Trina leaned over to whisper, "Where are we going?"

Spencer grinned, "You'll see!"

Fall Out

Chapter 5

The night was clear and crisp aboard the Haunted Star. Trina smiled as they stood on the bow, overlooking the view of Port Charles' cityscape in the distance, the stars a distant canopy above. Spencer was behind her with his arms wrapped snugly around her, pulling her close, "It's not too cold out here, is it?"

Trina shook her head no, her long ponytail falling over her shoulder and brushing her cheek. She murmured, "It's not too bad when you're holding me like this." She sighed softly and relaxed as she felt Spencer's arms tighten possessively and heard his sigh of satisfaction as he settled in behind her. He kissed her cheek and then buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent.

His voice was low, "You always smell amazing. What is this one called? It's like cherry and almonds, and…." He breathed her in again, "Jasmine? And some other floral?" Spencer couldn't put his finger on it, but it was rich and exquisite.

Trina grinned. This became a ritual between them. Spencer was obsessed with the myriad of skin products and perfumes Trina wore. It was a surprise to Trina that he was so intensely interested in cosmetics and such.

Unsurprisingly, Spencer's palate and sense of smell were excellent. When she pointed it out, he casually mentioned his time in Paris and his six-week stint in some summer program with a famous French perfumer. It was one of the many occupations Spencer considered pursuing when he was younger.

Spencer nipped at the skin of Trina's neck, bringing her out of her reverie in a delightful fashion, "Hey Baby, where did you go?" As Trina was still so relaxed in his arms, he wasn't worried about her wandering attention.

But he was nosy about it.

Trina wrapped her arms around the arms, holding her, "Sorry, I was thinking that it tickles me that you're so into my perfume… where were we? Oh, right. You sure you don't want to make a guess?"

Spencer brushed his lips against her skin, enjoying the sound of her breath catching, "Sure.. how about… Lost Cherry by Tom Ford?" He shrugged, chuckling at his straw grasping.

Trina laughed, "Are you kidding me!? Yes!" She turned around in his arms to look up at him with a wide grin, "Ava gave it to me last year for my birthday. It's pretty expensive, so I only wear it for special occasions. Little did I know how special today was going to be!"

Spencer's adoration was palpable, "Lucky me."

"Lucky us." Trina insisted.

Spencer chuckled in capitulation as his head descended, "Lucky us."

He kissed her with an exacting thoroughness that left them both breathless and trembling.

Spencer whispered against her lips, "Trina Robinson, I think we've had a very long day and should retire to our room. What do you say?"

Trina couldn't resist leaning in to take his lower lip between her teeth for a gentle caress with her tongue. His low groan of pleasure thrilled her, "I say, yes."

Without any warning, Spencer carefully swept Trina into his arms but quickly made his way across the deck and into the belly of the ship until they arrived at the door to their room. Spencer gave Trina instructions to find the key in his coat pocket so she could unlock the door. Trina found the key, with an obligatory teasing caress along his thigh, through his jacket pocket, and deftly navigated the lock, turning the door knob to enter.

Once inside, Spencer kicked the door shut behind him and gently set Trina onto her feet. Trina handed him the key, and he tossed it without care onto a side table, his attention fully fixed on her.

They must have been in sync because they simultaneously rushed to one another and kissed passionately and joyfully. Their hands roamed along the other's form, nails scraping, lips gasping, bodies undulating and pressing against one another as if to catch up with all the physicality they couldn't give into earlier that evening.

Soon, they came to a slow and delicious halt, simply savoring each other's presence, loving the taste and feel of one another. Their lips separated, and Trina whispered, "Wow."

Spencer nodded, equally shaken by the depth of their emotions, "Wow." His hands rubbed at the smooth velvet on her back, "That was a phenomenal kiss."

"Sensational." Trina agreed, entranced by his hot dark gaze, "And we're just getting started."

Spencer liked the sound of that! He smiled in admiration of her spirit, "Oh?"

Trina nodded, "Mmhmm." Her hands slid over the shirt's fabric at his shoulders, loving their lean, muscular broadness. "We have some unfinished business I want to get to."

Spencer was turned on and intrigued, "We do, do we?"

"Mmhmm," She took a fistful of his shirt in hand and tugged at him as she stepped backward. She glanced once over her shoulder and positioned them until Spencer's back was against the door. She immediately unbuckled his pants as she explained, "You see, you were able to have your way with me earlier tonight, and now it's my turn to have my way with you."

