Julian looked at Eve; she looked so stressed out with good reason of course, when T.C. would find out, Julian would take the brunt of his anger for Eve. He had to as he had put her through hell the last twenty years or so. She stared at Julian, the man she loved so much as they drove towards the cabin. He put his arm around her so she could lean against his chest.
“Am I bothering you being near you like this?”

“Of course not Eve, don’t ever say that my love, you are not a bother, if you want to lean against me, it’s fine sweetheart.”

“But what if you hit a patch of ice, you are only steering with one hand.”

“Honey, I am a cautious driver, believe me I am, even if I do take a limo a lot.”

“I know but I don’t want anything to happen Julian.”

“Eve, you have to learn to relax, I will be careful, besides we are almost there, so no worries.”

“Julian?”

“Yes?”

“Do you have a blanket in the car?”

“Of course I am always prepared, its back there, do you want me to reach it for you?”

“No you keep your eyes on the road.” Eve said.

She put it around herself, part of it landing on Julian’s lap.

“Oh sorry, I don’t want you to step on it.” Eve said.

“It’s okay, as long as you are warm and toasty, besides I can have easy access this way.” He said smiling devilishly.

“Not while you drive Julian, I just said you have to be cautious.”

“Fine.” He said pretending to pout.

Soon enough they had arrived at the cabin.

“Bring the blanket in if you wish.” Julian said.

“No that’s okay, just make sure we can have a fire, I will be fine.”

“Certainly.”

He opened the door and Eve sat in the chair as she watched Julian prepare the fire. This cabin was a wonderful getaway, even if it wasn’t that far, but it was private and perfect for them. It could be their place, at least for a while, away from the prying eyes of Harmony, which included Ivy and Rebecca, both of them were the queens of gossip. Julian started the fire and he looked at Eve, who looked so lovely in the light cast from it.

“It’s already warm, why don’t you come and sit with me on the floor Eve, unless the chair is more comfortable.” Julian said.

“Okay Julian.”

She sat down next to him, he put his arm around her without hesitation. She leaned her head on his shoulder, staring straight ahead at the flames as they crackled. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to really say, she just needed Julian to be by her side at that moment.

“Is there anything I can do for you Eve?” he asked.

“Just love me.” Eve said looking at him.

“Of course my dear, that is all I have ever wanted.”

He looked at her, he knew her so well, although he would give anything to kiss her at that very moment, he know it wasn’t right to try. He had not always been an expert on women, but he could tell immediately what Eve was feeling and what she really wanted and she was sad right now. He wouldn’t jeopardize that moment by hinting around sex. If Eve wanted to, he would know and this was not the time.

“It will be okay, don’t worry Eve.”

“Oh Julian, what do you want me to say?”

“Nothing honey, I know this is difficult, I mean if T.C. slept with her for revenge, then he is as much to blame as Liz.”

“Maybe I have been neglecting him really, could he be right?”

“Eve, don’t you dare blame yourself, I won’t let you!” Julian said firmly.

“But Julian…”

“But Julian nothing, you stood up to him, you were my strong and confident Eve, don’t second guess your decision.”

“I am weak I guess, maybe a little bit.”

“No you are not, but you have a caring nature and it makes you sensitive to others, you don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I don’t.”

“I know and that is why I love you, remember who loves you unconditionally Eve? I do, not T.C., he will never love you the way I do.”

“I just can’t believe that he slept with her, that is, that is…”

“Nasty?” Julian said dryly.

“Well yeah, not on his part so much, but she’s my sister Julian, my own sister!”

“I know, but it takes two.”

“You are certainly not defending T.C. like you used to Julian.”

“I know, but it is different now Eve, at the time I wanted you to be happy and it you stayed with T.C. then you stayed with him. But I have always felt that he couldn’t love you unconditionally, excuse me if I say that T.C. likes to have his own way.”

“You are right, he does.”

“Marriage is about compromising and I think you did most of it Eve. I am not saying that you didn’t have a backbone, lord knows I don’t with Rebecca, well sort of anyway.”

“Yeah but that is blackmail, if she wasn’t doing it, would you totally stand up to her Julian?”

“Of course Eve, I would have told her to leave the mansion a long time ago. Do you think I like living with that sex crazed maniac?”

“Julian!” she said trying not to laugh.

“Well it’s true, the woman is man crazy, and maybe not even for me really, I think if I could offer her little Julian, she would be happy with just that and perhaps the money. The point is she doesn’t really need me, just sex and cash and she could have it anywhere, why she wants me for it, I just don’t know Eve.”

“Why doesn’t she want Alistair then?”

