Love Games updated complete 9/1/2013 (Read 9,074 times)

[Kpatch]

I really enjoyed this chapter. I liked how EJ linked their "racing blood" as a common bond. I'm worried about Ari keeping Stephanie's secret though.

[fluffysmom]

I really liked the chapter. I am wondering how Ari knowing the secret will figure into the story. Please post more soon!

[bradydiva06]

I know it's been a while since I have updated this story. I hope people still want to read it. lol I just got really busy with my job. Retail booms during the holiday's and that's when I'm basically on the run. I have done alot of writing lately and I will be updating this story more. Here is a new chapter.

Love Games-10

Stephanie sits on the bench and she could hear Ari’s last words to her before she left the java café echoing in her head. It was just a simple call me tonight, but as she watched EJ on the ice rink she sure was going to call her friend tonight.

Today had really changed her view of EJ. She had never seen him in this light. He was very sweet and attentive to his children. Ali, Johnny, and Sydney seemed to hang by his every word. They do say, your kids will bring the best out of you, and she sure did see that today.

Stephanie picks Sydney up out of her stroller, and holds her in her lap. Sydney seemed excited to be at the ice rank even though she couldn’t participate. Stephanie laughs a little she had to be the happiest, she is the warmest, and probably the most well fed out of the bunch. EJ made sure of that.

Stephanie bounced Sydney on her knee and looked on then waved at EJ, Johnny, and Ali. She was glad to take over watching Sydney, going around the rink with Johnny and Ali could be exhausting. It felt like she was landing more on her butt then actually skating anyway.

“Boo.” Stephanie hears from behind. She jumps a little and turns to see it is Ari the very person she was thinking about calling tonight. Ari smiles and she takes a seat next to her. “What are you doing here?” Stephanie asked her friend while moving over some more to make room for the both of them.

“Well you know I was supposed to meet Brady at Java too. Well I didn’t tell you it was for a double date with Philip and Melanie. I didn’t know how you would react to it.” Ari tells her quickly trying to explain.

“I’m fine by it.” Stephanie says quickly. She didn’t want to make the moment anymore awkward because she knows that Ari is friends with Melanie.

“Well I thought we were going to do a dinner and a movie type thing but Mel insisted on coming here.” Ari told her.

“Melanie insisted on coming here.” Stephanie said in a shocked tone. Stephanie didn’t think she would want to come here at all.

“Uh huh.” Ari said while crossing her arms across her chest. She was suspicious about this too. “I guess there are tons of skating rinks in Paris .She said she used to go all the time there.” Ari said with a laugh. “They are getting skates now. I’d thought I’d join you here with my hot chocolate this is my favorite part of skating.” Ari said with a laugh now handing Stephanie her cup of hot chocolate that she bought for her too.

“Mine too.” Stephanie said with a laughing as they both knocked cups to cheers that statement.

“So how are things going?” Ari asked her.

“Surprisingly really good.” Stephanie told her. “EJ is a great father and Johnny, Sydney, and Ali just adore him. It’s a side of him that I have never seen.” Stephanie

“Ok.” Ari said with a smile and turning to watch EJ with the kids on the rink

“What was that ok for?” Stephanie said with a laugh. Ari’s ok’s were never that simple they always had an underlining meaning to it, before Ari could explain herself Melanie was already over by the benches with them.

“Just an ok.” Ari said with a quick laugh. She takes a sip of her hot chocolate and then finally says “Are the game lines blurring now?”

“No.” Stephanie states quickly trying to not let the thought cross her mind at all.

“Ari here’s your skates. You left so quickly it took a second for us to find you.” Melanie said with a laugh. “Stephanie its good to see you here. Why aren’t you out there with EJ?” Melanie said making sure to make emphasis on his name when Philip and Brady came up. Philip smiles at her and her stomach went in knots. She nods and smiles back at him.

“Yeah why aren’t you out here with me?” EJ asked her while now skating up to them.

“I’m just taking a break here with Sydney.” Stephanie tells them.

“I’ll watch Sydney for you.” Arianna tells them. Stephanie narrows her eyes at her. She mouths what. She thought she was helping with her game but she obviously wasn’t.

