This story is a continuation/sequel to “Second Time Around” which I do not have, so I can’t post it*
Chapter 1
Marlena walked briskly through Salem Park pushing a sleeping Gabriella in the stroller in front of her. She was dressed in a loose tee shirt and shorts and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. The breeze of the comfortable late August day blew her bangs back as she continued her quick pace around the goose pond and was approaching the Baseball fields. Her mind was a million places as she walked. Thinking about all that had gone on in the past few months and weeks. She and John adjusting to parenthood all over again, John’s recent return to work, the planning of Brady and Chloe’s wedding and in the back of her mind in the midst of all the happiness was as there always had been Stephano Dimera. While he was in jail since the night Gabriella was born, there was still an uneasiness Marlena felt. Most of the time she was fine and far too busy with the baby and enjoying her family’s new happiness to think about him. Even still the Dimeras never have been easy to forget. Shaken from her thoughts she heard her name being called and slowed down her pace to see Hope approaching her.
“Hey there, I thought that was you.” Hope said as she kissed Marlena on the cheek.
“Yep here we are! What brings you here?” Marlena asked
“Oh Zack has T- Ball practice, or should I say the hour of the day where he and his teammates spin around in the dirt in the outfield” Hope explained as she and Marlena laughed. “What about you?” she continued.
“Well the baby and I are on our usual walk, Ive been trying to go everyday, ya know trying to loose the rest of the baby weight, seems like its not as easy to bounce back this time around.” Marlena sighed.
“ Are you kidding me? you look fantastic, you could never tell you had a baby a few weeks ago.”
“Oh well thank you, your kind” Marlena laughed.
“Im not being kind I’m being serious, but we can agree to disagree” Hope smiled as she peered into the carriage. “She is absolutely gorgeous, I cant believe how much shes changed over the past few weeks… but ugh don’t you love a sleeping baby!… how precious.”
“I know, its so funny, John and I stare at her all the time… we should take the opportunity to catch up on sleep ourselves but..she just amazes us.” Marlena beamed. Hope looked over and saw that Zack’s practice had ended.
“Ok lemme run and get him home, Good seeing you Marlena, tell John I said Hi and we’ll see you at Shawn and Caroline’s !”
“Yes, Take Care give our love to Bo and the boys…” The two parted and Marlena headed for home.
At Basic Black John sat at the conference table impatiently tapping his pen on the pad praying for the meeting to end. He had only been back to work about a week now and it was already a week too long. He missed the time he had spent with his girls. Belle had moved back home for the summer and between her Marlena and the new baby he found himself longing for the work days to end so he could rush home to them.
“John was there anything you wanted to add? One of the Board members questioned. Stirred from his daze he quickly replied no and was thrilled when the board agreed to end the meeting. Like a kid at the sound of the school bell John leaped from his chair and quickly left the room and headed for home with his family.
“Doesn’t that feel better now? Momma’s all clean and baby’s all clean and were gonna put you in your jamies…” Marlena spoke in a sing song voice as she finished changing Gabriella in the nursery. The peaceful joy between mother and baby soon was interrupted by the slamming of the Penthouse door followed by stomping up the stairs. Confused as to who was making all the noise she set the baby into the crib just as Belle burst through the Nursery door in tears.
“Belle what is it?” Marlena panicked. Belle said nothing but began to cry harder as she ran towards her mother’s arms. Now officially worried Marlena soothed her daughters golden locks as she asked again what was wrong.
“Shawn- Its –Shawn- We had a big fight- and… I think we broke up… its over” Belle sobbed into her mothers shirt. The commotion and Belles sobs caused Gabrielle to cry from her crib. Marlena looked back and forth helplessly between both of her daughters.
“Shhh ok…come on.” Marlena ushered Belle out of the Nursery and into Belles room.
“Sweetie calm down and try to talk to me” Marlena tried as Belles sobs became harder and louder as she fell onto her bed crying into her pillow. Marlena listened as she heard the baby continued to cry also and was suddenly overwhelmed.
