Chapter 14: True Love
A/N: I don't think things can get any mushier than this chapter…sheesh…
Kudos to charahkids...we had fun with this chapter! Enjoy!
Casey's Apartment
Lieutenant James Bower, US Navy SEAL, recipient of the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts….was freaking out.
Bower had been to hell and back during his time with the SEALs, and was a member of DEVGRU, the best of the best among the SEAL teams. Naval Special Warfare Development Group members were hand-picked. They were the best, and brightest Frogmen in the service, and had a reputation for doing the impossible.
Tonight, Bower felt like he was about to embark on the toughest mission of his life. A date with Colette Barker.
"Okay, okay…I can do this…what if I sound stupid?" Bower checked his breath. "Dammit, need to brush my teeth again." Bower bolted to the bathroom, and Casey pointed out Bower in the hallway, to Ellie. "He's all yours, Ellie."
Ellie gingerly approached, and grinned when she saw Bower feverishly brushing his teeth. Bower glanced at Ellie, grinning. Toothpaste all over his face. "Yer mush be Ewwie…" Bower said, his toothbrush muffling his words.
Ellie shook her head. "Come on, Jim. Rinse. You still need enamel on your teeth. They can't get any cleaner."
Jim rinsed quickly, and wiped his face. He adjusted his tie, and wiped a few pieces of lint from his suit.
Ellie approached, and hugged Jim. "I'm Ellie. Chuck's sister! I am so excited to meet you! So, you and Casey are cousins...and you're going out with Colette?"
"Uh…right." Jim said, as Ellie ended the embrace. "I'm sorry about this…you're probably busy, and I intruded. I plan on apologizing personally to your husband for intruding on you like this. If you ever need my help, please ask. Thank you for your help."
"You're welcome, and you're not intruding, sweetie." Ellie said, grabbing Jim's hand, leading him to the living room. "Sit."
Jim complied, and Ellie sat next to him, giving him a serious look. "Okay…when was your last date?"
"Eight years ago." Jim said softly.
Ellie took Jim by the hand. "Oh, sweetie…I'm so sorry about your ex. You haven't been out with anyone since?"
"No, Ma'am." Jim said simply.
"Okay. This is going to be real simple, okay?" Ellie said in a chipper tone. "Compliment her appearance. Not in a sleazy way. Women like that sort of thing. We like to hear we're beautiful. We spend a lot of time on our appearance…so that is important. Opening doors, and holding our chair is important too. Don't assume anything. Let her set the pace, and just roll with it. The main thing is, make her feel beautiful, and comfortable."
Ellie almost laughed when Jim removed a note pad, and started taking notes. Ellie chuckled, and took away his note pad. "Jim, you're going to be fine."
"Right." Jim said, taking a deep breath. "I can do this."
There was a knock at the door. Jim's eyes widened in horror. "I can't do this!"
Ellie yanked Jim to his feet, and grabbed his face. "Jim, you are going to open that door, tell Colette she is the most beautiful creature you have ever set eyes on, take her out, make this night all about her…and you are going to do it right now!"
Jim nodded quickly, and bolted to the door. Jim took a deep breath, opened the door…and nearly fainted at the sight before him. Colette smiled when he whimpered, coughed, then finally spoke.
"Uh…good…ahem…evening. Good evening, Colette. You…you are the most…ahem…beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on." Jim released a breath. "Wow. You look beautiful…and I'm being a jerk right now…" Jim stepped aside. "Please, come in."
Colette stepped into the room, and gave Jim a gentle kiss on the cheek. Colette was careful to use her American accent in front of Ellie. "Thank you. You look very handsome."
Colette glanced at Ellie, who bit her lip, giving her a wink. Colette thanked Ellie with her eyes…knowing exactly why she was here.
Ellie glanced at Jim, motioning to Colette with her head. "Oh! Um…that…that…that…is a beautiful dress." Jim appraised Colette's black mini dress with rhinestone embellishments, and gasped. Colette wore her hair down, and curled. "You look gorgeous."
