[center][b]Unavoidable Attraction[/b][/center]
[center][b]Chapter 16[/b][/center]
[center][b]The Morning After[/b][/center]
[center][b]By: Kristen and Alisa[/b][/center]
[I]]Previous: Her body naked and numb, her eyes closed, her mouth still parted and panting. He lied down next to her and let out a breath. She turned into him and grabbed his face quickly kissing him into silence before he could say anything.[/I]
As the night continued on, the rolling thunder and striking lightning started to fade and a new day started to shine over the horizon. Two newly discovered lovers were locked in a slumbering embrace through most of the early morning. Groggily, Brady woke to the bright sunlight streaming through his office windows. He ran a hand over his face and tried to stretch, but this proved difficult due to the warm body lying partially on his chest. He smiled a gentle smile and moved a stray hair from the sleeping beauty's face as he lay there watching her sleep. He let his eyes roam and his hand feel over her features from her smooth skin to her silky hair as it slid magically through his fingers. Brady tightened his hold on Chloe and lightly kissed the top of her head, then rested his chin on top of it. As he lay there holding Chloe, Brady's thoughts went back to the events of the night before.
His crystal eyes looked off into the morning sun as they took on that far off look. It had been a night he would never forget, the fire, the desire, the way he had never wanted any woman more than he had wanted [I]her[/I] that night. Although they hadn't gone all the way he was pleased to know this was just the beginning and as much as needed her he would wait until the time was perfect. But, still as much as he didn't want to think about it, something in the back of his mind made his eyebrows furrow. He bit his lip thinking of Chloe's reaction to what had conspired through the night. True, to some it hadn't been anything much, but this was Chloe and she was extremely emotional when it came to actions of the heart. Would she feel used? Would she burst into tears and blame him for making her do something she hadn't been ready for? Would she hate him? All these thoughts made a pain in his chest form that was foreign to him and it was extremely unsettling.
Chloe stirred a little and slowly opened her eyes, to the bright light coming through the window. At first, she wasn't sure where she was due to last night's events. Believe me, it would have made any woman more than just a little dizzy. Then Chloe realized a strong pair of masculine arms was holding her, and they belonged to Brady. Chloe smiled and rolled over to snuggle even closer to him not wanting to fully awaken from this bliss quite yet. She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arm over his middle, where she rubbed his side with her thumb. Brady rubbed her arm while staying silent. He didn't trust his voice at that moment. He was afraid, if he said something, it would come out wrong. So, he clamped his lips between his teeth and said nothing.
After a few minutes like that, Chloe lifted her head to look up into Brady's eyes. And what she saw in them confused her. His eyes had a myriad of emotions swimming in them that she couldn't quite pick anything out. They looked anything and everything from sad to confused, to even anger? Chloe's heart started racing as she silently tried to ask the millions of questions plaguing her mind. The first and biggest one she feared.[I] Did he regret what had happened? [/I]Her eyes confused, her chest heaving, her heart struggling, she cautiously laid her hand on his face. "Brady?" Brady didn't say anything; he just closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Chloe's caresses of his cheek and jaw halted. She removed her hand shakily and brought her head back down to his chest to shield her face from his view. She listened to the strong steady beat of his heart. Had she done something wrong? Chloe eyes were frantically flying all over the place trying to remember every detail of the night's events. She didn't know what to do; she couldn't think of anything that she had done wrong except that...[I]after he had finished pleasuring her...she had fallen asleep...[/I] 'O God' her mind screamed.
He obviously felt completely unsatisfied and probably humored at her inability to have any kind of decent sexual relations what so ever. He's been with so many women from buxom blondes to exotic goddesses simply created to fulfill every man's fantasy, that had undoubtedly probably given him the world's best sex ever and right when she had tasted a little of what he had to offer she had to go and Fcking fall asleep. Simply pathetic. Her, a measly worm of a woman who's had no sexual contact in years, she probably wouldn't even remember how the act was done. She felt like she was going to vomit, but instead only hot tears threatened to spill from her baby blue eyes. Slowly she sat up and looked down at her shaking hands. One came up to wipe her face as she started to move off the couch. She was completely mortified, and her first instinct was to run like hell. Sadly she looked in to his eyes. Tears streaming down her face.
