Hi all, this is just a quick chapter linking the previous and the next and taking a chance to explore Audrey's thoughts at this point in their relationship. I promise that things get a bit more exciting in the next chapter (warning: very exciting haha) so stay tuned for that soon!

December 2004

Takes place a few days after Chapter 8

Jack had been on Audrey's mind constantly the last few days. This wasn't too unusual these days but her feelings had deepened, again, after the last weekend they spent together. Jack had been open and vulnerable with her and trusted her with something big that he himself hadn't quite come to terms with, something that he thought might stop their relationship from progressing any further. The reality was that the events of the weekend had only bonded them at an even more accelerated pace and Audrey felt closer and more connected to Jack than ever.

Audrey hadn't been entirely sure how to handle Jack's admission on the weekend and hadn't quite been sure how to navigate some of their conversations that had popped up before this one. She couldn't pretend to truly understand Jack's life and world, although she did her best to appreciate it but luckily Jack didn't expect her to. Although she was still learning what Jack wanted or needed from her, she felt like she was learning. Audrey was doing her best to follow her intuition, ask gentle questions, show that she cared about Jack and do her best to work to understand and support him the best she could. The closer they got, the more Jack meant to her and the more she hoped she was giving him what he needed and deserved. Even in only a short period of time, Audrey knew that she was getting better at reading Jack and was coming to really understand him, the happy and good along with the loss and pain he had experienced in his life. Audrey knew how vulnerable Jack was being with her lately and wanted to confirm to him how much she cared about him, supported him and that she would be there for him and not hurt him. Audrey was confident that she was on the right path though as Jack seemed to appreciate and respond to her approach evidenced by him being increasingly trusting of her.

The more Audrey learnt about Jack though, the more incredible she thought he was; the things he had gone through professionally and personally, some of the decisions he had made, his achievements and his thoughts about all of these things. She was forever impressed and could easily say that she had never met someone so interesting, thoughtful, intelligent, deep or with such an unwavering sense of loyalty and conscience as Jack. Jack was honest and direct but fair, loving and gentle all at the same time. Audrey liked who she was around Jack, opening her mind, feeling thoughtful and stimulated and being someone who listened and was able to be there for someone who needed her. Audrey truly felt honoured to get to know someone like Jack in this way.

Jack being very honest and direct was something new for Audrey. Although Jack could be reserved at times, he only spoke the truth and articulated his thoughts truthfully and clearly. It was something she'd never quite experienced in a relationship but it was something she enjoyed. When Jack told her how much he liked her or how beautiful she looked or how happy she made him, he was so sincere and she had no doubt regarding his intentions or true thoughts as they were all laid out for her.

Although Audrey hadn't experienced things in her life like Jack had, she had also felt comfortable in opening up to him and being vulnerable with thoughts and parts of herself that she wasn't particularly proud of. Audrey found herself entirely at ease with Jack and found that she could be her true self, something she probably hadn't ever shared entirely with Paul or her father or most of her family and friends; always censoring some part of herself or acting in the way she was supposed to or in a way to suit others. Jack didn't have conditions or standards for her to meet like so many people in her life did and even after only a few weeks of dating, she felt comfortable telling him anything, knowing that he'd understand her. Audrey had opened up about losing her mother when she was only a child and feeling her absence through her whole life and about her close relationship with her father but feeling overwhelmed by living up to his standards and feeling nervous at times to share parts of himself with him as she didn't want to disappoint him. Audrey had also shared how self conscious she was about people talking about the fact that she was James Heller's daughter and worried that they gossiped that she only got her job due to this, how she felt guilty that she wasn't as sad as she should be over her marriage ending and generally opened up about her hopes and dreams for her future, including most wanting to have a happy relationship with someone she cared about. The more honest she was and the more she opened up herself, the more Jack seemed to like her, telling her that he liked hearing her real thoughts and emotions and supporting her, telling her that nothing she thought or felt was bad or wrong, simply her, and that he thought she was a intelligent, beautiful and deserving person, some of the most beautiful things that anyone had ever said to her.

Jack particularly listened and seemed to understand her relationship with her father, understanding how much she loved him but appreciating the pressure she felt to uphold a certain image, the pressure heightened given his disappointment in and strained relationship with his son. It felt good to talk to Jack about these things. Audrey knew that she was an emotional person and it felt good to share those emotions with someone. Although she kept her cool in any professional sense, she liked to think, feel and share with people she trusted and she had come to learn that Jack was the same. It was surprising, but beautiful to both that they had trusted and fell for each other so quickly and were able to share themselves like this.