Colette blushed, and toyed with Jim's jacket. "Well. Shall we?"
"Uh…absolutely." Jim stepped to the door, and opened it. Colette smiled, and took Jim by the hand as she stepped out. Jim mouthed a 'thank you' to Ellie, who snorted when the door closed.
"Wow…she is going to have her way him."
Chuck/Sarah's Apartment
Sarah was breathless…grabbing her forehead, and thoroughly in shock yet again about what just happened to her. "Amazing!"
Chuck blew out a breath, giving Sarah a look of adoration. "I'm glad you liked that."
Sarah's eyes shot to Chuck, and she moved closer, kissing him softly on the lips. "I can't believe we have literally made love all evening…" Sarah giggled after the comment.
Chuck brushed Sarah's hair lovingly, and smiled, reaching behind his pillow to remove a jewelry box. Sarah's eyes shot open, and she put a hand to her mouth, her eyes welling with tears.
Chuck wordlessly removed the engagement ring, and Sarah held out her left hand, choking back a sob. "Oh, Chuck…"
Sarah held up her hand, smiling from ear to ear. "It's beautiful!" Sarah leaned forward, and kissed Chuck on the lips. "Sweetie…you never cease to amaze me."
"I wanted to make our engagement official. For the record…Casey helped out with the ring. I never would have been able to afford something this expensive." Chuck said sadly. "I hope you like it."
Sarah blinked away tears, and kissed Chuck again. "That was sweet of him…but Chuck…I don't need a ring. All I want is you. I love you. Nothing will ever change that."
Chuck smiled solemnly after the kiss, and stared Sarah in the eyes. "You look more and more beautiful with each passing day."
Sarah cocked her head to the side, smiling. "Thank you. That was sweet."
Chuck grinned. "Sarah…please don't think I'm a pervert…but seeing you on that desk…wow. That has got to be the hottest thing I have ever seen…well, next to what you did in Castle with the water fountain." Chuck smiled sheepishly.
Sarah traced Chuck's jaw with her finger. "Don't worry. I still have the outfit."
Chuck gulped. "Wow…"
Sarah smiled, and kissed Chuck again. This time, she turned serious. "Chuck…I haven't felt this relieved in a long time. I know Colette wasn't a threat to me…but I am so glad she now has her attentions on Jim. I hate to sound selfish about that…and in all honestly, I hope she finds happiness." Sarah frowned. "He better treat her right...or he'll have me to deal with."
Chuck nodded in understanding. "Since we're being honest…that makes two of us. Sarah…I would have never considered being with her after you and I…finally got together." Chuck paused, to keep from choking up. "Being without you…I don't know how I could do that. What we have…is special. I can't even describe it. A part of me always knew how you felt…I could see it in your eyes…but the other part of me…was confused."
Sarah blinked away tears. "Chuck…I felt the same way. Except…I was scared you wouldn't…love me knowing all I've done. I felt like I didn't deserve you. But…the other part of me…wanted you so bad. I finally decided…thanks to Colette…I wasn't going to let you go. No matter how hard it was for me to admit that I was in love…I just couldn't be without you any longer."
Chuck pulled Sarah in for a soft kiss. "I honestly feel like we were meant to be…I know that sounds…foolish…but that's how I feel."
Sarah smiled. "Soulmates. That's what it's called. Chuck…there is love…and I now know what that really means…but what we have…I don't think anyone can label it. It's much more…intense than love."
"Then let's not try to describe it. Let's just enjoy it." Chuck said in earnest. "I'm never taking it for granted."
"Okay." Sarah said sweetly. "I won't either."
Sarah took a slow, steady breath. "After the wedding…I will finally feel at peace…that…nothing can separate us. I know anything can happen…but at least…getting married…solidifies us."
"There is nothing more sacred, Sarah." Chuck said softly. "You're going to be a beautiful bride. I've never looked forward to anything more as I am marrying you."
