Disclaimer: This is a story that I really wanted to write, and I hope that you all like it, even though I've paired Jack with Katie. It is something that I feel strongly about because whenever Maura goes on maternity leave, Michael never gets to be paired with someone else. He did when she did the first time, hence Julia, but not really since. Carly did something very unCarlylike by taking off with Simon, and I think that Jack and Katie would make a really good couple. I can't wait until they get hooked up. So here is my first ever Jatie story.
Passionate Kiss During the Storm
By Julia
It was a little chilly outside, but the sun was shining beautifully. Katie Peretti was sitting on a bench in the park, thinking about things. She had lost her husband, and it had been all her fault. If she hadn't hidden that letter from Simon. Mike had forgiven her for sleeping with him, she just wished that she had told him about the letter right away. Now she was all alone.
She saw a couple of police officers walking by, sipping coffee. She smiled. That made her think of Jack. Things had been going pretty nicely there for the two of them lately. Their friendship had certainly been getting better. Katie wasn't sure what was happening there, but it was nice whatever it was. She had noticed how handsome he was, and that scared her a little.
She was just thinking that she should go get a cup of hot chocolate to warm her up a little when she saw her best friend Henry Coleman coming her way. She smiled. He was just what she needed to cheer her up. Plus, he was without that horrid girlfriend of his, Vienna. She said, ''Hi, Henry. How are you doing?''
Henry smiled back at her. ''Hi, Bubbles. I saw you sitting there and I thought that you might want to come with me to Al's. I'm meeting Vienna. She really wants to be friends with you now. Please say you'll come.''
Katie tried not to make a face. She had told herself that because Henry seemed to not be ridding himself of Vienna, she should try to get along with her as best she could. It was going to be hard, but she was going to try. She just couldn't handle her today. ''No, I'm sorry, Henry, I was just getting ready to meet Jack at Java.'' She lied.
Henry knew she was lying, but it was OK. He knew she was trying to like Vienna. That was OK with him, as long she was trying. ''Well, all right then, tell him that I say hi.''
Katie nodded, thinking Henry must be off his game, because he always knew when she was lying. ''OK, I will. Have fun with Vienna, Henry.'' She headed off across the grass to her car.
It only took a couple of minutes to get to Java, and to her great surprise, Jack's car was sitting in the parking lot. She shrugged. At least she wouldn't be lying to Henry.
When she got inside, she saw Jack's brother Brad sitting with him. They were having an argument. She got herself a hot cocoa and joined them. ''Hi, Jack, you look like you're a little frustrated with the Good Ole Boy here.'' She said.
Jack Snyder's gorgeous chocolate brown eyes were sparkling, but his handsome face did in fact, hold a frustrated expression. He smiled at Katie. ''Hi, Katie. I'm glad you're here, because my brother most certainly will now leave.''
Katie nodded. ''You're right, he probably will take off, won't you, Brad?'' She moved blonde hair out of her eyes and fixed him with her best stare. She wanted some alone time with Jack, and that meant Brad had to be skipping off.
Brad stared back at her, trying to access what Katie was up to. He totally thought that she was just out for herself. He didn't think that Jack needed that after Carly. He knew that he shouldn't say it though, unless he wanted his ass kicked. He did not. Jack would fully and most certainly try to kick his ass if he said anything. He finally said, ''I can tell when I'm not wanted. I'll take off. But Katie, you'd better be careful with my big brother. He's a little wounded. Don't make it worse.'' Then, before she had a chance to reply, he took off.
Katie sat down in his vacated seat. ''Can you believe that? Your brother's got some nerve, Jack. I don't know how the two of you can even be related.'' She took a sip of her cocoa as Jack smiled a slow and lazy smile at her. She nearly melted in her seat, but tried not to let it show.
Jack ran a hand through his black hair. He looked at Katie, who looked totally beautiful today. She had a blue shirt that brought out the blue in her eyes. He stopped himself. What was he doing? He couldn't go there. He realized he needed a reply. She was looking at him expectantly. ''Yeah, my brother's something, alright. So, what brings you to Java?''
Katie shrugged. ''I was trying to avoid quality Henry and Vienna time. I'm trying to like her for Henry's sake, but I just wasn't in the mood for her today, so I told Henry I was meeting you here. You can imagine my surprise when I saw your car in the parking lot.''
