Title: Heart and Sweaty Author: Rpcrazy holosweet@yahoo.com.au Catedory: DRR Rating: NC-17 (language, sexual situations - well smut really..) Disclaimer: The characters mine?? I wish! Especially Doggett ;) Summary: Monica has been alone in the X-Files basement office for the past week. The unopened Valentine's Day card she knows is from Brad sits on her desk leering at her. She is lonely and needs a man and it looks as though John has been a little preoccupied lately. Notes: This is my second entrant to the Valentines Day challenge on X- Files Oasis. Chapter One There it was again. It seemed to be following her around. Somehow it had been caught up with the paper work she'd taken home with her last night and she'd brought it back to work with her today, all unintentionally. She'd been toying with the thought of just throwing it away without opening it but there was that niggling curiosity at the back of her mind. What did it say? She knew if who it was from. She'd confronted him on it this morning and he'd denied everything of course. Monica knew that look of Brad's. That pseudo innocent guise when he knew exactly what was going on. He'd then tried to come onto her again, trying to relight a spent flame in me that had died with his infuriating affair back in New York. She'd felt like a fool for not spotting it until she'd caught them in *her* bedroom. He's had the audacity to bring that slut home to the bed she and Brad shared. That was over now. There was no way to reconciliate. Monica thought Brad had finally understood. This was proof that she'd have to be a little more forceful next time. The night before she's picked up the Valentines day card still in its envelope. She'd opened the flap but when the hearts figuratively popped out at her from the little of the card that showed she'd stopped and had thrown it on the kitchen table as if it was diseased. Now here it was again stalking her. She flopped down on her chair and looked around the room. It was Friday afternoon and she had been alone in the basement office for the past week. She remembered back to the previous Friday when John had told her he was having a week off work and that seeing the cases were a little slow at this time could she hold down the fort. How could she say no. The way he'd broached the subject was so sweet, the gentle look on his face and his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. Her hand instinctively went to that shoulder and she rested her cheek on it remembering that tantalizing pressure and the fiery tingles that went through her body at this simple touch. Her face turned sad, her heart sank and her hand fell away from her shoulder. She could never have John the way she wanted. Everything about him told her he was not interested in her that way. He almost went out of his way to avoid eye contact. There must be another woman too. There were those telltale signs, a little too much aftershave, leaving work earlier than usual with a transparent excuse and even a change of clothing in the sports bag he'd been bringing lately. Monica had to admit it, this last week had gone so slowly, she was sad, bored and needed something to spark up her life. She needed to distract her thought away from John and imagining his strong arms around her. This was not to be. Monica needed a man tonight. All this thought of John and what she'd like him to do to her had stirred up feeling of carnal desire. Her body straightened and her facial expression changed to resolve. Tonight she would go out and hook a man. Chapter Two Monica walked through the door and the heat and the smell of sweat hit her in a gush. It had been a week since she'd been to the gym. The normal three times a week had dwindled a little. The reason why was now approaching her with that toothy smile so reminiscent of a Baywatch hunk. Unfortunately this hunk had little brain but had latched onto her. "Welcome back Monica," mentioned the Baywatch guy. "Hello Jake," Monica said a little too wearily but he never noticed anything subtle like body language. "I tried to call you. You've been busy this week?" "Yes Jake," she lied. "I've had a case that's taken me out of town. Sorry I haven't been to your classes for a while." She was finding it hard to look truly remorseful. "Come on," He held her hand and led her to the aerobics room. She was stuck now. Monica was hoping to do some weights work this evening but that would have to wait until after the forty-five minute class. As they passed the equipment room she gazed in not seeing the women but eyeing up as many of the men as she could. Was Jake going to ruin her plan of snagging a man here tonight? No-one could hamper Monica's resolve, she was a strong woman. "Just a moment Jake, you go on and I'll catch up. I have to change first," she waited for his affirmation. It wouldn't hurt to take a sneak peek at all the sexy sweaty guys doing their weights work on the way to the locker room. The glass door was heavy and her lack of exercise the past week was showing. Normally she could open this easily. She leant on a wall surveying the room. There were a few men here she'd talked to before. There were a couple of men she'd thought about trying to become a little friendlier with. Perhaps the night was tonight. Then she saw him, over by the sit-ups bench. Her mouth dropped and her heart pounded. He was facing away so she could comfortably take a good look over his taught body. John was dressed in white tight muscle top that showed off his more than pumped up arms and rippling back muscles. His equally tight white shorts accentuated the defined shape of his ass and quads. As he lay down and began to do his sit- up, hands crossed over the chest, the muscles in his legs moved in a mesmerizing rhythm. She could see them working hard and this sent pangs of desire right through her core centering between her legs. His body glowed with the sweat and she imagined how it would feel climbing on top of that body now in this very room. "Can I help you?" said a distant voice. It took a repeat of the question for Monica to come out of her trance. "Oh, I'm sorry, busy week." She said jovially. "Um, I was just deciding whether to start here or do the aerobics class." She lied again. "Okay, you're Monica right?" It was only then that she realized it was one of the two men she'd thought she'd try and snag tonight. "Oh, yes, hi Larry." She was a little caught out. Here she was ogling over her unavailable partner and his wonderful body when next to her was an equally gorgeous body and face and someone more accessible. "Well if you decide to start here just come and get me, I'm here to assist this evening." "Alright Larry." Her eyes wandered over to John again who was just finishing his sit-ups. Just then her heart sank. A beautiful looking woman with long tied up brown hair had approached him and her hand was on his forearm. She was wearing white short-shorts and a jade coloured leotard underneath that showed off her ample chest and her shapely physique. He was smiling at her, chatting and looking a little too friendly. This must be the new woman he'd been leaving work early for and smelling out the office with aftershave. "Monica?" Again she didn't know for how long he'd been calling and she felt a little silly. "Oh, I'm so sorry Larry. How about I do an aerobics class first. Can I still ask for your help here after that?" "Yes sure Monica. Maybe that class will help with your focus." He laughed and then moved away, roaming the room. Monica was adamant now. John was obviously preoccupied with another woman. As hard as it would be she would have to forget about him romantically. Larry would be in her sights