10:24 p.m.

"Oh, I'm present and accounted for," Lee grinned. "But I think we have another guest present and more than accounted for too! Maybe, uh, the two of you have a few cats to let out the bag?"

"Cats?!" Rosie shouted incredulously. "I'd say they have a lion to let loose! What exactly is going on here and when were you planning to tell us about it?!"

Jack looked at Elizabeth and they both took some slow breaths. They themselves weren't even sure. Jack grinned at the thought of just turning off the light and finally kissing Elizabeth's lips and pretending that Lee and Rosie weren't there.

But he knew Rosie. She wasn't going to let this go. And Elizabeth was already mortified based on the look on her face.

"We were just, uhm, talking. We didn't want to wake you guys up."

"Talking?!" Rosie wasn't buying it. "Didn't look like talking to me!"

Elizabeth straightened up, trying to look poised. "Just talking. Quietly. We were just going to get some things for Jack and he was going to help me back to my place."

"So it was you here the other night wasn't it?" Rosie questioned.

"Yes. Jack was taking care of me after my injury," she looked at him longingly, wishing they hadn't been interrupted. "He was great."

"And then I took her to the hospital the next morning." Jack smiled shyly, still aching for Elizabeth.

"Rosie was pissed, by the way," Lee interjected. "So I don't advise bringing home any of the models. Rosie might shave her eyebrows off in her sleep."

Jack grinned sheepishly. "Well, I did bring home one of the models technically. And last I checked, she has great eyebrows." Jack reached for Elizabeth's face and caressed it, his thumb grazing over her brow. "Yup, still there."

Elizabeth swatted his arm with her mouth agape. "Jack!"

"What?" he playfully returned her gaze and shrugged. "I brought home the most beautiful one… who also just happens to be my best friend. And I took care of her."

"Well I thought Rosie was going to kill you with her bare hands when we found that dress in the loft," Lee laughed.

Jack picked Elizabeth up and carried her toward the stairs. "That was Elizabeth's. It was the dress she was wearing when she got hurt. She refused to go to the hospital that night, so I brought her back here because it was closer if we needed to go in the middle of the night."

"Well, the dress was beautiful and I'm thrilled it was yours," Rosie rubbed Elizabeth's arm. "I hope you're feeling better. We can talk more tomorrow," she winked, not-so-slyly. "I'm sure you're tired and you guys want some privacy."

"Actually, we're heading to my place tonight. I'd like to sleep in my own bed again and I'm sure you guys want some privacy." She returned Rosie's wink and turned to Jack. "In fact, Jack why don't you run up and get some clothes and I'll just wait down here for you?"

"Are you sure?" Jack looked hesitant.

Elizabeth smiled, knowing that he knew Rosie would continue her interrogation if he left her there alone. "Yes, I'll be fine."

"I'll grab your sheets from the dryer and bring them up Jack," Lee offered, knowing that Rosie would want to talk to Elizabeth. And if he was honest with himself, he wanted the scoop from Jack too. Rosie's rubbing off on me a little more than I'd like. He chuckled under his breath.

10:45 p.m.

Elizabeth sat on the couch with Rosie and told her about the photoshoot and her injury. She also told her how Jack had taken very good care of her and had been so sweet.

"And you guys…" Rosie looked up through arched eyebrows at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's face turned bright red. "I don't know... nothing has happened… yet."

Rosie grinned and shrugged. "I'm sorry I outted you…"

Elizabeth's face turned even redder. "Me too. I'm not sure what's going to happen now. Do you really think he?"

"Absolutely, he does," she responded confidently, cutting her off. "And to be honest, I'm just thrilled that he didn't bring home some hussy to make you jealous!"

"Rosie!" Elizabeth was aghast. She had no words and looked towards the loft, hoping Jack hadn't overheard. "Jack, are you ready to go yet? It looks like it might start raining again."

10:48 p.m.

"Man, Rosie was so pissed at you when we found that dress. And then when she found that jewelry?! Gosh, I thought her head might explode."

Jack raised up and hit his head on the dresser drawer above him that he'd left open. "You saw that too? What were you guys doing up here anyway?" Jack asked with brows furrowed as he stuffed some clothing into a duffel bag and rubbed his head.

"I came up to see if you had any jeans that needed washed because I didn't have enough for a full load. I saw your bed a wreck and then I saw the dress hanging in the bathroom."

Jack pursed his lips and frowned at Lee. "Well thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt! Dang! You really think I'd bring another girl home?"

