A/N Sorry the updates are coming more slowly but I'm almost caught up to where I have written. I do have the whole thing outlined though. There's been a lot of other good fic to keep you company though. Thanks to those who take the time to leave a note. Hope you enjoy this rather silly chapter.

I don't own…

Anna had to stop and catch her breath when she stepped into the coffee shop and saw John the next morning. Hunched over his cup of coffee (he only ever had the one, and never at work) he was wearing a heavy jumper, one of Anna's favorites. His glasses were perched on his nose and he was reading the paper. She loved when he wore his glasses. She also loved to watch him lift his cup to his mouth and take a sip unconsciously. She didn't know why, but it did things to her. It always had.

He looked up and smiled in her direction, pushing his readers to the top of his head. Her heart skipped another beat. She made her way to the table and dropped her purse down on an empty chair.

John was already up out of his seat, reaching for her hand, "Come to the counter with me. That way you can order what you'd like to eat. I didn't dare guess."

Anna took a look in the case. "What looks good to you?" she asked.

"What difference does it make?" John smirked, "You won't share it with me anyway."

Anna swatted him playfully and was rewarded with one of his eye crinkling smiles. They ordered and made their way back to the table.

"I wish you'd stop paying for everything," she complained.

"Anna, we've covered this," he complained lightly. Changing the subject he added, "What's on for the rest of your day?"

"Trying to get rid of me already, Mr. Bates?" she teased.

"Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. I'm trying to determine how much time I get to spend with you."

"Not as much as I'd like, I'm afraid," Anna frowned, "I'm on for lunch with Mary at half twelve."

"Mary again," huffed, "seems as though she's determined to keep us apart this weekend."

"No she's not. She thinks it a bit odd that her best friend and her father's best mate are an item, but I'm sure she's on our side."

"So we're an item?" John raised an eyebrow.

"Mr. Bates…" Anna chided.

"Anyway," John continued, "Mary probably thinks you could do better than an old sod like me."

"John, she thinks you're wonderful."

"She does not. Sybil thinks I'm wonderful. Mary tolerates me for Rob's sake."

"That's not true, just the other day she said you were the most honorable man she knew."

"Perhaps, but did she mean it as a compliment or a source of frustration?"

Anna frowned at him. She was fairly certain he was joking with her, but she wasn't 100% sure. John picked up on her mood and changed the subject again.

"Anyway, that's not what I meant. I only meant that it's her fault I can't see you tonight. Apparently all the girls are bringing their beaus to dinner and I got hooked in as well. So I blame Mary."

Anna smiled as she sipped from her cup, "No wonder she doesn't like you."

"Touche," John laughed. "So, half twelve," he continued, "that gives us two hours at least. What should we do with our time?"

"We could go shopping again. I could help you get that gift for Mr. Carson."

"Mmmmm, I'd rather not. We just went shopping last night and I've promised to take my mum Christmas shopping tomorrow. I can only take so much. I have an idea though," John glanced sideways at Anna, "Mum's coming down here to shop in the big shops. Why don't you come with us?"

Anna's heart was doing its thing again. Was John really asking her to spend time with his mother? They had met several times before at social gatherings, like John's birthday or Mary's wedding, but they hadn't been dating then. What did she think about Anna dating her son while he was still married?

"I don't know John. Do you think that's such a good idea?"

"It's a much better idea than not seeing you tomorrow at all," John enthused, "We could take her out to lunch."

"She won't mind sharing you? I wouldn't be intruding?"

"Of course not. She adores you."

"Does she?" Anna beamed. She just couldn't help it.

"Who wouldn't?" John smiled with an arch of his eyebrows, "Besides, I really do need your help with Mr. Carson's gift."

"If you're sure…"

"Positive."

"Alright, but you should call her and tell her. If she wants you all to herself, I completely understand."

"I'd rather have you want me all to yourself," John purred.

"You're cheating saying things like that. It's your day to be strong."

They chatted and laughed for the next hour or so and John even managed to get a bite or two of Anna's food. Of course, she managed to get more than that off his plate, but he really didn't mind. Most of the time he couldn't believe he was the lucky man she chose to spend time with in the first place.

Eventually, they felt badly for hogging a table and decided to go. It was a beautiful day, very clear, but very cold, and Anna suggested that they take a walk in the park before she went off to meet Mary.

"Are you sure?" John asked, taking in Anna's clothing, "You're not dressed very warmly."

Anna was touched by his concern, "I'll be fine. It's a good excuse for you to keep your arm around me."