Sarah smiled. "When we figure out the Intersect…I'm going off birth control. Is that okay?"
"That'll be fine by me." Chuck said softly.
Sarah grinned. "But, that doesn't mean we can't practice…" Sarah trailed, then moved slowly on top of Chuck…grinning against his lips. Sarah sat upright, in deep thought. "Chuck...this is nagging me. I need your help with something. Casey too."
Chuck looked concerned. "Anything. Just tell me what you need."
Sarah grinned. "I am not allowing Jim to go any further with Colette, until I know he will treat her right. I want her to be happy...and I know just the way to find out."
Chuck's eyes widened in shock. "Sarah..."
Sarah winked. "Trust me, Chuck. Now. Come on. We don't have long to prepare."
Guido's Restaurant
Colette couldn't stop smiling. Jim was an absolute perfect date, and the sad thing is…he didn't know it. She could see he was a nervous wreck, but he was handling it like a pro. He was calm, and gentlemanly. He maintained eye contact, and even let her order first.
Sitting across from her, Colette rested her hand on her chin, and smiled. "James…don't be nervous. You're doing great."
Jim nodded bashfully. "I just feel like I could…do better. I really want this night to be about you."
Colette smiled, and took Jim's hand, her tone soft. "You are. Don't worry. I'm having a great time."
Jim smiled. "Thank you for this. This is honestly the best date I've ever been on since…" Jim trailed.
Colette sensed sadness. "What was her name?"
Jim gave Colette a curious look. "Caitlyn. We were engaged."
Colette sat upright, and rubbed her neck nervously. "So was I. His name was Andrew."
Jim's eyes bore into Colette's. "Andrew was a fool."
Colette sighed. "He ran off with my sister. I joined MI6 not long after. I…haven't really…been in a relationship since then. A few…brief encounters…but no boyfriends."
Jim nodded in understanding. "I haven't dated since…until tonight."
Colette smiled sadly. "I'm honored to have ended that track record."
"Didn't really meet the right girl…until now." Jim said with conviction.
Colette glanced away, and gave Jim's hand a gentle squeeze. "I would really like to be that girl."
Jim nodded. "Colette…I'm horrible at relationships. Mainly from my lack of experience. I…want to do this right. I don't want to mess anything up."
"Is that…what you're afraid of? Messing up?" Colette asked softly.
"Something must be wrong with me since she...ended our engagement." Jim said softly. "I don't want to hurt anyone else."
Colette's eyes welled with tears. "I beg to differ. You can't control the decisions of other people. For the record…she let a good thing get away. James…you're a good man." Colette blushed. "And deliciously hot."
Jim cleared his throat nervously. "I think you're beautiful, Colette. Especially your eyes. They…enchant me."
Colette shook her head, laughing softly. "Fact is…I've only known you a day…and I know without a shadow of a doubt…I'm falling for you."
"Do you…think this is moving too fast?" Jim asked, his eyes searching Colette's for an answer.
Colette shook her head. "No. I don't think that's something you…put a time line on. This...doesn't come with a set of rules."
"More like guidelines." Jim said, smiling. Colette laughed softly, and nodded in agreement. "I agree."
"I've…survived a lot. But…what is happening right now…is scaring the daylights out of me." Jim said, then smiled.
"Why?" Colette asked softly.
Jim leaned forward. "Because you deserve perfect, and I'm anything but perfect."
"Let me be the judge of that." Colette said, then got up, moved her chair next to Jim, took his face in her hands, and kissed him softly. There was nothing chaste, hungry, or lustful about it. The kiss was slow, and tender. Colette rested her forehead on Jim's, and cupped his face.
"Let me tell you something. Our professions are dangerous. We don't have a lot of time for a long, drawn out, chasing each other courtship. I want to dive right in the deep end, so to speak. I have faith in you…and I'm asking you to have faith in me. I want you…and...I give myself to you…freely." Colette paused, her eyes welling with tears. "My real name is Sophie. Sophie Myers. I've never told anyone my real name…but I give that to you…because I choose you, James."
