Hi #Hearties, Here's chapter ten. Hope you enjoy.

A special shout out... Wishing my #HeartieBestie Lisa Lindsay aka "LisaNy" a very happy birthday. Have a DANtastic day! XOXO

"Ms. Thatcher, Ms. Thatcher," Aly called excitedly as she ran into the classroom before the morning bell two weeks later.

"Hi Aly," Elizabeth greeted the young girl, with a smile, "Why are you here so early?"

"Guess who brought me to school today!" Aly exclaimed.

Elizabeth looked toward the classroom door as soon as the handsome detective came into view in the open doorway. She couldn't contain the smile that crossed her lips at the mere sight of him in his uniform, wearing a dimpled smirk.

"It's uncle Jack." Aly exclaimed.

"Hey, Ms. Thatcher." Jack greeted as he walked toward her.

"Good morning, Uncle Jack." Elizabeth replied with a grin.

"Stacey is a nurse," Jack explained, "She has a job interview at the hospital first thing this morning. She asked if I would mind bringing Aly to school on my way to work." He leaned closer and gently stroked her arm. "Of course, I had an ulterior motive." He whispered.

Elizabeth blushed.

Elizabeth and Jack had barely spoken to each other since she had fully recovered from her bronchitis. Elizabeth returned the work the following day and Jack became busy when he was assigned to a case in search of a masked bank robber, who had held seven banks in the area at gunpoint. The unidentified thief would then flee without a trace before the police would arrive at the scene. After a week of police reports and tracking the criminal's pattern, Jack predicted the next bank that would possibly be hit. He showed up in plain clothes in an attempt to catch the robber in the act. He was successful in apprehending the unsuspecting gunman. The next three days were spent on paperwork from the incident. During their time apart Jack had sent Elizabeth an occasional text to see how she was feeling. He was relieved to know she was feeling better, but truthfully, he missed seeing her.

"It's good to see you." He continued to caress her arm.

"You too."

"Ms. Thatcher," Aly interrupted their moment, "Do you like Uncle. Jack?"

Aly's question caused the crimson color that was already rising to Elizabeth's cheeks to intensify. She'd momentarily forgotten that Aly was even in the room. She opened her mouth to speak when the bell rang. Saved by the bell. She thought to herself. She gave an inward sigh of relief.

Students began gradually filing into the classroom. "Good morning, children," Elizabeth greeted.

"Good morning, Ms. Thatcher." The children called.

"Officer Jack," Opal excitedly ran up to the detective.

"Hi," Jack replied with a grin.

"Are you going to come to our pizza party?" She asked.

Jack stared at Elizabeth blankly. "Pizza party?"

"I forgot to invite you." Elizabeth explained. She gestured toward the jar of marbles that rested on the windowsill of the classroom. "This is their behavior jar. If they are good for a substitute, or receive comments for good behavior, they receive a marble. When they get ten, they get to vote on a class fun activity."

"What a fun idea!" Jack exclaimed.

"They voted on a pizza party and movie day," Elizabeth continued, "And they asked if they could invite you and Detective Pimental. I meant to mention it to you."

"When is this pizza party?" Jack asked.

"This Friday," Elizabeth answered, "The pizza should be here by 12:00."

"I would love to come." Jack said with a smile. "I'll mention it to Pimental."

"Yay." The children called in unison.

Jack chuckled and glanced at his watch. "Well I'd better get going. I'll see you later." He leaned in slightly as if he were going to kiss her, but abruptly pulled back when he realized that there were twenty-one pairs of seven-year-old eyes staring at them."

"I'll see you later." Elizabeth called.

"Bye, Officer Jack." The class said in unison.

"Bye Uncle Jack." Aly ran up to him.

"I'll see you later, Munchkin." Jack knelt to her level and placed a kiss on the girl's forehead. He continued toward the door. He nearly ran into Ms. Henrich who was running late and rushed to get into the door. "Ma'am," He greeted with a smile as he brushed passed her into the hallway.

