Marlena couldn't concentrate on work, her mind kept drifting to John. She could feel the taste of him and her mouth and the thought sent heat to her very core.

Oh well I might as well pack up and head home. As she was leaving the hospital her stomach started to rumble. She hadn’t eaten since she had a muffin that morning. I’ll just stop off at the Brady Pub and grab something to go, she thought.

Moments later she pulled up to the pub and parked in the alley, she would only be a minute. Stepping inside she was greeted by Caroline Brady, a very sweet woman and an even better cook.

“Oh hello my dear”, Mrs. Brady greeted her.  Will you be dining in tonight?”

Marlena started to answer when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

“Yes, Dr. Evans and I will take a table for two’” John interrupts as he gave Caroline most dazzling smile.

“Oh, hello John”, Marlena glanced up at him, an annoyed look on her face.

“Caroline smiled back and patted Marlena's hand. “Oh good my dear, I have made a wonderful roast today and I know you will love it. Shall I get two orders and some beers?” Caroline winked and gave Marlena an approving look.

“Well I was going to take something home an….”

“That sounds lovely Mrs. Brady, and we will just take a seat over there,” John pointed to a booth in the back corner.

“Lovely” Caroline exclaimed as she turned toward the kitchen.

John placed his hand on the small of Marlena’s back leading her to the booth.

Marlena stopped short turning to face John, fire in her eyes.

“What makes you think that I want to have dinner with you? I was going to get something to go. I have a lot of work to do on the fundraiser for the new wing. If you had payed attention at the board meeting, you would know that there is a lot to do before the Gala in three weeks.”

“Oh I know Dr. Evans, that’s why I would like to have dinner with you, so we can discuss my ideas for the fundraiser.”

“Oh, look at you. Your first day on the board, your first meeting as well and already you have ideas. Your on top of things aren’t you Mr. Black?”

“Well there is someone that I would love to be on top on right now,” he says raising an eyebrow.

“John I have things to do, I don’t have time for your silly games.”

John took her arm gently leading her to the booth. “You do have to eat, and why not eat here with me? I am pretty good company after all.”

Marlena pulled her arm from his grasp and walked with him to the booth. She slid in John took the seat across from her.

“So, John started, do you come here often?” He smiled a mischievous smile.

“Really John, as I said I’m not in the mood for games.”

“I’m not playing with you my dear, I really would like to get to know you better. For instance, Are you from Salem? Where did you go to school? Do you have family here?”

“Wow John, you sure a lot of questions. Also you never did explain to me why you have two names.”

“Ok, I’ll tell you what Doc, I’ll answer a question for you, then you answer a question for me. Soon we’ll know all there is to know about each other and we can be Besties.”

“I see us binge watching chick flicks and having pillow fights, won’t that be Awesome?!’

“Oh I see, this is funny to you. I’ll tell you what. How about you stop wasting my time, .”

I’ll take my supper to go and we’ll call it a night.”

“Hahaha loosen up Doc, did you lose you funny bone?”

Marlena realized that she was taking her own angst out on him. “I’m sorry John, it’s been a long day for me and I’m a little worried about how well my presentation was received by the board.”

“Well from what I observed, you made a very good impression.”

“Really? You think so. I hope they will pass the proposal so we can get started right away. I would really like to have the new wing opened by early next year. There is such a demand for pediatric psychiatry lately and I really believe that the young kids need to have their own wing and not be kept with the adults.”

“You are very passionate about this aren’t you?”

“Yes, this is extremely important to me.  Teens are at the highest risk of suicide lately and I feel if we can reach them early we may be able to save some of them.” Marlena’s eyes grow misty and she looked down at her hands on the table.

John reached across the table taking Marlena’s hand.”If anyone can help these kids I believe that you can.”

Clearing her throat Marlena pulled her hand back.

“So you first, what’s your question for me?”  

John looked into her eyes and smiled. “Are you from Salem?”

“No I’m from Colorado, I moved her after my residency at Johns Hopkins.”

“Does your family still live in Colorado? Do you have siblings? Are you dating anyone?” John raised one eyebrow after his last question and gave Marlena a wicked smile.

“Woah cowboy, I thought it was to be one question then my turn. But since you ask.

My mom and daddy still live in Colorado. I have one sister no brothers, a couple of cousins and my grandparents have passed.  As for your last question, that’s none of your concern.” Marlena gave him a dazzling smile.

“My turn. Where are you from? Do you have siblings?