tonight. One last look before she left the room heightened her resolve, the *jade* woman was giving John a kiss on the cheek. ............................. Chapter Three Dressed in her sea green leotard, tights and Nikes, her hair loosely tied up away from her face, Monica began Jake's aerobics class. She looked at him on the dais as they all did their warm-up exercises. He was one handsome guy, she could go for him physically. Maybe if the Larry project fell through she could try for Jake. She craved a man tonight, any man. Making love to a man with the physique of Jake's or Larry's was a very pleasant thought that distracted her mind from images of John and that woman. They were deep into the routine by now and Monica found it hard keeping up. The past week with no exercise had taken its toll. At times she noticed Jake looking across at her and smiling. She gave a short smile in return but didn't want to wholly encourage him. When he went back to concentrating on what he was demonstrating her mind wandered again to John. Since when had he signed up at her gym? Why hadn't he told her? Why was it all a big secret? She was used to her partner confiding in her. Bu the time the ending relaxation segment began she'd decided she needed to confront John on this. Secrecy was not part of her agenda. When she arrived home she'd ring his cell phone. While ambient mood music played she was relaxing just lying on the floor looking up at the ceiling and consciously letting the tension go from each part of her body in turn. "Monica?" It was Jake talking from above. It looked as though Monica was the last one to rise after the music had ended. Again she'd been distracted. It was not like her. Jake held out a hand and she accepted and felt a little giddy as he lifted her. She stumbled and fell into him almost knocking him over. He held her steady with strong arms like she knew John Doggett could provide. "Monica, are you okay?" She imagined John holding her and saying, <> She rested against him, her thoughts wandering for a instant. When her mind was back on earth she straightened her sweaty body and moved away from Jake, a little self-conscious. "I'm sorry Jake, I got up too quickly I guess." Jake must have enjoyed that momentary touch as he was once again showing his pearly whites. At that point she was again feeling a little sorry for him but was also a little emotionally charged. She had come here to the gym tonight to pick up a man, any man. Here he was a gorgeous, good- natured man with a godlike body who admired her, maybe he even loved her but she just saw the lack of challenge in him. What did he see in her? Surely he knew they probably didn't have a future together. As for being a good lay she was sure there would be no problem in that department. The thought of John's body, mind and his performance in the cot were all too much now. "Monica, can we get a coffee or something?" She didn't want to encourage him but she was almost past caring. "Alright Jake, let me shower and change and I'll meet you in the coffee shop in about fifteen." His face glowed and she felt another pang of remorse for him, this time it was mixed with a little excitement. Monica focussed on the hot needles of shower water on her skin rather than the proverbial snakes stinging her stomach. There was no biting around the bush - she wanted John right now. Monica was a woman in touch with her feelings. She didn't have to be a psychologist to know she was substituting the thought of sex with another man tonight for really wanting to be with John. As her body relaxed under the steamy spray her mind was one step behind. "Yes," she assured herself silently. "I'll sleep with Jake tonight." Chapter Four Dressed in fresh clothes, wet hair brushed back and just a little make-up applied she decided to go past the weights room and check in. After scouring the extremities of the room there was no John. He would have finished his routine by now anyway. What would he be doing tonight? The thought of him with jade woman left a bitter taste in her mouth. She was ready for that coffee with Jake. "Monica, you look exquisite. I can hardly tell you've missed a few classes." There was that smile again. How could she think so lowly of him? He truly was a sweet guy. Yes she knew she could sleep with him just not have a long term relationship. A bit of sex on the side with this man was certainly a pleasant option. "Well Jake I promise not to miss a class again. You here tomorrow?" Monica was a little perkier now. "Saturday's my day off but I'll be here Sunday." He ushered her to the counter where they ordered their coffees. "I've decided that I'm going to have to get into more regular exercise." "Good for you. So I'll see you in my Sunday class?" Monica decided this was her time to make a move if she was going to get anywhere with him tonight. "Jake." She rested her hand on his arm and looked into his eyes, talking in a hushed tone. "You can see me sooner than that if you want." It took a few seconds for it to register but when it did it was as though he'd just won the lottery. Monica laughed at his reaction. He leant over quietly and spoke, "Your place or mine?" Monica had already thought about this. She just wanted to sleep with him, nothing more so if she stayed at his place she could slip out whenever she wanted. "I'd love to see your bedroom, Jake." "Okay." He was obviously surprised he was going to get lucky tonight. "I'll just go get my gear from my locker and we can meet out front." He leant over and gave her a kiss on the cheek as confirmation. She couldn't believe it! Turning the corner on the way to the locker room there they were, John and jade woman. She had him pinned up against the wall and they were kissing. Not just a simple peck but a full-blown pash. Their embrace was deep and her hands were squeezing his butt. His fingers were playing just under the band of her shorts. Monica couldn't help staring at how sensuous this kiss was and imagined herself in that position. She was considering walking past them anyway but a voice stopped her from behind. "Monica?" She turned around a little jumpy. "Did I startle you?" "Oh Larry, it's you. No I was just going home actually." "I thought you were going to do a workout? I was looking forward to you coming back." "You were?" Monica was beginning to think that maybe she could have gone for Larry after all. No she'd made a commitment to Jake for tonight. "It's late now, are you in on the weekend?" "I'm in tomorrow until twelve." He moved a little closer just edging into her comfort zone. She sensed now that Larry was attracted to her too and it made her smile inwardly. "I'll be in tomorrow morning then. Do I have to make an time with you?" "No, I'll be ready for you any time. We can work through your routine together. I could give you some pointers to get that body in shape." The facial expression as he stepped back and looked down her body showed her he liked what he saw. This time Monica did smile outwardly. "Okay Larry, tomorrow morning then." He smiled and lifted a hand gently touching her upper arm then moved away, smiling. When he was halfway down the hall she turned back to where John and that woman had been. They'd gone. As she retrieved her gym bag her thoughts skipped from one to the other of the three men in her life now, Larry, Jake and John. ............................. Chapter Five Jake's loft apartment was ultra modern. Green, blue and stainless steel hit her as she was ushered in the front door. It was open plan. To the right was the kitchen with its splashes of sea pastels on the walls and stainless steel appliances. There was a rack from the ceiling with