"I like the way you think, Miss Smith."

They bussed their table and made their way out onto the sidewalk. A brisk breeze blew down the street and Anna shivered.

"You see," John remarked smugly, "I said you weren't dressed warmly enough."

Anna eyed him with pleading eyes, "Your jumper looks very warm."

"Yes…" John stretched the word out.

"Nothing," Anna was nonchalant, "I was just thinking I would probably be perfectly warm if I had your jumper on. And you do have that big, warm, jacket in addition…"

"Do you want my coat? It would be easier than giving you my jumper," he offered.

Anna bit her bottom lip and shook her head 'no'.

"You want my jumper," he confirmed.

Still biting her lip, and looking amazingly adorable, Anna nodded her head in the affirmative.

John chuckled and shook his head. He couldn't believe it, but he was already handing Anna his coat and shrugging out of his jumper.

"It's a good thing you're a good person, Anna May Smith," he remarked, handing her his sweater and putting his coat back on, "because you can get me to do just about anything."

Anna pulled the jumper over her head and slipped her arms into the sleeves. She couldn't resist pulling the collar up over her nose and inhaling John's scent.

"What are you doing?' John asked.

Anna blushed, "It smells like you. That's why I wanted it in the first place."

John pulled her close and kissed her, "There are better ways to accomplish the same thing."

Anna snuggled into John's chest and they stood there for a few moments sharing each other's warmth.

"This is nice," he hummed into her hair, his chin resting on her head, "but I think you're going to need to keep cuddling with me to keep me warm now."

Anna looked up at him without letting him go, "It will be my pleasure, Mr. Bates."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"I'm angry with you," Anna barked as Mary sat down across from her at 12:45.

"I'm only 15 minutes late Darling. What in heaven's name are you wearing?"

"John's jumper, and don't change the subject."

Mary motioned for the waiter and ordered her drink, "Are you really upset over a few minutes? I'd have thought you'd be used to that by now."

Anna smiled to let her friend know she was joking, "Not for being late. For having a stupid dinner party. Now I can't see John tonight."

"Goodness," Mary rolled her eyes, "You have got it bad. Wearing his clothes, seeing him every day. Anyway, this wretched dinner party isn't my fault. I married someone suitable. This whole dinner thing was so that Mama and Papa could get to know Anthony 'Yawn' Strallan better. And then Mama decided that Sybil and Tom should come. She wants Papa to spend more time with him now that he and Sybil are engaged. Matthew and I just got roped into it."

"And roped John right along with you," Anna grumbled.

"It's not the end of the world. Why don't you just come along? Mama won't mind and I certainly won't. I'll be relieved. Much less likely that I'll be stuck making small talk with Edith and Sir Anthony. That way you can see John. It may not be a date, but at least it's something. Just promise me I won't have to be worried about finding you two snogging around every corner."

"Mary!" Anna protested, although in her heart she knew chances were fairly high that that's exactly what would happen.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Robert answered the door and ushered John into the house, "There you are, Bates. I've got to speak with you before you go into the sitting room."

He got no further because just then Sybil approached and kissed John's cheek, "Ah Uncle John, how lovely to see you. Come and say hello to Tom."

"John will be along in a moment, Sybil. I have to speak with him first."

Sybil took her godfather's hand and began pulling him away, "Nonsense, Papa. I'm sure it's about work and work can wait. Tom could use the moral support." She flashed a frown in her father's direction, which John supposed was in support of her fiance. "You'll have plenty of time with Uncle John later."

John didn't mind being dragged away. He liked Tom and felt Robert wasn't giving the young Irishman a fair shot. Yes, he had started in the receiving department, and yes he was rather revolutionary politically, but he was a good man and there was no doubt that he loved Sybil with all his heart. John didn't mind making his approval clear at all. He supposed he should do the same for Anthony at some point this evening. After all, Anthony and Edith weren't all that many more years apart than he and Anna were.

He chatted with the young couple until Tom went off to get another drink. He was happy to have some time alone with Sybil. John took his duties as godfather very seriously and the two of them had always shared a special bond. Before long however, Sybil noticed trouble brewing between Mary and Edith and left John to go and act as peacemaker for her sisters. Immediately upon her departure, John heard someone speak from behind him.

"You must be John."

He turned to find a woman of indeterminate age, obviously trying to look a bit younger than she was. She was dressed garishly and wore just a bit too much makeup and a great deal too much perfume.

"Yes?" he asked.

