11. MISTY ROADS

'I must hope it was innocent', Alex said with mixed feelings. It was far from typically Stevie. She never really used her charm or looks to get something done. She wasn't really aware of her beauty, a trait Alex loved about her. Maybe Stevie felt more sure about herself now she was with him, he figured. 'It's not really you ...', Alex let out, thinking of it.

Stevie moved back and watched him and for the first time since her arrival she looked kinda serious at her husband. 'You mind?'

'No ... I mean I guess it's good you made some profit. I just hope he doesn't get any ideas.' Alex wasn't sure what to think exactly. He believed her when she told him it was just innocent, although he found it strange that Heath would pay so much more cause of an innocent flirt. Somewhere a jealous feeling crept inside. Just the thought of any other man even having the guts to think of Stevie, his Stevie, made him furious. Though Alex knew it was far from odd; she was a beauty and full with spirit.

'If he does, I reckon you will be there', Stevie said softly, moving closer again. She told herself it was just the moment and taking advantage for once that had made her do it. Maybe he was right; it wasn't really like her, but Alex had made her feel confident about herself. The way he could look at her, the way he called her beautiful. Stevie hadn't been used to that till she got together with Alex and being married, having that final assurance, he could make her feel so good.

She left another kiss on his cheek, hoping Alex wouldn't seek too much behind it. 'You know there's only you for me', Stevie said, brushing her cheek along his now Alex had shaved. He felt so soft.

Alex decided to not waste more words on this silly subject. Who cared anyway, she was here with him, obviously showing her affection. Stevie was his and she had told him in all honestly; not feeling a barrier, which was a good sign, he reckoned. 'Yeah well ..', Alex said, widening his nostrils, licking his lips to have a short break, '... I will make sure you won't ever think about any man except me.'

Her smile grew, her face still alongside his. Stevie was glad to hear his easy reply. For a moment she remembered how he had been acting when it came to Drew and Marcus. 'Well, and how will you gonna do that?', she asked putting on a warm sexy voice. Her ways got slow when Stevie moved back, still looking down before she finally let her eyelids and head up to meet his eyes; her teeth playing with her lip again.

Alex noted again that she was driving him crazy when she acted like this; just drawing the perfect attention to her lips; her deep brown eyes giving a far from being innocent impression now. He wet his lips, preparing for a taste of her sensual mouth, which would make him forget the previous subject.

A moment later they were kissing; soft, slow ... but deep, making both feel the love and desire burn inside.

Stevie slowly parted from him, still sensing his lips on hers. Her eyelids seemed to fight to stay closed, but when she finally opened them she saw his loving blue eyes, to drown in. She let her lips form a smile, staying close to Alex; the side of their noses keeping contact. They just enjoyed a moment of silence.

'I might have a little chat with that Heath bloke', Alex said, making Stevie take some distance. He looked a bit questioning at her, as it was meant as a teasingly comment, but seeing her expression she didn't buy it. 'I mean to do some business. Might fit perfectly in our master plan'. He saw his words made her relax again. 'Well you might come in handy one day too', Alex chuckled, earning himself a poke. 'Ouch!', he let out, faking to be hurt.

'No need to', Stevie replied. 'Marcus has already spoken to him.'

Alex looked at her inquiring. 'Oh ... I should have a talk anyway ...' Marcus?

Stevie stared at the curls in his dark brown hair. It really started to get long. She let her index finger being embraced by one. 'Why don't you let Marcus take care of Heath. I'm sure he will do just fine.'

'Uhm ...', Alex replied thoughtful, considering her suggestion. 'Must say he's doing a good job with this business plan ...'

'See ...', she said, her eyes still focused upon her fingers which got entangled in his hair. Stevie knew Alex sometimes had to be a bit pushed when it came to Marcus. She didn't want the younger brother to feel left out and it surely would do their bond well if Alex left some more responsibilities up to Marcus.

'I must admit I'm glad he does seem to know how to work. I'm sure he will be useful the upcoming week. Oh which reminds I still have to pack', Alex just babbled, thinking of everything that still needed to be done before Marcus and he would leave to Melbourne; tomorrow.

