A/N: Sorry to have to break this chapter where I did, but otherwise it would be ridiculously long. I'll have the next chapter up as soon as I can! Thank you for the encouraging words! As always I sincerely appreciate all who read and review! It keeps the story flowing along! ENJOY!

****Mild Language/Mild Violence****

Chapter 10 – Boar's Nest "Two For Ones"

Somehow our devils are
never quite what we expect
when we meet them face to face.

~Nelson DeMille

Cynthia stood in front of the dresser looking in the mirror and brushing out her hair. Luke would be here any moment to pick her up and she wanted to make sure she looked her absolute best. She wasn't certain if Drake would be at the Boar's Nest, but Jaxon and Katie would be in attendance.

She had on her boots with the heels, tight jeans and one of his favorite sweaters. It fit her curves in all the right places and the neckline was bare enough to raise a few eyebrows. Taking one last look she adjusted her necklace, another gift from Drake. Everything from the sweater to the jewelry had been a gift from her love. She wiped a tear as she slipped off her engagement ring and safely put it aside.

"No. No tears tonight. It's the first step in getting him back."

Dabbing on a little perfume she heard Luke knock on the door. She opened it wide, gasping at the bundle of flowers held in his hands.

"Hey Cynthia, wow!" Luke was visibly moved by her appearance. "You look gorgeous. Here … these are for you."

"Oh, Luke! They're so beautiful," she took the flowers and closed her eyes as she savored their fragrance. "Mmm … they smell wonderful. That was so sweet of you! Come on in and I'll put these in water before we go."

Luke stepped inside and she used the ice bucket to arrange the flowers in water. "There! I'm going to really enjoy them! I haven't had flowers in … well it's been a long time. Thank you, Luke."

Taking a quick look around the small room her nerves began to work on her. This was it. She was going out with another man. She had walked the square alone for hours last night trying to calm the anxiety and grief over going out with another man. She tried not to let her anguish come through in her voice. "I guess I'm ready!"

"Nope, not quite yet." Luke stepped forward, pulled one of the roses from the bundle and slipped it in her hair. "Now you're ready."

He smiled and she returned the gesture as she swallowed her heartache. She hoped this would all be worth it. It would take time. Even if things went exceptionally well tonight, she expected it to be months before the guilt and the jealousy broke Drake down.

Feeling the tears begin to sting her eyes, she forced a smile. Luke took her hand and tucked it in his arm as they walked down the street.

Cynthia looked straight ahead and imagined that it was Drake by her side.

Jaxon sat in the parking lot of the Boar's Nest and could hardly breathe. Katie hadn't said a word to him since leaving the ranch and he felt the life slowly being sucked out of his world. He reached over and tenderly placed his hand on hers and she pulled it away.

"Katie?"

When she shook her head and refused to look at him he felt his heart rip down the middle. What had gone wrong?

Drake left them to go into the bar a few minutes ago, but Jaxon wasn't making any progress with Katie. If only Jenny were here to help. He wanted to say something to ease her distress, but so far that hadn't been working. So he looked at the woman beside him and waited.

Only a fool would overlook such a gorgeous lady all these years. No wonder they called him Numpty. Even when she was sad she was lovely. Her blue eyes were filled with tears, the lights that were shining across the parking lot highlighted her strawberry blonde hair. If only holding her would make things better!

After what seemed an eternity she finally spoke. "Jaxon, I care for you so much and I have to make a decision. I don't know what to do and I'm afraid you will run away," she stopped and put her fingers to her lips.

Leaning forward he tried to keep his voice soothing. "Nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever make me run away from you, Katie. Please talk to me. What is it?"

"I was offered a surgical position back in Boston … in the Trauma Center."

"You've wanted that forever! Katie that's wonderful! I'm so proud of you!" he reached for her and she put a hand up to stop his advance.

"LISTEN! You don't understand! Yes, it's' wonderful. It's the job I've always wanted … my dream job. I knew about it before I came here, but then you kissed me and things changed. I thought I had more time. They called this afternoon and said I need to report on Monday. If I take the job I have to leave Hazzard the day after tomorrow," she turned and raised her eyes slowly.

Katie was leaving! He took both of her hands with his and thankfully she didn't pull away. "What did you tell them?"