"I'm Sandra Duckers-Wellington," she said extending her hand, "I'm your date for the evening."

John took her hand automatically, "Excuse me?"

She smiled too broadly, "Cora has matched us up as dinner partners tonight. I'm your date. I guess we might as well get this out of the way." With that, she leaned up and put her arms tightly around John's neck. She kissed him firmly on the cheek, leaving a bright red lipstick mark. "There now," she laughed, "we don't have to spend all night worried about when the kiss is going to happen as it already has. Brilliant, right?"

"I'm sorry, I think there's been some mistake," John said as politely as possible, trying to untangle Sandra's arms from his neck.

Before he could say more, Cora had arrived, "Ah, John, I see you've met Sandra. She's an old friend from the club. Poor thing has just gotten a divorce and I thought it would be nice for the two of you to get to know each other."

John steeled his face into what he hoped was a polite smile, "I'm sorry to hear about your divorce."

"Oh I'm not!" Sandra enthused. "Much more fun being single and on the prowl, don't you think?" To John's horror, she began doing some sort of cha cha in front of him. Even more horrendous, Cora had managed to completely disappear.

"Listen, Sandra was it? I think there's been a mistake. You see, I'm not yet divorced and Cora didn't tell me that she was fixing us up."

Completely missing John's point, Sandra smiled again, "What a lovely surprise for you then. As for the divorce, just because you don't have the paper doesn't mean we can't have a little fun. Did you drive your car here tonight?"

"Um, yes," John knew as soon as he said it what Sandra's next comment was going to be, but he wasn't thinking clearly. He was completely flummoxed by the whole situation. He and Cora had never been particularly close. Although Robert adored his wife, he didn't often take the time to show it and John suspected she was envious of the obvious affection her husband always showed his best mate. And his dog. She was probably jealous of Isis too. But how in the world could anyone who had met him more than once think that he would enjoy spending an evening as the focus of Sandra Duckers-Wellington's attentions?

"Well that's just perfect, John," Sandra went on, confirming John's suspicions, "I came by Uber. Ooh, and was the driver young and fit. I tell you John, I wouldn't mind if he was 'uber' me! Any road, since I didn't drive, you have the perfect excuse to escort me home." She winked knowingly.

"Who's escorting who home?"

John heard the familiar voice, his favorite voice, and wished he could melt into the floor. He turned and saw Anna standing in front of him.

Sandra smiled her overly friendly smile at Anna, "John's driving me home. Lucky me, right? I'm Sandra, by the way."

Anna accepted Sandra's outstretched hand, "Lucky indeed. I'm Anna."

"Well, nice to meet you Anna. This is John. John Barnes."

"Bates," Anna and John corrected together.

"Whatever," Sandra continued, taking a swig of her drink and twining her arm through John's, "He's my date."

John's heart was beating out of his chest. He could not imagine a worse situation if he tried. He was going to kill Robert. Hopefully tonight. In front of witnesses. That way he'd be in jail before he had to drive Sandra home or face Anna alone.

"Nice to meet you, John," Anna smiled at him, eyes aflame, "you seem to have a little lipstick right there." She pointed to his cheek with a smirk. "Here," she continued, grabbing a tissue from her purse, "Let me help you with that." She wiped the lipstick off his face with a little more force than John thought was strictly necessary.

"Oh, I shouldn't bother Anna," Sandra offered, helpfully, "It won't be long before I put more right where you've taken that off." She winked again, "I think John's a keeper."

"Mmmmmm," Anna hummed, "won't that be lovely for both of you. Well, it was nice to meet you both. I think I've intruded on your date long enough. Perhaps we'll cross paths later. That is...if the two of you have eyes for anyone but each other."

On the one hand, John could barely contain his embarrassment, on the other hand, he was happy that Anna was making fun of him. She couldn't be too angry if she was picking on him.

John was relieved a moment later when Sandra asked him to get her another drink. Anything to get away from her for a minute. He wouldn't delude himself that he could avoid her all evening. After all, she was his 'date'.

John approached the bar and briefly wished he were still a drinking man. He grabbed a white wine and turned back to the room, intending to take his sweet time getting across it. Now might be a perfect time for a long chat with Anthony and Edith, he decided. He was in luck, however, when Robert approached.

John grabbed his friend by the arm and dragged him into the empty kitchen, "What the hell, Rob?"

Rob sputtered, "What ever do you mean, Bates?"

"You know damn well what I mean. Sandra Duckers-Wellington is what I mean."