"Brady, I'm sorry. I...I'm just not...I'm not like the others you've been with. I just can't compare and I should never have thought I could handle this type of situation. I'm...I'm sorry to have disappointed you."
"Chloe, my God", were his roughly whispered words as he held this precious sobbing being in his arms. His protective side was going into overdrive at this woman's reaction. Never in his life had he imagined something like this. How could she even think that? Chloe struggled from his grasp at first not wanting to accept his pity, but she lost the battle. She was distressed and she was really tired. Her body eventually sagged in to him. Carefully he gathered her into his arms and walked back over to the couch where he gently laid her back down. He sighed as he looked down at her. He was dumb to think she had been ready for this. She obviously wasn't emotionally stable enough to handle this new territory in their relationship. Shaking his head he knew he shouldn't have pushed her. 'Idiot!' his mind screamed. How could he have been so careless? To treat this special woman like a common whore. Like he used to...A new horrifying thought,[I] Was that the only way he knew how to be?[/I]
He bent down again and lifted her chin. She wouldn't look at him. He gently touched her face, begging her to face him. "Chloe please", her eyes slowly looked in to his at his words. "Forgive me Chloe" His sweet whisper had her heart melting but she was so confused. Forgive him for what? Forgive him for playing her into this the whole time? No, it wasn't his fault. She had practically clawed and forced him into it all.
"Chloe, all I wanted was to show you something beautiful, something exciting, something sexy...how it could be, how it should be, and instead I pushed you and hurt you, and I...I let my own need and desire block my better judgment. You're so right Chloe...you're nothing like those other girls." Her eyes broke contact and she looked down feeling tears again.
"God Chloe, you're so much more... so much more than anything I've ever...I know now that a man like me doesn't deserve something like this. I could have anything and the only thing I want...I don't deserve. I won't let myself destroy something so beautiful. How could I?"
Chloe's eyes were on his swimming with tears. Never in her life had she heard such a beautiful confession, never had someone blamed them self for anything. Her hand reached out to his face. "Oh God, Brady no...I was wrong. I was so wrong. You're everything I've ever wanted and I didn't trust myself or love myself enough to think I could ever measure up to your expectations. Brady, I didn't trust you enough to think you would ever want me as much as I want you...why do you want to be with me so bad Brady? I'm nothing but used goods. I'll never amount to everything you wanted. Why would anyone want this?"
She couldn't speak anymore, her throat was completely closing up and her tears were in full force. God, What a day. Brady couldn't believe his ears. His hands cupped her face and wiped her eyes. He moved in to embrace her. Their heads close, his mouth next to her cheek. "Chloe, you're more than I could have ever imagined. I could never have dreamed of finding someone just like you."
He slowly kissed each of her closed eyes and then her nose making his way down where he pressed his lips to her in the lightest butterfly kiss she had ever felt. Chloe knew then, that this is what it felt like to truly love someone and the time was now, this was it. She needed to stop wasting the precious seconds slipping away, because there would never be someone as beautiful as this to ever grace her with his presence, ever. She grabbed his faced and with all her heart and soul poured her emotions into the deepest most exquisite kiss they had ever had. Both of them put all their fears and hopes and needs into one long soul searching kiss.
Seconds, minutes, and worlds later the two lover's lips drifted apart. Chloe felt Brady's strong arms encircle her waist as she cradled against his chest, taking in his comforting heat. "Chloe, I want you to know that I am always here for you. I am only a phone call or a few steps away, if you need to talk about anything but, I have to admit, I think you would benefit by some professional help." Chloe turned her head to look at Brady slightly taken aback. "You think I'm crazy?" she whispered looking into his eyes. Brady looked down and smiled as he pushed some hair away from Chloe's face, and caressed her cheek. His voice took on a smooth timbre that Chloe always knew made her feel incredibly safe. She laid her head back on his muscled chest and was comforted by the vibrations as he spoke.