"Sophie is a pretty name." Jim said softly. "Fitting. For a pretty lady."
Colette smiled, and kissed Jim again. "Will you stay the night with me?"
"This isn't just about being attracted to you…you deserve better than that." Jim said, caressing Colette's face.
Colette took Jim's hand, and kissed it. "I want you to stay the night. This isn't about attraction to me either. But…I'm selfish. I want all of you."
"I...I can't." Jim said softly. "I'm not turning you down...far from it. I just...don't feel right about it. I respect you too much...I won't take advantage of you like that. You just seem...vulnerable. Like...you just came off a relationship."
Colette's eyes shined. "And you said you aren't good at this...James...that was incredibly sweet...and honest." Colette sighed. "You're almost right. I...tried to pursue Chuck."
Jim glanced away. "Oh...I'm sorry if I..." Colette silenced him with a soft kiss. "Chuck and Sarah are engaged. When I arrived not long ago...they were...well, they couldn't be together, but it was clear they were in love. Sarah was Chuck's handler. He is a sweet, and considerate guy...and I was attracted to him. We went out on one date...and I got captured." Colette blinked away tears. "I escaped, and...Sarah acted while I was captive. I'm not sad about that...what they have is beautiful. I want that desperately. Maybe...maybe I am moving a little fast...but...I can't help it. Chuck showed me I am capable of falling in love. I do love him...but as a dear friend. Do you understand?"
Jim nodded in understanding. "Am...am I the rebound?"
"No. You're not. I am so glad we met. You really are a wonderful guy...and I want to see where this takes us." Colette took a breath. "The way you make me feel...I've never felt this way. It...it is a little scary."
Jim took Colette's hands, and kissed them. "I've...never felt this way before. Even with my ex. She...was more of a friend...and we just didn't...click all the way. To be honest, I wasn't shocked when I got the letter. You...you're different. Special. I'm attracted to you...but I care about you deeply."
"You didn't deserve that." Colette said softly. "I will never do that to you. That...was an act of a coward. That's something she should have done in person...if she had any decency."
Jim sighed. "It's in the past. All that matters to me...is right here, right now. It is important to me to do this right. I want you to be happy...and I want to be very careful not to mess this up. I don't want to hurt you, even if I didn't mean to, and I certainly wouldn't do so intentionally. I couldn't forgive myself if that happened."
Colette's breath hitched. "You won't, James. I have faith in you. Have faith in me."
Jim nodded, and kissed Colette softly, caressing her cheeks. "You really are very special. I won't take you for granted...and if I ever do anything wrong...please tell me, and I won't ever do it again."
Colette's heart melted. She genuinely felt...safe. Respected. And she dared say, even loved. "James...I really want us to make love...but I agree...we'll wait until the time is right. You really are a gentleman. Thank you." Colette kissed Jim softly, and rested her head on his shoulder, smiling when he held her gently.
Echo Park
"Are you sure I can't escort you back to your place? I can take a cab." Jim said into the top of Colette's head, as she snuggled into his chest. "I'll be fine. I'll call you when I get in."
Jim closed his eyes, basking in Colette's scent. "Are you cold? You're trembling."
"A little...but part of that is...being in your arms. I feel weak in the knees." Colette said softly.
Jim gently pushed Colette away, removed his jacket, and placed it around her. Colette smiled, and snuggled back into Jim's chest, sighing in content. "I'm keeping this jacket. I hear girlfriends do that sort of thing."
"Girlfriend?" Jim asked solemnly.
Colette raised her sparkling blue eyes. "Yes...I am your girlfriend...boyfriend."
"Suppose that clears things up quite a bit." Jim quipped. Colette heaved in laughter, and turned serious. "That's usually what happens when a boy, and a girl date exclusively."
Jim nodded. "Then as your boyfriend...it is my duty to kiss you goodnight."
Colette pouted. "Just a few more minutes. I was starting to get warm. It's chilly tonight."