suspended utensils. This man must like to cook. She was impressed. To the left was the large lounge with dark blue sofas and a immense mat with green and blue abstract patterns. Against the wall was a large entertainment unit made of blond wood and amongst other things sported a huge flat screen television. This man must also like to entertain. The thought of him entertaining her tonight was starting to become more evident in her body chemistry. Looking up she saw the loft bedroom on a mezzanine floor, accessible only by a ladder, and over on a far wall were a few pieces of gym equipment, a bench press, a rowing machine and some free weights. "Here Monica, let me take your bag." As he placed her bag in a nearby cupboard Monica spoke, "I love this place Jake, been here long?" "A few years. It's actually my Dad's apartment, he lets me use it when he goes on his overseas trips." "Oh, where is he now?" Monica hoped his Dad wouldn't be interrupting them. Jake moved to the kitchen and Monica followed. "He's in France. He has a woman there on the outskirts of Paris. Sorry to change the subject, would you like something to drink?" "So when will he be back here?" She was still curious. "What are you having?" "Dad's hardly ever back so this is more or less my permanent home now. I have a chilled bottle of champagne in the fridge." "Have you met his lady friend?" As he opened the fridge door she noticed how well stocked it was with healthy looking food. That was something else they had in common. "The last time I had champagne I ended up getting up on stage and singing karaoke in a local bar." He laughed and pulled out the Veuve Cliquot. "Wow, French champagne, please don't open it on my account." "That's okay, Dad brought it back with him from France last time he was back. I have about a dozen more in the laundry fridge. That's also when I met Claudette. They'll probably end up marrying, they are thick as thieves." Jake popped the cork and filled two tall glasses with the sparkly liquid. "So do you like her?" Jake gave Monica her glass then ushered her back towards those blue sofas in front of the television. "Yes, she's lovely. It's just a pity that she loves her homeland so much. I miss Dad but he wants to be with her." "Have you thought about moving over there?" She sipped her drink and it immediately filled her body with proverbial honey. This drink certainly made her feel special, the perfect potion for what she was about to do. Jake sat down first and Monica decided she wanted the proceedings to go a little faster so sat close to him taking a few more sips. Jake also sipped probably a little too much in response to Monica's gesture. He was about to say that he had a life here now and that Dad and Claudette would want their privacy but Monica was on him. She'd reached over and drawn his face to hers and they kissed. It was a wet one that matched the wetness that was forming between her legs. She'd wanted sex so badly lately that it was a common occurrence for her to be ready but with no man to quench her thirst. "Monica," Jake took a breath and reached over to place his champagne flute down, then took hers and did the same. They immediately returned to kissing, this time more earnestly. She felt over his back and those hard muscles as he held her firmly. Her hands instinctively went under his T-shirt to feel bare skin and his did the same. She was glad she'd worn her sexy underwear. The expression on Jake's face was what she was she was looking forward to seeing so she let go of him and stood, slowly taking off her shirt, then edging her pants over her hips and down to drop on the floor. Jake's expression didn't disappoint. His jaw dropped and his face flushed in response to her skin clinging very pale brown, silky chemise teddy. Her nipples were hard now showing her lack of a bra. Jake got out of the seat with difficulty and Monica knew why just by looking down at his shorts. He moved closer and ran his hands over the satiny material sending mild tremors through her system. Her hand went to his huge erection and she rubbed feeling it's exciting turgidity. This would be inside her soon and she felt a wave of pure sex rage through her body. He moved closer letting her feel his sexual excitement against her. "Let's go to bed." Monica wanted this now. The thought of her climbing that ladder to his loft bedroom in her state of sexual excitement was almost dangerous. He was right behind her, she could feel his mouth on her ass kissing through the fabric. He pulled the covers back and began to undress. His bed was soft and fragrant and she watched the show lying on one pillow. The light was low but as he took off his shirt she saw just how well defined he was. His T-shirt had hidden too many of his toned assets and she couldn't wait for the pants to come off too. He also eased off his shorts exposing the most amazing erection she'd seen. The thought of it going deep inside her was almost too much. "Jake, I want you now!" She almost growled out the word . He leapt on the bed surrounding her with his arms and legs and leant down for another wet, hot kiss. His dick was pounding on her stomach but he insisted on slowly kissing down over her chin and neck and down to her still clothed body. With his teeth he grabbed the lace of the chemise top and pulled it down exposing one breast then the other. With his tongue he ran circles around her nipples then sucked them hard sending pleasurable pain through her chest. "Jake, just fuck me now!" If he didn't enter her immediately she was sure she'd come without him. He pulled her teddy off the rest of the way and dropped it to the floor then spread her legs with his knees. He guided his missile towards her entrance and then pushed in the head. Even though she was wetter than wet it took a while to push that stiff mass all the way in. The look on his face was ecstatic as he began to rock back and forth, letting the solid log glide as far in as it would go. This is what Monica had wanted for ages now, to be fucked hard by a stud of a guy. She closed her eyes and imagined it was John on top of her. Her hands went to his back, over his shoulders and down his arms as his pumping became more active. It was now John inside her, screwing her and her hands were moving over his muscly, sexy butt. It only took a few strokes more of her hands and of his cock inside her before she came. This was what she craved, a real orgasm with a real man responsible for it. The release was the sweetest she'd ever had and she thought of John all the way through the explosion of love chemicals in her body. The man on top who was now John sensed the throbbing in her loins and also came. The hot flood inside her added to her own feeling of warmth and satiety. Without speaking because that would have changed the mood he fell beside her and moved an arm around her. Without opening her eyes Monica kept imaging it was her X-Files partner holding her and began to contentedly sleep with that thought on her mind. Chapter Six The dawn light had just appeared through the skylight window when Monica opened her eyes. A glance around the room and then to her sleeping partner brought back the evening's events and she smiled. Her feelings were mixed - both guilt and sexual satiety. Guilt because she really didn't love this man and had led him on to satisfy her carnal lust. Sexual satiety because this had been the lay of her life and she definitely wanted more. Monica couldn't stay. Not waking him she slipped out of bed, collected her underwear then proceeded quietly down the ladder. After dressing and before leaving Jake's apartment she wrote him a note. She slipped out the door heading