In Your Eyes

Author's Note: This story was loosely inspired by the song "In Your Eyes", written by Peter Gabriel, and found on his "So" LP from 1986, and was written as part of Girl Friday’s Song Fest. The lyrics can be found buried within the story, for the most part, and the entire set of lyrics in full will be at the bottom of the last part of this story. This story is split into 4 parts. I hope you enjoy it, and any comments are always more than welcome!

Chapter One

"Love", John Marshall muttered to himself bitterly, as he tried to clear his head, as he flew on his business trip. John was sitting in the window seat of a 757 headed to San Francisco, where he once lived, and where his parents still lived. He had gotten a job in Phoenix two years before, right out of college, installing software for a large corporation. It sent him everywhere in the country, sometimes for weeks at a time. Eighty plus hour work weeks were the norm, but he felt the experience he was gaining was worth it. It wasn't the formula for love or a lasting relationship, as his last breakup so clearly demonstrated, but he also knew that if he did this work for a couple of years, he could basically write his own ticket, maybe even settle down. Settle down. He thought about that bitterly. He had someone at one point to do that with, but he foolishly threw that away, and he was coming to realize that he wouldn't feel the same way about anyone else. Now he was just running, working, towards some obscure goal out there somewhere. He felt lost.

John was 24, two years out of college. He was 6'2" with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was clean shaven, and had traces of an athletic physique, which he once was. He had played baseball in High School and even his first two years of college, until his left shoulder blew out. While surgery fixed the damage, it effectively ended his baseball pursuits, leaving him to concentrate on his major in Computer Science. He had worked his way through school, doing some programming and internships, and was working for the company, Dyson Software, where he had interned his last two years of college.

John had no lack of female companionship if he wanted it. He never went about relationships casually, however, which sometimes had confused his teammates when he had played baseball. Some women would throw themselves at an athlete, especially on the road, but it wasn't something John ever pursued. That's not to say he lived like a monk. He dated girls in college, and even had one very serious one in High School. His last girlfriend, Julia, was quite a stunner. She was 5'8" and had blonde hair. They had started dating his junior year at Arizona State, and they had a lot in common, at least outwardly. They both majored in Computer Science, were both introspective, but open and funny around close friends, and the sex they enjoyed was hot, almost frantic at times. Their similarities also created problems. They were both very driven, and it affected the time they spent together. While it looked like a good match to their friends, they found over time that, while they enjoyed each others company, and professed their love to each other, John had that feeling, deep down, that Julia wasn't "The One", but attributed that feeling to their lack of time together.

Still, when Julia dropped the bomb on him that she breaking up to concentrate on her career, it left him devastated. His buddies, Joe and Don, took him out and got him plastered, while he cried on their shoulders. He went on a week long bender, in fact, until one morning he woke up and felt... Nothing. He didn't hate Julia, he didn't love Julia, he just felt nothing.

As the days passed, and turned to weeks, then four months, where he found himself this day, that nothingness turned to emptiness in his heart. He felt like something was missing in his life. Sure he was as driven as ever, but he started wondering what for. Surely, there had to be a goal in this drive? He thought about it on his flight, finding himself going over in his mind just what was his goal. He didn't have the "I wanna be the next Bill Gates rich" kind of drive. His drive, he was discovering, was one where he wanted to be the best at what he did, to be comfortable, and, he found himself coming back to over and over, someone to share it with. His thoughts then turned back to the serious relationship he had in high school. It was, he reflected, the last time where everything was clear. He thought of Amanda.

--oOo--

He met Amanda Wilcox in his sophomore year in High School. She was 5'5" with auburn hair and deep brown eyes that allowed you to see into her soul if she wanted you to. Unlike John, Amanda was outgoing and gregarious. John was smitten with her, as she was with him, and they started to date. They were the veritable odd couple on the outside: Bubbly Amanda and Thoughtful John their friends liked to joke.

Those opposite qualities, however, drove them together. Amanda had an uncanny ability to get John to loosen up and be more outward towards folks, while John could get Amanda to open up to him and talk about her dreams, as well as being a calming influence for her. They found, together, that they could sit and talk for hours, read books, and listen to music. Despite their differences, they found that their musical and literary tastes were identical. Yes, they could sit and talk, but Amanda could also drag John to parties, and get him to open up to others. He found, once at ease, he had a rapid fire sense of humor, which left everyone on the ground in laughter. He also found at times, however, that his insecurities would pounce on him, and he would sometimes go off on long walks, then long drives, once he got his license, to think, to wonder where things were going.

Amanda found this last habit to be a little irritating sometimes, but also knew he'd come back. Her love for him hit her like a freight train, and knew that he loved her, but was a little frightened by the intensity of it.

Amanda had transferred to Woodside High School her sophomore year from Oregon, when her family moved over the summer. She was always outgoing, to the point of severely irritating her older sister, Rachel. Rachel took to calling Amanda 'Katie Couric', making fake puking sounds whenever Amanda really got in one of her perky moods, which was quite often.

When John and Amanda started going out, she really liked the calming influence John had on her. It made her look inwards at times, and she knew from those introspective times that John was the one for her. She found it funny that John could be such a jock and a nerd at the same time, and knew he needed to be brought out of his shell. So, she dragged him to parties, especially with his teammates, and he seemed to open up. When they would dance together, she could sometimes feel his bulge against her stomach and giggle inside. She knew he wanted more, as did she, but she knew he would take things slowly. They were young, still a little unsure, and if things were meant to be, it would happen in its own time.

They went everywhere together, and spent the school year happily entranced with one another. When they kissed for the first time, during Christmas vacation, they literally felt electricity running between them. As John thought back on that first kiss, he remembered the intensity, the weak feeling in his legs, but most of all the look in her eyes when they parted lips and looked at one another. Even after six years, he still remembers seeing her soul. The fire, the shiny light, the pure heat in them. He felt complete.

He remembered a year later, when they made love for the first time. Amanda's parents were gone for the weekend and John was over at her house. They made out very passionately, their kisses of molten steel, and their hands roaming over each other, the feeling of heat as their bodies felt hot hands touching them. He remembered her taking off her shirt, seeing her beautiful perfect breasts, milky white and so soft.

He remembered her moans as he lowered his mouth to her nipples, the feeling that his cock would rip his jeans to shreds, especially when she put her hand on it, feeling him through the material. He would never forget the first time he unbuttoned her pants, and placed his hand under her panties for the first time. The softness of her skin, the coarseness of her pubic hair, the wetness of her pussy. She had reached for him as well, and he remembered trying as hard as he could not to shoot off when she put her warm small hand on his cock.

Their petting, which they had done some of before, but never to this degree, made them both dreamy eyed, which Amanda momentarily broke by taking his hand and leading him into the bedroom. Once inside, they had undressed each other, slowly, revealing one to the other fully for the first time. John could not get over the softness of her skin, seeing her chest flush with arousal, seeing her matching auburn pubic hair in the light, the puffiness of her pussy lips with the moisture dripping from the edges.

Amanda could not get over seeing John's lanky but muscular build, the hairs on his chest which she found she loved to rub her face against, and his cock.. Oh my! It was larger than she figured, although, in fact it was average. She noticed that it bobbed up and down seemingly with his heart beat. She laid down and motioned him to her.

He got onto the bed, bringing a condom with him. She watched in fascination, as he opened the package and rolled the condom onto his cock. She told him she was ready, and he got in between her legs. She positioned him and he started inside her, feeling, even through the condom, the tightness encircling his entire being. Even though they were inexperienced, and didn't know a lot about sex at all, he pushed slowly, knowing the first time might be uncomfortable. He encountered her barrier and looked down at her.

Those eyes. Her eyes were like they were when they kissed the first time, but now had a deeper love than ever, but a little pain. She told him to go ahead, and he pushed through her maidenhead, coming to a dead stop when she yelped in pain, a tear forming in her eyes. She told him to continue, and he continued small in and out motions, going a little deeper each time, until he was buried fully inside her. He would have liked to remember that this was a fireworks setting lovemaking session, but in reality, she felt like it was pinching a little, and he went off like a rocket after a couple of minutes. They had laid beside each other afterwards, and giggled, but both of them knew it would get better with time. It did.

As time went on they explored each other fully in their now deeper relationship. They discovered the joys of oral pleasure (John's friend Eric told him with a laugh that they did everything backwards; they were supposed to enjoy oral sex, then intercourse), and a closeness John hadn't truly shared since he knew as he reflected on it.

He remembered with a frown how it had ended. It was after graduation and John was headed off to college. He got in to Arizona State on a full academic scholarship, with the promise of being able to pitch on the team. It was a combination he could not pass up. Amanda ended up getting in to San Jose State. They told each other, they tried to keep things going while they both went to school. The letters and phone calls were like clockwork for a while, but by the end of their freshman year, when John stayed in Phoenix to take an internship for the summer, things came to a halt. They didn't want the other to be tied up and tempted to be unfaithful when they were still in a relationship, as both put a high premium on monogamy, but knew it might be unfair to the other when they were going to schools so far apart. They both cried, and were devastated by it, but they felt it would not be fair to the other to continue if they could not be together. They both decided it would be best if they opened themselves up to see other people, and to enjoy college life. Looking back on it, John felt it wasn't the best in the long run, after all.

--oOo--

John came out of his daydream as the voice over the intercom indicated that they were descending into San Francisco. He gathered his thoughts and he turned his thoughts towards the purpose of the trip. He was to go to Santa Rosa to install sales and marketing software for a winery there, Kyle Johnson Winery. While it wasn't overly close to where he had lived before, and where his parents still lived, (Santa Rosa was 50 miles north of San Francisco and his folks lived 25 miles south of San Francisco in Redwood City), he flew in on a Saturday to spend a day or so with them.

He grabbed his suitcases, and together with his laptop, he went towards the curb, for the shuttle buses to take him to his rental car. He had told his parents, Jim and Barbara, that he would meet them at their home. He called them when he arrived to let them know he'd be there in about an hour, traffic permitting. Traffic was always a dicey thing in the Bay Area, and dicey it indeed was. It took him over an hour to get the 20 miles from the airport to the exit on the freeway that would take him to his parent’s house.

He pulled into the driveway, and his mother came out to greet him. She had a big smile and tears in her eyes.

"Oh John, it's so great to see you", Barbara gushed.

"Aww mom, it's great to see you too", John replied.

"Come in, come in. Dad is still at work, but he should be home soon. There was a problem at the plant, so he had to go in today."

"Great! It's been a while since I've been home."

"I know", Barbara replied with a pout. She was an expert at guilt, and John knew it.

"I'm sorry, but I really have to do this for a while, so I can put myself in a position where I can live where I want and do the work I really love", John replied. That work was systems design, helping companies figure out what software and hardware they needed. He knew most of it already, but knew he needed to move up the totem pole to be credible, especially on his own.

"I know, and I understand", his mother replied. "Still, it wouldn't kill you to take some vacation time and come home a little more often."

'Man, she's good', John thought with a chuckle to himself. He tried to keep in touch once a week, but sometimes his travels made it difficult. He loved his folks, but was glad for the freedom.

"Oh, Eric called. He said you had told him you were coming to town."

"Yes, I did", John replied. "I might spend a couple of hours with him, but I came down here first to see you and Dad."

Barbara smiled, "I know that John, but it's alright if you spend a little time with Eric. I know you haven't seen each other in a while."

They chatted for a while and caught up on things until Jim came home. When his father came in they hugged and Jim joined in the chatting.

Barbara got up and went to the kitchen to start dinner. John and Jim followed. Jim went to the wine cabinet and took out a bottle of white wine. He opened it and took out two glasses. He then looked over at John and blushed a little as he took a third glass out.

"Sorry about that John. Even though you're 24, it's weird sometimes to offer a drink to your son."

"That's alright, Dad", John replied with a chuckle.

--oOo--

A couple of hours later, John was headed over to Eric's house. John's stomach was comfortably full from his mother's knockout Sweet and Sour Pork, which she knew John loved. John drove up to Eric's apartment and knocked on the door. Eric swung the door open.

"Einstein!", Eric exclaimed.

"Motor Head!", John replied, as they embraced in a bear hug.

"Damn, it's great to see you, John."

"Same here, man."

"Hey, so how have things been", Eric asked.

Eric and John had been friends since they were 10. They knew each other extremely well, their ups and downs, their dreams, and their outlook on life. Eric was into cars in high school, although he had since gone into Finance, and was working his way up the ladder at a large company in San Francisco.

"Oh, it's been going alright, I guess", John replied.

"Uh, huh, right! You still broken up over Julia?"

"Actually that's what's funny. I mean, yeah, I was for a while, you know that, but now I just feel, I don't know, empty."

"Empty? In what way? Empty without Julia?"

"No, not that. You know, even though her and I had dated for quite a while, and we seemed to have everything in common, there was something that didn't feel, complete, I guess the word would be."

"You know, John, that really doesn't surprise me", Eric said softly.

"It doesn't?", John exclaimed.

