Sorry it has taken me so long to update—my computer was stolen at a conference and I just got it back. I promise to update every other day if not every day until it is finished. Enjoy!
Chapter Two
Two weeks later Sam was off on a weekend vacation spa that she had won. Pete was working and could not join her so she was on her own. She had initially grumbled about being gone for the weekend, as there was a lot of work to be done; however, Sam knew that she could use the rest.
She checked into her room and was astounded at the size and space of the suite. It even had a jacuzzi. She was about to check out the master bedroom when the door opened. Sam immediately reached for her weapon.
"Relax Carter."
She stared. "Sir, what are you doing here?" Then, "I didn't really win this weekend retreat, did I?"
Jack smiled. "No, you didn't. Though everything is paid for so I expect you to enjoy yourself. I can't stay long." Willing himself to stay calm, Jack took a step toward her. "I apologize if I'm wrong and if I am, then we never have to mention this."
"Wrong about what sir?"
"For the next couple of minutes, it's Jack Sam. Jack." Then without any other warning, he closed the distance between the two of them and kissed her.
Shocked Sam opened her mouth. "Samantha," Jack sighed as he deepened the kiss.
"I don't understand," she almost whimpered as he ended the kiss to Jack's pleasure.
"I know that Pete isn't really Pete."
AT that, Sam took a step back. "How? General Hammond doesn't even know…"
"Replicator you. That machine has your memories. She said—if she could be believed—that you were on a special assignment—that George didn't even know. It claimed that you blocked the details more than a couple of other things." Jack searched her eyes carefully. "Was she right? You aren't really with Pete?"
Weighing a couple of different consequences quickly in her mind, Sam kissed him in response. As she rasped out, "She was right. I'm not," Jack pushed her against the door.
"Thank God," he groaned before kissing her again.
When they stopped to breathe, "When did she tell you?" So, Jack gave her the abridged version of what had transpired between them in his office. Still dazed from his kisses, Sam asked in delighted wonder, "You knew that it wasn't me right away?"
"I did," he didn't hesitate.
"But—"
"That machine may look like you Sam but it's not you. I don't know if I could explain it in a way that makes sense but the minute that damn thing entered the room—more like sashayed, I just knew that it wasn't you." He kissed her lightly. "I'll quit as soon as this mission of yours is over."
"Sir- "
"No arguments Sam. The President let a civilian run the SGC before, he'll let me."
"And if he doesn't?"
"It'll be worth it. You are worth giving it all up. Come here," he kissed her again quickly. "I have to go but enjoy the weekend."
Still not quite believing that she wasn't dreaming, Sam stopped him at the door. "Thank you for this."
"You deserve it." Jack smiled as his eyes lingered on the jacuzzi.
Sam followed his gaze and gulped. "I wish you could stay."
"I do too. But we can't. Not yet." They kissed a couple more times before he left, both with smiles on their faces.
