felt her small hand in his and he couldn’t help the smile 

on his lips when he heard her quiet voice. 

“You paid an awful lot of money for just one dance!” 

John closed his hand around hers and squeezed it gently before he leaned in closer to her and whispered in her ear, “The truth is, I would have paid much more to get a chance to dance with you”.

Sami stood and observed the intimate moment, wondering what was really going on between them. Her mother’s expression had changed from mistrustful and angry to what appeared to be hopeful, the second John had whispered something in her ear. She noticed how Marlena’s eyes softened and how her cheeks flushed and suddenly it was as if the world around them had disappeared, totally unaware of anything but each other. 

John stepped back and gently tugged Marlena along with him, leading her, hand in hand, to the dance floor. 

Despite the other couples who had already found their way to the dance floor, all eyes were on John and Marlena. 

John led them to the middle and then stopped and turned around to face her. 

John could tell she was still hesitant and unsure. “It’s okay” he said and pulled her closer to him. He placed one hand on her lower back and the one, which already held her hand, he placed over his heart. Marlena draped her free hand over his broad shoulder, resting it at the nape of his neck. 

She could feel his heart against her hand, beating fast, matching her own. They started swaying slowly to the sound of the music, but neither paid much attention to the song as their minds were occupied by a thousand questions. 

“Do you trust me?” John asked and looked down at her beautiful face. 

Marlena avoided his intense eyes and looked around at the people staring at them, unsure of how to answer his question. 

“I need you to believe in me!” He almost begged, searching for her eyes. 

When she felt his thumb softly caressing her back, she gave up the fight and looked straight into his blue eyes. 

“I do…”She whispered, answering both questions. 

John felt the relief wash over him and the lump that had occupied his throat for over a week disappeared in that instant. 

“Thank you..” He said and pulled her even closer, her body flush against his. With his cheek against hers, he was again overwhelmed by her scent as he buried his nose in her hair and inhaled. 

“Ever since that night on the pier, I haven’t been able to get you out of my head.” His breath was hot in her ear. “And when I thought that you never wanted to see or speak to me again….my good old heart just broke..” 

Marlena let out a small gasp by his admission and the way he squeezed her body. 

“John….people are watching..” Her voice was shaking. 

“I know..” He said and closed his eyes. “Just close your eyes and shut them out.” 

Closing her eyes, she tightened her arm around his neck and brought their bodies even closer. She quickly got lost in the feeling of being so close to him. Her stomach fluttered and a warmth spread through her body. It felt so good to be wrapped in his strong arms, although she was still very much aware of the fact that he was married and had no right to feel that way. 

John couldn’t help himself as his lips made contact with her exposed skin just below the ear. He wanted to place a small kiss but instead he let his lips linger there. Unconsciously Marlena tilted her head slightly to the side, extending her neck, inviting him to explore. They were both lost in each other and the feelings of longing and desire they were evoking. 

“Do you ever think about that night?” He asked her. 

Marlena let herself get hypnotized by the deep sound of his voice, the feeling of his chest expanding whenever he would inhale and how his hot breath tingled the sensitive spot behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine. 

“Every day..” Her voice was raspy and almost inaudibly. 

John let out a low moan. God she felt so soft, so perfect, it was like her body was sculpted to match his, like a perfect fit. 

“I thought that you were mad at me because of that night. That I had stepped over the line and somehow taken advantage of you..” 

Marlena opened her eyes, surprised that he thought that she didn’t consent, that she didn’t want it just as much as he did. Pulling her head back slightly without their bodies parting, she spoke softly. “John, look at me!…I asked you to kiss me…you didn’t do anything wrong.. I’m the one who crossed the line..you are married, I shouldn’t have asked you to do that and put you in such an uncomfortable position.” She admitted. 

Marlena saw a smile form on John’s lips and a playful look in his eyes as he lifted one eyebrow. “I think we have a lot to talk about but not there with all eyes and ears on us.” John said and looked around them. He leaned in again, cheek against cheek, and placed his lips so close to her ear, that when he spoke he was able to feel her skin. “The song is about to end…but I want you to know… that I want to kiss you again and so much more..” 

Marlena froze and her breath got caught in her throat. She couldn’t say anything and if she could, she didn’t know how to respond to his admission. 

The music stopped and she felt John slowly pulling away from her. 

She already missed his warmth. She heard the faint voice of the announcer say something but she didn’t pay attention. Her full focus was on the handsome man before her, who was smiling at her, enticing her to play with fire and risk getting burned. 

Part 9:

The warm water felt heavenly around her sore body as she sank into the bathtub. She had been so tense lately, mainly due to the misunderstanding between her and John, but also because of all the extra working hours she had put into tonight’s event. “I’m getting too old for this.” She mumbled to herself as she leaned back and closed her eyes. She smiled to herself at the double meaning of that phrase. Too old to be on her feet all day and too old to be getting emotionally involved with a married man, her friend nonetheless, and too old to be feeling like a hormonal teenage girl again. 

She let out a deep sigh of relaxation and tried to empty her mind. When she was in the state between being awake and asleep, she heard his voice..”I want to kiss you again..and so much more”

——

His fingers traced a feather light pattern from her shoulder to her collarbone, down between the valley of her breasts, under the water to her stomach, along her long slender leg that was draped over the edge of the bathtub and stopped at her feet. Goosebumps followed his path along with her hooded eyes. When she felt his large hands wrap around her foot, gently massaging and rubbing her sore spots, her head fell back and a moan of satisfaction echoed off the walls. 

“You like that?” His voice was deep and seductive. 

“Hmmm…very much..” She breathed out. 

His hands felt like magic, rough yet soft and gentle, as they massaged every knot and tension out of her body. 

A new sensation surged through her limbs when she felt his lips on her toes, kissing each one of them. Her stomach fluttered and an ache settled between her thighs, one that she had never felt before. She had no control over the sounds that escaped her half open mouth, neither had she ever heard them before. 

His hand traveled along her calf, up and down in a soft and slow motion, leaving her wanting him to go further up her thigh. But he didn’t. Instead he lowered her leg into the water and grabbed her other leg, lifting it out of the water and started giving it the same amount of attention. 

She opened her eyes to finally look at the man who was giving her such loving attention and bringing her so much pleasure. “Oh God…John…this feels so good” Her voice was raspy, almost unrecognizable. 

“You deserve it. You deserve to be taken care of and treated like a queen.”  John said hoarsely and lowered her legs back into the water. 

The bubbles that had once covered her naked body like a blanket, were long gone and left her completely exposed and vulnerable to him. She could feel his eyes burning her skin as he stood up and took in her naked form. Her cheeks were burning and her breathing quickened, making her breasts rise and fall, over and under the water. Her stiff nipples poked through the surface with her every breath, hypnotizing the already besotted spectator. 

“God..you are so beautiful..” He whispered as he stepped closer and reached for her face and gently caressed her cheek. 

Marlena took his hand and slowly tugged, pulling him closer. Their faces were so close that their breaths mixed, so close that it felt like they could see into each other’s soul, see the desire and love that they held for each other. Everything was bare at that moment, there was no going back, no more denying, no more holding back. 

Just as their lips were about to connect, Marlena felt like she was hit with a cold bucket of water….

“What the…” She panted, blinking rapidly and trying to catch her breath. Disoriented, she looked around in confusion. The bathroom was dark and quiet. The water had gone cold and there was no John. And then it hit her…It was all a dream. 

——

It was past midnight, but as usual, John couldn’t sleep. The last week had been an emotional roller coaster. Thankfully, it seemed that Marlena believed him. Now he just had to make it right with all the shop owners and find out who had forged his signature and pretended to be him. 

He had spent the last hour trying to concentrate and go through the documents Brady had sent him, but it seemed like an impossible task. Thoughts of Marlena consumed every inch of his mind. How her body felt being flush against his, how her hips swayed slowly creating a delicious friction between them, how her breath smelled so sweet, that it left him drooling from the desire to taste her. 

He felt a strong need to take care of her in every aspect, to make her feel happy, appreciated and loved. Love….he did love her, he had since he first laid eyes on her 8 years ago. Love at first sight…but it was more than that, he was truly and utterly in love with her. He had spent the last 8 years trying to hide his feelings for her, doing everything he could not to make it too obvious to Marlena, Roman, Kristen and the people around them, that Marlena was so much more than a friend to him. 

What exactly made him find the courage to act on his feelings now, was a question he had asked himself over the last few days.

Maybe it was the fact that he was getting older and the fear of never getting to experience what true love felt like seemed terrifying to him. Maybe it was because his marriage to Kristen had been problematic since he decided to settle down in Salem and retire from Basic Black. Or maybe it was just because he simply couldn’t control his feelings for her any longer. Maybe it was a combination of all of those factors. 

He had always dreamed about her. Dreams of a normal everyday life where she still worked as a psychiatrist at the hospital, doing what she was meant to do and him taking care of everything at home, waiting impatiently for her to come through the door with her bright smile because she had helped yet another person. Dreams of making love to her like he had never made love to another woman before. Dreams of how he would kiss every inch of her perfect body, how he would pleasure her and how it would feel to sink into her deep velvety canal. 

And then he would wake up in the middle of the night with a desire so strong and painful, only to realize that the woman in his bed was not her. 

John ran his hands over his face and tried to focus on documents from Brady again. He needed a plan and fast…

Part 10

Marlena stared at the Christmas card in front of her. She had handwritten all of them as she did every year, but this time one card in particular was causing her trouble. The card to the owners of the Salem Inn, John and Kristen. 

It had become a tradition of hers, to put on her Santa hat and personally deliver each card to friends, family and the other shop owners. The thought of going to the Inn and facing both John and Kristen, together, stirred a mix of emotions. Guilt, excitement, dread, anticipation..

Taking the pen, she decided to just keep the Christmas greeting simple and suppress the urge to write John a very personal letter. 

With the stack of cards she put on her long red winter coat and Santa hat and started her journey. 

——

John felt like he was seeing double after spending all night and most of the day going through different documents, trying to find something that would reveal who the imposter was. 

There was something there but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Leaning back in the chair, he closed his eyes for a moment before he took his phone and opened his messages. He had deliberately not contacted Marlena since they said goodbye last night, because he knew that if he did, he wouldn’t have been able to do anything else but think of her. And trying to save the pub and all of the other shops was his main priority now that misunderstanding between him and Marlena was out of the way. 

Just as he was about to write to Marlena, did his phone ring, his wife’s name appearing in big letters on the screen. 

“Hey..” He answered, trying to sound happy. 

“John…what the hell is going on. I’m gone for one day and then I open the paper and see a very big and compromising picture of you and Marlena, dancing, looking very intimate.” Kristen yelled. 

“Hey..hey..calm down.” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, a headache was brewing. 

“I bid on the charity auction and won a dance. I was trying to help raise money. Did you know that Basic Black has bought all the shops and the area around Salem place?” He questioned, trying to change the subject of Marlena and that dance, which was so much more than just an innocent moment between friends. 

Kristen hesitated. “Ahm.. I just read about it in the paper. Didn’t you know?” She asked, her voice suddenly changing to a softer tone, nervously almost, John noticed. 

John furrowed his eyebrows, this conversation seemed odd. She had gone from being angry and jealous about the picture to sounding distant and nervous in only a few seconds. Why wasn’t she questioning him more about the picture? He could only imagine what it would look like, them dancing so closely, his hand firmly placed way lower on her back, than what was appropriate for a married man. And if the picture had captured just one percentage of the sexual tension between them, then it would be clear to anyone that something was going on between them. 

“No, I didn’t know. I would never allow that. Someone forged my signature and made it happen and I’m going to do everything in my power to stop this..” He didn’t mean for it to sound like a threat, but more as a fact. 

Kristen’s hands started shaking. “I need to go, my father needs my help. I’ll see you tomorrow when I get home.” And then she hung up. 

John looked at his phone with a puzzled expression. What was that? Something in his gut told him that Kristen, his wife, was indeed hiding something, his intuition was never wrong. 

John opened his messages again and found Marlena’s name. He needed to talk to her, he needed her perspective and wisdom, he needed her…just as he had typed his message and hit send, he heard the sound of the bell ringing, signaling that a guest needed him. “I’ll be right there!” He yelled. 

——

Marlena stood in the foyer and waited. She was nervous about seeing John again, and if Kristen was there she had no idea of how to act. The door to his office opened and when she saw him, she couldn’t help the big smile on her face. 

“Marlena..” John said in surprise. “What a nice surprise.” His smile reached all the way to his eyes as he looked her up and down, dressed like a little Santa helper.

”You look especially cute today.” He couldn’t control the fast beating of his heart as he stepped closer to her. 

Marlena giggled shyly. “Thank you…I’m just on my annual Christmas route..” She never took her eyes off of his, as she handed him the card. Their fingers met, an electric wave spread through them, paralyzing their bodies but not their hearts as they beat hard in their chests. 

John closed his hand over hers and leaned forward, placing a tender kiss on her cheek. He let his lips linger there and reveled in the sensation of being so close to her. 

Marlena let out a small sigh and closed her eyes for a moment. Why was it that whenever he was close to her, she lost the ability to think clearly? Why did her body react so quickly? Actually, she knew why, it had just been so long since she had felt like that…it was love..it was the feeling of being in love. 