“I don’t know, they would be more suited for each other, he is just as woman crazy, I am surprised Rebecca isn’t more attracted to him, I wish she was, besides I can’t stand my father or her.”

“I would usually say it’s not right to hate your parents, but with you father I will make an exception Julian, he is an ass.” Eve said

“Of course he is, a racist jerk, I am ashamed to have the Crane name associated with him Eve. I swear that I will never listen to him ever again, he will never take you away from me ever again.”

“He might try though.”

“Let him Eve, he can leave me without one cent and I wouldn’t care, material items are nothing to me anymore, unless it is to benefit you Eve and what I mean by that is being able to take you nice places when I can. I love just being with you, but there is nothing wrong with spoiling you either.” Julian said smiling.

“You really don’t have to Julian.”

“Oh but I want to, regardless, if he disinherits me, we will be okay Eve.”

“Yes Julian, I have a job, well even if I can’t be a doctor here, hopefully I could be one somewhere else. I could provide for us Julian.”

“Of course sweetie, but I would be out looking for work, anything to provide stability, anyway, never mind that, it hasn’t even happened that way, but my point is, I would do anything, take any job to help out.” Julian said.

“Any job?” Eve said.

“Well my outlook on life to be a stripper might be out of reach, but you never know.” Julian said laughing.

He always knew how to make her laugh.

“Anyway, everything will be alright.”

“Julian?”

“Yes Eve?”

“I love how you are so open like this.”

“Oh Eve, this is what I have wanted for so many years, communication is the key to making any relationship work.”

“How long have we been talking?”

“A while I guess, do you have a train to catch?” he said smiling.

“No smarty, I don’t, I was just curious.”

“Wow, it’s nearly midnight, do you want to leave?” Julian asked.

“Usually I would say yes, but no Julian, no way, why should I? It’s not like T.C. will be home, he is probably having sex with her again right now.” She said sarcastically.

“Honey.”

“Well you never know.” She said.

“Don’t even think about it Eve, they are not worth it, well Liz isn’t anyway.” Julian said.

“You are right, Liz isn’t and T.C. isn’t worth worrying about, especially not tonight, Julian let’s stay all night.”

“Now Eve, are you sure you are not just doing it out of spite? You don’t want to be like T.C. now do you?”

“Julian Crane, are you putting me in my place?” Eve asked.

“Not at all, I am just honest my love, I tell it as I see it within reason.”

“I am not staying out of revenge, honest, I don’t have a reason to really leave do I?” she asked.

“I understand that, but are you sure, what if he starts to worry about you? After all it’s winter, I know you don’t care one bit about Liz and you shouldn’t but he really might worry Eve.”

“And was he worried when he went to do the horizontal mambo with my sister?” Eve said dryly.

“Point taken Eve, but still maybe you should just tell him you are not coming home at least, I mean just in case Whitney or Simone worry, I am just trying to think of your daughters honey.”

“Fine Julian I will leave a message then.”

“Remember, we still have to tell him everything, until then he may have deceived you, but he has no proof of us unless you count Ivy or Rebecca, but I am not worried about them T.C. is my main concern.” Julian said.

“Why do you always have to be so right Julian?”

“Experience honey, not that you aren’t, but many lessons learned over the years.”

“All thirty-nine years right?” she said smiling.

“Thirty-nine and holding is more like it.” He said laughing.

“Anyway, I appreciate your honesty Julian, I really do.”

“That is the way I am Eve, I never used to be, but now being honest is more important than anything else, besides I don’t want to you to yell at me.” He said.

“Why would I do that?”

“PMS honey.”

“I don’t have that!”

“Oh of course not, I meant pre male syndrome.” Julian said smiling.

“Thanks for cheering me up Julian.” She said kissing him on the cheek.

“Are you getting warm sitting here Eve?”

“I am okay, why?”

“Just curious, I want you to be comfortable.”

“I just want to be here with you, that is all that matters Julian, I am so happy I have your support.”

“You will always have it, you will have my love forever.”

She smiled at him, undoing his shirt.

“Eve?”

“Yes Julian?”

“I thought we were talking.”

“We are but I thought we could take a little break.” She said smiling innocently.

“I don’t know, I mean we do have all night.”

“But what if you are tired later on?” Eve asked.

“To make love, hell no, I am never too tired for that.”

“So are you turning me down?”

“No, but don’t think you have to Eve, it’s not a priority with me. I will not leave simply just because we don’t have sex this very minute.”

“Sometimes I am just not used to the new Julian, you amaze me.”

“I told you, you are worth it.”

“So now I am the bad one right, wanting you Julian?”

“Nothing wrong with wanting me honey, after all I am pretty damn sexy.” He said pretending to sound conceited.

She slapped him on the arm.