"No, Chloe I don't think your crazy at all. The only reason I suggested it, is because until you deal with your past, you will never truly be able to grow and move on as a person. You need to finally face your skeletons...get past the anger, and the sadness...till you find it. Till you find true happiness."
Chloe lay there thinking. She had never really been good at expressing her feelings and thoughts, especially to a complete stranger...but perhaps the fact that she didn't know the person would make it easier to get everything off her chest. Give her the chance to create an outlet for her bottled up pain. For once. For Natalie. For Her. Chloe faced Brady and then moved up some, so that she could kiss him. As the two were cuddling and kissing, Chloe's stomach growled in protest that made them both chuckle.
"So Brady, what is for breakfast?" Brady smiled and kissed her once more.
"Hmm...for breakfast. Well, we could go to the Brady Pub. They make the best pancakes. What do you say?" Chloe thought for a minute, and licked her lips. "Mmm...that sounds great. It's been awhile since I've had pancakes."
"Then, you'll just love these. They are the best!" Brady kissed the top of her head and, rubbed her back. Suddenly Chloe remembered with all the drama going on she had totally forgotten to get in touch with Meems.
Chloe sat on the edge of Brady's desk with his phone in hand. As she waited for Mimi to answer, Chloe watched Brady busy himself with cleaning up his office. Finally, Mimi answered.
"Hello." Chloe shook her head and said. "Hey, Meems. Just checking in. Did Natalie get off to school alright?" Mimi noticed a difference in her friend's voice.
"Yes, Chloe. She got off just fine. Is everything OK? Did something happen?"
Chloe took a deep breath. She had hoped Mimi wouldn't have noticed anything. "Meems, look I'll tell you the next time I see you. Now, I have to go. Bye!" And with that, Chloe ended the call and went to change back into the clothes from the night before that were dry and to fix herself up the best she could.
A little while later she emerged from the bathroom to find Brady's office empty. She walked out to the reception area and found him reading a magazine.
"Been waiting long? Anyway, you ready to eat, boss? Because, at this very moment I could eat an entire kitchen." Brady looked up and smiled.
And with that, Brady placed his hand on the small of Chloe's back and led them to the elevator. Chloe smiled at the memory of the time Brady had first ushered her to the elevator. At the time she had been thoroughly pissed and upset with him for touching her in such a way, but now the presence of his hand resting comfortably on her seemed natural.
Later-
Brady and Chloe sat in a booth in the back of the Brady Pub quietly talking as a waitress came up to take their order. "What can I get you folks today?"
"Two Brady Pancake specials, two coffees, and juice. And I'll take sausage with mine. Chloe? "
"Wow. I'll take turkey bacon with mine, if you have it? " The waitress smiled, nodded then left to retrieve the order.
The waitress returned with their food. "Good Lord...I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach" Chloe remarked eyeing the huge plate. Just as Brady was about to say something, Shawn Brady, Sr. walked up. "Oh, don't worry about that miss. This young fella here will be able to finish it for you. Won't you, Brady?" Brady laughed. "Your probably right, Mr. Brady."
Shawn Sr. gave Brady a nudge and eyed Chloe. "And who might this beautiful lass be?"
"Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners? This very beautiful lady is, Chloe Lane. We got stuck at the office last night because of the storm and I decided to treat her to the famous Brady pancakes."
"Are they to your liking miss?"
"Yes. They are wonderful."
"I'm pleased. I'll leave you to your meal, have a good day now." Brady smiled as he shook Shawn Sr.'s hand. "Thanks and we will." He left them to eat. As he walked away he couldn't help but smile at how happy Brady looked with the young woman. Everyone in Salem wanted to see Brady happy and hopefully settle down with some nice girl. And he wondered if the one that sat with Brady this morning could be that special one.
After eating a huge breakfast both Brady and Chloe parted ways for the night. Brady allowed Chloe to take the well-deserved day off. As Brady watched Chloe's car make its way out of the company parking lot he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Hi, is Dr. Marlena Evans in?"
[b]TBC[/b]
[A/N]- If you read this...I can't believe it! You've stuck with this story for this long?! This story was first published 10-14-02. Goodness...well then THANK YOU!