She gracefully knelt at his feet, tugging his pants and briefs down to his ankles. His erection jumped from being freed from its confinement, and Trina wasted no time taking him in her right hand to squeeze at the same time that her mouth descended to take him in deeply.

Spencer's knees nearly buckled, and he leaned heavily against the door. With what little sense he had left, he kicked a shoe aside and dragged a foot out of a pant leg to widen his stance and brace himself against the sexual whirlwind of Miss Trina Robinson.

Trina loved the sound of his surprise and surrender. She loved the feeling of him hard and hot in her hands. Her other hand lifted to cradle and caress the tender globes beneath his shaft, and she was rewarded with a deep groan and the tensing of his thighs. She felt so powerful and was thrilled that Spencer trusted her enough to let her have him the way she wanted. She felt his trembling fingertips stroke the side of her face and her ear in affection.

She continued sucking at him, experimenting with depth and width, tooth and tongue. His hand came to grab hold of her ponytail tightly. He didn't press her closer or pull her away, but he held onto her, and the tension at her scalp was somehow erotic and delicious. It made her hum.

Spencer's hand grip tightened almost painfully, and he gasped between clenched teeth, "Trina... I'm close...to coming..." He didn't know if that was her wish, but he felt it was fair to warn her.

She could taste the pre-cum on her tongue and could see the veins of the swollen, red length of his shaft pulse, feel its heartbeat in her hands. She came to a slow stop, handling his slick length gently and then letting go.

She licked her lips, and his length twitched in reaction. She glanced up to watch his captivated expression track her slightest movements with adoration and desire. She brushed her lips against the head of him very, very gently and murmured against the inflamed skin, "I'm not done with you yet. So I'll give you a moment to recover."

Spencer's brows shot up at this but nodded, a surprised grin on his face, "Yes, Ma'am?"

Trina rose to her feet and gently took Spencer's face in her hands to kiss him soundly, keeping the rest of her body hovering just a breath away from his, "Ever since we made out in the closet, I've had this… fantasy in the back of my mind, and I would like you to make it happen, right now."

Spencer, intrigued and turned on by Trina's confession, murmured sincerely as he watched her dewy lips, "If it's within my power, it's yours."

Trina took a short breath and spoke her desire with a voice strained with need and unexpected shyness and vulnerability, "I want you to… take me against the door."

It was Spencer's turn to gently grasp Trina's face and kiss her softly in reassurance, proud of her for saying what she wanted despite feeling vulnerable. His expression was soft and encouraging, "Never be afraid to tell me what you want, Trina. You are safe with me."

He is so serious, so loving, and gentle, Trina thought. She could feel the strength and the tenderness as he held her in his lean hands. She felt delicate and so cherished.

Every day, she fell more deeply in love with him.

She was emotional and could feel the hot tears on her face as she whispered, "I love you."

She was rewarded with a sweet and fond smile, "I love you, too." He leaned in and rubbed his nose against hers, which brought out a soft laugh at the silliness of the gesture.

He waited until he could tell she was back on even footing with her emotions and then grinned, "So, I believe My Lady had a request?" Without further ado, he gently grasped her shoulders and pulled her in for a warm hug. He whispered in her ear, "shall we?"

Trina shivered and nodded, only able to hum her permission, "Mmhmm."

Spencer brought his lips back to Trina's in a kiss that started warm and searching and grew in intensity until they were both gasping and moving their hands against each other's bodies. Spencer steered Trina around until her back was against the door. He pressed his half-naked form against her, allowing her to feel that his erection was still present and ready for her.

She reached down her hands to gently stroke his length, and Spencer moaned into the kiss. He gently moved her hands away from his wanting shaft and placed his hands solidly on her hips. He slowly maneuvered her to turn around until her cheek rested against the door, and she could feel the solid weight of his erection against her bottom through the fabric of her dress.

Spencer pressed himself against her, enjoying the velvety slip of Trina's dress as he moved his erection over velvet against the curves and crevice of her curvy ass. The sensation was more erotic than Spencer anticipated and he ground his member against her, pleased to hear her gasp of pleasure. He gently rubbed her arms, enjoying the warm smoothness of the material, and lifted her hands until they were placed solidly against the door.

Trina loved the hot, heavy, and solid sensation of Spencer behind her, pressing her into the cool door again. She wasn't sure why this was a position she wanted to try again, but she was very excited about the do-over. The wooden door felt solid and weighty against her splayed hands. She swiveled her hips, enjoying the hard heat pressing against her, luxuriating in the feeling of Spencer's member twitching and hardening even more.

