Unexpected Turn Of Events

More than that

"Hello there, Mr. Professor." Stevie smirks at Lindsey, when he opens the door of his condo. 

Laughing, he takes her by the hand and pulls her inside, greeting with a kiss on the lips. "I'll be whatever you want me to be." He winks, closing and locking the door.

"I know it's a bit early for me to be here, but... I just didn't want to be at home." Stevie says, not overly keen on explaining. 

However, there is something in her voice that makes him ask. "What's wrong?"

Sighing, Stevie remains quiet. Should she open up about something so personal? On the other hand, Lindsey is one of the very few people she knows, with whom she feels comfortable talking to about anything. 

He senses her hesitation. "I'll make you a drink, go and have a seat." Smiling weakly, Stevie nods and goes to do just that.

A short moment later, Lindsey joins Stevie, two glasses in his hands. He hands one to Stevie, knowing her preference. At home she mostly drinks wine, because Jeff doesn't think it is appropriate for a woman to be drinking anything stronger than that. With Lindsey, she can be herself.

Closing her eyes at the burning sensation of whiskey, Stevie lets out a sound of appreciation. "I think Jeff is seeing someone."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

Lindsey shifts in his seat, then looks up at Stevie. "Well, you're seeing me. I mean, you've agreed to open marriage."

"I'm aware, but he's being secretive about it. That's what bothers me. It means there's something more."

"What more could there be? If I were in his place, I wouldn't go to my wife and tell her about some woman I'm having sex with. You're both allowed, but talking about it... I don't know." Lindsey shrugs, taking a gulp of his drink. 

"I, uh... I overheard a phone conversation." Stevie drops her eyes low, staring into her glass. "Jeff sounded irritated with the other person. He also said that and I quote, if not Aimee, I wouldn't still be in contact with you."

"Who's Aimee?" Lindsey asks without thinking.

"I don't know! That's the whole point. That is why I think Jeff is hiding something from me."

"Well, just ask."

"I don't want to open any sort of can of worms, Lindsey... What if it's nothing?"

"Didn't you just say-"

"I know what I said." She cuts him off. "I do. I hate this." Stevie sighs, feeling Lindsey's hand take away her drink. She looks up at him and his hands settles on her face, as he draws her in for a kiss. 

"Let me make it all better? Besides, isn't that the reason why we're here?" 

Bringing her hands up, she lays them over Lindsey's, as she then turns her head and kisses both of his palms. "I don't think we are, not anymore."

"W- What do you mean?" Lindsey asks somewhat carefully, his heart beating a little faster now. 

"I don't want you to think you're just a... a toy for me to use whenever I please."

He knows he probably shouldn't, but he speaks up anyway. "Then what am I to you?"

Looking into his eyes, Stevie has so many things to tell him, they are on the tip of her tongue, but... "You're a lot more." She says at last, knowing the answer isn't going to satisfy Lindsey.

Fighting back a sigh, Lindsey puts his feelings aside and leans in to kiss her. Knowing he isn't going to get anything else out of Stevie, which is a lot for her anyway (what she has just told him), he gets up on his feet and bends over, picking her up into his arms, as he then carries her to his bedroom. He wants her to talk to him, he wants her to voice whatever she feels for him, but after all, when they are joined as one, words aren't necessary. 

Stevie comes home later than usual. It took everything in her to leave Lindsey. She wanted to stay wrapped up in his arms and drift off to sleep, then wake up next to him. However, she knew that was impossible. She has a husband at home...

Jeff didn't hear Stevie entering the house, as he sits in his office, staring at a piece of paper from a while ago. Why did he keep it anyway? Stevie could find it, then she'd know. He jolts at the sound of Stevie's voice and a generous splash of vodka is covering the document in his hand. 

"Jesus Christ! You could have warned me!"

"Warned you? I came in and said hello." Stevie shakes her head, exhaling heavily, welcome home. "I'm sorry." Her voice is dripping with sarcasm. 

"I just... I was focused on... something." That's Jeff's way of apologizing. 

"Whatever." Stevie turns to leave, but Jeff stops her. 

"I've been tense this past week, I... I didn't mean to take it all out on you." 

"Well, you did." She shrugs and does leave this time.

With tears in her eyes, Stevie goes up to their bedroom for the night. The farther Jeff pushes her away, then closer she drifts towards Lindsey. Is that a good? She doesn't know yet.