"Not at all. I didn't want to tell you this, my friend, while you were going with Julia, or any of the others for that matter, but sometimes your phone calls, and when you were together seemed, I don't know, forced. Maybe that's not the right word, but I didn't see that connection. I mean sure, you were both in the same field, but I could tell that Julia was all career. As for you, while you're still the brainiac I've always known, you just haven't seemed quite the same, quite as happy since, well, you know who."

John knew and it showed in his face and eyes. Eric saw this and inwardly winced. He didn't want to see his friend feel that hurt, that pain again.

John cleared his throat audibly, "Well, uh, how are things going with you?"

"They're going well", Eric replied, "I mean I'm pretty much over Sue, and I'm back in the saddle again." He said this last part in his best Gene Autry, which made them both laugh.

"Yeah, I know what you mean", John replied. "How's your folks and your work?"

"Both are great! My folks are, you're not going to believe this, getting a motor home. Dad's taking early retirement, and they're going to see the country. My job is doing well, and I may have a prospect with a pretty young thing in Accounts Payable by the name of Becky."

"That's great news, Eric! I think it's funny though about your parents getting a motor home. I thought you were the motor head. Now the motor head's parents have a Motor Home!" They both laughed.

"Speaking of which, do you still do that old drive off in your car thing?"

"Nah, not so much anymore", John replied, "besides I'm usually so damn busy I don't have time to think, and when I'm home in Phoenix, it's usually hang out with Joe and Don time or just sleep. Since I live alone, I have more time alone than I know what to do with. I found over the years that driving off isn't what it's cracked up to be."

"Yeah, that's good. Your friends down there are great, by the way. I had a blast at Spring Training last year down there with you guys", Eric replied.

"Yeah, I'm surprised you made it to the plane getting back", John laughed.

"Yeah, I know. It took me three days to recover from my 'vacation'", Eric said with a chuckle.

"Hey, I practically needed a week to get over hosting your vacation!" They both started laughing uncontrollably.

"Well, maybe I can return the favor. Are you up for going out for a bit?", Eric asked.

"By all means, but I have to drive to Santa Rosa in the afternoon tomorrow, so we can't overdo it. Besides, we're getting old, so we can't party like we used to."

"Speak for yourself, geezer", Eric replied with a laugh.

--oOo--

They went to Foster City, where there was a great Sports Bar. They hung out and talked, catching up as friends do. They both watched the baseball game, and it happened to be the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks.

"So, are you an Arizona fan now?", Eric asked, teasing John.

"Hell no", John replied, "besides which who would ever follow that abomination they call a football team there in the fall!"

"Ahh yes, it's like the old days with the Giants. 'Empty Seat Night', where thousands of fans dress up as empty seats."

John laughed, "Or how about Personal Concessions Night, when there were more folks hawking Beer and Hot Dogs then there were actual paying customers!"

They both laughed and went on like this for a while. After a little while, they were both watching the game in silence, both nursing a beer. Eric looked over at John and, while John was his usual joking self, Eric noticed something, that same thing in his eyes. That sadness.

John, on his part, had been thinking about his life, and about Amanda again. He wasn't sure if Eric knew what had happened to her; her parents had moved shortly after high school, and wasn't sure if he wanted to open that wound again. The more he thought about it, however, the more he knew it couldn't hurt to ask. If she was gone, she was gone, and he could move on with his life. But if there was a chance...

"Uh, Eric?"

"Yeah, whassup?"

"Do, uh, you, know... Damn, why can't I get it out", John said in frustration.

"Are you asking what I think you are?", Eric asked. As he looked at his friend, he indeed knew.

"Yes, I guess so. What happened to Amanda? Do you know?"

"Are you sure you want to hear it?", Eric asked. John had never asked Eric before about Amanda, even though Eric had stayed in the area after John moved to Phoenix. Eric could also tell that it was eating away at his friend, and he wanted to help him.

"Yes, yes I do", John said with determination. "I just need to know what happened so I can go on with my life, let it go finally."

"Alright, but why don't we get ourselves a Brandy and relax, this might take a while", Eric replied.

They ordered a brandy and moved over to one of the table in the back corner, where it wasn't so loud.

"Well, as you know, Amanda and Margie, my ex-girlfriend, were good friends. I think they still stay in touch, although I don't keep in touch with Margie for obvious reasons."

John remembered that Eric and Margie had broken up as Eric was unfaithful to her when they were in college. John knew about this, but kept quiet out of respect to his friend. When Margie found out, it was all over. While John didn't blame Eric (Eric still had a little growing up to do at the time), it led, indirectly, to John and Amanda breaking up. Neither one of them wanted the same pain that being unfaithful brought, and weren't going to be unfaithful to one another as long as they were together, so instead they made a potentially bad situation worse with the pain of a breakup.

"Anyway", Eric continued, "Amanda was crushed by the breakup as I knew you were. She dated a couple of guys, and one looked serious at the time that Margie and I broke up. That was a couple of years ago of course. Still though, Margie told me that Amanda had this look about her, and looking at it now, it's probably the same look you've had since your breakup."

"So you have no idea where she is", John asked. He was crushed anew, as he felt she was gone.

"Well, I know Rachel, her sister, still lives in the area. She manages the big supermarket in Redwood City now", Eric replied. That got John thinking a little.

"I hate to bring this up, Eric, but how do you feel, about Margie I mean. I know you were a little broken up, but you still had wild oats to sow."

"I did, that's for sure. I feel that I screwed that up, literally." Eric smiled sadly as he said it. He continued, "Still, even though I look back on it now and realize I was an idiot, I also know I didn't have even a fraction of what you and Amanda had. Just looking at the both of you, as sickening as it was, said it all." Eric chuckled, as did John, albeit not very enthusiastically.

"Well, I guess it was for the best", John sighed.

"No it wasn't Einstein, and you know it", Eric stated.

They soon left the bar, and headed back to Eric's place. They talked for a little while longer about other things, then John got up to leave.

"Well, it's been great to see you, Eric."

"It's always great to see you. Keep in touch, John."

As John was walking out, Eric said, "You know, it might be an idea to contact Rachel. Who knows?"

"You might be right", John replied as he walked towards his car.

--oOo--

John woke up the next day, in his old room, and looked around. It had been redecorated into a guest room since he moved out, but it still felt a little strange, like he was transported back in time. As he looked, he thought about that long ago time, and about Amanda. As he did so, he got hard, hard as a rock. He found himself stroking himself, almost unconsciously, thinking about Amanda, her face, her gorgeous breasts, her responsiveness when she orgasmed, the smell of her hair, and her eyes. Almost before he realized it, he was at the brink, and exploded into his hand. He came hard, harder than he had in a long time. He took some tissues, cleaned himself off, and went to go shower.

As he sat down to breakfast, he talked to his folks, catching them up on how Eric was doing.

"So, it sounds like he's finally grown up", Barbara said.

"Aww mom, he was never that bad, he just, well, needed to sow some oats."

"Well, I guess you're right", his mom replied.

John suddenly had a thought as he thought about last night.

"Mom, do you shop at that big supermarket?"

"Sometimes, John, although you know I like the local one around the block. Why do you ask?"

"Well, it may be stupid, but do you know that Rachel Wilcox works there?"

"Yes, I sometimes run into her over there..." Barbara caught herself. She looked at her son, and smiled inwardly. 'Maybe this is the time, maybe he's ready', she thought.

She continued, "Although her name is Rachel Miller now. She got married a couple of years ago."

John looked at his mother. He caught a hint of a smile as he asked her, and he wondered what she knew, and what she thought about what they both knew was on his mind.

"Anyway", John said, "Do you ever talk to her?"

With his thoughts and turmoil of the last few days, hell, the last few years, he was on the verge of tears, and Barbara saw it immediately. She grabbed his hand, and took him into the den.

"Now, is there something you want to tell me? To ask me? Do you want to know about Amanda, Honey?", Barbara asked.

John broke down sobbing. "Oh mom, I really screwed that up, didn't I? I believe I've thought of her ever since we broke up. I know it may not have seemed like it, even to me, when I was dating other women, but nothing has felt like it did with Amanda, nothing!"

"It's alright, John", his mother replied, handing him a tissue, "You did it to each other. You were so worried about hurting each other that you hurt each other worse in the long run."

John looked up from his hands as his mother said this. "What do you mean each other? What do you know? What has Rachel told you?"

"You did it to each other", Barbara replied. "You both, from seeing you and from what Rachel has told me, haven't truly been the same since the breakup. Sure, you've been joking, and happy, but you haven't been truly happy since you split up, even after all this time. From what I hear from Rachel, Amanda sounds like she's the same way."

"Oh, mom, what can I do? Where is she? I want to go see her!"

"Well, from what I know, she lives up north now, near where you are going, in fact. She's working in Marketing, but I'm not sure where." Barbara lied. She didn't like to do that, but wanted her son to make the discovery.

"Well, I'll look for her this week, while I'm up in Santa Rosa. She may hate me, she may slap my face, but I just have to know if she feels any of this, I just have to", John wailed.

John calmed down, and they talked for a little while, a bit about Amanda, and a bit about where John was going in Santa Rosa. John realized that his mother seemed to have a lot of affection for Amanda, affection he had never seen before, or maybe just didn't realize in his teenage years.

At one point Barbara admonished John, saying, "Son, you're getting old before your time. You're driving yourself too hard. You need to slow down."

"I wish I could, mom, but what else is there for me? I hope I find her, and maybe that will change things, if she'll even talk to me."

As John left, and bid goodbye to his parents, he got in the car, and started driving to Santa Rosa.

After he left, Jim said, "Honey, I hope he'll be alright. He seemed to be pretty broken up about something."

"I think for the first time in a long time he will be just fine", Barbara replied to her husband. "I just hope Rachel's evaluation of Amanda is accurate."

Barbara left about 1/2 hour later to head down to the big Supermarket where Rachel worked. She knew that Rachel worked on Sundays, at least she seemed to be there when Barbara went to that store on Sunday.

--oOo--

She walked into the store, and asked if Rachel was in. A couple of minutes later, Rachel came out of the office, and looked at Barbara. While Barbara's smile seemed to say everything, Rachel couldn't be sure until they had a talk.

"Hi, Rachel", Barbara said.

"Hi. Come with me", Rachel replied, taking Barbara by the hand back to her office.

"John's in town, as I told you last time", Barbara started off.

"Yes, how is he doing?", Rachel asked.

"Fine, just fine, but he's had a revelation it seems", Barbara said with a smile.

"Do you mean..."

"That he asked about Amanda, that he cried on my shoulder about how much he screwed up, and how he feels that so much has been wasted, yes."

"Oh God, I hope Amanda sees this, that they both see it. I don't want my sister to go through the rest of her life not knowing if it could have worked."

"How bad is it, Rachel", Barbara asked worriedly.

"Well, it sounds like she is the same way that John is, but in some ways, worse. She has lost that bubbly spirit she had, Barbara. She just is, if you know what I mean. It was so stupid of both of them to break up over something that may happen but deep down they both had to know never would have happened."

"You mean being unfaithful", Barbara added.

"Exactly! They were so caught up in trying not to destroy each other over some phantom never-will-happen indiscretion that they ended up destroying each other anyway."

"Sometimes I regret John has such strong moral feelings, in that regard. He has always felt that if you're with someone, you're with them period."

"Amanda was always that way, too. I think if they didn't feel so much the same and so strongly, they never would have fallen in love as hard as they did", Rachel replied.

"Well, if your information is correct, and mine is, we will find out soon enough. Are you going to tell her?", Barbara sighed.

"No. I don't know how she'll react. She's been so different the last few years. That's something they both have to find out together, when they finally see each other. I hope they see it, both of them!"

"I do too, Rachel", Barbara said somewhat sadly.

--oOo--

John checked into his hotel and flopped down on his bed. He felt defeated. After the draining talk with his mom, even the long drive didn't fully revive him. He felt vulnerable, his emotions naked, no pride.

He checked the phone book for Amanda Wilcox, and while he didn't see Amanda's name he saw a couple of 'A Wilcox' in the phone book. He picked up the phone five, six times, even started to dial the first one, then hung up the phone. He kept gathering up the courage to call, to make something of the moment, but the moment kept slipping away.

"Well, I'll try tomorrow, after work, and this time you idiot, you will follow through", he yelled at himself in the mirror.

Exhausted and emotionally drained, he didn't feel like eating, but knew he had to, or he would be a mess for the meeting tomorrow. We made his way down to the hotel restaurant and picked at a steak, which he never came close to finishing. He went back up to his room and took a Brandy out of the Mini Bar. He poured it into a water glass and laid on the bed. He thought about the day, and thought about his search the next day. As he tried to put those things out of his mind, he soon fell asleep as exhaustion took over. He never even got undressed.

--oOo--

John walked into the offices of Kyle Johnson Winery dressed in his best suit, his laptop and materials in hand, as he walked up to the receptionist.

"Hi", the receptionist said.

"Hi!", John said, almost in a happy tone. Even though he didn't follow through on the phone call the night before, he thought he was revived, like a journey was about to end. In fact, his defenses were shot and he was running on fumes.

"May I help you?"

"Oh, sorry, ma'am. I'm John Marshall from Dyson Software here to see Lori Phillips."