"That I would call the Director tomorrow at home with my decision. It's so soon to say certain things. This is our first date," her blue eyes searched his, looking for any indication of how he might feel. Something was holding him back, she could tell.

Jaxon cupped her face with his hands and moved closer, "If you have to go back to Boston, then I'll fly back and forth until we are done with Monroe. You're safer there anyway."

"That's it?"

"Katie, it's your dream job! Besides, I don't have to worry that you're in danger there!"

What? "Y-you don't have to..." she gasped and yanked her hands away. "You want me to leave?"

"Huh?"

"JAXON!" she cried. "Drake is right! You are CLUELESS about women!" Katie scrambled to the door and fought with the handle.

"NO!" he panicked and pulled her across the seat. "Don't run from me! Tell me what I did wrong! I'm lousy at this!" She started crying again and turned her eyes away. "What do you want, Katie. Just tell me. I'll give you anything I have, just please don't cry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"If you have to ask me what I want then you don't know me like I thought you did!"

"I'm not a mind reader!" he yelled.

"No, you're an IDIOT!" she pulled away and again reached for the door.

Grabbing her waist he pulled her over so quickly she ended up on her back looking up at him. "Jaxon! You let me go!"

"I CAN'T!" Jaxon laced his fingers with hers and moved above her. "I need you. If you want to go to Boston, I'll follow you. If you want to stay here, I'll care for you. If you leave me, I'll come find you. I can't lose you Katie, I lov..." with a high-pitched squeak his voice cracked and was gone. He cleared his throat, but was unable to make a sound. Even though the words surprised him, the feelings did not. He knew, but...

Her eyes grew wide and she took a hitched breath. "Jaxon? Are you okay?"

Opening his mouth only another squeak came out. He was the one with the silver tongue! He could talk people in or out of anything! He was NEVER without words!

Until now, "Mu-huh?"

"I think you…" she snickered, then compressed her lips in an effort to stop the giggles. "You … started to say something? What was the rest of that sentence?"

"Uh … you?"

"This isn't the time to tease me!" she furrowed her brow and tried to ignore the warm desire that was increasing. He was so handsome and he had never been so … commanding. She was firmly held in place beneath him and she found it incredibly attractive.

Jaxon looked at Katie and remembered the first time they kissed. She had walked across the room and taken what she wanted and now he understood the courage she had to make such a bold move. Now it was his turn to take a leap of faith, but he wasn't going to give her the chance to reject him. Then he thought if he were kissing her, she wouldn't be able to talk or tell him she didn't feel the same way!

He suddenly blurted out, "I love you, Katie!"

Jaxon plunged to her lips before she could respond. He would keep the moment alive as long as he could! The kiss lasted and lasted, she wrapped her arms around him as the kiss went deeper. He didn't break away and neither did she. Then she began to chuckle; it became a contagious laughter and the kiss ended. When the laughter ceased, Katie gently traced his lips with her fingers and a single tear slipped down her cheek.

A fear washed over him like he had never felt before. The only woman that loved him and stayed was his sister. His own mother had left him … twice. Would Katie be different or was this it? Was it over? There was only way to find out. "I meant what I said. I love you, Katie. I think I've loved you for a very long time. Baby, please stay with me."

Baby! He called me baby! She sighed sweetly and declared her affection. "Jaxon, I love you. Boston is my dream job, but you … are my dream."

Daisy was extremely busy at the Boar's Nest. The citizens of Hazzard and a few other areas had packed the place tonight. Boss had two for one beers tonight to try and boost attention for tomorrow. It was working. Everyone was talking about the big event, girls were arguing over who would win the bid on various bachelors and people had come to pre-party. The music was blaring when Bo and Luke walked in and she rolled her eyes at the sight of Cynthia.

She refused to acknowledge defeat when it came to her bet with Luke and wouldn't start his chores until the date was over. That girl was worse than the Three Barracudas put together and Luke was as blind as a bat! She had to be up to something and Daisy hoped that whatever it was, Luke didn't get hurt in the process. She was even more concerned about Drake. Jenny seemed real worried about him this morning and she wondered if he was struggling with guilt over what happened to his ex.

Cooter had saved a table and they all gathered around. Amanda sat on Bo's knee due to a shortage of chairs and Daisy walked over with five mugs of beer and a full pitcher. She noticed the holier than thou look Cynthia cast her way, but wasn't allowing the girl to get the better of her.