“Belle, sweetie Ill be right back…” Marlena rose and walked into the hall and walked directly into John whom she was relieved to see. His face was filled with concern.
“Doc what is it?”
“Shawn and Belle had a fight.. that’s all I know… can you go take care of the baby.., she might be hungry.” John nodded immediately and went to go to the baby when Marlena gently grabbed his arm. She smiled softly and kissed him on the lips quickly but sweetly.
“Welcome home” she grinned causing him to smile before the both went to tend to their daughters.
After an hour or more of talking and crying in her mothers arms, Belle had fallen asleep. After putting a blanket over her and kissing her on her head Marlena quietly left the room to check on her other daughter. She looked over the balcony and saw that John was on the couch reading the paper with one hand and holding Gabriella in the other. She smiled as she went to join them. She leaned over the back of the couch wrapping her arms around his neck kissing him gently on the cheek.
“Any good news?” she asked referring to his paper.
“Nah… hows Belle?” Marlena walked around and joined him on the couch.
“Heartbroken…she cried herself to sleep in my arms…I felt so helpless.”
“Im sure you just listening helped. What happened anyway?”
“Long story short….They had a silly fight and it ended with Shawn suggesting they should see other people.”
“Ouch” John added.
“Yea..but I told her she should let them both cool off and talk again tomorrow, it may have just been in the heat of the moment.”
“Poor Izzy –B.”
“How about out other little one? Hows she doing?” Marlena smiled as Gabriella lay sleeping in John’s arms.
“ She and I had her bottle…we burped….we changed… we read the paper and fell asleep.”
“Like father like daughter hu?” Marlena laughed.
“Yupp” John smiled as he rose to place the baby in a carrier seat near by.
“So how was your day?” Marlena asked.
“the usual… but I don’t wanna talk about work.. I wanna talk about something else.” John grinned as he took his seat next to Marlena on the couch.
“And what might that be?” Marlena grinned.
“Do you know what tomorrow is?” he asked and watched as her mind raced trying to recall the day or date praying she did not forget their anniversary or something else again.
Finally after not being able to think of anything she replied coyly, “Friday?”
John laughed. “Well yes but more importantly its your 6 week check up at the doctor!!!” He beamed and Marlena rolled her eyes.
“That’s whats got you so excited? How do you even remember that?” she inquired.
“Are you kidding me its been on my calendar since you made the appointment…do you know what tomorrow means?”
“Yes John Black it means I get weighed and poked and prodded and all kinds of uncomfortable things what does it mean to you?” She asked as if she didn’t know.
“Well Dr. Bader had said we needed to wait 6 weeks before we-“
“Im well aware John but it doesn’t necessarily mean Im going to run home from the appointment and jump into bed with you… she said at least 6 weeks.. we will have to wait see…” She replied trying not to smile at the disappointed look that John wore on his face.
“Doc Im not trying to pressure you… Its just been so long… and I just miss you so much and—“ Marlena took his face in her hands and replied “ I know…” before kissing him softly on the lips. “ I love you” he spoke quietly as Marlena grinned and went in for another kiss this one longer and more passionate than the first.
Chapter 2
John walked in from work and set his briefcase on the desk. The house was quiet, strangely quiet, quite the change from the hysteria from the day before.
“Doc?” he called but received no answer. He thought for a moment that maybe no one was home but then he realized he had just spoken to Marlena a half an hour ago and she said she would be waiting for him. He climbed the stairs and into the nursery. Walking over to the crib he saw his daughter was sleeping soundly. He stared a moment marveling at the tiny form in front of him. He leaned in and kissed her forehead as he sighed. Each time he looked at Gabriella he thanked God, for keeping her safe, for bringing her to him and Marlena, for giving them a new beginning. After a moment he turned to go see where Marlena or Belle were. Seeing Belle’s room was empty he walked into his and was beyond surprised as to what he saw. The room was filled with candles which made a grin instantly appear on his face.
“Marlena?” He asked again as he walked over towards the bathroom.