"Man, you've had plenty of chances with Elizabeth and had never taken one. I didn't dream you'd finally gone for it. And then when Rosie found that Target receipt with the bra on it? Whew. She was blazing. Thanks for ruining our evening, by the way."

"Holy crap you guys are sneaky! She went through my receipts too?!"

Lee raised his eyebrows and looked at Jack. "Lace huh? You guys are making up for lost time, eh?"

Jack fought a hard grin. He was embarrassed, but happy at the same time and he couldn't explain it. "It's a long story. And we didn't… you know. Just slept in the same bed."

"Yeah, us too," Lee grinned. "So what now?"

"This conversation is over." He heard Elizabeth call out to him and headed for the stairs with his bag.

Lee followed, laughing. "You finally gonna make a move?"

Jack punched him in the gut as Lee continued to laugh. "Shut up."

Lee and Rosie watched Jack throw his bag over his shoulder and easily scooped Elizabeth into his arms again. They headed for the front door. "You two have fun!" Rosie bellowed joyously.

Elizabeth buried her red cheeks in Jack's chest while Jack turned back over his shoulder. "Oh. We will. And I'm sure you will too. You're welcome, Lee."

11:01 p.m.

Jack helped Elizabeth into her seat and buckled her in as the lightning lit up the sky in the distance. She was quiet, her thoughts stormy and uncertain.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you." Her voice was soft as she tucked her legs in.

"No, I mean… are we okay?" Their gaze met.

"It was just a little awkward. Don't ya think?!" She was biting her bottom lip.

"Well, I was certainly surprised," he chuckled, trying to ease some of the tension.

Elizabeth's gaze dropped to her lap. She slid down into the seat a little more. Maybe he was surprised that I love him? Maybe he really doesn't feel that way? She could feel her cheeks tingling and her blood pressure whooshing in her ears. What now?

Jack was still in her space. Leaning on her seat. His body was covered in chills. Maybe she was surprised that I love her? Maybe she really doesn't feel that way? He still remembered how it felt to have her against the door before they were interrupted. What now?

He lifted her chin back to himself and spoke softly. "Let's get you home."

She watched in the mirror as he came around the back of the Jeep quickly. He slid in and turned it on smoothly before reaching back for his seat belt.

She didn't know what to think or say.

He didn't know what to think or say.

She still wanted to kiss him desperately.

He still wanted to kiss her desperately.

They just didn't know how to actually make it happen.

They drove in silence. He took a chance and lifted his arm to rest it on the back of her seat. He slowly let it slide towards her neck. She didn't move away.

His fingers grazed through her hair and massaged her neck a little. She pushed back into him. He looked over at her with a little grin when they stopped for a red light.

He continued to rub his fingers over her scalp and down her neck. It felt so nice and was making her sleepy. Relaxed.

He let his hand drop lower, her neck and shoulders bare from her tank top. Her skin was hot under his fingers, slightly moist from the fire burning within.

The realization hit him and he pulled his arm back and reached for the dials. "Oh my gosh, are you too warm? I can turn the air on."

"Why don't we just roll down the windows? It's not raining yet."

Jack rolled the windows down just enough to blow her hair. She gazed out the window and he found himself wanting to touch her even more now. He tucked a wild curl behind her ear at the next light.

She released a shaky breath. He's my best friend. So much to lose. And yet so much to gain.

He snuck as many glances as he could. She's my best friend. So much to lose. And yet so much to gain.

They pulled into the parking space and he told her to stay put. He'd come for her. Like he always did. This time, she watched curiously as he put his backpack on the front of him.

"What are you doing?" she giggled.

He turned his back to her and backed up to her seat. "Hop on!"

"Jack. It's really okay. I can walk. Just let me put my arm around you."

He turned and looked at her with a sparkle in his eye. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

She gave him a quick eye roll and conceded, swinging her legs out of the truck and sliding onto his back. He hoisted her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders.

They both laughed as he ran with her on his back to the townhouse. "Where are your keys?"

"In my hand."

He leaned forward and she shifted over his shoulder, her cheek touching his as she trailed her hand down over his arm to unlock the door. She felt the prickles from his stubble on her cheek. He felt the warmth of her skin on his.

She unlocked the door and he put his hand over hers to open it. A shock of electricity pulsed through both of them and a visible spark flickered.

"Ouch!" she yelped.

"You shocked me!" he cried.

"I did not! You shocked me!"

They both laughed and he walked inside the door with her and carefully slid her down his body to the floor.

Déjà vu.

