Love Games updated complete 9/1/2013 (Read 8,906 times)

Oh, I love this concept. Stephanie and EJ “in bed” together, so to speak. Wouldn’t it be something if they ended up falling in love?

I really like the little detail about Philip and Stephanie being the same Zodiac sign.

So glad Stephanie mentioned her father’s history with EJ. And that EJ mentioned his and Stephanie’s history as racecar drivers.

This is a great story. I am looking forward to much more of it! Thanks for posting it here, BradyDiva.

Thanks so much for your comments ladies. I liked when Stephanie, Max, and EJ were race car drivers. Kind of hate how that part of their past is totally dropped by the show. I hope you enjoy the next installment too.

Love Games-2

The room was silent while Stephanie sat across the room from Philip. He continued to stare at her intensely ever since she stepped into the room. The tension between them was intense, and everyone in the room could feel it. She wanted to say something to him but really didn’t know what to say. Daniel and the president of the board just walked in, so the meeting would be starting soon. Saved by the bell she thought to herself.

Stephanie tried to keep her mind on the meeting especially since they were calling on her for a lot of details. It was a hard task to do though today. She just received the news that her ex-fiance is already moving on with her nemesis. Now she has to sit in front of both of them, you could cut the tense with a knife.

Stephanie opens her tote bag and pulls out her notepad and a pen. She pulls out a couple of files she had for the New Year’s Eve Ball. EJ rolls his chair closer to hers. His arm is now resting against hers. His hand lingers on her arm for a moment, and she rolls her eyes and laughs a little then whispers. “Don’t you think you are laying it on a little thick?”

“It’s working though.” EJ said with a smile. Stephanie bumps her chair against his to create space again. He chuckles a little when she does this. She looks back up and she sees Philip staring at her again. He gives her one of those dimpled smiles that he is famous for. Stephanie felt all the blood rush to her face and her heart was slamming against her rib cage as he just sat and stared at her. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought his eyes were full of pain and lust and something Stephanie would have called love but she knew better so she wasn’t fooled by it now.

She clears her throat and looks away to break the stare. She couldn’t take much more of his stares today. She stands up to get herself a bottle of water now before the meeting started. Philip excuses himself from the table now and EJ smiles as he sees Philip is right on Stephanie’s trail. Melanie just stares puzzled since he didn’t say a word to her before leaving.

Stephanie grabs a water bottle from the cooler. Philip is right behind her. He whispers in her ear sending sensations up and down her spine. “When did you and Dimera get so chummy?”

“Chummy?” she reiterated while opening the water and slowly drinking it in front of Philip. Philip looks away from her watching her drink that water just made him want to kiss her on her luscious lips.

“Let’s not play games here Stephanie.” Philip warned.

“Games.” Stephanie said with a laugh. “You started the-.” She stops herself from saying what she really wanted to say. That he started the games by bringing smurfette into their lives but she refrained.

“What were you going to say?” Philip asked while stepping closer to Stephanie so now there is no room between her and the counter.

“Is there something wrong?” EJ asked from behind.

“Nothing that concerns you.” Philip said while stepping back and heading to his seat.

“I was handling it.” Stephanie told him while taking another drink from her water.

“You weren’t, now I’m gonna handle it. Don’t shrug me off just let me work my magic.” He said while placing his hand on her shoulder and now bringing his hand to her face and gently rubbing her cheek. She felt flush by his touch and her body seemed to just relax against him. “Now can you give me one of those sultry smiles you flash.” Stephanie forces up a smile. “You can do better then that.” Stephanie relaxes a little more; she had to admit his touch did feel amazing.

She looks into his eye and smiles as seductively as she could for EJ. She did such a good job he got lost in her gaze for a moment. She turns from him and picks up a few mints from the table.

“Now why did we have to do that?” Stephanie asked. “Here you need some of these.”

“A true man never leaves his woman stranded with her ex ready to bounce on her.” EJ said while he was hot on her trail. He looks down at what is in his hand. He’s insulted to see peppermints in his hand. “Do I really need these?” EJ asked her. When he doesn’t hear a response right away he breaths into his hand.

“Do you have to ask?” Stephanie whispered while taking her seat again. EJ pops two of the mints and she laughs a little. He really didn’t need them, but she just had to kill the tension.

“Everyone please take your seats so we can get started.” The president asks everyone in the room. “Thank you all. This will be a brief meeting. We are just ironing out the details of the ball. Ms. Johnson if you could tell us your ideas.”

Stephanie wasn’t expecting to be called on right away. Usually there is a while before they get to her. She sits up in her chair. “Well I know the board has expressed on wanting to make a continued effort in expanding our children’s wing making it one of the premier children’s hospitals in Illinois. So I mentioned the idea of a ball last meeting and it seemed to be a success. The plan is to sell tickets to the ball either by seats or also by tables for companies. The ticket right price will be.”