back to her apartment for a shower and fresh gym clothes. She had an appointment this morning with the second man in her life. This time she decided she was going to dress to impress. She extracted her matching primrose short-shorts and T-shirt set with white piping trim that showed just a slight hint of midriff. She added freshly cleaned Nikes and white ankle socks to the outfit. Her hair was up using a matching hair tie. "Now where's my routine sheet?" she talked to herself. It had been a while since she'd last lifted weights. Maybe Larry could adjust her routine for her to compensate. It wasn't in the pile of papers on her kitchen table or the stack of folders on her study desk. She knew she never filed it. It wasn't even pinned to her fridge with one of the butterfly magnets. Her briefcase was on the floor in her bedroom and she emptied the contents on her bed and there it was again, that damned card. The hearts popped out at her larger than life. This was definitely an X-File. No way did she put it in her bag the day before. Her mind was vivid, she'd deliberately left it on her desk after being tempted once again to turf it into the garbage bin. Something was still stopping her. Brad must have come down to see her in the office when she wasn't there and put it in her bag. That was the logical explanation. Just then her phone rang. "Monica Reyes." "Did you get it?" came a familiar voice. "Get what Brad?" feigning ignorance. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction that his Valentine's Day card had been on her mind a lot lately. "You know, the card." "Oh that, thankyou Brad." "Well..?" "Well what?" "Will you?" "Will I what?" There was silence on the other end. "Brad?" "You haven't read it have you!" It was Monica's turn to silently think as she remembered how he must have put the card in her briefcase afterall. "To be honest Brad, no I haven't. It's right here in front of me. Tell me what it says." "Monica," he paused again. "It says, and I say again that I'm truly sorry for the way I behaved in New York. I know I've told you this before but it was just the sex, she meant nothing else to me." He waited again and when she didn't respond right away he continued. "I love you Monica Reyes, I have always loved you." "Brad, don't do this." "What?" "Brad, I've told you I'm in love with someone else now." There was more hesitation. "It's that John Doggett, isn't it." His voice was forceful. "I don't know what you see in him, he's so different to you Monica. Tell me honestly. Does he love you back?" Reyes was in two minds whether to lie about John's lack of feelings for her or to totally change the subject and tell him outright what a great time she'd had last night with another man. Brad would never measure up to either Jake or John. "You sent me the Valentine's Day card, are you trying to make peace or do you want a piece of me?" "That's good Monica," He genuinely was amused by her pun. "It's February 14 tomorrow, come out with me." "I don't know." she hesitated. "Mon, really," he spoke quietly. "Please see me, I promise it will be worth your while. I've already booked `Jacques' for two for tomorrow evening." The thought of being seen and having a meal and a liaison in this high-class restaurant was all too appealing. Maybe this would be a fine time to talk about ending the relationship once and for all in such a pleasant atmosphere. "Brad, when will you pick me up?" She relented. The scene was changing. She had gone from no men to four within the space of twenty- four hours. ............. Chapter Seven "Can I help you?" Monica had walked in through the open gym door straight into jade woman who today was tangerine woman. What struck her immediately was that she indeed was beautiful looking but in a plastic sort of way, it wasn't natural beauty. How could John fall for someone like this, it was so unlike him. Maybe he was in a similar situation to her and just needed some company of the opposite sex. She wished he'd picked her. "Hello, I'm Alexandra, call me Sandy. I haven't seen you before." "Good morning Sandy, I'm Monica, no I just haven't been in this room recently. You must be new though." "Started just two weeks ago." Now that was a coincidence, John had taken the start of his leave a week ago and before that he undoubtedly had other things on his mind. Were they pangs of jealously she was feeling? "You need some help here?" "No, actually Larry said he'd help me this morning." Just then Monica heard his voice from behind. She turned and didn't see Sandy wave and move away from them. "Monica, you look wonderful." "Larry!" The scrutiny he was giving her was priceless, just what she was hoping for. There was a pang of guilt that she'd led Jake on to sleep with him but the man before her now she could go for in a big way, not as much as John but close. He placed a hand on the small of her back and led her to his desk. "Ready to get started? I can get you a copy of your latest routine if you like." "That'd be great Larry, I've misplaced my last one." "How long has it been, two weeks?" "Yes about that. I was starting to get out of the habit. I just felt so low yesterday that I thought a little distraction of this type was needed," laughing inside about her real intentions for coming back. "Well let's see." As he went to the filing cabinet Monica scanned the room hopeful but not expecting to see John again there this morning. Her spirits flagged a little at not seeing any other familiar faces. Her eyes fixed on Sandy and her interactions with the people. Even though the men were all smiles to her she didn't deal with them the same way as she'd treated John. Monica wondered whether it was appropriate to talk about him with her. She would pick the right time. "Okay, here it is, let's see," he scanned the page. "Let's start with the warm ups." Monica followed Larry to the exercise bikes. "It says here to start at five minutes then add thirty seconds more each workout session." She hopped on the bike and began peddling as Larry spoke about the rest of her routine. He read through more warm-ups, sit-ups, rowing, universal pulley weights, bench press, bar bell weights, calf raises, leg curls, power squats and then finally some warm down exercises. Larry took her step by step through her exercise list all the time touching her lightly on her body when he could. He held her ankles down during sit-ups, he felt her stomach muscles with the other hand. This hadn't gone unnoticed by her and it also hadn't gone unnoticed by John who'd walked into the room not long after she'd begun. When she was doing her tricep curls on a low bench Larry leant right over her feeling along her right arm. Monica liked this tactile attention. "Monica?" His voice was unmistakable. Even before she looked up she knew it was John. "John." She moved to sitting position. "Have you met Larry?" "Yes, we've had the pleasure." He gave him one of his cold stares. "Can we talk a moment?" "Don't be too long," mentioned Larry. "Or she'll need to warm-up again." John took her by the elbow and led her out the door into the hallway almost bumping into two people in his haste. "John, what's wrong? This is unlike you." "Unlike me!!" He pinned her against the wall then moved back realising he was a little too close. "What were you doing in there?" "I was doing a workout, John." "You know what I mean. Larry was all over you, it was so obvious to everyone." "This is my life John, why do you even care if Larry likes me. Haven't you noticed I'm a woman who enjoys the company of men?" He stood back and glanced over her body smirking. "I certainly have noticed you're a woman. In that outfit it's a bit hard to hide that fact." Monica was enjoying John's proximity and to his surprise was smiling at him. "What's so funny?" "John, why do you care? You've been avoiding me lately, you go on leave and not even call..." She trailed off wondering whether to add in the fact that she knew about Sandy. "Care about you? I care deeply about you Monica. You're my partner and it's part of my role to have concern for you." "Part of your role. It sounds like it's listed in your job description . Well John I can take care of myself." She began to walk off but he grabbed her by the wrist. "Monica," he said dolefully. As their eyes locked she saw something else in them she hadn't seen before but always hoped she'd see some day. He did care about her, his loving gaze said it all. ........................ "Don't go back in, talk to me." "I have to finish this. I just started back today after too long away. I need this, John" He nodded understanding then added, "At least let me go through it with you, don't go back to Larry." Monica could see Sandy peering through the glass door a worried look covering her face. "Wouldn't your girlfriend be a little jealous?" John followed Monica's gaze over to Sandy. He looked to the floor and flushed pink. "I saw you two kissing outside the locker room yesterday." She wanted to be open with him. "Oh that, she's my instructor and has a small crush on me that's all." "Is she the reason you've been leaving work early and taking extra care of your grooming lately?" "You noticed that?" "Any woman would notice that. You must've gone through a fortune in aftershave." Again he flushed and whispered, "It's not what you think Monica." He paused and wasn't sure whether to continue this. Monica was surprised that she hadn't been astute enough to notice anything other than a romantic link between John and Sandy. "John, what is it then, you can tell me, I'm here for you." This strong man before her wasn't often uneasy but now she could sense he was. "So what is it?" "It's...it's...," "Yes John?" From the corner of her eye she could see two figures now through the glass door. "I did it all for you Monica." "For me?" At first it didn't register. "Look, we need to talk but not here. It's a bit more complicated than that." "How about we finish our routines then meet in the coffee shop." "No Monica, I'd like somewhere more private." "How about your place?" "No!" he said a little too quickly which had Monica curious. "Come over to my place then, I can even make us some lunch." It was settled and they went to finish their routines and to face the music. Chapter Eight "Come in John. I found these really nice bagels on the way home. They are deliciously crispy on the outside just perfect with chicken, lettuce and mayo inside." "Sounds tasty." Monica was trying to lighten John's mood with her conversation. "Want a beer to go with that?" "Perfect." He followed her to the kitchen. "Look Mon, I don't want to burden you with all this." "John, how do I know if I'll be burdened at all unless you tell me what's on your mind." She arranged the bagels on plates then went to the fridge for a couple of cold beers. John took the plates to the kitchen table and placed them on adjacent angles. He moved the pile of papers and unopened letters aside to make a space for the drinks. He wanted to be close to Monica when he told her this. She brought over the beer and held one out that John took and opened. They both sat. "Do you ever open your letters Mon?" "Oh those, they're mostly bills anyway, I usually get round to them." "This one looks like a card." He picked it up and handed it to her. The perfume hit him and he wondered why she hadn't noticed this before. John hadn't seen the shocked looked on her face. "Go on open it. I don't mind." She tentatively tore at the flap. Who could this be from, it was obviously another Valentine's Day card. She pulled out the red card and read the exact words Brad had mentioned on the phone. If this was from Brad then who sent the card that was currently in her bin? She couldn't look not until she was alone. John decided not to ask. She'd tell him if she wanted to. When she'd calmed a little she realised John was there waiting patiently for her. "Now what's this you needed to get off your chest?" "I saw you last night Monica." "Why didn't you come over?" "You were with a man, I didn't want to interrupt." Monica now knew that John hadn't done any aerobics classes or he may have recognised Jake. "You mean Jake, I'd just finished one of his classes." "I saw you leave with him too. Are you sleeping with him Monica?" She was a little taken aback by this shock question. "Why are you asking me this, it's personal. I don't understand." "So you are sleeping with him?" "I've slept with him once and that was last night." John slumped slightly in his chair. "John, I don't see why this matters to you. I needed a man last night and Jake was there." To Monica's confusion he leant forward and took her hand in his. "You could have come to me." Monica couldn't believe what she was hearing and just had to get more confirmation. Was this man of her dreams saying that he wanted her too? Her hand tightened around his. The last time they'd held hands was back in New York. She'd forgotten its strength and its comfort. "John are you saying what I think you're saying? That I could have come to you for sex because that's what I wanted last night." He was silent but his eyes said it all. "My god John, if I'd only known....." "I've wanted you for a long time now Monica but it's always been so difficult with our partnership. I didn't, I don't want to jeopardise that. That's why I took a week off, to think about my feelings for you and work them through during my workouts." "What about Sandy?" "She latched onto me. It's not love, she was just there. That's where the problem lies and I was hoping you would help me through this." "I would do anything for you John. Tell me." "I made the mistake of giving her my spare house key." "You've been sleeping with her?" "Yes." He hung his head. "And you regret it but don't want to hurt her feelings by asking for it back?" He nodded and looked into her eyes. Monica thought for a while then a mischievous look swept across her face. "What is it?" "Desperate times call for desperate measures, John." ................ Chapter Nine "How good an actor are you?" Monica said she'd only divulge her plans when they'd finished lunch and driven over to John's house. Now he was unlocking his front door and ushering his partner inside. He'd also told her on the way over that he'd tried to break it to Sandy gently that they weren't suited but she'd kept coming back for more. Monica had told him that by returning her kisses and continuing to sleep with her were not the actions of breaking up with a woman. "When did you say Sandy gets off work today?" John looked at his watch, "About fifteen minutes ago." "Okay, that doesn't give us much time, come on up." Monica took John's hand and led him upstairs. "What are we doing?" She took him to his bedroom. Once inside she began, "Take off your clothes, John." "What?" "Just do it, trust me, and scatter them from the door to the bed." Monica was taking off her top. She saw his hesitation. "Come on John, it's not as though I haven't seen you naked before, well nearly naked. Take your clothes off and get into bed." She was down to her underwear when John finally began removing his clothes understanding what they were now going to do. Yes, he could act this out quite easily. Monica found it very hard to restrain herself and not look at him as he undressed. The temptation was immense just to peek at his athletic body. John didn't have as much