Todd sits with his head back resting against the cool edge of the huge jetted tub. The hot water bubbling all around him. I walk in and do not speak. I walk behind him and kneel on the floor. I proceed to massage his shoulders. He opens his eyes in surprise. "I didn't even hear you come in," he says. "I know," I reply, "you looked so peaceful, I didn't want to make any noise." I continue to rub his shoulders, "relax" I say, "you're one big knot." He closes his eyes again and moans "that feels really good." There is a few minutes of silence. I reach down further and rub his back. He then turns after a few moments and grabs my hand, "you need to get into this tub right now." "Okay," I say, as I stand and let my robe drop to the floor. Todd sits there looking at me, "get in here." Before I can make a move, he has grabbed my hand again and is pulling me in. Trying my best to keep my balance, he manages to pull me in and I land in the tub with a huge splash. "What was that promise you made?" he asks softly. I don't answer. I just move toward him and he pulls me onto him. He leans against the edge of the tub as I straddle him. He then leans forward and begins kissing me. My fingers are entwined in his hair as I tilt my head backward feeling his lips and teeth nip at my neck. The hot water bubbling and dancing around us. I begin to rock slowly back and forth and I feel his moans as they escape his mouth and melt into my skin. They vibrate through me and I feel he is getting near. His grip on me is becoming tighter and the sensations in my own body are rising. Before I know it, I am gripping the side of the tub with one hand as the other is holding on to Todd tightly. Our breathing is heavy and in unison. The heat from the water, the heat from Todd and I can't hold back any longer. I let out a loud moan and feel the spasms ripple through me. Todds fingers are in my hair and I feel him tug it as he finally lets himself go. He moans deeply into the nape of my neck. Our breathing is still heavy and we hold onto each other as we come down from our high. Todd leans back again, eyes closed. I slide off of him and lean against the opposite side of the tub, eyes closed as well. We both lean there speechless until finally he speaks. "I'll say this for you Mrs. Manning, you sure can give one hell of a massage." "I love you too, Todd," I say breathlessly. I don't open my eyes as I hear the water rippling. Todd is now next to me. He leans in and whispers in my ear, "I love you, Dee." With my eyes still closed, I smile and then I feel his soft warm lips cover mine.
The next morning we awaken early. We take a shower together and decide, what the hell. We can be a little late to our offices, after all we are the bosses. Breakfast arrives to our suite and we eat while dressing. I am anxious to see my new headquarters. Todd calls the hospital to check up on Jack. He is better and Todd decides that after he gives me the grand tour of Llanviews home office of Manning Enterprises, he will go see his son. We arrive. The building is grand and bares a striking resemblance to the building back in Port Charles. No doubt, Todd modeled it after the original here. The only difference? No penthouse at the very top. We will work on solving where to live later. We walk in and everyone greets Todd and welcomes him home. He introduces me and everyone is so nice. I hope they are being genuine in their niceties and not because Todd is standing there glaring at them. Finally I am in my new office. I am overjoyed to see so many of the faces of the employees that decided to make the trek to Llanview and start new lives as well. The word "Crimson" looms over my desk in large letters. I smile and take my seat behind my desk. I whirl around, "oh Todd, this feels magnificent." He smiles and walks around my desk and stops my chair in mid spin. He leans forward. I look up at him and I reach up and caress his face and bring it down to meet mine. "I love you," I say to him softly. "I love you too," he replies and we kiss deeply. Lost in the warmth of each others lips, we are startled as we hear a voice exclaim, yoo hoo Dee, here I am, ready to get to work and oh my..." I look to see Maxie standing there with a look that resembles a deer caught in the headlights. Todd doesn't turn around but just drops his head, "there's that voice again," he says. He straightens up and turns to her, "if it isn't Maxie Jones, didn't anyone teach you to knock?" "Oh I'm, so sorry, but the door was open and, you know you really should shut it, I mean if you and Dee are going to be making out," rambles Maxie. Todd laughs, "did you just say making out?, what is this high school?" He is walking toward her and she is frightened. "Todd stop," I say, as I jump up from my chair and get in between them. "We talked about this Todd, don't you remember?, you are not going to be rude to my employees, especially my assistant." Todd looks at Maxie and then at me. "I remember," he answers. Maxie is silent but still feeling uneasy. "Okay," says Todd, "well I'll just leave you two and let you get to work, oh and hey Dee, meet me for lunch under the bleachers so we can continue making out." He walks past Maxie and smirks at her, "you have good day Miss Jones." Maxie just swallows hard and she hears Todd laugh as he exits. "Dee, I am so sorry, really." "It's alright Maxie, we should have closed the door," I say with a smile. "Oh I hope I made the right decision coming here," says Maxie. I put my arm around her shoulder, "yes you did, Mr. Manning won't bother you again if he knows whats good for him." Maxie inhales deeply but is still feeling that uneasiness.
That same morning Damien stands waiting outside of The Palace Hotel. He stands waiting for the arrival of Ellie. He had wanted to pick her up at the airport but he had left his car back in Port Charles. Todd had arranged for his car to be taken to the garage at Manning enterprises back in that city after spur of the moment plans to fly to Llanview. Finally a taxi pulls up and Damien sees Ellie smiling at him through the backseat window. He pulls open the door and Ellie flies into his arms. Hugging each other tightly, they whisper I missed yous over and over. The cabbie clears his throat. Damien and Ellie turn. "Oh yes," says Damien, "I suppose you would like your fare." "That would be nice mister, and quick cuz I got another call." Damien pays him and the cabbie unloads Ellies suit cases from the trunk. A hotel bellhop arrives and loads her belongings onto the trolley and follows Damien as he whisks Ellie into the lobby. Once inside, Ellie marvels at it's grandeur. "Oh Damien!" she exclaims, this is magnificently beautiful." He smiles, "yes, isn't it!" He then takes her hand and they board the elevator as the bellhop follows. "I can't wait to see the room," says Ellie, Mr. Manning must think so highly of you." "Well, I would not know about that," replies Damien, but Mr. Manning can be most generous. Finally at the door to their room, Damien opens it. The bellhop places Ellies luggage in the room. Damien slips a few bills into his gloved hand, the bellhop thanks him and he tips his hat. As he exits, Damien stands at the door and places the "Do not disturb" placard on the doorknob. As it closes, Damien turns and he and Ellie fall into a very long awaited kiss.