“$100 a couple, $1,000 a company.” EJ suggested.

“Well I was thinking more like half the cost Mr. Dimera.” Stephanie stated. The board laughs a little at the both of them.

“Well anyone from Dimera Enterprises will be paying that cost.” EJ started.

“The same goes for Titan.” Philip stated quickly.

“So maybe that should just be the cost of the tickets.” EJ said with a laugh. “In all seriousness Dimera Enterprises wants to help with this endeavor anyway we can. Especially since this issue hits close to home for me.”

Stephanie knew that he was talking about Grace at the moment. She often thought about what if they found things quicker. Would things end differently, would Sami ever tell him that Grace was his? Since the truth was out that Grace wasn’t theirs at all and actually she was Mia’s how would things be now?

“Well you will have many chances to participate. There will also be a silent auction on many pieces that Salem shops have donated for the cause.”

“Sounds like you have been working hard on this Stephanie.” Daniel beamed.

“What will be the theme of the night?” The president asked. She was all about themes for these events.

“I was thinking about making it sort of like a Parisian night a little Moulin Rouge for fun.” Stephanie said with a smile.

“I could definitely help there I stayed in Paris.” Melanie beamed. Stephanie could barely hold back her excitement with that statement.

“Sounds great; well you only have a few weeks to iron out the details.” The president said. “As I said we will be keeping this short and sweet so the meeting is adjourned.”

Stephanie turns to EJ and rolls her eyes at him. “Why didn’t you save me from Little Ms. Sunshine helping me?”

“Because it would be the perfect way to get close to Mr. Kiriakis, with Ms. Layton helping you out on the ball. He is bound to be there. He can’t hide those feelings that are just growing for you minute after minute.” EJ teased her. She sighs and rolls her eyes at him. She doesn’t say anything back because she sees Melanie has now made her way over to them.

“So Steph you want to do some planning tonight?” Melanie asked

She wanted to scream no but she felt EJ nudge her from behind. “Absolutely.” She beamed.

“How about we meet at the Brady Pub tonight around 8 ish?” Melanie asked.

“Sounds good to me.”

“8 that is good for me too.” EJ said while putting his arm around Stephanie.

“I wasn’t aware that you were part of the planning committee.” Melanie said while looking EJ up and down. She was surprised by EJ and Stephanie’s actions today herself. She thought for sure she was going to go after Nathan just to spite her.

“I spent a lot of time in Paris while I was racing on the track against this woman.” EJ said while smiling down at her.

“I bet you were losing to her half the time too.” Philip interjected.

“I’d say ¼ of the time.” EJ said with a smile.

“I’d say the first statement was more accurate.” Stephanie corrected him.

“Well are you coming to the Pub tonight to plan Philip?” EJ asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Philip said while staring at Stephanie.

“Well we’ll see you later.” Melanie said with a smile. “We have to go to lunch with Victor and Vivian.”

“Have fun.” Stephanie said between her teeth. That is something she doesn’t wish upon anyone. When Victor makes the judgment that he doesn’t like you. He will never change that opinion. He will make sure to make every snide comment he can at that lunch. Luckily she he liked her and even Stephanie couldn’t wish the unfortunate of having Victor Kirkias distain a person.

“Ok I played my part well.” EJ said while turning to her. “Now time to do yours.”

“Mine.” Stephanie questioned him while gathering her stuff. “What do you want me to do?”

“Invite Sami and Borella to this party.” EJ said while sitting on the table next to her bag.

“I don’t think they will come.” Stephanie said with a sigh.

“Then make them come.” EJ said.

Stephanie pulls out her phone and sits down on the table next to him. “Did anyone tell you that you are bossy, overbearing, and egoistical?”

“Almost everyday.” EJ joked.

Stephanie rolls her eyes before she said say another thing Sami answers her phone. “Hello Sami.” Stephanie started.

“Hi what’s going on Stephanie?” Sami asked while sitting up on the couch and pushing Rafe away from his advances at the moment.

“I was wondering if you had any plans for tonight?” Stephanie asked.

“No one cares about her plans with Borella.” EJ whispered. “Tell her about the event pull at the heart strings.”

“Well Rafe and I were just going to stay home with the kids. Maybe watch a movie or something.” Sami said now standing up from the couch and stepping away from Rafe. “What’s up?”

“Well I am holding this event for the hospital. It’s a New Year’s Eve ball for the children’s wing of the hospital. I really thought you could help out and give us some great suggestions.”

“That sweet of you to think about me but I don’t know. I can barely but together a children’s birthday party, definitely couldn’t do a huge event like this.” Sami said with a smile.

“Tell her all those years of planning wedding has her prepared.” EJ whispered. Stephanie could barely control her laughter with that remark.

“It will be easy and I really wanted some ideas from you. Maybe if you could speak at the event since this really comes close to home for you.” Stephanie interjected.