"Hey, y'all," she smiled. "It's great to see ya'! Cynthia? Is beer okay?"

"Sure, it's fine with me!" she reached over to take Luke's hand and moved it to her lap.

Luke replied, "Thanks, Daisy!" He ran his thumb over Cynthia's hand and as he looked into her deep brown eyes, he decided to move things along. "How 'bout we get some dance practice in for tomorrow night? I'll find us somethin' we can really dance to if ya' want."

Good, something to do. "Sure! Let's go for it!" she grabbed her beer and quickly downed the contents to settle her nerves. She then refilled the glass and kept chattering away. "I plan on a LOT of dancing with you tonight and tomorrow, Luke! I'm all for having a great time! I haven't been out in ages and I think I have a lot of dancing to make up! Are you up for it?"

"Oh, yes ma'am!" he said with enthusiasm.

"Well ya' heard the lady, buddy roe!" Cooter slapped his shoulder. "I'z reckon ya' better get some boot scootin' music goin'! This twangy stuff Boss ain't changed out in thirty years is killin' my eardrums!"

"Hey Luke?" Bo turned Amanda's face to his for a kiss. "Pick a slow one for us would ya?"

"You got it!" Luke couldn't resist playing with one of the curls resting on Cynthia's shoulder as he got up to make his selection. He knew exactly which song he wanted.

Luke was the only one to pay Cynthia much attention at the table. It was rather awkward when he stepped away. Cooter went to the facilities, Bo didn't trust her so he continued to focus his attention on Amanda, who was angry over Luke dumping Mary Anne at the last minute. Cynthia was out of place and ill at ease so she drank her second beer then refilled her mug before Luke returned. Looking around the room there was no sign of Jaxon. If he didn't show up soon she was going to fake a migraine and call it a night. This was a redneck convention!

Cynthia tried to focus on her goal. Tonight was only the beginning phase of her plan to get Drake back. If things didn't work out, she would try again tomorrow at the dance. Daisy brought another pitcher and she took a deep breath and downed yet another mug as her rival looked on in surprise. She simply smiled up at her, refilled her mug and smirked when Daisy walked away. These beers tasted watered down. She could handle these easily.

If she had bothered to eat supper.

Now it was time to begin her search. She scanned the room for tonight's target and spied a man in the corner booth. When he winked at her she knew she had her mark. You will do nicely.

While Bo kissed Amanda, she again caught the man's attention, played with her necklace, which hung at just the right spot, then smiled seductively. Just as he was about to get up, the music changed to a slow country song and Luke stepped in front of her.

"May I have this dance?"

"Oh, Luke! You are such a gentleman!" she averted her eyes then looked up and offered her hand as she used the other to down another beer.

People were packed in the room like sardines in a can. Luke held one hand while his other went to her back. Her soft curls tickled his fingers as he slowly moved to the music. The couple glided easily together and he swayed back and forth as he played out his dream.

Someone bumped into them and Cynthia's body was plastered against his. "OH! I'm so sorry!" Her hands were splayed across his chest and she could feel the strong muscles beneath his shirt. When she realized she was caressing them she blushed brightly. "Um … I think I drank those beers a little too fast," she giggled then snorted loudly. What's wrong with me?

"That's alright. I'll watch out for ya'." Luke held on a little tighter to steady the poor girl. Her eyes had a bit of a glazed look and he wondered how many beers she actually drank. He counted two, were there more? They hadn't been here very long! "Cynthia, ya' sure are somethin' special. You're mighty pretty when ya' laugh."

"Oh, Luke. You are so sweet!" Out of the corner of her eye she noticed Drake come in the room. He hadn't seen her dancing just yet, but his presence caused her face to flush brightly when she looked up and said, "I'm so glad that you're here! I could dance in your arms all night."

Drake had walked into the bar and immediately spotted Daisy. He stalked up behind her and when she turned to rush away she almost ran over him. He pulled her close and kissed her, still very moved by how she found the "owner" of his house. He had moved her a little deeper into his heart and had no intention of ever losing her. Daisy heard a low rumble then a growl as he kissed her hungrily. When he let her go, she looked up at him in shock. He nuzzled her and said, "I love ya, Daisy Duke. Ya be my fiery woman and ya be amazin' to me!"