[center][b]Chapter 16[/b][/center]
[center][b]The Morning After[/b][/center]
[center][b]By: Kristen and Alisa[/b][/center]
[I]]Previous: Her body naked and numb, her eyes closed, her mouth still parted and panting. He lied down next to her and let out a breath. She turned into him and grabbed his face quickly kissing him into silence before he could say anything.[/I]
As the night continued on, the rolling thunder and striking lightning started to fade and a new day started to shine over the horizon. Two newly discovered lovers were locked in a slumbering embrace through most of the early morning. Groggily, Brady woke to the bright sunlight streaming through his office windows. He ran a hand over his face and tried to stretch, but this proved difficult due to the warm body lying partially on his chest. He smiled a gentle smile and moved a stray hair from the sleeping beauty's face as he lay there watching her sleep. He let his eyes roam and his hand feel over her features from her smooth skin to her silky hair as it slid magically through his fingers. Brady tightened his hold on Chloe and lightly kissed the top of her head, then rested his chin on top of it. As he lay there holding Chloe, Brady's thoughts went back to the events of the night before.
His crystal eyes looked off into the morning sun as they took on that far off look. It had been a night he would never forget, the fire, the desire, the way he had never wanted any woman more than he had wanted [I]her[/I] that night. Although they hadn't gone all the way he was pleased to know this was just the beginning and as much as needed her he would wait until the time was perfect. But, still as much as he didn't want to think about it, something in the back of his mind made his eyebrows furrow. He bit his lip thinking of Chloe's reaction to what had conspired through the night. True, to some it hadn't been anything much, but this was Chloe and she was extremely emotional when it came to actions of the heart. Would she feel used? Would she burst into tears and blame him for making her do something she hadn't been ready for? Would she hate him? All these thoughts made a pain in his chest form that was foreign to him and it was extremely unsettling.
Chloe stirred a little and slowly opened her eyes, to the bright light coming through the window. At first, she wasn't sure where she was due to last night's events. Believe me, it would have made any woman more than just a little dizzy. Then Chloe realized a strong pair of masculine arms was holding her, and they belonged to Brady. Chloe smiled and rolled over to snuggle even closer to him not wanting to fully awaken from this bliss quite yet. She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arm over his middle, where she rubbed his side with her thumb. Brady rubbed her arm while staying silent. He didn't trust his voice at that moment. He was afraid, if he said something, it would come out wrong. So, he clamped his lips between his teeth and said nothing.
After a few minutes like that, Chloe lifted her head to look up into Brady's eyes. And what she saw in them confused her. His eyes had a myriad of emotions swimming in them that she couldn't quite pick anything out. They looked anything and everything from sad to confused, to even anger? Chloe's heart started racing as she silently tried to ask the millions of questions plaguing her mind. The first and biggest one she feared.[I] Did he regret what had happened? [/I]Her eyes confused, her chest heaving, her heart struggling, she cautiously laid her hand on his face. "Brady?" Brady didn't say anything; he just closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Chloe's caresses of his cheek and jaw halted. She removed her hand shakily and brought her head back down to his chest to shield her face from his view. She listened to the strong steady beat of his heart. Had she done something wrong? Chloe eyes were frantically flying all over the place trying to remember every detail of the night's events. She didn't know what to do; she couldn't think of anything that she had done wrong except that...[I]after he had finished pleasuring her...she had fallen asleep...[/I] 'O God' her mind screamed.
He obviously felt completely unsatisfied and probably humored at her inability to have any kind of decent sexual relations what so ever. He's been with so many women from buxom blondes to exotic goddesses simply created to fulfill every man's fantasy, that had undoubtedly probably given him the world's best sex ever and right when she had tasted a little of what he had to offer she had to go and Fcking fall asleep. Simply pathetic. Her, a measly worm of a woman who's had no sexual contact in years, she probably wouldn't even remember how the act was done. She felt like she was going to vomit, but instead only hot tears threatened to spill from her baby blue eyes. Slowly she sat up and looked down at her shaking hands. One came up to wipe her face as she started to move off the couch. She was completely mortified, and her first instinct was to run like hell. Sadly she looked in to his eyes. Tears streaming down her face.