But would he do it this time?

Her feet touched the floor and she steadied herself. She could feel his pulse as her fingers roamed down the veins bulging over his biceps and forearms.

Her fingertips were smooth and her nails grating over his skin left him tingling. He'd been wanting to pull her to himself and now he finally could. The thoughts that were entering his head made him blush and his body pant. He slid his hand around her lower back.

Hearts pounding. Eyes shifty. Breathing labored, but soft.

She fought it. Clenched her teeth. Turned her head. But it came out.

A yawn.

Without a word, he scooped her up.

Carried her to her room.

He would always do what was right when it came to her. He would always put her needs first. As badly as he wanted to kiss her lips and mark her as his own, he would never take advantage of her.

11:28 p.m.

They settled in for the night after brushing their teeth. Jack loved that Elizabeth had already bought him a new toothbrush for her place. Even before all of this had happened. She had also left a drawer in her new dresser empty for him. Just in case.

He carried her to the bed and sat her down. He pulled the covers back and made sure she was comfortable before heading to the bathroom to change.

Will she want me to stay? Now that she knows… that I love her? Does she really feel that way about me too? So many questions. But he knew the answers. He was just too afraid to admit it. He slipped into some Nike shorts. Shirt? No shirt? His body said no shirt, but his head said shirt.

Shirt. He stepped out of the bathroom.

"Hey Jack?"

His eyes met hers. Steely gray and green. Ocean blue.

"Do you mind getting the light?" She pulled the covers back, revealing the other side of the bed. "You're staying right? You know… in case I get cold?"

She watched him look over her body in the tank top and shorts. She saw him fighting his dimples and could see the thoughts running behind his eyes.

He walked over and turned the light out and he watched her lips turn up at the corners as he walked back to her. "Do you need anything?"

"No. Thank you for everything. You've been so amazing through all of this."

They slept right up next to each other. The feeling of his body next to hers. The feeling of her body next to his was amazing. She knew she would have amazing dreams. And hoped he would too.

The vanilla and tangerine made him breathe deeply, wanting to savor it. She laughed as she reached down to straighten the sheets and accidentally grabbed his leg. "Can I ask you a question?"

He pulled back and raised up on his elbow as she rolled to her back right next to him. "I guess you can. You just did."

She smirked and rubbed down his leg again. "Why do you have these bald spots on your legs?"

Not the question I was expecting. He chuckled. "It's from my boots. Years of wearing them really. I guess where they rubbed the sides of my legs when I was out riding on the farm… the hair just eventually stopped growing there."

The lightbulb went off for Elizabeth. "Ooooh! That's probably why my Dad's legs are like that too!" she giggled. "But what about here?" she ran her hand up the inside of his knee.

It made his body hot at her touch. "From the horse."

"The horse?"

"You know, you squeeze with your thighs and there's a lot of friction. After a while, it just stops growing."

"Hmmm. I guess I'm getting an education tonight." She reached up and touched the stubble that was quickly becoming a beard. "So what about here? Why the little bald spots here in your cheeks?"

He sighed. "From the horse too."

If she'd had a drink in her mouth, she would have spit it all over. "What?!"

He shrugged and laughed. "Kidding. I guess God didn't see fit for me to be able to actually grow a full beard. I've never grown hair there. But thanks for making me feel self-conscious about it."

She rolled back to her side and pulled his arm over her after he laid down again. "I think it's cute. You shouldn't worry about it."

12:02 a.m.

Sleep finally caught up to them. She felt his hands move over and grip her body occasionally in his sleep. They eventually turned to their other sides and the heat of her against him made him have to throw off some covers. She was sleeping soundly, her fingers resting on his hip bones, drifting under his shirt just a little. Making him wish he hadn't worn it, but knowing it was best that he was.

A few hours later, she woke to him mumbling in his sleep again. She was laying on his chest listening to his heart beat. In her spot. She tucked her cheek into him and stroked his abdomen, letting her fingertips graze over his muscles. Something she'd never be brave enough to do if he was awake. She listened to him, his voice hoarse and throaty.

Her eyes grew wider as she realized what he was clearly dreaming about. Listening to him release light moans in his sleep. The words indecipherable. She scrambled off of him, rolling away before he woke up and realized what she was doing to him.

She didn't get far before she felt his chest against her back again. He had followed her. Even in his sleep. His hands grazed her abdomen. Feeling her ribs under his fingers. Down to her hips. It was enough to rouse him.