“Right here Sailor” Marlena replied as she leaned against the bathroom door frame. Johns jaw dropped slightly at the beauty in front of him. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a twist, her makeup done to perfection and she stood wearing a devilish grin along with her long black negligee and matching sheer robe. John was speechless.
“You gonna just stand there all day? Or did you want to come join me?” She grinned as she turned to walk into the bathroom as John took one leap and was there behind her. The Jacuzzi tub was filed with bubbles and like the bedroom there were candles lit everywhere.
“Wow” was all he was finally able to mutter.
“That’s all you’ve got?” she chuckled as the two stood in front of each other.
“Do I take this as your appointment went well?” He asked.
“It went very well…” She began as she stepped toward him and removed his suit jacket.
“So your sure everything’s ok?… and we can do this?” He asked as she began removing his tie. She looked up at him with heavy eyes and put a finger up to his lips.
“Everything is fine… Im fine.. the baby is fine and sleeping for now.. and Belle is sleeping at Mimi’s tonight… so yes I’m positive we can do this” she stated as she undid the last button of his shirt exposing his broad chest. The two stared a moment before Marlena dove into his lips wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. After a moment they came up for air and John cupped her face in his hands.
“You look incredible ….” He whispered. She grinned before replying.
“That was sort of the point” she laughed before reaching for his lips again. He held so
tightly to her as her hands began to roam his bare back. Marlena’s hands began to fight with the belt to his pants until finally succeeding in removing them. She pulled away from his lips before asking…. “ Care to join me in the bath Sailor?”
“I would follow you to the moon and back” he replied as he removed her robe while their eyes locked both heavy with desire.
Two hours later they laid on the floor of the bedroom wrapped in a sheet they had pulled from the bed.
“Oh My….” Marlena said as she rested her head on his chest and she began to laugh.
“Whats so funny?” he asked as he too began to laugh solely because her laugh was so contagious.
“Oh baby I just forgot….I forgot how good you are at that and how I cant believe how long its been since… you did that thing you do”
“How about that thing you did!? That was new!” John said as they both laughed. Marlena snuggled closer to him.
“I also forgot how many places there are in our bedroom to do it!” She laughed.
“Yea… what was it the tub, the sink countertop, the bathroom floor, the bed, the dresser and the floor?”
“Well when you list them like that John we sound like freeken jackrabbits!”
“ Well what do you expect? Its been months!” he teased as he stroked her blonde locks that had long since been removed from her clip.
“Seriously though… you are incredible” She said as she looked up and met his lips with hers.
“Were incredible” he replied kissing her back. Marlena yawned and rested her head back against his chest. In that same instant the shrill cry sounded through the baby monitor on the night stand causing them both to sigh.
“Well she certainly held out for us though” he joked as Marlena sat up holding the sheet around her.
“That she did…and I’m sure shes hungry.” She added as she stood up.
“I’ll feed her… you go lay down” he offered as he stood to meet her.
“You sure?” Marlena asked as she stifled another yawn.
“positive, you were with her all day” He reached into his drawer and grabbed boxers and a tee shirt before going to the baby.
“ And when I’m done feeding her… Ill start on dinner for us because I know I certainly worked up an appetite.” He approached Marlena who was still wrapped in the sheet, her hair a mess of curls. Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her close capturing her lips with his one last time.
“Sounds wonderful” she replied as she hit his bottom as he walked away. Marlena walked over to Johns drawer and pulled out one of his tee shirts and pulled it over her head. She took one look at the bed and decided she would just lay down until John was done with Gabriella. That was of course until she fell asleep the instant her head hit the pillow.
Down the hall John was burping his 6 week old daughter as he talked to her. Telling her silly stories or just talking to her in general. After a good burp and seeing that she fell right to sleep John creped down the hall back to Marlena. He was not surprised to find Marlena too was sound asleep. He should have known she would be after all the excitement and leaving her alone for a while. He smiled as he saw her curled up on the bed in his tee shirt clutching the pillow. He sat at the edge of the bed and brushed the stray hairs away from her face taking in her beauty before he two began to yawn. Deciding to lay down next to her it was just moments before everyone in the Black family was sound asleep.