“Perfect. I have coached you well.” EJ said softly.

“Do you want to talk to her?” Stephanie asked while covering the phone with her hand and shoving it in his face. He pushes it back to her insisting he was good. She puts the phone back to her ear.

“Stephanie..” she hard Sami calling into the phone.

“Sorry I had bad reception for a moment.” Stephanie said while pushing away from the table and staring at EJ. “So what do you say?”

“Sure I’d love to help where do you want to me to meet you?” Sami asked

“The Pub around 8ish.”

“Ok I’ll see you there.”

Stephanie hangs up the phone and EJ is looking at her earnestly wondering if she agreed or not. “She’ll meet us there.” Stephanie said while putting her phone in her purse. EJ picks her up and twirls her around because he’s so excited about the room.

“Ms. Johnson be prepared to get what your heart desires for now on.” He said while putting her back on the ground. She stares back at EJ and smiles.

I really enjoyed this chapter. I like the tension between Stephanie and Philip as well as the interactions between EJ and Stephanie. I can't wait to read more.

Thanks for the comments guys. Here's another update.

Love Games-3

Stephanie was gathering her things in the apartment for this meeting at the pub. She had envisioned what would happen at this planning meeting all day. She was anxious she didn’t know if it would turn out good or bad. She didn’t know what possessed her to agree to do this with EJ. It was truly working with the devil it was not just a term.

She had to admit to herself that what she was doing before wasn’t working. She was not going to get Philip back the way she was doing it. She was scared to tell him how she felt, especially if he didn’t feel the same and he ended up marrying Melanie anyway. She couldn’t watch Philip get married to her. It literally made her skin crawl with just the thought of it. She knew she had to do whatever it took to make sure this didn’t happen.

Stephanie walks over to the mirror and checks herself out. She had changed what felt like 50 times. She had to tell herself to stop finally. It was just a meeting, it wasn’t the end of the world. She looks at her watch to see it was 10 minutes to 8. She wondered where EJ was.

EJ made this big deal about him driving her to the Pub, he said that doing this would solidify the fact that they were becoming an item. He was already cutting it close. She hated being late period. She sure didn't want to be late for this.

She looks at her phone like the time on there would change. She laughs at herself and puts her phone back in her purse and tries to relax. She hears someone knocking at her apartment door and at the same time she hears her phone ringing in her purse. She reaches in her purse for her phone and the knocking persists and becomes more frequent. She walks over to the door and finally gets her phone out of her purse. She looks down to see it is Nathan calling. She opens her door and EJ is leaning against the frame.

“Took you long enough.” EJ said with a smirk. Stephanie rolls her eyes. She goes to answer her phone. EJ takes it from her, He looks at it and sees it is Nathan. “We’ll just hit the ignore button.” He said while pressing it and tossing the phone back to her.

“You’re a little too overbearing for me.” Stephanie told him while looking through her contacts to call Nathan back. “Why did you do that?”

“Hitting the ignore button will just make him want you more.” EJ told her while inviting himself in and taking her phone from her again to ensure she doesn't call Nathan back. “We want him to want you more. We want him to start to do the chasing not the other way around. That will make Philip more insanely jealous.”

“I thought Nathan wouldn’t be anything to make Philip take notice.” Stephanie reminded him while crossing her arms across her chest.

“He wouldn’t be enough alone. He’s just like the icing on the cake.” EJ told her. He looks her up and down. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” Stephanie said while putting her hand on her hip defensively.

“It’s too perfect.” EJ told her.

“Well I don’t have time to change. I’ve done enough of that.” Stephanie warned him.

“You don’t have to change just spice it up.” EJ said.

“What do you know about fashion anyway?” Stephanie asked while walking over to the mirror to check herself out again. She thought she looked good. She had her hair swept up in an updo, a white button down with a black sweater vest over the top and some skinny jeans to pair with some killer boots.

“I dated more then my share of models.” EJ said with a wink. Stephanie rolls her eyes and she suddenly feels EJ behind her. Her face gets a little flushes and she follows him with her eyes in the mirror. He lets her hair down and tussles it a little, she felt a tingling sensation all over from his touch. “You look like sexy librarian right now. The tussled hair will make them think something is going on.” He teased. “Now loss the sweater vest and drop the button of that button down by one notch. Then wear your long silver hoop necklace you were wearing earlier with some hoop earrings. It will bring some attention to your jaw line” EJ said while ran his index finger on her jaw.

“If I do this then you will have to do the same.” Stephanie said while pulling away from him.

“What?” EJ asked

“Lose the suit coat.” Stephanie said while walking behind him and making him lose it.

“Drop a few buttons on your button down. Do you own jeans?”

“I actually bought a pair at Salem Place today they are in the car.”

“Go get them.” Stephanie tells him. “We need to remind Sami that you can be fun not all business.”

