The Affair

Roman’s Back

As their breathing began to return to normal, still straddling him Marlena was the first to speak, “Oh God.”

John looked at her confused. He didn’t understand what she meant.

Marlena smiled and said, “I had to get that out. I wanted to scream it, shout it, say it, moan it, but I couldn’t speak.” Slowly she lifted herself onto her knees until she was completely free of him. She collapsed right next to him.

“Doc, are you alright?”

“I can answer that in two parts: (1) I’ve never felt better in my life and (2) I’m tired and my day is only half over. If you could bottle what you do and sell it you would be a millionaire.”

Laughing John said, “First off, I’m already a millionaire and secondly, I only do what I do because I do it with you. No other woman does it for me.” His voice suddenly took a s****l tone, “I mean it. There is no other woman for me but you.”

“I feel the same way. You are the only man for me.” Feeling the s****l tension resurfacing between them, Marlena moved to the other end of the couch. She needed distance between them. Trying to buy time until she could control her emotions she looked away at the clock on the wall behind her desk. To her surprise her lunch hour was almost over. “Is that the right time?”

John looked at his wrist watch. “I have 1:10; what time do you have?”

“I have the same time. I only have 20 minutes left for lunch.”

“Doc, I really came here to talk to you.”

“We don’t have enough time right now. Can it wait?

“It’s not that important, it can wait. Can I see you later?”

Still feeling an overwhelming desire for John, Marlena didn’t answer right away. Part of her wanted to say the hell with this and she would meet him later, but the logical Marlena, the dependable Marlena, the mother of 3 children, wife and friend couldn’t do it. As much as she wanted to promise she would meet him later, make love to him again, she knew she couldn’t. “I don’t know.”

John tried to close the distance between them, but before he could reach out to her she held her hand out to stop him. She pleaded with him, “Don’t come any closer. I can’t think straight when you’re near me.”

Knowing he had such an effect on her pleased him immensely. Smiling from ear to ear he replied, “Is that such a bad thing?”

With the s****l tension still hanging in the air between them she answered his question, “It is when I have to work, we’re in my office, and you interrupt my phone conversations.”

Trying to sound as innocent as possible, John replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Hearing the playfulness in his voice Marlena closed the gap between them and slapped him on his arm. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You came here and seduced me.”

John held up his hands in mock protest. “I’m innocent of all charges.”

“Honey I would never describe you as innocent. You do realize that turnabout is fair play and one day our situations will be reversed.” She began thinking of the perfect plan, the only thing she needed was an opportunity to present itself.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll find out.”

“Should I be worried?”

Already planning her revenge and picturing it in her mind, her tone went from playfulness to outright seductress, “I would be.”

The sound of her voice sent chills down his back. He knew she would make him pay and with a little luck he would pay over and over again. Oh well, he thought, I might as well be punished for everything. He pulled her to him and captured her bottom lip. Once again their kiss took on a more passionate nature.

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Roman pulled into the hospital parking lot. Just a few minutes more and he would see Doc. God he loved this woman.

******************************************************************

Even though she could go on forever kissing him, she knew their time was up. Reluctantly she pushed him away. “John you have to go.”

“I know. Call me. I really need to talk to you.”

“I will.”

”Promise.”

“I promise.”

******************************************************************

Roman walked into the hospital and headed straight for the elevator. He pushed the up arrow. Luckily the elevator was already waiting for him. As the door closed he pushed the button for her floor. His luck was finally changing. He was the only passenger in the elevator. So far no one knew he was here. He might actually get to see her without running into anyone he knew. “Just a few more minutes Doc and you’ll be in my arms.”

******************************************************************

With his hand on the knob, he turned around and looked at her and said, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she replied.

John opened the door, and walked the short distance to the elevator. He pushed the button and waited. Both elevators were in use. One coming up and the other going down. It was just a matter of which one would arrive on his floor first. The doors open. John is surprised by the sole occupant of the elevator

“Well hello stranger. Going down?”

Momentarily caught off guard, John quickly recovered. “Uh, as a matter of fact I am. It’s good to see you Rebecca.” Stepping into the elevator John continued, “How’ve you been?”