"I wouldn't want you to freeze." Jim smirked, rubbing Colette's back lovingly.
Colette grinned. "It's your duty...boyfriend."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Colette gave a coy look. "That again?"
"I'm from Texas. Not sure how people address each other in England, but we use ma'am, and sir. It's considered polite."
"We use those terms too...just in formal contexts. Some English folk use gov'na. For people in authority. I might call you that." Colette said playfully.
"Wouldn't work. I don't have authority."
Colette smiled. "You do over me...James when a girl is as smitten the way I am with you...I would do anything you asked me to...and I mean...anything." Colette gave a seductive grin. Jim gulped, much to her delight.
"We'd uh...better call it a night." Jim said gasping. "It's...hard to say no to you."
Colette chuckled, but gave a gasp of her own when she felt Jim's hands cup her face. She moaned softly when Jim kissed her...and opened her mouth, grazing her tongue across his lips. Jim opened his mouth, and their tongues dueled slowly. Colette rested her hands on Jim's chest, and sighed when Jim pulled away, still holding her face. "Good night, Colette."
"Good night, James." Colette said in a sweet tone, then rested her hand on the side of his face, caressing his cheek. "I had a wonderful time. Thank you."
"No...thank you." Jim said in earnest. "Call me when you get home. Drive safe."
"I will." Colette said, then backed away, taking Jim by the hand. Jim opened her car door, and she stepped inside. Jim gently took her face in his hands, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Colette smiled, and Jim backed away, closing her door. Colette started the car, and waved with the tips of her fingers. Jim watched the car drive to the end of the street, then turn. He smiled solemnly, put his hands in his pockets, and walked toward the courtyard.
Jim was lost in deep thought, and didn't pay any attention as he made it to the fountain...but like a sixth sense...something was off. He stopped, and looked around...and cursed under his breath when he felt a prick on his neck. Jim tried to fight...but his vision grew blurry. He dropped to his knees, and tried to retrieve his phone...but it was yanked from his hands. He looked up, and a figure dressed all in black stood over him. Jim fell to the ground as darkness consumed him.
One hour later...
Jim had been accustomed to being doused with cold water...but he wasn't accustomed to being shaken awake. Jim blinked, and realized he had a bag over his head. His hands and feet were tied, and he was sitting in a chair. The bag over his head was yanked away, and a light blinded him. He closed his eyes, and winced. He felt his head lifted up, and a figure wearing a mask looked him over, giving a nod to two other figures.
Jim was no stranger to being a captive, and was trained to resist torture. He quickly assessed his situation, and realized he was in a room...wait, was that trash bags covering the walls?
Jim's eyes focused on one of the dark figures as he was addressed in an icy tone. A woman's voice. "Tell us your name, rank, and date of birth...Lieutenant Bower. We know who you are."
Jim narrowed his eyes. "Bower, James C. Lieutenant, United States Navy. 23 January 1979. You forgot to ask my service number. This your first time interrogating someone?"
One figure glanced at the others, then at Jim. "Uh...no. Not our first rodeo. Don't need your service number. Like we said, we know who you are. Speaking of rodeos...ever been in one? You are from Texas."
"Huh?" Jim asked confused. "No. Never been in one."
The third figure stepped forward, growling. "What is your relationship with Colette Barker?"
Jim's senses were on high alert. "Nunya."
"Nunya?" The female asked. "What does that mean?"
"Nunya damn business." Jim said in an icy tone. "How do you three clowns know Colette?"
One figure stepped forward, the younger male. "We've been watching her. What is your relationship? ANSWER ME!"
Jim noticed the female jump slightly, and...was that a moan? "How do you know Colette?"
"Don't answer a question with a question!" The figure pulled a blow torch from the table. "Look, just answer the question...or this is going to get messy..." The guy's tone turned icy.
The larger guy, with folded arms, growled. "Burn 'em!"
"I'm not saying a damn word." Jim said calmly.