Spencer gritted his teeth, and his jaw tensed with the effort to ensure that he was giving Trina everything she wanted out of this request. It was getting more challenging to stay controlled, though. His hands grew harder, rougher as he lifted the skirt of her dress to expose her tights, and without thinking rationally about it, he reached for the delicate fabrics beneath her clothes and tore them with both hands, exposing her damp center to him.

Her gasp of shock and the trembling of her petite frame gave Spencer pause, but before he could say anything, Trina's strained voice demanded, "Don't you dare stop!"

Spencer returned to following his instincts and immediately pressed the tip of his shaft into her, slowly easing his way inside. He closed his eyes, and his head lowered as he hissed in pleasure. She was so hot, wet, and ready for him. He pushed quickly inside of her, thankful for the chunky heels she still wore, which gave her height, and him a decent angle. He pulled back and pushed himself into her again for a few long strokes. Trina whimpered in pleasure, and he gritted his teeth, trying to stay in control.

After a few strokes, he realized his entry angle wasn't perfect. He took her hips in hand and shifted back, his hands pressing down on the small of her back to bend her more forward. Her cheek and right shoulder pressed against the wood, but he could move more deeply into her at this angle.

Trina kept her hands against the door as Spencer began to sink into her in slow, delicious strokes. For the second time tonight, she fought to keep her pleasure quiet since total strangers could be walking by the door at any moment. Something about the possibility of being overheard goaded her, and she closed her eyes, focusing on the rigid length of Spencer within her and his solid, steady, and….

Why is he going so slow?

Spencer could feel the moment when Trina went from being an equal partner to taking the reins of their copulation. Her movements were impatient, and her hips began to move with more insistence. Spencer put his hands on the door, bracing himself as Trina started to drive her body against his to her own needful rhythm.

Unable to keep his hands from her for long, he stroked her back and whispered roughly as her eagerness pushed him closer to the edge, "Yes, Trina…. Baby…. It's yours. Fuck it."

Trina moaned at the urging. She was getting close to climaxing. She moaned more loudly than she should have, "Come with me." It wasn't a request.

Spencer loved this, loved her, "I'm with you, Baby. Yes…. Fuck me. Love me."

Trina drove her hips into his again and again until she suddenly gasped. Spencer immediately took over, pumping into her to prolong her pleasure. But, the hot trembling of her inner walls bathing him in liquid heat stripped away his intentions as he exploded into her, buried violently to the hilt with the force of his orgasm. His hands were hard, probably bruising, as they held her tightly. His hips jerked with wild abandon as he gave a deep, guttural cry.

Slowly, they both went limp against the door, gasping heavily for breath. No one else existed in the aftermath of their intense pleasure.

Eventually, Spencer took it upon himself to withdraw from Trina and swept her into his arms for the second time that evening. He laid her down on the bed gently.

Before settling beside her, he returned to the restroom a few moments later with a warm, damp face towel in his hand. He laid beside a boneless, satiated Trina, lifted her dress, and gently began to bathe the tender flesh between her legs, removing the mingled wetness of their bodies.

Trina sighed softly from where she lay and watched Spencer's expression. He was so earnest and loving as he tenderly took care of her. It brought fresh tears to her eyes. A moment later, however, she couldn't help but gasp as the towel brushed against the swollen flesh of her clitoris.

Spencer's brow furrowed and his concerned gaze lifted to Trina's face to see if she was hurt.

She was not hurt.

A sort of dreamy look came over her features, and Spencer realized that Trina's body was so sensitive even the soft touch of the towel was erotic to her. He pressed the towel gently against her and very, very gently began to move it in a circular rhythm, pleased to see Trina's hips immediately follow along.

Trina was happily surprised by Spencer's ministrations. Their eyes met, and he settled close to her, studying her as he gently caressed her with the towel. Trina's eyes closed so she could focus on the gentle but erotic sensation, and she moaned softly, "That feels nice."

Spencer continued in gentle circles, loving the sight of her nipples pushing through the thin fabric of her dress. The tender globes of her pert breasts shifted with her unsteady breathing. He leaned over and put his mouth onto the fabric, sucking and rolling his tongue against the velvet. The material darkened, dampened, and he could see the shape of her in stark relief. He nipped gently through the fabric, his hand still moving between her legs, and was rewarded by Trina arching her back, shifting her legs restlessly, and planting her feet on the mattress so she could have more agency in moving her hips against his hand.