John pulled back and stared into her eyes which held a spark of something that seemed foreign but yet so familiar. Whatever it was it made him smile, made him feel like the only person in the room. 

He gently adjusted her hat and let his fingers run slowly down her cheek in the most precious way, like he was touching the most expensive diamond in the world. 

Her eyes started to flicker, searching the room nervously. 

“Kristen is not here..she is out of town.” He whispered, picking up on her unspoken concern. 

“I just texted you actually, I need your expertise Doctor”. He said, trying to get her to loosen up. 

Marlena looked at him curiously. “You do?”

John chuckled softly at her surprised and innocent expression. “Yep…I only take advice from the very best. So will you please join me in my office?” 

Taking her hand he led her into his private room. 

Marlena looked around while she took off her Santa hat and unbuttoned her coat. His office was just how she expected it to be. Warm, organized and masculine. Frames with pictures decorated a bookcase. Picking up a frame, she studied the image. John and Brady in a loving embrace at what seemed to be at Brady’s graduation. “How is Brady?” She asked with a smile. 

With his arms crossed, John leaned back against the table and smiled at her. “He’s doing great. He runs the company like a pro…I have been going through some documents he sent and I could use your advice.” 

Marlena placed the frame back on the shelf. “How may I help?” She said, looking at him. He looked so strong, so powerful and in charge that she could only imagine what it must have been like to sit in front of him at a business meeting. She had never seen that side of him before but she liked it. 

John cleared his throat. “I have a feeling that someone from my inner circle is behind this but I can’t prove it yet. And I am not sure whether to confront them before I am absolutely certain”. 

John watched as Marlena’s face and posture changed, becoming more confident and more focused. And there was a special tone in her voice that he’d never heard before. It was calm and deliberate and made him feel like whatever she was about to say, he would believe every word. And dear God..she was even more sexy. “How does that make you feel, if someone that you trust went behind your back?” She asked. 

“It infuriates me…” He admitted and ran a hand over his face. 

“Would you be able to calmly confront this person when you are in a state of anger? Would you be able to listen to a possible explanation? ” She added. 

John took a moment before he answered. “No…probably not..” He said and let out a sigh. 

“Well then, I think you have your answer.” Marlena smiled. “May I ask, how this person communicated with the other people at Basic Black regarding this deal?” 

John looked surprised at her question, not anticipating her interest. “By email.”

Marlena bit her lower lip and John could almost hear her thinking. “Someone once sent me threatening emails and the police were able to track down the person via the IP address..” 

John arched his eyebrow. Why hadn’t he thought of that. “Oh my god…you are brilliant.” He bursted out laughing, quickly stood up and threw his arms around her, taking Marlena by surprise. 

What started out as a joyful embrace quickly turned into a more serious and intense one as their laughter died out and the only sound was their heavy breaths. Again they found themselves in a situation where the attraction between them became so evident and strong that they felt the world around them disappear.

John tightened his grip around her waist and held her even closer. “Thank you Doc.” He whispered in her ear. 

Marlena’s knees felt weak and her temperature rose as her arms tightened around his neck. Her fingers threaded into the short hair at the nape of his neck, bringing his head closer to hers. 

Every cell and nerve in their bodies felt alive, like they were revived after years of dormancy. 

“Do you ever miss being a psychiatrist? Helping people..saving the world?” John broke the silence. 

Marlena released her tight grip and pulled back slightly, catching his blue eyes. “Every single day.” Tears of deprivation welled up in her hazel orbs. 

“Maybe someday you will get to practice again..” John said, hoping that it would come true. 

“Maybe…” She whispered and closed her eyes, willing herself not to shed a tear. 

John let go of her waist and tenderly cupped her head and placed his forehead against hers as his thumbs gently caressed her cheeks. 

The gesture was so intimate, so touching and so beautiful that they both struggled to breathe. 

“John.. I…have to go..” She stuttered through the lump in her throat and reluctantly stepped back. Swallowing hard, she walked away from him and out of his office. 

“Marlena…wait..don’t move” 

“John…please..” She said without turning around, feeling the tears about to fall. 

“You forgot something.” John said, grabbing her elbow and turning her around. “Santa’s helper can’t go around town without her hat on.” He said with a sad smile, wiggling her hat. 

She didn’t respond, she couldn’t, so she just watched him with longing in her eyes as he gently placed the hat on her head. 

He took a moment to admire the beauty in front of him and saw in her eyes, what her mouth wasn’t saying. He saw what her heart truly felt and it made him happier than he ever thought he could be. 

“There you go…just perfect…” He said lovingly, giving her an encouraging wink. 

With a small smile, Marlena turned around and walked away. 

Part 11

John’s words had resonated with her for days, his question about her missing working as a psychiatrist. She did miss it but nobody had ever asked her about it since she took over the pub after Roman died. 

Being a doctor was what she was born to do, but in the light of everything that had happened, she as usual put her own needs and wishes aside. At that moment, when John had asked her, she had felt seen for the first time in a long time and a thirst for something more in her life had been brought to life. 

But was it too late for her to go back? To withdraw from her responsibilities at the pub? And would she ever be good enough to consult patients, after three years away from practicing? 

Marlena looked down at her busy hands which were folding napkins and a sad smile formed on her face. Her emotions were all over the place lately. It wasn’t that she was walking around feeling sad and unhappy with her life but  whatever was going on between her and John had changed her, and had given her some perspective on her life. 

There was doubt and sadness about what could have been, if she still worked at the hospital, about missed opportunities and sadness over being in love with a man who was not hers to love. 

She really wanted to be mad at John for what he had evoked in her, that he made her feel like they had something special, that he was playing with fire while being committed to someone else. But she couldn’t. Actually, she was kind of grateful to him, even if nothing else was going to happen between them, even if they didn’t have a future together, she could never be angry with him. He had opened up her heart, made her realize what she wanted and needed in her life, for herself and not for others. 

“Mom…you can’t believe what I just saw” Sami came bursting through the door, interrupting her train of thought. 

“What?” Marlena laughed, watching her daughter frantically trying to unzip her long winter coat. 

“Jesus…shit..” Sami hissed with frustration and abandonment when the zipper got stuck in the jacket lining. 

Marlena’s contagious laughter filled the pub as she walked to Sami and helped her with the seemingly difficult task, just like when she was a little girl. 

“I just saw Kristen with a man…and they looked mighty close.” Sami said and watched for her mother’s reaction. 

She wasn’t oblivious to what had been going on between Marlena and John. Not just in the recent weeks but since John came to town actually. The small affectionate touches, how their eyes would always search for each other whenever they walked into a room, how they would always gravitate towards each other, the obvious flirting and words of endearment when they thought nobody was listening and the disappointed look in Marlena’s eyes when it wasn’t John entering the pub. 

She really hadn’t given it much attention throughout the years, until her father died and she realized that John was the one person that could make her mom truly smile. And that was why Sami had been calling John more and more to help them with small things at the pub, and every time she saw a special spark between them. One might call her a matchmaker. 

Marlena felt her heart rate increase and her hands started to fumble with the zipper. “What do you mean by close?” 

“Well…they obviously thought that nobody could see them in the dark alley behind the bakery..” Sami laughed. “Since Kristen had her tongue down his throat..” 

In pure shock Marlena ripped the zipper from its hold on the coat. “Samantha Gene..” She gasped in disbelief and by her daughter’s graphic description. 

“Yeah.. I know, that was my reaction too..” Sami laughed. “Ohh and I called John to come and help put up the Christmas tree and hang some decorations.. I know you don’t like to stand on a ladder.” 

“What…why…when..” Marlena sounded feverishly. 

“In about 10 minutes..” Sami smiled mischievously and left her mother alone to process the situation. 

——-

“Ho ho ho…help is here!” John sang cheerfully as he entered the pub. “Hallo…anybody home” He called out when either Marlena or Sami were nowhere in sight.

Hiding in the bathroom, Marlena heard him calling. She had needed a moment to get her nerves under control and unconsciously freshen up before she was able to face him. Taking one last deep breath she prepared herself for what was going to be a very long and agonizing evening. 

“Hi..” Marlena said happily, unable to suppress the large smile that always adored her face when she saw him. 

John beamed at the sight of her. “Hi..” 

A moment of silence followed, as the tension between them grew. They always needed a second to get comfortable with the emotions they evoked in each other before they could even begin to talk. 

“So…where do we begin?” John cleared his throat and looked around the pub. 

Still flustered, Marlena followed his gaze and shook her head lightly. “I…I don’t know actually..” She giggled. “Maybe…we should start with the Christmas tree, put the foot on it so it will be ready for Sunday when we have the Christmas ornament competition.” 

“Great plan.” John said cheerfully and took a step forward at the same time as Marlena, resulting in them bumping their bodies together. 

Electricity shot through them the second their bodies collided, making their knees weak and their heads spin. 

Marlena felt her body betray her, as she wrapped her arms around his torso, not to steady herself but to pull him closer. 

John held her hips firmly, reveling in the feeling of the softness of her luscious curves beneath his hands. She had him under her spell and at that moment all he could do was act on pure instinct, to obey what his body and mind were telling him to do. 

Slowly he leaned his head so close to hers that he could feel her small quick breaths of air on his lips, tingling… teasing him..inviting him. 

Marlena was hypnotized by his deep blue eyes that never left hers. The power this man had over her was so powerful and strong, that no matter how hard her mind tried to tell her that this was wrong, it would be impossible to ignore what her body, heart and soul wanted. 

And what she wanted right now was John’s lips on hers, exploring every single corner of her mouth..and her body…she wanted his large firm hands to caress and grab her naked skin. The evidence of her want and desire, evident in her hooded eyes and the damp spot between her thighs. 

John couldn’t take it anymore, he had to kiss her. Their lips gently touched, soft and tender. A small gasp of pleasure left Marlena. She needed more..opening her mouth wider, she crushed her lips onto his, her tongue finding his, offering him to take her with all he had to give. 

John felt his control slipping away fast as they devoured each other in an erotic and dangerous manner. Bodies pressed firmly together, mouths moving, hands wandering…exploring every inch of forbidden territory. He entangled his fingers within her soft hair and groaned deeply as he was overcome with a passion so strong that he couldn’t think of anything else but her. 

But right next to the burning desire, she ignited something else within him, something more profound, something even stronger…he desperately wanted to take care of her, he wanted to make her happy, he wanted to be the one to put that beautiful smile on her face every single day..for the rest of his life. 

With the door to the kitchen slightly ajar, Sami watched her mom and John with a satisfied smile. 

Part 12:

How they had gotten there, neither of them knew and it didn’t really matter. All that mattered was how good they made each other feel. And good was a serious understatement when Marlena felt her back hit the bar and felt John push his pelvis against her abdomen while his mouth was busy kissing, sucking and biting her neck. There was no room for a single rational thought, not even a concern that someone would come in and find them in this compromising position. 

His hands slowly slid up the sides of her rib cage, stopping when he felt the curve of her breasts. He couldn’t help himself when his thumbs brushed lightly against her mounds, making her gasp loudly. He wanted to rip her blouse apart and release her breasts, he wanted to feel their weight in his hands, to take her nipples in his mouth and tease them, make them hard and perky. He could only imagine what it would feel to bury his head in the valley of her chest and the thought made the bulge in his jeans even tighter. 

With every swipe of his tongue against her burning skin, Marlena was fast losing whatever was left of her common sense. Her legs were shaking and when she felt his hands on her breasts, all she could do to keep standing was to wrap one leg around his. Which however forced John’s body even closer, revealing his arousal which was painfully confined by his jeans. His large hand slid down her back to her ass and pulled her hard against his throbbing member. Her body writhed beneath his skillful hands and his hungry mouth sent shivers down her spine. She could only imagine what more he could do to her, how much more pleasure he would be able to bring her. 

And that was when it hit her…

“Jo..John…” She panted, with her eyes closed. 

“We need to…oh God…” She melted when he kissed her right beneath her ear, finding a pleasure spot she didn’t even know existed. 

Her sultry voice was adding more fuel to the already out of control fire that was raging through John’s body. “Hmmm..” He growled as he grinded his hips against her center. 

God he felt so good..But no matter how much she wanted this or how much she enjoyed it, it wasn’t right. Marlena found her last piece of willpower. “John…we can’t do this…not here..”. Her voice was raspy and hoarse, almost unrecognizable. 

The second John heard her, he stopped. He knew she was right, regardless of how much it pained him. “I’m sorry..” He whispered out of breath and rested his forehead against hers but still holding her body flush against his. “I got carried away….I’m so sorry..” 

Marlena grabbed his chin, forcing him to look her in the eyes. “Don’t apologize..” She whispered and gave him a small smile to try and reassure him that he hadn’t done anything wrong. “It’s not like I’m an unwilling participant.” She giggled trying to lighten the mood. 

John arched his eyebrow and gave a naughty smile. “When you are right, you sure are right Doc.” His blue eyes sparkled mischievously. 

“John…” She laughed and swatted his chest playfully. “Well.. you better remember that.” She said and tried to untangle herself from him but to no avail as John held her in place, still trapped between the bar and his warm body.  

“John…” She sighed. 