Stephanie gives her Sydney and her stuffed bear that she had been playing with. She straightens out her coat and she walks over to get back on the rink. She takes a few steps out slowly and she starts to fall. Philip reacts quickly and catches her in his arms. She looks back up at him sheepishly.

“You ok?” he asked her while helping her to her feet.

“Yes.” Stephanie tells him while pulling away and straightening her jacket again.

“You are graceful on the dance floor but it didn’t translate to the rink.” EJ jokes with her while now coming over to her. “Well on the bright side me, Johnny, and Allie are pros. Isn’t that right kids.”

They both shake their heads adamantly when he says this. “So we can help Stephanie out can’t we?” They both shake their heads fiercely for this too, which makes Stephanie laugh a little.

“We got you Steph.” Johnny tells her while grabbing her hand.

“Well that is good to hear.” Stephanie tells him while looking down at Johnny then back at EJ with a smile.

“Aren’t they just the cutest thing.” Melanie says while turning to face Philip, Brady, and Ari. “It is like they have been together forever.”

“Yeah you are right.” Ari said while chiming in and looking over at Philip who has a wooden smile plastered on his face. She could tell this game was getting under his skin. She didn’t know if she liked being a participant in it. She felt like just telling him the truth for Stephanie. Then Philip should just make up his own mind and tell Stephanie and Melanie what he really wants to do. She wouldn’t she learned at an early age not to meddle in other people’s business. They would just have to learn the hard way.

“It seems to be happening awfully fast.” Philip comments quickly.

“Sometimes love happens that way.” Melanie reminds him.

Phillip frowns while he watches Stephanie and EJ skate. He just couldn’t believe Stephanie would fall for a guy like EJ Dimera. He definitely wasn’t her type and the things he did to her this summer were unforgiveable in his book. He had to know what was truly going on with them.

Ali and Johnny break off for a minute and they are pretending to be world class skaters on the rink. This gave EJ the perfect opportunity to put his arm around Stephanie and she looks up and smiles at him.

“You having fun?” He asked her.

“Lots.” She said with a smile. He uses his index finger to tilt her head and kiss her softly on the lips. She felt an unexpected heat go all through her body. He pulls back and smiles at her then whispers to her. “Uh oh. Kiriakis is getting on the rink. He might melt it because he’s obviously fuming.” She laughs a little in his chest and looks over her shoulder to see he is indeed staring a hole in the back of their heads.

EJ puts his arm around her lower back and pulls her closer to him. Stephanie smiles at him and feels butterflies growing in her stomach. She tried to push them away these feelings and wondered if her mind was playing tricks with her for a moment. She was playing the game too well right now.

She pushes away from him and starts to skate away from him. EJ stands there for a second to collect his thoughts then plays it off by beginning to skate after her and catch up. He links their hands together and they start to skate slowly around the rink.

“You ok?” EJ asks her softly.

“Of course.” Stephanie smiles at him and breaks her eye contact with him right away. He could see that something was bothering her but he didn’t press.

“You guys are really good.” Melanie said while skating in front of him and stopping. Philip soon skates up to them also. “Aren’t they Philip?”

“Yeah they are.” Philip said softly. Stephanie thought she heard a tone of hurt in his voice but she couldn’t tell.

“Daddy.” Johnny said from behind tugging EJ’s shirt. “We want to go around with you.”

“I’ll be back. I can’t deny their requests.” EJ said with a smile. He kisses Stephanie on the cheek before skating away.

“It seems you guys are getting serious.” Melanie said with a raised eyebrow. It seemed she is trying really hard to stress the importance of her relationship with EJ. The more she did that the better it was for her to get Philip back. He seems to be fuming while he waited for her answer.

“Yeah I guess you can say that.” Stephanie says while drawing out every word slowly. She notices Philip fighting the urge to roll his eyes since Melanie turns and smiles at him after she says that. He forces up a smile but when she looks away his displeasure is written all over his face.

“That is great you guys seem happy.” Melanie smiles again and it seems her grin gets wider after every statement Stephanie makes which makes Stephanie laugh a little.

“Hey I need a partner since Ari is went Sydney.” Brady said while coming up and grabbing Mel’s hand and taking off before she can protest. Stephanie looks over at Ari sitting on the bench with Sydney. She won’t make eye contact with her so that is probably her way of trying to get her and Philip alone.