"Drake? What's gotten into ya'? What are ya' doin here tonight, sugar?"

"I be kissin' ya," he teased. "Can't ya' tell? Did ya get thumped on the noggin and forget me?"

"HA! Ain't no way. I can honestly say that YOU are unforgettable, Drake. I love you, too," she laughed and put her arms carefully around his neck.

Daisy's knees were still weak from the kiss when she saw Luke dancing between the tables with Cynthia. Remembering Jenny's concerns and her mention of Cynthia, she decided to try and get Drake out of there. She kissed him again and pulled him towards the far end of the bar, through the crowd and further away from Luke.

Jerry's frantic voice could be heard above the crowd. "DAISY! We got customers! Sorry, but I need ya' workin'!"

"Sorry, Jer!" Daisy bit her lip as she retrieved a tray of beer. "Drake, I'm not gonna have much time to spend with ya'. If ya' want to go home, I understand. Ya' really should take it easy. You were hurtin' bad this mornin'."

"GIRL! I already told ya I be just fine! It always hurts the worst in the mornin'."

"Hey, Daisy! C'mon! Beers!?" A man at one of the tables behind her hollered and Drake gave him a disapproving snarl.

"DRAKE! Don't be a jerk! You behave! I don't want ya' gettin' hurt!"

HURT? He guffawed, "Ya not worry. I be right here a watchin and a waitin for ya'!" Drake kissed her cheek quickly then she turned with exasperation to deliver her drinks.

Looking over her shoulder, Daisy saw him take a seat at the bar with a crooked smile and a gleam in his eye. He wasn't going anywhere.

Drake planned to search the crowd for Darcy tonight and pull the man aside for a little conversation. He was certain Darcy would see things his way and stop interfering with Daisy's money.

As Cynthia continued to dance with Luke she had let herself go. She stroked the hair on the back of his neck and felt the muscles of his upper back. When he lowered his lips to hers, she even enjoyed the feathery kiss. Then she pressed her cheek to his and whispered in his ear, "You're a great dancer, Luke. I love your strong arms." A hiccup followed and she felt warm all over.

"I think ya' better switch to coffee," he chuckled. "But I promise to behave as a gentleman, Scout's honor."

"Aw, Luke," she sighed. "You're like a knight in shining armor. I feel so safe when I'm with you."

Wow, she is toasted. Luke's heart went zinging anyway, as if it were bouncing around in his chest. He ran his hands down her back, feeling the curve at her hip. Then he began to sing to her just as he did in his dream. "I'll be yours until the sun doesn't shine, til time stands still, until the winds don't blow, when today-"

"HEY! Can I cut in?" The man she had targeted earlier gave Luke a shove then began to look Cynthia over.

She cringed as he undressed her with his eyes, but she looked at him in drunken oblivion. Things were getting out of her control.

"Not tonight, Darcy!" Luke shoved him back. "No offense, but get lost." Luke swiftly pulled Cynthia close and twirled her around as he danced away with her. As he continued to sing and dance cheek to cheek, he lost himself in what he felt was a spectacular moment with Cynthia. He wasn't overly concerned about her altered state. It was his opinion that it made her a little more honest. It wasn't his imagination; she was holding him closer when he twirled her around.

Cynthia was trying to keep from retching from the spinning motion.

"OH C'MON!" Darcy puffed up and took Luke's shoulder, turning him to face him. "Share the new girl in town, I'll give her back!"

"HEY! BACK OFF, DARCY!" Luke gave him a harder shove this time.

"L-Luke?" Cynthia whimpered and cast a quick glance to see Drake kiss Daisy passionately. Oh no!

"Or what, LUKAS? It's just a dance! I said you can have her back when I'm done!" Darcy then hissed, "I get all your sloppy seconds eventually anyway!"

Luke grabbed him by the shirt and hissed right back, "Watch your mouth around th' lady!"

Knocking Luke's arms away he again turned to Cynthia, "C'mon pretty girl, I bet ya' ain't never danced with a pilot before." Darcy grabbed Cynthia's wrist and she stepped back with a gasp. It was at that moment Drake's eyes met hers.

"DRAKE!" she then twisted her face in discomfort and looked to Luke for help. She cried out and started to pull on her wrist frantically to get away from Darcy. How had this gone so badly so fast?