"Oh, yes, you were expected, Mr. Marshall, please have a seat."

John chuckled a little to himself. Even though he was a businessman, and interacted with other business folks all the time, it still made him chuckle to be called 'Mr. Marshall'. He was only 24, after all.

After a few moments, a woman in her late '40s came out the door and walked over towards John.

"Hello, Mr. Marshall, I'm Lori Phillips." Lori was the VP of Sales and Marketing.

After taking a discrete look at her left hand, which had a wedding ring on it, John replied, "Good morning Mrs. Phillips. Nice to meet you. Please call me John."

"Certainly, John, and it's a pleasure to meet you as well. Please call me Lori and follow me."

John walked with Lori back and through the cubicle farm that is common in corporate America. While it was unusual for a winery to be set up in such a fashion, Kyle Johnson was probably the second largest winery in the US. Lori led John to her office, and asked him to take a seat.

"Do you want something to drink, John?", she asked.

"Yes, coffee, black with one sugar, please, it's a little too early for wine", John said chuckling.

Lori laughed, "I hear that one all the time, but one coffee coming up. I'll be right back."

Once Lori left, John thought, 'What is up with you today?' It was an uneasy feeling. His guard was still completely down, but he felt like he hadn't a care in the world, like he could open up completely, just like he was able to around Amanda way back when. He was an open book, and as such, didn't have his normal cautiousness about him.

Lori came back into the room, and gave John his coffee, which he accepted gratefully. They talked about the software, and what parts and pieces Lori felt they would need for the winery. John added some suggestions of pieces for the integration that might benefit the winery in the long run, many of which weren't explained by the sales force that had come to the winery from Dyson before him, and they had a good, professional rapport.

"Well, you certainly have some great suggestions, John. How long have you been at this? I'm not being critical, in fact, you certainly seem to know your stuff."

"Thank you Lori. I've been at Dyson for a year, but I've been involved with computers since High School, going back, oh eight years or so since I first laid my hands on one. I'm hoping to eventually go into systems design."

"Well you certainly have a knack for it, and you'll probably be doing design soon, if your work meets with your thoughts."

"Thank you, Lori, I hope this doesn't go to my head." 'Geez, John', he thought, ‘you're almost flirting with the woman! Reel it back!' Try as he might, though, he just couldn't. He just didn't have the emotions left to steel himself up and shut them down.

"Well, let me introduce you to the team. They are a mix of young bucks, like yourself, as well as folks who have been here for a long time, who have a long term insight into the wine business. Ready to go?"

"Certainly, let's get started", John said, as he walked with Lori towards the conference room.

Chapter Two

John walked toward the conference room just behind Lori. As he did so, he saw a flash of something, what he couldn't quite grasp. Was it a smell, a sight of something in the next cubicle row? Something set his nerves on fire.

He walked into the Conference Room, and there were a few people in there already. John set his things down, then, feeling uneasy, discretely asked Lori where the facilities were, and he went into the restroom. He was in full flop sweat, and for the life of him, he didn't know why he reacted that severely. He tried to think if it was nerves, but he never had a problem in front of a group, so he knew that wasn't it. He took a couple of deep breaths, calmed himself, then walked out of the restroom, back towards the conference room.

When he walked in, he walked towards his seat at the head of the table, where he would be giving the overview. He heard the others talking, then he heard an audible gasp, and the room went silent. The gasp was one of surprise, one of a little pain, one that had so many emotions rolled into one. John looked up at the source of the gasp, and into those eyes, the eyes he had seen in his dreams for so long, the eyes he had seen in person so many times, so many years ago.

It was, of course, Amanda. She was talking to a colleague when she saw someone come into the room out of the corner of her eye. She stopped talking mid sentence, almost like she was seized, and looked at the man that had entered the room. She had gasped that soulful gasp, and was now frozen in place.

For John, the scene and sensations were indescribable. The whole room was looking at him, then back at Amanda, and back at him again. 'No!', John thought. 'Not HERE! Not like THIS!' He wanted to run, he wanted to compose himself, he wanted to break down, all at the same time. He saw Amanda's lower lip trembling, her eyes getting shiny, and he felt himself getting the same way.

Lori to her tremendous credit, saw the exchange, and she knew something was up with these two. More than that, there was some sort of connection, and something from their past. Even though John and Amanda were oblivious to what was going on around them, Lori announced that the meeting would be rescheduled for later, and asked everyone to leave. The group, stunned, but sensing something as well, quietly left the conference room. Lori, quietly went over to John.

"John? John? Are you alright?" John could only nod.

"Why don't you two stay in here for a little while, and come see me when you're done", Lori said.

Lori then quietly slipped out, seeing the two still frozen in place. Her Marketing Manager, Mike Edwards caught her outside the conference room.

"What just happened in there, Lori", Mike asked, in a hushed tone.

"I don't know, but it's unlike anything I've ever seen", Lori replied.

"Well, I've always sensed something with Amanda, something she hadn't found, but geez, you could feel it in that room!"

"I know. It was amazing. I don't know what those two have in their past, but they couldn't continue without talking alone."

"I agree. Should I call Dyson to get another integrator in here?"

"No", Lori said, "Let's wait and see what happens first. Things may be alright, and I suspect they will be more than alright."

Mike nodded and walked away, as Lori walked to her office, shaking her head at what she had just witnessed.

John and Amanda were still in their same positions. Amanda sitting in her chair, lower lip trembling, tears rolling down her cheeks. John was actually half sitting. He literally stopped half way into sitting down. John was moving his mouth slowly, like he wanted to say something, tears rolling down his cheeks as well.

John made the first move, completing the task of sitting. He sat down, closed his eyes, looked down at the desk, then back up at Amanda again. It was her!

Amanda said in a voice so low she could hardly be heard, "It's you. It's really you."

"It's... It's..." John could say no more, as he lowered his head to the desk and bawled like a baby.

Amanda watched this for a moment, then slowly got up a uneasily walked over towards John. She wasn't sure she'd make it to him, but she did and pulled a chair over to sit next to him. As soon as she did, John looked up at her and they fell into each others arms, weeping as they clutched at each other.

They were like this for a good half an hour. One would stop and the other would start. At one point someone opened the door, but seeing what was happening inside, quietly closed the door.

John and Amanda consoled each other wordlessly. There wasn't anything overtly sexual about it, just a grieving for what they had lost, the time they had seemingly wasted, and a discovery in seeing each other once again.

Amanda started coming around first. She stroked the back of John’s head, saying, "Shhh, it's alright, it's alright. I'm here." That started John wracked sobs starting anew, as he said, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry", over and over again.

Amanda finally pulled back a little, and looked at John. "John, honey, we need to get you out of here now. This here can wait. Let's get you home. You're a mess, honey, and we need to get you out of here. I'll go tell Lori."

John looked up at her, pitifully. Amanda returned that look with a smile, a smile that could have powered the city if need be. "I'll be right back, John."

John looked up, "Are you coming back?"

"Yes, I'll be right back."

"Alright." John felt like a two year old. He was a mess, in more ways than one. The sudden sight of Amanda had practically rendered him catatonic. He also felt a calmness that he hadn't felt in years.

--oOo--

Amanda walked over to Lori's office, almost bounded really. She hadn't bothered to wash her tear streaked face, and she didn't care who saw it. She knocked on the door, and opened it. She saw Lori looking at her, as she closed the door and stood behind the closed door.

"What just happened in there, Amanda?", Lori asked.

"A dream, Lori, a dream come true!", Amanda gushed.

"What do you mean? It's obvious that there was something between you two."

"There was, then there wasn't for a long time. Yes, we know each other. We were high school sweethearts, Lori. More than that, actually. He's back!"

"I see." Lori thought for a minute, then said, "And what's gotten into you? Your work is very good, don't get me wrong, but you usually don't say two words, and you certainly are never forthcoming with personal information."

"Actually I used to be quite the opposite, more like you're seeing me this very minute. Anyway, I need to get John out of here. Can we pick this up again tomorrow?"

"I don't think he will get anything done today anyway, so sure. Do you think he will be able to work with you, and can you work with him? We can get someone else, if it's needed."

Amanda looked shocked, "NO! He will be just fine, I promise. I just hope what happened in there today won't affect the others' perception of him."

"I'll make sure it's not a problem, Amanda. Tell him to come back tomorrow, and you go with him. I think there are some things the two of you need to work out."

"Thank you, Lori! You won't regret it."

"I have the feeling you're right, Amanda." Lori sighed as Amanda left the room and thought, 'so that's what that kid looks like when she's happy!'

--oOo--

Amanda walked quickly back to the conference room, stopping by her cubicle to grab her purse and keys, hoping John didn't panic in the meantime. She walked in and found John laying on his hands, his face on the desk, his eyes closed. She quietly closed the door, and just looked at him for a minute. She was a little worried also. Even though quite some time had passed since they had seen each other, she had never seen John react that way before. He usually was so calm, now he seemed like he was falling apart. While she was glad he didn't stomp out on her or chew her out, she always knew he wouldn't do that if they ever saw each other again. She looked at him, and felt, complete.

Amanda quietly shook John lightly, and John awoke. He looked at her and smiled. A big huge happy smile, but one tinged with exhaustion. "It wasn't a dream", John said quietly.

"No it wasn't, unless it's still going on, of course", Amanda giggled.

John finally realized where he was and jerked up. "Oh my God! What did I do? Oh geez, I've really screwed things up!"

"Shh, it's alright, John. I spoke with Lori, and I'm taking you home."

"Home?", John asked.

"My home. Apartment, actually. Look, you're in no condition to drive, so I'll take you home. We'll worry about this here tomorrow."

John offered no argument, as he slowly got up from the chair. His head was pounding, and he wasn't sure he was going to make it even to the car. Amanda quietly gathered his things, and took him by the hand as they walked towards the front door. John grabbed his laptop from Amanda as they walked, as he saw her hands were full, and they walked over to the side of the building where the employee parking was.

Amanda walked over to her car, a late model Nissan, and opened his door, then, after he got in, went to her side of the car. She started the car, and they drove to her apartment. John didn't say anything, just kept looking at Amanda as she drove. As she did so, she would look at him, and back at the road again.

They got to her place, and got out of the car, their eyes now never leaving one another. John took Amanda's hand, and felt the rush, the electricity. He felt like he had run a marathon, and was exhausted, even though it was only 10 o'clock in the morning. Amanda opened the door on her 2nd floor apartment, and John followed her in.

"Well, here it is, home!", Amanda said.

"It feels nice", John said. He meant to say it looked nice, but what came out of his mouth was really more accurate for what he was feeling. It felt nice.

"Well, you can reserve judgment for later. For now, let's get you to bed. You need to rest!"

Again, John didn't argue, as she led him into her bedroom. John didn't look around much, but noticed that the bed was a queen size, and looked like the most comfortable piece of furniture he had ever seen. He sat on the end, as Amanda took off his shoes and tie. He then stood up, and took off his socks and shirt. He started on his underwear, then looked up at Amanda.

"I know you sleep in the nude, silly, so get in bed."

John shrugged, took off his underwear, and got under the covers. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

--oOo--

Amanda went out into her living room and called her sister.

"Rache? Hi, this is your sister!"

"Hi Amanda", Rachel answered.

"You'll never guess who I saw this morning! Who is here, in my house, in my bed at this very minute!"

"Why are you at home, Amanda? I thought you were at..."

"Come on Rache, GUESS!"

"Uhh, Humphrey Bogart, although he'd smell funny."

"Nope, guess again!"

"Come on, Amanda, you know I hate guessing games, especially the morning after a late shift!"

"It's him", Amanda said quietly all of a sudden.

"Who him?", Rachel said.

"You know who!"

Quietly, Rachel replied, "Are you alright? Is John alright? I'm worried about you sis, have been for a long time."

"I'm fine. No, check that, I'm alive! Awake and alive! God, I didn't know what to think. I knew that someone from Phoenix was coming in to go over a software implementation at work, and I know John's in software, at least he would be if he stayed on the track he was on when I last.." Amanda caught herself at that with a small sob.

"It's alright sis", Rachel said, "Continue when you can."

"Anyway, I was sitting in a conference room ready for the meeting, when he walked in. I didn't know what to do, Rache! I said something, gasped I think, and John just froze, and I mean froze!"

"In a room full of people? Oh God, I'd die of embarrassment!"

"Geez, that hasn't hit me yet fully. Just where all this happened! Anyway, Lori, you know my boss' boss Lori Phillips who I've told you about, anyway, she scooted everyone out of the room, and left John and me alone in the room. I couldn't move either, sis, I was glued to my chair!"

"Wow, I hope you still have a job tomorrow, sis, and I hope he does too", Rachel replied.

"It's funny, but not only do I think it won't be a problem, but it doesn't bother me even if it were."

"That's my sis!"

Amanda then went on describing the events of the morning up to the present moment.

Rachel finally said, "So how are you Amanda? How are you feeling? More importantly, what are you feeling?"

"I wasn't sure what to feel at first, sis. I was in shock. I think John still is. However, I can tell you I feel like I haven't felt in years, five years to be precise. At the same time, as these feeling wash over me, I feel like a heel, Rache. We've wasted so much time, so much that we could have done, could have been. Oh sis", Amanda cried, "Why did we ever do such a stupid thing? Why?"