“I’m not ready to let go of you..” He admitted and took her hand, placing soft kisses in her palm down to her wrist. “But you are right, this is not the place and I have an important job I came here to do.” He said between kisses. 

His kisses left her skin tingling and craving more. “Oh…so is this the job you came here to do?” She teased. 

“Hmm..intentionally no.. but it was what I was dreaming of.” He confessed and stopped his sweet torture to look her in her eyes where he was meet by her smoldering orbs. 

“You were?” Her voice sounded innocent as she got lost in his blue pools. 

John brought her hand up to his mouth, his lips lightly running over her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers. “Yes…and to be honest I have been dreaming about this since the first time I saw you.” 

His confession caught her somewhat off guard and reality hit her. “But you are married, John!”. She sighed sadly and looked down to protect herself from intense stare. 

John knew it was inevitable that the subject of his marital status was bound to come up. Actually, it was long overdue but he had been so caught up in Marlena every time they were together, that he just seemed to forget about everything and just wanted to disappear into this fantasy where only the two of them existed. 

He had always been a man of action and now more than ever he needed to do something about this situation, his situation. He needed to make it clear to Marlena what his intentions were. The uncertainty in not just her voice but also her eyes made his heart break. She didn’t deserve to feel that way, to feel like the other woman, when she in fact was the only woman. This wasn’t an indifferent flirt…This was so much more and she deserved to know exactly what he wanted and what he hoped for. 

Reaching for her chin he gently tilted her head up. “You know Doc..As we grow older we don’t have the luxury of time. At our age we can’t afford to wait around and see how things will turn out. I have waited for 8 years for the right time to come, and now I don’t want to wait any longer. If you are lucky enough to find someone that is so right, so special, someone who is the other half of your heart and soul, don’t we owe it to ourselves to take the chance no matter what?…. To take the leap… and trust in your heart that that special person will be there to catch you.” He swallowed loudly, nervous about her response. When she didn’t say anything he continued. 

“I want you to know that I’m divorcing Kristen. Not just because of my feelings for you but I’m doing it for myself. You have taught me so much about what is important in life, and I will spend the rest of my days trying to do better, be a better man and help others without expecting anything in return. So…..” His palms were becoming more and more sweaty as he anxiously waited for her to say something. 

“I understand if you don’t feel the same about me. I just want you in my life even if nothing more is going to happen, I just hope that we can still be friends…” 

A small smile adorned her face. His honest words touched her heart and soul and watching him so nervous made her love him even more. “John..” She whispered. “ I know the feelings you are talking about.. I’m having them too and it scares me, honestly. But I trust you and I don’t want to look back when I’m lying on my deathbed and regret that I didn’t have the courage to follow my heart. So I will take the leap with you, if you will hold my hand the whole way…” 

Marlena held out her shaking hand as a promise of a future together. A small tear of relief tickled down John’s cheeks and a deep breath of air escaped through his lips. Instinctively he took her hand and placed it on his chest, over his heart. The symbolism of it wasn’t lost on them. She held his heart in her loving gentle hands and she would do everything to protect it, she would heal it and cherish it, just like he would hers. 

——

Sami peaked through the door again. She had left the pub after she had watched John and her mother kiss, giving them time alone and hoping that they would finally realize that they belonged together. But watching the scene before her, left her wondering what had happened during the time she had been gone. 

The Christmas tree was up, decorations and lights adorned the room and Christmas music played in the background. 

“Oh my gosh.. it’s perfect.” Sami said as she walked in with a big smile on her face. 

“Oh..Hi honey.” Marlena said softly and handed John, who stood on the ladder, the star to put on top of the tree. 

“How did you manage to do all this so fast?” Sami asked and looked around the pub. 

Placing the star on top of the tree, John climbed down the ladder and wrapped his arm around Marlena’s waist. “Well, your mother is a tough boss who doesn’t allow any breaks..” John laughed teasingly. 

“John…that’s so not true..” Marlena tried to hide her smile as she swatted his chest playfully. 

Sami observed the interaction between them with a satisfied smile. She would have to be both deaf and blind not to notice that something profound had happened between them. 

“Just kidding..” John said and pulled Marlena flush against his side, his hand firmly on her hip. “The truth is..we make a pretty good team…” He said and looked down at Marlena with loving eyes. 

“We sure do!” Marlena agreed and leaned her body closer to his, momentarily forgetting that Sami was still standing there. 

None of them heard the door open or felt the presence of a pair of eyes staring at them. 

“Well… isn’t this sweet..” A woman’s voice sounded, making the three of them turn their heads in surprise. 

Part 13: 

“Kristen…you’re back.” John said, still holding Marlena. It wasn’t until Marlena took a step away from him that he realized what Kristen had walked in on. 

“Yeah…just came from the airport and saw your car parked outside…” Kristen said suspiciously. 

John wasn’t prepared for this and nervously ran his hand through his hair. “I’ve been helping with the decorations..” He said when Sami suddenly interrupted by laughing loudly. She had had enough of Kristen’s charade, she knew a screamer and a liar when she saw one. Hell, she used to be like that herself. Something about Kristen had always rubbed her the wrong way but Sami never could put her finger on why. And now she finally had something and being the feisty and rebellious woman she was, she wanted to make Kristen squirm right in front of all of them.

“Hmmm.. so you just came back? Well that’s funny because I could have sworn that I saw you earlier today with a mysterious man in a very private moment. In fact..if I…” 

“Samantha!!” Marlena interrupted sharply, warning her not to continue. But when Sami turned to look at her, Marlena knew by the determined look in her eyes that there was no stopping her. 

Ignoring her mother’s warning Sami continued undeterred. “Oh..come to think of it, I also saw you with that same man, sneaking around the shops at Salem place..”

“You are delusional Sami..” Kristen hissed. “You must have mistaken me for someone else..because I..”

“No no no…it was you” Sami laughed confidently, eyeing Kristen from head to toe. “There is only one woman in town who dresses like a cheap slut.” 

“Sami…that’s enough.” John yelled. “You are out of line.” He stepped forward to try and take control of the situation. A pleased and confident smile was plastered on Sami’s face. Kristen on the other hand looked uneasy and nervous, not what he would expect of a woman being accused of the things Sami was saying. 

“I’m sorry John, but you wife here is up to something and….” Sami paused theatrically when it suddenly hit her. “Oh my God..not only are you cheating on your husband but I really wouldn’t be surprised if you are behind all of this…Basic Black destroying everything we have built here, building that stupid Mall…” 

Kristen felt the walls closing in as Sami accusations flew through the room. She felt John and Marlena’s eyes staring at her, trying to detect if what that little blond brat was saying was true. She knew that it was going to come out eventually, knowing that John was investigating who had forged his name and signature but she never expected to be standing there in the pub and being exposed by Sami Brady. 

“I’m not going to stand here and listen to these accusations.” Kristen said firmly but her voice revealed that she was shaken. “John..are you coming?” She asked and turned to him. 

John shifted his glance between the three women, uncertainty and confusion written all over his face. Was Sami right? Did Kristen play a part in this whole mess with Basic Black? She had been acting weird lately which had caused him to suspect that something was going on but had he been to blind and naive to see what his wife was really capable of? Or was Sami just stirring problems? He had heard stories about when she was a teenager, about her old habit of getting not only herself into trouble but others too, and how her nickname Hurricane Sami came to be. 

John signed resignedly. “Yeah..” Before he turned to follow Kristen out the door he caught Marlena’s confused eyes and mouthed wordlessly..”I’ll call you later.”

——

If a single look could kill, Sami would be dead on the spot. 

Being on the receiving end of Marlena’s furious glare was not new to her, although it had been years since her mother had looked at her with such a judgmental and disdainful expression. 

“Don’t look at me like that mom.. You know I’m right..” Sami tucked her hair behind her ear and looked down, something she had always done when she felt nervous. 

Marlena’s eyes softened. This girl, her sweet but very impulsive daughter possessed the ability to make the hairs on her head even more gray. It had always been that way ever since she was a baby. So strong willed and confident that it had tested Marlena’s patience since the day she came into this world. Well even before then actually, when she was in her womb. Even though Sami shared the space with her twin brother, Marlena could always tell the two apart by the way they kicked. Sami would always have a saying about everything, what Marlena would drink, eat and even what kind of music she would listen to. Sami’s voice was meant to be heard but her situational awareness had never been her strong side. 

Marlena knew that behind her sometimes confronting attitude and not always thought through actions, was a girl with a heart of gold and a sense of justice. 

“I don’t know honey..those were some serious accusations.. and I don’t think it was fair to John to present them like that, here, with all of us totally unprepared.” 

“But mom..he deserves to know what kind of woman he is married to..and I swear..if I’m right and she is behind this, I’m gonna rip her head off.” 

—-

The fire from the fireplace casted a warm orange light, illuminating the woman sitting in the old rocking chair in front of it. 

To say that it had been an eventful day was an understatement. So much had happened in such a short span of time, that Marlena found herself unable to process everything that was going on. One thing she was sure of though, was that after today, nothing would be the same. 

It was almost midnight but sleep was the last thing on Marlena’s mind.  It had been hours since John left with Kristen and she had yet to hear from him. She was worried though, about John and how he would handle all of the accusations that Sami had thrown Kristen’s way. She thought back to a couple of days earlier, when she went by the Inn to give him the Christmas card. He had expressed concern about someone from his inner circle being involved, impersonating him. Did he already have a feeling that that person might be his wife? Was Kristen even capable of such a betrayal? And how would John react, if  all of it was in fact true? 

“I hope you are okay John” She whispered to the flames as her fingers fiddled with the soft fabric in her lap. He had left in such a hurry that he had forgotten his scarf. Slowly she brought it up to her cheek, reveling in the warm soft feel as it gently caressed her skin. Turning her head slightly, she buried her nose in it and inhaled.  She was immediately overcome with his masculine scent. 

A small knock on the door made her jump and quickly turn to look at the door. A breath of relief escaped her when she saw John peeking through the window. With her heart beating fast she ran towards the door, unlocking it. 

“John..are you okay?” She asked the second she opened the door and saw the defeated look on his face. 

Stepping inside, John let out a long deep sigh to try and rid his body from the tension that his conversation with Kristen had created. The warm and cozy atmosphere in the pub immediately made him feel better, made him feel safe and relaxed. And when he felt Marlena’s small hand on his shoulder, he felt a sense of peace. Turning around to face her he was met by her caring and worried eyes, studying him with concern. 

“I’m going to be okay. …All I know right now, is that you are everything that is right in this world” 

Marlena reached for his face, her hands gently cupping his cheeks. Her heart ached for him as his eyes silently told her what he had come to realize about Kristen’s betrayal. 

“Sami was right about everything..” He said with sadness. “Kristen’s been having an affair with my half brother Lawrence for years.. they are the ones who forged my name, impersonated me, to get what they wanted….Money and power..” He swallowed loudly as the bitter taste of anger and embarrassment filled his mouth. 

“Don’t be embarrassed.. You couldn’t have known.” Marlena comforted, instinctively knowing what emotions were going through his mind. 

John gave her a heartfelt but sad smile and took her hand which still held his cheek. Kissing her palm, he closed his eyes while his lips lingered on her warm skin. 

“Will you sit with me by the fire for a while?” He asked, knowing that what he needed right now was just to hold her, be around her and feel her comforting presence. 

Without a word, Marlena took his hand and guided him to the fireplace, motioning for him to sit in the rocking chair. Finding another chair she placed it next to him and sat down. 

John wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him. Her head quickly found a natural place in the crook of his neck, and her hand instinctively moved to rest over his heart.  They sat for a long while, looking into the flames. No words were needed as their bodies, minds and souls communicate in a manner which neither had ever experienced before. 

Part 14:

“Thank you Marlena…” John whispered contently. 

Marlena smiled against the skin on his neck. “You don’t have to thank me.. I haven’t really done anything.” 

Laughing softly, John nuzzled his nose into her hair and placed a small kiss on her forehead. “You are way too modest, Doctor..but I will thank you anyway..for being here for me.” He twirled her soft hair around his fingers and looked down at her sleepy eyes. “I better get going and let you get some rest.” He said and gave her a wink before he reluctantly let go of her warm body. 

At the loss of his loving and safe embrace a small whimper escaped Marlena. Watching him get up and put his jacket on made her feel a sudden sense of desperation, panic almost. 

The last thing she wanted was for him to leave but in her panicked state, she found it impossible to get a word out. 

Just as John reached for the door, realization hit him. Turning around he shrugged his shoulders and nervously laughed. “I don’t have a place to go to..” 

“Stay here…” Marlena said louder than she meant to and strode towards him with hurried steps. Her eyes pleading with him to accept her invitation. 

John’s heart started racing. “Are you sure?” 

Standing in front of him, she looked up into his surprised face with a reassuring smile. “Yes…” It came out as a small gasp. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life..” She said confidently and walked around him, their bodies brushing as she locked the door and turned off the lights. Coming back to stand next to him she took his hand, gave him a small shy smile and guided him towards her apartment upstairs. 

——

John looked around the small apartment. It was a cozy little place but not how he pictured it would be, when he thought of Marlena. She was classy and gracious, full of elegance and style nothing like the interior of her present home. Although pictures of her family decorated the walls and other personal items were present, it really didn’t feel like her. 