Jack had also paid Audrey sincere compliments when they discussed her insecurities around her job. Jack had told Audrey that he couldn't think any higher of her, that she was brilliant, intelligent, adaptive, strong willed, well spoken, experienced and worked well beyond what was expected to prove even further that she was as good at the job, if not better than anyone else could be. Jack told her that anyone who knew her would know this and how great she was at her job. He had finished his argument by saying that anyone who still thought that way could only be jealous given all of her assets plus how beautiful she was, words again that seemed so honest said by Jack and that made her melt a little.

Although there was a lot of heaviness already in the opening up and connecting on a deep emotional level and Audrey knew she was only just scratching the surface of Jack and that there was more to come, she was having fun with Jack. Audrey found it easy to smile, laugh, be affectionate and enjoy herself. She knew that Jack felt the same. Although Jack could be intense at times, Audrey could feel him relax around her, his eyes softening and body relaxing around her, something he didn't seem to do with anyone else, which she felt honoured by and happy with, but something she also took seriously. Spending time together, whether it was an after work drink, dinner at a restaurant, getting out and walking around the city on a weekend and showing Jack Washington D.C., light conversation over a coffee, spending time at home whether talking or simply cooking dinner or watching television, it was always easy, enjoyable and fun.

There was something else pertaining to Jack that Audrey could barely get off her mind. As per their agreement to take their relationship slowly, they hadn't introduced sex into their relationship yet but given their growing connection, Audrey was beginning to think that the right time was fast approaching. Audrey couldn't deny that their kisses and touches were becoming more intimate, confident and definitely more sexual, making her feel all sorts of things. Physically, she was eager to give into the heat between them, anticipating how amazing it would be but she was also looking forward to making their relationship even more intimate, which was a step that she was more than ready to take. Plus, they wouldn't have to say good bye to each other at the end of a wonderful date or simply a long day; they'd get to be together, a thought that made Audrey happy. She wanted to make sure that both she and Jack were confident in their relationship and the timing of this before going through with it though. They both had a lot riding on this given both of their personal situations plus their working relationship and didn't want her or Jack to have any doubts about it. Audrey assumed that at the rate things were going, this conversation, or hopefully action, would be fast resolved.


It was the week after their Saturday evening date at Jack's followed by spending a relaxed Sunday together. Jack and Audrey had planned to have dinner together after work on this Thursday night but as the hours ticked by into the evening, the weather only became increasingly cold, rainy and miserable. As time to go home approached, Audrey popped into Jack's office and asked whether he wanted to come to her house for dinner to save them going out in this weather. Jack happily agreed and they decided to pick up some food on their way home to save them having to cook. They ordered Thai food from a restaurant near Audrey's house, both naming the same dish as their favourite before they phoned to order, laughing at their similar tastes. Jack insisted on picking the food up on the way there, not wanting Audrey to have to run around in the rain and wanting her to drive home safely without any stops. Audrey appreciated how thoughtful Jack was and although they both knew she was more than capable, it felt nice to have someone take care of and be protective of her. Both were happy with the plan. As nice as it was to go out, they both loved being able to be comfortable and relaxed and have privacy at home with each other, these opportunities quickly becoming their favourite time spent together.

Audrey had been home for a few minutes when Jack arrived and had left the front door unlocked so that he could walk straight in. Jack felt happy the second he walked in, feeling at home, stepping into the warmth and seeing Audrey smile when she saw him. She was already pulling out plates and pouring them a drink each when Jack walked in. Jack placed the food down on the counter before wrapping his arms around Audrey's waist and kissing her hello. Jack could still barely believe that this was reality and that he was getting to spend time with this amazing woman. They took a moment to bask in each other's warmth before disengaging. Although they had been around each other all day, they never shared more than a gentle, affectionate touch at work and it was nice to embrace, signifying that their work day was over and they could now act how they wanted to, like two people that were dating, around each other.

"I'm starving" Jack said as they started moving around the kitchen, serving themselves dinner.

"Me too" Audrey replied, smiling at him before she continued "I'm happy we decided to order in, this is so good on a night like tonight", waving at the window where the wild weather was on display for them.

"I couldn't agree more" Jack said, lightly touching her back as he moved past her.