reserve and watched in awe as she began removing her dark green satin bra and matching panties. He found himself rising to the occasion as she undid the bra clasp, flip the straps off her shoulders then whip the bra off and let it glide to the floor. Monica hadn't noticed the pronounced movements of his chest as it rose and fell when she slipped her panties off and place them on an unoccupied spot on the floor. Before Monica could see his *condition* he lifted the bedcovers and slipped underneath. At this stage she felt she could look. At the site of his bare, nicely defined chest, shoulders and arms she wondered whether she'd be able to harness her carnal desires to go through with this charade. His adorable face was looking back at her and she knew then that maybe this deception was going to be hard on him too. She also slipped under the covers and they looked at each other not believing they could be in this situation, both totally naked in bed together. Monica's thoughts went back to the previous night and she felt a tingle between her legs imagining it was John inside her, making love to her. If she could imagine that now it would help her through this sham without embarrassing herself. "This is just play acting right?" John questioned. "Yes, we'll pretend to be making love and when she catches us then hopefully she will finally get the hint." "I don't want to hurt her feelings." "I know John, but I've seen this type before, she needs something monumental to make her see the light. It's not as though she'll be all alone. I saw how the men at the gym look at her." Monica knew exactly why Sandy was after John so she had ulterior motives for this little game. "So how far do we go? What should we do?" "Well first of all we need to touch." Monica moved closer and wondered why John moved back a little. "I don't know if I can do this." "Come on John, she might be here any minute. We may not even have time to put our clothes back on." She put an arm around his back and urged him closer. It was then evident why he was having second thoughts. He was turned on by this. She felt his erection against her skin. "I think you're already in the mood for this John." "I'm sorry Monica, I just can't help it when I'm in bed naked with a beautiful, sexy woman." Monica replied by wrapping both arms around him and hugging him. "I think we should start don't you? We need to be well into it when she gets here." Their lips brushed and moved in a rhythmic, sensual pattern. Both bodies were becoming overheated with arousal at their proximity. Monica's hand went over the back she had been dying to touch. It was truly much more than she'd imagined. As he moved his arms over and around her she felt his muscles undulate and this heightened the sexual desire in her she'd harboured all this time. She remembered back to seeing him in the gym so added this image to the experience. A hand travelled up to his hair and fingers passed through its softness. She pulled him in to kiss more deeply and that was when both their mouths opened. It wasn't meant to go this far but neither of them wanted to stop. Their tongues were now touching and entwining. In between fevered kissing they were apologising to each other. This was not acting any more, it was real. "Oh Monica, I can't stop." "Me neither." They moved even closer shifting their bodies on one another feeling the friction of their bare skin. Monica ran her foot down John's leg and touched his toes with her own. John rolled over on top of her still kissing and she felt his cock pushing on her primed opening. "I want this John if you do." She was breathless and her body was flushed. The front door closed but neither of them heard. "You won't regret it?" "Just do it John, I love you." She moved up to catch his mouth again. She was hungry for his loving. Just as Sandy entered the bedroom and was about to talk John pushed hard into Monica, the covers fell off their bodies and she screamed delight. "Oh John! Fuck!" Sandy saw everything. Here was the man who she thought was her boyfriend screwing the woman she'd just met that morning. Monica and John were too distracted puffing, groaning and moving breathlessly to notice. Their lovemaking was frenzied. No way was this acting, she could see and hear everything. Her heart hit rock bottom just knowing that this man was making love to this woman with so much more vigour than she ever knew. "Harder John!" As John moved on top and as Monica met his hips with her fierce thrusts Sandy saw them both reach sexual heights together. She was mesmerised and literally couldn't move. "I'm coming! I'M COMING!" "Ahhhhh, Monica. This is go-ooood!" He whispered when his fervent pushing neared her face. "Ah sh-iit!! Fuck!! Go deeper!" Monica lifted her knees up, then her legs and rested her calves on his shoulders and he responded by forcing his hot turgid cock in as far as possible with determination. There were deep sepulchral groans from both of them and their movements appeared laboured and bodies mixed sexual juices. Sandy was still a statue at the door watching the X-rated play. John and Monica slowed their movements showing they'd just had both been mutually sated. Sandy saw John lightly rest his body on Monica's and give her a glorious kiss. "Oh John. I love you." Monica let out all the feeling in her voice she'd been saving up for this moment. At this point Sandy turned and ran down the steps. The couple in the bed had no inkling they'd been watched. They'd totally forgotten why they had been in bed in the first place. All thoughts were on just what had happened, this amazing sex. It wasn't until later when they both showered and dressed and found the spare key on the kitchen bench that they knew Sandy had seen them. Their gaze locked and they both chuckled at the visual image of what she must have witnessed. Chapter 10 As Monica walked up to the gymnasium doors for her Sunday morning aerobics class she thought back over the events of the previous day. Her feelings once again were mixed with remorse, nervousness and harmony. Remorse because she was going to have to tell Jake about the change of circumstances yet he was really a lovely man and definitely hot in bed. She was nervous about meeting Sandy's eyes. Monica breathed deeply and thought about how she would handle that situation. Hopefully this would be Sandy's day off and she could deal with that added discomfort another day. Her overwhelming feeling however was harmony. She now knew that John wanted her and the time they had spent in bed the previous afternoon and evening almost clouded the other emotions. He was more than she'd ever imagined. No wonder Sandy was coming back for more. John would now be parking his truck in the carpark after dropping her off at the roadside. They'd both discussed that morning in bed about going back to the gym and decided this was a mutual interest of theirs and they could overcome the relationship obstacles that lay before them. She pushed the front door and surveyed reception. Sunday morning she knew was one of the busiest. There were quite a few people milling around some in groups, some alone. Looking over to her right was the coffee shop and there on one of the tables coffee cup in hand and looking absently into space was Jake. Her heart skipped a beat as she prepared herself to confront him. This was inevitable, she had to let him know about her relationship with John as gently as she could and now was as good a time as any. With gym bag over her shoulder she marched over and as she approached, he looked up as if by instinct knowing it was her. "Monica," He rose out of his chair and gave her a hug and a kiss on the lips. This