*~Chapter 5~*
***Alexis' Penthouse***
(The next morning they awoke to the sound of the telephone ringing. Alexis was asleep with her head on Ned's chest. She groaned at the sound of the phone and looked up at Ned who was just barely awake himself.)
Alexis: Can we just ignore it, I am unbelievably comfortable.
Ned: We should answer it.
Alexis: I know but I don't want to deal with it right now.
Ned: Well I'll answer it and if it's Sonny, who I am almost certain you were referring to, I will just tell him your sleeping.
Alexis: Thank you.
Ned: Your welcome. (he kisses her forehead as he reaches over her for the phone) Hello... Yeah, What is it that it can't wait until I get there...Yes I know that this is a huge problem, but it can wait until I get there in a few hours....What do you mean I have to go there?(hearing his half of the conversation Alexis looks up at him. Curious as to what was going on.) Why can't we handle this here?...Yeah ok, I'll be done there in a few hours, We can sort through it then...Yeah make the arrangements. We'll go over the details when I get down there, and we'll leave from there ok?... Yeah thanks for calling. Bye. (He hung up the phone and sighed. Alexis looked at him expectantly, but knew the weren't going any where that weekend.)
Alexis: What was that about.
Ned: That was John. There was a problem with one of the distributors in England.
Alexis: Oh.
Ned: I know we were going to go away this weekend to talk, but I have to go to London.
Alexis: (sighs) Oh well you have to go deal with the problem. It's ok.
Ned: I really feel bad about this.
Alexis: It's ok really we can talk when you get back. When are you getting back?
Ned: I'm not sure.
Alexis: When are you leaving?
Ned: Tonight most likely. I'm sorry.
Alexis: It's ok.
Ned: Are you sure?
Alexis: Yes, you have to go handle this I understand.
Ned: I love you , you know.
Alexis: I know you do, I love you too.
Ned: I really wish I didn't have to go, we really do need to talk about a lot of things.
Alexis: I know we do. We'll survive, we will...I hope.
Ned: Look at me. (he puts a finger under her chin and lifts it so he is looking him in the eyes) We will get past this somehow. And when I get back we will go away and talk about everything that is going on between us, I promise. I'm not going to give up on us, Alexis. Not now, not ever. And I hope you won't either. I love you too much to let it end like this.
Alexis: Same here. But I do have one question.
Ned: What.
Alexis: Who is going to make my coffee when your gone?
Ned: Very funny Mrs. Ashton. Are you sure your ok with this?
Alexis: Yeah I'll be fine. But seriously who is going to make my coffee when your gone?
Ned: Sonny?
Alexis: Don't even joke about that.
Ned: Sorry.
Alexis: It's ok I still love you.
Ned: Thank you.
Alexis: Your welcome.
Ned: I don't think we're going back to sleep are we.
Alexis: Probably not. Kristen will be up soon anyway.
Ned: True. So how about you take a shower while I make us French toast for breakfast.
Alexis: No.
Ned: Why not?
Alexis: How about we take a shower and then you make us French toast.
Ned: Even better. I'm surprised I didn't think of that myself.
Alexis: So am I.
Ned: I'm gonna miss you when I'm gone.
Alexis: I know I'll miss you too. Now how about that shower? (smiles suggestively)
Ned: Race ya.
*~Chapter 6~*
***Alexis' Penthouse***
(Alexis is in their bedroom sitting on the bed talking to Ned. He's been gone almost three weeks now and it has put yet another strain on their relationship, which was already near breaking point. One wrong move right now on either one of their parts could have devastating consequences. Both Alexis and Ned knew that. But she couldn't resist the urge to get closer to Sonny while Ned was away, she didn't want to hurt Ned or their marriage anymore but temptation was to great. And unknown to Alexis in London there was somebody who was trying her hardest to get Ned's attention. A new artist he had found while out there, her name was Jillian. And Ned was tempted he really was, but then he thought of Alexis and their little girl. He wasn't ready to give up on their marriage just quite yet.)
Alexis: I miss you.
Ned: I miss you too honey.
Alexis: When are you coming home?
Ned: Soon, I promise. (Kristen walks into the bedroom)
Kristen: Who's on the phone mommy?
Ned: Is that Kristen?
Alexis: Yeah. (to Kristen) It's daddy. Want to talk to him, I bet he wants to talk to you.
Kristen: Yeah. (Alexis hands the phone over to Kristen) Hi daddy!
Ned: Hey, princess. I miss you.
Kristen: I miss you too daddy. When are you coming home? You make better French toast than mommy does.
Ned: (laughing) Very soon. So, your mom tried to cook, huh?
Kristen: Yeah but it didn't work, very good.
Ned: Well don't you worry I will be home before your mother burns the place down trying to cook again.
Kristen: (giggles) Your funny daddy.
Ned: Thank you. Hey is mommy still there?
Kristen: Uh-huh. Want to talk to her again?
Ned: Can I?
Kristen: Yep. I love you daddy. Here's mommy.
Ned: I love you too princess. (Kristen hands the phone to Alexis, just as a Jillian walks into Ned's office.)
