He kissed her and she turned around again so he could hold her in his arms. They had both been asleep for quite some time that morning, but Julian suddenly woke up when he heard what he thought was crying.
“Eve, honey?”

She turned around, tears running down her face again.

“Oh Eve.”

“I’m sorry Julian, I couldn’t sleep and I started thinking and…”

“I know this is really bothering you.”

“I don’t know why Julian, I should be happy, I am with the man I love, you.”

“But you were married to T.C. for so many years, of course it’s going to hurt that you are not together now.”

“I don’t mean to be so sad.”

“It’s okay, really, I totally understand, you need time to deal with what has happened.” Julian said.

“What time is it?” Eve asked.

“Just after five, why?”

“I just wondered, I just wish I could sleep Julian.”

“Why don’t you let me help you relax.”

“How?”

“Perhaps a massage?”

Eve looked at him surprised.

“No darling, I am not talking sexual, I just mean one to relax your muscles, and maybe I can help relieve some of the tension.” He said.

“It’s worth a shot I guess.”

“Honestly Eve, I am not going to be insensitive and disrespect you when you are feeling so upset.”

“Okay.”

She lay there as Julian ran his strong hands up and down her back, being careful not to apply too much pressure, he wasn’t an expert, but he liked to think he was pretty good at it.

“Oh Julian.” She said as he worked his hands firmly, yet carefully over her back.

“Do you like that Eve?” he asked.

“Yes, this is just what I needed.”

“Okay, I won’t stop then.”

Eve could feel the tensions start to fade away and after a little while she had fallen asleep once again so he lay down next to her and turned off the light. When Eve woke up, Julian was sitting there in the chair, dressed and reading the newspaper.

“What time is it?” Eve asked rubbing her eyes.

“About ten or so, how are you feeling this morning? Did the massage help?”

“Yes it did Julian, thank you, why didn’t you wake me up earlier?”

“I wanted you to get your rest honey.”

“You have showered all ready?”

“Yes, been downstairs to the lobby and grabbed a coffee, would you like me to get you something to eat, they have quite a continental breakfast down there.”

“I am not really hungry, lately, I don’t have the appetite and if I do, I can’t keep it down anyway.”

“Well I brought you some juice, oh and one more thing Eve?”

“Yes Julian?”

“These are for you my love.” He said reaching behind the chair to hand her a bouquet of flowers.

“Julian, they’re beautiful, thank you.”

“Your welcome.” He said sitting down on the bed.

“You are so thoughtful, so amazing.” Eve said.

“I love you so much, I would do anything for you, I want you to be happy Eve and if bringing you flowers makes you smile, then I know I am making your day a bit brighter.”

“I wish we could stay here all day, I have really needed this time with you.”

“We can stay another night, I only have to run down to the desk and book it, it’s no problem at all Eve.”

“Julian, it would be nice, but we have to go back and face reality some time.”

“Eve, I know that, believe me I do, but let me pamper you, we will go anywhere you want and do anything you feel up to, I want you to feel loved. And if you are worried still about Rebecca, don’t be, she is the least of my worries.”

“But what if T.C. goes to Rebecca, or to my girls or to Liz?” she said in a panic.

“Don’t worry about her, don’t worry about anything, I can be the strong one right now if you wish, please just let me take care of you. It’s going to be alright Eve, we have each other to lean on, we have to be strong for our little one.”

“I know I have to keep calm for our baby.”

“Yes you do Eve, and you know what? We will soon see who our real friends are in Harmony, well your friends anyway, I have only enemies.”

“You have friends Julian.”

“No not in Harmony sweetheart, but maybe one day I will. I am sure Grace will be by your side, she knows about us.”

“She may end up hating me if the truth ever came out.”

“About us Eve?”

“No about David, I never told you this, but David isn’t her husband.”

“What?”

“No Julian and John isn’t her son, Ivy hired David so she could be with Sam.”

“Holy crap, are you kidding me? My ex-wife is such a witch, I can’t believe she would do that.” Julian said angrily.