was allowed, she didn't want to hurt him any more than she needed to. "This is for you." "What? For me?" He gave her an envelope and she knew immediately what it was. "Go on, open it." Monica tried not to show her tentativeness. How was she ever going to tell him after this? "Read it Monica." His face was aglow with anticipation. "Okay," she began slowly. > "Oh Jake, that's so sweet." Her eyes began to well up with tears and she felt her nose sniffle. "I tried to ring you last night." He changed the subject a little while Monica composed herself. "Yes I was out." At this point she realised she was still standing. "Mind if we sit down?" "Sure." Very gallantly he pulled the chair out for her. "I kept trying a number of times. I even called part way through the night." Still clutching the open card she knew this was the time to come clean. She felt deeply for him especially after giving her this card. "Jake, I was out all night." "All night?" "I was with a man.' She saw his expression change but had to make it crystal clear to him. "I was sleeping with the man I love." His face went sullen and his head slumped. Monica placed her hand gently on his shoulder. "Jake, I never meant to hurt you. I needed sex right them, I was confused. Our love-making was truly wonderful but I love John and need to be with him." He was still silent. How could she possibly make this up to him? She felt his pain. "I am truly sorry, if I'd known that John and myself felt the same way for each other I would never have led you on, really, I hope you believe me." "Monica," he stammered. "Does this mean we can't be friends?" She went in and took his hand in hers. "Jake, I would love to be your friend," she smiled. "And I want to keep taking those classes of yours." Just then John came up to them. "Is this him?" Jake questioned. Monica turned just as John wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground not even noticing the man at the same table. When she had her feet firmly on the ground again he kissed her. "I'd totally forgotten, it's Valentine's Day today." She hadn't seen him quite so happy as he was then. Monica smiled but also realised that Jake may have been feeling a little uneasy over this show of affection so changed the subject quickly. "John, have you met Jake? He's a friend of mine and my aerobics instructor." "Hello Jake." He held his hand out to shake Jake's. Monica was madly hoping that John wouldn't find out about their sexual encounter. Jake got up to return John's handshake then mentioned, "Monica, are you coming to my ten o'clock class?" "I'll be there." "Good to meet you John. I'll see you two later." As he broke the handshake and left Monica breathed a sigh of relief. Jake was a good man, she was sure he wouldn't kiss and tell. "So, it's Valentine's Day and it's the first whole day that we're lovers. What say we celebrate tonight. I'll take you out somewhere nice." He looked into her eyes and saw something he didn't expect. Was she going to turn him down? "John, I forgot, I have a date with Brad." "What?!" "Brad sent me a Valentine's Day card then phoned me and asked me out to Jacques tonight." "Break it off Monica. I don't know what you see in that prick anyway. Just say you have a new boyfriend and tell him to fuck off!" "It's not that easy, he's pretty persistent and if he were to find out about you he'd make it even harder on me." "Maybe we should try the tricking into bed routine you played on me again." John gave a small snigger. "John, it wasn't a trick. I didn't think I'd lose control like that. I was trying to be strong." "Well, it took two. I wanted it as much as you." Monica couldn't help smiling. "It was pretty good wasn't it." He responded to that by again wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. "Well we're just going to have to come up with a plan of action." "What did you have in mind John?" "Come on, let's do our workouts and I'll tell you my ideas." ............. Chapter Eleven Jacques was abuzz with activity when Brad and Monica were ushered to their table. A grand piano on a low pedestal was playing soft music and the scent of food and flowers filled the room all adding to the exclusive ambience. The colour theme was plush crimson with hints of gold in this very expensive French restaurant giving it a regal feel. "Gold cutlery Brad, are you paying?" Monica smiled as she sat down in the seat that was pulled out for her by the Maitre D'hotel. "Of course. I'm just glad to have the pleasure of your company tonight." Brad looked across with one of his cocky grins. "So where's the love of your life tonight?" he said with a lift of the eyebrows. "Don't do this Brad." Just then the waiter brought menus. "Madame et Monsieur, my name is Guillaume and I will be your waiter tonight. May I get you any drinks?" Monica found herself inwardly laughing wondering if that French accent was real or manufactured. Brad looked across to Monica with a questioning gaze. "Champagne? There's no other drink on Valentine's Day in my book." "Okay, champagne it is." "May I recommend the Taittinger Brut Reserve," mentioned the slim dark-haired waiter. "Perfect, thankyou." When the waiter left they both perused the menus. Just then Monica's eyes shifted up, looking past Brad to who was walking in the door. She smiled and then looked back down at her menu. Brad had no inkling about what was going to transpire tonight. "I've never had Anchoiade before, sounds tasty," mentioned Monica. "Anchoiade?" "Yes, it says here " "I don't usually like anchovies but I'm willing to try something new tonight." He reached across and lay a hand on hers. She withdrew it and noticed the hurt, puzzled expression on his face. He was truly a good-looking man but he was not for her. Brad was too controlling, too high and mighty. Monica wanted a man who was passionate, caring and accepted her for the intuitive, insightful person she was. Even though John didn't always agree with her reasoning she loved the fact that he could challenge her. He stimulated her intellect, he guided her thinking to other possibilities. She also liked that she was having an influence on him too, she was slowly bringing him around to her thinking. Once again she changed the topic. "I like the sound of the Scampi with Fresh Thyme," she mentioned hoping this would distract his thoughts. "Monica, what's wrong?" "I told you Brad, I'm in love with someone else. I'm only here as a friend and to talk with you about this." "If it's not John Doggett then who is it?" As he said this her eyes averted to the two people on a table close by. This time Brad noticed and followed her gaze to John and an unknown attractive woman then back to Monica." "What's he doing here?" Brad's voice was tinged with annoyance. "I suppose the same as you, out for a Valentine's Day meal with a female companion." "Did you put him up to this Monica?" He spoke out of the corner of his mouth. "Brad, why would I do that?" He leant over the table. "I don't like him Monica. He is hot-headed and shows reckless regard for regulations." "Brad you don't know him, he's not at all like that, he's a good man." Her eyes looked up and there was John by their table. "Well, well, small world! Hello Mr. Follmer. Hello Monica. You're looking wonderful tonight." He leant down and gave her a kiss. This was more than just a peck on the cheek. It was a full-blown passionate kiss on the lips. The look of surprise on Brad's face could have been framed. "What the f...?" Before Brad had the chance to say anything more John broke the kiss and mentioned, "Hope you don't mind if I take Monica off your hands for a moment, we need to talk." He didn't wait for Brad to