Chapter 3
Marlena paced the nursery floor with a screaming Gabriella in her arms as she tried to sooth her.
“Oh sweety Girl Please! Shhhh… its ok…Ella baby!..” She begged her daughter as she tried burping her as she walked. Marlena was beyond exhausted. It was the second night in a row now that Gabriella had been up screaming all night. Marlena’s patience was shot and she too was near tears. The wailing continued as John entered the nursery with a bottle.
“Here we go… Daddy’s here… lets see if your hungry” he said as he went to hand the bottle to Marlena.
“She’s not hungry!!” Marlena exclaimed as the baby continued to cry. “She’s not wet, its not gas…she just wants to scream!” she yelled as she lost control of the tears that welled in her eyes. John could see that Marlena was at her wits end, they both were.
“Ok… ok..” John assured as he took the baby from Marlena. He rested the still crying baby into the crib and ushered Marlena out of the room. Closing the door behind him he turned to see Marlena leaning against the wall with her face in her hands. He walked over and pulled the now crying Marlena into his arms.
“I’m so tired John, I’m just so tired…. And I know you are too… but I just-Its been hours!! She wont stop … and if she’s becoming colicky this could go on forever and I don’t think I can do that John I cant deal with this every day.. and I know that’s makes me horrible but – I just-” she explained as she let her weight fall into his chest and he rubbed circles across her back.
“Hey.. Hey shhh you are not horrible, your exhausted, we both are, but it will be ok” John explained skeptically as they heard the baby continue to cry through the door. Marlena was so exhausted that she could have gone to sleep standing up in Johns arms.
“Listen why don’t you go lay down and I’ll stay with her for a while…there’s no sense in us both being awake.” John offered.
“Because its not fair to you either…” Marlena explained wiping her tears away.
“Its fine.. you had the first 2 hours.. its my turn…let me sit with her, you go rest” he said kissing her forehead. Marlena sighed as she listened to her daughter continue to cry, it broke her heart to see and hear her so upset but she knew she needed to rest or she would be no good to anyone. She turned and went into their bedroom as John went into the nursery.
Three more hours and one shift change later Marlena was asleep in the rocking chair in the nursery with a peaceful and sleeping Gabriella on her chest. Marlena had only gotten about an hour of sleep before she went in and relieved John in the nursery. John stayed in the room with them and had fallen asleep on the floor using Gabriella’s large teddy bear as a pillow. It was now 6:30 in the morning and the sun shinning into the yellow nursery awakened Marlena from her sleep. She shifted uncomfortably as she instantly felt the stiffness in her neck. Looking over at John she instantly laughed at the sight of him on the floor with the bear. She carefully rose from the chair and walked over to the crib and prayed she could set Gabriella down with out waking her. The baby stirred but remained sleeping as Marlena walked over to John and knelt down.
“Sweetie…” she whispered running her hand through his hair. John stirred and opened his eyes and soon felt that familiar stiffness through out his body.
“Come on lets go into bed” Marlena explained as she helped him sit up.
“Bed sounds good… what time is it?” John asked through a yawn noticing the sun was out.
“6:30… we have hours before we have to be at Shawn and Caroline’s…” Marlena yawned as she spoke. The two walked arm and arm into their bedroom wanting to get every moment they could out of the now peaceful house. Collapsing onto their bed they were in heaven. Marlena laid on her side with her back to John as he pulled her body closer to him. Sighing with contentment, they were quickly falling back asleep…Until that familiar sound echoed through the baby monitor causing them both to groan.
Chapter 4
The Brady Pub was bustling with the Brady-Black-Horton and Wesley families and friends. With two weeks until Brady and Chloe’s wedding Shawn and Caroline insisted on hosting a party for the families to get together before the big day. Marlena was setting a sleeping Gabriella back into her stroller in one of the corners of the noisy pub. She stood up and rubbed her neck, which was still sore from her less than comfortable sleeping position…, or perhaps a “quick nap” would be the better words to describe her hour of sleep. Before she could turn around towards the party she felt two strong hands gripping her shoulders and begin to massage… She instantly smiled and melted at the touch.