Oh this body. Feeling it under your clothes all this time. Every hug, every time we've slept in the same bed. Wanting more. Telling my body no. His hands marched down her sides and back up tenderly. Pushing the muscles and feeling her skin.

She relaxed into his touch. It was a dangerous place to be and she knew it.

He felt her body give into his and it scared him. She's awake. He wanted so much more. But he wouldn't. He'd never be able to look her Dad in the eye. William respected and trusted him.

They both knew. They didn't have to say it or even look each other in the eye. She knew if she turned to him, it would be all over. This dance that they'd been doing for a year now.

The chemistry. The touching. High fives that turned into holding hands. They smiled and giggled and touched each other constantly. The quick hugs that turned into real embraces. The lightning that kept striking all around them.

She wasn't quite ready for that to be over. She loved the thrill of it. She loved him.

He wasn't quite ready for that to be over. He loved the thrill of it. He loved her.

But they would wait. They wouldn't ruin it with their immaturity. They would let it mature and grow until the time was right.

8:34 a.m.

Sunday mornings had never felt so good. She was on his chest again right where he wanted her. He kissed her forehead and she smiled in her sleep. He relished the feeling and smell of her on his skin.

Before long, she was awake too. The throbbing in her foot wouldn't let her sleep any longer. She winced and pulled it up to rub her toes.

"You okay?" he pulled her tight.

"It's hurting a little. I think it's time for my meds."

"You should eat too. How about I run across the street to Abigail's and grab us something?"

"That sounds awesome. Grab some cash out of my wallet. My treat," she smiled.

10:00 a.m.

It felt a little strange to be watching the church service at Willow Creek in bed, but they were enjoying each other's company. Jack had put on his shoes long enough to run across the street to and purchase some pastries and drinks.

Elizabeth had the service pulled up on her laptop when he returned. He tossed the bag of pastries on his side of the bed as he slipped out of his shoes again. When he approached the bed again, he came to her side and put their drinks on the bedside table. He sat down and she raised up in the bed, pulling the sheet up under her armpits to keep herself warm.

He sat at the edge of her bed, on her side. "Good morning." He leaned toward her and she thought he might finally do it.

She was wrong.

He reached for the pastries he'd sat down on his side of the bed. "Hungry?"

She was. But also a little nervous. She'd already seen the topic of today's sermon.

They settled into the bed and she pressed play.

"Today we're going to talk about dating!" Pastor Hogan's voice boomed and Elizabeth turned the volume down just a little. "Oh, I hear your groans and I know an enormous portion of you are married. But there are nearly half of you that are not. And I personally want you get to get it right the first time, so today, we're going to start a 4-week series on relationships."

Elizabeth glanced over at Jack quickly. I'm really glad that we're not sitting with my parents in the service talking about this!

Frank continued. "So yes, this message is for single people. For people who are dating or maybe even living together who are in this mindset that marriage is what they want. People who think 'yes, we are maybe thinking about doing this forever.. you know, as long as we both shall live stuff.' This is for the people who might even be sitting beside that person. And you know what? That's actually perfect. Because you're both here and you won't have to go home and be all 'Frank said this and Frank said that!'"

Both Elizabeth and Jack laughed as they nibbled on their breakfast and sipped their drinks.

"You don't have to listen to what culture tells you that a relationship should look like. Make it your own. Listen to what God is telling you and listen to me. I've been accused of being too simple before. But really, I'm just a straight-shooter. And I'm about to say something profound," he winked.

"Be the person you are looking for is looking for" he paused. "Do you hear that? Do you understand me? Be that person. Because another person is out there looking for that special person too. So start being that person that you are looking for."

Frank's words were resounding. Reverberating through both of them. They sat quietly, soaking it in.

"Who you are now, in the present, will eventually become your past. And your past will show up in your future. It molds you, it shapes you, it follows become who you want to be right now. Make wise decisions. And let that be reflected in your relationships in the present."

"Work on yourself! Become amazing. Be kind. Be generous. Be honest. Earn respect. Earn and give forgiveness when you screw up. Take ownership of who you are as a man. Take ownership of who you are as a woman. THEN get into a relationship with someone who has done the same thing. You have to constantly seek to do what's best for the other person."

Point after point, his words cut deep. They sat in silence as the sermon was winding down.

"Don't buy into the myth that you are going to meet the right person and everything will be okay. Don't buy into the myth that if you marry the right person, everything will be alright."