“Yes ma’am.” He said while heading back outside. It seemed he was back on stairs in a second with his bag. He heads to her bathroom and then turns to her. “Don’t peak now. I don’t want you to die from extreme pleasure.” He teased.

“I think I will be fine.” She said with a laugh. Stephanie walks over to her coffee table and notices she still has the picture of her and Philip up. She picks up the picture and runs her finger against the frame. She remembers the day she took this picture like it was yesterday. This picture was take the day after he proposed to her. They were on the Kiriakis terrace happy in love and envisioning their future. Things have changed so much since then.

“How do I like?” she hears EJ ask from behind. She puts the picture down face down and turns to look at him.

“Ravishing.” She said coyly. EJ smiles at her. “We better get going before it’s too late.”

EJ and Stephanie leave the apartment and head to his car. He opens the door for her and lets her in and then heads to the other side to get into the car himself. He leans over and says, “Maybe I should have had you drive. I remember you were a pretty fast driver.”

“I’m a little rusty since I haven’t done that in 3 years.” Stephanie reminds him.

“It’s just like riding a bike.” EJ tells her before buckling up and speeding off. He cracks the windows a little so the winter’s night air can make her hair fly.

“EJ.” Stephanie exclaims while rolling up her window. “I think you could slow down.”

“When is the last time you let your hair down and the wind blow through it.” He asked while going faster now and rolling the windows down again. “When is the last time you speed a little or visited the track.”

“You know how long.” Stephanie reminds him while turning away from him.

“Maybe its’ been too long.” EJ said he finally slows down because they are now at the Brady pub. She felt like he was going to fast still to park but it seemed like he got into the spot effortlessly and smoothly. He opens his door and heads to her side of the car now and opens the door. He extends his hand so he can help her out. Stephanie takes his hand reluctantly and gets out of the car.

“Is my hair all over the place?” Stephanie asked him while trying to look in his mirrors.

“It’s perfection.” EJ told her while taking her hand and heading to the pub doors.

“Don’t you think walking in hand and hand is a little much?” Stephanie asked him. She didn’t want to see too over the top. She didn’t want everyone to think they were faking this.

“No because no one knows when these secret rendevuos could have started.” EJ said with a smile. “If I were walking in with my hand on your hip.” He said while whispering in her ear and then placing his hand on her hip and gently running his hand up and down her hip. Her heart began to race and she felt goose bumps all over. “Whispering in your ear and kissing your neck.” He teased. Stephanie tilted her head a little anticipating it but EJ never did. He pulls away and then says. “then it would be a little much.” Stephanie tries to regain her composure and shakes her head and agrees with him. She tried to show that had little affect on her but she knew and he knew that it did.

She opens the door to the pub. She sees Melanie and Philip sitting in a booth already waiting for them. She was draped around him like a cheap gown and she was whispering cuties things in his ear while kissing him on the cheek. That display was nauseating enough for her to just leave. She could feel EJ’s hand gently guiding her into the room. Letting her know there was no backing out now if she wanted to be with Philip.

Stephanie looks around for Sami and she doesn’t see her at first. She just follows EJ’s eyes and sure enough she was here. It seemed like she was working at the bar and just ducked into the kitchen and she couldn’t hide the fact that she wasn’t happy to see them either.

“It’s working.” Stephanie whispered him to in an astonished tone.

“It won’t work if you say that out loud tonight.” EJ reminds her. They walk over to the booth. Stephanie is about to sit down. EJ stops her. “Allow me.” He says while he helps her slip out of her coat. EJ could see the daggers coming out of Philip’s eyes by that one move and he laughs a little.

“What’s so funny Dimera?” Philip questions EJ while sitting up a little in the booth .

“Just thinking about something funny Stephanie said in the car.” EJ said while now slipping his coat off and taking a seat down next to her. “You have a wicked sense of humor.”

Stephanie laughs a little and then turns to face Melanie and Philip. She hopes Philip doesn’t pressure her on what she wasn’t quick enough to think on her feet tonight to cover that lie. Just being this close to him again made her anxious and nervous. She could barely gather her thoughts.

“Sorry we are late.” Stephanie tells them while looking over at EJ.

“We simply lost track of time.” EJ tells them while now looking over at Stephanie.

“Lost track of time huh.” Melanie said with a smile then she looks over at Philip. “Aren’t these two the cutest?” Philip takes a drink of his water and forces up a fake smile. He decided he was definitely going to need something besides water to make it through this dinner. “How long have you been keeping this under wraps?”

“A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” EJ said while putting his arm around Stephanie and then looking over at Philip it was almost like he was daring him to make his next move. Stephanie hears dishes fall to the ground and she sees Sami trying to scramble to pick them up. She must have seen EJ put his arm around her.