"Brady, I'm sorry. I...I'm just not...I'm not like the others you've been with. I just can't compare and I should never have thought I could handle this type of situation. I'm...I'm sorry to have disappointed you."
"Chloe, my God", were his roughly whispered words as he held this precious sobbing being in his arms. His protective side was going into overdrive at this woman's reaction. Never in his life had he imagined something like this. How could she even think that? Chloe struggled from his grasp at first not wanting to accept his pity, but she lost the battle. She was distressed and she was really tired. Her body eventually sagged in to him. Carefully he gathered her into his arms and walked back over to the couch where he gently laid her back down. He sighed as he looked down at her. He was dumb to think she had been ready for this. She obviously wasn't emotionally stable enough to handle this new territory in their relationship. Shaking his head he knew he shouldn't have pushed her. 'Idiot!' his mind screamed. How could he have been so careless? To treat this special woman like a common whore. Like he used to...A new horrifying thought,[I] Was that the only way he knew how to be?[/I]
He bent down again and lifted her chin. She wouldn't look at him. He gently touched her face, begging her to face him. "Chloe please", her eyes slowly looked in to his at his words. "Forgive me Chloe" His sweet whisper had her heart melting but she was so confused. Forgive him for what? Forgive him for playing her into this the whole time? No, it wasn't his fault. She had practically clawed and forced him into it all.
"Chloe, all I wanted was to show you something beautiful, something exciting, something sexy...how it could be, how it should be, and instead I pushed you and hurt you, and I...I let my own need and desire block my better judgment. You're so right Chloe...you're nothing like those other girls." Her eyes broke contact and she looked down feeling tears again.
"God Chloe, you're so much more... so much more than anything I've ever...I know now that a man like me doesn't deserve something like this. I could have anything and the only thing I want...I don't deserve. I won't let myself destroy something so beautiful. How could I?"
Chloe's eyes were on his swimming with tears. Never in her life had she heard such a beautiful confession, never had someone blamed them self for anything. Her hand reached out to his face. "Oh God, Brady no...I was wrong. I was so wrong. You're everything I've ever wanted and I didn't trust myself or love myself enough to think I could ever measure up to your expectations. Brady, I didn't trust you enough to think you would ever want me as much as I want you...why do you want to be with me so bad Brady? I'm nothing but used goods. I'll never amount to everything you wanted. Why would anyone want this?"
She couldn't speak anymore, her throat was completely closing up and her tears were in full force. God, What a day. Brady couldn't believe his ears. His hands cupped her face and wiped her eyes. He moved in to embrace her. Their heads close, his mouth next to her cheek. "Chloe, you're more than I could have ever imagined. I could never have dreamed of finding someone just like you."
He slowly kissed each of her closed eyes and then her nose making his way down where he pressed his lips to her in the lightest butterfly kiss she had ever felt. Chloe knew then, that this is what it felt like to truly love someone and the time was now, this was it. She needed to stop wasting the precious seconds slipping away, because there would never be someone as beautiful as this to ever grace her with his presence, ever. She grabbed his faced and with all her heart and soul poured her emotions into the deepest most exquisite kiss they had ever had. Both of them put all their fears and hopes and needs into one long soul searching kiss.
Seconds, minutes, and worlds later the two lover's lips drifted apart. Chloe felt Brady's strong arms encircle her waist as she cradled against his chest, taking in his comforting heat. "Chloe, I want you to know that I am always here for you. I am only a phone call or a few steps away, if you need to talk about anything but, I have to admit, I think you would benefit by some professional help." Chloe turned her head to look at Brady slightly taken aback. "You think I'm crazy?" she whispered looking into his eyes. Brady looked down and smiled as he pushed some hair away from Chloe's face, and caressed her cheek. His voice took on a smooth timbre that Chloe always knew made her feel incredibly safe. She laid her head back on his muscled chest and was comforted by the vibrations as he spoke.