Jack chuckled. ''I am glad you showed up. I get to see you and you got rid of my brother. I had been trying for, well, how old is he?'' Katie laughed. ''I guess I'm saying that I'm happy to see you.''
Katie patted his hand with her own. ''I'm glad to see you too.'' They sat like that for a minute, then Katie quickly moved her hand and said, ''So how are the kids? Parker any better?''
Jack shrugged. ''He's not talking to me, which I'm taking as a little progress, because he's not telling me that he hates me every five minutes. JJ and Sage are being great. I just wish I could get Parker to open up.''
Katie said, ''Well, he feels safe enough with you to know that you're going to be there for him no matter what. He'll come around. I just wish Henry would. Vienna is awful for him.''
Jack made a face. ''Well, you're going to hate me saying this, Katie, but they are perfect for each other. They can drink martinis together and talk about how rich Henry wants to be.''
Katie made a face, too. ''I do see what you mean. You're right. But Vienna is still going to get bored and leave him, and then Henry's going to be upset. I just don't want him to get hurt.''
Jack shrugged. ''If Henry wants to date her, then there isn't much you can do, Katie. I mean, he doesn't have to listen to you. If he likes her, then you're just going to have to get used to her.''
Katie made a face again. ''Sure he does, I'm his best friend. If the best friend doesn't like the one you're dating, then you know that there's something wrong. I just, I really can't like her. I've tried, Jack. It just hasn't worked.''
Jack looked at his watch. ''Dammit. Katie, I've got to go pick up the kids from Lily and Holden's. Luke picked them up when he got Faith and Natalie. I told him I wouldn't make him watch them that long. So do you want to maybe do something tomorrow? Sage's got a play date, and Parker and JJ have hockey practice. We could see a movie or something before I have to pick them up.''
Katie thought that sounded heavenly, sitting in a darkened movie theater with the studly cop, kissing passionately. She mentally slapped her brain and tried to get it to stop. ''Sure thing, Jack, that sounds great. Call me tomorrow.''
Jack nodded and resisted the urge to kiss her on the cheek. ''OK, I will. See you tomorrow.'' He left Java, telling himself he wasn't going to look back. As soon as he got outside, he looked in. ''Dammit, Jack.'' He told himself and headed out to his car.
The kids were quiet as he thanked Luke for watching them for him. He listened to Luke tell him a quick story about Brad, not really paying attention, thanked him again, and then herded the kids out the door, saying a quick good-bye to Natalie on the way out.
They drove home in silence, no one saying a word. Jack tried to engage them in conversation, but he gave up. He knew it wasn't going to do any good. No one was going to respond. When they got to the farm, all three of them bolted out of the car and hurried up to the house before Jack could say a word.
Jack shook his head and walked slowly up to the farmhouse and noticed his aunt Emma was in the kitchen. ''Aunt Emma, you're back.'' He said, giving her a warm hug and a kiss.
Emma smiled at him. ''Yes, I'm back. I can see that the kids still aren't doing any better. Sage was the only one who said hello when they went barreling past.''
Jack sighed. ''Yeah, I'm sorry about that, Emma. They really haven't been saying much to me, either. Although, when we were at Al's with Katie a few days ago, they seemed to perk up a little. She watched Parker and JJ for me when I had to run to the station. They showed her how to play hockey a little. It was nice to see them having a good time.''
Emma smiled at him. ''You're sure spending a lot of time with that young Katie. You two have been getting along quite well while I've been gone, haven't you?'' She teased her nephew.
Jack tried not to blush. ''I guess. We're just friends, Aunt Emma. I don't think I'm ready for more than that. Besides, Katie's not over Mike. Not by a long shot.''
Emma nodded sagely. ''Jack, I have known you since you were a baby. I watched you have a crush on Molly when you were a teenager. I saw you fall for Carly. I know when you like a woman, and I'm telling you, there's something there with Katie. It's alright, love will blossom when it's supposed to.'' She started making dinner, as Jack shook his head and went upstairs to shower.
Katie was sitting in her living room, wishing her little cottage didn't seem so big. It did, though. Mike was gone, and it just made her house seem so huge. It was actually very tiny. She was just deciding she needed a little music to cheer her up, when the phone rang. She picked it up, not expecting who it was.
It was Jack, and he sounded nervous about something. ''Hi, Katie. It's Jack. I just wondered if you had any plans for dinner tonight. I know it's last minute, but Emma insisted I invite you.''