The figure turned on the blow torch, and stood in front of him. "Now...for a really important question. What are your intentions with Colette? Do you care about her? Casual sex? What is the nature of your feelings for her?"
"What?" Jim asked confused. The female stepped forward, and yanked his head back, her tone like ice. She jammed a needle in the side of his neck. "I am going to inject you with ammonia. You'll burn from the inside out. Answer the question. What is Colette to you?"
"I'll never tell you where she is." Jim said calmly. "I care about her. I only met her today...but...go ahead. Inject me. I will do whatever it takes to protect her. Her ex hurt her...like mine hurt me. She is special...a beautiful woman, with a beautiful heart. I will NEVER do anything to hurt her. So go ahead, sweet cheeks. Let 'er rip."
Jim muttered under his breath. "You are worth dying for, Sophie."
The woman removed the needle from Jim's neck, and let go of his head. Jim thought he had been injected, and kept his eyes closed. He would die with dignity, not screaming like a child. He wouldn't give these bastards the satisfaction.
Jim opened one eye...and...wait a second, was that a toilet? Jim looked around, and narrowed his eyes. "Where am I? Is this...a bathroom?"
The younger guy panicked slightly, deepening his voice. "This is hell!"
"Looks like a bathroom."
"No...this is hell!"
"That's a toilet." Jim pointed with his head, a slow grin forming on his face. "Wow. I got PWNED by The Three Stooges."
The female glanced over, and shook her head. "You were supposed to cover the toilet."
The big guy grunting annoyed. "Smooth move, numb nuts."
The younger guy shrugged, holding out his hands. "Torture chambers have toilets...to dunk the victim's head in. Right?"
The female put her hands on her hips. "You've watched too many movies."
"Victims don't get toilets. They get a bucket. Waterboarding is torture, not forcing the victim to bob for apples in a nasty ass toilet. Not very sanitary for the captor." The big guy said.
Jim watched the exchange, amused. "Who are you guys?"
The younger guy glanced Jim's way. "Hello? Spies? And we're having a discussion here. Don't interrupt...or I'll...dunk your head in the toilet."
The female shook her head. "This is embarrassing. We look like the worst spies ever."
"I'm sorry, guys! I ran out of garbage bags."
"Idiot" The big guy said.
The female face-palmed. "This was supposed to look like a torture room."
"Watching you three argue, is torture." Jim muttered. "I'll take the death by ammonia injection now, please."
"QUIET!" The three said in unison.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Colette barged in. "There you are! You didn't answer your cell, and I got worried...what the hell is going on?"
"Oh crap..." The young guy said.
"Uh..." The female said. "We were just uh..."
Colette narrowed her eyes, hissing. "Someone had better tell me why James is tied up, and why the three of you are..." Colette narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing!?"
The big guy dropped his head. "Shit." The guy yanked his mask off, and gave Jim a glare. "Sorry, Jim. I'm outta here."
Casey left, and Chuck bobbed his head from side to side, then removed his mask. "Coward."
Sarah huffed, and removed her mask. Colette folded her arms, tapping her foot. "I'm waiting?"
Jim sighed, shaking his head. "I think I can answer that."
Colette gave Jim a shocked look. "What's going on?"
"I think your friends were making sure my intentions for you are honorable." Jim shook his head. "You have some really good friends, Colette."
Sarah looked sheepish. "We just...wanted to protect you Colette..." Sarah grinned. "You told him your real name. You must really like him. He only said it when I threatened him with ammonia injection...but it was saline. It was really sweet...he said he would die for you." Sarah trailed, when Colette's jaws dropped.
"You threatened him with ammonia? And..." Colette grabbed her heart. "His last thoughts were of me?"
Chuck smiled. "You've got a keeper, Colette. He passed our test. He would have given his life to protect you."
Colette shook her head distracted, blinking away tears. "That is incredibly romantic." Colette closed the distance to Jim, planted herself in his lap, and pounced. The kiss was hungry, needy, and put the 'p' in passionate.