Still holding her hand, John walked them around, as he studied the room. “Are you happy living here?” He asked, not able to hide his doubt. 

Marlena looked at him questioningly. “Yes.. why do you ask?” 

“I just…I kind of pictured your home to be..I don’t know..more like you. If that makes any sense.” He smiled at her, resisting the urge to run his fingers down her cheek. 

Marlena’s mouth dropped slightly open, surprised by his precise observation. “Quite the observer Mr. Black..” She said playfully and hesitated before she continued. “When Roman died and I took over the pub, I couldn’t afford to keep our house so I guess I just settled with living there.”

John saw something in her eyes that he couldn’t quite place…was it regret? 

“You shouldn’t settle with anything less than you deserve.” His voice was serious, leaving no doubt that he meant it. 

Marlena let out a small giggle and looked down, away from his beautiful eyes which seemed to have the ability to look straight through her, to see who she really was, to see what she really wanted and needed. 

“You know…I always dreamed about living in one of those beautiful penthouses, with a balcony overlooking the city”. She let go of his hand and walked to the window, with John following closely behind. 

The dreamy look on her face as she looked out the window and into the dark night was a beautiful sight. The moonlight illuminated the gorgeous features of her face and made her eyes sparkle like diamonds as she pictured herself living in such luxurious surroundings. Her beauty once again took John’s breath away and he made a promise himself that he would do whatever to make her happy. 

“I will buy you one..” He whispered, running his hand down her cheek to her chin and gently tilting her head so that he could see her beautiful face. “If that’s what you want…I’ll give you the world just to see you happy..” 

Placing her hand over his, she leaned her cheek against his palm and gave him an appreciative smile. “ You simply are the kindest, most considerate and generous man… but I couldn’t possibly accept such a generous offer.” 

“I understand.. but if you ever change your mind don’t hesitate to take me up on my offer” John said and noticed her trying to suppress a yawn. “Let’s get you to bed.”

John followed her to the bedroom and stopped at the door frame, leaning his shoulder against it while he admired her backside with a longing smile. “Good night Marlena..” 

Looking over her shoulder, Marlena looked at him with disappointment. “Are you leaving?” 

“No.. I’m just taking the couch..unless..” He smiled uncertainly at her. He didn’t want her to feel any kind of pressure or to overstep her boundaries. 

“ Well.. unless you have a desire to feel the springs bore into your hips, you are welcome to sleep on the couch.” She laughed, relieved that he wasn’t going anywhere. “Or you can take the left side of the bed.” 

Walking towards her, he couldn’t hide the joy from his face. “Oh.. I have desires.. but not that kind..” His voice was hoarse as his eyes roamed over her body. 

His stare was burning her skin and she felt her body react as warmth spread and settled between her trembling thighs. “Oh…” She gasped. “I…I’m just..going.. to.” She stuttered and pointed at the door to the bathroom as she slowly backed away. Her legs felt wobbly making her almost trip over the doorstep. “Make yourself comfortable..” She managed to get out before she turned around and closed the door behind her. 

John watched her with the biggest smile on his face. ‘God, she is cute’, he whispered to himself and began undressing. 

——-

John’s eyes were glued to the bathroom door as he sat on the bed in his black t-shirt and black boxer briefs. It felt like he had waited for hours for her to come out when in fact it had only been about 10 minutes. Anticipation and nervousness surged through his veins making him very impatient and reminding him of when he was a child, eagerly waiting for it to be Christmas morning. Only Marlena was so much more worth the wait. 

The room was dimmed, only lit up by the lamp on the nightstand. 

The door to the bathroom slowly opened. John’s heart began racing and when he saw the beautiful vision emerge, his mouth fell open. 

There she stood in a silky black negligee with a low lace v-neckline, showing off her plump breasts, leaving John’s mouth dry and the bulge in his boxers even harder. 

Marlen felt her cheeks blush under his hungry gaze, shyness suddenly overcoming her as she wrapped her arms around herself. 

“God..you are so beautiful..and sexy as hell in black!” John managed to gasp out. “Come here..” He whispered, his voice deep and raspy as he held out his hand. 

Finding confidence in his words of affirmation, she unwrapped her arms, took his hand and came to stand between his legs. 

John let go of her hand only to place them on her exposed thighs, right above her knees where the soft silky fabric started. 

Looking down at John, Marlena exhaled deeply at the feel of his warm skin against hers. 

Locking his eyes with hers, he looked for her consent to continue. Her normally hazel orbs were now dark, filled with desire and lust, and that was all he needed to know. 

“ You are looking very handsome yourself Mr. Black…I guess we match pretty well..” Marlena smiled down at him with a sexy little smile. 

She gently placed her hands on his broad shoulders, relishing in the way his hard muscles moved beneath her fingers, and leaving behind a desire for him to take off his t-shirt and let her hands explore his naked warm body. 

John slowly moved his hands up her thighs, lifting the silky fabric along with them, anxious to reveal what was hidden underneath. 

Both held their breaths as her black lace panties became exposed. John inhaled deeply through his nose, her sweet fragrance tingling his nostrils. 

Goosebumps traveled across Marlena’s skin and her core clinched. She had never experienced such an intense and intimate connection with anyone, not even her late husband. Threading her fingers through the short hair at the back of his neck, she pulled his head closer to the now  bare skin of her abdomen. Wordless telling him what she wanted him to do. 

Part 15: 

Marlena’s breath quickened, becoming small short pants as she eagerly awaited the moment when his lips would touch her skin. 

John leaned in closer, his breath teasing her burning skin. He lips lightly grazed over the hem of her panties and around her bellybutton as he drew in a sharp breath. 

Marlena writhed beneath his sweet torture, her knees buckled and a desperate gasp left her slightly open mouth. 

“John…” She begged. 

Hearing his name fall from her sexy pink lips with such lust and intensity was like hearing the angels sing. It was simply the most beautiful sound he had ever heard and that was all it took for him to lose complete control. 

John’s lips finally made contact with her burning skin and sent jolts through both of their bodies. Soft pecks at first but when the sweet taste of strawberries exploded in his mouth, he had to have more. He opened his mouth wider and latched onto her soft porcelain skin, his firm hands holding her in place as his fingers dug into her flesh. 

Marlena’s head fell back and her eyes clamped shut, the pleasure he was giving her was already too much for her to handle. His aggressive mouth sucking, licking, kissing every inch of her belly was the most exquisite feeling she had ever experienced and the thought of what else was to come, made her almost afraid. 

Never before had she been so aroused, so wild and so driven by an unrecognizable sexual need and desire for a man. 

John had to feel more of her, to feel more of her skin underneath his trembling hands, so he let go of her negligee, letting it fall down to once again hide her delicious body. Looking up at her face, he slowly moved his hands to her back, and down to her firm round ass. Running his open palms over her luscious cheeks, he growled at the sensational feeling. 

With his eyes still locked on her face, he squeezed her ass, his fingers gently digging into her ripe flesh, bringing her even closer between his open legs. When she bit her lower lip and moaned softly at his touch, he just about lost it. The sweet smell of her arousal was even more present now and a deep primal instinct was threatening to take over. 

Marlena didn’t know what came over her but she found herself letting go of John, her hands erotically tracing a path down between the valley of her breasts, slowly down her stomach which was still burning from John’s hungry mouth, down between her thighs where she felt the heat from her center radiate. With confident hands she grabbed the hem of her negligee and slowly lifted the thin fabric higher and higher up her body until she stood before him in just her panties. 

Surprised by her own actions, she didn’t recognize this side of herself. Her normally composed and in control self was fast slipping away and being replaced by a seductive vixen. And she liked it. Something about being with John made her come out of her shell and made her want to explore this new found side of herself. She felt empowered and confident and without any inhibitions.  

She wanted him to see her…all of her. 

John sat completely still, totally mesmerized by the woman in front of him. He was almost afraid to move or speak, afraid that he would wake up and realize that this was yet another dream. 

He couldn’t take his eyes off of her, the way her naked breasts rose and fell with each breath she took had him in a hypnotic state. 

“I need to feel your skin against mine..” She demanded in a sultry voice. She had him under her spell and John could only oblige to her request and quickly took off his t-shirt. 

The sight of his naked chest settled deep in core, leaving behind a damp spot in her panties. Running her hands over his shoulders, electricity shot through her and a small whimper escaped her lips. Her hands traveled further down to his muscular chest, her fingers threading through the gray hair. She felt the steady and fast beating of his heart matching her own. 

The uncontrollable desire to feel his skin against hers took over her mind and body. Placing her hands back on his shoulders she lifted one leg and stepped out of the v of his legs. Once firmly placed on the floor she lifted her other leg, trapping John between her now open legs. Slowly she began to lower herself down his body. The feeling of her perky nipples making contact with his hairy chest almost sent her over the edge and made her bite her lower lip to suppress the loud moan that was threatening to escape the lips. 

John had a firm grip on her bottom, steadying her, guiding her, his mouth slightly open as he watched her with fascination. 

The second her hot wet center touched down on John’s hard manhood, she exploded into a million pieces. Shivers ran through her body, every nerve ending was so over stimulated that all she could do was crash her desperate mouth onto his in a hard carnal kiss. Their tongues desperately seeked each other, mating, projecting the sexual desire and need to be joined as one. 

John dug his fingers into her soft cheeks as her body trembled in his lap. Seeing and feeling her orgasm was almost too much for him to handle. It was the most beautiful and sexy sight he had ever seen and it left his cock throbbing with want and pain, begging to be released from its confinement within his boxer briefs. 

Marlena slowly came down from her high and leaned slightly back in his lap with a satisfied look on her face. A sexy smile with a hint of shyness adorning her lips. “Sorry about that..” 

John groaned deeply as he grabbed her hips and guided her lower body along his hard shaft, rubbing their covered sexes in the most pleasurable way. “I..have..NEVER seen anyone so beautiful and sexy…as you.” He panted as the wetness from her dripping panties soaked through his boxers. 

“Really?” Marlena moaned, the feeling of his strong manhood gliding over her sensitive knob and his hoarse voice, was enough to send her into oblivion once again. 

Again her sensual instincts took over as she leaned back further, placing her hands behind her on his thighs, pushing her pelvis harder against his. Her head fell back between her shoulders and her back arched, pushing her breast up towards John’s hungry gaze. 

“ Oh God …baby…” John gasped, his hands quickly leaving her curvy hips to cup the tempting globes which held him captive. 

His cock twitched when he felt the weight of her breasts in his hands. “You are perfect…so perfect.” He growled when he squeezed them lightly and ran his thumbs over her hard nipples. 

The small moans and whimpers coming from Marlena urged him on and roused an insatiable appetite to taste her. Lowering his head, he latched on to her breast, filling his watering mouth with her luscious flesh, sucking until his cheeks hurt. When his appetite was satisfied, he moved on to her other breast, giving it the same loving treatment. 

The evidence of his arousal was now so painful that he couldn’t take it anymore. In one swift movement he wrapped his arms around her waist and flipped her to the side and onto the bed. A small scream, followed by a small laugh escaped her lips as she landed on her. But her laughter quickly died out when she saw the desire and possessiveness in his eyes as crawled over her half naked body. 

Hovering over her, face to face, their eyes connected, mirroring the anticipation of what was about to happen. The normal awkwardness and insecurity which would normally occur when two people were about to engage in such an intimate encounter for the first time was nowhere to be found. Neither thought about anything other than the amazing feeling they created within each other and the natural way their minds and bodies connected on a whole other level. Letting their natural instincts take control and guide them on the amazing trip towards euphoria. 

Marlena ran her fingers up John’s strong arms, feeling the hardness of his tense biceps as they held his weight. “God..you are so..” She whispered but was cut off by John’s mouth as he swallowed her words with an enchanting kiss. 

When the need for air became too much their mouths parted, leaving them panting and wanting more. 

With the intention of kissing every inch of her soft skin, John’s lips started to travel down her smooth delicate neck and across her collarbone, leaving wet kisses and small red marks. Stopping at her breasts, he took a moment to admire their perfect volume and pert nipples, before he flicked his tongue over the rosy buds, making her writhed beneath his skilled mouth. 

Ever so painfully slow he crawled further down her burning skin, his eager lips and tongue leaving a path of goosebumps. Again he stopped as he came face to face with her black panties. The evidence of her desire and previous orgasm was very present in the large wet spot between her silky thighs. Inhaling deeply through his nose, he was overcome by the sweet intoxicating scent of her arousal. Unconsciously he licked his lips as if he could already taste her. 

Marlena lay completely still except for her rapid breathing, her hands clutched the sheet in a tight fist as she patiently waited for his next move. 

Her haven drew him in, enchanted him. He  opened his mouth and pressed his tongue against the wet silky fabric, letting the taste of her sweet nectar fill his tastebuds. The deep growls that escaped his lips vibrated against her sensitive knob, sending yet again shivers through her body. Bending her knees she arched her back, her eyes closed shut as she fought against the uncontrollable need to orgasm right in his hungry mouth. “Oh…John..” She gasped as her hips involuntarily bucked against his lips. 

Smiling against her throbbing center, John hooked his fingers inside her panties and slowly pulled them down her long slender legs. 