“Mrs. Black you are awfully tense” John spoke as his hands continued to massage her neck and shoulders.
“Mmm- humm” She muttered as her eyes became heavy with his touch. He moved his hands from her shoulders and wrapped them around her waist pulling her close to him standing back to stomach.
“Mm I didn’t say you could stop Sailor!” Marlena teased. John moved his head into the crook of her neck where he began to leave soft kisses which immediately made her weak in the knees. Marlena let out a giggle. God how he loved that sound.
“John what are you trying to do to me? Were in a room with all of our Children, Friends and Family!”
“I’m not trying anything, you just looked like you could use some lovin” he grinned as he rested his head on her shoulder.
“She sure is adorable when she’s not screaming” John joked as they watched their daughter sleep in the stroller.
“Now That’s a Fact” Marlena laughed as she reached her hand back and caressed his cheek as they were lost in the moment
“What are you two up to over in the corner!?” John and Marlena broke their contact and turned to see Belle.
“Hey sweetie.. did you just get here?” Marlena asked as Belle exchanged kisses and hugs with her parents.
“Yea I came with Shawn” Belle beamed.
“So I take it you two are back together?” John asked.
“Yes were definitely together!” Belle spoke as her smile widened and Marlena and John exchanged glances. “So do you guys miss me yet? I know I’ve only been back to school for 2 weeks now but I’m sure you do!” Belle joked.
“Oh sweetie you know we always miss you, but trust me your dorm is the best place to be right now… our house is anything but the studying.. or sleeping environment these days.” Marlena sighed.
“So my baby sister is giving you a rough time I see.”
“Just in the early morning hours… but we’re professionals…we can take her” John added as Marlena rolled her eyes. As they chatted Craig Wesley approached.
“Hi all…” he said as they greeted him. “Um Marlena I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute.” Marlena looked confused at first but quickly agreed as she left John and Belle and joined Craig in a nearby booth.
“Should I be nervous?” Marlena asked settling in.
“Why do you say that?”
“Well because regardless of the fact were soon to be in-laws your still the Chief of Staff, and I tend to get nervous when my boss asks to talk” She smiled.
“Well don’t be. I know I shouldn’t be talking about work stuff today but, I needed to discuss this with you and since were both here…”
“Ok, Still nervous…” Marlena shifted in her seat.
“Ok, I know you just had the baby and maybe you haven’t even given this any thought yet but I was wondering when you were planning on coming back to the hospital.” Marlena stared a moment not sure of the answer herself.
“Umm honestly Craig I haven’t thought about it, Gabriella is only a month old and John and I haven’t really even discussed what we were going to do….Where is this coming from?” She broke off.
“Well…there’s something else I needed to discuss with you… the state and the board of trusties has given the go-ahead for a multi million dollar hospital renovation and new program development.”
“Oh my Gosh Craig that’s incredible…”
“Yes, and a large sum of money has been set aside for a women’s empowerment program, it would mean incredible publicity for the hospital, national recognition, greater further funding…and the board unanimously voted for you to head it off.” He finished.
Marlena stared blankly at him, her mouth slightly opened.
“Your not saying anything” he laughed.
“I-well-I’m.. Stunned….I mean Why? Why do they want me? I mean I haven’t been at work in 2 months now, I have a brand new baby at home, I think id be the last they would consider.”
“Marlena you are the head of the Psychiatric Department, you have been a hugely respected doctor, colleague, woman and friend at that hospital for over 20 years, I cant imagine why they would choose anyone else.” Craig spoke compassionately. Marlena was touched but still didn’t know what to say.
“I appreciate the –“ she started.
“They want you, we all really want you, and we’re willing to work with you in any way we can to make this happen.” Marlena opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. A million things went through her head.
“Listen just think about it, get back to me when you can” with that Nancy called him over and he excused himself leaving Marlena in the booth lost in thought.
A moment later John and Sami approached the booth laughing together. John slid into the booth next to her as Sami did so across from them.
