Chapter 10

Sobering at her earnest tone, he said, "I'm glad of that Jamie because I feel the same way."

"Good, I'm glad we're on the same page with this," she smiled.

Later at her door, his good night kiss was more heated than any previously. When their lips parted, she was breathless. Looking up at him as she leaned weakly against her door, she told him, "As much as I want to invite you in AJ, I'm not going to. I really like you and think we might have something special started. I don't want to treat what we have casually."

She could see that he took a moment to consider her words before answering her. "I have never been a fan of casual relationships. I actually find them cheap and demeaning. If I let myself become involved with someone it is because I am hoping that there is a future in it. So, since it appears we both feel the same way, we can proceed at whatever pace you are comfortable with."

"I'm glad," she smiled. "My last relationship ended over a year ago when I discovered that he wasn't quite as 'separated' from his wife as he claimed to be. They were still living together and it became clear he had no intention of ending things with her. I hate dishonesty above all!"

"As do I!" AJ told her. "The end of my last relationship was when she couldn't believe her son was stealing and dealing drugs even when the evidence was right in front of her eyes. He'd borrowed my vehicle and it was discovered with the drugs in it, but that wasn't enough to convince her. Her loyalty to her son was admirable, but not to the point that she couldn't see he had problems that needed to be dealt with."

"It's a shame some parents are blind to their children's flaws. How can they help them if they can't see they need it?"

"I agree. When the Judge was ready to sentence him, I stepped up to offer an alternative of military service instead. His mother wasn't happy to see him go away to basic training, but at least it kept him from going to prison."

"I hope that he takes the opportunity that you gave him to get his life turned around."

"So do I," AJ replied and then with a smile as he caught her trying to hide a yawn, added, "I am going to let you get some sleep now."

Jamie put her hand on his arm as he turned to go. "I think I could stay awake for one more kiss," she told him.

His only reply was non verbal. AJ turned back to her and swept her into his arms, giving her a kiss that left her weak in the knees.

"Good night, AJ," she whispered when they parted.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he answered and left.

The next day at work AJ was headed to the break room to get a cup of coffee before the morning staff meeting. He was unaware that he was humming as he crossed through the bullpen. Bud noticed however, and made a mental note to tell Harriet about it when he got home.

At 11:55 AJ came out of his office, told PO Tiner he was going to lunch, and headed upstairs. He was standing outside of Judge Kirk's door when she opened it at 12:05. "Hello lovely lady, do you have plans for lunch today?"

With a bright smile and an exaggerated look up and down the hall, she said, "Well, I was supposed to be meeting someone…but since he's not here and you asked so nicely…I guess I could go out with you instead."

"So you will go out with anyone who asks you nicely?" he aside with a sigh.

"Oh no! He has to be handsome too!" she teased.

Taking her arm with a shake of his head, AJ inquired, "Where would you like to go today?"

"Are there any Chinese places close? I have been dying for egg rolls ever since my clerk brought in some for her lunch. She said they were from a place named Yin Ching, and they smelled heavenly!"

"Actually that is only a few blocks away and I believe they have a lunchtime buffet as well as their regular menu."

"That sounds great, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, let's go."

To be continued…..