“So its serious huh?” Philip asked in sort of a mocking tone. He skates a little closer to her so they are now face to face.

“Jealous?” Stephanie asked while starting to skate away.

“No.” Philip said adamantly while following behind her, a little too adamant for Stephanie.

“Why, does it concern you if we are serious or not?” Stephanie questioned.

“It doesn’t. I’m just trying to make conversation.” Philip skates next to her now and she brushes up against, making her whole body heat up from his touch.

“I don’t recall you being one for many conversations.” Stephanie teased him while pressing her body against his arms. Philip smiles from ear to ear with that comment. She knew she was pushing the envelope a little with that line. Many would consider that openly flirting. She could see she had Philip’s full attention with that move.

“I think we occupied our time differently if I remember.” Philip said in a low husky tone that sent a heat all through her body. “But I have told you things I have never told any other woman. Never.” He emphasized firmly. He needed to let her know that and it caught Stephanie off guard with him being so truthful.

Melanie watches Stephanie and Philip on the ice and rolls her eyes. The minute she leaves him alone he’s always falling all over himself to be with Stephanie to make sure she is alright. She isn’t sure that they will make it to their planned Valentine’s Day wedding. She couldn’t have that; she would be the richest woman in Salem if she married Philip. She was prepared to live the lifestyle up to the fullest.

“Uncle Brady come around with us.” Johnny and Ali yelled while coming up from behind. She totally forgot that she was skating with Brady since she was so fixated on what was happening between Stephanie and Philip.

“Have fun with them.” Melanie said quickly letting him know that she didn’t mind. “I’m just going to go chat with Daddy.” She beamed at the kids.

She skates over to EJ who is also watching Stephanie and Philip. “It seems like you are slipping on the job.”

“I’m doing just fine.” EJ tells her while skating to the edge of the skating rink.

“Fine.” Melanie retorts and starts laughing. “Ever since he’s been here he’s been following her around like a puppy dog.”

“Don’t critique how I get the job done.” EJ tells her.

“I didn’t give you that information for nothing. You need to work harder on making Stephanie fall for that natural charm of yours.” Melanie says in a mocking tone.

“Maybe work harder on keeping Philip entertained. So I don’t have to do all the work.” EJ tells her while starting to skate over to Stephanie and Philip. Melanie rolls her eyes and follows behind him.

“This has been a lot of fun.” Melanie says with a beaming smile. Stephanie and Philip break their gazes and look over at Melanie and EJ. EJ laughs at how quickly she can change into little Ms. Sunshine for everyone. “I was thinking maybe we should head home and warm up.” She said in a suggestive tone while running her finger up and down Philip’s coat. Stephanie really had to fight not to roll her eyes on that note.

“I need to be getting back anyway I have to drop the kids off to Samantha.” EJ tells her. “Then I will be over to watch the movies, if we get to them tonight.” EJ said while kissing Stephanie on the top of the head. Stephanie hits him on the arm lightly for revealing too much fake information. If that were true she would definitely pull that move.

“Well good night guys and see you tomorrow at the Christmas Reading.” Melanie tells them while linking arms with Philip before heading off the rink. Philip looks back at Stephanie then turns and receives a quick kiss from Melanie before heading to the benches.

“Uh, I’m just so close to getting him to see I’m the one.” Stephanie said with a sigh while skating towards EJ.

“I think he already sees it he just has to admit it.” EJ tells her while skating behind her. He knew he was playing a dangerous game by playing both teams like this. He never shied away from danger. His plan would be for him to still get Sami and Stephanie to still get Philip and Melanie would end up with nothing. He knew that she would probably try to outs their deal but with her track record people would just think she is telling another lie. For right now he has Dimera Enterprises looking into her leads and it looks like the information she gave him is true for the moment.

“Do you really think that?” Stephanie asked while turning to face him.

“I can’t believe you even have to ask me that. He nearly mows down everyone in site to be with you when he thinks he has a second of alone time with you.”

Stephanie laughs and smiles at that the thought of this. “You just say all the right things. I think you are turning out to be a great fake boyfriend.” Stephanie said. She kisses him on the cheek then skates away. EJ runs his finger across his cheek where she had just kissed him and a small smile curves across his lips before he skates behind her over to Johnny and Ali.