“You know for being Irish, Caroline makes the best lasagna I’ve ever had! And Brady and I know how much you love it too so we brought you some.” Marlena looked up and smiled at her men.
“Mmm yes, it looks wonderful, thank you both.”
“So is everything ok?… With Craig?” John asked. Marlena looked up from her food and gave a non convincing smile.
“Yea everything’s fine.” John didn’t believe her for a minute.
“So Brady…is everything set for the big day?” Marlena changed the subject.
“Umm I think so, I’m trying to help but stay out of the way at the same time, it seems to be working for me so far.” Brady laughed.
“I’ve taught my son well” John grinned.
“Well I’m sure everything will be wonderful sweetie,” Marlena added taking his hand in hers while suppressing a yawn.
“You guys look beat” Brady added.
“Thanks kido- that seems to be the consensus around here” John sighed.
“I’m just saying-“ Brady began but turned to see Chloe calling him over. “Ill be back” he said as he left leaving Marlena and John alone. Marlena yawned again as did John. She took her right hand wrapping it around his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder and her hand on his chest.
“You wanna get going soon?” John asked seeing that she could have fallen asleep right there.
“Yea, we should feed the baby before we go though” she sighed. With that Sami slid into their booth.
“Oh You poor guys! You two look-“
“tired, exhausted, beaten, terrible? Thank you Sami we we’ve been told” Marlena said as she kept her head on Johns shoulder.
“Sorry-“ Sami grinned. “Well listen the real reason I came over was not to insult you, it was to offer my assistance”
“And what would that be?” John asked as he absently drew circles on Marlena’s arm.
“Why don’t you guys let me take Gabriella for a while and you two go and get some rest.”
“Oh thank you sweetie but you don’t have to- I mean we haven’t really left her with anyone yet“ Marlena started.
“I know I don’t have to but I want to, and I’m not anyone I’m her sister, it will be fine and come on do you guys really wanna pass up all that quiet time?” John and Marlena looked at each other and laughed.
“I certainly don’t… your sure you don’t mind Sami?” John asked
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did, it would be my pleasure, I miss having a little baby around!” She beamed.
“Well ok, everything you need is in the diaper bag… and just call or come by if you need anything… well give you the car seat.. oh and her blanket is in the- Its just for a little while right? Because she gets…..“ Marlena rambled.
“Sweetie, She’ll be fine, they both will… now lets go before you change your mind” John helped her out of the booth.
“Oh I know, I just… thank you sweetie” She kissed Sami and walked over to do the same with the baby. Five more instructions, comments and kisses later Marlena and John said goodbye to the rest of the kids and friends and family before heading to the penthouse.
While in the car Marlena stared out the window. She knew she had to talk to John about what Craig had discussed with her, she didn’t know what he was going to think of it. The truth was she didn’t know what she thought of it. She missed so much time with her other children she didn’t want to do that again, at the same time so much was riding on this development. She looked over at John and ran her hand through his hair. He turned and flashed a million dollar smile at her.
“I love you…” She whispered.
“I love you too…” he spoke as his smile widened. God how he could make her melt with just his smile. They continued their drive home quietly. She didn’t know what would happen once they got home.
Chapter 5
he moment the penthouse door closed Marlena kicked off her heels and headed right towards the couch. John followed as he wordlessly took a seat along side of her, both resting their heads back. After a few moments of silence, a giggle left Marlena’s lips which instantly made John smile.
“What?” he asked through his smile.
“I just think its funny that we haven’t said one word to each other since we got in the car” Marlena explained as she turned her head to look at him.
“We must be more tired then we realized.” She nodded slightly as he brought his hand to her cheek stroking it slightly with his finger. They stared into each others eyes for a moment and got lost. John broke his stare as he adjusted his whole body to face her on the couch. In doing so he grimaced slightly in pain.
“Oooh… are you as sore as I am?” he asked as he rotated his right shoulder trying to work out the kinks.
“Mmmm were certainly not as young as we use to be… this sleeping on the floor and in chairs thing is not something we respond well to” Marlena laughed. “Come here” she added reaching her arms for him. John leaned over and rested his head in her lap stretching his feet onto the couch. Marlena began to massage his right shoulder and neck with one hand as her other ran through his thick black hair.