Now sitting on his knees between her bent and open legs his eyes were transfixed by her glistening pussy. His cock twitched, begging to be freed. 

Marlena watched him with hooded eyes as he took in her most intimate part. Normally she would feel uncomfortable..vulnerable lying in such a revealing pose, but not with John..He made her feel completely safe and more sexy and desirable than she had ever felt before. 

Grabbing the waistband of his boxers, John slowly freed himself, his hard cock bouncing against his abdomen. Marlena’s eyes widened at the sight of the large powerful tool, standing proud and tall, precum oozing from the tip . “Oh my..” She whispered, unable to take her eyes off of him, her core clinging in want. 

Still on his knees, John traced the outline of Marlena’s thighs. When he reached her hips he tightened his grip, digging his fingers into her flesh and in a small yank, he pulled her center closer to his aching cock. 

One hand started to slowly wander, his fingers exploring as they threaded through the curly hair between her silky thighs, naturally seeking her swollen folds. Marlena let out a deep gasp as he lightly brushed over her sensitive knob, only to part her wet folds and explore, running his fingers between them, letting her juices cover his curious digits. 

“You are so warm…so soft…” He groaned. He couldn’t take it anymore, no more foreplay. Removing his fingers from her, he grabbed his cock in a tight hold, letting her sweet sticky nectar lubricate his length as he pumped slowly. 

“Come here..” Marlena said seductively. John crawled up her body, leaving small kisses on his way. When he hovered above her beautiful face, he lowered himself to rest on his elbows, his arms framing her head. Looking into each other’s eyes they saw the depth of the desire they had awoken in each other…and they saw love. 

Marlena wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tantalizing kiss. As they devoured each other, their bodies connected as John’s cock found its way to her haven. Ever so gently he pushed himself deeper and deeper into her tight canal, her inner walls squeezing and clenching around him. The fine line between pleasure and pain caused their mouths to break apart in order to release loud gasps and moans.

“Are you okay?” John asked concerned, searching her eyes.  

“Hmm..yes..just give me a second..” She said and smiled. It was a tight fit. Never before had she felt so full or stretched. Running her fingers down his cheek, she stared at his soulful eyes and felt herself starting to relax around him. Tracing his lips with the tip of her finger she admired how incredibly handsome he was..all of him. 

John captured her finger with his mouth, sucking on it and feeling her inner muscles starting to relax and suck him in deeper, welcoming the intrusion. 

He started bucking his hips, slowly, deeply, filling her to the brim and pulling almost all the way out. 

Marlena hooked one leg over his ass, opening herself up even more and took every thick inch of his powerful muscle. 

John picked up the pace and pounded into her with long deep thrusts. She felt so good that he knew he wouldn’t last long. When he felt the tip of his cock hit something deep inside of her tight pussy and she immediately clamped around him, exploding into another orgasm, all he could do was to follow her into oblivion as he emptied every single drop into her clenching cave. 

Marlena’s hips bucked against his as the afterwaves of her orgasm continued to rip through her body. 

She had never felt anything so intense, so powerful and so satisfying before and it left her craving more. 

Holding each other tight, their naked and sweaty bodies flush against each other, they shared a searing kiss as they came down from their high. 

“I love you..so much..” John whispered. He didn’t even realize what he had just said, it just flew out of him. But he meant it, he just wasn’t sure if Marlena was ready to hear his heartfelt confession. 

Part 16

Marlena woke up from her peaceful sleep with a content smile on her face. Her head was tucked securely in the crook between John’s neck and shoulder, her arm was resting against his chest and her leg draped over his thighs. John held her body close to his with his arm wrapped protectively around her. 

His masculine scent filled her nose as she nuzzled her face against the skin of his neck, wanting to get even closer to him. 

In her sleepy state she thought back to hours ago..how they had made love several times and every single time it had felt like the first time. A satisfied smile formed her lips as she very vividly recalled how he had cherished every inch of her body, how he had discovered pleasure spots she didn’t even know existed and how he had made her cum over and over again, not just with his delicious thick muscle, but also with his skilled hands, mouth and tongue. She was also amazed by her own body and how she had embraced her sexuality, how her hand had willingly fallen between her thighs, how her fingers had slipped between her wet folds and rubbed her clit while John had watched her action with wide eyes. She had surprised herself when she had taken his cock in her mouth, not because she felt obliged to but simply because she wanted to taste him, to feel him, to pleasure him and herself. The salty taste still lingered in her mouth as she recalled how she had licked his shaft from the base to the tip and how he had twitched and throbbed from her ministrations. 

And then he confessed his love for her with his blue eyes staring straight into her soul. He had surprised her with his declaration of love making her speechless for a moment which he had interpreted as if she didn’t feel the same way. There had been a sad and defeated look in his eyes that made her heart break for him. She then held his face in her hands, forcing him to look deeply into her eyes to make sure that he would truly hear and believe what she was about to say. 

“I love you.. I love you.. I love you…” Hearing herself say those words to him and seeing his eyes light up with pure happiness, had brought tears to her eyes and John had kissed them all away with the promise of a beautiful and happy future together. 

Marlena looked at the clock and realized that she had only slept for about two hours and that she had to open up the pub in 45 minutes. Leaving a kiss on John’s chest she reluctantly untangled herself from his sleeping form with a small sigh and crawled out from under the covers. 

“Where are you going..?” His eyes were still closed as he wrapped his arm around her waist to stop her from getting up. 

“I need to get ready and open up the pub.” She giggled. 

John tightened his grip and pulled at her naked body. “No..no..stay here.” 

With a heavy sigh she turned her upper body and gently caressed his face, running her fingers over his forehead down his cheek and the outline of his lips. “I wish I could..” She purred and pecked his lips, feeling the heat starting to surge through her body. “You just stay here and get some rest.” She said softly as she turned around and slided out of John’s tight grip, letting his arms fall on the bed. 

Glancing back at him before she entered the bathroom, her heart fluttered at the sight of him already fast asleep. 

Marlena closed the door behind her as silently as possible, careful not to wake him. He needed to rest after all that he had been through the last 24 hours. And she wanted him to have a clear head and feel well rested when he was bound to come face to face with Kristen. Walking towards the shower cubicle she caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the mirror which made her stop in her tracks and gasp out loud. Moving closer to the mirror she studied the red marks that decorated her entire body, from her neck down to her ankle. Her fingers gently brushed over every love bite left by John’s hungry mouth. “Oh my goodness.” She whispered to herself as vivid images of their lovemaking flashed through her mind, burned into her memory forever. 

Marlena shook her head and sighed with satisfaction, she didn’t have time to stand there all morning and daydream about the night of passion she had just experienced. 

Turning on the water she waited for it to be the right temperature before she stepped in and let the warm water flow over her sore muscles. With closed eyes, she leaned her head back, letting the water soak through her hair and down her face, never noticing that the door to the bathroom opened.

——

Driving like a mad woman, Sami was anxious to get to the pub earlier than she would normally arrive. Last night she had left her mother right after John had left with Kristen and she was curious if Marlena had heard anything from him since. Now that the truth about that horrible woman was finally out she hoped with all of her heart that her mother and John would finally acknowledge how they felt about each other. 

And if they didn’t, she would have to pull out the big guns and somehow make them see, which was why a large mistletoe lay at the passenger seat. 

The prospect of finally seeing her mother truly happy brought a smile to her face.  

“What the hell..” Sami said when she pulled up in front of the pub. It was pitch black, not a single light was turned on inside or outside. She quickly looked at her watch, thinking she had somehow mistaken what time it was, but to her surprise it was 8am just as she expected. Something had to be wrong…her mother was always there at 7 making coffee and preparing to open up at 8. 

Sami started to panic and jumped out of the car and ran to the door. With shaking hands she fumbled with the key. “Fuck…” She yelled in frustration. 

“Mom…mom..” Sami shouted as the door opened and she burst into the dark pub. Turning on the light and quickly scanning the door, nothing seemed out of the ordinary except for the fact that Marlena wasn’t behind the bar. 

“MOM…” She yelled even louder as she ran up the stairs to Marlena’s apartment. 

—-

Closing the door quietly behind him, John slowly crossed the short distance to the shower cubicle with careful steps, like a Leon sneaking up on its prey, while he admired her naked body and how the water seductively ran down her luscious curves. 

Marlena heard the small click from the shower’s glass door opening but she kept her eyes closed and tried to suppress her smile, pretending to be unaware of his presence. 

John noticed the corner of her mouth curl up indicating a small smile and knew that his attempt to surprise her had failed. “Good Morning pretty lady..” 

Marlena opened her eyes to find him standing naked right in front of her. His hair was tousled from her demanding hands, the evidence of how she had threaded her fingers through his thick gray locks, holding his head tightly against her burning center as his tongue and mouth had sucked and licked her wet folds bringing her to ecstasy. 

“Good morning sailor..” She said with a seductive voice. 

Her gaze roamed down his muscled chest to his delicious abs…God, how was it even possible for him to still have the body of a young man? 

Dropping her eyes further down, she bit her lower lip at the sight of his beautiful cock, already standing tall and hard. “Oh my..You are a very very handsome and attractive man Mr. Black.” She said playfully, but the hoarse tone of her voice gave away her lust and desire. 

John watched her take in his naked body with a wide smile…God, she was even more beautiful standing under the running water, her wet hair slicked back and without any makeup on..just pure natural beauty. 

“And you doctor Evans..are the most beautiful woman in the world.” John said and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her body flush against his. Their mouths met in a tantalizing kiss, their tongues gently dancing around each other in a slow and erotic dance. 

“The pretty lady and the sailor huh… quite the perfect couple..” John said when their lips parted. 

“Yeah..” Marlena smiled and ran her fingers down his cheek and strong jaw. 

“Turn around…” He commanded and watched how her eyes widened. “Don’t worry…I’m just going to help you get ready..” 

Marlena turned around silently, not questioning his intentions. The truth was that she didn’t care  about opening the pub or if people were waiting, all she wanted was to stay in this bubble with John for the rest of the day…for the rest of her life. 

With her back against his chest, John reached out and grabbed the soap and began to lather it up. When he was satisfied with the amount of bubbles , he put the soap back and began what was going to be the most erotic bath of his life. His hands immediately seeked out her amazing breasts. The combination of water and soap made her skin feel even softer and left John imagining what it would feel like to sink his cock into her tight pussy both covered in water and slippery soap. 

Marlena’s head fell back and rested against his chest, her eyes closed shut and she wrapped her arm around his neck to keep herself standing. The feel of his fully erect cock pressed against the small of her back made her moan and press her ass firmly against him. 

Slowly his busy hands wandered down her stomach in soft circles, making sure that not a single inch of skin was left untouched. His breath was hot in her ear and small groans escaped his lips as he concentrated on his task. 

“Hmmm…” He growled, wanting to say something but she cut him off when he felt her ass grind against his throbbing length, making him bite down onto her shoulder to keep himself from exploding. 

“Marlena…” He said as one hand found its way between her thighs, his eager fingers easily slipping through her slippery folds, teasing her sensitive knob. He held her firmly against his body, one hand cupping her breast while the other was seeking entrance to her haven as uncontrollable passion rose within their bodies. 

Marlena drew in a sharp breath when John buried two thick fingers inside of her. “Ahh…John..” She cried out, her hips bucking against his hand in an attempt to feel him deeper inside of her. Keeping a light pressure on her clit with his palm, his skilled fingers dug deeper and explored her tight canal. She was so soft, so warm and tight that his cock twitched with envy. Curling his fingers he grazed a hidden spot, immediately sending Marlena over the edge with a loud scream that sent shivers through his body. Her hips bucked uncontrollably against his hand, her ass rubbing along his cock as she rode off her intense orgasm. If it wasn’t for John’s strong hold she would have fallen down under her buckling knees. 

“Oh God.. I love you..” Marlena gasped and turned around, wrapping her arms around his neck and her lips curled up in a sexy and satisfied smile. 

With no hesitation, John crashed his mouth onto hers, hard and hungry. His tongue was demanding and forceful as he sucked and kissed her with such passion that her legs started shaking all over again. 

Pushing her back against the wall he grabbed her leg and hooked it over his hip, opening her to his aching cock. 

With one swift move he buried himself deep inside her core, her inner wall squeezing and clenching around him. “I love you more than anything in my life…I’m so in love with you Marlena..” He panted as his cock glided slowly in and out of her. 

Marlena dug her fingernails into the skin of his back and fought the urge to orgasm as he pounded into her depths again and again. 

Loud gasps and whimpers echoed through the bathroom, labored breaths and incoherent voices melted together with the sound of their skin smacking against each other and the sound of the water running. Neither heard the panicked voice of Sami calling out for her mother. 

—-

Sami ran up the stairs taking two steps at a time. 

“Mom…” She yelled when she swung the door open and ran inside the living room. The room was dark and there was no sign of her mother. Sami’s heart was pounding hard as she pictured all kinds of horrible scenarios of what could have happened to Marlena. Would she find her dead in her bed, just like Marlena had found Roman three years ago? 

She was almost afraid to open the door to the bedroom so she mentally prepared herself for the worst. In contrast to just seconds ago, Sami opened the door slowly and stepped inside with careful steps. “Mom…” She spoke quietly with a shaking voice and turned on the light.