Everything seemed to happen at once.

"LET HER GO!" Luke took a swing and when Darcy let go of Cynthia, it caused her to lose her balance. She screamed as she fell into a table and then continued her descent to the floor. A broken piece of glass nicked her above the eyebrow and began to bleed.

"OW!" she put her hand up to her head and when she pulled it back she saw the blood and screamed again.

Drake lost all self-control and Daisy turned in time to see him bolt across the room. Even injured he had enough strength in his good arm to pull Darcy off Luke as they wrestled on the floor. He punched Darcy in the jaw and sent him flying into a far booth where a second fight erupted. Drake then reached down and pulled Luke to his feet.

"Thanks, Drake. Darcy can be a real jack-"

[SMACK]

Luke hit the office door and slid to the floor after Drake punched him hard enough to see stars.

"That be for NOT protectin' CYNTHIA!"

Bo and Cooter were immediately to their feet and the entire bar exploded in a huge fight. Chairs flew, tables were overturned and glass broke. Drake pulled Cynthia up and while Daisy watched in utter shock, the woman wrapped her arms around him and cried. Then the two began exchanging heated words but Daisy couldn't hear them in the chaos.

She didn't see how things started, but Daisy suspected Cynthia was behind it. The little wench had at least four mugs of beer in the first fifteen minutes she was here! Now she was pouring on the poor me act and Drake had fallen for it hook, line and sinker! What was he thinking by hitting Luke? Try as she might, she had little sympathy for her cousin. She warned him.

Drake pulled Cynthia out of the middle of the heaviest fighting and off to the side. "Tia! Let me take ya to Katie!" he sighed and grit his teeth as he grabbed a few napkins off the bar and applied pressure to her cut. "Why ya be here? It NOT be safe!"

"OUCH!" Cynthia batted his hand away then with drunken inflection she began to scream at him. "Don't put your hands on me! Whattaya care for anyways? You made your deciz … deci … CHOICE!"

"TIA! I CARE! Blimey girl ya been drinkin! I know ya not hate me! Now come with me! Ya need a couple of stitches and ya not belong in here!" he began to pull her towards the door.

"But, I gotta get my date!" she stumbled into Drake, then pulled away and staggered to Luke with Drake fast on her heels. Luke was coming around but still not on his feet so she tried to bend down to him. When she nearly fell over Drake grabbed her again.

"You JERK! You lemme go! Luke, help me! Don't let him take me out! I … I don't wanna go! I wanna dance with Luke!" Cynthia began to cry and called Luke's name over and over.

Hearing Cynthia's cries, Luke pulled himself together then saw her near him ... along with Drake. Why had Drake slugged him? He wasn't getting away with it!

"Mac an donais! TIA! Ya be a DRUNK MESS!" Drake grimaced in pain as he bent down and put her over his shoulder. She was in no condition to be in here and he needed to get her to safety. Where was Daisy? She better have meant it when she said there were plenty of people to watch out for her! If he were 100% he would pull her outside, too. But Drake knew he was at a major disadvantage for a full out brawl. Just carrying Cynthia was enough to make him want to swear a blue streak. Handling Darcy would have been easy, but this was not on his agenda and without his brother here for backup, he was risking popped stitches and possible damage to his shoulder. As the pain increased he zeroed in on the door, moved across the room and was outside in a flash.

Daisy saw Drake leave with Cynthia draped over his shoulder like some cave-woman and was infuriated! She began shoving people aside to follow him.

Luke saw red the moment Drake touched his date! He was madder about that than he was about being punched! For a moment he contemplated what it would have felt like if Drake had not held back. While he did manage to get to his feet, he was immediately confronted by Darcy and was forced to fight before he could go after either one of them.

It was a full on riot. Cooter and Bo were on the far side of the room, Luke was fighting Darcy and Amanda had a handful of Cindy Lou's hair. Chairs were kicked aside and tables were being turned over. As Daisy made her way to the door, she hit a particularly large man over the head with her tray. She held her own as she pushed and shoved people out of her path, determined to get outside and rip a strip off of her boyfriend for leaving her behind!

A/N: Lyrics to the song Luke is singing to Cynthia are from "I'll Still Be Loving You" by Restless Heart.