“Um well I’m gonna get us something to drink.” Stephanie says. “You want the usual.” EJ nods his head to her. “I’m also gonna get Sami, she’s here to help too and we will get started then.” Stephanie says to Philip and Melanie.

“I’ll help you carry the drinks.” Philip said while quickly moving out of the seat and standing to his feet. Mel stumbled a little since she was leaning against him.

“Ok.” Stephanie said while turning to look at EJ. EJ steps out of the booth to let her out. He extends his hand again to help her get out of the booth. You could tell that gesture did not sit well with Philip since he rolled his eyes. The two men stared at each other for a moment before Stephanie said something, “We’ll be right back.” Stephanie said while walking away to the bar with Philip. EJ takes his seat again and Melanie smiles at him and blows bubbles in her drink. He laughs a little to himself he can’t believe this is Stephanie’s competition.

“What?” Melanie asked him.

“Nothing my dear.” EJ insisted. “So how did he pop the question?” EJ asked to keep the conversation flowing while Stephanie and Philip were away.

“I don’t know if it is exactly appropriate to say at the dinner table.” Melanie said while fluffing her hair. EJ smiles and lifts his glass of water to her and takes a sip from it. He sees that it was obviously a romantic proposal.

Stephanie leans against the bar and sees Sami still picking up the dishes.

“Can we help you get that?” Stephanie asked from across the bar.

“No, I’m fine just finished.” Sami said while standing up and putting her hand on her hips. “I’m a klutz tonight. I don’t know what’s up.” She said while coming from behind the bar and greeting her cousin.

“So where is Rafe?” Stephanie asked.

“He is working late on a case. He will be here soon. I was just helping Ari while she ran an errand. But she is back now. I’m just gonna freshen up and I will be right there.” Sami said while rushing off. It seemed like she couldn’t get out of there quick enough. Stephanie knew her cousin and she knew that she definitely wanted to ask about her and EJ. That was definitely on her mind. Stephanie tries to get Ari’s attention for drinks but she could see the regulars had her held up and they were a little short staffed tonight.

She takes a seat at one of the stools and Philip sits next to her. Stephanie tries to ignore that he is with her. She was trying to show that she wasn’t bothered by him or Melanie tonight. Philip made it rather hard when he pulls his bar stool so close to hers. She turns to face him and it felt like he was only inches away from her. The proximity between them was driving her insane. It was hard for her to keep her composure.

“So you are going full steam ahead in a relationship with EJ?” Philip asked her.

Stephanie looks down at the bar and then back at Philip. The way he was staring at her was making her heart race. She wanted to scream no I want you but she had to keep her cool. She replied, “We are just having fun.”

“You’re not the just have fun type.” Philip reminds her. “You’re the serious and committed type.”

“Maybe I want a break from that since it didn’t work out that well for me.” Stephanie said softly.

“I would choose another person to have fun with.” Philip told her. “Like Nathan.”

Stephanie laughs a little because EJ was right. Nathan would never make him jealous or riled up because he thought he was the safe choice. He could swoop in at any time and make things right between them.

“I think me and Nathan are better off as friends.”

“I think you and EJ are better off as enemies.” Philip said quickly.

“Like you’re one to talk on the subject. You are engaged to someone you said you couldn’t stand and called your enemy once.” Stephanie told him.

“Melanie isn’t dangerous like EJ. She’s changed.” Philip reminded her. Stephanie wants to ask him how has she changed? She hasn’t seen it.

“She hasn’t.” Stephanie said in an angry tone. “Her immaturity about the fuel project started that war and it almost cost you your life.” Stephanie fights back the tears and turns away from him. Just saying that brought her back to the night that he was shot. The night she thought she was going to lose him forever. Stephanie goes to stand up and walk away.

“Stephanie wait.” Philip said while grabbing her hand and pulling her back to him. “I’m sorry I don’t have a right to pry in your personal affairs it’s just hard. I still lo.. care about you.” Philip said quickly. Stephanie thought she heard a love coming out but she was mistaken. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” Stephanie said softly. She tried to sell that lie as best as she could. She wasn’t happy and she felt she wouldn’t be happy without him in her life.

“Well then I’m happy for you.” Philip said while forcing up a smile. “Look what spot we’re in.” Philip said while looking up. Stephanie sees that they were under the mistletoe. “Last year we were interrupted under this.” He said with a laugh. Stephanie remembers well last year Melanie barged in when she was about to kiss him.

“Sorry guys as you see we are a little short staffed tonight. Mike is on his way to help me out of this jam.” Ari said while grabbing a pen and paper. “What can I get you guys?”

Philip turns to face Ari and she could see she obviously interrupted some sort of moment between the two of them. He smiles at her and runs his hand through his head trying to remember why they were at the bar. “Um we wanted some drinks.” Philip said with a smile. “You guys first Steph and yes what is EJ’s usual?” Philip asked.

