Short but new. Thanks for the reviews. :)
Oh a couple JJ related things:
I have a new Sheppard/Keller smut piece titled "Heal" posted at my website. It's a tag for Search and Rescue.
Little too hot to post here. :) Click on my profile for the url.
Also have created a Sheppard/Keller webpage. Not much there yet but am working on it.
http cindyryan tripod com jj html Enjoy
Title: Routine
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Sheppard/Keller
Notes and summary: See part one
John saw Jennifer shudder and frowned. "You still cold?"
Not trusting her voice at all Jennifer could only nod. Though at the moment being cold was the farthest thing from her mind.
/Stop it/Jennifer chided herself. /If he doesn't have a girlfriend here he more than likely does back on Earth. The spark you're feeling is just the situation./
John stretched out his legs and opened his arms. "Come here."
Jennifer's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
John laughed. "Doc, you of all people should know that skin to skin contact is the quickest way to warm somebody up."
"Right."Jennifer replied as heat colored her cheeks.
John extended his right hand toward her. "Come on. You'll feel better."
Now that he wasn't so close to her, Jennifer felt the coldness seep back into her bones. Her soaked uniform clung to her skin making her shiver. She was beginning to feel the soreness of her ribs from where the snake had cut off her air supply.
Telling herself not to think about it, Jennifer maneuvered herself into John's arms.
As she did she couldn't help but think of how right they felt.
John pulled her close so she was sitting on his lap instead of the damp sand. He wrapped his arms around her torso and leaned Jennifer back against his chest. Their legs were stretched out in front of them.
John began to rub his hands over her arms not liking how cold her skin still was. He could feel how tense she was. A realization worked its way into his thoughts. Was she seeing someone?
Was she worried what this would look like to him when they got home?
She'd been awful cozy with Lorne…..
"Relax, Doc."John whispered his mouth close to her left ear. "If you're worried about what your boyfriend will think…."
Jennifer jumped slightly wondering where he got the idea she was seeing someone. "No….I'm not seeing anyone."
John was surprised at how relieved he felt.
Jen turned slightly so she was facing him. His face was now almost a silhouette against the darkness. "Haven't had time."
John grinned. "I know the feeling."
Jennifer turned and relaxed back against him not sure about this recent turn in conversation. "I-I'm surprised."
John raised an eyebrow. "At what?"
"That you're not dating anyone."Jennifer replied then winced. Why did she say that? None of her business.
John continued to rub warmth into her arms. "As you said, Doc, no time."
"Sorry I asked….none of my business."Jennifer said quickly trying to ignore the electricity of his touch.
"Friends ask."John replied quietly wondering if the connection he felt between them was real.
"Is that what we are?"
A frown crossed John's face as he adjusted their position so they were laying down, both on their sides.
Did she really think he only thought of her that way?
"You think I only consider you a co-worker?"
"Sometimes."
John let out a breathe. "Sorry, Doc."He apologized his voice barely above a whisper. "I've lost a lot of people over the last couple years…..hard for me to get close……."
Jennifer winced at the sadness in his voice. "It's natural to protect yourself."
John chuckled bitterly. "Burying yourself in work doesn't help either."
Jennifer turned in his arms not being able to resist touching her hand to his face.
She needed some connection in the darkness.
John fought the urge to lean into her touch. He cleared his throat. "Better get some sleep, Doc."
After a moment Jennifer pulled her hand away and twisted back around so she was laying on her right side using his arm as a pillow.
Just before sleep claimed her Jennifer said quietly. "John, thank you."
"For what?"
"Saving me."
John tightened his hold on her. "You're welcome, Doc. Just don't make a habit of it."