[MrsM]

Thanks for the chapter!!!! Glad to be reading this story again!!

[Kpatch]

I'm so happy to see you continuing the story, BD. And I'm still waffling between wanting Stephanie with Philip and wanting her with EJ. I'm torn!

Loved the ice skating scenes. Looking forward to more.

[villa281]

Jan 16, 2012 21:31:02 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

I'm so happy to see you continuing the story, BD. And I'm still waffling between wanting Stephanie with Philip and wanting her with EJ. I'm torn!

Loved the ice skating scenes. Looking forward to more.

As much as I hate to admit it I am kind of waffling between Philip and E.J. as well, and that is because you won't find a bigger Phinie fan then me. I believe that is a testament to Brady Diva's amazing writing. A well written triangle should have you waffling between who you want in my opinion, they should not be so cut and dry in my opinion.

[fluffysmom]

I'm really happy that you are posting new chapters BradyDiva. Loved all of the interactions at the skating rink.

[villa281]

Just wait to you read more. On the Phinie Board we are up to Chapter 16, the story only gets better.

[fluffysmom]

Jan 16, 2012 22:38:10 GMT -5 villa281 said:

Just wait to you read more. On the Phinie Board we are up to Chapter 16, the story only gets better.

I'm looking forward to reading more!

[gapeach]

I had forgotten about this story. So glad to see it back with new chapters.

[bradydiva06]

Thanks for the comments and here's another chapter

Love Games-11

Stephanie is putting up the last of the decorations for the Christmas party in the hospital lobby. Today was the annual reading of the Christmas Story for all the kids at the hospital. It is a traditional she never misses when she is home. Today would be the first time that she actually got to run the event.

“Hey beautiful.” EJ said from behind. He kisses her on the cheek and leans against the nurses station

“You are early?”

“I guess the Christmas spirit has got me on cloud nine and moving.” EJ said with a smile.

“Why naughty kids only get lumps of coal.” She teased. She walks starts to walk away to continue to hang snowflakes up by taping some to the walls.

“Well this naughty kid never got coal. He got many other great things.” He teased. He walks behind her and grabs the snowflake to put it up a little higher for her.

“I know, you should of gotten coal. I wouldn’t have to deal with some of the stuff I deal with today if you would have gotten it.” EJ startles her by pulling her close to him and holding her against his body. He placed his hands on her hips and it sent goose bumps up her arm. He kisses her on the cheek and she snuggles up against his embrace a little more. She tells herself not to get caught up in the emotions of this game, but when he held her close her body had a mind of its own.

“I think you like the way I am.” EJ whispered in her ear. “You’re just afraid to admit it.” Stephanie laughs in efforts to bruise his ego but she knew it would take more than her laughing to do that. He doesn’t lose stride in their act since he sees all the girls at the nursing station buzzing and especially since Nathan just walked in too. He seems to pull her in tighter and she didn’t think it was possible. “Sami came over last night after we dropped the kids off.” He said while kissing her cheek again. Others that were looking on thought he was saying sweet nothings to her instead it was just back to strategizing again.

She didn’t want to admit to herself she felt a little jealous for a moment when he mentioned Sami came by to see him. It had to be late and usually late night visits speak volumes to her. She turns to face him and now he drapes his arms her lower back. “You’re not going to play it up by putting your arms around my neck and gazing into my eyes.” He asked while tilting his head towards her. She sighs and does what he says and bats her eyes at him. “You alright?” he asked now and he actually looks genuinely concerned for the moment.

“Yes go on.” Stephanie tells him while doing a little better in the game by kissing him on the cheek. She didn’t want to answer to many questions from him because she knew she didn’t have the answers herself right now. She pulls away from him and takes his hand and heads him to her office. She knows the girls at the nurse’s station will let the whole hospital know this movie. So Melanie will know in a matter of seconds and that means Philip will know that makes her smile a little.

EJ walks over to the window and starts to close the blinds to make a dramatic effect.

“I draw the line at faking sex noises.” Stephanie warned him. She takes a seat in her chair and he turns and smiles at her. It was his usual wicked smile that always was followed up by some wise remark.