“Seriously, there is nothing wrong with wanting to Eve, but I just have so much respect for you.”

“Well now I am slightly embarrassed, I don’t want to be like Rebecca.”

“Are you kidding me, you are not even close, she is in heat every moment of the day.” He said rolling his eyes.

“Julian!”

“Eve, it is true, anyway, I just want to talk to you for a bit first before we take it any farther.”

“Fine then.” She said moving away a bit.

“So now you are mad?”

“No, not at all.” She said sitting there.

“Yes you are.”

“No Julian, I understand, it’s okay if you don’t want to, we can wait.”

He looked at her, knowing exactly what she was thinking.

“Oh come here.” He said taken her in his arms and kissing her passionately.

“What are you doing?” Eve said surprised.

“I can tell you don’t want to talk anymore, but don’t say I didn’t offer sweetheart.” He said smiling.

“I know and I respect you for being a gentleman Julian.”

“Well I try, soooo, you want me then?” he said smiling.

“Julian, don’t say it like that.”

“Why not, you do want me don’t you?”

“Well yeah, but it makes me sound like I can’t keep my hands off of you.”

“Oh Eve, I want you to put your hands all over me, never mind keeping them off.” He said laughing.

“Men!”

“Yep, can’t live with them, can’t live without them Eve.”

“You know you are ruining the mood with all of those one liners, I am not Rebecca you know.”

“Tell me about it, she doesn’t understand my humor at all, that woman needs to check her roots.”

Eve just shook her head at him.

“Are you quite finished?” She said smiling.

“Yes, I’m sorry honey, but I feel so comfortable around you like I can say or do anything.”

“I do feel the same, but you can tell me a hundred jokes later on if you wish, I just want some time here.” Eve said.

“Okay my love.”

Julian laid her down, taking a pillow from the bed so that they could start on the floor. He looked into her eyes and brought his mouth to hers. She loved the way he kissed her; he knew exactly how to please her. Julian smiled at her, as he undid the buttons on her shirt, she didn’t mind him being in control this time, she just wanted to be with him so she let him take it off. He looked at her once more in her bra; he couldn’t believe that he wasn’t dreaming every time he had a chance to be with her, it was amazing. She watched him as he undid his shirt, taking it off as well.

“Is that better Eve?” he whispered.

“Definitely Julian.”

She ran her fingers up and down his back as they lay there; he kissed her neck, not removing her bra. Julian watched her as she played with the straps on it, teasing him and he loved it. He brought his hands to the clasp, but then changed his mind, instead slipping his hand inside her bra, touching her in such a way that she wanted more. She moved down the straps, making it easier for him to caress her, she loved his hands and how strong they were. Julian then brought his body over hers as they were still on the floor by the fire. She waited anxiously for him to continue and he smiled at her when he slipped his hand down her pants. He kissed her quite fervently, wasting no time at all, wanting to satisfy her. She broke the kiss to look at him for a moment, as he touched her, keeping his hand exactly where she liked. She moaned ever so slightly as he explored her with his fingers. He then smiled at her devilishly when he suddenly stopped touching her and removed his hand. She looked at him in such a way as if to say why are you stopping? He had her lift her body ever so slightly so he could pull down her bottoms. Julian kissed her ever so gently, as he teased her taking his time as he moved farther down her stomach. He stopped for a moment, looking into her eyes as she anticipated his next move. As he was about continue, Eve suddenly sat up, moving away from him.

“Eve, what’s wrong?” he said very surprised by her actions.

“Holy crap Julian!” She said in a sudden panic.

“What did I do, tell me Eve.” He said concerned.

“Julian, kill it, please kill it!” she said moving away from him even further.

“Kill what, the mood?” Julian said confused.

“No Julian, right there, please kill it.” She said pointing to the floor.

“Honey, what are you pointing at?”

“It’s right there, are you blind?” Eve asked.

“Apparently.”

“Julian Crane, right there, a spider, kill it, kill it now!” she yelled.

“Are you scared of them honey?”

“Ask questions later Julian, I hate them, please hurry before it disappears somewhere because then I won’t be able to sleep.”

“Who said anything about sleeping” he said winking.

“Julian!” she yelled.

“It probably came in to get warm Eve, perhaps stopped in for a hot chocolate.” Julian said laughing.

“Don’t make fun of me, just kill it, quit wasting time.” She said irritated.

“Sweetheart, you are so distraught, did you need me to perform mouth to mouth?” he said getting up for a Kleenex.

“Would you just shut up?”

“Now don’t be touchy Eve.”

“Hurry up.” She demanded.

Julian laughed and when he was rid of it, he sat down next to her once more.