'What?', Stevie glared at him and Alex was quite surprised with the look in her eyes. Surely nothing near pleased. 'Yyyou mean you're going away ... again?' She asked again, wanting to know exactly what Alex had planned ... without her.

'Yeah to Melbourne', Alex respond, showing he completely didn't have a clue why this came as a surprise to her. He felt her hands slip away, no longer claiming him, moving back and just staring at him like she had almost seen a ghost.

'When?'

'You know we have to meet Bryce, see what he thinks, maybe arrange something with the bank ...', he wanted to continue, pointing out the possible actions on his list.

'When?', she repeated, not giving a shit about what he exactly was up to. The only thing Stevie wanted to know now was when and how long.

'Tomorrow'.

Her lips pulled together, letting out a crushed 'Wha?!'. Stevie pushed him and slipped of his lap. She stood up, walking away from him to the couch, in a reflex Alex got up too. 'What?', he replied, not realizing why she acted like this.

She turned around and he was overwhelmed with her gaze; hurt, emotion. A complete mix that nearly frightened him. Stevie tried to form words, but they didn't come easy. Her lips battled, seeing her view being crushed, the prospect of this night, the upcoming week. How long would he be away again this time? 'You just got back and than you leave right away?' She stared blankly at him; questioning, but already knowing no answer would do.

'You knew this was about to happen', Alex said, not sure of his words though. He was scared to say the wrong thing with her sudden mood change.

'No I didn't!', she let out irritated. 'You didn't tell me, you don't even think about what I feel, do you? Not even consider to just talk about this.'

'I thought you ...', but Alex' words got stuck down his throat.

'We're partners Alex. You can't just take off like that, without even discussing it. You have spent nearly three weeks working on that stupid plan of yours and you're back for one day and head off again. Just like that?! If this is what you call marriage, I'm not sure if I want to be married!' Stevie yelled, feeling the hurt rise inside. The frustration, cause she could tell by the look in his eyes he really didn't have a clue how she felt. How much she had missed him, how much she needed this time with him. They were just married, this was the most important time together; thinking about the future, making plans ... together.

'Wow', Alex let out powerful. 'You agreed on me staying in Argentina last time; don't fire that back at me now.'

Stevie shook her head, letting out a cynical smile. Laughter of hurt. She looked at him again, tears setting in her eyes. 'No Alex, I went along cause you were so full with it; excited ... you already had made up your mind. Just like now, without thinking one second of me.'

Alex' hand brushed up his forehead, feeling the emotions run through his veins. He couldn't deal with it; he tried. Hard. Again his eyes met hers as they stood there, just a couple of meters between them but completely out of each other's reach.

'I ám thinking about you. Everything I do is about you. This whole plan; it's for us, for our future. I don't want to worry about Killarney; I want it to be ready for us.'

He breathed heavy, feeling the silence wash over him, staring at her. For a moment Alex thought he was getting through to her, but that hope chattered into pieces when Stevie broke that silence.

She shivered, her body felt out of control and her voice trembled as the tears took possession of her pale skin. It was her typical defense that spoke, wanting to sound powerful, but failing dramatically; 'You have it all set out ... don't think for me Alex.'

'I'm very capable to do that myself.' Her voice was trailing off, like the morning mist blowing away over a wide paddock.

Suddenly I can't stay in this room
You'll never sway, and I have nothing left that I can think of to say
What do you want me to think of my thoughts?
Bear it in mind, if I cannot believe in me who will I then be?

Stevie turned around and let big steps take her outside the house, away from Killarney, away from Alex. She had started her engine quickly; feeling her heart tear apart over their first fight.

He stood dumbfounded, staring at the door opening of the living room like she could walk back in any time soon. It was too hard to comprehend it all within a few seconds. All Alex knew was that hardly minutes earlier they kissed and he had held her and it felt all so perfectly and now ... he swallowed, sweeping the tears out of his blue eyes. The color that reflected his inner state. He had meant well; everything he did was for her.

I want it to be perfect, for you ...

Lyrics: Missy Higgins – This is how it goes