Stephanie squirms a little. She said that lie before really finding out what that was. “Well if we were just at home relaxing it would be tea. Since we are out a glass of scotch.”

“So he’s been at your apartment?” Philip asked while raising his eyebrow.

“He has.” Stephanie said softly.

“Make that two glasses of scotch.” Philip said with a smile. He would need that tonight to get through tonight.

“Four cokes.” Stephanie added to the order.

“Ok they will be up in just a second.” Ari said while exchanging a look between the two of them and walking away.

Ari came with their drinks right away and Stephanie takes three and Philip takes three. It seemed Rafe had slipped in and pulled up a chair for Sami and himself along the booth. Stephanie laughs since his chair is close to EJ’s and Sami’s is close to Philip. Stephanie hands the drinks to Rafe so he can pass them around. EJ gets out and lets Stephanie back in the both. He leans over and whispers. “Don’t you ever leave me alone with her again.” Stephanie laughs a little at that remark.

“What’s so funny you too?” Philip questions.

“Yes do tell.” Sami said while sitting up in her seat.

“I said she was the prettiest girl in the house tonight. Of course she has to be modest and laugh.” EJ said while putting his arm around Stephanie. Philip and Sami both laugh a little and take a drink from their glasses and seem to slam them down at the same time.

“So shall we get started?” Stephanie says quickly.

Love Games-4

“So shall we get started?” Stephanie asked everyone at the table. She could see the tension forming at the table. She thought maybe this wasn’t a good idea to have them all together. She turns to EJ who smiles at her and she smiles back. She felt more at ease now to continue with this meeting.

“Let’s give Sami and Rafe some of the details so we can really get down with the planning.” EJ said while taking a sip from his drink.

“We don’t need to be caught up to speed EJ.” Rafe said quickly and firmly. “Steph already gave us the details.” EJ smiles and takes another sip of his scotch. He was starting to regret that he suggested Rafe come to this planning meeting. He forgot how annoying the man could be. If he said the sky was blue Rafe would insist that it was any color but blue and give his reasoning’s till EJ agreed with him. He always had to correct him and be right.

When EJ made eye contact with Sami, he remembered why he invited him. He wanted him to have a front row seat of him reuniting with Sami. His smile broadens and he sits back in the booth.

“So he finally doesn’t know something.” Philip teases while raising his glass and taking a sip of his drink. Melanie nudges him and gives him a look not to start things. Stephanie felt like she was going to throw up watching Melanie trying to lovingly scold Philip.

“Um you are both right. I told Sami and Rafe the gist of what was going on.” Stephanie said while looking over at Rafe and EJ. She takes her hand and places on EJ’s hand and interlocks their hands together. Everyone at the table was glued to them and their hands at the moment.

Even EJ was a little surprised since she opposed walking in together holding hands and now she was making the bold move at the table. She looks into EJ’s eyes. “I was telling EJ that I really didn’t get into our idea of the theme. You know the Parisian night.” Stephanie said now turning to face Melanie and Philip. She sees that Philip’s eyes are still locked on their hands. She slowly pulls her hand away but not before rubbing EJ’s arm lovingly. He whispers into her ear. “You really have gotten into this game huh?” he asked. Stephanie just turns to him and simply smiles.

“A Parisian night.” Sami said with a smile. “What a great idea. So will it have a Moulin rouge sort of feel?”

“That’s what I suggested.” Melanie beamed.

“Well we can definitely do that.” Stephanie said while opening up her notebook to write down the ideas.

“Will you be wearing one of Nicole Kidman’s numbers?” EJ asked in a seductive tone and raising his eyebrow at Stephanie. Stephanie elbows him for the remark. “You can’t blame a guy for trying.” He teased while touching his side.

“Since the ball is in the hospital and the kids will be there. I want to have some events for them. I want you to run that with Rafe.” Stephanie said while turning to Sami.

“Sure I can come up with some great ideas.” Sami said with a smile.

EJ nudges her under the table. Letting her know that he wanted to be apart of that committee.

“EJ I think you’d be great to help with that too. So if you could help out there too.” Stephanie added.

“Of course.” He said with a smile.

“We’ll do fine without EJ.” Rafe said while putting his arm around Sami and staring at EJ.

“Um I think he would have some great ideas you know Johnny always tells me how much fun he had with daddy and the things he and EJ have done. They can be creative I admit so I say the more the merrier.” Sami said with a smile and she looks back at Rafe who doesn’t look happy at all about it. She pats his arm to reassure him he doesn’t have to worry about EJ being in there group.

“Then I wanted to talk about decorations and the auction.” Stephanie continued. She continues to scribble the ideas down in her notebook.

“We could definitely help there.” Melanie said with a smile. “We can decorate the whole room in our favorite color red.” Melanie said while kissing him.

“Actually-.”

“His favorite color is blue.” Stephanie finished his statement.