Sami let out a sigh of momentary relief when she saw the empty bed. But something seemed different. The bed was a mess, the pillows and covers were entangled…, normally her mother only slept on one side. A loud moan from the bathroom made Sami snap her eyes away from the bed. Oh my God..what if she fell and hurt herself while taking a shower? 

“Mom…are you okay?” She called out and made her way across the floor. The light shining out from under the door was the first evidence that Marlena was actually there. 

Just as Sami was about to reach for the door she tripped, almost falling down. “What the hell?..” She said and looked down at the item that was wrapped around her foot. Taking the fabric in her hand she inspected it for a second before she realized what it was and more importantly who it belonged to. “Oh my God.. ewww!!” She said and threw John’s boxer briefs back on the floor. And then reality hit her as she heard her mother’s voice from the other side of the door. “Ohh..John..!!!”

Part 17: 

“We need to stop this..” Marlena panted, trying to catch her breath as she clung to John’s naked body. 

Still buried inside of her, he was trying to calm down after the spine shattering shower sex they had just experienced, his mouth lazily nipping at her neck. “What do you mean.?” He asked between the small kisses. 

Giggling when he brushed his lips over a very ticklish spot, Marlena squirmed in his arms. “John…”

God, he loved the sound of her laughter especially when it was still filled with a hoarseness that revealed how vocally she had been…moaning, groaning, screaming his name.

“Are you sure you want me to stop?” He asked while his lips continued to explore her neck. 

He was still holding her leg up, her inner muscles still holding his cock captive in a tight grip. 

“Hmm.. yes.. I…I need to open the pub…oh that feels so good…” Opening her eyes and shaking her head lightly she found her last shred of willpower. “ And the water is getting really cold..” She busted out laughing at how she hadn’t noticed until now. 

“God, I love the sound of your laughter.” John said and looked at her with such love and awe. 

“You do?.” She looked at him with surprise. 

Lowering her leg, he held her firmly around her waist to make sure she could stand securely on her feet. “Oh yes..it’s the best sound in the world…among the other sounds you make..” He said and arched his eyebrow. His eyes sparkled and his lips curled up in a cheeky smile. 

“You’re such a goof.” She laughed. “And I really need to get downstairs before Sami shows up.” 

Releasing his hold on her body, John took her hand. “Let’s get you ready for work then..”

—-

Sami felt both mortified and happy as she poured herself a cup of black coffee. Images of her mother and John having sex in the bathroom was definitely not what she wanted to have burned into her memory. But what astonished her most was that her normally so proper and correct mother was actually capable of having an affair with a married man. 

Sami couldn’t hold back her laughter as thought about the irony behind it all. How Marlena had lectured her about how wrong and immoral it was to engage in an intimate relationship with a person who was committed to someone else. And how she almost cut Sami off when she indeed did have an affair with the father of Marlena’s grandchild. 

And the thought of Marlena being so promiscuous and having sex in the bathroom just blew Sami’s mind. “Who are you and what the hell happened to my mother?” She laughed.

The sound of the door opening followed by a cold breeze of December air caused Sami to break her train of thoughts. 

“Where is John!!.” 

Rolling her eyes, Sami took a deep breath and let a sly smirk adorn her lips. “Kristen, good morning to you too.”

“Cut the crap Sami…” Kristen hissed with squinting eyes. That girl was just as devious and cunning as herself. 

“So I guess I was right last night huh, and I guess that John realized the truth about you and what you have done he couldn’t wait to get away from you.” Sami said and arched her eyebrows, testing her opponent. “But to answer your question, no I don’t know where your husband is?…Oh wait, I mean soon to be ex husband…” Sami laughed, enjoying seeing Kristen losing her cool. 

“Shut up…Urgh..You are such a bitch..” Kristen yelled through clenched teeth, her eyes raging with anger and frustration. Looking around the pub Kristen noticed the absence of Marlena. “Where is the perfect and precious Marlena?” She said with condescension, making a mocking face as she spoke the name of her rival. 

Sami had just about had it with Kristen. Walking around the bar she came to stand right in front of the tall bony woman. Crossing her arms, Sami stood confident and eyed her from top to toe with loath. “ That’s not any of your business..and I should kindly ask you to leave but you know..being kind is not something I practice towards people who come in here and insult me or my family..so I’m just going to tell you to get the hell out of here right now and don’t ever show your ugly face in here again.” 

With an animalistic roar filled with rage and humiliation, Kristen turned on her heels and stomped out the door, leaving a laughing Sami behind. 

—-

Marlena stood naked on the bathroom floor and looked down at John who was kneeling in front of her. When they had stepped out of the shower, he had grabbed a towel and started drying her off. He had started at her hair and then slowly moved down her body making sure that every inch of skin was left dry. 

Putting her foot down, he looked up at her with a proud smile. “All done..” He said lovingly as he rose to his feet and wrapped the towel securely around her body. 

“Hmm..Thanks. You know, this is the first time someone has pampered me like this.” Marlena said dreamingly and watched him wrap a towel around his hips. 

“Well, you better get used to it because I plan on pampering you for as long as you will let me.” Leaning in he cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips passionately. 

Pulling her lips away from his seductive mouth Marlena let out a soft sigh and placed her forehead on his. “What time is it?” 

John glanced at his watch from the corner of his eye. “9.15..”

“Oh my gosh..” Marlena jumped, quickly pulling away from John and rushing into her bedroom. John followed her panicked steps with a smile. Her movements were frantic as she rummaged through drawers and her closet, desperately searching for something specific to wear. 

John sat down on the bed and felt himself falling deeper and deeper in love with her as watched yet another new side of the woman who held his heart. She just kept surprising him. The image of the always in control woman she portrayed to the outside world was just one of many sides and the more he got to know, the more he fell in love with her. 

Standing in a pair of jeans and a camisole with her upper body hiding inside the closet, Marlena pulled out a warm knitted sweater with a turtleneck. “ Ahh this should do it.” 

Curious as to what she was talking about, John stood up and walked towards her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he looked over her shoulder. “What did you find?” He asked, his lips caressing her neck. 

His warm breath tingled her skin, making her giggle and squirm in his arms. “Just something to cover up my body..” She laughed and turned around to face him. 

Looking down at her, his eyes roamed over her beautiful face and down to her cleavage. “Hmm..why would you want to cover up something so incredibly beautiful and sexy?.” He groaned. 

“Have you seen my body?” She giggled, referring to all the love bites left by his hungry mouth. 

Tightening his embrace, John pulled her flush against his naked chest, forcing a small whimper to escape her. “Oh yeah…I have seen your body.. I’ve tasted it..every single piece of it”. He whispered seductively before he crashed his lips onto hers in a passionate kiss that made his cock harden against her abdomen, letting her know exactly what she was doing to him. 

John abruptly broke the kiss and took a step back, holding her by the shoulders at arm’s length. “You need to go..right now..or else I’m going to rip your clothes off with my teeth.”

Panting heavily, Marlena roamed over his body with eyes glazed over with desire. The towel around his waist was hanging dangerously loose, tempting her to forget about everything but him. 

Her tongue sneaked out of her open mouth, seductively tracing her lips as she ran a finger down his chest and watched how his muscles twitched beneath her touch. 

John grabbed her hand, stopping right before she reached the towel. “God I love you baby” He said and brought her hand to his lips. “Go downstairs and open up the pub and I promise you that I will see you later.” He whispered against her hand. 

“Okay..” Marlena sighed with a pout, making John laugh at her cute expression. 

Putting on her sweater she cast one last glance at John and smiled her brilliant smile at him, causing his heart to skip a beat. 

Part 18

Sami looked at the clock, it was almost 10. Thankfully it had been a fairly quiet morning but she was starting to get impatient and wonder if Marlena was ever going to show up or if she and John were still busy getting it on in the bathroom “Oh my God…please make it stop.” Sami said and clinched her eyes to make that thought and the images go away. 

“Make what stop?” 

“Mom..” Sami yelled surprised. “Where…” Sami stopped abruptly when she turned around and saw Marlena. Covering her mouth with her hand, Sami tried to hide her smile. Her large sweater with the longest turtleneck in history, her tousled hair and the pink blush of her face was a sight Sami had never seen. And if her mother thought she was going to fool her or anybody else she was wrong. So Sami decided to have a little fun. 

“Mom..are you okay.? I was so worried.” Sami said in a serious tone, but inside she was cracking up. 

Averting her eyes nervously from Sami, Marlena tried to hide her flustered state. “I..Ahm…I wasn’t feeling well so I.. I guess I must have overslept.” 

A small mischievous smile formed on Sami’s lips as she played along with her mother’s lies. “Oh no.. I hope it’s nothing serious..You do look a little warm.” She said and reached out to grab the knitted fabric covering Marlena’s neck. 

Surprised by Sami’s reaction, Marlena quickly took a step back to prevent her daughter from revealing what she was hiding. “No..no.. don’t” She blurted out not noticing the smile on Sami’s lips. 

Sami took great thrill in seeing her mother’s flustered state. “What’s wrong mom? Is there something you’re not telling me?” She asked as she moved towards Marlena’s retreating form, backing her up in a corner of the bar. 

“No..no.. I ehh.. I’m just exhausted from everything that’s been happening lately.” She lied, her eyes darting around the room to avoid eye contact with her suspicious and noisy daughter. 

“Oh.. I bet you are..” Sami laughed and grabbed the turtleneck in one fast move. “Jesus Christ…” Sami laughed when she saw the small red marks. “That explains the sounds I heard from your bathroom this morning..” 

All blood drained from Marlena’s face from pure embarrassment. “Samantha Gene..” She said quietly and looked around the pub to see if anyone paid attention to them. 

Deciding that she had had her fun, Sami looked at Marlena with love and tugged a curly strand of hair behind her ear, just like Marlena had always done to her. “I’m happy for you…you deserve to be happy and to have someone in your life that loves you.” 

Marlena breathed a sigh of relief. Not that she thought that Sami would oppose to her and John being together but hearing her voice it and giving them her blessing made it seem perfect and right. “Thank you my sweet girl.. and I’m truly sorry that you found out the way you did.” Marlena giggled nervously, still mortified by what Sami must have heard. 

“Oh I wouldn’t wish that for my worst enemy..” Sami laughed. Actually that wasn’t true. In fact she would have loved it, if it had been Kristen who had walked in on them. 

Marlena saw the change in Sami’s smile, she knew that smile and it usually meant trouble. “What are you smiling about.?”

“Nothing…So what happened?” Sami asked. 

Glancing around the room, Marlena spoke quietly with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Oh Sami.. I feel alive..it was magical and beautiful..John has awakened something inside of me that I never knew existed.. The way he…”

“Mom…stop..please.” Sami interrupted and covered her ears. “I really, and I mean REALLY don’t want to hear about my mothers sex life…I meant what happened with Kristen? Is she behind Basic Black buying all the shops?” 

Marlenas face blushed, feeling even more embarrassed by her almost detailed description of her sexcapade. “Oh my gosh.. I.. I’m sorry..Ahm..Kristen..” She stuttered, trying to gather her thoughts. “ You were right, she is behind it. John has his lawyer on it and is doing everything to get the deal annulled. So hopefully the outcome will be what we all hoped for.” 

A satisfied smile spread across Sami’s lips. “I knew it..she is such a bitch. She came by here this morning looking for John but I kicked her ugly face out.” She chuckled, remembering the annoyed look on Kristen’s face. 

“Sami..” Marlena said firmly but then started laughing along. “You know, normally I would not encourage such behavior but in this case.. you did good honey..” 

“Wouldn’t it be great if we could surprise all the other shop owners by telling them that their businesses were safe..it would be the best Christmas gift ever, not just for them but for the whole town.” Sami smiled and hugged her mother. 

Holding her daughter in a warm embrace, Marlena felt hopeful and excited for the future. “It would truly be a Christmas miracle..”

——

The last customer had just left and Marlena was wiping off the tables, getting ready to close up. 

“Don’t move..” 

Marlena froze and stood completely still. The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine and made her stomach flutter. With her back to him she couldn’t see him but she felt him coming close until he wrapped his arms around her waist. Leaning her body against his, she melted in his warm embrace. “Hi..” She sighed softly. 

John closed his eyes and buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her heavenly scent. On instinct his lips sought her neck but to his disappointment it was covered in that big turtleneck sweater. “I hate this sweater.” He grunted against her ear. 

Throwing her head back against his shoulder, Marlena giggled. “Well then, in the future you should consider where you choose to leave your mark.” 

With his hands on her hips, John spun her around and pulled her into a deep kiss, her mouth immediately opened and her tongue welcomed his. 

“What was that for?” Marlena breathed heavily when they pulled apart. 

With a boyish smile, John looked up toward the ceiling without saying a word. 

Above them hung the biggest, most beautiful mistletoe they had ever seen. 

“Sami..” Marlena whispered with a smile. “How did it go today?” 

John traced his fingers down her cheek, her hazel eyes searching his for answers. “Good..” was all he said. 

Marlena looked at him with a questioning look. “What do…” 

John placed his fingers on her lips, stopping her from finishing her sentence. 