She was gorgeous, her shimmering cocoa face gleaming in the lamplight, her swollen lips bare and trembling with her wanton gasps. She was nearly too beautiful to look at.

The need to give her the most pleasure came over him, and he moved lower on the bed until he lay between her thighs. Without thought of anything but Trina, he replaced his hand and towel with his lips and gingerly began to lave at the swollen, rigid flesh with his tongue.

It was nearly imperceptible, the butterfly flicks of his tongue against her heated flesh. Nearly. Something about the delicate touch of Spencer's tongue against her electrified the already immersive experience with a new level of titillation. She came to anticipate the flittering touch and that fuel to the heat spiraling inside her.

Spencer could smell her arousal and couldn't help but dip his head down to taste it, interrupting his whisper-lite motions to drink from her. Her scent and taste were always irresistible to him, but there was something about smelling and tasting himself within her- it did something deeply primal to him.

They tasted amazing together. Discovering the silky, sweet saltiness of their joining was almost surreal and intoxicating in its salaciousness. Spencer hummed in appreciation of the flavor of their combined essence, which only caused more of Trina's honey to flow into him as she moved closer to yet another climax.

He was determined to ensure that Trina's sore and aching flesh wasn't further abused. So he kept with the soft sweeps of his tongue in a gentle and easy rhythm that Trina quickly matched. Her hands descended to tangle and grip Spencer's hair. She sighed in slow, sensual delight as the orgasm came like gentle undulating waves within her.

It was like golden honey pouring through her, gently bathing her in flowing waves of warmth that unfurled from Spencer's mouth, up and through her body, to her fingertips and toes. She gracefully folded in on herself and then stretched out, letting the sensations and emotions pour freely through her.

And into Spencer.

His tongue lapped oh-so-gently at her until the sticky sweetness of her eased. Only then did he stop and shift to take her in his arms. Exhausted, happily so, still either half or fully dressed in their clothes from the evening, Spencer tiredly pulled the covers over them. Within seconds, the depleted pair fell into a deep and welcomed sleep.

Trina woke slowly to find Spencer murmuring to someone at the door. He was freshly showered and dressed in a navy polo shirt and khaki slacks with bare feet. His hair curled over his forehead as he quietly closed the door and noticed that she was awake.

He had a shopping bag in his hand and brought it with him over to the bed, setting it aside as he laid down next to her. He brushed his fingertips across her delicate cheekbone. His voice was soft, soothing, and intimate. His expression was bright and loving, "Hey there, sleepyhead. How do you feel?" He smiled in gentle welcome.

Trina brushed the sleep from her eyes as she tried to adjust to the fantastic feeling of being awake in bed with Spencer at her side. They had spent a great deal of time together in the last few months, but last night was the first time they could be with each other all night.

He waited patiently for the cobwebs to lift from his waking companion with a sweet smile. A smile which compelled her own, "I feel…good. Happy."

Spencer smiled, "I'm glad to hear that. You're probably hungry too. I take it?"

Trina thought about it, and as if on cue, her tummy gurgled. She chuckled, "I guess I am."

Spencer grinned, "Food will be here shortly. Would you like me to draw you a bath, or would you prefer a shower?"

Trina considered, "I'll just take a shower, thank you-" she stopped as she looked down at her rumpled ensemble.

"I took the liberty of having some comfier clothes delivered."

He tilted his head towards the shopping bag, which looked like it came from Wyndham's. Trina sat up and, with curiosity, reached for the bag. She pushed the tissue paper aside to find a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved v-shaped purple shirt, and socks. None of the clothing seemed outrageously expensive or exotic, which eased a tension she hadn't anticipated.

As if he could read her mind, he observed, "I knew you wouldn't care for me spending too much on you. I want you to be comfortable with me. But-" His voice grew amused, "You will have to accept that I do want to lavish you with gifts, and many may be… extravagant."

Trina shook her head, though smiling, "You don't have to buy my affection, Spencer. This is very kind of you, but I don't want you to think about everything you can buy me. I would rather you just…" she shrugged, "Be you. That's the best gift you can give me. And it's what I need. Just you. Happy. And with me."

"God, you are beautiful." Spencer leaned over to kiss her gently. "I will try to be… strategic with my giving." It was as much a compromise as Trina would get at the moment.

"Thank you."

Trina and Spencer stood on the porch of the Robinson-Ashford residence, reluctant to part ways after the last incredible 24 hours of their life.

Spencer set down the bag with Trina's things, took her hands in his, and looked lovingly into her eyes, "Before we part for the day, I want to thank you for.. everything. For being here with me when gods know you would be justified in never looking in my direction again. For loving me despite my faults and flaws."

