This story far more soapy than my last, but I wanted to try something different? Hope you like it! :)

Inevitable

John McBain rubbed his eyes before glancing at the sleeping woman across from him. He smiled softly, and in appreciation. She looked perfect when she was sleeping. He refocussed on the road, more than happy to see the Welcome to Llanview sign on the side of the highway. It has been a particularly long day and he just wanted to get there already. He wanted to lay beside his slumbering wife and catch some zzz's of his own. Soon!he thought, wistfully. He blew out a quick breath.

The car pulled up to the Angel Square Hotel, and he chuckled slightly, amused that she wasn't waking up. How did she do that? A siren wouldn't wake her once she was out. He reached over and tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. "Wake up sleepyhead," he whispered in a low timber. She didn't stir and he smiled again, shaking her slightly.

"What?" she asked in a panic, sitting upright suddenly. He laughed. "What's so funny?"

"You. We're here."

She peered out the windshield at the building that was going to serve as their new home, and then frowned. Not for long, if she had anything to say about it. What a dump? It wasn't that bad, really, but it wasn't a home and it wasn't any place she wanted to grow accustomed to for the long haul. "So why are we sitting in the car?" she teased, turning to meet his baby blues.

"Beats the hell out of me?" he answered, leaning forward and kissing her softly. "The bed is inside," he grinned, hopping out of the vehicle.

She followed him into the hotel, and they checked in and headed to the room that would be theirs for the next couple of weeks.

John watched as she entered the room slowly, scanning it with those analytical eyes of hers. She was always a little cautious toward new things, and so he waited for her to take in her surroundings. It wasn't what she was used to, he knew, but she would adjust. She always did. "So?" he finally asked, shutting them in and clicking the deadbolt.

She looked at him in silence, walking through the tiny livingroom and into the adjoining bedroom. She stripped off her blouse slowly. "I'll let you know when we test out the bed," she suggested, playfully.

He shook his head and ran forward, picking her up and tossing her onto the mattress. He followed her willingly. Her laughter filled the room, and his heart. "Whatever you say, Mrs. McBain." Then he kissed her, and they spent the night in each other's arms.

"Hey, babe?" he shouted into the tiny bathroom suite. She didn't answer. He pushed the door open and tried again. "Caitlyn?"

"Yeah?" her voice called over the water of the shower.

"I'm heading in."

"Uh-huh. Love you."

He smiled. "I didn't catch that," he lied. There was nothing wrong with his hearing.

She poked her head out from behind the chocolate brown curtain. "Liar."

His smile widened. "You gonna be okay by yourself?"

"Don't worry about me, I'll find something to do?"

His eyebrow lifted slightly. "That's what worries me." She chuckled, disappearing back behind the curtain. "Love you."

"I know," she yelled in reply.

He left the makeshift apartment with a grin plastered on his face, and headed downstairs. When he got to the lobby he was greeted by a blonde who could only be described as unique. She blew out a loud breath when she looked at him, blatantly checking him out, and he wanted to laugh. He didn't though. "Hi," he said, waiting.

"Hey there hot stuff. You stayin' in my hotel?"

He grinned, he couldn't help it. "Yep. Got in last night." He held out his hand. "John McBain."

Her makeup covered eyes widened. "McBain? You Mikey's brother? The hotshot detective."

"Well, I don't know about hotshot, but yeah, I'm his brother."

She finally reached out and took his hand, leaning a little closer than was necessary. "Wow. You got some good Levi's in your family, huh?"

He didn't answer, confused.

"She means, genes," a man clarified, as he walked over. He had an English accent, and looked like he should be a butler, but there was also a warm smile on his gentle face. "Roxanne, stop bothering our new Chief of Detectives. I'm sure he's very busy."

"It's not a bother," John said quickly, "but I do have to get to the station." He hesitated. "Hey, how did you know I was the Chief of Detectives?" They both laughed.

"Llanview's a one whore town, Johnny."

This time he did chuckle. "Right. It was nice to meet you both." He squeezed past the blonde and made his way to the door.

"Hey, Johnny?" she called out. He turned. "Welcome to Llanview. Oh, and call me Roxy, alright sugar?" He grinned again, nodding.

When he got to his car he sat there for a moment, processing what just happened? That was a riot. This town definitely had its share of colourful characters. He briefly allowed himself the pleasure of imagining Caitlyn's expression when she met their new landlords. Then he pulled out, heading toward his new job and life.

He took his time, taking in the city as he went. He stopped at a light, waiting for pedestrians to saunter by at their leisure. Normally that would irk him, but not today. He was in a good mood today. He looked around, noticing a bank on the corner and a couple fast food places. It wasn't the boardwalk of Atlantic City, by any stretch of the imagination. He watched strangers crossing the street in front of him, and then he froze, suddenly very interested in the scenery. He gripped his steering wheel slightly and leaned forward just a bit. Whoa! A redhead was crossing the crosswalk and he couldn't stop staring at her. She was gorgeous, but there was something else - something captivating? He held his breath for a minute when she stopped in front of his car to pull a rock out of the tread of her runner. Get a grip, McBain!he chastised, still staring. She wasn't anything spectacular. It was a warm spring day and she was wearing a black tank top and jeans, not a slinky dress or lingerie. So why couldn't he stop staring at her? Then she was waving to a man on the corner and hugging him on the sidewalk. The light changed, but he didn't notice until a horn blasted at him from behind. He frowned and hit the gas. That was weird - and harmless. He loved his wife, but he wasn't dead. Of course, he would notice a beautiful woman walking right in front of him!

He continued to drive, lost in his head. It wasn't a big deal, only why did it feel like one? He reached his destination and got out of the car, ready to focus on what was important. The girl didn't matter. He was about to start a new job in a new city, and with a beautiful wife who loved him. His brother was in town. What could be better? John walked forward and climbed the stairs, reaching for the door. The girl didn't matter. He went inside.