Warning : this chapter contains spoilers from the season 2 finale and takes place just after this episode.
His hands on her hips… his breath on her neck… his fingers twisted in her hair… all she could think about was this hour they shared. These sixty minutes during which she had been a woman. A wife no more. A mother no more. Just a woman responding to her impulses. No one existed in her life during these 3600 seconds. No one except Will. He was the centre of her world, her sun. And she knew she was burning her wings but the call was too strong.
The day after their reunion Alicia did not see Will. She didn't even avoid him. She was overbooked by a new case and was happy about it. This way she didn't have to be confronted with her guilt.
This would be the same for a week. Will was nowhere to be seen in the office. Alicia began to worry and every night when she was alone in her bedroom she kept staring at her cell. She was dying to call him, just to hear his voice and his breath. She would close her eyes and be in that presidential suite again.
He could still feel her shape under his fingers, her taste on his lips… he couldn't help thinking about her and about this night they shared. It had been too short. But at least they reunited one night and it felt damn good to be with her again. They had always fitted perfectly. A match made in heaven? This was definitely not heaven otherwise they would be free to be together, no strings attached. But she was married. Separated yeah, but married nonetheless. And above all she was a mother. This would never change. But against all odds and despite all the obstacles he was determined to be with her. He had a plan.
First, he would have to break up properly with Tammy. This was the reason he took the week off. He was on his way to London.
- Is there something I should know? asked Diane
- No. Why are you asking? responded Alicia quite afraid she already knew about them.
- I've been told Kalinda was about to give her notice…
There was an awkward silence, but Alicia was relieved she wasn't talking about Will.
- … because of you.
- I don't know about that.
- Oh come on, don't play the fool with me. I know a lot more than you think.
This was obvious for Alicia: that was Diane's way to introduce the real matter of concern: her affair with Will. But there was nothing to tell. She and Will were not having an affair. Their time together was unique. They had decided so. Not that she wanted it but that was better for now, at least until she got a divorce from Peter.
- I demand you two find a way to get along. We need to preserve a good working atmosphere in here.
- I agree.
- And if you have any other matter of concern that could jeopardize the mood in here…
- There's none, I can assure you.
But of course there was. Diane knew it but did not insist. And Alicia was grateful about it.
Alicia asked to be relieved and went out of Diane's office. As soon as she was out, she stopped. He was there, looking at her. Suddenly time froze. The office was full with its employees but for Alicia and Will there was no one else in the room but them. Will made a step forward to her, slowly, like a cat who's cautious to not frighten the bird he's chasing. She was troubled but let him approach. He made another step. His look was calling her to meet him halfway. Alicia responded quietly by lowering her eyes. She was feeling guilty and despite the irresistible attraction she decided not to go with it. Will felt offended and looked away. The moment was gone. Life took its rights back.