He looked down at their joined hands, "For your letter.." he brought her hands to his lips and kissed the knuckles of each one gently before looking deeply into her eyes, "I will never be able to express how..." He looked down, searching for his words, and back to her, "How profoundly your words have touched my heart. No one has ever given me a gift of love like that, and I will cherish it forever and always."

Trina smiled, loving him completely. She squeezed his hands gently and planted a soft kiss on his lips, "You're welcome."

She brought the back of his hands to her lips, kissing them sweetly. She enjoyed the arrested look of quiet joy on Spencer's face. He was so rarely completely at ease unless he was with her. She loved that he felt safe enough with her to share this side of himself and let his considerable defenses down enough to allow her close and into his heart. It was a part of him that was so wounded and bruised she wasn't sure if it could survive another blow.

His walls may be high and thick, but they were brittle. He wasn't resilient. He was hardened and tested by life. Trina knew well that even the most rigid structures could be vulnerable if hit at the right, small spot. So she was resolved to be his shield.

"Do you want to come inside?"

Spencer smiled and then frowned in thought, "Of course I do, but I don't think your family would like it."

Trina squeezed his hands and then released him to unlock the door, "This is my house too, and you are a welcomed guest."

With that, Spencer followed Trina inside.

No one else was home.

Trina ushered Spencer inside and checked her phone. Her phone was silent from the event last night, and she never thought to turn off the Do Not Disturb function. She thumbed through her messages and reported to Spencer absently, "My mom was called in for emergency surgery. She won't be home until tomorrow. It looks like Curtis is stocking up for some private event, so he's also out until late."

She looked over at Spencer, who stood near the door, his hands in his pockets as if afraid to touch anything. He looked around the living room and then at her, "Are you sure it's okay for me to be here?"

Trina smiled, "It's okay with me. Is that okay with you?"

Spencer breathed slowly and tried to relax, "If you're okay, I'm okay." He nodded his head definitively, and he rolled his shoulders in an attempt to relax them. He took in a deep breath and then let it go.

Trina waited until he was ready.

When he nodded, she reached for the bag he set just inside, and he lifted it, "I can carry it."

"It's not heavy," she protested.

"Where do you want me to put this?" He smiled. This was a fight he didn't mind pushing to win.

She rolled his eyes at the misplaced act of chivalry, "My bedroom."

Spencer's brows lifted, a thousand questions in his gaze, many of them laced with innuendo.

Trina blushed, turned on her heel, and led the way.

Once they reached Trina's room, she stood there momentarily, doorknob in hand.

Spencer's voice was soft and reassuring, "You don't have to do this. You know I didn't come here to weasel my way into your bedroom."

That decided her. She opened the door and stepped back. She gestured with her arm, "After you."

Spencer accepted the invitation and stepped inside.

Her room was everything he thought it would be and more. It was tiny compared to his suite, but it held so much personality. Spencer set her bag down on her bed, which was covered by a lovely quilt. There were blue and green squares in a zig-zag pattern. It looked as if loving hands made it.

"My grandmother made it for my mother, and she gave it to me," Trina answered the unasked question.

Spencer nodded, "It must be nice to have things passed down to you that have true, genuine, sentimental value," He remarked as he looked at her walls. They were a soothing, soft, and creamy green. He was surprised by the color choice. For some reason, he thought the walls would be black and artistic or a vibrant blue or purple.

This shade of green felt like a breath of fresh air, a subtle reminder of verdant green things and the possibility of life. Spencer shook his head, unable to put his finger on why on earth he'd think such a thing. If anything, the subtle color somehow made the other colors in the room look more vivid. She had framed posters of world wonders and reprints of exciting art pieces.

He took note of her selection: the Louvre, the Great Wall of China, and the black sandy beach of Kaimu, Hawaii, alongside images of Dinosaur by Basquiat and Amy Sherald's Miss Everything. The last of which he only learned about recently due to Trina's homework assignment involving an essay on present-day African American painters.

Amy Sherald is most known for her portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, which now sits in the National Portrait Gallery. Spencer had always been interested in art, but there was something about Trina's enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the subject that breathed new life and awareness into him. She made the abstract concrete.

He took the rolling chair at her desk and turned it to face her as she sank onto her bed. His hands rubbed his thighs as he sat back and absorbed the tranquil atmosphere of the bedroom. The sun's warmth streamed into the window, throwing a square of golden light across Trina.