"I wish I could answer that, Amanda, I really do. What's important now is to sit and talk to John, and find out how he feels. He sounds like a wreck right now. I've talked with his mom a couple of times, and..."

"You've talked to his mom", Amanda said in surprise, "Oh she really must hate me."

"No she doesn't, actually", Rachel replied, "She told me you were the best thing that ever happened to John. She also told me, though, that John has been running himself ragged, working himself to the bone, and doing so with no goal, no end in sight, other than starting his own business. It's like he's been running with no finish line, as his mother told me that he's not sure why he's running or who he's doing it for."

"Oh God, that poor thing", Amanda replied.

"When the two of you were together, you both had goals, sure, but you seemed to know where you were going. It sounds like John lost that."

"Well, I need to talk to him, sis, find out how he really feels, and see where, and if, we go from there."

"That you do. Take care, sis, and take care of him. He needs you almost as you need him. I'll let Mom and Dad know. Oh, and sis, it sounds good to have Katie Couric back if even for a few moments", Rachel remarked.

"I love you sis, and I love John very much. I always have. I wasn't strong enough, I guess, before, to do anything about it, but if necessary, I'm willing to fight for him now. I will not lose him again!"

--oOo--

Amanda went back into the bedroom and saw John sleeping deeply. She thought about what they had, the connection that was so complete, so automatic. She had felt that connection that morning, even with the shock of seeing him. She also knew that she had been different the last few years. She would have to tell John about it, and also find out what happened to him. In the meantime her spirit, long dormant, was coming alive. She knew what she wanted to do and needed to do.

She quietly walked to where John left his pants, and looked in each pocket until she found what she was looking for. She then went out into the living room and wrote a short note, which she left on the nightstand on the side of the bed John was sleeping on and quietly left the apartment. She made it back before he woke up.

John woke up about 11:30 and slowly opened his eyes. He saw unfamiliar surroundings, and more than that, felt something unfamiliar, at least for a long time, next to him in bed. He felt warm breasts pressed up against his back, an arm around him. It was all starting to come back to him as he groaned, then sat up quickly. Amanda! The conference room! John felt the arm pulling him back down, as he laid on his back.

He laid down, and felt a rustling on the bed. As he turned to look, he saw a foot peaking out of the top of the blanket, and he felt the most wonderful feeling, as his cock was being licked by a velvet wet tongue. The reason for his bolting up in bed was quickly forgotten as he felt his cock being engulfed. He sighed contentedly, then softly reached for the foot next to him, coaxing it towards him. He pulled the foot over his chest and positioned her so that her sweet wet pussy was over his mouth.

He slowly traced the outline with his finger as he was the patch of oh so familiar auburn pubic hair. He tentatively traced her outer, then inner labia with his tongue, as he heard and felt the moan coming from around his cock. He lightly brushed her clitoris, making her moan louder. He started to lick her clitoris with more determination now: A quick series of back and forth movements, broken up by a couple of up and down movements with his tongue. He disengaged from her clitoris momentarily to place his tongue just inside her vagina. He tasted the sweet nectar and lingered for a moment, before resuming his attack on her clitoris.

The feeling on his cock was warm, calming, and electric all at the same time. Amanda was now sucking up and down on his shaft, using one hand to slowly jerk him up and down in time with her mouth as her other hand softly cupped his balls.

For Amanda, she was laying against his back, spooning him when he woke up. She had gotten undressed and slipped into bed beside him while he was asleep. While he had slept, she thought about how John automatically took the left side of her bed leaving the right side, where she slept all her life, open. Even such an unconscious act like that was so automatic, so comfortable, so meant to be. The amazing part is that, while they had laid in bed after making love in the past, they had never truly just slept together. They were able to make love in a bed when they had the opportunity, but having been in High School before, an overnight sleep together had been out of the question.

When John awoke, then bolted up, she gently pulled him back down. She knew he wasn't ready to talk, not yet, but she also wanted to feel him, and knew it would have the right effect on both of them. When she pulled him back down, she moved around, so that she was under the covers, looking at his cock. She slowly licked the head of his cock, then up and down his shaft with just her tongue, eliciting a moan from him, before taking his semi-hard cock into her mouth.

She had hoped only to calm him and worship his cock, but when she felt his hand on her ankle, softly pulling her towards him, her heart soared. She positioned herself over his mouth, never losing contact with his cock as she did so. As she continued to suck him, she felt his finger along her pussy, then electricity as she felt his soft tongue licking her labia. She moaned loudly, bringing a pulse from his cock. When she felt the same tongue start licking her clitoris, she almost came immediately. The feeling was intense, and she sucked his cock even more forcefully.

They now were picking up the pace, John licking her clitoris more quickly, and Amanda sucking his cock harder and faster. Amanda lifted her mouth off his cock briefly as she panted for air. John, sensing she was close, added one, then a second finger inside her, moving them in and out, then, finding the right spot, pressing down inside her and rubbing her G-spot.

As soon as he started doing this, Amanda exploded, a high pitched whine coming from her mouth as her orgasm consumed her. John felt his fingers almost being held in a vise as her pussy spasmed around his fingers. He started to bring her down slowly from her peak when another one hit, as hard as the first. He felt his head being squeezed a bit now as well as his fingers, as he disengaged his tongue to lap up her juices. As he felt her mouth once again engulf his now rigid cock, he slowly brought her down, nuzzling her pussy, and lightly licking up more juices that were produced.

He felt his orgasm approaching quickly and Amanda felt his balls start to tighten. He started to say something, but he was at the point of no return as he saw a flash of light, and it felt like his whole being was being ejaculated from his cock as he came as hard as he ever had in his life. Amanda felt his impending orgasm and suck even harder, as she felt the first spurts against the back of her throat.

He felt like he had ejaculated a gallon of semen, and Amanda worked to keep up with the pulses that seemed to go on forever. It finally stopped, and John, sweating profusely, collapsed against the sheets.

Amanda lay on top of John for a few moments before moving, so that they were side by side. As they lay there, they looked into each others eyes. John saw the fire and heat that he remembered, but also saw an unleashed passion and something else: Completeness, forever. For Amanda, she saw in John's Hazel eyes surprise, discovery, love, and a tinge of exhaustion. She also saw, for lack of a better word, home. Nothing needed to be said by either one.

John looked at Amanda for a moment before taking her face in his hands, and kissing her deeply. Amanda froze momentarily, remembering that he had just ejaculated in her mouth, but he didn't seem to mind. It was a minor blip before when they were together, but all that was forgotten, as she felt his tongue on her lips, then on her own tongue as they kissed passionately, their hands roaming over every inch of each other's body that they could reach.

John broke the kiss to nibble on her neck, lightly bite her earlobe, which he remembered that she loved, and slowly worked his way down to her breasts. Amanda was holding his head with one hand, panting at the contact, as she reached down to slowly stroke his cock. John reached her breasts, and slowly circled his tongue around her areolas, before taking her left nipple into his mouth. Her breasts were as he remembered them, so soft, milky white, her nipples so responsive. As he sucked on her, he felt his cock getting harder by the second.

She broke away from him, and laid him on his back, as she straddled his body. She took his cock in one hand, and guided him inside her, sliding completely down on him in one stroke. To John it felt like nothing he had ever felt in his life. Sex with Amanda was always good, well after the first time, anyway, but for some reason this felt even better, more complete. He suddenly realized why. He had experienced others since Amanda, but now, knowing what he knew about those experiences, and comparing them to what he felt now, he knew he had what he wanted. Compared to this, the others were just a biological release. This, he thought to himself, was the merging of two souls, and as he looked in her eyes, he knew she felt the same way. She did.

Their eyes never left each other as the wordlessly made love to one another, their only sounds being moans and sighs of passion. Amanda moved slowly atop John, wanting it to last forever, knowing that their earlier release would prolong their coupling. They wordlessly expressed their love, their desire, their regrets, their renewed determination, and their utter joy through their eyes.

They started moving faster, with more urgency, as each one felt the other climbing towards their peak. John was thrusting up into Amanda as she rode faster and faster on top of John, taking him almost all the way out of her before descending to the root. As John saw her chest start to flush, and his own impending explosion, he moved his thumb down and started frigging her clitoris quickly. They both came with a rush, both seeing bright light, but both determined, and successful, in keeping their eyes open and focused on the other. John felt her pussy spasming on his cock, as Amanda felt his hot semen flooding her insides. Amanda then fell on his chest catching her breath, John still inside her. Their breathing slowed as they fell asleep with her on top of him.

--oOo--

They awoke later and tenderly made love again. They then started to get up, and John finally spoke, "Love, I need to go back to the hotel and change. Will you come with me?"

"No you don't silly", Amanda said, as she pointed to the floor next to the door. There, sitting next to the door were John's suitcases.

John looked at Amanda, as she said, "I went and got them when you were asleep earlier."

John said, "Oh.. Oh! Do you mean.. Is it alright if.."

"If you stay here? Of course, where else would you stay?"

"Thank you Amanda. I may be hard to get rid of you know", John said with a twinkle in his eye.

"I'm counting on it", Amanda said with a smile. "Come on, let's go shower!"

They went into the shower and washed each other. Even though they had done this before, it was the most erotic shower of their lives. There wasn't a lot of room to maneuver, and they were both worn out from their earlier sessions, but they still managed to make love once more, with Amanda leaning against the wall as John fucked her from behind. They dried each other off thoroughly, then went to get dressed.

John opened his suitcase on the bed and took out a pair of Dockers and a golf shirt. Amanda quickly slipped on a sun dress and panties. As John was getting dressed, Amanda opened up the other side of the closet, which to John's surprise was empty. Without a word, Amanda started hanging up John's clothes in the closet and started to put his other things away in some empty drawers in her dresser.

John helped her with this part and they both wore huge smiles on their faces as they did so. They finished with this task, then Amanda grabbed John by the hand and led him into the living room. They sat next to each other on the couch, facing each other.

"John, we need to talk."

"I know Amanda, but where to start?"

"Well, why don't we start with why you broke down like you did? Now I've heard you've been working yourself hard, but, John, I was worried that you were having a nervous breakdown. Are you alright?"

"I am now, love", John said with a smile. "I think I have been driving myself too hard. I had a goal, of course, you know that I seemed to know what I wanted out of life (Amanda nodded), but it just didn't seem like it was worth it lately. Sure I want my own business eventually, but what for? To get rich for rich sake? To be my own boss, but no one to spend that time with? I was just running on pure drive, without really knowing what I was driving towards."

John continued, "Then I came back here. Now, you probably realize that I've come back to the Bay Area a number of times now, on business, to see my folks, and to see Eric. But I never really pursued finding out where you were what you were doing." He fought back a sob as he said, "I thought I had ruined that, and it wouldn't be fair to pop back into your life. This trip, though, I found myself reevaluating all of that." He told her about his thoughts on the flight and his conversations since he arrived.

"So you see, I was ready, come hell or high water to find out, once and for all, if you felt anything towards me after all this time. I just needed to know."

Amanda thought for a second, then replied, "Honey, I felt the exact same way as you did! I thought I had ruined everything, and you would never want anything to do with me again. After we broke up, I was devastated, and something died in me. I tried to deny it, and tried to make a connection with a couple of, uh, guys."

"That's okay, love, I did as well", John replied as he saw the tear on Amanda's cheek. "Nothing was ever close though, no one else ever did that to me, the.."

"Electricity", Amanda completed. "I know, I felt it too when we were going together. Anyway, like you, it just wasn't the same with anyone else. My personality changed a bit in the process, I guess. I didn't realize it, or didn't want to, I suppose, but my folks saw it, and so did my sister. I became more closed off. I guess I didn't want anyone to get that close to me again.. Oh I put up a brave front, of course, a facade. After a while I even started believing it, but deep down, I knew I would never be the same."

John nodded sadly. "I know what you mean. I kept up the brave front with my friends. You know, the jokester with those close to me and all that, but I felt the same way you did."

They talked for hours about their years apart; their searches, their college days, their careers. They laughed and cried and felt utterly comfortable talking to one another again. They could never hold anything from each other before, and now they were more comfortable than ever. As they did, the long dormant part of their personality shined through and the undertone of sadness that they carried with them all this time melted away until it was no more.

It started getting dark, shadows creeping more and more into the unlit living room, and John spoke: "Oh geez, it must be getting late."

"Let's see", Amanda looked at the clock. "Yikes! It's 8! We should eat something! Do you want to eat here?"

"No, let's go out, love", John replied, "If I'm going to start spoiling you like you deserve, you need a meal fit for a princess! The question is where to go?"

Amanda blushed and giggled, "I know just the place, sire, to fill that ravenous appetite I know you must have by now."

As they walked out the door, John caught Amanda in the doorway, and looked into those shiny, soulful eyes. "Amanda, I love you. I always have."

"I love you, John! I'm so glad you found me!"