"Sorry, I'm late." Ms. Henrich announced as she headed to her desk. She observed Elizabeth staring at the door which Jack had just walked out of. She discreetly cleared her throat, which immediately snapped Elizabeth out of her reverie. She gave Elizabeth a knowing glance, which caused her to blush once again, which didn't go unnoticed by Ms. Henrich.

Elizabeth quickly cleared her throat. "Alright children settle down." She called. We're all running a little late today. I need to take attendance and then it will time to go to gym." Elizabeth called the roll and had them line up. She rushed them to the gym for their physical education class.

"The one time I'm running late," Ms. Henrich stated when Elizabeth returned to the classroom, "And I miss all the exciting stuff."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Elizabeth countered.

"I saw the way you were looking at that handsome detective." Ms. Henrich replied. "Last I heard, you were just friends."

"Well," Elizabeth felt the color rush to her cheeks once again. "I haven't said anything, but Jack and I have gotten a little…" She hesitated, trying to find the right word, "…closer over the past couple of weeks."

"Closer, how?" Ms. Henrich asked.

"We kinda went on a date." Elizabeth explained quickly.

"What do you mean by 'kinda'?" Ms. Henrich asked with a confused tone. "Either you went on a date or you didn't."

"Alright we did." Elizabeth confessed.

"And I'm just hearing about this now?" Ms. Henrich chastised. "I thought we were friends. Where did you go? What did you do?"

"We went to Cody's baseball game." Elizabeth recalled.

"That's not a very romantic first date." Ms. Henrich retorted.

"That's not all." Elizabeth continued. "He surprised me after the game by having the gazebo behind Abigail's café wired to play music. We danced in the moonlight with the glow of the purple lights surrounding us, until it started to rain. We became soaked. He took me to his place, gave me dry clothes to put on, and fed me fireplace s'mores."

"Now that's more like it." Ms. Henrich smiled. "Are you going to see him again?"

"That's the plan." Elizabeth sat on one of the student's desktops and began dangling her legs back and forth. "I had only promised him one date. I'm just still having a hard time with the ordeal with Charles.

"That's understandable." Ms. Henrich agreed. "But Jack seems like he can be trustworthy. I know little Aly loves her uncle Jack. You should give him a chance."

"I'm working on it." Elizabeth replied. "When he dropped me off at my place he gave me a gentle kiss.

Ms. Henrich let out a gasp.

"I felt like he had given me the world with that one little peck." Elizabeth smiled at the memory. "The following day he showed up at my apartment because I had forgotten my phone at his place. He stayed at my apartment all day and took care of me when I came down with bronchitis."

"I remember that." Ms. Henrich remarked. "You were absent that Monday."

"Yes." Elizabeth confirmed. "I was feeling better, but still was a little weak. I went to Jack's and invited him on a date to thank him for taking care of me. He knows I don't want to rush into anything, but I think I want to see where this goes."

"That's great, Ms. Thatcher!" Ms. Henrich exclaimed. "You deserve nothing but the best."

"Thanks, Ms. Henrich." Elizabeth gave Ms. Henrich a genuine smile. "That means a lot."

"And I have to say. It's about time!" Ms. Henrich continued. "I knew you liked him."

"Alright." Elizabeth sighed. "You win. I do like him. He's a great guy." She glanced at the clock and stood from the desk. "It's time to go get the kids." She headed toward the door. She stepped out into the hall and turned back to face Ms. Henrich. "Oh yeah I forgot to tell you, Jack is coming to our class pizza party on Friday."

"Good morning, Pimental." Jack announced, cheerfully when he arrived at the precinct.

"Why are you in such a good mood, Thornton?" Pimental asked.

"No reason," Jack answered. He sat down at his desk. "By the way, we have a lunch date on Friday."

"I'm flattered Thornton," Pimental replied, "But what would Ms. Elizabeth think."

Jack rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant." He chuckled. "Elizabeth invited both of us…"

"Wow Thornton, you don't mess around," Pimental interjected, "You've got a date with two women at the same time. Where are the three of us going?"

