~ Chapter 31 ~
On the verge of wakefulness, Alex shifted in bed. Subconsciously sensing something amiss, he reached for Marlena. Finding nothing but empty space beside him, his eyes jolted open. Scanning the room, he breathed a sigh of relief when he spotted her, curled up in the easy chair, staring out the window at the breaking dawn. She appeared to be deep in thought.
Moving quietly so as not to startle her, he tiptoed to her side. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he bent to kiss the top of her head. Lacing her fingers with his, she looked up at him.
"Good morning."
"Good morning yourself."
He couldn't help the grin that stretched across his face. She was so very beautiful, even with her hair tousled and not an ounce of makeup on.
"What are you smiling about?"
"You," he replied simply.
"Me?"
"Yes, you. I'm just admiring you. Even first thing in the morning, you put all other women to shame."
"Oh, Alex," she blushed, at once both embarrassed and flattered.
"I only speak the truth, ma'am," he drawled, enjoying the flush he was bringing to her cheeks.
He lifted her so that they were toe to toe, and pulled her into a searing kiss.
"Much better," he pronounced, once their breathing had returned to normal.
"Was something wrong?"
"I woke up and you weren't there."
"Sorry. I was having trouble sleeping."
"Care to talk about it?"
He eased himself into the chair, and she settled herself comfortably on his lap.
"I'm nervous."
"About?"
"My new therapist. I know that you trust him, or you wouldn't be handing my case over to him, but I'm used to working with you."
"You know why we're doing this."
"I do. I'm the one who asked you to find someone else to treat me. But…"
"Having second thoughts? I could go back to being your doctor, but then we'd have to give this up," he reminded her, as he bent his mouth to hers once more.
Her eyes closed as their ever-present passion flared.
"No… Can't give that up… You've made your point."
"Good. I'm glad that's decided. You're making the right choice," he assured her with a wink, as she clasped her arms around his neck and snuggled closer. "I understand your hesitation, though, and it's perfectly normal."
"It is?"
"Of course, it is. We've been working as doctor and patient for a while now, and you're comfortable with me. Not to mention the fact that, because of our personal relationship, we share a level of trust that you're unlikely to find with another therapist. You may come close with Frank, though."
"You're that confident in him?"
"Absolutely. I wouldn't entrust your care to anyone else. Frank and I go way back."
She wondered if Frank was someone from Alex's agency days, but she knew better than to ask. Maybe it would become obvious once the man arrived.
"I probably shouldn't tell you this, but he saved my life, many years ago," Alex confessed.
Marlena couldn't hide her shock at this revelation. Her first love could've died, and she wouldn't have known to mourn.
"Then I owe him a debt of gratitude. We were given a second chance in part because of him."
"I know."
His words were a mere whisper, but they were emotion-filled, and completely heartfelt. She squeezed his hand, then glanced at the bedside clock.
"What time did you say he would get here?"
"His flight lands at 9:45. I offered to pick him up, but he wouldn't hear of it. Told me he was perfectly capable of taking a cab, and that I shouldn't be away from you unless it was absolutely necessary."
"He said that?"
"He did indeed. I spent many a night talking his ear off about you. He knows…"
Her curiosity got the better of her, and she interrupted him.
"What, exactly?"
He was hesitant to answer, but since he'd been the one to broach the subject, there could be no lying to her.
"Everything."
At her look of astonishment, his words tumbled out in a rush.
"I couldn't keep it all inside. It was killing me to be apart from you, and he was someone I trusted implicitly."
She took a moment to process this latest information. It confirmed her suspicion that Alex and Frank had been involved in government work together. It helped her understand his faith in the man, but it also made her feel somewhat uneasy.
"So, he knows more about my own past than I do. That's disconcerting."
"I realize that. But now you can see why I'm putting you in his care. He's the perfect person to take over from me."
After a brief pause, she concurred.
"It seems that way. He'll certainly be able to get up to speed a lot faster than anyone else, and he'll already be privy to…" Indecision at how to phrase her thoughts caused her to fall silent.
"All my secrets, too," he offered.
"Scary, isn't it? He knows so much about both of us."
"Once you meet him, you'll see it's not nearly as frightening a proposition as you think. He's beyond thrilled that we've found each other again, and he wants to do everything in his power to help us."
"Someone on our side. I like the sound of that."
"So do I."
"It's so rare. Everyone in Salem wants me back with John."
"Well, maybe not quite everyone. Sami wants you with her father. And I'm guessing that Kate would be delighted if John were to become available."
Marlena smiled, and there was no malice, jealousy or regret in her tone as she spoke.
"I think you're right. Kate still loves John, and I'm sure she'd be good for him. He loved her once, too, and they only broke up because I came back from the dead, so to speak. He must still have feelings for her, and I hope he acts on them."
"You'd be absolutely okay with that turn of events?"
"Of course. I have you, and I'm deliriously happy. Why would I begrudge John a chance to feel the same?"
"Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?"
"Yes, but feel free to tell me again."
"You're wonderful. I love you."
"I love you, too."
Their mutual declarations served to draw them together like magnets. Lips met lips, and desire blazed. Using all of the willpower at their disposal, they broke apart before crossing their self-imposed line.
"I need a shower. A very cold shower."
Alex lifted Marlena gently from his lap, then strode purposefully towards the bathroom. She watched him go, admiring the slope of his shoulders and the lean muscles of his back.
"I can't wait till you don't need to do that anymore."
"Me, too," he responded emphatically.
As the closing door cut him off from her view, she curled up in the easy chair and marvelled at her good fortune. Her true love had come back to her and, despite her amnesia, she felt immeasurably blessed. Gazing out at the beautiful blue sky, there could be no denying that life was sweet.