She was comfortable in her life.  No feeling of need to change anything.  But that was before today.  Before a certain tall dark and handsome man entered her life and made her heart skip a beat... for the first time ever.

Marlena was carrying an armload of documents that she was about to drop, fighting to get her sunglasses on, and trying unlock her Explorer door all at the same time when she heard a strange voice call out to her.  "You look like you could use a hand.  May I be of assistance?"

She glanced up at the tall man over the top of her glasses and she felt a surge of electricity shoot through her body.  "Thank you, but I've got it."

Marlena noticed the man glancing around at their surroundings and questioned, "So what brings you to Club Echelon, if you don't mind my asking?  I'm afraid if you're here for pleasure, you're early.  The place doesn't open until four."

"I'm here for business.  I have a meeting with the owner."  His brow furrowed, "Surely, you don't work here... do you?"

"Uh, no.  I'm the owner's wife.  I'm just taking these papers home for him."  After finally unloading her arms, she stretched out her hand, "I'm Dr. Evans.  Uh, Marlena.  Sorry.  I just came from the hospital; I've still got work on my mind."

He graciously accepted and replied, "I completely understand.  I find that I usually work all the time myself.  By the way, I'm John Black."

"Well, Mr. Black, you really should learn to do something about all that working.  It'll drive you into an early grave if you're not careful," she stated.

He could not help himself.  His eyes drifted down to her legs and then up again to meet her hazel orbs.  "Maybe I'm looking for someone to teach me how to loosen up."

His tone did not go undetected by Marlena although she pretended to not notice.

"A doctor, eh?  What is your area of expertise?"

"Psychology is my specialty," she smiled.

"I'll bet that's not all you know how to do well," he smirked.