Katie smiled to herself. He sounded sheepish. She could imagine the look on his face now. She said, ''Yeah, I just bet Emma insisted.'' Her voice was playful, running her hand through her hair. She was excited to see Jack. Probably too excited.
Jack's sexy voice came back at her, sounding a little more relaxed. ''Well, yes. She says you might not have been feeling up to making a home cooked meal for yourself. Emma's cooking is always excellent. Plus, I myself wouldn't mind seeing you.'' Was it her imagination, or was there a flirty tone to his voice?
Katie tried not to sound too escatic at the idea. ''Of course I'll come. Does Emma want me to bring anything?'' She was in a hurry to go upstairs and dress in something hot for Jack. She wanted to be able to do it without being too obvious.
Jack replied, ''Just your bouncy little self, Katie. Dinner's going to be ready in about an hour, so come on over. I'll be glad to see you, Katie.'' He sounded like he really would be.
Katie told him she would be glad to see him and rushed upstairs, to start rooting through her closet to find the most perfect outfit. She wanted it to be sexy, but not too sexy. She didn't want to seem too eager, since they weren't even really flirting with each other or anything. Not to mention, guys didn't like to be chased.
It took her about a half an hour to get ready, so she had to speed a little on the way there to make it on time. She made it, though, and headed up the walk, opened the door to the closed in porch and knocked on the door.
Jack opened it, smiling at her. ''Hey, Katie. What's going on? I'm glad you could make it.'' He stepped back so she could come in, trying not to look as nervous as he felt.
Katie grinned back. She had put on tightish jeans, and a babydoll tee. It was blue, to bring out the blue in her eyes. She moved her bangs out of her face, still trying to get used to her shorter hair. Jack was dressed in a fresh-looking blue shirt and some very nice blue jeans. They made his butt look really great. She stopped herself and said, ''Thanks for inviting me, Jack. I'm so glad that you asked.''
Emma had skidaddled, telling Jack that he and the kids could enjoy some time with Katie, she was going to Lily and Holden's. She hadn't wanted to be there with Katie if she didn't have to. Emma was very forgiving, but she just wasn't in the mood for being polite. It didn't matter that she thought Jack and Katie would be good together. She loved her nephew, and would accept Katie if she had to, she just wasn't ready to yet.
Jack said, ''Can I get you something to drink? Dinner's just about ready. Emma left me in charge of finishing it, but I can get you something to drink while we're waiting.''
Katie put her purse and her jacket on one of the kitchen chairs, then stood at the island so she could talk. ''I'm fine for right now. I'm just glad that i don't have to sit at home by myself.''
Jack smiled again. ''Yeah, I'm glad I could save you from that.'' He checked on the pot roast, hoping he'd really be able to finish everything without burning it. ''You want a little music?'' He asked her.
Katie nodded. ''Sure. Sounds good to me.'' She watched as he headed off to the living room to put something on. Knowing Jack, it was going to be something jazzy or some Broadway soundtrack.
As Harry Connick Jr. filled the house, Katie smiled to herself. She had been right, and she loved Harry Connick. He was really good. ''I like your choice. Harry Connick's really good.'' She told Jack as he re-entered the kitchen.
He was formulating a reply when JJ and Sage came down. ''Where's Aunt Emma, and why is that jazzy stuff playing?'' JJ asked, as he took the plates to set the table.
Jack replied, ''Katie and I are listening to it, and Aunt Emma went to your cousin Holden's for dinner. I'm finishing up the rest of our dinner, and thank you for setting the table.''
Sage looked at Katie. ''Hi, Katie, are you eating with us? It'll be nice, since Parker isn't.'' She sat down on one of the kitchen chairs.
Jack looked up at this pronouncement. ''Sage, why isn't your brother eating with us? I told him that he has to. He can't just skip dinner with his family to eat whenever he wants.''
Sage looked at her father. ''Daddy, he said that he doesn't want to, because Katie's here. He said that he doesn't want to eat if she's going to be eating with us. I didn't want to hurt Katie's feelings.''
Jack said, ''It's OK, Sage.'' He turned to Katie. ''Parker still isn't being a gentleman about our being friends. I'm sorry. I could make him come down, but I'd like to avoid a fight.''
Katie shook her head. ''It's perfectly alright, Jack. If he doesn't want to see me, he doesn't have to. I can leave, go home.''
Jack and Sage both protested at once. Jack said, ''No, Katie, don't leave. If he doesn't want to eat with us, I'm not going to make him. You're staying here. Sage and JJ want you to, don't you?''