“Just fine.”

As the doors closed, the silence engulfed them. He didn’t know what else to say. Truth be known, he felt a little guilty. The only time he had spoken to her was to inquire about Roman. Feeling he needed to explain himself John began speaking. “I’m sorry I haven’t called but it’s been a little crazy.” That was the truth. He wasn’t lying. His life had literally changed overnight. Between taking care of Boaty, talking to Marlena and trying to run his company he really didn’t have any free time.

A look of relief spread across Rebecca’s face. “I thought maybe it was because I abandoned you to go back to work.”

“Rebecca. I was a cop, remember. I know when duty calls you have to answer. I really have been busy. In fact, the night we went out to dinner was the last time I went out.” The minute the words were spoken he regretted it instantly. The last thing he wanted to do was lead her on.

“Sounds like you need a break. How about dinner tonight?”

Trying his best not to hurt her feelings, he used the only excuse he could think of. “It’s kind of short notice for me to find a babysitter for Boaty. Usually I call either Victor or Shawn and Caroline, but I like to give them at least a days notice.”

“I understand. How about tomorrow night?”

She wasn’t making this easy. “Tell you what; let me check with Victor and I’ll call you later.”

“Sounds good to me. So what brought you here to the hospital?”

“Business.” He didn’t want anyone to know Marlena was the reason he was at the hospital. “What about you?”

“The same. Seems like business is always the reason we keep meeting.”

Not knowing how to respond, John simply nodded his head in agreement. As the elevator continued down, he reached in his coat for his keys but instead felt Marlena’s panties. Images of them together in her office flashed through his mind.

Rebecca continued talking, “Speaking of business, there is something I want to ask you.”

”What’s that?”

“Well it’s not exactly business, more of a business social function I have to attend and I was wondering if you would be my escort. The Policeman’s Ball is coming up and being in the District Attorney’s Office I have to go. I absolutely hate going to these things alone.”

John didn’t know what to say. On the one hand he didn’t want to lead her on, but on the other hand he knew how awkward it was to attend one of these functions alone. He also had to take Marlena’s feelings into consideration. He answered the only way he could, “I don’t know. When is it?”

“It’s next week. I know its short notice, but until I looked at my calendar today, I had forgotten all about it.”

“Tell you what; let me check my calendar when I get back to the office. I hate not being able to give you a definite yes or no but I would hate to say yes and find out later I have something already planned.” That was the only answer he could think of. He bought himself a little time and he could talk it over with Marlena before he got back to her.

*********************Marlena*********************

Marlena looked at her watch and realized she would have just enough time to straighten up before her secretary and next patient arrive. It was a good thing she had her own private bathroom in her office. As she fixed her clothes and makeup she realized she was going to have to talk to John. He couldn’t keep taking her underwear. She was running out. Just the thought of him made her smile. He was an amazing man and he was hers. Each time they made love it was always new and exciting. As she came out of the bathroom, she looked around her office. Something was different. The first thing she noticed was John’s keys on the table. He would be back but this time she would hold her ground. They truly didn’t have any time to spare. As she walked over to the table to pick up his keys, she realized she was also missing the keys he gave her. In all of the excitement, they must have slipped out of her hand. They were probably somewhere in the couch. And then it dawned her. He gave her two keys; one to his loft and one to the penthouse. She knew he intended to buy the penthouse but she didn’t realize he would do it so quickly. Then again, she thought; that was definitely John. Once he made up his mind to do something, it was as good as done. He was never one to procrastinate. Once she picked up his keys and found hers, she looked around her office. Something was different. Her eyes finally settled on her desk. It was a mess. Papers were scattered all over. Close but no cigar. Something was missing. And then she knew. The wedding picture of her and Roman was missing. It was on the floor. Shattered glass was everywhere. Great, this is just what I need right now. Marlena walked over to her desk, threw both her and John’s keys on her desk and picked up the broken picture frame of her and Roman. Looking at the picture of them together she remembered how happy she had been on her wedding day. She never thought that would change. But then John came along and everything changed. Surprisingly she felt no guilt; sorrow that she would hurt Roman but the love she felt for John was too strong. She had not intended to fall in love with John, but she had and she still loved him. Fate had brought them together and she had to believe there was a reason. The broken frame was just like their marriage. Both were beyond repair. She placed the broken frame on her desk, walked over to her closet and pulled out a small broom and dust pan. While sweeping up the glass her intercom buzzed.