"So obviously we're civilised people" Audrey said coyly "but how do you feel about taking full advantage of an evening in and eating on the lounge with blankets, television, you know, all the good stuff?"

Jack laughed and said "That sounds amazing".

They made their way into the lounge room and put on a television show that they both enjoyed and settled into the evening, their easy chemistry, both thinking that this was the most comfortable and happy Thursday evening they'd had in a while.

After they had eaten, Audrey laid down a little and stretched her legs out to the other side of the lounge where Jack was sitting.

"Is this ok?" She asked.

He smiled and said "Of course", happily pulling her legs into his lap and letting his hands softly caress her beautiful, feminine legs and then rest on her gently, remaining like this for a while, until the end of the show they were watching, both of them loving being together like this.

As the show neared to an end though, Jack became very aware of how close he and Audrey were and started thinking of ways they could be even closer. Once the show finished, Jack reached out to turn it off with the remote and without saying anything, crawled up the couch so that he was very close to Audrey, half beside her, half above her and started kissing her without hesitation. Audrey leant her body into Jack's, eagerly kissing him back, basking in him, his touch, smell, taste, everything, it was still all so new and intoxicating and every kiss seemed more and more exciting.

Their kiss started softly, caressing each other's faces and running hands through each other's hair, both sighing gently before passion got the better of them and their hands started wandering. Audrey found herself untucking Jack's shirt so that her hands could touch his back, sides and waist. Jack almost jumped when Audrey started touching his bare skin, her touch sending a pleasurable shiver up his spine. Jack kept kissing Audrey and sighed, letting her know how good her touch felt. Jack took her move to mean that she would be comfortable with him doing the same and finally, after so long let his hands move to places he had been dreaming of. Jack ran his hands over Audrey's back then lower, down the back of her legs. Audrey was wearing a dress which Jack pushed up higher towards her hips to allow his hands access to her thighs, finally touching her bare skin. Jack moved his lips to Audrey's neck, kissing her there before moving to her shoulder then her collar bone, his hands still caressing her thighs, higher, hands closing around her hips. Audrey moaned at how amazing all of the new contact and sensations felt which only urged Jack on more, both revelling in how good all the touching felt.

There was no hesitation from either side so they continued kissing each other, letting their hands run wild. Audrey ended up wrapping one leg around Jack, pulling him closer, both moaning as she did so. After a few minutes, Jack pulled back to catch his breath and met Audrey's eyes. Audrey smiled let out an almost embarrassed laugh as Jack looked at her sheepishly.

"Sorry, we got a little carried away didn't we" Jack said.

Audrey laughed, more genuine and less embarrassed this time as she said "No, don't be sorry, that felt good".

"It really did" Jack said as Audrey sat up and took Jack's hand in hers, pulling him up too.

"I guess this is something we should talk about" Audrey said.

"Yeah" Jack agreed. Both knew that this conversation had to happen before they progressed to the next stage in their relationship. Although slightly awkward, as with every step of their relationship so far, the conversation felt comfortable once they started talking.

Audrey started "Jack, I really like you and I'm ready for this next step", both smiling and blushing at each other "But I know we agreed to take things slow… for lots of reasons. What do you think?"

Jack leant in and kissed her lips and said "I feel ready too".

"Sure?" Audrey asked.

"Definitely" Jack replied.

"So…" Audrey started, laughing nervously.

Jack leant in and kissed her again then laid down on the couch, pulling her into his arms so they were cuddling each other. He rubbed her back as she leant against him and she caressed his chest. Jack said "Let's not rush. If we still feel ready and good about it the next time this happens we'll know it's right". Audrey agreed and nestled into his arms.

They ended the evening by talking for half an hour or so, talking happily and enjoying being so close to each other. Jack finally said that they should be getting to bed given the early hour they needed to wake up for work. They reluctantly stood up and walked to the door, sharing a good bye kiss before Jack left. Audrey stroked his face gently and told him to drive safely in the rain and let her know when he got home, even though it wasn't very far away. Jack smiled and kissed her forehead before walking out the door, something that he regularly did after they kissed, Jack showing his care and affection. Audrey found it incredibly sweet.

Audrey stood by the door and watched Jack climb into his car and drive away. It was so hard to see Jack leave, she felt so good with him and all she wanted was to spend the night close to him, wrapped up in him. Audrey reminded herself that she would see him at work in only a few hours but despite that, found herself hoping that this was one of their last late night goodbyes.