"Do not rely on chemistry alone. Because you'll get together and you'll have chemistry, but you will have no idea how to build a relationship. To kindle a relationship. The chemistry that was once incredible will start to die because you don't know how to take care of each other. You don't have any clue how to be married or how to take care of one another. As unique as you think your relationship is—because you have this fire, this spark between you—it's not. It's a well-worn path. And those whose marriages have withstood the test of time will tell you that it wasn't because of their chemistry. It was because they became the right person and learned how to take care of each other. To be honest and respectful to each other. To be kind to each other. To forgive each other. To love each other."

The video finished and Elizabeth crumpled up her pastry wrapper. Jack reached for his drink.

"Have you… been in many relationships?" she asked nervously.

Jack pursed his lips. A girl like Elizabeth probably has a reason that she didn't want to get in a relationship her first year of college. She probably had her pick of guys in high school. He was a little embarrassed. "No. Not really. I played sports and that kept me busy. And out of trouble."

Relief washed over her face and Jack saw it. "I didn't either. Really, I think most guys were too afraid of my Dad. So that probably kept me out of trouble too. I did at least get to go to Homecoming and Prom."

Jack chuckled. "What, you weren't the Queen?"

Elizabeth blushed shyly and rolled her eyes slightly. "Yes, I was my senior year. But it wasn't a big deal."

Jack laughed. "I should have known. A girl like you doesn't live under the radar many places. Especially high school."

Elizabeth gave him a look, teasing. "A guy like you doesn't live under the radar many places either. I'm sure you turned your share of heads, Jack. Don't be coy."

"I was actually really shy. Still am."

She snorted. "You? Shy? You are not shy Jack!"

"Well, not with you," he nodded and shrugged. "Well, not now at least. Now I'm… comfortable." He swallowed hard. "It's hard to stay shy when you're always with someone who's like the sun… the planets revolve around you Elizabeth. Everyone loves you."

"They do not," she chuckled. "But I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. You should have told me."

"That's the thing. I'm not uncomfortable when I'm with you. I like to watch you. I love your poise. I admire your fearlessness. The way you can charm your way through any room. It will serve you well in life."

She looked at him like she had no idea what he was talking about. "You see all of that in me?! Seriously?"

His smile reaffirmed her. "Absolutely."

You could have heard a pin drop. The conversation was happening in their hearts and with their eyes. They both knew how the other felt. Rosie had been right. They did love each other. But with Frank's message resounding in their souls, they both wanted to do what was right for the other. To put the other person first. To be patient. To wait. To grow their relationship without putting constraints on it. To avoid the physical intimacy that would distract their young bodies and keep them from developing character.

They would continue to be "just friends."

11:35 a.m.

Jack hopped up off the bed. "I'm going to jump in the shower if that's okay. Then we can head back out to your parents' place?"

Elizabeth smiled at her handsome best friend. "Sounds good. Maybe you can help me wrap this thing with a bag or something so I can take a shower when you're finished?" She held up her casted foot.

"Why don't we do that now and you can go first?" Before she had a chance to respond, he was already heading to the kitchen for a bag and some tape.

He returned shortly with a bag, tape and a Sharpie. She was sitting at the end of the bed as he approached. "Put it up here in my lap," he grinned as he removed the cap from the marker.

"You're really going to sign the bottom? What if they cut it there? I won't ever know what you wrote!"

He grinned cunningly and started writing.

Je vous mettrai toujours en premier.

J'espère toujours être à côté de vous.

Tu es mon soleil.

He finished and capped the marker before blowing on it and pulling the bag over her foot. He gently taped around the top of her leg, securing it over the cast. His hands were gentle and warm as he helped her up.

"What did you write?" She leaned into him for balance.

He grinned and shook his head. "I'm not sure. My French is a little rusty."

"You wrote it in French?"

"I tried. I don't want just everyone knowing what it says."

"Did you sign your name?"

He smiled and nodded in the affirmative. "Do you want me to get your crutches out of the truck or do you want to just hop around in the bathroom?"

"So you're not going to tell me?"

He leaned into her cheek and she felt his warm breath in her ear. "Nope."

1:21 p.m.

They made it back out to the farm in time for a late lunch with William and Grace. The afternoon was spent playing checkers and watching another storm roll in. Just sitting in the porch swing.

They were settling into this newfound relationship that satisfied both of them. Things would happen when they were meant to happen, but they wouldn't rush. They would take their time.

Parts of Frank's sermon were again inspired from the incredible Andy Stanley and his series "The Right Person Myth." Check it out-especially if you're still single. It's brilliantly done.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I hope to publish again before Christmas!