"That's what I was trying to tell you at the door. Cora's gotten it into her head that you need to start dating and she's decided to try out all her divorced friends."

"All!" John almost screamed, "You mean there's to be more?"

"Well not if you and Sandra decide to give it a go, I suppose."

"Have you met Sandra? You've got to be kidding! I swear to god, Rob…"

"It's nothing to do with me," Rob waved his hands to indicate his innocence, "I had no idea Sandra was coming until an hour or so ago. Dreadful woman," he mumbled under his breath.

"And you forgot how to text an hour or so ago?"

"Well…" Rob stuttered, "no but."

"But nothing, Rob. Anna's here. Do you think I want her to see me hanging around with Sandra sodding Duckers-Wellington?"

"John, I swear I knew nothing about Anna. Mary must have invited her."

"Remember that bullet I took for you?" John growled.

"Yes."

"This is worse. You owe me Rob. You owe me big time."

He stormed from the kitchen and back into the throes of the party. He reluctantly made his way back to Sandra and handed her the glass of wine. She took a large drink and gave John a tight embrace.

"Welcome back, Johnny."

"Please don't call me Johnny. No one calls me that but my mum."

Mary and Matthew watched John and Sandra from across the room.

"Poor Bates," Matthew sympathized, "you should really go and rescue him. Look at how embarrassed he is. That woman is horrid, and in front of Anna too."

"He's getting what he deserves if you ask me," Mary snickered, "If he would just admit he and Anna are dating he could have come with her tonight."

"Mary," Matthew scolded, "You know he can't afford for Vera to find out. He's worried that she'll drag her feet just for spite, or that she'll make things difficult for Anna."

"Oh all right," Mary rolled her eyes at her husband, "but it's rather fun watching him turn so many different shades all in one evening."

"Oh, Sandra…" Mary said as she approached the other pair, "Why don't you come and tell Edith and Anthony all about your trip to Corsica. They were telling me earlier that they were dying to hear all about it."

John wasted no time capitalizing on his freedom. He heard Cora mention that dinner would be ready in a few minutes and made his way back to Tom and Sybil, asking them to keep him busy until Cora called them into the dining room. A few minutes later, the call came. John prayed he would be seated somewhere besides next to Sandra, though he knew the chances were slim. Maybe they would at least be at the opposite end of the table from Anna. How ridiculous is this? John thought, I'm actively wishing to be as far away from Anna as possible.

In any case, he had no such luck. Sybil and Edith had arranged for their partners to flank Robert on either side. Sandra was seated on Cora's left with John beside her. Anna was seated directly across, between Mary and Cora. At least Matthew wasn't too far away and could be counted on for support.

Dinner began and went smoothly for a few moments. But it was too good to last.

Sandra announced to the table, "Isn't it lovely how we're all paired up nice and cozy?" She emphasized her point by squeezing John's arm. "All except you, Anna. How is it that a lovely girl like you didn't bring a date tonight?"

"Oh," Anna said, smiling, "I had a date but he backed out."

Anthony, in what John could only assume was an attempt to be supportive added, "He must be an idiot, Anna."

"I'd have to agree, Sir Anthony," she answered.

True to form, Matthew interjected before John could say anything, "I'm sure whoever he is, there were extenuating circumstances beyond his control."

"That's right," John jumped in, "I'm sure he'd rather be spending the evening with you than whatever it is he ended up having to do. I hope you find it in your heart to give him a second chance."

Anna took a sip of her wine, "Perhaps."

Matthew came to the rescue again by deflecting attention to the other side of the table, "So, Anthony, we hear you've started a new business venture. Tell us all about it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

John wasted no time in leaving the dining room when dinner was over. He figured he could hide out in the loo for a while. On his way down the hallway he changed his mind and headed up the stairs. Sitting it out in one of the guest bedrooms was an even better idea. When he was halfway down the hall he heard her voice.

"Hey, Casanova."

He turned and found a smiling Anna walking toward him. He stepped toward her and pulled her into the nearest bedroom.

"Anna, you know I had nothing to do with…"

She smiled and ran her hands up his chest, "John, do you think for one moment I think this was your idea? She isn't your type at all."

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming tonight?" John asked.

"It was meant to be a surprise for you."

"Mission accomplished, I'd say," John chuckled. "If I would have known, I could have picked you up. We could have come together."

"Oh, I don't think Sandra would have liked that at all. She doesn't strike me as the type of woman who likes to share."