“Well I was born somewhere in the US, although I don’t know where. I was adopted by the Alamain’s at a very young age, they named me Forrest. I have one brother, Lawrence, we don’t really get along well. You didn’t ask, but I am seeing someone, in fact I’m having dinner with her now.” John winks.

“Oh you think you’re pretty clever don’t you Mr Black? May we get to the hospital business? You said you have some ideas, I’d  like to hear them.”

“Well as you know, I’m revitalizing the riverfront and I would like host that Gala at my new restaurants ballroom. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. Also i have an amazing events coordinator at your disposal. I will cover all expenses.”

“Really? And what do you get out of this deal?” She looked at him suspiciously.

“Relax Doc, i'm not trying to buy your affection, I know you'll come around.” He winked. I will get free advertisement. I would also like to have a Basic Black fashion show with all proceeds going to the hospital. The way I see it this shindig will bring out Salem's finest, people who have money to spend and to invest. It's a win win for me. Not to mention, a huge tax write off.”

“ Oh I see, a business deal ay? Well this sounds like good idea for all concerned, the less we have to spend to put this show on the more money that goes into the new wing. If you can email me a purposely I can present it at the next board meeting on Friday.”

“No problem my dear, I have already submitted a purposely to Dr. Tom Horton, he was very pleased and said he would discuss it with you.”

“Well Mr Black, I see you're on to...

“Marlena”, a voice called from behind her. Marlena turned to see Mark walking their way.

She stood reaching out her hand, Mark took it squeezing lightly and kissed her cheek.

“Mark, Marlena says, I’d like you to meet John Black, John this is Dr. Mark Copeland Mark works at Methodist Central across town.”

John gave a nod “Glad to meet you Mike.”

“Ahh it’s Mark, and likewise.” Mark says.

“John has just moved to Salem and is on the board at University Hospital.”

“Oh, John what is it you do?” Before John could answer, Caroline walked up with the beers, she saw Mark and ask if she can get him a beer as well.

“No ma’am I’m on call tonight but I would love a glass of tea and some of you delicious chowder.”

“Will that be to go?” Caroline ask looking over at Marlena and John, she wasn’t real fond of Dr. Copeland.

Mark looked at Caroline, then at John, “Yes I guess I better take it to go.” Looking back at Marlena he asks, “Are we still on for tomorrow night.”

“Yes, Marlena answered, I’ll meet you at Tuscany around seven.”

“Or I could pick you up at your place.” Mark said, wanting to make it clear to John that they were dating.

“Oh no need Mark, I’ll just come from work. It’s close. No need in going out of your way.”

“Ok fine, but you know I’d go out of my way for you.” He kissed her cheek again making sure John had seen the jester.

Marlena gave him a dazzling smile, “see you tomorrow.”

John stood as Marlena took her seat again, looking at Mark as he headed toward the counter to pay.

“Wow very subtle” John said as he sat back down.

“What do you mean John?”

“He might as well have lifted his leg near your seat.”

“John whatever are you talking about?”

“Come on Doc, the man was letting me know beyond a doubt that you were with him. He wanted me to know that the two of you had a date tomorrow. He was clearly staking his claim on the lovely Dr. Evans.”

“Oh John, don’t be ridiculous, he and I have been on a couple of dates, we are no more than casual friends.”

“Well if that’s true, I think you should clue in the good Doctor. He has big plans for a future with you my dear.’

“My goodness John, you do…..

Caroline walked up with their entrées sitting a plate in front of each of them. “ Bon appétit.” She said giving them a smile.

“Why thank you Caroline, this looks fabulous.”Marlena says. “Have you met John?”

“Yes dear, he introduced himself to me when he came in earlier. He told me and Shawn all about his renovation project for the riverfront. It all sounds so very exciting. Well enjoy your dinner dears.”

Marlena took a bite right away burning her mouth slightly. She started to fan her mouth saying hot hot. Taking a long sip of water she choked down the bite as tears form at the corners of her eyes.

John reached across the table and gently wiped her tears with his fingertips.

“I guess you're really hungry.”

Marlena’s breath caught in her throat as heat spread to her cheeks. She wiped her mouth “yes I’m famished, I haven’t eaten since this morning.” She giggled a little.

John smiled “You are so cute when you blush.”

“For goodness sake John, I am not blushing. The food was just a little hot that’s all.”

“Ok, whatever you say.”

They ate in silence. Marlena looked up now and then to catch John staring at her. “What is it John?”

“What is what,” John asks innocently.

“Why do you keep staring at me.?”