reply, just took Monica's hand and headed for the restrooms. When they were just out of sight in the hallway they stopped. "Hope he follows us." "I know Brad," mentioned Monica. "He'll follow." "Okay then here's hoping he gets the hint." John pinned Monica up against the hallway wall and began kissing her again. Their bodies were so close as they put all their energies into this one burning embrace that was to convince Brad to leave Monica alone, that she truly was in love with this passionate, sexy man before her. They'd decided that their love was more important than the jobs so wanted to go all out, too bad about the consequences. John lifted the hem of her top and rested a hand on her bare back. She ran hungry fingers over his back through his shirt. It didn't matter how long it took for Brad to catch them because they didn't want to stop. It only took a moment for Brad to appear around the corner and he was stopped in his tracks at the sight. All Monica had been saying about being in love with someone else hadn't really hit home until now. The woman he'd hoped to win back was kissing John Doggett and it wasn't just an ordinary kiss, it was fiery and sensuous. John pressed harder into her until their hips were grinding closely. Brad felt a presence close by to him just as Doggett said breathlessly, "C'mon Monica, we gotta finish this some place." He took her hand and once again disappeared around the corner. This time Brad didn't follow. He was stopped by the voice beside him. " Yes, I was fooled too." Brad looked across towards the sound and saw the beautiful woman Doggett had been with in the restaurant. "You fooled?" Wanting her to elaborate. "Yes, I had a bigger shock." Sandy and Brad were still both looking in the direction Reyes and Doggett had gone. "I found them in bed. They just sizzled together. I just couldn't compete." Brad once again gazed at this woman and wondered how she had come to this place with Doggett if she'd caught him in bed with another woman. "You found them in bed? Why are you here?" Sandy just laughed. "He told me about you." "Doggett told you about me? Why? What did he say?" "A powerful FBI guy, I like that. What he didn't tell me was how hot you look. By the way I'm Alexandra." She held out a hand. Brad took her hand and shook producing his first smile since sitting at the table with Monica. "Hello Alexandra. Should I call you Alex?" She was about to correct him but reconsidered. She'd let this man call her anything he wanted. "Well I haven't been called hot in a long time." Brad liked the look of what he saw in front of him. "Want to sit with me? They probably won't be coming back for a while. I think we both know what they're doing." Brad agreed. After thirty minutes Monica and John were back sitting at Monica's original table. Their faces shone as they sipped their champagne as celebration. The plan had worked and maybe Sandy and Brad would even thank them later. When the waiter brought them their meals there were all round laughs at his expression. Eventually he understood and the evening went on wonderfully. Neither of them thought about or cared what would happen workwise as a result of tonight's incident. They'd face the music tomorrow. Tonight they would enjoy each other's company. Chapter Twelve. John was waiting in the taxi downstairs as Monica was collecting a few things together before staying at John's house for the night. The evening at Jacques had been a fairytale. Sandy had gone home with her beau and Monica had her knight in shiny armour. Her expression was pensive as she went back to the kitchen to collect a bottle of wine from the fridge. A little wine in bed then some hot sex were just the things to cap off the night, then it was back to work tomorrow. On her way past the garbage bin a thought caught in her mind, that other Valentine's Day card. She remembered back to opening Brad's real card and knew he hadn't sent her two. She placed her overnight bag on the bench nearby and leant down to pick the envelope out. Again the hearts popped out at her but this time they displayed a different image. She knew who this was from but there was still that nagging doubt. Would she open it and be bitterly disappointed if it wasn't from John or would she just return it to the garbage unopened convincing herself it was from him? A few circles were worn on the kitchen floor before she took the plunge. Hurriedly she tore the paper away from the card and tentatively opened it after reading the front cover. Tears began to fill her eyes as she read the contents. <> Even though he hadn't signed his name she knew that distinctive left- handed handwriting anywhere. He must have watched to see when she'd left the basement office and placed the card on her desk. Maybe he'd come back later for something he needed, had seen his card on her desk and placed it in her briefcase. The tears now had welled in her eyes and were streaming down her face, a few drops landed on the card. "Monica?" There was a soft rumble from the door. "Are you all right?" She turned to see John standing just inside her front door. He saw her tears then saw the card he had left for her and knew that these were tears of happiness. "I told the cab driver to leave." He enveloped her with his strong, protective arms and nestled his chin into her shoulder. "I can stay here with you if you want me to." "Want you to John? Why didn't you tell me this before? That you love me." "I just didn't think you felt the same way and I didn't want to complicate our working relationship." He moved back a little to look into her still streaming eyes. "All that matters now is that I have you Monica Reyes, I love you and want to make love to you." She was nodding and sobbing as he took her hand and led her to the bedroom. As they both began to undress John switched on one bedside lamp filling the room with a romantic mellow glow. Slipping under the cool sheets was a welcome change to the heat of their naked bodies. "I love you Monica Reyes." John spoke with a rough whisper. "And John Doggett I love you too." Monica gazed into his adorable eyes and smiled contentedly. "I want you in me now John. We have all night to make more love." They moved close and Monica lifted a leg over his thigh and tilted her hips to let his already stiff cock slide inside her. They had lost count how many times they'd made love in the last two days but this was still exceptional. This act was pure devotion and passion. Her body ached all over for this man and the feel of him inside her, moving in her, being one with her was more blissful than anything she had felt in her life before. The movements were slow, deliberate, never forced. Her orgasm sprung on her. Suddenly her body was filled with joy and effervescence, it had crept up on her. This man was the only one who could ever give her such wonderful orgasms. No two were the same. As John came inside her she felt more love for this man than she ever thought possible. "John, I just love you so much." The emotion was returning, as were the tears to her eyes. He planted her with tiny kisses over her face and lightly licked away her tears as they fell over her cheeks. "Monica I will always love you and I will always be honest with the way I feel about you. You are a very special woman to me." He pushed his mouth on hers for one last kiss before he leaned over to switch off the light. In the darkness he said, "Happy Valentine's day Monica." They squeezed each other tightly and then dozed not thinking about the possible storm ahead of them. The End ....................... Hope you liked it. If Valentine's Day hadn't come and gone I'd consider doing a 'Heart' trilogy. AnneB