~ Chapter 3 ~
The water having cooled considerably by the time Marlena finally emerged from the tub, she quickly towelled herself dry, then wrapped herself in her robe. As she was tying the sash, images came to her, unbidden, and she closed her eyes. She knew from experience that these fragments were all too often fleeting, so they necessitated her full attention.
She was curled up on a comfortable sofa. Textbooks were strewn across the table in front of her. As she struggled both to absorb the material they contained, and to stifle a yawn, strong, warm hands began to massage her tight shoulders.
"Mmm… that feels wonderful," she admitted, her notes falling from her grasp as she gave in to the relaxing sensations she was experiencing.
"If we're going to pass this exam tomorrow, you've got to stay awake," Alex chided her gently, as he ended the massage, and handed her a cup of steaming coffee.
She murmured in protest. She wanted him to touch her again. He was her classmate and closest friend, but lately she'd found herself feeling the stirrings of something more. She looked into his eyes and caught a fleeting glimpse of… what, exactly? Attraction? Desire? It was gone in an instant, replaced by the twinkle she loved so much.
"Back to the books," he advised, and they resumed their studies, determination mixed with laughter.
Marlena came back to the present with a smile on her face. They had shared a past – she was sure of it. The more flashbacks she experienced, the more she realized that she and Alex North were deeply connected. No wonder she felt so comfortable with him. The mystery she needed to unravel was why he was keeping it all a secret, never admitting to anything when she asked.
There has to be some way to get him to open up.
Wheels turning, she moved to her closet to dress for the day.
Alone on the penthouse's main floor, Alex's gaze was drawn to the many photos of Marlena and John that adorned the living room. His sigh was heavy as he surveyed them. Although he understood why she had moved on with her life – there'd been no other option, based on the circumstances – it still pained him to see her so clearly in love with another man. And John hadn't been the only one. She'd married Roman and Don, too. Thinking back to the lonely existence he'd led during the intervening years, he vowed to himself that things would change, and soon. Detecting movement upstairs, he headed for the kitchen.
A meal of all her favourite foods is just what this doctor orders.
With any luck, he'd have brunch on the table – and would be enjoying the pleasure of Marlena's company – long before John returned home.
Tantalizing aromas wafted towards her as Marlena descended the stairs. Despite the gurgling of her stomach, she advanced cautiously. She wasn't ready to face John again this morning, and she was seriously considering making some excuse to leave the apartment if he insisted that they share a meal. Before she could map out her next move, a voice called out in greeting.
"Good morning, Marlena. I hope you're hungry."
The tension drained from her body as she spotted Alex arranging several dishes of food on the counter. Her entire face lit up at the sight.
"Yes, actually, I'm starving, and it all smells delicious."
"I was hoping you'd bring your appetite."
He pulled out a chair for her, and proceeded to fill her plate.
Once he had served himself, they ate in companionable silence. As they simultaneously reached for the pitcher of orange juice, their fingers met. A jolt of electricity shot through Marlena and, despite yearning to do the exact opposite, she hastily pulled her hand back.
"Are you alright?" Alex inquired solicitously.
"Yes, I'm fine. I…" Marlena's voice trailed off as she looked down, hoping to hide the blush that was creeping up her cheeks. "I just wanted to tell you how wonderful this all tastes."
Alex was well aware that she'd been reacting to their touch, but he opted not to call her on her evasion. He'd felt the same jolt, and he knew that he was getting to her. Still, he resisted the urge to press his advantage. They were in the middle of the dining room, after all, and John could conceivably return home any minute. No sense arousing his suspicions with public displays of affection.
"Why, thank you. I'm so glad you like it."
"You really are a terrific cook," she affirmed, still not able to meet his eyes.
In an effort to give Marlena time to compose herself, Alex changed the subject, offering up a critique of the novel he'd recently finished. The idle chatter served its purpose, and she chimed in with recommendations for his next read. A short while later, her hunger satiated, she lay down her utensils and pushed her plate away. He followed suit, then rose from his seat and held out his hand.
"I thought we could enjoy the view from the terrace."
Trustingly, she placed her hand in his, and they stepped out into the crispness of a beautiful fall day. Together, they admired the colourful foliage spread before them. Alex made sure to keep the conversation light. As they bantered back and forth, one of his comments struck Marlena as exceedingly funny. She threw back her head and laughed openly, her happiness readily apparent.
This was the scene that greeted John as he and Kate entered the penthouse, and it nauseated him. Turning to the dark-haired woman at his side, he could barely contain his rage.
"I'm going to get that guy away from my wife," he snarled, "and you're going to help me."