“Honestly, everything you do is sexy as hell.”

Marlena choked again, “Wh...What?”

“Whenever you take a bite, I wish I was your fork, and when you lick your lips I get all kinds of ideas, I was just having dirty thoughts about you.” John grinned wickedly, placing a hand on her knee and squeezing.

“John you really need to stop, we are in a public place, people are going to see.”

“Oh are you worried that word will get back to good ol Mikey and ruin your hot date?”

“John it’s not a “Hot Date” we are just two people having dinner together. Honestly, why am I explaining my personal life to you?”

“I don’t know Marlena, why are you? Perhaps you have a guilty conscience.”

“I don’t need to feel guilty about anything, you and I are not a couple.”

“So are you saying you have no guilt whatsoever?” John took a folded piece of paper out of his suit pocket and slid it toward Marlena.

“What’s this she ask, picking up the paper?” She opened it and her eyes grew wide as she read her own writing.

John started to recite the note word for word.

John,

Last night was amazing.

You made me do and feel things

That I have never done or felt before

I will always remember our night together.

M

Marlena looked up at John, not knowing what to say. “I...I’m sorry, I just didn’t know what to say, I thought it would be easier if I just left before you got back. Besides I had a early flight and you were gon..…”

John cut her off. “How convenient, I was gone. I left to get a special breakfast for us. Didn’t you think that I might appreciate a goodbye at least. No Marlena, what I think is you started to regret our night together and didn’t want to face me or the truth about your feeling over what we shared that night.”

Caroline walked up and Marlena released a breath that she didn’t realize she had been holding.

“Would you all like desert tonight, I have some homemade cheesecake and fresh strawberries.” Looking at Marlena’s now pale face she ask, “Are you ok dear?”

‘’”Yes Caroline, I think I’ll just head home now.” Marlena stood and left without another word to John.

John thanked Caroline telling her that dinner was great, he threw some bills on the table and walked out after Marlena. Running out the front door, he looked up and down the street not seeing her anywhere. ‘Damn”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                                 

Marlena arrived to the hospital in a bad mood. She didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before and she was in desperate need of some caffeine. Arriving at her office she greets Cynthia, her receptionist, and headed to her desk.

Opening her computer she skimmed her appointment scheduled for the day. She had three appointments this morning. So much for an easy start, she thought.

Scrolling Marlena spotted an appointment for 1pm with John Black, a lunch meeting.

Marlena picked up the phone and buzzing Cynthia. “Cynthia, I see I have a meeting scheduled this afternoon with a Mr Black, could you tell me what it is concerning?”

“Yes Dr. Evans, Mr Black called for a meeting to discuss the fundraiser for the new hospital wing.”

“Oh, I see, well could you please call Mr. Black back and tell him that I will have to reschedule. I have a very full day today.”

“Ahh, Dr. Evans, you have no appointments after noon today.”“Cynthia, please just do as I ask. Thank you.”

 

Marlena went about her day. She finished with her last patient just after twelve thirty.

Walking to her outer office she told Cynthia to go ahead and leave for the day that she would be working from home the rest of the day.

Marlena packed up her things and left her office looking forward to a short day for a change. She headed home for some much needed relaxation. Maybe I’ll just sit on the couch and binge on some 80’s movies on Netflix, she thought.

After stopping off for some chinese take out Marlena arrived at the penthouse, looking forward to some down time. She settled on her couch turned on the tv and soon drifted off to sleep.

Marlena woke several hours later. Sitting up she looked at her watch it's six o’clock. Oh my I’ve been asleep for some time. She jumped up and headed upstairs to the shower to get ready for her date. Forty five minutes later she is dressed and ready to go.

Stopping at the full length mirror Marlena checked herself. The deep blue dress falls inches above her knees. The straps are covered in rhinestones and criss cross at her back. The back is cut low, just above her full hips. The front dipped in a deep V exposing a decent amount of cleavage. Looking at her reflection Marlena is pleased with what she saw. I guess I’ll do, she thought as she grabbed her small clutch and headed out the door.

As Marlena opened the door to leave she stopped short, almost running into John, his hand raised to knock.

John let out a long whistle as he looked Marlena up and down. “Well hello beautiful. Where are you going all dressed up?”

“Excuse me John, I’m running late for my date.”

“Your date?”

“John you know that I have a dinner date with Mark tonight. You met him at Brady’s Pub last evening.”

“Oh yes the good doctor. Well suit yourself but it's a shame to waste all this sexiness on old Mikey, he seemed like a bore to me.”