“I would never fake the noises either. I only intend on doing and feeling the real thing.” Did he ever deliver with that wise remark she thought to herself. She knew he was only teasing but when he said it goose-bumps started to come up her arm again and she felt a tingling sensation all over.

“Back to your conversation with Sami.” Stephanie said. She tried to stir the conversation back in the right direction. She needed to keep her focus on the task at hand.

“Oh yes.” EJ said while taking a seat in front of her. “She came by late last night and she wanted to talk about the whole skating thing.”

“What about it?”

“Mainly you and me of course.” EJ said while leaning back in his chair and kicking his feet up on her desk. Stephanie narrows her eyes at him and swats them off her desk. He laughs and continues on with the story. “She continued to grill me on the particulars with us. She warned me about moving too fast and breaking your heart yada yada. I bring up the obvious couldn’t this have been covered over the phone and at a better time. Not almost midnight.”

“What did she say then since you pretty much busted her?” Stephanie sits up in her chair looking him directly in the eyes since the story is getting better to her.

“She started to get a little flustered and made up an excuse that she was there also to get a stuffed animal that Johnny likes to sleep with that I forgot to pack.” EJ leans forward now too. “She asked me over after the reading to help bake cookies for Santa. I thought maybe you should come too.”

“I think that should just be a family thing.” Stephanie stands up from her seat and starts gathering the last things from the reading.

“You are family.” He pointed out.

“Immediate family.” She looks over her shoulder to drill in the point. “Don’t you want some alone time with Sami anyway.’

“Rafe will make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“You’re the master of manipulation. You will find a way to make sure you get that alone time.” Before he could respond back there was a knock at the door. Stephanie stands to open the door. Nathan leans against the doorframe and she steps aside to let him in.

“I’m surprised you didn’t get up with her to open the door.” Nathan said while looking over at EJ.

“I wouldn’t want to smother her.” EJ said with a smile since he knew that is exactly what Nathan is accusing him of smothering Stephanie. He could see the game is really starting to affect him.

“So how can I help you?” Stephanie asked him.

“I came to tell you that I won’t be able to do the reading.”

“What? Great timing you know.” Especially since they are just starting to bring the children down for the reading.

“The ER is swamped. Being a first year resident that means I have to work tonight. I warned you that I was on call.” Nathan reminds her.

Stephanie remembers and she also talked to the doctors and Maxine to try and make sure that he doesn’t get called in. She wonders if he sabotaged this and decided he would just help anyway.

“You really didn’t leave me much tme to find a replacement.” Stephanie said while putting her hand on her hips.

“I’m sure lover boy would love too.” Nathan said while looking over at EJ before leaving her office.

“You know that is not a bad idea.” Stephanie said while walking ober to EJ. “You have to do it.”

“Me.” He said anxiously. It surprised her because he is usually so calm about everything.

“Yes you.” Stephanie said while sitting on his lap now. She wraps her arms around his neck. “You’d be perfect for this.” She runs her finger around the collar of his shirt and plays with his top button.

He grabs her hand and looks her in her eyes. “These advances only work when someone else is around.” He said in a husky voice. She stares at him back and she could feel the tense growing between them.

“Please.” She pouts a little and bats her lashes to make him laugh and ease the tense that was growing between them.

“Fine Steph but no Santa suit. It would be a shame to hide all this sexiness behind that suit.” She throws her arms around him and gives him a big hug before standing. She rushes over and gives him the book.

“I owe you one.”

“You do and I plan on cashing in one day.” EJ said with a smirk. Stephanie blushes from him saying this. She wonders what exactly would he want back in return. Then she remembers he is a Dimera it could be anything.

“Alright we better get back out there. The reading is supposed to start any minute now. You still have to sit in the big red chair.” Stephanie warns him.

“Only if you are sitting by my side.” He teased.

“I can do that.” Stephanie opens the door to her office and it seemed at the same time the elevator doors open and she sees Philip and Melanie walking out of them. He stops and stares at her. The way he looks at her it was like he was looking straight through her and into her soul. She could see he obviously wasn’t happy that she was walking out of her office with EJ. EJ kisses her on the cheek again just to fuel the anger.