--oOo--

Amanda drove them to an Italian restaurant in the historic district in town. It was small, intimate, and very romantic. They walked in and sat down, holding hands the entire time. They were to be seated across from each other, but John quickly remedied that by moving his chair to the side, so they were sitting next to each other.

They sat quietly, looking at each other in the candlelight. The waiter came by and took their drink orders, and they sat for another moment. Amanda noticed something starting to bother John a little.

"What is it honey?"

"Oh", John replied, "I was just trying to figure out about tomorrow, back at your office. I think I may have really messed things up there."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it", Amanda replied. "You met Lori, right?"

"Yes, I did. I can't believe it was this morning, though. It seems like a week ago."

Amanda chuckled, "It was this morning, but I know how you feel. Anyway, Lori and I have been quite close, although like I said I haven't opened up a whole lot in quite a while. Lori recruited me right out of college, when I got my degree, and has kind of taken me under her wing. I work for this guy, Mike Edwards, who's done the same for me. I haven't dated since I broke up with that guy I told you about right after college, and I think they were getting more than a little worried about me. Part of the 'worry about Amanda Club' I guess." She giggled at that last part, even though just 12 hours earlier it would have been no laughing matter.

"I have a few members of my own 'Fan Club' I didn't know about until just a couple of days ago, myself. Anyway, seriously, do you think I will be able to go in there without an issue?"

"I'm not positive honey, but I think it will work out." Amanda then got a little apprehensive. It was a question that she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer to, but needed to know. "John? How long are you going to be in town?"

John frowned. He knew it needed to come up, but he didn't want to think about it just now. It needed to be addressed, however. "I'm supposed to be here until next Friday, about 12 days. I just got promoted, and what I do now is integrate the main portion of the software and work out a project plan for the customizations. A team of programmers then comes in and works with the staff to make whatever customizations need to be made."

Amanda's lower lip trembled. "What then, John? What then? I don't want to lose you again, and I know you live in Phoenix!" She started to quietly sob, and it broke John's heart.

"Love, it's alright. It's going to be alright. Look in my eyes. Look at me and tell me if you think you're going to ever lose me again!"

Amanda stopped sobbing and looked into John's eyes. They told her everything she wanted to know. She started to smile, but stopped suddenly, as she said quietly, "I know you won't ever leave me again, John, but that still doesn't solve our problem. We still live over a thousand miles apart. A long distance relationship is what broke us up in the first place!"

"Yes, it did, but it won't be a problem this time. Amanda, honey, do you like living here?"

Amanda thought for a moment as her spirits rose, getting the gist of the question. "I'll go wherever you are, John."

"That's not what I asked, love. Do you like it here?"

Amanda thought for another moment, and said, "Yes, I love it here. It's in the country a bit, but still close to a big city. It reminds me of where I grew up in Oregon, without as much rain, of course. But, John, it doesn't mean a thing without you."

"Well then, we have to do some thinking. One thing I can assure you though, love, is that our relationship will most definitely not be of the long distance variety!"

Amanda yelped and hugged John tight.

After dinner, they went over to the hotel and checked John out. They then made their way back to Amanda's apartment, where they made love until sleep overtook them well after midnight.

Chapter Three

They walked to the front door of the Winery the next morning, hand in hand. Amanda was practically bouncing as they walked into the reception area.

"Hi Cheryl!" Amanda said excitedly.

"Oh, uh, hi...."

"Amanda. Amanda Wilcox at your service! This lug is with me. He is doing the software integration!"

Cheryl looked at John and remembered him from yesterday. "Oh yes, Mr. Marshall. Mrs. Phillips is expecting you."

John started chuckling, and Amanda knew why. "Cheryl, please call him John. When you call him Mr. Marshall he starts looking around for his dad." They both chuckled louder at this.

"Alright Amanda. Um, John."

John spoke up, "Amanda is quite right, and thank you..."

"Cheryl, please call me Cheryl"

"Cheryl. Thank you, and have a nice day", John finished.

As they walked back towards Lori's office, Cheryl, back at the reception area was dumbfounded. She had seen Amanda before, of course, but Amanda seemed to be the type to come in, work, and go home, no chit chat. As for John, while he seemed to be as cheerful as yesterday, today he seemed truly happy. She had of course, heard rumors about what happened the day before in the conference room, something amazing. She had heard that there was some upset involving Amanda and John, but they didn't seem to be upset at all.

Amanda knocked on Lori's door which was open. Lori looked and saw both Amanda and John standing there, hand in hand, with big sloppy smiles on their faces. She smiled at them and motioned them into her office. John closed the door behind them. They both sat down facing Lori.

"Lori, before we start, I'd like to say something", John started.

"Certainly, go ahead."

"Well, first of all I would like to apologize for the upset yesterday. I realize it wasn't very professional, especially after the kind words you had for me earlier. Considering what happened yesterday, you might be happier with another integrator." Amanda was upset as he said this, but they had discussed it that morning before coming in.

"I see. Could you please explain?"

"Well, first of all, I came apart. Unglued is more like it. I'm just not sure if your staff would be willing to work with me, given those circumstances."

"And you are better this morning, I take it."

"Actually I have never felt better in my life. You see, Amanda and I rediscovered each other yesterday. It all start..."

"John?" Lori interrupted.

"Yes?"

"Could you hold on a minute? I think you'll be surprised; both of you in fact." Lori reached for the phone and dialed an extension. "Mike? Yes, they're here. Could you come to my office for a second? Thanks." She hung up the phone.

About two minutes later, Mike Edwards knocked on the door and came in. Lori motioned him over to stand by the side of the desk so everyone could see him.

"John, this is Mike Edwards, Amanda's Supervisor. Mike, this is John Marshall", Lori said.

They exchanged greetings. John was a little nervous. Why did Lori cut him off? She didn't want to hear it? Was ready to throw him, maybe both of them, out? And why did she call Mike? Lori broke his thoughts.

"Mike, we talked last evening, and again this morning about what happened yesterday, correct?"

"We sure did, Lori."

"Could you please repeat to them what you told me? You know the part I'm talking about."

"Certainly." He smiled which thoroughly confused both John and Amanda.

"What I told Lori last night and repeated again this morning is that what I saw in the conference room yesterday..." He paused and both John and Amanda squeezed each other's hand waiting for the other shoe to drop. Mike continued, "Was the most powerful display of raw emotions and love I have ever seen. You were both so captivated, so mesmerized by the sight of each other that the rest of the room, no, the rest of the world didn't exist. It was an awesome, as in awe inspiring, thing I have ever witnessed."

Amanda and John just sat there, their jaws hanging open.

Lori asked, "Do you think John will be a problem for your staff? Do you think they can work with him?"

"As I told you this morning, Lori, it won't be a problem at all. I spoke with most of them last evening, and there won't be a problem at all. In fact, if we did replace John, not only would I lose one of our best marketing employees in Amanda, but my wife would personally kill me."

Lori chuckled a little, "Why is that, Mike?"

"Because, after I went home last night and practically attacked my wife in the kitchen, she would surely kill me if I removed the source of that passion!" Mike blushed as he finished.

"I know what you mean, Mike." Lori didn't explain further, but the gleam in her eye was explanation enough.

John, finally closing his mouth, found words to speak, "So you mean you're not throwing me out? That you think the staff can work with me?"

"Definitely, John", Mike said, "in fact, I've seen a lot of goofy grins in the office this morning from folks who were in that conference room yesterday, particularly on the faces of the ones in a relationship!"

Both Amanda and John slumped a little in their chairs, then hugged each other in relief.

Lori spoke, "The reason I stopped your story, John, is that I know you might have told more than you wanted to and it's yours and Amanda's life. I've checked around, even before you came here, about you abilities, and all I've heard are great things. I've also heard from a couple of people that you looked like you were quickly heading for burnout. You're not my employee, of course, and it would not concern most people, as long as you did what you were supposed to, but we try to live up to what many companies try to say they are, a family. And since you were Amanda's concern, it certainly concerns me. Now, looking at you yesterday morning, before the conference room, I had that same impression myself. You were professional, even a little flirtatious, but it seemed a little forced, and you looked exhausted. Today, I see the same person, but the personality is completely different and all I see in your eyes is pure joy."

Lori continued, "As for you Amanda, I see what you said yesterday, about your personality, I mean. You know, I think you're great, and you're going to do great things in your field. I hope it's done right here. However, I always saw a tinge of sadness in you, and you seemed to be a little... closed off would be the best term. Now, you're holding hands, and... Geez, I didn't think you ever dated or had any personal life at all. Anyway, I think this is just great, and my feeling echo Mike's exactly."

Amanda beamed at Lori, "Oh, thank you Lori.. Mike. I look happy because I am happy! And if you liked my work for you before, wait until you get the full Amanda effect!" They all laughed at this.

Lori concluded, "Well, I think at this point, we need to try take two." She smiled as she said, "Do you think you can give your overview this morning with out the... interruptions?"

John smiled as he said, "You bet. Thank you, both of you", he said as he looked at Mike and Lori, "This will be the best and smoothest integration you've ever seen!"

--oOo--

The presentation and subsequent meetings went off without a hitch. John was working with the individual groups on what they needed the software to do, and introducing some ideas of his own. Each evening, Amanda and he would walk hand in hand out the front door to either his car or her car, depending on who was driving, and they would go back to her apartment. They traded off cooking each other a meal with imagination, each one trying to out cook the other when it was that person's turn, then snuggle together on the couch, watching TV or listening to music. As always they found they had the same taste in music, and loved hearing what the other selected. The then retired to the bedroom each night and made long, slow, passionate love to each other. They fell asleep each night spooning each other, with either John behind Amanda or her behind him.

The end of the first week approached, and John went into a temporary office they assigned to him to call his main office to check in and give a status report. John checked his e-mail on his laptop, of course, throughout the week, but he liked to check in with a status over the phone on Fridays. He called his boss, who happened to be his friend Don Roberts.

"Hi Don, how goes it?"

"Hey, John! How are you doing? How are things in Santa Rosa?"

"Just fine Don, just fine. Actually, check that, more than fine. It has been quite an amazing week."

"How so, are you ahead of schedule?"

"Actually I'm on schedule now. I, uh, started a day behind, but we're caught up and cooking now."

"Why is that, John? I know you got there well ahead of time to see your folks, so how did you end up a day behind?"

"Well, there was an incident in the conference room on the first day, when I usually give my presentation."

"What kind of incident? Was there a fight or something? Someone get out of control? I know it wasn't you John, or you wouldn't be there." What John didn't know was that Don had already talked to Lori after they were in her office on Tuesday. Don liked to do some discrete checking with the client to make sure they were happy with whoever he sent on an assignment. He knew everything was alright, but wanted to find out how his friend would describe events, especially since Lori didn't tell him who the incident was over.

"Well, actually I did get out of control, in a way. I, uh, oh shit!"

"Go on, John." Don liked hearing John squirm a little as a friend, to tease him, but he also knew it was difficult for him. He changed tactics a little to help John out. "John?"

"Yes, Don?"

"I talked to Lori on Tuesday, if that helps."

"You did?"

"Yes. You know I like to call the client sometimes to make sure things are going smoothly."

"Really?" John was surprised, but he really wasn't. It made good business sense to do that, but it never came up in conversation between the two of them.

"Yes, really, John. Who was this about? Is Julia up there now?"

"No!", John shouted, then, in a quiet voice, he said, "It's Amanda."

"Amanda?!? The one you've been pining for all this time? Your high school sweetheart?"

"One and the same", John allowed himself to chuckle a little. He then had a thought, "What do you mean pining over all this time?"

"Well, it may have not been obvious to you, but even when you were with Julia, you seemed to have this little something in your speaking voice when you spoke of her, or even when you were together. There were just no sparks. I know you tried to put up a brave front and all that, even tried to look happy, but I could tell, and so could Joe, that there was something missing."

Don continued, "It all came together one night about a year ago. Do you remember that night when your friend, Eric was down here?"

"Sure, but I don't know what that has to do with anything."

"Well, it did. Anyway, it was Eric's first night down here. We were talking and drinking on a Friday night, and you started mentioning your old times together, having a great time. Then Amanda's name came up."

"Yeah, go on." John was realizing he wasn't as clever around his friends as he thought, as he heard his friend speak.

"Well, anyway, when that happened, you got real quiet, and talked about her in hushed tones, very serious. There's one thing I've always seen in your eyes, ever since I've known you. It's something buried in you, but I wasn't sure what it was until you spoke about Amanda. It was pain, John. Pain, and regret, and sadness. It came out in spades in your eyes, and in your voice. You were suffering, John, even though you were still with Julia."

"Don, I would have been shocked by this just a week ago, but I'm not anymore. Not after seeing her and talking with others around here." John had spoken with his mother earlier in the week as well as Eric. They were all ecstatically happy for him.

"It was something you either needed to get over or find her, John. There really wasn't anything else for anyone to do for you. You know, I think Julia realized it also. Now, I know Julia broke up with you over her 'career', but I truly feel that the real reason was that she could never have you, all of you. You were holding that for someone else, someone that may never have received it."

"You know, that actually makes sense, looking at it that way", John said, and it was true.

"Anyway, how are things with Amanda? She took things well I take it."