“That’s unfair John, you don’t know him at all. He is a very nice man.”

‘Nice, translation... boooooring.” John winked.

“Did you need something John? If not I really must get going, I’ll be late.”

“So what kind of “nice” man has his date meet him rather than pick her up?”

“John I don’t feel the need to explain our arrangements with you, but if you must know I told Mark that I would meet him at the restaurant. He is coming straight from work.”

“Oh I see, you wanted to be able to make a clean break after dinner huh? No walking you to your door and expecting a little goodnight kiss, or perhaps more.”

“Really John, I’ve got to get going. I don’t have time for your childish games.” Marlena turned to lock her door and dropped her keys.

John bent to pick them up then reached around Marlena to lock the door for her, leaning into her in the process. Taking in her sent John let out a small moan.

“Ahhh Baby, you smell amazing.”

She can feel his hot breath on her neck and her nipples immediately turned to stone as goosebumps ran up her arms.

Marlena turned to side step John but not before he noticed her erect nipples. He licked his upper lip and smiled holding out his arm. “May I walk you to your car?”

Marlena stepped past him and pushed the call button for the elevator. “I’ll be fine, thank you Mr. Black.”

The doors opened, Marlena stepped in pushing the button for the parking garage. John stepped in right behind her.

“I told you I’d be just fine John, there’s no need to follow me to my car.”

“Well I have to leave as well, so I might as well walk you out since your date wasn’t able to pick you up.”

Marlena rolled her eyes and stared at the elevator doors. Her mind went back to the last time they had been in an elevator together. The way her grabbed her and forcefully kissed her until she yielded under his masterful mouth.

The doors opened, Marlena stepped out, she felt John’s big hand on the small of her back guiding her to her car.

With her keys still in his hand, John pushed the button unlocking her car and opened the door for her. She hadn't realized that he still had her keys.

“John how did you know which car was mine?”

“Oh I know a lot about the fair Dr Marlena Evans.” John tipped her chin up with his knuckle and brushed his lips lightly across hers. Her eyes closed automatically  as she leaned into his soft kiss. His mouth covered hers and coaxed her lips open. As his tongue invaded her soft sweet mouth Marlena let out a small moan filled with need, her hands traveled up as if on their own accord, her fingers tangled in his hair.

John’s arm encircled her waist as he pulled her body to his crushing her against his chest. John raised up to look at her beautiful face, her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed with her arousal.

Marlenas eyes flew open as she pushed against his chest.

“John don't  do that!! Don't kiss me like that.”

“ Kiss you?!?!?! I was just giving you a friendly peck, your the one who pulled me in for that, I must say, tantalizing, scorching kiss. You know it had me reminiscent of a few other kisses that we shared.” He winked.

Oh baby, you do taste so sweet. I want t o taste more.”

Marlena wiggled from his grip and sat behind the wheel of her car. She reached for the car door handle but John stood in the way. He leaned down looking mockingly into her eyes.

“Have fun on your little date tonight Doc. I’ll see you very soon.”

Marlena felt a little light headed, she didn't  look up as John turned to leave. What am I going to do about him?, she thought as she started the car and backed out.

 

Marlena arrived at Tuscany twenty minutes late. She walked in and was greeted by Maggie.

“Good evening Marlena your dinner date is already seated at the table, follow me.”

Maggie led Marlena to the table. “I’ll send your waiter over to get your drink orders, enjoy your evening.” Maggie smiled brightly at the couple and turned to leave.

 

“Oh Mark I am so sorry that I’m running late. Have you been here long?”

“Not at all, you look lovely by the way. Mark leaned forward kissing her cheek.”

“Thank you” Marlena smiled sweetly at Mark as she picked up the drink menu.

The night progressed nicely as they enjoyed their dinner and drinks over idle shop talk. The conversation flowed easily between them, but it never turned personal. They seemed to talk about work more than anything, she began to wonder why that was. Marlena’s mind soon drifted to John, and the kiss they shared in the parking garage. She wondered what kissing Mark would be like. Was it strange that this you would be their fourth date and they had not kissed? She wasn't really affectionate toward him at all, maybe she was pushing him away with her actions, or maybe he was just a guy who liked to take it slow. She seemed to be that way herself.

“Marlena”, Mark said as he waved a hand in front of her face. “Where did you go?”

“Oh I’m sorry Mark, I was listening I promise I was.” Truthfully she had no idea what he just ask her.