Marlena answered, “Dr. Evers.”

Her secretary replied, “Dr. Evers, just letting you know I’m back from lunch. I checked your answering service and your 1:30 appointment canceled. Your next appointment is not until 2:45p.m.”

“Ok thanks.” Marlena looked around her office. She threw the broken glass in her waste basket and began to straighten up her desk. Even though her appointment was canceled she had a lot of work to do. John had only been gone a few minutes and already she missed him. As much as she missed him she would not let him distract her again. She had too much work to finish. Marlena stood in front of her desk with her arms folded trying to decide what to do first.

********************Roman ********************

The elevator finally stopped. The doors opened and Roman headed straight for Marlena’s office. He felt like a kid on Christmas Eve who couldn’t wait for Santa Claus to get to his house. As he walked into her outer office he saw her secretary sitting at her desk.

“Hi Diane, is my wife busy?”

“No Captain Boaty, I’ll let her know you’re here.”

“No, don’t do that. I want to surprise her.”

“She’ll love it. You have perfect timing. Her next appointment just canceled. Could you let her know I had to step away from my desk for a few minutes? I’ll be right back.” Diane stepped away from her desk and walked down the hallway.

“Sure, no problem. Take your time.” Roman walked to her office door and placed his hand on the knob. He really wanted to surprise her. He would walk in her office unannounced. As quietly as he could, he slowly turned the handle and opened the door.

********************John*************************

John hit the button to get off on the next floor. “I’m sorry but I have to go back. I forgot my keys.” As the elevator stopped John stepped out and turned around to face Rebecca. “I’ll give you a call later.” Not in the mood to wait for the elevator John hit the stairwell and took the stairs two at a time. He knew she didn’t have a lot of time, but any excuse to see her and spend any length of time with her was better than nothing. As he reached her floor, he ran his fingers through his hair. Not bad, he thought; didn’t lose my breath. All of the exercise was definitely paying off. His heart was racing, but he knew that it was the thought of seeing Marlena and not due to any strenuous activity. She definitely got his heart started. John rounded the corner and headed for her office.

*******************Marlena and Roman****************

Marlena heard the door open. She knew it was John. He was trying to surprise her but she would surprise him instead. Holding his keys in her hand she intentionally kept working at her desk in an attempt to lure him into thinking he had the upper hand. He must have told Diane he was playing a joke. The joke was on him. She was ready.

Roman couldn’t help smiling. His plan worked. She had no idea he was in her office. Just a few more steps and she would get the surprise of her life. As he came up behind her his arms reached out to pull her into him.

The minute she felt him right behind her she spoke using the sexiest tone she could manage. “Just what are your intentions? Are you looking for something specific?” She leaned back into him. The minute she felt his arms around her she knew it wasn’t John; it was Roman.

Roman although slightly disappointed he didn’t get to really surprise her, was also pleased that she could sense his presence. Despite all of the challenges and obstacles they faced together in the past, they were still in tune with one another; or so he thought. “Why don’t you turn around and I’ll show you my intentions?” With that he spun her around until she was facing him.

Marlena quickly covered up her surprise and managed to somehow utter his name, “Roman.” She prayed he hadn’t noticed her initial response to him.

For a minute he thought he saw complete surprise on her face and in another second it was gone. He wasn’t even sure if he actually saw it. In that exact moment, the look of surprise on her face was filed away in the recesses of his mind. It was amazing what the mind chose to remember and what it chose to forget.

“Doc, I have missed you. It is so good to have you in my arms.” He pulled her to him and began to kiss her passionately.