Jillian: Hey Neddie. What are you doing here so early? I thought you would be exhausted after last night. (Alexis looks horrified on the other end of the phone. But tries to mask it.)
Ned: Hey can this wait, I'm on the phone.
Jillian: Yeah. Meet me in my room in about an hour ok?
Ned: Yeah sure. (she leaves his office and he turns his attention back to Alexis) I'm sorry sweetie.
Alexis: (visibly hurt, but trying her best to hide it from Ned, who didn't think anything of it because nothing had happened) It's ok. Who was that?
Ned: Her name is Jillian, John found her and got her to sign a contract with L&B.
Alexis: Oh.
Ned: (sensing something) Alexis What is it?
Alexis: Nothing. I just miss you.
Ned: I miss you too. I will be home soon I promise. Most likely this week.
Alexis: Really?
Ned: Yeah. I'm just about done here and then we will be heading back to Port Charles.
Alexis: We?
Ned: Yeah. John convinced Jillian it would be easier if she moved out here. Look Honey I have to go, I'll talk to you later tonight. I love you.
Alexis: I love you too. (she hung up the phone and then sighed. She trusted Ned, she did. But something about the tone in Jillian's voice worried her. She knew she had no room to talk but she couldn't help but feel the way she did. She got up and went down stairs when there was a knock on the door and she went to answer it only to find the one man she was trying to avoid at all costs. Sonny.) Hi.
Sonny: Hi. Can I come in?
Alexis: Yeah sure. What's up?
Sonny: I need you to get me a restraining order on AJ again.
Alexis: Why what happened?
Sonny: He cornered Michael in the park, while Leticia was getting him some ice cream. He was scared out of his mind.
Alexis: I'm sorry is he all right?
Sonny: He should be. So can you have that filed today?
Alexis: Yeah first thing. Is there anything else?
Sonny: Uh yeah there is.
Alexis: What?
Sonny: I was wondering if we could talk.
Alexis: What do we need to talk about?
Sonny: Ever since that night a few months back
Alexis: What's your point Sonny? (he didn't say anything he instead grabbed her by the arms and pulled her into a passionate kiss, which she didn't pull away from, but responded too. He broke the kiss a minute to two later and she looked at him expectantly )
Sonny: Now tell me you didn't feel anything when I kissed you.
Back in London...
(Ned arrived at Jillian's and she answered the door and instead of expecting to see her ready to work she was wearing a sexy black silk nightgown.)
Ned: I thought we were going to work.
Jillian: We are. (pulling him into the room)
Ned: I don't know what you think is going to happen here.. but (before he had a chance to finish she backed him against the door and kissed him hard on the mouth.)
*~Chapter 7~*
***London***
(Ned pushed her off of him and she looked at him stunned)
Ned: What the hell do you think your doing?
Jillian: What does it look like I'm doing Ned? (she walks closer to him and starts to unbutton his shirt, she can tell she's getting to him, but Ned is trying his hardest to resist it. He took a step back and was backed up against the wall again and she moved closer and kissed him again. He couldn't help but respond to her this time, but is senses did come back and he pushed her away again.)
Ned: I'm married. (trying desperately to get a hold of himself)
Jillian: Don't worry Neddie. My lips are sealed. (she tries to kiss him again, but he stops her)
Ned: I'm not going to do that to her.
Jillian: How will she ever know? I'm certainly not going to tell her and I wouldn't think you would.
Ned: That's right because nothing more is going to happen.
Jillian: I know you want to Ned. It was only a matter of time.
Ned: How do you know what I want?
Jillian: I can tell by the look in your eye when you talk to your little wifey your having some sort of problem. I am only here to help.
Ned: First thing first if my wife and I were having a problem it would be none of your business.
Jillian: And Secondly?
Ned: You are not here to help you would only make things worse.
Jillian: Obviously she isn't giving you what you need. I can.
Ned: No you can't.
Jillian: Let me try. (she preceded to finish unbuttoning his shirt and she rubbed her hands across his chest before moving to unbuckle his pants. Then she kissed him, but this this time he couldn't resist, temptation was to great. They walked across the room never breaking the kiss as they made their way to the bed.)
Back In Port Charles...
(she was silent)
Sonny: Tell me you didn't feel anything in that kiss. (she slapped him) I deserved that.
Alexis: Yes you did. What were you thinking?
Sonny: Alexis their has been this thing between us ever since we kissed that night. I figured you felt the same way , the way you've been acting around me lately. You really didn't feel a thing?
Alexis: yes I felt something! And I am working really hard at trying not to feel anything! Yes I am attracted to you physically, but I love Ned.
Sonny: I know you do.
Alexis Then why did you do this? Why did you have to complicate things?
Sonny: I didn't mean to upset you Alexis.
Alexis: you didn't mean to upset me?
Sonny: No.
Alexis: Look we've been over this. Your married to Carly. I love my husband. Whatever feelings have for you I need to fight. If not for my marriage then for Kristen. And you have to do the same. I don't know if you really love Carly...
Sonny: I do.
Alexis: The you need to fight this as well. You need to forget whatever feelings you have for me.
Sonny: I know, your right.