“So how about it, you want to dance?”

Marlena smiled and nodded as she placed her hand in his, he lead her to the dance floor. Mark took her in his arms placing a hand on the small of her back he pulled her close. Marlena noted the lack of electricity or waves of warmth from his touch like she felt when John had touched her.

Why are you thinking of John, she scolded herself. You are on a date with Mark and he deserves your undivided attention.

Mark bent slightly to press his cheek to Marlena’s whispering in her ear, “You feel wonderful in my arms Marlena.” He wanted her badly, but she never acted as if she were open to more than casual dating. He felt the pressure was on now that this new man, John Black, popped on the scene. “You smell am amazing.”

Marlena pulled her head up to look at him, she smiled shyly.

They danced in silence until the song ended,  Mark lead her back to the table kissing her forehead before pulling her chair out for her.

“Would you like dessert or an after dinner drink my dear.”

“Oh no, I think I’ll just have a cup of tea.”

Just then Marks page went off, he glanced down to check it.

“I’m so sorry Marlena it’s the hospital, I’ll be right back.” Mark excused himself to call.

Marlena ordered some tea and leaned back in her seat. Her mind instantly drifted to John, his sly smile as he looked her up and down in her doorway earlier that evening, his hand on the small of her back. The way he kissed her in the garage. Why does that man affect me so, she thought, and why do I feel nothing with Mark?

Mark returned grabbing his sports jacket from the back of the chair.

“I’m so sorry Marlena, I have a critical patient and they just called to say he has taken a turn for the worse. We may have to open him up again. I hate to cut this short.”

“Don’t worry about it mark, remember I am a doctor also. I fully understand. I’ll get the check you just go.”

“I’ll pay you back Marlena.” Mark cupped her chin and kissed her full on the lips and briskly walked to the exit.

 

Marlena was a little surprised, he had never tried to kiss her before tonight. she was not surprised however, that there was a lack of electricity in the kiss. Was she judging him against John and if so why? She and John were a one time thing and that is all. She sat back down sipping her tea and trying to clear her head.

As she tried to figure out what the kiss meant, her mind went to the first kiss that she and John shared. He had grabbed her in the hallway after breakfast and claimed her lips like it was the most natural thing in the world. There were sparks when his lips touched hers. Heat spread throughout her entire body at his mere touch. She felt none of that with Mark, in fact she had never felt that with any man. Sure she had been turned on by other men, three t o be exact. Who how pathetic Marlena, at this age you've only had three lovers and a one night stand. In fact until she and John had hooked up in Fiji she had not had sex in almost two years. Maybe, she thought, that's why I gave into to John so easily. Be real Evans, you wanted that man from the first time you laid eyes on him. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

 

“Well wasn’t that convenient, John said as he stared down at Marlena, your date got called away and left you with the check.”

Marlena jumped.

“John!, what are you doing here? Did you follow me?”

“Well let’s just say that I was hungry and being new in town I wasn’t sure where to eat. I may have heard you mention Tuscany last evening.”

“Seriously John, I….

“Would you please dance with me?”

John took Marlena’s hand not giving her the opportunity to answer, and pulled her to her feet leading her to the dance floor.

“John, stop this, I did not agree to dance with you.”

“Well your date did abandon you, what kind of gentleman would I be to leave a lovely damsel all alone at her table? Besides you know you want to dance.”

Marlena exhaled  exaggeratedly. “You really are something else John Black.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment my dear.”

John’s hand on her lower back sent shivers up her spine, as if he could tell, John started making small circles with his thumb on the small of her back. Marlena took in a sharp breath as she pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth.

“God that’s sexy baby.” John reached up pulling her lip free of her teeth and started to move his mouth towards hers. Marlena turned her head to the side and squeezed John's arm.

“John, stop that. What do you think your doing?”

“Well princess, I figure if your lip needs biting I’m just the man for the job.  Oh let me guess Mikey doesn't curl your toss when on he kisses you huh? I noticed the lack of passion in that  kiss he gave you before parting and leaving you with the check.”

“John, you know his name, and the rest is none of your business.”

“ Well, your date left you here all alone, something that I would never do, I’m just filling in. You know, doing my best White Knight impression.”

“Your more like a black sheep.”

John laughed pulling her tight against him spinning her around the dance floor. Soon Marlena found herself having fun and laughing at John's silly comments and jokes. She was uber aware of John's increasingly hardening member as it pressed against her making her feel light headed and very warm.