"Hope Valley Elementary," Jack responded. "Elizabeth and her students invited both of us to attend their pizza party on Friday. Are you up for it?"

"It's free pizza." Pimental stated. "You don't' know me very well do you?"

Jack chuckled.

"We're off Friday, aren't we?"

"Finally," Jack sighed. "I've been looking forward to my weekend off."

"What time is the party?" "

"Elizabeth said noon."

"Great!"

Elizabeth made a stop at the Loca Mocha Coffee Shoppe on her way home from school on Thursday afternoon. She had a sudden craving for a decaf caramel macchiato with extra whipped cream. She ordered her coffee and a cheese Danish and went to sit at a table by the window that overlooked the lake. She was deep in thought and didn't notice the man approach her.

"Fancy meeting you here." The familiar, yet startling voice announced.

Elizabeth smiled and looked up into his eyes. "Jack, what are you doing here?"

"Rough day," He grumbled, "Comfort food," He held up his mocha latte iced coffee. "Mind if I join you?"

"Sure,"

Jack sat in the booth across from her.

"How was your day?" He gently placed a hand on top of hers.

"Crazy," She admitted, "I couldn't get the children to settle down. They are so excited about the pizza party tomorrow, and that you're coming. She stared out the window.

"I can't wait myself." Jack chuckled. "I love pizza and seeing my favorite school teacher is a plus."

Jack's last statement caused Elizabeth to abruptly turn and face him. "So, I'm your favorite teacher?"

"Does that make me teacher's pet?" Jack asked with a flirtatious tone? He flashed that million-dollar smile.

"Why detective, are you trying to suck up to the teacher?"

"Is it working?"

"Maaaybe." Elizabeth glanced out the window toward the lake. The sun was starting to set over the lake turning everything a beautiful shade of orange. "Beautiful view isn't it?"

"Yes," Jack agreed. "Very beautiful."

Elizabeth felt Jack's eyes on her. She turned to face him. "Jack, I was talking about the sunset."

"I was talking about you." Jack took her hand in his and gently squeezed it.

Elizabeth felt herself blush. Why does he always have this effect on me? She wondered to herself. "Ah you're just saying that." She said jokingly.

"I don't say anything I don't mean." He said, more seriously. His gaze was fixated on her.

"Thank you." She grinned and abruptly stared at the table, clearly embarrassed.

He reached across the table and placed a finger under chin and lifted her head, so she was looking at him. "You're not used to receiving compliments, are you?" He observed.

"N-not really." She stuttered. "I haven't dated much."

"Well get used to it." He demanded. "You are quite beautiful."

She was speechless.

Jack took his last sip of coffee and stood up. "Would you like to take a walk along the lake?" He offered his hand.

"I would love to." She placed her hand in his and allowed him to escort her out the door.

Jack and Elizabeth walked hand in hand along the boardwalk that overlooked the lake, the glow of the setting sun their only light.

"What made you want to be a teacher?" Jack asked.

"I've always loved working with children." Elizabeth responded. "I also love making a difference in people's lives. I thought with becoming a teacher I could do both."

"I know Aly loves you." Jack replied. "She says you're her favorite teacher, something we have in common."

"She's a sweet kid." Elizabeth chuckled.

"She is." Jack agreed.

"She must take after her Uncle Jack."

"Nah, I wouldn't go that far." It was Jack's turn to blush. "I'm not really her uncle you know."

"I'm pretty sure that little girl will see it differently." Elizabeth replied. "She thinks you're pretty special; and I can see why she would think that."

Jack stopped dead in his tracks, causing Elizabeth to stop too. "You know you give out compliments better than you can take them." He acknowledged.

"Touché." Elizabeth remarked.

They faced the lake in companionable silence. Jack instinctively put an arm around Elizabeth as they watched the sun make its final descent, the moon becoming their only light.

"We better go," Jack suggested. "Where are you parked, "I'll walk you to your car."

Elizabeth pointed Jack in the direction of her car.