"Really," John laughed, "She strikes me as the type of woman who likes just about anything. And by the way, you weren't exactly being helpful out there." John wrapped his arms around Anna's waist and pulled her close.

"What do you mean?" Anna smirked, "I wiped her lipstick off your cheek for you, didn't I? At least until she replaces it."

"You're teasing me," John commented.

"Uh huh. You look awfully cute when you're flustered."

"Do I?" John murmured, getting closer and closer to her mouth.

"You do."

"You know, Miss Smith, I could wipe that smirk right off your face." His voice had taken on that husky quality that made Anna weak in the knees.

"And how do you intend to do that, Mr. Bates?" Anna whispered.

"Want me to show you?" he spoke right against her lips.

"Desperately," Anna sighed as John kissed her.

Anna parted her lips and their tongues met immediately.

"You know," Anna teased as they broke apart, "you shouldn't be kissing me when you're out on a date with Sandra."

"I beg to differ," John insisted, "I don't think there is a time I shouldn't be kissing you."

"Do you only use that charm on me, Mr. Bates? Or will Sandra be privy to it later tonight as well?"

"Sandra isn't going to be privy to anything about me, no matter what she thinks."

"Oh? I thought you were driving her home. It seems like she might find a way to be privy to a great many things in that situation."

"Oh, shut up," he moaned.

"Make me," she challenged him with another smirk.

He started to kiss her again but before things went too far, Anna pulled away.

"We should go back downstairs before people get suspicious."

"Do we have to?" John pleaded.

"Afraid so. Come on then," Anna took his hand and led him from the bedroom and down the hall. They held hands until they reached the bottom of the stairs and then reluctantly ended their contact.

John's feet had barely touched the bottom step before Sandra was gripping his arm and kissing his cheek again. Anna had already melted away.

"Where have you been, Johnny?" Sandra asked, "I've missed you."

"I...I wasn't feeling very well so I went upstairs to lie down."

"Ooh, too bad I missed that.," she enthused.

The rest of the evening wasn't too terrible. John felt much better for knowing that Anna, although teasing him, wasn't really upset and understood that he was not on an actual date. Sandra, as it turned out, got more and more tipsy as the evening went on. As she fell further into her cups, she began to spread her attentions fairly evenly between all the men in the party. John quite enjoyed the times she was lavishing her attention on Robert. Served the bastard right for not texting him and giving him a chance to back out. Although then he really wouldn't have seen Anna this evening and seeing her, even from across the room and under these circumstances, was wonderful.

Eventually, Sandra got so drunk that she began to sob and wonder loudly why her husband had left her. John almost felt sorry for her, but her attentions were so forward that he couldn't quite muster the sympathy he thought she probably deserved. Toward the latter part of the evening, he managed to talk her into going home and poured her into a cab. He wasn't really sure she realized he wasn't with her, but that was her problem, not his.

Shortly after, he made his excuses to Rob, avoiding Cora like the plague.

As he was saying goodnight to his old friend, Mary came over and asked, "Are you leaving Uncle John? Anna was just mentioning she was ready to go as well. Maybe you could give her a ride?"

"Sure, no problem," John smiled, "I'll go find her and let her know I'm going."

Mary leaned in to kiss his cheek and as he returned the gesture, he whispered in her ear, "Thank you."

He found Anna standing with Sybil, Tom, Edith, and Anthony.

"Hey you," he smiled down at her.

"Hey you," she beamed, "where's your date?"

"I sent her home in a cab, thank god."

A round of sympathetic comments made it's way through the group, except Anthony who muttered a "Poor Dear."

"Anyway," John continued, looking at Anna, "Mary says you're ready to go and that I should drive you home."

"Oh...yes…," Anna managed a yawn, fake or real John wasn't sure, "That's so kind of you."

As they turned toward the door, John turned back briefly, "Tom, Anthony, I almost forgot. Robert wondered if you would like to play a game of cards so he could get to know you better."

Both men grinned happily and made their way toward their girlfriends' father. He and Anna made their way to the front door and he helped her into her coat.

"Did Robert really ask them to play cards?" she asked.

"Hell no. That's his penance for Sandra bloody Duckers fecking Wellington. Pardon my language. Let's go before he figures out what I've done."

John enjoyed the sound of Anna's laughter all the way to his car. Determining they were far enough from the house, he gave her a quick kiss before helping her into the passenger seat. When John got in, he rested his head back and sighed.

"I think that was the longest night of my life."

Anna tried to stifle her laughter but her efforts were a resounding failure.