Chuck glanced at Sarah. "We should uh..."
Sarah nodded. "Right. Let's give them some privacy."
Chuck and Sarah exited the room, and Sarah giggled. Chuck smiled bright, and the two hugged.
"Hmmm...that went well."
Sarah was getting hot all over and bit her lower lip. "Yeah, Chuck. Never thought you'd be so...'intimidating'."
Chuck waved her off. "Pffft...please...it's me!"
Sarah gave Chuck a sultry look through her beautiful eyelashes. "Yeah, Chuck. It IS you. It's so you."
Oh GOD! Chuck gulped, he knew where this was going. "Uh...m...maybe it's something we can do...if...w...we need to 'interrogate' someone else. Hehehe...y'know."
Sarah's lips were now grazing Chuck's ear, her warm minty breath, in a low sexy voice said. "Not a bad idea, sweetie."
"BED...NOW!" Chuck grabbed Sarah's arm and dragged her to the bedroom...she was giggling all the way.
Sarah stopped at the bathroom, and smiled. "We're, uh...turning in, guys. Have a good night."
Colette was still in Jim's lap, tears in her eyes. "We'll see ourselves out. I'm...not quite finished here yet."
"Take your time." Sarah said, giggling on the way to the bedroom.
Colette ran her finger along Jim's jaw. "This is the most romantic night of my life. Are you sure you want us to wait? I am so turned on right now...and this...position...is a bit...tantalizing."
Jim's eyes glazed over. He gasped for air. "Co...Colette...p...p...please stop...grinding. I, I, I,...oh my God..." Jim trailed, closing his eyes.
"Sure you want me to...stop?" Colette said breathless, slowly nibbling Jim's ear. "Yes...no...I don't...ngh...don't stop...but...this is a bathroom. No...ahem...not very romantic. I want to give you romantic." Jim said, trying to control the blazing inferno inside him.
Colette gave Jim a smoldering look. "Fine. There's a chair at my place. I can tie you up there." Colette removed a switch blade, and opened the knife, then cut his hands free.
"Co...Colette..." Jim stuttered. "Not...nngh...not a good idea...f..f..f...for me to...get up right now."
Colette grind herself again in Jim's lap, smiling devilishly. "Is that a howitzer in your pocket...or are you just happy to see me?"
Jim was now dying of embarrassment. "First rule of survival...don't panic...panicking anyway...you...feel wonderful...and...so...gorgeous."
Colette lifted Jim by his hands, and pulled him close. "Waiting is over-rated. If we are not making love in the next half hour...I am going to take you by force if I have to!"
Colette got up, and yanked Jim to the exit.
Echo Park, Next Morning
Sarah had just poured herself a cup of coffee, when she heard a knock on the door. She grinned, already knowing who it was. She padded to the door, and opened it. "Come in, Colette."
Colette gave Sarah a wary look. "I'm not going to be kidnapped, and interrogated in the loo, am I?"
Sarah turned around, and gave Colette a sad smile. "I suppose that was...a little much."
Colette stared Sarah in the eyes, and then hugged her. "No...that's what a best friend would do." Sarah swallowed hard, hugging Colette close. "You're exactly right. That's what a best friend would do."
Sarah turned coy. "How was last night?" She bit her lip when Colette blushed. "What do you think?"
"You're glowing." Sarah said through a devilish grin, leaning forward. "How many times did you get off?"
"Sarah!" Colette hissed, clearing her throat. "Um...twice the first time, three the second...I blacked out the third...and a few times in the shower this morning." Colette grabbed her mouth. "That's never happened to me before."
Sarah was bubbly...she never got bubbly...but this girl talk thing was fun. "You're not the only one."
Colette grinned. "Figured the way you were licking your lips...Chuck turned you on."
Sarah blushed. "I couldn't help it. Normally, he is so...sweet and kind...but seeing him taking charge like that..." Sarah sighed. "...wow."