“John?… Do you think we should call and check on the baby?” Before John responded he couldn’t help but laugh slightly.
“Doc, it hasn’t even been an hour yet! She is fine, she’s with Sami and Lucas, no worries.” Marlena sighed but she knew he was right.
“I know I just… we’ve never left her.”
“It had to happen sometime sweetie…we cant be with her 24/7” John added as he yawned. His comment reminded her of the conversation she had had with Craig Wesley earlier. She wondered if now was a good time to bring it up. Her hands roamed the side of his face, his neck, shoulder and arm drawing lazy circles as she went. As she was about to speak she could feel his body relaxing beneath her at her touch. A smile escaped her lips as she could feel his warm breath becoming slower as his head rested in her lap. Leaning forward slightly she looked to see his eyes fighting to stay open. As much as she wanted him to rest she knew they wouldn’t be comfortable in their position, especially hers. Running a hand through his hair, she leaned in and whispered in his ear.
“Baby… lets go upstairs” John stirred from his nod and sat up to face her.
“Hu?” he asked confused.
“You were falling asleep, so let’s just lay down in the bed” she explained.
“Oh no I’m fine, I’m awake, was there something you wanted to do?” He said opening his eyes wide to fight any sleepiness he was feeling. Marlena grinned.
“Sweetie come on… “ She stood up reaching her hand out for him to join her. Rising to meet her, he wrapped his arms around her waist resting them on the small of her back. He leaned in and kissed her twice quickly on the lips and one on the forehead before they turned and walked arm and arm for the bedroom. When they got to the foot of the stairs the phone rang. Marlena instantly broke from John and answered it, in case it was Sami.
“Hello?” She answered on the end of the second ring. She repeated herself several times as she didn’t hear a dial tone but no one was responding…finally hanging up.
“No one there…” she shrugged as they continued upstairs.
A little while later Marlena and John had changed into comfortable clothes and lay wrapped in each others arms both intending to get some much needed rest. She had her back to him and his breath on her neck was proving to be a distraction from her slumber. His arm was wrapped around her and was interlocked with her hand near her stomach. Leaning in he placed soft gentle kisses on her shoulder and neck which sent a chill down her body. Brushing his nose against her hair he took in its familiar sent and sighed. He could lay like this for hours. Just being close to her, just feeling her close to him, taking in her sent…forgetting the world. After he placed a few more kisses on her neck he moved his lips to the spot behind her ear that drove her absolutely crazy. Shuttering at his touch she turned her body around to face him.
“I thought we were going to sleep!?” she said propping her head up leaning on her elbow. John smiled coyly at her.
“Your right that was the plan… I’m sorry” he grinned.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t enjoying it.. I just thought I should be aware of the game plan” she smirked.
“We can get some sleep… I’ll try to control myself.” He added. Marlena stared at him as a grin formed on her face. With out another word she laid her head back down on the pillow this time facing him. She had to admit being as exhausted as they were, she wanted him. Just laying there, looking into her eyes, his breath on her body, his lips on her skin, sleep could wait. She reached up and placed her hand on his cheek pulling his lips to hers.
“I am in love with you John Black” she whispered as her hand moved down his body coming to rest near his buttocks.
“Now how do you expect me to control myself when your doing and saying things like that?” he asked laughing. Her eyes deep with desire she replied “Maybe I don’t want you to control yourself” That was all John needed to hear. “Oh baby!” he laughed as in one fluid movement she was on her back and he was on top of her. He stared a moment, both smiling, before he leaned in capturing her lips with his. Slowly he moved his lips from hers to her cheek then back to that spot on her neck. Moaning slightly Marlena closed her eyes and tilted her neck towards the side, giving him more access. Brushing her hair away from her neck he began nibbling behind her ear, then trailing down her neck. Her hands roamed his back with the increasing need for him to be close to her.
~~~~~ NO LONGER UPDATED ~~~~~
The Jarlena Journal 