When they arrived at the car, Elizabeth reached in her purse and pulled out her keys. Jack took the keys from her hand and pressed the key fob to unlock the car. He opened the driver's door for her and allowed her to climb inside. "I'll see you tomorrow." He moved to close the door.

"Wait; where are you parked?" Elizabeth glanced around the nearly empty parking lot, not seeing his car.

"I jogged here." Jack explained. "I often go on a run when I get off work to blow off a little steam and clear my head."

"Jack, your place is like four miles from here." Elizabeth remarked.

"Four and a half, actually," Jack corrected.

"You mean to tell me you jogged all this way?"

"I don't usually jog this far, but I had a craving for an iced coffee and decided to keep going." Jack replied. "I had planned on taking it to go, but then I ran into you."

"Well get in the car. I'll take you home." Elizabeth offered.

"That won't be necessary." Jack declined. "I'm a police officer. I know how to defend myself."

"I insist." Elizabeth demanded. "Get in the car."

"Alright." Jack conceded. He jogged around the passenger side and climbed in.

"Thanks for the ride." Jack said when Elizabeth pulled into his driveway. "Would you like to come in?"

"Just for a few minutes," Elizabeth remarked, not wanting to leave yet. "It is a school night after all."

Jack chuckled as he climbed out of the car and walked around to her side to open her door for her.

"Would you like a drink?" Jack offered, when the walked into the house.

"Water, if it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble at all." Jack disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two bottles of water. He handed one bottle to Elizabeth who had taken a seat on the sofa.

"Thank you." She accepted the water.

"So," Jack took a seat next to her. "Are we still on for that date? I'm off this weekend."

"Well you don't beat around the bush." Elizabeth acknowledged.

"Hey, you asked me out." Jack playfully punched her arm. "You can't back out."

"I'm not planning on backing out." She responded. "We've just both been so busy."

"Yeah," Jack agreed. "We can go to dinner tomorrow night or something. I'll be at the school tomorrow anyway."

"But I'll already see you tomorrow," Elizabeth protested, "And if we go out tomorrow night, we won't have an excuse to see each other Saturday."

"So, we'll have dinner Saturday night." Jack replied. "That's alright with me. Or we can have dinner Friday and Saturday." He said jokingly as he gently placed a hand on her knee.

"With spring approaching, the weather is getting warmer." Elizabeth suggested. "I was thinking we could spend the day at the street fair this weekend. And maybe grab dinner that evening.

"So, you want to spend the whole day with me?" Jack asked.

"If you want to." Elizabeth replied softly, suddenly unsure what he thought of the idea.

"I would love to." Jack reached for her hand and brought it to his lips.

A few minutes turned into a few hours without them realizing it. They sat on the sofa and talked, both learning more about each other, and with more they learned, the more they wanted to learn. Before they knew it, it was well after midnight.

"Oh, my goodness, look at the time." Elizabeth stated through a yawn. "I better get going." She stood from the sofa. "6:00 a.m. comes early."

Jack stood up and followed her to the door. "Do you have your phone this time?"

She reached in her pocket and pulled out the device. "Yes."

"Good." Jack step closer and stroked her arm. "Call me when you get home, so I know you made it safely."

"I will." She agreed.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Looking forward to it."

Ten minutes later, Elizabeth arrived home. She went straight to her bedroom and pulled her favorite pair of pajamas from the dresser. She quickly changed and climbed into bed. She grabbed her phone and sent Jack a quick text. I made it home. Glad I ran into u at Loca Mocha.

Jack: Me 2 Glad u made it home.

Elizabeth: Thank you. I'm going 2 bed now goodnight.

Jack: Goodnight see you tomorrow. Can I bring anything?

Elizabeth: No just yourself. Goodnight Jack.

Jack: Goodnight Elizabeth.

Elizabeth placed her phone on the nightstand and pulled the comforter around her body. She closed her eyes. She found herself looking forward to spending even more time with Jack. She drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face. She couldn't wait for the weekend.

To be continued…

Thanks for reading. Hope you like it.