"More than well, Don, more than well. Even in my dreams I couldn't imagine how I feel right now!" Don could almost see John's smile over the phone. He was happy for his friend, but it, of course, presented new difficulties.

Don thought for a moment, then he spoke again, "Well, I am happy for you, as a friend, John. Very happy for you. As your boss, though, I'm a little worried now. You're my best employee John, and that's speaking professionally, not just as your friend. I'd hate to lose you, but I also know you were running yourself into the ground. In fact, I was going to have a talk with you after you came back from this trip. Make you take some vacation time or something. Anyway, do you know what your plans are beyond this trip?"

"I'm pretty sure what I want to do, but I have to talk to Amanda. I see what you're getting at, of course, and I will say that Amanda and I will not have a long distance relationship. I will say that she likes it here, and she's working in Marketing for the Winery. I know it's putting you in a bind, my friend, but we need to figure out where we will live; together of course."

"I understand, but I'm torn, both as a friend and as your boss." Don thought for a moment. "Why don't you do this? When you come back next weekend, bring Amanda with you. Let her see Phoenix, and even bring her in on Monday. We could always use a Marketing person, and if she's as good as I have a feeling she is, maybe we could work something out. I have ulterior motives, of course, mainly in trying to keep you, but let's see what happens."

"That sounds good to me, Don, and thank you. I can't guarantee anything, and I want her to be happy, but we'll see."

"Good enough. I take it your staying with her? I know you're not sleeping on the streets", Don laughed.

"Yes, I'm staying with her", John laughed in reply, "but how would you know that?"

"Because I tried calling your hotel on Wednesday, and they said you checked out!"

"Oops, sorry about that, Don, I know I should have called you sooner about this."

"That's alright, I knew you were going to call on Friday. You always do, and Lori said that things were going well there, so I didn't worry too much."

"Thanks, Don. You're a good friend, and a good boss."

"Anytime, John. Oh, and take her somewhere *nice* this weekend, would you? On the company. We need to recruit her to get her interested in coming to work down here!"

"I'll do that, Don", John chuckled. "Thanks again, and I'll see you on the following Monday."

"Alright, John. Take care and good bye."

John talked to Amanda about his conversation with Don during lunch. She was excited that Don was making an effort to accommodate their relationship, and agreed to go with him back to Phoenix with a huge smile. She asked Lori for two days off the week they were down there, and Lori agreed, but not without some worry that she might lose Amanda.

--oOo--

John took Amanda into San Francisco on Saturday to go to dinner, then dancing. While John was never one for dancing, he knew that Amanda loved it, and John actually never felt like a total clod when he had Amanda in his arms, when they danced. They went to a seafood grotto on Fisherman's Wharf, then downtown to go dancing. They had a wonderful time, dancing, talking (well screaming actually, due to the noise), and just basking in the glow of being together.

On Sunday, Amanda took John to the sights around Santa Rosa, showing him the area, which he had only seen parts of on previous wine tasting trips. They went to the coast, driving along Highway 1, and went to a couple of wineries on the way back in towards Amanda's home. John had never seen this part of the coast, and they stopped a couple of times along the way to watch the ocean, take a walk along the pier at Bodega Bay, and looked to the world like what they were: A young couple in love.

They went to the Winery on Monday, and John resumed his work with individuals, while Amanda did her everyday job in Marketing. John had not gotten together with Amanda yet for her portion of the project, as, the way John put it, "I'm saving the best for last."

On Tuesday, Mike called Amanda into his office. John was finishing up with the last of the Sales department, and Amanda was next on his list. Amanda walked into his office, and Mike offered her a seat.

"Please, sit down, Amanda."

"Thanks, Mike. What's up?" Although Amanda didn't show it, she was a little nervous. She was typically left to do her work, once she had been shown the ropes by Mike and Lori when she first started.

"Well, Amanda, first of all I just want you to know that it's no big deal here. I have been speaking with each person before John gets to them for their piece of the integration."

Amanda relaxed when she heard this, but still wasn't completely convinced that it was the only reason she had been asked into Mike's office. She wasn't mistaken.

"Well, anyway, Amanda, I know that you are comfortable with what you are looking for with the software integration, at least from a professional standpoint." Mike smiled at this.

"However, I also know, from Lori, that you're going to Phoenix this weekend. I'm not sure if you even know, but do you know what your intentions are? I'm sorry to ask, but if you're not going to be here, I need to know, in case I need someone else to complete your piece of the puzzle."

Amanda thought for a second, then responded, "Well, Mike, I want to let you know that I love it here, I really do. Quite frankly, I don't know what's going to happen, as John and I haven't decided. What we do know, and I know I can speak for John, is that whatever we're going to do, and wherever we're going to go, we're going to do it together. We've wasted so much time as it is, and I don't think we can, or should, waste anymore."

Mike nodded as Amanda continued, "Now, I want to say that I love it here. Not just here at this company, although this job is fabulous, and you've treated me great, but I love it here, in Santa Rosa. However, I've never been to Phoenix, and I may love it there too. What I do know is that I would love wherever John and I are, as long as we are together."

"Thank you for being so open with me, Amanda. I also must say that, not only have you been a lot more open this past week, but your upbeat approach to things has been quite refreshing for you. I know you have told Lori this is the way you used to be, and if this is the way you truly are, I say, keep it up. Your work has not only improved, even above your already great level, but you attitude has worn off on those you work with. You are truly happy, and everyone around you sees that and feeds off of that. I'm happy for you too, even if it means losing you."

Amanda replied with a big smile, "Thanks Mike. I know you've always looked out for me, and so has Lori. I hope it all works out, job wise, but he means more to me than anything, even my own career. I'm sorry to you both about that, but I hope you see that and understand."

"I do, Amanda, and I know Lori does as well. I just wish we had a position for John here. It would make things so much easier."

"I do too", Amanda replied.

--oOo--

John and Amanda came in on Thursday, and John went to his temporary office to get his notes for the day. As Amanda sat in her cubicle, John walked to the outer wall, saying, "Good morning, Ms. Wilcox. I'm here today to discuss your portion of the integration of the software that I am performing for your company."

Amanda stifled a giggle, as she said, in her best professional voice, "Why yes, Mr. Marshall, I was expecting you."

John tried as hard as he could to maintain a straight face. "Well, I see you are working on Market Research for the Wine industry. Now, Ms. Wilcox, just what does that involve? Surely most folks drink wine at gatherings and dinner, places like that? What else is there?"

"Well, Mr. Marshall", Amanda said, trying, mostly unsuccessfully to keep a straight face, "It involves making sure the right stores market our best vintages in the right way. This means displaying our products prominently, and also making sure the best restaurants not only know of our products, but feature our products on their menu."

"I see", John said, as he tried to seriously take notes, "And what about exploring new markets? How do you track potential customers?"

"Well, Mr. Marshall, I have complete notes on what markets we are looking to enter that we have not already, and I also have a list of features of your software that we need to track these opportunities." John had already seen these this morning, and this acting was making him hard as a rock.

"I see, Ms. Wilcox. I would like to review these with you. Would it be possible to do this, this evening?"

"Why certainly, Mr. Marshall. In fact..", Amanda suddenly got a wild idea, "why don't we review these tonight?"

"Do you have a place in mind? A restaurant where your products are featured, perhaps?"

"Actually, I don't have the time for that, Mr. Marshall. I think we need to do it here, tonight at 8, in the conference room."

John's eyes got wide, this wasn't part of the 'script', but he quickly recovered. "Very well, Ms. Wilcox. I will *see* you in the conference room tonight at 8." John's cock was throbbing by this point, and Amanda was growing flush even in the face.

"Count on it, Mr. Marshall. You will indeed see me tonight, at 8!"

"As you wish", John concluded, as he walked away, beating a direct route for his office, where he hoped beyond hope that some boring e-mails would reduce his obvious hard-on. As he walked away, Amanda burst out laughing. 'He's dead', she thought to herself with a wicked smile, 'or at least will wish he was!'

--oOo--

Amanda and John went to her apartment around 5:30. They talked about their day, other than the obvious. John was wondering what Amanda was up to, but knew it was going to be good. Ever since they got back together, her wild personality shined through, especially when he was the focus of it. Knowing it was just for his benefit made him anticipate the evening to come even more. He had no idea what was to happen, although he had a pretty good idea.

John decided to take Amanda to a Mexican restaurant in town for dinner, to break things up. He also had an ulterior motive. In thinking about it, he figured he might need a Margarita or two to prepare for the evening. Amanda insisted that they stay in their 'Work clothes' for the evening. "I have a late meeting, and have to be appropriately dressed tonight", was Amanda's excuse. John had no problems with this, and seeing Amanda's wicked smile, knew that he was in for a long "late meeting" indeed. He knew it was to be the best meeting he ever had to attend 'off-hours' in his life.

They went back to Amanda's apartment at 7:30 and she insisted that they take their own vehicles. Amanda explained by saying, "I don't know how long I'll be there tonight, and I don't want you to lose any sleep tonight, sweetie."

John laughed, but went along with whatever she had in mind. He knew it was going to be good. She also told him to wait about 20 minutes before going to the winery. She went back into the bedroom briefly, and then walked out to make her way to the Winery. He waited, and twiddled his thumbs, but then thought about it a little, and brought along his laptop and briefcase, when he left precisely 20 minutes later.

When John pulled up to the winery, he got out and made his way in the door. He had forgotten, but encountered the night shift of the security for the building.

"May I help you, sir?"

"Uhh", John thought for a moment. 'Damn I hope Amanda thought about this.' He continued, playing the part, "Yes, Mr. Marshall is here to see Ms. Wilcox."

"Yes, sir", the night guard replied, "Let me check with her. Have a seat, please."

John sat down uncomfortably. He was already hard as a rock, to the point that he knew no one, even the night guard could miss. He kept his laptop case over his erection in the vain hope that it wouldn't be so obvious.

The guard got off the phone, and told John, “Mr. Wilcox is expecting you. She said she will be in the Conference Room, and told me you know the way there.”

“Thank you”, John replied with a smile, as he made his way back to the Conference Room.

He got to the room, and walked in. Amanda was sitting at a seat in the Conference Room, and said formally, “Good evening, Mr. Marshall. Please close the door and have a seat.”

“Good evening, Ms. Wilcox. Thank you”, John replied, as he closed the door, making sure to lock it.

He took a seat, and looked at Amanda. He noticed she was still dressed for work, of course, but was sweating a little. She had no bra on, however, and had unbuttoned her blouse so that he could see the inside of her breasts, her nipples, hard, he noticed, almost making their way out towards the middle of her blouse.

“So, Mr. Marshall, what do we need to go over?”

“Well, Ms. Wilcox, why don’t we start with the list of features?”

She slid over the sheets of paper that he had already seen. They talked about the features, and what the software could do for the Winery, but as they did so, John noticed that Amanda was having trouble sitting still. In fact, as they talked she started bouncing a little in her chair.

Amanda then brought up the security in the software. John hadn’t expected that, but with a straight face, brought up the varying layers of security, access levels and the like.

Amanda then said, “I.. uh, don’t, mmmmmm, understand. Could you perhaps… demonstrate what you mean by layers of security? Could you… oh God… demonstrate on me?”

John smiled as he picked up on where she was going with this. “Why, certainly, Ms. Wilcox. Why don’t you sit here on the table, and I’ll try to demonstrate.”

Amanda was happy that John had picked up where she was going with this. She said, “I can… can do that, Mr. Marshall.”

She sat up on the table, her legs dangling off the side. As she did so, John could hear a slight humming against the wood of the table. He smiled lecherously.

“First, Ms. Wilcox, think of your clothes as the first layer of security. You can see some things”, he said, as he touched her chest in between her breasts with one hand, while he slid his other hand up and down one of her legs, “but other more important items”, he moved his hand to slide over her nipples barely covered by her blouse, as she moaned loudly, “are hidden, or, uh, semi-hidden at least.”

“Unngghh, please continue, Mr. Wilcox”, Amanda said breathlessly.

“Well, if you open a layer of security, with a password, for instance”, John said as he finished opening her blouse, “Then you have access to those more important items. In fact, you can manipulate what lies underneath.”

As he said this, he started running his fingers over her breasts, lightly brushing her nipples. She was flushed, and panting, her moans becoming more urgent. Sensing she was close, he lowered his head, and started licking and lightly biting her nipples, working on one, and moving to the other.

“Oh, John! Unnggh! Oh Yes! Can you… ungghh… multi task?”

John took his mouth off of her nipple briefly, saying, “Of course, Ms. Wilcox”, as he lowered one hand to snake its way under her panties to touch her clitoris. As he had suspected, she had her vibrator insider her, humming along. He started working his finger quickly over her clitoris, as he used his other hand to tweak one nipple while he nibbled on the other.

“I… unngghh… oh Yes! I love multi tasking! I…. Oh, here it comes… here it.. Yiieeee!”, Amanda screamed then whined, as her orgasm hit her hard. John felt her clitoris vibrating as she came.

He brought her down a little from her orgasm, but knew she would be kept at her peak with the vibrator continuing to hum. She was brought down enough to be able to speak, as she said, “What about, um, the internals?”