“Are you calm now?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“At least it was only a spider that upset you, I really thought I did something wrong Eve.”

“No Julian, just remember next time I see another one….”

“I know, when you say kill it, I will know what you are talking about.” He said smiling.

“Anyway, where were we?” she said playing with his hair.

“That is an interesting question, hmm, because I do believe in finishing something I start, I am not a procrastinator by any means.”

“I know that.”

Julian kissed her on the neck, his hands exploring her once more.

“Uh Julian?”

“Yes?”

“I think we should move this to the bed don’t you think?” Eve said.

“You don’t like being by the fire Eve or are you scared another spider might come along?”

“No of course not, but I want to be more comfortable, you can keep me warm as well, can’t you?” Eve said smiling.

“You bet I can sweetheart.” He said helping her off of the floor.

Eve pulled back the covers and Julian lay down next to her. He looked at her for a moment, not being able to take his eyes off of her.

“What’s wrong Julian?”

“Nothing Eve.” He said playing with her hair.

“Why are you staring at me?” she asked.

“Can’t I just look at the woman I am in love with?”

Eve blushed slightly; sometimes it was hard for her to really let it sink in that Julian and her were together. T.C. never really made comments like he did. Sure he would tell her he loved her, but Julian went way beyond her expectations when it came to showing her his love.

“Eve?”

“Yes Julian.”

“I really wish that you would consider singing again.”

“Julian, that is a part of my past and why are you bringing that up now?”

“I just thought of it, besides I was a part of that past, but you could really make a name for yourself honey. It could be a part of your future, our future Eve.”

“Julian, I have to concentrate on being a doctor now, my passion is to help people.”

“But singing was your passion as well, don’t give up on your dreams Eve, if I did that, I wouldn’t be laying here next to you at this very moment.”

“But that part of my life turned out badly and I don’t want to expose Whitney to that lifestyle and I know that Fox fell for her in the club, but I want to avoid what happened to me with my daughter Julian.”

“Eve, I know you worry about Whitney, but she is a smart woman and I was the one who made you turn to that lifestyle remember? And to be honest, I don’t think Fox would ever do that to her, you should let her pursue it Eve. If you won’t live it yourself, let Whit live the dream through you.” Julian said.

“I won’t let her, it’s not right.” She said annoyed.

“Eve, I know you too well, deep down inside you still have that passion, you can’t hide it honey, I know you still love singing. Don’t be afraid to admit to it, in fact I would love to hear you even just one more time.” He said touching her cheek.

“I haven’t done anything like that in years Julian.”

“I know that because T.C. doesn’t know about it, but think about this Eve, that just proves you could never really be yourself with him, you have such an inspiring and beautiful voice and he has never been able to hear even one note.” Julian said.

“He would never understand why I didn’t pursue it or why I never encouraged the girls, T.C. just wouldn’t be able to comprehend the whole situation, and he would start asking questions.”

“Don’t you think it’s time he had the answers? I know you are ashamed of your past Eve, you have many reasons to think that way. But if I weren’t a part of that past, you would still be out there singing, you would be famous. I ask again would you reconsider it? The only memories I have of your lovely voice are of you in the club and that tape that I have practically worn out. Do you know that Rebecca tried to destroy it? I would have ruined her for life if she did; I cherish the tape because it’s of you Eve. But I only have you in the past; can’t we make it a part of our future? You know Eve, you can do both if you really want to.”

“Being a doctor takes up a lot of time Julian, I am so busy.”

“I realize that, look honey, I am not trying to pressure you, I don’t mean to, but I want you to have everything you ever wanted from this relationship. I am a very flexible and understanding person, contrary to what people believe. I want you to have the freedom to just be you, no matter what you do.” Julian said.

“Thanks Julian, that does mean a lot to me, you really want me to try it again don’t you?” Eve said.

“I do Eve, you have such a wonderful gift, perhaps you could even just have it as a hobby if you don’t want to pursue a career with it, I would be your number one fan.” He said smiling.

“I can’t remember the last time I even tried, I really can’t.”

“Well I am all ears Eve, I will be your audience.”

“Julian, I am too shy.”

“Don’t be Eve, it’s only me, your Julian.”

“I don’t know, right here, right now?”

“Sure Eve, if you want to, I can turn on the radio.”

“But I thought you wanted to…”

“Of course I do, but this is important too.” Julian said.

Eve let out a sigh; feeling like she was making a class presentation and Julian was the teacher. She honestly missed singing, but it had just been so long, could she actually still like it, enjoy it?

“Fine, turn on the radio.”

Julian smiled at the thought of getting to hear her after so many years, this would be such a treat for him, not to mention, help her to realize she missed it, or he hoped she would.