Marlena still in shock at his arrival; didn’t immediately respond to his kiss. It took her a few seconds for her brain to register the fact that Roman was kissing her. At first she just stood there with her arms at her side. Without his knowing, she placed John’s keys on her desk underneath a pile of papers. Finally she realized if she didn’t respond he would know something was wrong. Even though she wasn’t in love with him anymore she was still happy that he was safe. And because he was safe, she kissed him back. There they stood; two people kissing one another with two completely different emotions. Roman believing he was saying hello to his beautiful wife and showing her how much he missed and loved her and Marlena saying goodbye to her husband, and knowing that it was completely over between them.

************************John************************

As John made his way into her waiting area, he didn’t see Diane. Next his glance went to her office door to see if her “In Session” sign was posted. It wasn’t. John glanced around and walked directly to the door. He gave it three quick taps and opened the door.

***************John Marlena Roman **************

“Marlena…” was all he managed to get out. The moment he saw her kissing Roman, the words were stuck in his throat. He couldn’t believe his eyes.

Marlena hearing John’s voice immediately tensed and pulled away from Roman. “John I uh, ….” And that was all she said. She didn’t really know what to say.

Roman feeling all of the tension in Marlena’s body and hearing it in her voice thought she was embarrassed at being caught making out in her office. “Relax Doc. John knows how much we love one another.” Slowly he turned and faced John.

John still trying to recover from his surprise at seeing Roman said, “I uh, I didn’t mean to intrude. I didn’t see Diane out front.”

Marlena immediately responded, “You’re not intruding.” Realizing how it might sound to Roman she continued. “What I meant to say is, Roman surprised me just a few minutes ago.” She hoped John understood what she was trying to tell him.

Roman still clueless about the relationship between John and Marlena smiled. “That reminds me. As I was coming in Diane wanted me to tell you she was stepping away from her desk for a few minutes. And since your next appointment canceled, it looks like we’ll have a little time together. Lucky for me.” He put his arms around her. “So John, what brings you here?”

John momentarily at a lost for words didn’t reply at once; he was too busy watching Roman put his arms around Marlena. Finally the words, “Titan Business,” managed to come out.

Feeling totally uncomfortable Marlena said, “Roman we’re not alone. John’s here.”

Kissing her neck Roman said, “Doc, I’m sure John knows how it feels to be away from the one you love.”

“More than you know.” As he stood watching the woman he loved being kissed by her husband, John had to fight to keep the bile that slowly rose from the pit of his stomach to the back of his throat. It was all he could do not to lose it right there in front of them. Trying as hard as he could to hold his emotions in check, he asked, “When did you get back?”

“I just got in. I couldn’t wait another second to see my baby.” Again he kissed her neck. He was completely oblivious of the looks passing between John and Marlena.

Neither John nor Marlena knew what to do or say. They just stood there; each wanting desperately for this awkward moment to pass. Finally John spoke. “Roman, does this mean your assignment is over?”

“No not yet. And speaking of this assignment, I want to thank you for taking care of Marlena the night I had to leave suddenly. I would have been worried to death about her if she had been alone.”

Both John and Marlena had flashbacks of their night together in the penthouse; a night of unbridled passion. Marlena’s memory was so vivid; she actually had a shiver run down her spine. Feeling her shiver in his arms, Roman pulled her closer to him.

“You don’t have to thank me Roman.” The guilt he felt was overwhelming. Not because he thought the love he and Doc shared was wrong; but because Roman was a decent man and he didn’t deserve this. In fact, no one in Marlena’s office was responsible for the pain that was about to be inflicted upon them. That honor was reserved strictly for Stefano.

“I just want you to know how much I appreciate you looking after Marlena. I know I can always count on you to look out for her while I’m not around.”

By now both John and Marlena were becoming increasingly uncomfortable. The last thing John wanted was Roman’s gratitude.

Before Roman could say anything else, his pager beeped. It was the station. “Doc, I have to take this.” As he turned around and walked to Marlena’s phone, John closed the distance between them. He looked at her with so much love and devotion. His eyes said everything that needed to be spoken. While Roman was dialing the station, he quickly took her hand and squeezed it. As their hands touched their eyes were locked onto one another. That simple gesture between them spoke volumes. It said everything they couldn’t say to one another. They loved one another, they would get through this together and most importantly, eventually they would be together. Reluctantly they began to let go of one another; their eyes traveling down to their clasped hands as they slowly drew apart once again.