“Oh well he likes both colors.” Melanie said while squirming in her seat a little. She obviously didn’t like the fact that Stephanie corrected her on that.

“Blue would be nice though you could use blacks and grays also since we have the night theme.” EJ added.

“Hmm you have design skills too. What else don’t I know about you Mr. Dimera?” Stephanie teased.

“Shall we list the crimes.” Philip joked.

“Maybe we should start with yours. I think we might be neck and neck now.” EJ teased.

“Guys this is an important event for me. Can we cut the snide remarks out? I’m gonna go to the rest room really quick. So get it out of you, then so we can get to business.” Stephanie warned them both.

“You’re so bossy I love it.” EJ teased while he let her out. She hits him on the arm playful.

“I mean it EJ.” Stephanie said quietly to him.

“We’ll I’m going to go to the rest room too.” Melanie said while making Philip move to so she could get out.

“Me too.” Sami said with a laugh while standing up

“Ok we will be right back.” Stephanie said with a smile.

“Hurry back.” EJ said with a smile. He meant that literally. He could think of better ways to spend his time then to sit with Philip and Rafe.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to talk to Ari.” Rafe said while standing to his feet. EJ was glad to see one down from the group now. He just wishes the girls would come back before the silence was broken. It was already too late he saw Philip’s mouth moving.

“So what game are you playing with Stephanie?” Philip asked while sitting up in the booth and staring each in his eyes. He said it almost in a threatening tone. EJ sits back and tries to remain calm and cool like he usually is with Philip. He wanted to laugh though because he wanted to let him know the game was one Stephanie was willingly playing right now.

“Game?” EJ asked while tracing his finger against the rim of his glass and staring back at Philip.

“This act you’ve been putting on with her all day. Putting your arms around her, holding hands, and the whispers.” Philip said firmly. “Don’t bring Stephanie into our affairs. I warned you about that last time. I meant it then, and still do now.”

“No need to threaten.” EJ said now picking up his glass and taking a drink from it. “There are no games. You can’t take it that Stephanie isn’t pining away for you. That she is moving on. Stephanie is gorgeous, sexy, smart, witty all the things a man desires in a woman. Why wouldn’t I be interested?”

“Stay away from her.” Philip warned him.

“I find it funny that you warn me to stay away when you are engaged to another.” EJ reminded him.

“You can’t control Stephanie like your other lovers. She is independent and feisty. She wouldn’t back down so I wouldn’t want to see you hurt her maybe put her in another morgue drawer or something.” Philip said firmly.

“I thought posting my affairs on the internet with another woman then getting engaged to that woman in record time would be a better approach to hurt Stephanie.” EJ said with a wink.

“You have a lot of nerve to comment on our relationship when both of your ex’s won’t have anything to do with you.” Philip warned him while gripping his glass tighter. Philip excuses himself to get a refill. EJ sits back in the booth and smiles. He’s done his job tonight, he has really gotten under Kiriakias’ skin.

Stephanie stops in the mirror to check her make up. Melanie was hot on her trail and Sami not so far behind her.

“Oh my gosh EJ is so hot. How did you land him? The way he looks at you. The way he acts around you, it’s like no one else is in the room.” Melanie squealed. Sami crosses her arms against her chest and frowns from the comments.

“We are just getting to know each other.” Stephanie said with a smile.

“It seems you guys are past the getting to know each other stage.” Melanie said while fixing her hair in the mirror now.

“Can we drop the subject of EJ and Stephanie for a minute?” Sami asked while heading to the next mirror. “I thought we were supposed to be here to plan a fundraiser.”

“What’s gotten into her?” Melanie whispers to Stephanie.

“We are here to do just that Sami.” Stephanie said with a laugh.

“It seems the whole topic has been about you and EJ. What would possess you to get with someone like him?”

“He obviously charmed you at one time too.” Stephanie reminded her.

“That was the biggest mistake of my life.” Sami says while running her hands through her hair.

“Do you still have feelings for EJ?” Stephanie asked. “Because if this is the case I will let it go.”

“No, of course not.” Sami said quickly. Stephanie noted it was a little too quickly. She knew when her cousin protested like this it was a lie. “I love Rafe. I’m happy with Rafe. I never want to be with EJ again.”

“Never is a strong word.” Stephanie says.

“Well it’s the truth.” Sami said while walking out of the door quickly.

“Wow drama queen much.” Melanie said with a laugh. “Ok sorry I know that is your cousin and I put my foot in my mouth a lot. But really that was over the top. I’m sure not tired of the Stephanie and EJ story.” Melanie says with a laugh. “You guys seem to have a natural chemistry you’re so relaxed together.”

Stephanie laughs a little herself now. She notices that Melanie is really pushing the idea of her and EJ. She must not like what she is seeing at planning meeting, so she is very gun-ho on her relationship with EJ. That meant Philip would be all hers.