“Well, Ms. Wilcox, with our software you have another layer of security”, he said as he put his hands on her panties, slowly lowering them. Amanda raised her ass to assist him.

“Also, you need a special password”, he finished, as he removed the vibrator, placing it on the table next to her.

“What do you mean, special password? It must be very special”, Amanda said with a gleam in her eyes.

“Very special”, John said, as he undid his belt and lowered his pants. “The password allows you to penetrate the internals”, he said as he raised her skirt, and took his iron hard cock, pressing it against her opening. He slid in to the root in one stroke.

“Oh, yes! Oh God! Oh, keep going! Can you, uh, multi task while you are in the internals?”, Amanda asked.

“Oh yes, by all means”, John said, as he tweaked her nipples as he slammed away in Amanda’s pussy.

Their conversation ceased, as John picked up the pace. They were going at it fast and furious now, the sounds of slapping skin filling the room.

“Oh… Oh… I’m soo close… I’m.. unngghh!” Amanda wailed as she started whining, indicating her orgasm was fast approaching. As she did this, John felt her pussy clamping down on his cock. When this happened, it tripped his circuit breaker, as he exploded, filling her insides with his seed. His orgasm sent Amanda over the top, as they completed their orgasms together.

John backed away from her, his legs weak, and had to catch himself when he almost tripped over his feet, his pants still gathered around his feet.

Amanda giggled when she saw this, but grabbed his hands to keep him from falling over. John looked at Amanda then down to the table where they were joined earlier, a pool of their combined juices gathering on the table beneath her gaping pussy.

Amanda looked down and blushed, then looked John in the eyes. As John looked into her eyes, he saw love, forever, and mischievousness. He knew the night wasn’t over, and he was right.

“That was a very good demonstration, Mr. Marshall”, Amanda said. “I just have two other things, and I think I’ll understand it all.”

“What might those things be, Ms. Wilcox”, John asked.

“Well, the first thing is can the special password be revived, er, I mean, recovered?”

“Yes, it can be with a special program.”

“Ah, I see. Let me see if I can figure out what that might be”, Amanda said, as she slipped down onto the floor, taking John’s cock into her mouth. As she started sucking him, she tasted their combined juices, and didn’t mind one bit. She felt naughty tonight, and this just kept things hot.

John was getting hard quickly, enjoying the feeling of Amanda’s oral attention. He looked down there and their eyes met, expressing their love for each other without words.

John was soon hard again, and Amanda backed away from him. She got up, and went over to her purse, taking something out and walked over to where John was still standing.

“Just one more thing”, Amanda said.

“Yes?”, John replied.

“What about, uh, back door penetration? I’ve heard that some people can get in a back door in software.”

John was shocked, they had never done that before, and, in fact, had never had anal sex in his life. He quickly recovered though, and with his throat dry, said, “Yes, some software does have a back door to the internals.” He stopped for a second, breaking character, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m very sure”, Amanda said with a smile.

John recovered, letting her know his inexperience, saying, “I’ve never, personally used the back door myself.”

“Neither have I”, Amanda said, “So a demonstration may help us both understand how the process works.” Amanda then turned and bent over the end of the table.

If John wasn’t hard before, he was like granite now. Amanda held out her hand, a tube of K-Y Jelly in her hand that she had taken out of her purse.

John took the tube and put a liberal amount on his fingers, and on her tiny, tight back passage. He slowly worked one, then a second finger into her, saying, “Of course, back door penetration must be done slowly and carefully, and preparation is key.”

“Oh course, Mr. Marshall”, Amanda said, as she turned her head to look at John over her shoulder. “Can you use the same special password as you used for the internals?”

“Yes, you can, but it needs preparation as well, of course”, John said as he coated his cock with lubricant. “Are you ready”, John asked.

“Yes”, Amanda replied, “Just go slow.”

“I definitely will”, John said as he placed the head of his cock again her rosebud.

He pushed slowly, entering her slowly, carefully. When he got the head in and part of the shaft, he heard her gasp, then hiss. He stopped pushing.

“Are you alright?”, John asked.

“Yes… just a second…. Alright, please continue.”

John continued pushing until he had half of his cock buried in her ass. Her sphincter gripped at his shaft hard, and it felt incredibly tight. The feeling was amazing. He started moving in and out, very slightly at first, as he felt Amanda relaxing. With each thrust, he pushed a little more of his cock inside her, inching his way slowly inside her, until he felt her ass cheeks against his groin, where he stopped momentarily.

“I did it! You’re all the way in”, Amanda squealed.

“Oh yeah, God the feeling is incredible”, John replied.

“Play with my pussy, John. Fuck my ass!”

John started moving in and out of her as he located her clitoris with his hand. He started moving his finger back and forth, as Amanda started moaning.

“Ooohh, this feels so nasty! Don’t stop, John! Faster, do me faster”, Amanda moaned.

John picked up the pace, as he started fucking her with more vigor. While he was moving harder and faster, he felt himself starting to boil over. He was fast approaching his orgasm even though he had cum just a short time before.

“Oh, play with my clit faster, John! Oooh, I want to cum with you.”

“Unngghh”, John moaned as he was fast approaching his orgasm. Amanda started whining, reaching her peak. As she did, John felt her sphincter really clamping down on his shaft, as he screamed, flooding her bowels.

This time, he collapsed on top of her, as they desperately tried to catch their breath. John slipped out of her after a few minutes, his cock rapidly softening.

John got up, and started pulling his pants back up. As Amanda rolled over to look at him, they both focused on his wilting cock.

“I think you killed my password”, John said, straight faced. They both started laughing uncontrollably.

They got dressed and put the jelly and vibrator in Amanda’s purse. She wiped up the juices from their earlier coupling with her panties, handing them to John.

“A little memento to remember an incredible night”, Amanda said.

“I’ll always have the real thing with you”, John said, “But I’ll keep the memento anyway”, he said with a smile.

As they walked out the door to the Conference Room, towards the front door, they saw a woman vacuuming the floor. She looked up at them and smiled with a gleam in her eye. John and Amanda blushed, and then started chuckling, laughing harder as they made their way out the front door.

They decided to take John’s car home, leaving her car in the parking lot. They got back to the apartment and got undressed, collapsing on the bed. They were both asleep in moments.

Chapter Four (Conclusion)

The plane was descending into Phoenix. John and Amanda were holding hands, as Amanda looked out the window, looking at the scenery surrounding Phoenix.

“It certainly is high desert”, Amanda remarked, “And Phoenix is really spread out!”

“Phoenix and its suburbs does cover a lot of area”, John agreed.

They were flying into Phoenix to check out the area and to give Amanda a chance to see if she liked the area. They knew they were going to be together, and wanted to find a place they both liked to live. The plane landed and they went to get their bags.

As they walked out the door to make their way to the shuttle to take them to long term parking, where John’s car was, Amanda said, “Whoa!”

John looked at her, and knew what she was saying that about: It was late September, but it was also 110 degrees.

“Aw, it’s alright, it’s a dry heat”, John said chuckling.

“An oven has dry heat also”, Amanda replied, chuckling herself.

They made their way to John’s car, and started driving towards John’s apartment. Amanda was panting until the Air Conditioning took effect, then was sitting comfortably.

“How hot does it get here”, Amanda asked.

“It can get hotter than this. You get used to it, though”, John replied.

“Well, if you got used to it, I guess I’ll eventually get used to it”, Amanda said, but she really wasn’t sure if she’d ever get used to this kind of heat.

“The nice thing is that during the winter, the weather is very nice”, John said. He was worried that Amanda would find the heat oppressive. He was starting to make up his mind as to where they would live anyway, and he figured Amanda’s mind was made up, but wanted to make the effort to show her the Phoenix area.

They parked at his apartment, and brought their bags up to the front door. John opened the door, and they made their way inside. Amanda noticed that the apartment was quite Spartan: A couple of trophies on the TV cabinet, but no real pictures or anything. It didn’t have the comfort feeling of Amanda’s place and they both knew it.

“I didn’t decorate a whole lot because I’m on the road quite a bit”, John said by way of explanation.

“That’s understandable”, Amanda replied, “But you should still have something that feels like home.”

“I already do, at least now I do”, John said. Amanda smiled as he said this.

They settled in, and then went out to dinner. Afterwards, John took her to Scottsdale, where they did some dancing and talked at an outside table at the club. Amanda, while she wasn’t sure she would ever get used to the daytime heat, found the nighttime very pleasant. Warm and clear. They went back to his apartment where they made love tenderly to each other before falling asleep.

The next day, John took her around the Phoenix area, showing her downtown Phoenix and the surrounding area. He showed her the campus of his alma mater, Arizona State, and had lunch at a café in Tempe. Amanda found that she liked the area, especially the small town feel of downtown Tempe and Scottsdale, even though it was very close to downtown Phoenix itself.

John and Amanda later went to dinner at a Steak House, where she met Joe and Don. John introduced them to Amanda.

Don said, “Hi Amanda, its great to meet you.”

“Thank you, Don.”

Joe let out a low whistle, “Wow, its very nice to meet you, Amanda.”

“Down boy”, John said. They all laughed.

Don and Joe talked to John about what had been going on the last couple of weeks and got to know Amanda. One thing that struck both Joe and Don was how different John was. Oh, he still told jokes and the like, but he seemed so much more open, so content. Joe finally spoke up.

“John, you really seem happy. I look at the two of you, and I see why you had that undertone of sadness without Amanda. With her, you’re just one happy sloppy camper.”

“Thanks, Joe, I guess it shows”, John replied.

“In spades”, Don added, “You are obviously so in love, I think I’m going to be ill.”

They all laughed at that.

Don asked Amanda how she liked Phoenix. While she said all the right things, Don could tell that she wasn’t sure about actually living there. While he hoped a couple of more days there would sway her, he figured that he was probably going to lose John.

As they were walking back to their cars after dinner, Joe and Don were walking together in the parking lot, where they had parked next to each other.

“I think John’s going to leave the company”, Don said.

“Yeah, I’m not sure that Amanda likes it here. She said she loved the evenings, but I’m sure you saw the look in her eyes when she talked about the daytime heat”, Joe replied. Don nodded sadly.

“Seeing the two of them”, Don said, “I have no doubts that she’d move here for John, but knowing him, he wouldn’t do that to her if she didn’t like it.”

“I agree, Don. I think there would have been no question before they got back together that he’d stick around for quite some time, at least until he got his dream of his own business going. However, looking at him now, tonight, I can just see that, while his career means a lot to him, Amanda means more.”

“I think you hit it right on the head”, Don replied. “As a friend, I’m very happy for him, but as his boss, I’m sorry to see him leave.”

Joe suddenly had an idea. “It might not have to be that way, you know.”

“What do you mean, Joe?”

Joe, who was in Sales at Dyson, told him his idea. The more Don heard it, the more he liked it.

“Look into it tomorrow if you can, Joe, and I’ll see what I can do.”

“You got it”, Joe replied, as he opened the door to his car.

--oOo--

John and Amanda went into John’s office the next morning. John met with Don to go over the status of the implementation, while Amanda was being interviewed for a position in their Marketing department. Her interview went well, and she all but assured of a position if she wanted it. John then took Amanda to lunch.

“How did the interview go?”, John asked.

“It went great! I think I’m in”, Amanda replied with a smile.

John smiled, then took a deep breath. “Now for the big question, how do you like Phoenix?”

Amanda gave a little smile, “If you’re here with me, I’ll love it.”

“That’s not what I asked, love”, John said gently.

“I know”, Amanda replied. She took his hands in hers, saying, “I don’t know, it’s only been a couple of days. I guess I’ll get used to the heat, but if I had my choice, I like Santa Rosa better. However, I don’t like it if you’re not there, so here we are.”

“Yes”, John replied. He had a feeling that was the case. He then told Amanda what Don and Joe had suspected the night before. “You know, Amanda, I’ve always been driven. I’ve had goals in mind and knew what I wanted to do.”

“I know, honey”, Amanda replied softly.

“However, what I’ve found in my searches and travels that in the long run it means nothing without someone to share it with. That someone for me is you, Amanda.”

Amanda looked at him with tears in her eyes, as John continued, “So, there’s really only one choice, isn’t there? I’m going to quit and move to Santa Rosa with you.”

Amanda was happy and gave John her best smile. She then said, a little worriedly, “What about your career, John? Your job? There isn’t an opening for you at the winery, I’ve already been told that.”

“Well”, John smiled back at her, “Fortunately I’m in a great career field for the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ll find something quickly, I’m sure. I have some vacation time so I’ll be paid during at least part of a search. There’s another reason for my decision. Do you remember what I said when I walked into you apartment for the first time?”

Amanda thought for a moment, then said, “Yes. You said it felt nice, instead of looked nice.”

“Well, it does look nice, honey. It has your touches. But it felt nice, because it felt like you, it felt like home. Besides, I’m from the Bay Area, and although I’ve lived here for the last six years, its time to go home.”

Amanda beamed at John.

“John?”

“Yes, love?”

“Will you move in with me? Live with me?”

“I thought you’d never ask”, John said, as he kissed her passionately.

