~ Chapter 39 ~
"Another go 'round?"
The funhouse ride attendant couldn't quite manage to conceal his smirk as Alex and Marlena emerged from the tunnel for the fifth time. Her hair was dishevelled and her lips were devoid of colour, while a lipstick stain was clearly visible on the side of his neck. They'd obviously not been paying the least bit of attention to the ride. Looking at each other, the duo burst out laughing.
"Uh, no, thanks. We're done. Great ride, though!" Alex responded through his chuckles.
As Marlena stepped onto the platform, her head spun, and she swayed slightly. Alex's hands shot out to steady her.
"Easy, there. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little woozy and light-headed."
"I've been told I have that effect on women."
Wrapping her arms around him and pulling him close, she raised an eyebrow in warning.
"That better be one woman in particular, or you are in big trouble."
"Well, I can't help how other women react, but you're the only woman I want to kiss till she's dizzy."
"Good answer."
Darkness had fallen, and the fairgrounds were now aglow with lights from the various rides. Reluctantly, they put some distance between them. Unaware that they'd been observed in intimate moments on more than one occasion that evening, they walked side by side, struggling to act like two friends out for some fun, rather than what they truly were – two people so in love that they ached at not being able to touch each other.
"What do you say we go home?" he suggested, longing for the privacy the penthouse afforded.
"Can't we stay a little longer? We haven't been on the Ferris wheel yet."
Captivated by the yearning in her voice, he was powerless to deny her request.
"The Ferris wheel it is. Lead the way, oh beautiful one."
She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. No matter how often he complimented her, she was still adjusting to his unabashed adoration.
Falling into line for the ride, they chatted easily. Lost in their own little world, Marlena jumped when someone behind her spoke her name.
"Marlena? Is that you?"
Turning to see if she could identify the speaker, she found herself facing a young woman with long blonde hair, and her companion, a tall young man who offered a friendly smile. She recognized him at once.
"Austin, isn't it?" As he nodded in the affirmative, she reached out to shake his hand. "It's nice to see you again."
Pivoting to the young woman, Marlena tried vainly to place her, but her mind was drawing a blank.
"I'm sorry, I don't remember you. Have we met before?"
"We have. I'm Carrie Brady, Roman's daughter. I've spent several years living abroad, and I've just returned to Salem. It's good to see you. Austin told me that you've been having some trouble with your memory."
Marlena trembled, wishing fervently for the warmth of Alex's hand in hers. It was always so much easier to deal with strangers who expected her to know them when she could draw on his strength. As if sensing her need, he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, before proffering his hand to Carrie.
"I'm Dr. Alex North. I've been helping Marlena deal with her amnesia."
"Pleased to meet you, Doctor."
"Please, call me Alex."
"Okay, Alex. How long have you been treating Marlena?"
"For a few months."
"I've heard from my dad that she's not making any progress."
"I disagree. While she hasn't yet remembered the life that she shared with your father, she has begun to recall bits and pieces of her past. The treatment of amnesia is not an exact science, Ms. Brady. It can take a very long time."
Carrie swivelled towards Marlena, a look of profound sympathy on her face.
"That must be frustrating, not being able to place people and things that used to mean so much to you."
"It is difficult. I do hope to recover more of my memories soon, especially those of the man I love."
"Yes, I'm sure you're eager to resume your life with John," Carrie remarked.
That's not at all who I meant, but I'm not going to correct your faulty assumption.
As Marlena tried to come up with a suitable response, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a throat being cleared impatiently. She felt Alex's hand at her side as he propelled her on to the Ferris wheel platform.
"It's our turn," he informed her.
The attendant was holding open the door of the car they were to occupy. She climbed aboard, with Alex right behind.
"It was nice chatting with you," she called out to Carrie and Austin.
The younger pair waved farewell. Slumping into the seat, Marlena breathed a sigh of relief. She was about to lean on Alex's broad shoulder when she realized that they were still within sight of Roman's daughter and her boyfriend. Another sigh escaped her, this time one of regret.
"I can't wait till we start moving, so that I can be closer to you," she whispered.
"Me, too."
It seemed to take forever for the ride to load its passengers, but finally, they were in motion. As they rose higher, his arm curved around her waist and she nestled into his embrace.
"I guess we should've considered that there might be people here who know us," he acknowledged, his tone rueful.
"You're right. We've tried, but I don't think we've done a very good job of hiding how we feel about each other."
"Not to mention that, legally, you're still a married woman."
"I've been having such a wonderful time. Do we really need to talk about this now?"
"Not now. But soon."
"We will, I promise. Right at this very moment, though, I want to sit and enjoy this beautiful view with you."
Cocooned together, they inhaled the crisp night air, while staring at the city lights that twinkled below them. As the ride began to slow, they caught each other's gaze and, without saying a word, knew exactly what the other was thinking. The instant that the car stopped swaying, they were out of its confines in a flash. Walking rapidly, they merged with the rest of the crowd that was strolling the fairgrounds. After a few seconds, Alex glanced surreptitiously behind them.
"I think we've managed to give them the slip," he reported in his best secret agent voice. "Can we leave now?"
"On one condition."
"What's that?"
"Take me to the Salem Scoop!"
"So, sneaking around gives you a craving for sweets?"
"Well, I will admit I have a sudden desire for their pumpkin pie ice cream. It's absolutely scrumptious, and they only make it in the fall."
"Is that your only desire?"
The question hung in the air between them, brimming with possibilities.
"For now."
The look she directed his way left no doubt as to her intentions, and he promptly ushered her to the car. As soon as they reached their destination. Marlena dashed to the order counter and, within minutes, returned with one very large, very full waffle cone.
"Where's mine?"
He didn't really mind that she hadn't bought him one. The air had cooled, and the thought of eating ice cream gave him goose bumps. Still, he couldn't resist trying to get a rise out of her.
"There's plenty here. I thought we'd share."
"Now there's a great idea!"
They settled themselves on a nearby bench. Hearing the click of a latch as the shop staff locked up for the night, he strained to make out the time on his watch.
"It's late. No wonder it's so quiet."
When she failed to respond, he turned to look at her, and burst out laughing at the sight that greeted him. There was ice cream smeared all over her face.
"I think you're supposed to eat that, not wear it," he noted drily.
"Maybe you could help me solve that problem."
"I'm pretty sure I have a solution you'll like."
He leaned over and slowly licked the sweet dessert off her chin and nose.
"Mmm… good…"
"You missed some."
"I did. But I can fix that."
With those words, he pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her until not a trace of ice cream remained. Leaning back, he grinned at her.
"The ice cream's a delicious bonus, but it's totally unnecessary. If you want me to kiss you, all you have to do is ask."
"Kiss me."
"I love a woman who knows what she wants."
"I want you."
Her voice was husky and low, and it caused his heartbeat to quicken. Even though the area seemed deserted, it was still too public for what he had in mind. When he stood, she immediately followed, and laced her fingers with his. As if on cue, they uttered the identical phrase.
"Let's go home!"