Colette's eyes glazed over. "Seeing James tied up like that...I wanted to take him in that chair."
Sarah glanced over her shoulder, and grinned. "Let me guess...he's changing clothes?"
"Said he wanted to get his walk of shame over with with Casey." Colette said, folding her arms. "I started to dress him myself...so Casey could hear us. James wouldn't have it. He turned red." Colette blushed. "I make him nervous...it's really adorable."
"I know...Chuck does the same thing when I turn up the heat. I love it." Sarah said. "Would you like a cup of tea, or coffee?"
"Coffee sounds lovely. Need something strong after last night." Colette sighed. "Sarah...is it too soon for me to be falling for someone this hard after one night? Mind you...the most romantic...and steamy night of my life...but still..."
Sarah nodded, and sat a cup of coffee in front of Colette. "Honestly...I fell in love with Chuck after one day. I...just didn't realize it until later. It scared me."
Colette stared ahead in deep thought. "I'm scared. I really want this to work. Sarah...he's perfect. He's...so strong...but so...gentle. Caring. I've never felt this way before...or been...treated with such...kindness."
Sarah sighed. "I know the feeling. Chuck turned me upside down, inside out, and an on my head when we first met. I was head over heels in love...but I didn't know what to do." Sarah paused, speaking thoughtfully. "Don't make the mistake I made. Go for it, and don't look back. You'll regret it if you don't."
Chuck rounded the corner after dressing, stopping in the threshold. "You ladies need a minute?"
Sarah smiled. "Come in. Colette was just telling me she's in love."
Colette blushed. Chuck smiled, and hugged her. "I am so happy for you. He better take care of you."
"Thank you, Chuck." Colette said softly. "For everything."
Jim knocked on the door, and Chuck ran to open it. Jim gave Chuck a wary look, holding up his hands. "I surrender."
Chuck laughed, and held out his hand. "Jim...I am so sorry about last night. We just...wanted to check you out. That's all."
Jim waved a hand. "Not a big deal, Chuck. It's good to know I'm on a team that has each other's backs. I'm not mad. In fact...that was pretty hilarious."
Sarah got up, and gave Jim a hug. "I'm sorry. No hard feelings?"
"No hard feelings...but remind me never to piss you off, Sarah. Ammonia poisoning is not a pleasant way to go."
Sarah chuckled. "It was saline."
Jim narrowed his eyes. "Still...you are pretty scary...but Colette is too for that matter. Trust me. I am going to be on my best behavior around you two."
"Smart man." Chuck winked. "You're learning fast. Take a seat. I'll fix breakfast."
Jim glanced around. "Mind if I help? I haven't been able to make breakfast in a long time."
"Sure." Chuck smiled. "I could use the help."
Colette watched in awe, as Jim helped Chuck. "You can cook?"
"I cooked for my mom after she got sick." Jim said. Everyone in the room stopped. Jim paused, staring at the chopping board in deep thought. "I'd give anything to cook for her again."
Colette wordlessly got up, her eyes misting in tears, and took him in her arms. "I'm so sorry you lost her."
"I haven't lost her. She's still with me." Jim said softly.
Colette took Jim's face in her hands. "Now you have me."
Jim nodded, and kissed Colette softly on the lips. "Thank you. You have me too." Jim glanced down, then back in Colette's eyes. "I'm thankful for you. I mean that."
"Oh, James..." Colette said, hugging him close. "I am so glad to have you."
Chuck approached Sarah, and put a hand on her shoulder. Sarah took it, and kissed his hand. Chuck stared his fiancee in the eyes, and winked. Sarah winked right back, both thinking the same thing. They had found their true love...and so had Colette.
A/N: You can all blame charahkids for the torture scene! The scene in the series with Chuck and Morgan was classic! I fell out of my chair laughing!
Alright...enough of this fluffy nonsense! Things are getting too soft for my liking! It's time the team got back to to work! Next chapter...bad guys are up to no good...what could possibly go wrong? (Insert horror movie music here).