It made her glow. She seemed a little unreal.

Too good to be true.

Just like her letter...

Trina could see that Spencer wanted to say something. She waited patiently, her hands clasped and rested on her lap.

"What made you write that letter?" He inquired softly.

Trina took a deep breath, looked down at her hands, and gathered her thoughts.

She looked up at Spencer and said honestly, "It's how I felt, how I feel. I wanted to.." She looked up, searching for words, "I wanted to give you something tangible. Something real. Something to hold onto, even when I'm not around." Her gaze met his, "I wanted- I want," she corrected herself, "I want you to understand me and how I feel about you. For a very long time, we talked around it. We have always had a connection, but for many reasons, it wasn't the right time and place."

She smiled a touch, "Now is the right time and the right place for us."

Spencer nodded, taking it all in.

She continued, "The last year and a half have been a lot. We've both gone through some terrible things, and I don't want to look back anymore or second or third guess myself, really. Now, I can sit in my truth and acknowledge who I am and how I feel."

"I'm Trina Robinson. I'm a good person, and I care about people. I know that you're a good person too. You're also a very hurt person, and that's why you lash out at everyone else. You don't have to do that. You're not alone anymore. You don't have to carry the weight of the world all by yourself, either. I'm here now, and I'm a safe place for you. I trust you, and I love you."

Spencer watched Trina speak and swallowed hard as if he could keep down the tsunami of emotions within him. He was speechless but grateful.

He slid out of his chair and knelt before her, his hands landing gently on her knees, squeezing gently. His eyes were dark with unshed tears, and his voice cracked, "I- I don't know what to say."

Trina took his face in her hands and leaned in until her forehead pressed gently against his, "Then don't say anything…." Her thumbs brushed at the corners of his lips, and she kissed him sweetly.

Spencer closed his eyes. He could feel the tears falling down his face. He felt as if her gentleness drew his heart to the surface.

"...because if you mess up this moment, I'm gonna be very cross with you." She gently teased.

He laughed louder than he should have and sat back on his heels.

Trina reached out and brushed away his tears.

He let her.

"Thank you, Trina. I appreciate anything you're willing to offer me. I need you to know that I understand that it's my responsibility to set things right and to get my act together. I will try my best never to abuse your generosity or undermine your faith in me."

Trina nodded, "Okay," she smiled. "I also promise the same. We're both going to screw this up a little, though. So let's also promise to give each other grace if we do end up somehow disappointing each other, okay? Relationships take work, right?"

Spencer nodded.

They heard the distant sound of a door closing and Marshall calling for Trina.

Trina sighed with regret as she checked the clock, "I'm supposed to go grab coffee with Marshall this afternoon. I didn't realize how late it was."

Spencer nodded and stood up, "That's okay. I should be heading back home anyway."

He reached for Trina and helped her stand. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a long, thorough kiss.

"Thank you." She murmured.

"I should be thanking you," Spencer responded.

Trina rolled her eyes, moved to the door, and opened it for him, "Boy, if you don't get out of here and stop deflecting my appreciation!? I said what I said."

Spencer laughed, stepped into the hallway, and right into Marshall.

Spencer felt his face combust into flame as he stammered an apology. He reached down to grab Marshall's fallen hat at the same time Marshall dove for it, but Spencer was faster. He stood and waited for Marshall to straighten to hand it to him, "My apologies, Mr. Ashford. I didn't see you there."

Marshall harrumphed and put his brown bowler hat onto his head, "Obviously." He looked over at Trina, "And what's going on here, young lady?"

Trina stepped into the hallway and took Spencer's hand, "I was walking Spencer out. Give me a few, and I'll be ready for coffee."

She tugged Spencer after her and fled back to the living room.

Spencer waited until they were at the front door to ask, "So Trina, is this where I say 'I told you so' regarding your family not being thrilled by my presence?"

Trina snorted as she opened the door, "Bye, Spencer."

She playfully pushed him across the threshold and followed him to stand on the welcome mat. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him soundly, "Let me worry about my family. You worry about yours."

Spencer's nose wrinkled with distaste, "I'd rather think about yours than mine, to be honest, My Love."

Trina grinned, "I'm sure." She stepped close, laid her hand on his chest, and kissed him again. This time the kiss was a lingering one. Then out of nowhere, she playfully nipped at his lower lip because she wanted him to leave smiling.

She was rewarded with a startled laugh. Spencer drew back and murmured with amused affection, "I love you."

"I love you, too. Call me later?"

"Absolutely," He pledged.