Sami, Rafe, and the kids turn the corner and also see EJ and Stephanie. Perfect timing indeed she thought to herself. She sees Sami trying to force up a smile when it is pretty obvious she is not happy about seeing this either.

“Daddy.” Johnny beams while running towards him. Ali is not that far behind him.

“Hey champ.” EJ said while picking him up with one arm.

“You’re coming over to make cookies right?” Ali asked while tugging at his leg.

“Of course princess.” EJ said while patting her on the head. She smiles brightly back at EJ.

“Hey guys do you want to help me with something?” EJ asked they both shake their head and scream yes as loud as they can. “Well I’m going to read the story today so I was hoping you guys could help.” They both scream yes to this too. EJ starts to walk them over to where he will be seated. One of the nurses grabs Melanie’s hand and pulls her away surely to gossip about seeing her and EJ’s display earlier. Stephanie looks across at Philip who was already making his way toward her. She tried to stay calm but her nerves were in overdrive.

“You know you could have asked me to read the story instead of the Grinch. I think the kids would have enjoyed it more.” Philip jokes.

“When would I be able to ask you for that help? You and Mel have been thick as thieves of late.” Stephanie starts to walk away but Philip grabs her hand to keep her right there with him. His touch felt like a jolt of electricity through her body.

“Jealous?” Philip asked while stepping toward her in a low and husky tone.

“Hardly.” Stephanie shakes her hand free and tries to look composed but Philip could see his effect on her already and he smiles. “You’re a happy engaged man you are living dangerously right now in front of the gossip herd over there.” Stephanie tilts her head to the group of nurses that are watching them like a hawk.

“We are just old friends talking.” Philip said quickly. Stephanie knows this is the story Philip would say to Melanie if he was questioned tonight. She laughs.
“I think we would hardly constitute as old friends.”

“That doesn’t describe us wholly. I know that does not begin to describe us though.” Philip looks deeply into her eyes and Stephanie forces herself to look away. He steps forward and eliminates any space there was between them now. “There is a lot of history between us but it does describe us. I would like it if we could take the old away and possibly-.”

“I think this conversation is getting a little heavy for a fun hospital reading.” Stephanie said with a sigh and trying to create the space between them again.

“Any plans for tonight?” Philip quickly changes the subject. He didn’t want to stop talking to her. He felt like his old self when he was around her. He could see Stephanie was about to put her wall back up because the talk was becoming too heavy for her.

“I’m just going to stay in this Christmas Eve. How about yourself?”

“Family dinner.” He said with a smile. Stephanie laughs she knows that dinner will be entertaining.

“You’re distracting me.” Stephanie warned. “I have to make sure all the kids are here so we can start.”

“Well let me help you make up this time.” Philip suggested.

“You seem very helpful. Has the Christmas Spirit gotten to you?” Stephanie asked.

“You could say that.” He says with a smile.

“Here can you check off the names from the east wing to make sure all the kids are here. That they have their present also.” Stephanie asked while handing him the list. He nods and says eye-eye captain before walking away. He turns back and gives her one of his electrifying smiles before he is charming almost every girl on the east wing. She smiles and looks at her list for the west wing. Once she has made sure everyone from her list is indeed here with their present she heads over to see if Philip is done with her list.

“All done?” She asks him.

“Yes.” He hands her back the list. Melanie comes up from behind and wraps her arms around his neck.

“Hey you.” Melanie says while kissing him on the cheek. “Everything looks great Stephanie.”

“Thanks.” Stephanie said with a smile. “Well since everyone is here. I’ll let EJ know we can get started. Excuse me.” She said while walking away from the two of them. She walks over to EJ who is smiling. She can tell he wants to ask her about what happened but instead she sits on the arm of the chair and instructs him to get started with the story.

[MrsM]

Can't wait for more!!

[villa281]

I've already these Chapters several times and I still get caught up in them. Great Job Brady Diva.

[villa281]

You know reading these Chapters really make me wish that Days had really tried out E.J. and Stephanie. I think it would have been interesting to see the dynamic between Shelley and James Scott. I bet it would have been a million times better than Stephanie/Nathan or E.J./Taylor.

[Kpatch]

Poor Stephanie. She's got these handsome men buzzing around her, but they're all talk and no action. Thanks for the update BD!