“Well she did and Grace doesn’t know, she thinks they are her family.”

“And she left Sam for him, oh honey, poor Grace.”

“I know Julian, but David is a nice guy, it’s just that he is caught in the web of blackmail as well. But now that I have told the truth at least about us to her, perhaps I can tell Grace the rest of it.”

“Just be careful you know Ivy, but if there is anything I can do, just let me know.” Julian said.

“Thanks.”

“So are you going to let me take you out today then?” Julian asked.

“Well, I would love to go, but I don’t really have anything nice to wear. I barely had enough time to grab my purse, let alone my clothing Julian.”

“That’s okay, it’s amazing what we can do with a Crane credit card.” He said waving it.

“Oh Julian, you don’t need to buy me anything, I can afford to buy some new things.”

“I know that honey, but we are going to be together right? What’s mine will be yours, let me buy you what you need Eve. I don’t mind, you can pick out anything you like.” He said smiling.

“Rebecca would love you right now, flashing the plastic Julian. I am sure she would love a new wardrobe.”

“Well she is dreaming in colour Eve because it’s not going to happen, besides she is just a greedy gold digger. You are not like that, money is not important to you; I love you for loving me, regardless of my wealth. But since I do have it, I will enjoy splurging on you.” He said smiling.

“That’s very kind of you Julian.”

“You will never have to worry for anything Eve.”

“I am going to go and shower now, can you give me just a few minutes Julian?”

“Take your time, I am going to go downstairs and grab another coffee.”

“Why don’t you make one here in the room?”

“No it’s okay, it’s already made downstairs, why ruin a perfectly good package of instant coffee?” he said smiling.

“Oh Julian, alright I will see you in a bit then.” Eve said.

“Okay dear.”

Julian went downstairs and was just pouring another cup when he saw a familiar face.

“Julian Crane!”

“Roger, how are you?” he said shaking his hand.

“I haven’t seen you in years, how’s business?”

“Just fine Roger, you still in accounting?”

“Yes and I just bought a new vacation home in Florida, so what brings you here? Do you have some pretty young thing upstairs in your room?” he said winking.

“Roger, those days are over.”

“Oh come on Julian, you are kidding me right? It seemed like every time I saw you, you had a different woman on your arm.”

“No really Roger, I am in a serious relationship now, in fact, why don’t you come up and meet her?”

“Are you sure, I don’t want to walk in on something too steamy.” He said smiling.

Julian opened the door and Eve was sitting in the chair.

“Eve, this is Roger Aiken, an old business associate of mine.”

“Hello there.” He said taking her hand and kissing it.

Eve smiled, quite flattered.

“So Julian tells me that you two are an item, how long have you been together?” Roger asked.

“We have known each other a while, but I guess you could say we have been involved more recently.”

“That’s great, what do you do?”

“Eve is one of the finest doctors in Harmony.” Julian said proudly.

“Wonderful, but I should let you go, looks like you are on your way out, but Julian, could I talk to you for just a minute?”

“Yes, be right back Eve.”

“Jules, I thought you were married to, what was her name, Ivy? Are you sure Eve isn’t a piece on the side my man?” he said smiling.

“No Roger, Ivy and I are divorced, Eve is my life now.”

“Your life, that doesn’t sound like the Julian Crane I used to know.”

“I am not the same person I was when you knew me, Eve is my heart.”

“You are telling me truthfully now that you love this woman and only her?” Roger asked.

“Yeah, I know it doesn’t sound like me, but it is. I care about her so very much, I would never think of running around on her.”

“Wow, you really have changed Julian, I think it’s great you are happy, not to mention she is just gorgeous, wow, you hit the jackpot.” He said smiling.

“I have Roger, well nice to see you.”

“You too Julian.”

He stepped back into the room.

“You ready to go honey?”

“Yes Julian.”

“By the way, I did book the room for another night, is that okay by you?”

“I think it’s probably a good idea.” Eve said.

“Okay, it’s after eleven now, let’s go and get you some new clothes my dear.”