John and Marlena (Finally) Get a Q!

Chapter 56 - Sundown Surprises

Marlena dropped her briefcase on the chair and rubbed her eyes exhaustedly. It always seemed that work was so much more tiring after a few days off. She looked around the empty living room with a wry smile. She was missing Belle and Brady awfully, but at the same time, she was quite glad for a few minutes' peace and quiet. After a day like she'd had, she needed it.

She kicked off her shoes, unbuttoned her jacket, and then walked over to the flowers that graced the table. It was an arrangement of spring flowers, daffodils, tulips, and irises all vying for attention, smaller freesias perfuming the air with a sweet, powdery scent. She smoothed the velvet petal of one red tulip with her fingers as a faraway look veiled her eyes.

She turned away and ran a weary hand over her forehead, trying to subdue the empty feeling that seemed to creep up on her from nowhere.

"Gene?" she called, wondering where he was. She got her answer a moment later as he appeared at the top of the landing.

"Marlena. I didn't hear you come in." He took the steps two at a time as he came down to where she stood. "You're late."

"Our lunch put me back a little." Marlena smiled tiredly as she rubbed absently at her stiff neck with one hand. "It was quite a day."

"You look exhausted." Q gently helped her off with her jacket and laid it on the back of the chair.

"I feel it." Marlena let out a sigh and looked up at Q, her eyes showing the comfort she took in his presence. "Thanks again for lunch. It helped a lot."

"Well, I'm glad to hear it." Q dropped a kiss on her forehead. "You know I'm always here to talk to."

"Mmmmm, I know. And I'm forever grateful." Marlena took as step towards Eugene and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him closer to her. "Would you hold me for a moment?"

Q didn't say anything, but hugged her close, enjoying the feeling of her as she cuddled against him. Marlena in turn closed her eyes and felt her tension subside slightly in his safe and loving embrace. She brought her hand up and ran it over his chest, covered by the cotton of the long-sleeved tee that he wore. She smiled as her fingers slid up to the short zipper at his throat. Playfully, she tugged it down.

"Let's skip dinner," she suggested quietly.

'Ohhh." Q shook his head with a small grin. "Uh-uh. I have plans for you."

"Oh no Gene." Marlena shook her head. "I'm too tired."

"It's all right," Q deftly undid the top button of her cream silk blouse, "they don't require too much exertion...", he bent his head to kiss her sweetly. "Unless of course, you get a second wind."

"Mmmm. Kiss me like that again and it'll be more like gale force," Marlena teased him.

"Can I hold you to that?" Gene took Marlena's hand in his.

"You sir, can hold me to anything you like." Marlena returned provocatively.

"Oh sweetheart," he shook his head, "don't tempt me."

"Why? Do you want to take away all my fun?" she smiled at him flirtatiously, enjoying this banter as she felt all of the worries of the day start to seep away. In this penthouse, with him, she was safe. Nothing could touch her and that was just the way she wanted it.

She felt a flush creep into her pale cheeks as Eugene deliberately lifted her hand and turned it over.

"I never want to take anything away from you." He gently kissed the palm of her hand, leaving her feeling as if her knees had turned to jelly. "Come on." He took a step towards the stairs and tugged at her hand gently. Marlena folded her fingers around his broad hand and followed him.