While this scene was going on, Don and Joe met over lunch. They discussed Joe’s idea and it sounded like it might work. When Don talked to Joe’s boss, things started to quickly fall into place.

John and Amanda went back to John’s office after lunch. John decided to tell Don right away, and wanted Amanda to come with him. John knocked on the door to Don office, and they both went in and sat down.

“Hi John”, Don said, “What do you need?”

“We need to talk, Don”, John replied.

“I see. Oh, first of all, Amanda, it looks like the job is yours if you want it. Congratulations!”

“Uh, thank you, Don”, Amanda replied nervously.

“Don, this is part of what I want to talk to you about”, John said. “Amanda and I have been talking, and she’s not thrilled about Phoenix.” Don frowned but didn’t look shocked.

John continued, “Anyway, I want to be with her, but I also want to be where she is the happiest, and that’s back in Santa Rosa.”

“I see”, Don said. “What about your career?”

“Oh it’s important to me”, John replied, “but it isn’t complete without Amanda being there, sharing it with me.”

“I understand, John”, Don replied, “Does this mean you are going to resign? If so, how much time do I have?”

“I’ll give you two weeks, longer if you need it, Don. I won’t leave you high and dry, you know that.”

“I do know that”, Don replied. He then sat back and smiled a little, telling John, “What if there’s an alternative. Would you be interested?”

“Alternative? What do you mean?”, John replied.

“Give me a second”, Don said, as he picked up the phone.

In a couple of minutes, Joe came into the office along with his boss Pat Jamison. When they walked in, Pat nodded at Don. Don smiled more now, and asked them to sit down.

“This is Pat Jamison. You already know him, John, but Amanda has never met him. Pat, could you discuss your proposal with us?”

“Certainly, Don. Well, as you know, John, we’re doing a lot of sales in the Bay Area. So much so that we have folks practically living there in hotels.” John nodded and a smile crept onto his face.

“Anyway”, Pat continued, “We have been meeting over the last couple of months discussing opening a field office in the Bay Area. In San Francisco, in fact.” Amanda, catching on, was starting to smile as well.

“So we are in the process of doing just that. We have the property, and we’re looking to open an office there next month. This morning, Joe came to me with a proposal, one you may be very interested in, John. Joe?”

“Well”, Joe began, “When we were all out to dinner last night, John , I had a feeling that you were probably going to resign to live near your girlfriend. I also knew about this new field office starting in San Francisco. In fact”, he looked at Pat, who nodded, “I have been offered a position in that office. Now, I had been talking to Pat about the need for integration experts to work out of the same office. After all”, he said with a smile, “It doesn’t make business sense to have local sales folks, then have to ship in an integration team from Phoenix every time we sold a software package. We had been talking about hiring someone local to the Bay Area and training them, but with this new development with Amanda and you, we may be able to solve everyone’s problem in one fell swoop.”

Amanda was bouncing in her seat with excitement and John was dumbfounded. He couldn’t believe his luck.

“So”, Don picked up the conversation, “What I would like to counter propose to you, John, is, instead of you resigning to live with Amanda, that you accept our position of Integration Supervisor for our field office in San Francisco. How does that sound?”

“How does that sound?!? It sounds fantastic”, John shouted. “Where do I sign? I’ll be more than happy to do this. Thank you!”

“Well, it wasn’t necessarily for you personally”, Don said with a smile, “It makes good business sense for us, because we don’t have to train someone new to run the Integration team, you will have to train folks under you, instead.” Everyone laughed. “However”, Don continued, “On a professional level, you are very good at what you do, and we need to keep you, while on a personal level, I am ecstatic that you’re happy and that we’ll still be able to talk and get together every so often. Congratulations.”

John hugged Amanda, who was stunned, but very, very happy. John that got up and shook hands with everyone.

“Of course”, Don continued, “You will still need to come down here for a day or so once a month for meetings and the like, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I also must say that your traveling days are over, as once we get going the sales force there will keep you more than busy. The only issue is that the office does not open for about 3 weeks, but that will give you time to move.”

“Not an issue at all”, John replied, “In fact, I’ll even take a week or two of vacation to help with those costs. I would take more, but I have a feeling I’m going to need the other vacation days in the near future.” Amanda looked at him curiously at that, but John didn’t explain further.

“Alright, it’s settled then. Again, congratulations, and your vacation time starts tomorrow. In the meantime, take that sweet girlfriend of yours out to celebrate”, Don concluded.

“Best order I’ve ever followed”, John said with a wink as Amanda and he got up to leave.

John and Amanda were laying in his bed in his apartment. Amanda had her head on John’s chest, and they were basking in the afterglow of an intense sexual session.

“John, I can’t believe things fell together the way they did”, Amanda said.

“I can’t either”, John replied, “But it makes a hell of a lot of sense from this company’s standpoint. They were blowing a lot of money on travel, and this will definitely benefit them. Still however, I think I’m getting the better of this deal. I’m keeping my job, and I’m getting you.” He reached down and kissed her on the nose as she looked up at him.

--oOo--

The next few weeks were busy for both John and Amanda. Before leaving Phoenix, they decided which things of John’s they were going to bring and which things they didn’t need. They flew back that Tuesday afternoon, as Amanda needed to get back to work, while John looked for a way to get the things he was keeping up to her apartment from Phoenix.

Amanda was busy with the programmers, making sure that the customizations she needed were completed. John was busy running errands, and following up with movers for his things.

The next week the office in San Francisco opened, and John commuted down there, helping to get things set up there, and coordinating accounts that were being transferred there from Phoenix. Joe was there that first week, and John really enjoyed being able to work with at least one of his friends. He missed Don, but knew he could at least catch up with him during their once a month meetings. John was able to set it up with Don so that Amanda could join him for most of those meetings by scheduling them for Friday evening. He only had to meet with Don anyway, so it didn’t matter if it was in an office or at a restaurant.

Amanda pouted a little when John told her he was flying down to Phoenix alone to supervise the movers and drive his car back. He told her that she would be beat by the time they got back from driving, and may have to miss a day of work. He told her that they wouldn’t be spending many days apart in the future; none if he could help it, and he hinted that she might need some of her vacation days, and to hang onto them for now.

John flew down about a week later, at the end of the month, closing out his apartment, turning in his key, seeing that things were loaded onto the truck, and making sure that the other things he no longer needed were disposed of. He was able to get rid of his bed and most of his other things by giving them away to college students at Arizona State. They were more than happy with free stuff, and he didn’t have to mess with it.

He went to the store to pick up a special item and then to stock up a cooler for the trip. The special item he had an eye on for some time when he had lived there. He started his 18 or so hour drive in the early morning the next day, driving straight through. He knew it would be exhausting, but he didn’t want to spend any more time apart from Amanda than he had to. He got to their apartment around midnight, and collapsed on the bed. He was finally home in every sense of the word.

About a month later, there was a “wrap party” at Kyle Johnson Winery. The software had been integrated, the customizations made, and the people at the Winery were ready to take it from there. Amanda was worried about John the past few days leading up to the day of the party. John seemed to be varying between deep thought and nervousness, but told her everything was fine with a smile, so she didn’t worry too much.

The party was on a Friday, and everyone who was originally in the room that first fateful day way in the conference room to meet before they were to go to a restaurant to celebrate. Don had flown up for the celebration and was in the room as well.

John stood at the head of the table, as he said, “Well, the integration has been great. The programmers, who will be meeting us at the restaurant did a great job, and I want to thank everyone here for their cooperation and great working relationship. On behalf of Dyson Software, it has been a pleasure working with you all.” Everyone applauded and smiled at John, Amanda most of all.

“Of course, the first day got us off to a rocky start”, John said as everyone chuckled, “But I understand that most of you, if not all of you know why. It is due to that gorgeous creature sitting at the end to my right, Amanda Wilcox. On a professional level, this integration has been a pleasure, but on a personal level, this has been the best experience of my life. There’s just one more thing to do now. Ms. Wilcox”, he said with a devilish smile, “Could you please come up here and sit on the table right here?”

He placed his hand where they had their wild night of passion a couple of months before. The combination of that and John calling her Ms. Wilcox, made her smile and blush furiously. The others in the room smiled, but weren’t sure why Amanda was blushing.

She sat where John had indicated, and John looked her directly in her deep soulful eyes, as he said, “Amanda, before I met you again, I was a lost soul. I was existing, sure, but I was not sure what for. That day a couple of months ago, in front of these very people, my life changed. It changed in a most wonderful and glorious way. My life is complete, almost. I want to finish that now.”

John got down on a knee, as he continued to look into her eyes, noticing tears forming in them and her lower lip trembling.

“Amanda, I want to be complete, forever. I want you to be complete, forever. Amanda, I have always loved you. I was stubborn at one point and threw that all away, and I want to make sure that you never get away from me again. Amanda, will you marry me?” He opened the box he had taken out of his suit coat pocket, revealing a beautiful stunning diamond solitaire.

The rest of the room gasped, except for Lori and Don, who were in on what John was going to do.

Amanda, looked at the ring and back up at John. Tears were coming down her cheeks, and her mouth hung open in surprise, followed by a huge smile. Her smile at that moment even made her sunshine smile pale in comparison.

“Oh, John! Yes! Yes I will marry you! Yes I will be your wife! You’ve made me so happy!”, Amanda shouted.

John slipped it on her finger, (he had taken a ring from her jewelry box with him to Phoenix where he had picked out the ring, and it fit!), and Amanda fell off the table and onto his lap as they kissed more passionately than they ever had. It was a good thing they were already on the floor, as the kiss made them both dizzy, and they had a hard time standing for some time after that. In their passionate haze, they could faintly hear the cheering and clapping coming from all around them.

--oOo--

It was early April and the weather was perfect. The sky was clear and it was a gorgeous spring day. John and Amanda Marshall walked outside, trailed by the rest of the wedding party, to have their pictures taken outside the church. Amanda’s parents had come down from Oregon, and John’s parents couldn’t get goofy grins off their faces all day. Eric looked splendid as John’s Best Man, as did Rachel, who was Amanda’s Matron of Honor.

Amanda’s dress was stunning. She had a white lace dress, her hem coming down to her ankles, and it showed her curves in all the right places. John wore a dark green tuxedo which matched the spring scenery around them outside the small church in Santa Rosa. John fortunately was in good shape, thanks to some admonishments from Rachel the evening before to bring the groom back from his bachelor party in one piece and not hung over. Eric, Joe, and Don, who had flown up from Phoenix, groaned, good naturedly, but did as they were told.

They were later at their reception, and they had already received their guests. They had just eaten, and the band was setting up for the newlywed’s first dance. John had requested their first dance number ahead of time, and the band leader spoke.

“This number for the first dance, was requested by the groom. He told me that the words reflected his life and his life with Amanda. He said to tell you if you listen to the lyrics, you would understand. Here we go.”

They started to play a number not usually played for a dance, but as it started, John, looking into Amanda’s eyes, voicelessly mouthed the words to the song (which can be found at the end of this story) as they danced. Amanda had heard the song before, of course, but tears ran down her cheeks, as the wordless passion came through in John’s eyes as he mimicked the words and danced slowly and passionately with his new bride around the dance floor. To John, her eyes expressed everything, and he was never happier than he was at that very moment.

--oOo--

It was 4 years later, and John and Amanda were relaxing in their new home in Petaluma. John had left Dyson Software the year before to start Marshall Consulting. Amanda left the Winery to do the marketing for their new business. It was a partnership in every sense of the word. John went into the office in the home that they had set up, and Amanda went back to the bedroom. As John was working, he caught a slight scent that made him turn around from his desk. He looked at Amanda, dressed in a business outfit, her hand on her growing tummy, which held their unborn child, who was still 3 months away from it’s entry into the world.

She looked at him, and in a straight face, said, “Mr. Marshall, could you please explain how software security works?”

“It would be my pleasure, Mrs. Marshall”, John replied as he took Amanda into his arms.

The End

Lyrics to “In Your Eyes”

By: Peter Gabriel from his “So” LP – 1986

Love. I get so lost sometimes.

Days pass

And this emptiness fills my heart.

When I want to run away

I drive off in my car

But whichever way I go

I come back to the place you are

And all my instincts

They return

And the grand facade

So soon will burn

Without a noise

Without my pride

I reach out from the inside

Chorus:

In your eyes

The light, the heat

In your eyes

I am complete

In your eyes

See the doorway

To a thousand churches

In your eyes

The resolution

Of all the fruitless searches

In your eyes

Oh I see the light and the heat

In your eyes

Oh I want to be that complete

I want to touch the light, the heat I see in your eyes

Love. I don't like to see so much pain.

So much wasted

And this moment keeps slipping away

I get so tired, working so hard for our survival.

I look to the time with you

to keep me awake and alive.

And all my instincts

They return

And the grand facade

So soon will burn

Without a noise

Without my pride

I reach out from the inside

Chorus

I hope you enjoyed this story. I tried to make it a short one, but as I got involved with it, it just kept growing <G>. Please let me know what you think of it, regardless of whether or not you enjoyed it. For those of us who write, it is only through feedback that we know what does and does not touch our audience.