After a couple more dances Marlena decided that she needed some distance from John.. She didn't think she could trust herself to stay in his arms a moment longer.

“John, I must be getting home, I've got a full day tomorrow.”

“I'll drive you and we can discuss our lunch meeting tomorrow.”

“What lunch meeting John, we do not have a lunch meeting.”

“You see Dr Evans, when you had to cancel our meeting today, I just rescheduled for tomorrow.”

“First of all John, I have my car, I'll be driving myself home. Secondly, my time is valuable, I don't have time for a fake lunch meetings or your games.”

“I'm  not proposing a “fake” meeting, as you put it. We need to discuss the Gala and all that we need to get done. It is only a few short weeks away. But if you're too busy I guess I'll have to go to Dr Tom Horton. I'm not sure he’ll understand why you couldn't take care of it. Although he is a very busy man as you well  know. Plus I have my decorating coordinator coming to help if you're worried about being alone with me.” John winked.

“Ok ok, I'll try and work you in. And for the record… I am not afraid of you in the least.”

“Oh?, Is that a fact?, John pulled her tight against his chest and nuzzled her neck. He whispered next to her ear, Shall we go?”

Marlena pushed back with shaking hands. “I'm going home alone sailor.” She turned and winked at John as she walked away.

As Marlena stood waiting for valet to bring her car around she felt him once again, standing behind her. She turned.

“John, I told you that i'm driving myself home, now please leave me alone.”

“What make you think that i'm following you?, I valet ed as well.”

“Oh, im sorry, of course” Marlena said a little embarrassed.

As Marlena's car pulled up John stepped forward opening the passenger side door, the valet handed John the keys and John gave him a large bill.

Marlena tried to yank away from John.

“Just what do you think you’re doing John.”

John looked at the valet and smiled. “She had one too many and I told her that I was going to drive her home, she a little miffed.”

The valet nodded in understanding.

“John give me my keys this instant. I am perfectly capable of driving myself home.”

“Now honey, John said loud enough for others to hear, you don't want to make a scene in front of these nice people do you?”

Marlena looked around at all the people staring at them. She glared at John and slid into the passenger seat slamming car door. John slipped into the drivers seat and looked at Marlena. “ Buckle up sweetie. You may be in for a wild ride.”

“They started out of the parking lot, Marlena turned toward John. “You need to pull over immediately and get the hell out of my car. You can walk back to Tuscan ad get your car.”

“I dont this k so sweetie, I'm going to drive you home then I will go back and get my car. I don't believe that a lady as beautiful as you, should escort herself home after a date. If you were my date I would never let that happen.”

“well John I am not your date nor you concern, so pull over and get out of my car this instant!”

“Can't do that Doc. I WILL walk you to your door, now sit back and enjoy the ride.”

Marlena crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window.

 

John insisted on walking her to her door. Once there he unlocked the door and motioned for her to walk in ahead of him.

While Marlena reset the alarm, John slipped in behind her. She turned around and ran right into his rock hard chest. It was like hitting a brick wall. She stumbled back and John caught her around the waist, pulling her against him. Marlena pushed back against his chest and looked up into his eyes.

“John let go of me, I have an early day tomorrow and I need to be getting to bed. You need to leave, you have done your gentlemanly duty, I'm im home safe and sound.”

“ Well I could tuck you in and tell you a nice bedtime story if you like.”

Marlena laughed as she tried to free herself from his hold. “No thank you, i'll be fine on my own.

John’s hand went up to brush her cheek lightly with his fingertips. Marlena swayed as his touch sent electric waves through her body and moisture instantly pooled between her thighs.

“You are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, ever more so when you're aroused.”

“What makes you think I'm aroused John, you are terribly sure of yourself aren't you?”

“I'm never sure about anything with you Doc. John tilted her chin up making her look directly into his eyes. But your eyes are telling me that you want me, just as I want you.”

Marlena tried to free herself from his grasp unsuccessfully. He pulled her against him tighter and claimed her lips, kissing her with all the pent up passion he had been feeling for her all evening. She kissed him back with the same amount of want and need.

Marlena pushed back and gained a little distance between them. She looked up and was startled by the fierce passion she saw in his eyes.  She turned her back to him so she wouldn't give in to the raw sexual tension she was feeling.

“John please go, I can’t do this with you, not now. Please…..” She was close to tears and didn't know why.

John walked closer placing his hands on her shoulders. “Ok Doc I'll go, but you know that you don't really want me to. I don't know why you are fighting this but I know that you will not win.”