“Let’s head back out there.” Stephanie said while opening the door to the rest room. She walks out and walks back over to the table. The silence at the table showed her that they weren’t so silent when she left. EJ stands up to let her in. “What happened?” she asked before taking her seat.

“I did my part got under his skin.” EJ told her.

Stephanie smiles with this news. She opens her notebook back up and gets straight to business since she sees things are going in the direction she wants them.

“So we picked the colors, I was thinking about thinking of some auction stuff. I want something really big for our auction. I was thinking it should be silent auction too.” Stephanie said.

“Why not one of your racing suits? That would be a big hit.”

“You used to race?” Melanie asked her

“Yes I did. That was ages ago and I don’t think anyone would want that.” Stephanie said while brushing her hair from the front of her face.

“I would.” Philip said softly.

“I think it would be cool to have too.” EJ said while staring into her eyes. She blushes a little when he does this.

“Um it is getting a little late.” Sami said while looking at her watch. “I want to get home to put the twins down.”

“Oh well we can meet another time.” Stephanie said. “How about tomorrow afternoon a little earlier.”

“That’s fine.” Sami said while standing up. “Have a good night everyone.”

“Well I guess we will meet again tomorrow afternoon.” Stephanie said while closing her notebook.

“That’s fine with us.” Melanie said.

Stephanie stands up and EJ helps her put her coat back on. They head out the pub together. Stephanie could barely make it out of the door before she screamed with excitement.

“You are a genius.” Stephanie said with a smile then she hugs him quickly.

“Wow this was a quick turn around for you.” EJ said with a laugh. “Usually I’m called the devil.” He said while holding his hands up and making horns on his head

“Well I have to admit when you’re right and you were.” Stephanie said while leaning against his car. EJ walks and stands in front of her. “In the restrooms Sami looked like she could shoot daggers with her eyes at me. This was so getting under her skin. When I went to the bar with Philip he was so jealous.”

“Should I be jealous and bothered now since he was so hot and bothered?” EJ teased while placing his arm against his car now too and tilting his head down so his eyes were connected with Stephanie’s. The cold winter night breeze cut through her coat and up her spine making her shiver a little. She could feel her heart racing though while he continued to stare at her. She hated how he could make her do that.

“Maybe you should.” Stephanie teased. “How are you playing the game for when there is no one around?” Stephanie asked while trying to remain cool.

“There is always someone around right in front of your family pub. Philip and Mel could walk out any minute. Ari, your grandma, heck anyone in your family could be here and see us.” EJ said while running his fingers through her hair. “We got to be seen by others sometimes to sell this not just Philip and Sami.”

“Steph.” Stephanie hears Melanie call her and snap her back into reality. She looks over to the pub entrance to see her and Philip walking out of the pub. She turns to face them both and EJ moves and steps behind her. “Sorry to interrupt the moment.” Melanie said with a smile and turns to Philip. He forces up a smile. “But I wanted to ask you a favor.”

“Sure.” Stephanie said with a smile.

“Philip and I have been going to dance classes to knock off the rust before the wedding. I admitted to him that I have two left feet.” She laughs and holds up her hand sheepishly. “Anyway, I just don’t want us to go alone and we are the only young people in the class everyone else is much older. So I thought maybe if you and EJ could come with us.” Melanie said with a smile.

“Dancing.” Stephanie said hesitantly.

“We’d love too.” EJ beamed.

“Great. There is a class after we meet tomorrow. We can go then.” Melanie said with a smile.

“We’d love too.” EJ said while squeezing Stephanie’s shoulder and turning and smiling at her.


"We'd love to." Stephanie said with a sigh and rolls her eyes.

"You should be saying thank you EJ." EJ said while opening her door for her and letting her in.

"Why should I be thanking you? I'm forced to be with Melanie all night." Stephanie said with a sigh.

"You're forced to be with her but you'll also be with Philip." EJ said while starting up his car.

"That's almost not worth it." Stephanie jokes.

"I know it's not." EJ said. "You're too good for him sweetheart." he said while pulling off.

Loved Melanie blowing bubbles in her drink. That cracked me up!!

Philip is with Melanie in this story because he believes that she is the "perfect" girl for him, because she accepts his bad boy side and is not trying to change him. However, his heart is still 100 percent with Stephanie, but feels that he cannot be with her because of how different they are on and because of his lying about the one night stand with Melanie at the cheap hotel. Once Philip proposes to Melanie, Stephanie realizes what an idiot she was and that she loves Philip just the way he is flaws and all, but is to scared to tell him out of fear for rejection. So E.J. (who wants Sami) and Stephanie come up with this plan to make Philip and Sami jealous and have them admit there true feelings, but as E.J and Stephanie are playing this game the line start to become blurry.

Thanks for the great chapter Brady Diva. I am really enjoying EJ in this story. I look forward to reading more!