"No, Chloe I don't think your crazy at all. The only reason I suggested it, is because until you deal with your past, you will never truly be able to grow and move on as a person. You need to finally face your skeletons...get past the anger, and the sadness...till you find it. Till you find true happiness."
Chloe lay there thinking. She had never really been good at expressing her feelings and thoughts, especially to a complete stranger...but perhaps the fact that she didn't know the person would make it easier to get everything off her chest. Give her the chance to create an outlet for her bottled up pain. For once. For Natalie. For Her. Chloe faced Brady and then moved up some, so that she could kiss him. As the two were cuddling and kissing, Chloe's stomach growled in protest that made them both chuckle.
"So Brady, what is for breakfast?" Brady smiled and kissed her once more.
"Hmm...for breakfast. Well, we could go to the Brady Pub. They make the best pancakes. What do you say?" Chloe thought for a minute, and licked her lips. "Mmm...that sounds great. It's been awhile since I've had pancakes."
"Then, you'll just love these. They are the best!" Brady kissed the top of her head and, rubbed her back. Suddenly Chloe remembered with all the drama going on she had totally forgotten to get in touch with Meems.
Chloe sat on the edge of Brady's desk with his phone in hand. As she waited for Mimi to answer, Chloe watched Brady busy himself with cleaning up his office. Finally, Mimi answered.
"Hello." Chloe shook her head and said. "Hey, Meems. Just checking in. Did Natalie get off to school alright?" Mimi noticed a difference in her friend's voice.
"Yes, Chloe. She got off just fine. Is everything OK? Did something happen?"
Chloe took a deep breath. She had hoped Mimi wouldn't have noticed anything. "Meems, look I'll tell you the next time I see you. Now, I have to go. Bye!" And with that, Chloe ended the call and went to change back into the clothes from the night before that were dry and to fix herself up the best she could.
A little while later she emerged from the bathroom to find Brady's office empty. She walked out to the reception area and found him reading a magazine.
"Been waiting long? Anyway, you ready to eat, boss? Because, at this very moment I could eat an entire kitchen." Brady looked up and smiled.
And with that, Brady placed his hand on the small of Chloe's back and led them to the elevator. Chloe smiled at the memory of the time Brady had first ushered her to the elevator. At the time she had been thoroughly pissed and upset with him for touching her in such a way, but now the presence of his hand resting comfortably on her seemed natural.
Later-
Brady and Chloe sat in a booth in the back of the Brady Pub quietly talking as a waitress came up to take their order. "What can I get you folks today?"
"Two Brady Pancake specials, two coffees, and juice. And I'll take sausage with mine. Chloe? "
"Wow. I'll take turkey bacon with mine, if you have it? " The waitress smiled, nodded then left to retrieve the order.
The waitress returned with their food. "Good Lord...I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach" Chloe remarked eyeing the huge plate. Just as Brady was about to say something, Shawn Brady, Sr. walked up. "Oh, don't worry about that miss. This young fella here will be able to finish it for you. Won't you, Brady?" Brady laughed. "Your probably right, Mr. Brady."
Shawn Sr. gave Brady a nudge and eyed Chloe. "And who might this beautiful lass be?"
"Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners? This very beautiful lady is, Chloe Lane. We got stuck at the office last night because of the storm and I decided to treat her to the famous Brady pancakes."
"Are they to your liking miss?"
"Yes. They are wonderful."
"I'm pleased. I'll leave you to your meal, have a good day now." Brady smiled as he shook Shawn Sr.'s hand. "Thanks and we will." He left them to eat. As he walked away he couldn't help but smile at how happy Brady looked with the young woman. Everyone in Salem wanted to see Brady happy and hopefully settle down with some nice girl. And he wondered if the one that sat with Brady this morning could be that special one.
After eating a huge breakfast both Brady and Chloe parted ways for the night. Brady allowed Chloe to take the well-deserved day off. As Brady watched Chloe's car make its way out of the company parking lot he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Hi, is Dr. Marlena Evans in?"
[b]TBC[/b]
[A/N]- If you read this...I can't believe it! You've stuck with this story for this long?! This story was first published 10-14-02. Goodness...well then THANK YOU!