Alexis: Thank you. (completely dismissing the matter) Now I will get right on this and file it today. Don't worry about AJ getting to Michael anytime soon.
Sonny: That's it? End of discussion?
Alexis: How are we supposed to ignore it and pretend like it didn't happen if we keep brining it up? (Alexis notices Kristen coming down the stairs out of the corner of her eye) Hey angel. Is the movie over?
Kristen: Yep. What are you and Sonny taking about?
Alexis: Nothing you need to worry about. Actually we just finished and he was going home.
Kristen: Cool.
Sonny: I was.
Alexis: You are. (she gives him a look that says don't start this in front of my daughter look)
Sonny: Yeah I was. Bye Kristen.
Kristen: Bye. (Sonny leaves) Did daddy tell you when he was coming home?
Alexis: He sure did.
Kristen: When?!
Alexis: At the end of this week.
Kristen: Yay!
Alexis: You don't like it when daddy goes away do you sweetie?
Kristen: No. Caitlin said here daddy went away and never came back. I don't want daddy to do that.
Alexis: No daddy would never do that. He would miss you way to much.
Kristen: I know. But I still miss him though.
Alexis: Yeah I do too. But he calls us right? And he always comes home right?
Kristen: Yep. Is he calling again to say goodnight?
Alexis: Of course.
*~Chapter 8~*
***London Airport***
Ned was on the plane home a day later. He felt unbelievably guilty over what had happened with Jillian. How was he ever going to tell Alexis this. And it was something he had to tell her. He knew it would make getting their relationship back on the right track even more difficult than it was already, but it had to be done. And the sooner the better, because still after everything that happened Jillian was still going to be working for L&B. He needed her so he wouldn't have to start touring again, if there was any other way he could have saved his company and saved his marriage he would have done it in a heartbeat. When he had talked to Alexis that night she could tell something was wrong he told her it was nothing and he knew she didn't believe it. He only hoped she could forgive him. He sighed heavily as he thought back on the night before events.
**Jillian: Obviously she isn't giving you what you need. I can.
Ned: No you can't.
Jillian: Let me try. (she preceded to finish unbuttoning his shirt and she rubbed her hands across his chest before moving to unbuckle his pants. Then she kissed him, but this this time he couldn't resist, temptation was to great. They walked across the room never breaking the kiss as they made their way to the bed. Things intensified quickly but then something caught Ned's eye. The watch he was wearing. It was a birthday gift from Alexis and Kristen. It was a painful reminder of what he was about to do to his family and he was glad. He had regained his rationale and broke the kiss, rolled off of her and grabbed his shirt and started to get dressed.)
Jillian: What are you doing?
Ned: I can't do this to Alexis... to my little girl.
Jillian: Why the hell not?!
Ned: It's not right and I am not going to put my family through this. (and with that he walked out the door and left)**
All he could do know was thank god he didn't sleep with her. Although he had no idea what he was going to do when she showed up in Port Charles to start work. He had to make things right with Alexis and that was that, he couldn't allow her to distract him again. When he got home that night both Alexis and Kristen were already in bed. He put his coat in the closet an left his bags by the door as he proceeded up stairs. first stopped in Kristen's room. The sight of her sleeping peacefully almost made it seem like all that was wrong didn't matter. But unfortunately it did. He walked over to her and adjusted the blankets and kissed her forehead before going to his bedroom. He walked in and found Alexis laying there sleeping, but she had fallen asleep in her work. He gently removed her glasses from her face and took all the papers off the bed. She stirred a little but didn't wake up. He went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. He came back and got underneath the comforter and wrapped his arms around Alexis before turning off the light., she woke up instantly at the feel of his touch and turned to look up at him.
Alexis: (sleepily) I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow.
Ned: Look at the clock honey, it is tomorrow.
Alexis: Haha very funny. I missed you so much. (she kissed him and he tensed a little. she noticed it but didn't want to bring it up tonight. Tonight she was just glad he was home.)
Ned: Same here. (he kissed her) Now let's go to sleep. We can talk in the morning ok?
Alexis: Yeah. I love you.
Ned: I love you too.
*~Chapter 9~*
***Alexis' Penthouse***
The next morning Ned and Alexis were asleep, Ned with his arms around Alexis. He was awake, he couldn't sleep, all he could think about was how he was going to tell her what he almost did. Was she going to be able to forgive him? So many questions, that he didn't want the answers to. If only he could go back in time and erase that night. And what made it worse is that he knew she knew something was off. He laid there staring at her while she slept, brushing a few strands of hair out of her face, he kissed her forehead and rubbed his hand up and down her arm. Kristen opened the door to her parents room and walked in.
Kristen: Mommy can you...(noticing Ned) Daddy! (she ran over and jumped on the bed getting a groan from Alexis)
Ned: Hey Princess.
Kristen: Mommy wake up daddy's home.
Alexis: (sleepily) I know sweetie.
Krsiten: I missed you so much!
Ned: Well I missed you too. (he tickles the little girl and she giggles) What do u say we go downstairs and make breakfast and let mommy sleep a little longer?
Kristen: Can we make French toast?
Ned: Of course.