Sage nodded, and so did her brother. ''Of course we do, Katie. You're fun. Daddy was really happy when you said you were coming. He turned all red and smily.'' Sage went to the fridge to get something to drink as Jack turned beet red.
Katie smiled. ''Were you that happy to see me, Jack?'' She asked, accepting a bottle of water from Sage.
Jack continued to blush as he turned around to take the roast and potatoes out of the oven. ''I'm going to plead the fifth on that one.'' He tried to breathe. He had felt his heart nearly stop when Sage had said that. Katie hadn't been able to hide her expression very well. She had looked glad that he had been glad. It had made him unexpressly happy. He had never thought he'd feel this way about someone else after Carly had left with Simon, but he thought he might be starting to really like Katie.
Katie watched Jack as he took the food out of the oven. The blush on his face was calming down a little. She turned as Sage took her hand to lead her to the table. She sat her in the chair next to Jack's, claiming that they should sit together. Katie took a deep intake of breath as Jack turned around. He brought the dinner over to the table, and he looked so gorgeous that Katie thought she was going to cry.
''OK, dig in, people.'' Jack pulled out his chair and sat down. When he did, one of his legs brushed Katie's, and she had to force herself not to show it had affected her.
After dinner, with Katie and Jack sneaking little glances at each other, the kids cleaned up and Jack and Katie went out by the pond. Katie had forgotten her jacket, so Jack gave her his. She had to force herself not to inhale Jack's unbelievably good smell from it. Aloud, she said, ''Thanks, Jack.'' She moved her bangs again.
Jack wanted to take her hand, but he wasn't sure how that would be perceived. This caused him to be nervous, and he wasn't sure what to do with his hands. ''Did you get enough dinner?'' He chose to ask.
Katie nodded. ''Oh, yeah, it was really good. Emma's a good cook, though. And you did great for not burning it.'' She wasn't sure what she should do with her hands, so she had her arms wrapped around herself.
Jack felt like a fifteen year old going on his first date. He finally worked up the nerve to take her hand, and reached up and gently slid his hand into hers.
Katie smiled at him as they continued to walk. Their fingers entwined so well you could barely tell whose was whose. Jack's jacket was too big, and she had the sleeve trying to eat her hand. That was the only way you could tell which was hers. She liked that.
They walked in silence for awhile, occasionally sneaking glances at each other. Finally, they reached Jack's favorite spot by the pond. He helped her to sit down, then sat beside her. ''Katie, I need to say something to you. We've both been kind of in a funk, and I think that we've been able to make each other feel better. But I think I've started to feel something for you. I'm just hoping you feel the same way.''
Katie's smile was ear to ear. She said, ''I'm so glad that you feel the same. I've been trying to stop myself because I never thought you would want me. After what I did.''
Jack took both of her hands in his. ''Katie, none of that matters now. What matters is the here and now. What we're feeling a this very moment. That was the past, and it's behind us.'' Then he pressed a kiss to her mouth, and Katie heard fireworks.
They kissed like that for a half an hour, hardly noticing the cold as it grew darker. They only stopped when it began to rain a little. Katie giggled as Jack looked up in surprise. His hair was disheveled from her running her fingers through it. ''Let's go in before we get soaked.'' Katie said, as Jack stood up and pulled her up behind him.
They took off running for the house, Katie smiling to herself the whole time. She never thought that she would feel for someone after Simon, and then she had found Mike. Then Mike had left her, and she really thought she'd be alone after that. Now maybe she wouldn't be. Jack was a wonderful man. He was kind, and sweet, totally gorgeous, and he made her laugh. Plus, he loved his kids. If they had any of their own, he would certainly be good with them. Katie stopped herself. They'd only kissed a few times, and here she was, planning on them having kids. She really had to stop getting ahead of herself.
Jack said, ''I should be making sure the kids are doing their homework. Do you mind? We'll have to call it a night.'' He paused a moment, and took her hands in his. ''Katie, I don't know what this is, between us, but I really want to see how it works out.''
Katie was mesmerized by his eyes and didn't reply for a moment. Finally, she realized she had to say something. ''Oh, I do, too, Jack. I have never seen you this way before, but I really really like you. I want to see where this goes, too.'' Barely able to hold back tears of joy, she kissed him again and headed out to her car. She looked back numerous times to make sure he was really there, and it wasn't a dream. She could hardly believe it.