“I will tell you but not right now because I have something more important to ask you.” He said secretively. “Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I was wondering if you have any plans?” 

“No..the pub is closed tomorrow and Sami is going to Lucas’ house with Will.” 

Tightening his grip on her body he smiled and said. “ Would you like to spend the day with me?” 

“There is no one I would rather spend Christmas with than you.” She said and threaded her fingers through the hair in the back of his neck and pulled him to her mouth. 

Part 19: 

Muffled sounds of a woman’s labored breath and a man’s low growl echoed through the dimly lit room. Shattered clothes led a path from the entry door through the living room and stopped at the sofa where the silhouette of a naked woman sitting on top of a man was illuminated by the light of the full moon. 

They had been in a hurry, frantic almost to get behind closed doors and connect as one. 

Her hips moved in a slow wave like motion, creating the perfect pressure and friction against his pelvis. She was in control, she had the power not just over her own body but also over his as she led them on the glorious journey towards euphoria. 

John sat almost paralyzed and watched Marlena with passion as she used his body. Her breasts bounced up and down right in front of his mouth, hypnotizing him, begging him to sneak out his tongue and have a taste. Occasionally his eyes drifted down to their joined sexes. His cock glistened with a mixture of both of their juices, the perfect lubricant. The sight of his entire length disappearing inside of her, sucking him deeper and deeper into her velvety tight canal with such ease, forced him to think about baseball, or else he would explode and empty every single drop cum into her and this magnificent moment would be over. 

The fine line between pleasure and pain was blurred when she lifted her hips, letting only the tip of his cock stay inside, and then slammed down hard to the base of his cock. 

Her pussy, so soft and yet so strong, squeezing, clamping, testing his willpower and stamina with endless seduction. If he were to die in that moment his biggest and only regret was that he hadn’t experienced this kind of love before now, that all consuming feeling of being so much in love with another person..no, not just any person..Marlena, only her. She was his beginning and hopefully his end. 

“I love you..so much..” He whispered and looked up into her hooded eyes. Barely able to contain the overwhelming emotions that surged through his entire body and mind, he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her naked body, needing to feel her even closer as he struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to break. 

Marlena felt his need deep inside of her soul. The need to hold on to that special bond, that precious connection, to that profound love that neither had ever experienced before. Holding his head tightly against her chest, she cradled him like the most precious treasure in the world, holding on to him as if her life depended on it. And at that moment it did..if she were to lose him..this…she would simply die. 

“Don’t ever leave me..” She said as a single tear fell from her eye. 

Lifting her gently from his lap, John flipped her to the side and laid her on her back. As he hovered above her, their eyes connected and he saw the fear hidden behind her obvious desire. “I’m not going anywhere..not ever..” He reassured her. 

Their mouths met in a kiss so soft and tender and yet so filled with a need and desperation which revealed their unspoken fear of losing each other. 

John pinned her arms above her head with one hand, making her gasp in surprise at his sudden change in demeanor. His eyes were serious and certain, possessive almost, as he spoke with a voice so deep that it sent small tremors through her body. “You are everything to me…everything..”

Marlena swallowed thickly and stared into his now dark eyes. “You have me…all of me..always..” 

The sound of her raspy voice and the look of love in her eyes made John’s heart flutter and the need for her grew stronger. In one rough movement he buried his length deep inside of her, both moaning loudly at the amazing feeling. His hips moved frantically, thrusting his cock into her hot pussy, hard and deep. 

“Ohhh..god..” Marlena screamed as her pelvic met his, thrust after thrust. He was amazing..this was amazing. Never in her life had she thought that making love could feel like this. It just kept getting better and better each time. And at their age.. Nobody had ever told her that sex could be so good, so much more satisfying and so sensual when you were in your golden age. Or maybe she was just lucky enough to get to experience it with a man who seemed to know her body better than she did. 

The signs of their approaching orgasm were beginning to show as their bodies moved together, wild and uncontrolled. Their fingers laced above Marlena’s head, her body writhed and trembling beneath his strong and powerful body as he plunged into her, again and again from the base of his cock to the tip. Her inner walls clenched around him, making it almost impossible for him to move. It was deliciously painful. 

John felt a familiar tingling sensation shoot through his body. His ball tightened and his ass cheeks became taut. Biting Marlena’s jaw, he tried to ignore the inevitable but when he felt her orgasm ripple through every muscle in her body and her pussy clamp down on his cock, he lost the battle and fell right over the cliff with her. 

                             ——

Marlena’s head rested on his naked chest while his fingers drew lazy circles on her back. Listening to his heart beat as they lay in the peaceful after bliss, was one thing she would never tire of. This was the purest form of love, happiness, peace and contentment she had ever experienced. 

“This is nice..” She whispered lazily as she played with the hair on his chest. 

“Just nice?..” John chuckled and brushed his lips against the top of her head. 

Marlena laughed and snuggled closer to him. “That was what came to mind for the lack of a better word.” 

John wrapped his arms tightly around her, wanting her as close as possible. “I know a better word!” He said thoughtfully. “Have you ever heard of the word ‘Hygge’?” 

“No..it sounds foreign.” She said, her interest piqued. 

John inhaled deeply, her scent combined with the smell of sex hitting his nostrils. 

“It is..it’s Danish. It’s a word used to describe a mental state where all aspects of your mental wellbeing are met and in balance…like a deep feeling within yourself. It’s when you feel safe, loved, content, happy…It’s when you snuggle up under a warm blanket in front of a fireplace, when you light candles during the dark winter, it’s being around the people you love, the feeling of belonging and intimacy. It’s not only a state of mind but a lifestyle that has been proven to be essential for a person to be truly fulfilled and at peace in life. It can occur anywhere, when you are at home alone, when you walk around the Christmas markets and the smell of glögg and candy hits your nose, at social gatherings with friends or family… 

And the best thing about it is, that ‘Hygge’ doesn’t rely on money or social status.. on the contrary..it lives within everyone, inside every household.” 

Lifting her head up to meet his eyes, Marlena whispered. “John..that’s beautiful…”

John threaded his fingers through her hair. “It truly is..so how about we start a new tradition of introducing ‘Hygge’ to everyone we know and make tomorrow the best Christmas Eve Salem has ever seen.” 

Marlena’s heart melted. “Sounds like a perfect plan..” 

Part 20: 

The square at Salem place was filled with people, chatting and waiting. They had all received an invitation to show up at 11.30am but it didn’t say why. Marlena knew that John had something to do with it but she hadn’t been able to get a word out of him, no matter how hard she had tried. 

He had left her bed early in the morning with a very secretive smile and a determination to not let her seduce him into telling her what he had planned. He had given her a small kiss and ignored her naked breast which had seductively slipped from the covers. Much to her disappointment. 

“Hi mom.” Sami said, breaking her train of thought. 

“Hi honey…” Marlena smiled and hugged her daughter. “So.. Do you know what’s going on?” 

Looking around the crowd, Sami smiled a secretive smile similar to the one John had given her just a few hours ago. “Maybe..” 

Marlena gave her a suspicious look, narrowing her eyes and tilting her head slightly. “You know I hate surprises…” 

“Trust me..you’re gonna love this one..” Sami laughed loudly. 

The sound of John’s voice broke through the crowd and everyone turned their attention toward the large Christmas tree. 

“If I can have everyone’s attention..” He spoke loudly, waiting for the chatting to stop. “Thank you all for showing up. I know it’s Christmas Eve and you probably have other places to be..” Clearing his voice he continued. “Just a few weeks ago the future of this place didn’t look so bright, thanks to my company. And I am so sorry for all the stress and frustration that caused. I promised you then that I would do everything in my power to make it right and with the help of Samantha Brady, I’m so happy to be able to stand here in front of you today and tell you that the deal with Basic Black has been annulled and all of your businesses are safe.” 

The crowd cheered, people were hugging each other and deep breaths of relief were being released into the air. 

John searched the crowd of happy faces…there she stood, looking at him with a smile so bright that it almost blinded him. Fixing his eyes on hers, he spoke again. “Merry Christmas everyone..may all of your wishes come true..”

                             ——

At a distance Marlena watched with pride as people gathered around John, thanking him. The pub and the other shops and establishments were safe and right in that moment everything felt right, just as it was meant to on Christmas Eve. Her mother had always told her and her sister that Christmas was a celebration of the hearts. A time where you give, where you open up your heart to your loved ones but more importantly to the strangers you meet on your way. She used to say ‘we can all afford to give a little piece of our heart away, especially to the people who really need it and are struggling this time a year.’

Small tears ran down her cheeks..God, she missed them..her mother, father and her sister, especially during Christmas. 

“There you go..” Sami said and handed her mother a cup of warm Glögg. “Mom..are you crying?” 

Wiping her tears away, Marlena smiled at her only daughter who looked so much like her namesake, not just in looks but more so in personality. “Yeah..” She chuckled. “I was just thinking about grandma and grandpa and Samantha. I just miss them..” 

“I know..” Sami said lovingly and wrapped her arm around Marlena’s shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze. “Your man is quite the popular guy huh.” Sami laughed and pointed towards John, trying to lighten the mood. 

Taking a sip of the hot drink, Marlena smiled against the brim of the cup as she watched him. “I love him…I love him so much.” She whispered. 

“I’m happy for you..for you both.” Sami said and hugged her mother closer and placed a small kiss on her cheek. 

                                ——

Marlena glanced at the time as she walked around the square…it was almost 3pm and she hadn’t spoken to John yet. He had been busy chatting to everyone and so had she. Getting a chance to chat and wish everybody a merry Christmas and just enjoy the togetherness with the people of Salem was a rare opportunity in their normally busy lives. 

The crowd was starting to thin out but she still couldn’t spot John anywhere. 

“There is my pretty lady..” John said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. 

“I was just looking for you..” Marlena smiled and closed her eyes as she leaned back against him, enjoying his warm embrace. 

John buried his nose in her hair, his lips softly nibbling the skin behind her ear. “Sorry I took so long…I missed you..” 

His small kisses and his warm breath tickled her sensitive skin making her squirm in his arms. “I missed you too.. but time flies when you’re in great company.” She giggled trying to break free from his sweet torture. 

“Oh..is that so?” He laughed and spun her around to face him. “If that’s the case, would you like some great company for the rest of the day?” 

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she stood on her tiptoes and pulled his head close to hers. With their mouths inches apart she looked up into his bright blue eyes. “Only if it includes you.” She whispered smoldering, her eyes falling down to his lips. 

Throwing his head back, John laughed heartily. “You are going to be the death of me..” Pecking her lips quickly, he unwrapped her arms from his neck and took her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Come with me..”

                             ——

“Where are we going?” Marlena asked as they strolled hand in hand along the riverside. 

John glanced at her with a secretive smile. “You just keep surprising me..” 

“What do you mean?…And you didn’t answer my question..” She said curiously. 

Laughing softly at her cute suspicious expression, he said. “I just never knew how impatient you were..it’s very cute..” Lifting their laced hands to his mouth, his lips softly ran over her knuckles as he gave her a playful wink. 

“Come on..we are almost there” He laughed and tugged her along. 

They walked in silence, taking in the beautiful scenery as the sun was setting, when John suddenly stopped. 

“Right here..on this pier, when you asked me to kiss you..that night you made me the happiest man in the world..” He said and ran his fingers down her cheek. “I couldn’t believe that a woman like you, so incredibly beautiful and intelligent, would ever be interested in a man like me..”

Marlena grabbed his hand and held it against her chin. Looking into his soulful eyes she saw for the first time his insecurities and vulnerability. “John.. you really don’t give yourself enough credit. You are a wonderful and good man, a man of integrity, a man of loyalty and you have such a big heart. You are exactly what every woman dreams of…a true knight in shining armor.” She smiled and kissed his hand. “I really couldn’t believe that you were interested in me other than as a friend. I’m not young and beautiful anymore and…” 

“Don’t…” John cut her off, silencing her with his fingers against her mouth. “I have known you for 8 years and you are even more beautiful..and sexy today than the day I first met you and shook your hand.”

Marlena smiled lovingly at him. “Look at us… both insecure and needing reassurance in our old age.huh..” She laughed. 

“Yeah.. I wonder what a psychiatrist would think about that..” He laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her body flush against his. 

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered softly. “Well.. I would say..it’s a match made in heaven..” 

Their mouths met in a deep kiss, tongues colliding with such intensity and need that it left them breathless and warm in the cold winter air. 

“I have something for you..” John said and reached inside his pocket, pulling out a small box. “Go ahead..open it.” He laughed when he saw the excitement in her face. 

John watched her unwrap with a big smile while his heart pounded hard in his chest. 

Marlena slowly opened the box and let out a small gasp when she saw what was hidden inside. With wide eyes and open mouth, she took the beautiful item in her shaking hand. “Oh John…honey, it’s beautiful..” 

Taking the empty box from her, he let her inspect her present before explaining the meaning behind it. 

“What beautiful, beautiful charms..” She whispered, touching each one with a delicate finger. 

“They represent you…us…and hopefully more charms will come along.” He spoke and moved closer to her. Placing his hand on hers, he guided them to the first charm. “This little house symbolizes the hospital where I met you for the first time, and maybe our future home together..And this sun symbolizes your bright smile, your blinding beauty and the light you shine on the people around you. The beer bottle represents the pub….and..”