"That's enough out of you, Miss Smith," he responded, looking at her out of the corner of his eye, "You were no help at all."

"Poor baby."

John pouted, "I thought you were always on my side?"

"That was before you started seeing other people behind my back, Mr. Bates."

John turned and took her hand. He wanted to hold her, but it wasn't easily accomplished in the car, "You know I would never do that to you, Anna."

"You'd never do that to anyone. You're too much a gentleman."

A cloud came over John's face, "I'm doing it to Vera though, aren't I?"

Anna sighed, "John, you know it's not the same thing."

He wiped his hand across his face, "You're right. I'm sorry." He gave her a quick smile, "Let's go."

Anna ran a hand over John's arm to reassure him all was well and he couldn't help but notice how much more he enjoyed it than when Sandra had done the same thing. He put the car in gear and drove down the gravel drive.

About 10 minutes passed when Anna said suddenly, "Pull over, John."

"What?" he asked, surprised.

"I said, pull over." There was a definite urgency in her voice.

John clicked the turn signal, pulled to the side of the road, and put the car in park. "Are you not feeling well?" he asked with concern.

"No, I'm not." Anna unhooked her seatbelt and leaned toward him. She placed her hand behind his head and pulled him firmly toward her. She kissed him strongly and deeply and John couldn't help but groan at the feelings she aroused in him.

Anna leaned back into her seat and smiled, "I feel much better now. It was torture to be in the same room with you and not be touching you or kissing you."

"How do you think I felt? I'd much rather have you fawning over me all night than Sandra."

"Hmmm," Anna frowned, "I didn't like watching that either."

"You were jealous?"

"A little," she admitted sheepishly, "I don't like competition. Especially not for your affection."

"You needn't be jealous," he took her hand and brought it to his lips then held it to his heart, "You have no competition. Not for my affection, not for my attention, not for anything."

"Good," she sat back in her seat and rehooked her belt, "Drive on, Bates," she ordered, feigning a posh and superior accent.

"Yes, M'Lady," he laughed as he put the car back in gear.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anna lay in bed and couldn't sleep. She didn't like to admit it, but the more she thought about this evening, the more it began bothering her. Of course she knew John was an attractive man. She found him completely sexy almost from the day she met him: his smile, his eyes, that one stupid lock of hair that drove her absolutely mad. But after the way Sandra Duckers-Wellington had hung all over him and her recent conversation with Gwen, she began to realize just how many other women probably found him attractive too.

Anna had made it abundantly clear what she wanted from John, married or not. And he had made it equally clear that he wasn't ready. They weren't even officially a couple yet, even to each other, much less to people like good old matchmaker Cora. But what if the reason John wasn't committing to her while still married was because she just wasn't enough to make it worth the risk? She knew John would deny such a notion if she mentioned it to him but perhaps even he didn't realize the true reason for his foot dragging.

Of course he wouldn't go for someone like Sandra, but what about Cora's other friends? Anna was sure most of them were lovely women, closer to John's age and probably wealthy to boot. What if John met one of them and and fell madly in love. Enough in love to forget all about the 'sanctity' of his marriage vows. Enough in love to forget about her?

Ann flipped herself violently in her bed and just as she was punching her pillow, her phone buzzed. She rolled back to her nightstand and glanced at the message on her screen. It was a text from John.

Thought I'd let you know I got home safely. - J

She read the message, but before she could respond another came through.

Can't wait to spend the day with you tomorrow. Mum will be so pleased. - J

His mum would be pleased? What did that mean? Wouldn't he be pleased too? In her current mood, Anna didn't know what to think. Luckily she didn't have to respond because John immediately sent another text.

Thanks for surprising me at Rob's tonight. It was worth every minute of embarrassment with SDW just to get to look at you across the room. I didn't get a chance to tell you how beautiful you looked tonight. But then you must know I always think you're the most beautiful woman in the room. In any room. - J

This time, Anna wanted to respond but her eyes had welled up and she was having trouble seeing the keys. Hopefully, John would just think she was asleep and wouldn't see his texts until morning. A moment later her phone buzzed again.

You know that thing you're trying not to say? It's getting harder and harder for me not to say it too. I need a divorce. Goodnight, love. - J

Anna decided not to text him back. She was far too emotional and those emotions were all over the place. Instead, she scrolled back through his texts until they all appeared on her screen and took a screenshot. She put her phone back on her nightstand and settled into her pillow. Pulling John's hoodie into her arms, she cuddled it like a plushy and fell asleep with a smile on her face.