“What is this?” She asked, curiously fondling with a small charm. “Is that a couch?” She giggled. 

“Yep.. you are a psychiatrist, aren’t you?” He laughed. “And last but not least, a heart..my heart..” He said, not needing to explain any further. 

Tearing her gaze away from the charm bracelet, she looked up into his eyes. “I love it.. I love you..Thank you..” She said and cupped his face, bringing him in for a kiss. 

“Help me put it on..” She said and held out her arm. She watched him with love as his large hands carefully fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist, carefully making sure that it was securely attached. 

“Are you ready for more?” He asked as he placed a small kiss on her wrist and smiled playfully. 

“There’s more?” She replied with surprise. “Isn’t this enough?” 

“Nope…for you it’s never enough..come on sweetheart..” He said and took her hand, guiding her to their next destination. 

Part 21:

“Are you taking me home already?” Marlena asked when she realized they were only a few minutes away from the pub. “I was really enjoying strolling around and looking at all the Christmas lights.” 

Looking down at her disappointed face, John was so close to abandoning his initial plan and in favor of walking around town with her by his side all night, and showing the world that she was his. But he also knew that what he had in store for tonight would make her even happier. 

“I thought you might be hungry.” He said, hoping that she was. 

“I am actually…but the pub is closed and Sami..what are you up to?” She replied curiously. 

There it was again, her irresistible cute wondering look that made his heart flutter and almost made him tell her all of the surprises he had in store for her tonight. “Patience my love..patience..” He laughed.

John opened the door for her and felt his excitement grow as they were both hit with the lovely smell of food. The room was illuminated by Christmas lights and candles, the fireplace crackled and in the middle of the room stood a beautiful set table with 4 plates. 

Marlena was speechless as she stood and took in the cozy and warm setting. 

“Let me take your jacket.” John said, grabbing her shoulders from behind. Leaning forward he couldn’t resist and placed a small kiss on her cheek as he slowly pulled her jacket off. “Merry Christmas baby…” He whispered hotly in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. Turning around she looked at him with tears in her eyes. 

“Merry Christmas darling.” She sighed with appreciation. 

“Mom…John.. Your timing is perfect.. dinner is served.” Sami interrupted cheerfully as she emerged from the kitchen with her hands full of dishes with food. 

The sound of her daughter’s voice made Marlena turn around. “Sami….what are you doing here?…I thought you were spending Christmas Eve at Lucas’ house.” 

Putting down the food on the table, Sami looked up at the adorable couple with a big smile. “I am..but first I’m spending it with the two of you..and I have a surprise guest..” Turning her head to face the kitchen Sami yelled. “You can come out now!!”

Marlena held her breath as she fixed her eyes on the kitchen door, waiting with impatience for the secret guest to make an appearance. God she hated surprises.. 

The door slowly opened and the face of a young man with a smile as bright as Marlena’s appeared. 

Marlena could hardly believe her eyes. She blindly reached for John’s hand to steady herself as tears welled up in her eyes blurring her sight.

 “Will..!!” She managed to gasp out through the tightness in her throat. 

“Grandma..!!” Running up to Marlena, Will threw his arms around her in an embrace filled with so much love and deprivation to the woman who had practically raised him, a woman who loved him unconditionally and stood by his side no matter what. 

                                   —-

Standing by the bar John watched Marlena, Sami and Will laughing and sharing stories. A sense of belonging and family filled his heart for the first time in his life. And the thought of him being a part of that small family made him more happy than he could have imagined. 

They had finished Sami’s lovely dinner about an hour ago and he had volunteered to do the dishes and give them time to catch up. He had only met Will a few times years ago when he first moved to Salem. A couple of years ago the young man had moved to LA to pursue a career as a screenplay writer and rarely came home to visit. 

Observing them and listening to them reminisce about the past and tell stories, it was obvious that Marlena and Will had a very special bond that could only be admired and envied. She had been his rock, his guardian angel, always there to protect and support him, to comfort him through the hard times and celebrate the good ones. 

And that fact made John fall even more in love with her, if that was even possible. 

“It’s getting late and we need to get going.” Sami said. 

“Already?…” Marlena said not ready for the evening to end. 

Will smiled lovingly at his grandma, knowing how much tonight had meant to her. For them to spend Christmas together for the first time in years was something he had missed more than anything. But he knew that what John had planned for the rest of the night would make up for it. 

“Yeah.. I need to go to bed so I can get up early and see what Santa has put under the tree for me.” Will giggled. 

Marlena joined his laughter. “Just like when you were a little boy..” 

“Thank you all for tonight, for letting me be a part of your family..” John said as he joined the table and sat down next to Marlena. 

Will and Sami looked at each other, a silent conversation taking place between them which made John suddenly feel nervous. Marlena sensed his unsureness and placed her hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze to ease his nerves. Their opinion and acceptance meant the world to him. 

Will was the first to speak. “It’s obvious that you make my grandma very happy..happier than I have seen her in a long time, and that’s what’s most important to me. So….welcome to the family John.” Will said and reached out his hand across the table for John to shake. 

John swallowed loudly as he stared at the outstretched hand and then at Will’s smiling face. All eyes were on John, when he suddenly stood up, almost knocking over the chair in his hurried movement. Rounding the table with a few large steps, John grabbed Will’s hand and pulled him to his feet. 

“Thanks kid…I’m honored and I promise you that I will do everything to make Marlena happy.” John spoke with a shaking voice as emotions so unfamiliar to him ran through his body. 

“Awww…group hug..” Sami said and practically threw herself between Will and John, pulling them close. 

Watching the three people she loved more than anything, in a loving embrace brought tears to Marlena’s eyes and made her heart melt. 

                                  ——

“Aren’t you gonna open your present..?” Marlena asked playfully as she stood behind John. 

John quickly turned around with a curious expression, taking in the cute vision in front of him. With her hands behind her back, hiding something and her brilliant excited smile and sparkling eyes he was sure that he had never seen anyone so adorable before. 

“You got me a present?” He asked and inched closer to her. 

“I did..” She replied and revealed what she was hiding. 

Taking the gift from her, he inspected the beautifully wrapped box. “Oh, I must have been a good boy this year.” He laughed. 

With smoldering eyes and a soft raspy voice Marlena eyed him from head to toe. “Hmm..you have been a very..very good boy.” Shaking her head lightly she snapped herself out of the endless attraction and desire his mere nearness always awakened. “Open it..” 

Her flustered state didn’t go by unnoticed and John couldn’t help but smile and feel some sort of pride that he was the cause of it. Keeping his eyes locked on hers, his fingers worked slowly, tearing the wrapping paper off. When the task was complete, he looked down and gently opened the oblong box. 

“Sweetheart, it’s beautiful..” He said as he removed a gold watch from its container. Leaning forward he placed a kiss on her lips and whispered. “I love it…Thank you..” 

“Look at the back, there’s an inscription!” 

His heart skipped a beat when he read what was written. Running his thumb over the small letters he took a deep breath. “To JB, for showing me it’s never too late. Love M.” 

He knew what she meant because he felt the same way. He had given up hope that he would ever find true love and happiness, that he would ever find a profound sense of belonging, have a family that would show him unconditional love..that he would ever find his soulmate, the other piece of his heart. But against all odds that was exactly what he had right in that moment and he would be forever grateful. 

“I don’t know what I have done to deserve you, to deserve your love…I love you..” He said and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. 

                             ——

“Where are we going?” She eyed him suspiciously as he drove through town. He had told her that he had one last surprise for her and that was all she could get out of him. 

Taking her hand, John brought it to his lips as he kept his eyes on the road. “You’ll see..” 

“I was kind of hoping that we would be in bed right now…expressing our love..” Her voice was hoarse as she admired his handsome face. 

John scraped his teeth over her knuckles before he turned her hand and pressed his lips against her palm. “I promise you, we will get to that part but I want to show you something first.” He said, his lips still lingering against her warm hand. 

His magical lips sent a jolt of warmth through her body and settled in the pit of her stomach.  “Well I’m that case..can we get there fast then?” She giggled. 

John took his eyes off the road and glanced at her. Seeing the desire in her eyes he almost regretted not wanting until tomorrow to show her. “We’re here..” Was all he said as he stopped in front of a tall building. 

Marlena hadn’t paid any attention to where they were going until now and she wondered why he had taken her to the most exclusive and expensive part of town. 

Getting out of the car, John walked to her side and opened the door for her, offering her his hand. 

Hand in hand they walked the short distance to the entrance. 

“Good evening Mr Black” The doorman greeted them and opened the door for them. 

“Good evening Bob and merry Christmas” John said.  

Marlena looked curiously at John. “Why does he know your name?” 

Stopping at the elevator and pressing the button John laughed at her big wide hazel eyes filled with so many questions. “You’ll see in a moment..” 

The elevator arrived and John stepped in and pulled Marlena with him as he pressed the button to the top floor. As the doors closed he wrapped his arms around her from behind and buried his face in the crook of her neck, his hot breath awakening her every single nerve in her body. 

“Are you excited to see where we are going?” His voice was deep and hoarse. 

Her eyes closed involuntarily at his nearness. “Hmm yes..” She whispered and let her head fall back against his chest. 

His arms tightened around her waist as his thumbs drew small circles on her stomach. His mouth latched on to her neck, placing small open mouth kisses from her ear down her neck. 

Marlena reached her arm up and around his neck, turning her head to his, pulling his mouth to hers. Her lips parted, welcoming him, seducing him as her tongue sneaked out, wetting her pillowy lips. 

..DING…. The elevator rudely interrupted before her lips met their intended destination. A sigh of disappointment escaped her and mixed with the sound of his deep growl. 

“We are here..” John exhaled and unwrapped his arms from her soft warm body only to take her hand once again and guide her a few steps until they stood in front of a beautiful large door. 

John reached for the key on his pocket and unlocked it. 

Marlena was stunned by the gorgeous sight that met her eyes. With slow steps and wide eyes she walked in and looked around the large living room. Beautiful wooden floor, high ceiling, a built-in fireplace, large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Salem and French doors leading out to what she could only imagine was a large magnificent balcony. It was exactly how she had always imagined a penthouse would look like. 

“John..it so beautiful..” She said as she walked towards the large windows. 

Coming up behind her, he stopped a few feet away from her and admired the beauty that was both Marlena and the view. “When I saw it, I immediately thought of you and what you told me the first night we spent together. And I knew that I just had to buy it.” 

Turning around to face him, Marlena couldn’t believe that he remembered her secret confession. “John…I..don’t know what to say..”

John stepped closer to her and gently grabbed her chin, tilting her head slightly up so he could look into her eyes. “I bought it for us.” He smiled. “I was hoping that you would want to move in here with me and build a home together filled with love and room for everybody…Sami, Eric, Brady, all of your grandchildren…This place is big enough for everyone..” 

Tears fell from Marlena’s eyes, running slowly down her rosy cheeks. “This is…I don’t even.. I…” She stuttered through her quiet sobs. 

Cupping her face, he suddenly felt unsure…maybe it was too soon for her to make such a decision..“Just say yes..” He said, his thumbs gently wiping her tears away. 

Taking a deep breath and placing her hands over his, her words came out with such intensity and love that it left no doubt that she meant it from the bottom of her heart. “Yes…yes..oh God..yes.”

John’s heart was pounding so hard that it felt like it was going to burst through his chest. “That’s my girl.” He whispered and wasted no time sealing the deal with a passionate kiss. 

They were quickly losing control, giving in to the burning lust and desire that had been building all day. 

John had to dig deep to find one small fragment of will power to stop this before it went any further. He had one more suggestion for her. “Hold on..baby.. I have one last proposal for you..before..we..” He said when their lips parted for a brief moment. 

Marlena stared at him with nodded eyes. “Oh yeah…make it quick..” 

John swallowed thickly as she scraped her nails up and down his shirt covered chest. “I’ve been thinking..” He stopped as he got lost in her eyes. “What would you say if I suggested that you go back to practicing psychiatry..maybe open your own private practice?….Before you say anything, I talked to Sami about it and she thinks it’s a great idea. We could hire someone to help her at the pub, and that would give you the freedom to do what you are meant to do…And I will be waiting for you, here in our home..making you dinner..offering massages..foot rubs and other perks..” He said and arched a flirtatious eyebrow. 

Marlena wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing their bodies together. “Oh my, John Black..where did you come from? And what have I ever done to deserve you..”

John couldn’t resist and let his hands smooth down her back to her round bottom. “You deserve the world and I will do my very best to make sure you have what your heart desires…so what do you say? Do you want to take the leap?”

Threading her finger through the short hair at the back of his neck, she licked her lips and held his gaze. “Yes, a thousand times yes…now, would you please stop with the surprises and make love to me..right here, right now..”

Not saying another word, he dug his fingers into her ass cheeks and lifted her up. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his hips as he backed her up against the nearest wall. 

This was the beginning of what they both considered to be the journey of a lifetime. A journey that would undoubtedly be filled with happiness, appreciation and a love deeper than anything they could have ever imagined or dreamed of. A joining of two souls that had felt lost for years but found each other in the end..true soulmate. 

                             The end